Three Kingdoms: Madam, I am a decent person

Chapter 763 Cao Cao's Last Words

Zhang Sui looked at Bian Shi, Cao Zhi, and Cao Chong with a rather complicated expression.

However, he quickly regained his composure, nodded to the three of them, and said, "You must be tired from your journey."

Several guards led in warhorses.

Zhang Sui had Lady Bian, Cao Zhi, and Cao Chong mount their horses.

The carriage was driven aside by the guards.

Now that Zhang Sui is a general, his personal guards are extra careful in handling everything he comes into contact with, to prevent anyone from taking advantage of any loopholes.

At first, Zhang Sui was a little uncomfortable.

Over time, he got used to it.

The group followed Zhang Sui straight to the government office.

Under the blazing sun at the entrance of the government office, Cao Cao sat in a rattan chair.

This rattan chair was made by Zhang Sui when he was bored these past few days.

It was seized by Cao Cao.

What Cao Cao has been doing every day these past few days is sitting in this rattan chair and basking in the sun.

Although he was not even fifty years old, Cao Cao seemed to have aged drastically in the past few days.

Her once black hair is now completely white.

This was the first time Zhang Sui had ever witnessed such a change in a person.

He wanted to offer some words of comfort, but couldn't find a starting point.

When Zhang Sui arrived at the government office with Bian Shi, Cao Zhi, and Cao Chong, Cao Cao was lying on his back in a rattan chair, eyes closed, gently rocking back and forth, like an old man nearing the end of his life.

Bian saw Cao Cao from a distance.

She covered her mouth, tears streaming down her face, her expression one of disbelief.

Her husband had aged so much in just a few months!

Cao Zhi and Cao Chong also saw Cao Cao.

Cao Zhi spurred his horse forward, leaped off, and threw himself into Cao Cao's arms, crying out, "Father! Father, what has become of you?"

Cao Cao then opened his eyes.

Looking at Cao Zhi, who had fallen into his arms, Cao Cao stroked Cao Zhi's head with his rough hands and said with a smile, "You're a big boy now, don't always cry."

Cao Cao's words only made things worse, causing Cao Zhi to cry even harder.

Cao Chong also rode over.

Zhang Sui lifted him off his horse and placed him in front of Cao Cao, saying, "You two talk, I won't disturb you."

When you're done, turn around and leave.

Cao Cao did not stop him.

Zhang Sui ordered the guards around him to retreat further away, giving Cao Cao a final bit of time.

Watching Zhang Sui walk away, Cao Cao stood up, pinched Cao Chong's round cheek, and said softly, "Chong'er, did you miss your father?"

With tears streaming down his face, Cao Chong nodded emphatically and said, "Father, I want to!"

At this moment, Lady Bian also came over, her voice trembling, "Husband, what happened to you?"

Cao Cao looked up at Lady Bian and forced a smile, saying, "That's how it is when you get old."

"How's things at home?"

Lady Bian came to Cao Cao's side, nestled at his feet, forced a smile, and choked out, "Everything is fine."

"The ministers have decided to support Pi'er in inheriting your official position and title, and have submitted a memorial to the Emperor."

"The emperor and empress will also be brought to Changshe."

"Now the people of Xudu are in a state of panic."

"Xu Du Ling Man Chong killed hundreds of people, but still couldn't control the situation."

"Many civil and military officials fled Xudu with their families overnight and rushed to Shouchun."

Unable to suppress her trembling, Bian said, "Once fallen from grace, they all scatter like birds and beasts."

"No wonder the ancients said, 'The most righteous are often the lowly butchers.'"

“These civil and military officials, and powerful families, are all unreliable in times of crisis.”

Cao Cao laughed and said, "I expected this situation."

"Therefore, I have never been lenient when I take action." "However, I was unlucky, and my background was not as good as Yuan Shao's."

"To be honest, I was defeated by this kid, but in reality, I was still defeated by Yuan Shao."

"That bastard Yuan Shao, even in death he won't let me rest in peace."

"With the family's heritage of four generations of high-ranking officials, plus this young man's discerning eye, they are practically invincible."

Ultimately, it was because I couldn't bring myself to lose face.

"When Chen Gong led Lü Bu to Yanzhou, I even thought about surrendering to Yuan Shao and becoming a subject."

"If Yuan Shao were dead, and I could swallow my pride and join this kid, the world would probably be unified by now, and you could all enjoy wealth and honor with me, and your descendants would be blessed."

"Once a person has enjoyed the view from the top of the mountain, it is difficult for them to accept their mediocrity and disadvantages."

Bian lowered her head, tears streaming down her face like broken beads, and said, "Then, Pi'er, is there really no chance at all?"

Cao Cao did not answer Bian's question. Instead, he reached out, pinched Bian's snow-white chin, and said softly, "Will you come with me?"

“I’ve already told that kid to come with me, let the two kids stay with him, and not to seek revenge.”

“You are the only threat to keeping this child with him.”

"You may seem delicate, but you are extremely ambitious."

"You're still alive, and these two kids are definitely going to be influenced by you."

"In the end, you will only harm them."

"The trend is irreversible, and forcing it will only create an irreversible situation."

"I know you won't accept this."

"It's for the sake of our marriage and for the sake of our two children."

With tears streaming down their faces, Cao Zhi and Cao Chong stared at Cao Cao in shock.

Lady Bian also looked at Cao Cao in disbelief.

Her beautiful eyes were filled with anger as she looked at Cao Cao.

Cao Cao did not release his grip on her chin, but stared intently at her.

The two stared at each other for a while. The anger in Bian's beautiful eyes dissipated, replaced by dejection and helplessness. In a hoarse voice, she nodded and said, "This concubine is willing to take a gamble on my husband."

"I am but a performer."

“How can I compare to my husband’s thorough knowledge of history in judging people and things?”

Cao Cao hummed in agreement and pulled Lady Bian into his arms.

Cao Zhi and Cao Chong both looked at the two men in horror.

Cao Cao held Lady Bian for a while before saying to Cao Zhi and Cao Chong, "You are both intelligent children."

"Remember forever what I have said today, and let hatred cease."

"If you want revenge, think about the people whose city was slaughtered by your father."

"If you seek revenge on your brother-in-law, then who will the common people seek revenge on?"

"It's just a matter of the victor taking all."

"In this world, the winner always takes all, and the loser loses everything."

"Your father and your mother hope that you will live on and live your own lives."

Cao Chong was not born to Lady Bian.

However, because Lady Bian treated all of Cao Cao's children equally, Cao Cao placed Cao Chong under her care and made him call her "Mother".

Upon hearing Cao Cao's words, Cao Zhi and Cao Chong both nodded while weeping.

Cao Cao used his sleeve to wipe away their tears before calling out to the left, towards the entrance of the government office, "That's enough."

Cao Zhi and Cao Chong both grabbed Cao Cao's legs and shook their heads desperately.

Cao Cao just gave a bitter smile.

These two children, along with his eldest son Cao Ang who died in battle, were his three favorite sons.

They are so young.

He also wanted to watch these two children grow up and protect them.

But there is no chance.

Even if he knelt down and begged, that kid wouldn't agree, nor would the powerful families behind him.

(End of this chapter)