The Three Kingdoms: Zhaolie, the strategist, and the rise of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 361 The Divine Tortoise Reaches the End of Its Life, Cao Cao Takes His Final Bow

Meanwhile, Yang Xiu secretly visited Dong Feng late at night.

A close attendant of Cao Pi reported this to Cao Pi, who deeply resented Yang Xiu because Yang Xiu was a member of Cao Zhi's faction.

So he secretly sent someone to inform Cao Cao of this matter.

Cao Cao was leaning on his couch, his head throbbing with pain, when a close attendant hurriedly entered.

The attendant whispered:

"Your Majesty, last night Clerk Yang secretly entered the death row cell and had a long private conversation with Dong Feng."

Cao Cao suddenly opened his eyes, a cold glint flashing in them:
"Yang Xiu went to see Dong Feng?"

"Yes, according to the jailer, Clerk Yang also brought wine and food, and the two seem to be plotting something."

Cao Cao slowly sat up straight, tapping his fingers on the table, and said angrily:

"That Yang Dezhu! I have treated him well, yet he dares to collude with a death row inmate?"

He already harbored resentment towards Yang Xiu, and upon hearing this, his murderous intent surged.

Considering that Yang Xiu had repeatedly offered advice to Cao Zhi and even interfered in the struggle for the heir apparent, he felt even more strongly that this man should not be kept alive.

"Somebody come!"

Cao Cao shouted sternly, "Arrest Yang Xiu immediately and imprison him for interrogation!"

Yang Xiu came from the Hongnong Yang clan, a top-tier aristocratic family in the Eastern Han Dynasty.

His father, Yang Biao, once served as Grand Commandant, and his family wielded considerable power.

Cao Cao had executed Yang Qi, Yang Biao's nephew, in his early years in order to weaken the Yang family's power.

Now that Yang Xiu is involved in the struggle for the heir apparent and has been secretly colluding with Dong Feng, how could Cao Cao tolerate it?

He knew his days were numbered, even though Cao Pi was the heir apparent.

However, many powerful families in the court still have their eyes on the matter.

If we do not eliminate the hidden dangers now, they will surely become a major problem in the future.

Therefore, Cao Cao decisively issued the following order:
"Yang Xiu colluded with traitors, harboring treacherous intentions; his crime deserves death!"

"Execute him immediately and exterminate his entire clan!"

News of Yang Xiu's arrest spread rapidly throughout Chengdu, shocking the court and the public.

Many officials in the country stood up and pleaded for Yang Xiu.

Cao Cao refused and insisted on killing him.

On the day of the execution, the whole city was filled with sorrow.

Those who heard and saw it were all moved to tears.

Another month has passed in the blink of an eye.

It was the fifth year of Zhangwu's reign, at the end of winter.

Inside Chengdu, the Wei King's Palace was dimly lit.

It was past midnight, and the cold wind outside the palace howled like weeping.

"Cough cough..."

Cao Cao suddenly awoke from his bed with a start, his forehead covered in cold sweat.

He is over sixty years old and has been feeling dizzy lately; at this moment, he is experiencing palpitations.

"Somebody come!"

He was thirsty and wanted someone to bring him water, but when he called out, no one answered.

He had no choice but to force himself to get up and lie on the desk, despite his illness.

In the hazy distance, mist began to rise in the hall.

Cao Cao suddenly saw nine dark figures emerge from the mist, the leader of whom had white hair and a sorrowful face.

"Nephew Mengde, how have you been?"

The old man's voice was faint and distant, as if it came from underground.

Cao Cao trembled, and the writing brush in his hand fell to the ground with a "thud."

"Uncle... Uncle?"

The nine men were covered in blood, and each had a gruesome wound on their neck.

Lü Boshe wept bitterly, saying:
"My whole family slaughtered a pig and bought wine to entertain my nephew that day, so why were we slaughtered instead?"

"nonsense!"

Cao Cao slammed his fist on the table and rose to his feet, his hair and beard bristling, and roared:

"You clearly intend to kill me, but I had no choice but to strike first!"

Before he finished speaking, the nine men suddenly pounced on him, looking like fierce ghosts.

Cao Cao hurriedly drew his sword and slashed wildly, only to find the fog thickening further.

Countless people, young and old, appeared again in the fog, all looking extremely distressed.

An old woman held a charred corpse and wailed:
"You traitor Cao! Do you still recognize the hundreds of thousands of innocent souls in Xuzhou?"

Cao Cao's eyes widened, he pointed his sword at the crowd, and he said sternly:
“In times of chaos, harsh measures are necessary; you have all followed the rebel Tao Qian.”

"They allowed their soldiers to kill my father; they deserved to die!"

