With Cao Cao by my side, what do I have to fear from the world?

Chapter 71, Cao Pi demonstrates his determination (Please continue reading)
In the warm embrace of the hibiscus-scented tent, we spend the spring night; I envy not the immortals, but only the loving couple.

After a passionate encounter, Cao Cao and Lady Bian leaned against the headboard, side by side.

Lady Bian smiled and said, "I am getting old and cannot compare with my younger sisters who are young and beautiful and can please my husband. As long as my husband still has me in his heart, I am content."

Cao Cao comforted him, saying, "They are not like you. No one can replace you in my heart. Only with you can I say more intimate things. Besides, you have given me three sons, all of whom are outstanding. Pi is sensible, Zhi is intelligent, and Zhang is strong and robust. He will definitely become a general who rides into battle in the future. They are all good. This is all thanks to you. I know it in my heart."

Cao Cao cherished their past relationship, and although Lady Bian was getting older, her place in his heart never changed.

“Husband, I’ve mentioned it to you a few times before. Pi’er is already eleven years old this year. He is sensible, loves to read, and has recently become interested in learning swordsmanship. He has begged me several times to find him a good swordsmanship teacher.”

Cao Cao frowned immediately. "I've remembered this matter, but why do you insist on finding Wang Yue? Aren't you putting me in a difficult position?"

Cao Cao and Liu Xie have a very good relationship now, and he doesn't want to easily ruin the harmonious atmosphere that has been so hard to build.

Madam Bian had already prepared her explanation, and immediately said gently, "Pi'er is intelligent and eager to learn, and this is the best age for him to learn swordsmanship. We cannot be careless at all. Pi'er has met Wang Yue and often praises Wang Yue's superb swordsmanship in my ear. He hopes that Wang Yue can be his swordsmanship teacher. If we rashly find him a mediocre teacher, not only will his swordsmanship be much worse, but I'm afraid Pi'er will not like it and will not be able to learn any real skills."

Cao Cao said with difficulty, "But His Majesty and I have been getting along well recently. During this campaign against Wancheng, His Majesty even saved me and Zixiu. Dian Wei also saved us thanks to him. He directly took Wang Yue away from His Majesty's side. His Majesty must be dissatisfied."

Even a child's toy shouldn't be taken away by just anyone, let alone a living, breathing person.

Cao Cao then said, "News has come from the palace that His Majesty is extremely serious about practicing swordsmanship, studying for at least two hours every day. Perhaps we should find another teacher for Pi'er."

Seeing that Cao Cao refused, Lady Bian did not show any disappointment on her face, but she was somewhat dissatisfied in her heart.

The next day, Lady Bian called Cao Pi to her side and instructed him, "Pi'er, I think you should take the initiative in this matter."

"Mother, since Father disagrees, I think we should just let it go." Cao Pi was somewhat afraid of his father.

Madam Bian's face immediately darkened, and she scolded, "Pi'er, I'm doing this all for your own good. Zixiu is both literate and skilled in martial arts, and he's always been by your father's side. If you don't live up to his potential, what will happen to you when you grow up?"

“You should know your father’s temper. If you want to be valued by him, you have to be outstanding. With so many concubines, there will be more and more children in the family. Do you see your younger brother Chong? He was born and your father doted on him very much. As for you, sometimes your father doesn’t even think of seeing you for several days. Can this go on? I’m doing all this for you.”

After being lectured by Lady Bian, Cao Pi felt somewhat aggrieved, but he still obediently looked at Lady Bian and asked, "Mother, what do you think I should do?"

"Show your determination and perseverance to your father."

"This?" Cao Pi was somewhat unwilling. It was clear that his mother wanted him to use the self-inflicted injury ruse.

Looking at her son, Madam Bian had no choice but to put on her sternest expression. "Pi'er, you've already lost to Zixiu by too much. You have to prove yourself."

"When you see your father, kneel down and beg him. If he doesn't agree, don't get up."

After hesitating for a moment, Cao Pi saw his mother staring intently at him and gritted his teeth, saying, "I understand, Mother!"

Lady Bian walked over, reached out and hugged Cao Pi, her eyes slightly moist as she said, "Pi'er, you must understand, you are not an ordinary family's child!"

Imperial families are the graveyards of heroes!
Cao Cao was a regional hegemon, and based on that alone, his sons were undoubtedly entitled to the throne. On this battlefield without gunfire, the struggle for succession was no less difficult than the actual fighting on the battlefield!

Cao Pi was still young and far less far-sighted than Lady Bian. So, as a mother, although Lady Bian felt sorry for her child, she had to make preparations early. She wanted Cao Pi to become more and more outstanding and never lose to Cao Ang.

Cao Ang was already far ahead; how could Lady Bian not be anxious?

Lady Bian had her own advantages: Cao Cao favored, trusted, and respected her, while Lady Ding was unambitious, easy-going, and never competed with others.

Cao Cao, who rarely attended court, rewarded Lü Bu by appointing him as General of the Left and sent Lü Bu's envoy back home.

After all, Lü Bu's killing of Yuan Shu's envoy Han Yin was tantamount to a gesture of goodwill towards the court, and Cao Cao had no choice but to reciprocate.

Liu Xie always readily agreed to Cao Cao's requests, and he made another request as well.

Liu Xie said with a heavy heart, "Lord Cao, Lu Kang of Lujiang defended the city for two years against the siege of Yuan Shu and Sun Ce without yielding. He eventually died of illness. At that time, I was on my way back east and could do nothing. When I heard about this, I was truly grieved. A loyal and unyielding minister like Lu Kang should be rewarded. The thought that Lu Kang has passed away due to illness makes me even more distressed."

Upon hearing Lu Kang's name, the court officials immediately stood in awe. Cao Cao nodded and said, "Your Majesty, Lu Kang was loyal and unyielding. He defended Lujiang for two years, but unfortunately died of illness when the city fell. He is truly worthy of praise and respect. I suggest that Lu Kang be posthumously granted the title of Marquis of Gaocheng, and that his son be summoned to Xudu to serve as a Gentleman of the Palace and accompany Your Majesty."

Liu Xie said, "The deceased is gone, and posthumous honors are important, but I am also very concerned about Lu Kang's family. I hope that Cao Cao can invite all of Lu Kang's family to Xuchang. The situation in Lujiang is really not peaceful, and I am worried about it."

Cao Cao nodded. "Your Majesty, rest assured, leave this matter to me. I will definitely bring Lu Kang's family to Xuchang."

Liu Xie said with satisfaction, "Very well, then I'll have to trouble you, Lord Cao!"

A give-and-take relationship is what makes a game of strategy. Liu Xie never refused Cao Cao's requests, but of course, he also had to try to gain some benefits for himself.

After returning home from court, Cao Pi summoned him.

"Father, I hope you can let Wang Yue be my kendo teacher."

Cao Cao shook his head and refused, saying, "This matter is not negotiable. You should find another teacher. If you can't find a suitable one, I will help you choose one. There are many capable people in my army. Surely we can find a swordsmanship teacher who satisfies you?"

With a thud, Cao Pi, guided by Bian Shi, knelt straight down in front of him.

Cao Pi was clearly determined: "If Father does not agree, I will kneel here forever!"

"Fine, then you can kneel down."

Cao Cao assumed he didn't have much patience, so he bypassed Cao Pi and went straight back to his study.

Cao Pi waited for a while, grimacing as his knees ached from kneeling on the ground. He secretly glanced back and saw that his father showed no sign of returning.

Remembering his mother's instructions, Cao Pi had no choice but to grit his teeth and continue kneeling.

Thank you to everyone who gave a tip!
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(End of this chapter)