Chapter 077: The Assassination Plot

The swordsman Wang Yue, whom Liu Xie and Dong Cheng regarded as their last hope, was a man of formidable martial prowess.

Originally from the Yan Mountains of Liaodong, he was a master of swordsmanship, skilled in both assassination and long sword techniques. From the very beginning, this man had served as Emperor Xian’s first instructor in swordplay. After Dong Zhuo was eliminated, he disappeared for a time. When Cao Cao brought Liu Xie back to the capital, Wang Yue returned to court and earned Cao Cao’s favor, being appointed as the General of the Tiger Guards and entrusted with teaching Cao Pi the art of the sword.

He rarely left the palace when at leisure, and thus remained virtually unknown to the outside world; few had even heard of his existence.

Once Liu Xie had made up his mind, he instructed Dong Cheng to bring Wang Yue to him.

Dong Cheng, well aware that he was likely already being watched by Cao Peng’s men, knew that venturing out himself would risk exposing his movements. He therefore dispatched Zhong Ji, the Colonel of the Changshui Corps, to carry out the task.

Upon receiving the order, Zhong Ji quickly made his way to Cao Pi’s residence and met the swordsman whom Dong Cheng regarded as his trump card.

Wang Yue was a middle-aged man with the bearing of a wandering knight, dressed in black robes that lent him an air of both severity and freedom.

Since the plan was already set, there was no need for many words. He bowed to Cao Pi and took his leave.

“My lord, I shall be on my way!”

“Sir, take care!” Cao Pi watched Wang Yue depart with Zhong Ji, unease growing ever stronger in his heart.

If a man does not strive, he feels discontent; yet when action is required, he is filled with fear. At this time, Cao Pi was still a mere child—not yet the ruthless and cunning man he would become. The scheming ministers of the court had offered him a sliver of hope, awakening the first stirrings of ambition within him. The path he had chosen was one from which there was no turning back.

Shaking his head, Cao Pi returned to his chambers, unaware that a carter delivering goods to his residence had witnessed everything.

The carter was exceedingly ordinary in appearance—the kind of man who would never draw attention in a crowd.

“Steward Li, I’ll be off now!”

“Go on, then.” The carter exchanged farewells with an old man at the gate and drove away.

His heart was uneasy, perhaps because his task was nearly complete. All he had to do was report what he’d seen today to Cao Peng, and he would be handsomely rewarded.

The sum would be enough for him to leave Xuchang and start a new life elsewhere.

As these thoughts occupied his mind, his cart passed through an alley—a route he traveled every day. But today, the alley was unusually deserted; not a single soul was in sight.

He came to a stop, or rather, was forced to stop: two figures blocked his way ahead.

His pupils widened in terror.

One of the men standing before him wore black robes—it was Wang Yue, the swordsman from Cao Pi’s household. The other was a stern-faced middle-aged man from the palace.

Wang Yue walked toward the carter, drawing the sword at his waist. The carter hadn’t even time to utter a cry before he was dead.

The middle-aged man spoke with a hint of relief, “Who would’ve thought that Cao Peng would reach so deep into Prince Cao Pi’s residence? He’s not to be underestimated. Master Wang, your insight spared us a world of trouble—had this carter escaped, we’d be in grave danger.”

Wang Yue responded with a faint smile, “You flatter me, Colonel Zhong. Please see to the disposal of the body.”

Colonel Zhong nodded, “Rest assured, sir, there will be someone to handle the aftermath. We’ve already lost enough time—let’s go see His Majesty at once.”

Wang Yue sheathed his sword, gave the carter’s corpse another glance, and together they made their way to the palace.

Liu Xie had been pacing anxiously in the hall, waiting for some time. When the two entered, he greeted them with obvious delight.

“Colonel Zhong of the Changshui Corps pays his respects to Your Majesty!”

“Wang Yue of the Yan Mountains pays his respects to Your Majesty!”

Liu Xie hurried to meet them, raising them to their feet. “You are both men of loyalty and honor. Please, be seated!”

Once Liu Xie had shown his regard for their talents and invited them to sit, the group—including Dong Cheng, Fu Wan, and Wang Zifu—totaled six men, and they began to discuss the details of the plan to assassinate Cao Cao.

Dong Cheng and Wang Zifu were the chief strategists, while Liu Xie took more of an observer’s role. At critical moments, Liu Xie would clap his hands in delight, convinced that the plan to eliminate Cao Cao was already certain to succeed.

When all was settled, Liu Xie turned to the swordsman in black and bowed deeply.

“Sir, you are unmatched in virtue and skill. Please accept my humble salute!”

Whether Liu Xie’s gesture was sincere or merely for show, he truly did bow in earnest.

Wang Yue did not prevent the emperor from paying him this honor.

Once the bow was complete, Wang Yue understood that the mission was one he would have to see through at the risk of his own life.

He had always been a wandering swordsman; his time as an official was little more than a passing phase. To kill with the sword, accomplish the deed, and collect his reward—this was the life he was meant to lead.

When the others had dispersed, only Dong Cheng remained by Liu Xie’s side.

Liu Xie, still flushed with excitement, nevertheless voiced his concern. “Beloved minister, I am uneasy. I fear that Wang Yue alone may not be enough to kill Cao Cao. Such a momentous task cannot be left to chance!”

Dong Cheng smiled calmly. “Your Majesty need not worry. Wang Yue is not the only piece I have placed on the board. The three brothers of Liu Xuande will surely serve our cause!”

“But, Your Majesty, another scheme will require your cooperation.”

“Tell me what to do, General!” Liu Xie turned at once. “Whatever is needed, I will do.”

Dong Cheng smiled and drew closer, whispering, “Your Majesty need only do this…”

After hearing Dong Cheng’s proposal, Liu Xie exclaimed with delight, “With the General of Chariots and Cavalry at my side, how can we not succeed?”

Dong Cheng waved a hand. “To serve Your Majesty and remain loyal to the great Han is my greatest blessing!”

…

While the plot in the palace was being finalized, the carter’s body was already disposed of.

News of the incident soon reached Cao Peng.

Though it was unclear who had killed the carter or what he had witnessed, there could be no doubt that he had seen something of great importance, thus sealing his fate.

“It seems our opponents are not without their own abilities,” Cao Peng remarked casually to Chen Qun, who was sorting through documents beside him.

Chen Qun frowned. “General, what shall we do?”

“Just sort through the materials,” Cao Peng replied. “I believe there’s a certain meticulous and inquisitive fellow who would be eager to look into this matter.”

The man he had in mind was Man Chong—who was notorious for his obsession with minutiae. Cao Peng intended to assign the investigation to him, a small act of mischief to draw him into this web of intrigue.