Suddenly, a man dressed in official robes stepped out from the crowd, his head sewn shut with thread.

Cao Cao looked closely and recognized him as Wang Hou, the former grain officer.

"You promised to take care of my wife and children, so why did you take my wife into the palace instead?"

Wang Hou's head was tilted to the side, and blood was flowing from his eyes.

"My son...is my son safe and sound?"

Cao Cao's expression changed slightly, then he sneered:
"I am only borrowing your head to provide provisions for the army, out of necessity."

"I promised to take care of your wife, and I have never broken my word!"

After saying that, he swung his sword and slashed, but Wang Hou's figure turned into a blood mist and dissipated.

At this moment, countless headless corpses appeared at the corner of the palace, all making accusations.

Cao Cao recognized them as the people who had built the Jingguan (a mound of skulls) in Qi County, and involuntarily took a half step back, then burst into wild laughter:
"I have roamed the world for thirty years, why would I fear you demons and monsters!"

A true man acts only with a clear conscience!

Cao Cao's face was deathly pale, yet he showed no fear in the face of countless vengeful spirits demanding his life.

At that moment, a soft call from inside the hall resounded like a thunderclap.

"Father……"

Cao Cao's sword clattered to the ground, and a young man in white robes emerged from the mist, his features exquisite.

It was Cao Ang, the eldest son who died in battle at Wancheng twenty years ago.

"Zi...Zixiu?"

Cao Cao's voice trembled, and he unconsciously reached out to touch him, only to see Cao Ang's figure flicker.

"Why has Father come here? Where is Mother?"

Cao Ang's eyes were as clear as ever, yet his question terrified Cao Cao.

During the Wancheng Incident, Cao Cao's lust for Zou, the wife of Zhang Ji, led to Zhang Xiu's rebellion.

Cao Ang gave up his warhorse to save his father and died.

His birth mother, Lady Liu, died early and entrusted Cao Cao with the care of her only son on her deathbed...

"me……"

Cao Cao's throat bobbed, and he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his chest, followed by a metallic sweetness.

A mouthful of blood gushed out, staining the bamboo slips on the table red.

He staggered and fell to the ground, still hearing Cao Ang calling out in his ears:

"Father……"

"King Wei!"

The attendants rushed into the hall upon hearing the noise, only to find Cao Cao lying prostrate on the ground, his face withered and ghostly.

Everyone who saw it was greatly shocked and asked in unison:
Why has the King of Wei become so emaciated?

So they hurriedly summoned the physician.

The medical officer came in and pinched the man.

Cao Cao slowly awoke, his gaze unfocused.

"Take care, Your Majesty..."

Before the attendant could finish speaking, Cao Cao suddenly grabbed his wrist and hissed.
"I... cannot be brought back to life!"

After saying this, he fainted again.

The cold wind outside the hall grew even stronger, causing the candlelight to flicker unpredictably.

At dawn, Cao Cao summoned his ministers to the palace.

His face was ashen, and his eyes were dull.

When the courtiers saw that the King of Wei was emaciated, they were all greatly alarmed.

Cao Cao slowly opened his mouth, his voice hoarse as he asked:
"Having spent over thirty years on the battlefield, I have never believed in strange or unusual things."

Why is it like this today?

The assembled officials looked at each other, and all reported:

"Your Majesty shall order the Taoist priests to perform rituals and exorcise evil spirits."

Cao Cao shook his head and sighed deeply:
The sage said, "If you offend Heaven, there is nowhere to pray."

"My fate is sealed, how can I be saved?"

Therefore, the ritual was not permitted.

The next day, Cao Cao suddenly felt a rush of qi to his head, and his vision went black, making it impossible for him to see anything.

Knowing his time was near, he hurriedly summoned Xiahou Dun inside.

When Xiahou Dun arrived at Cao Cao's bedside, he saw that Cao Cao was barely breathing and was overcome with grief, so he prostrated himself on the ground and wept.

Cao Cao grasped his hand and slowly said:

“Yuan Rang, you have served me the longest and are now the only senior member of the imperial family in the country.”

"After my death, you must preserve the Cao family's legacy."

Xiahou Dun bowed his head and wept, saying:
"Your Majesty, I will do my utmost to fulfill your trust!"

Cao Cao nodded and then issued an edict.

Xiahou Dun was appointed Grand General, in charge of all military and political affairs of the country.

He was made a trusted minister to whom the young emperor was entrusted with the care of the young ruler.

Subsequently,

Cao Cao then summoned Cao Hong, Cao Zhen, Cao Xiu, Man Chong, Cheng Yu, Sima Yi, and others to his bedside and gave them instructions one by one.

Seeing that Cao Cao was critically ill, Cao Hong and the others all knelt down and offered their condolences:

"Your Majesty, please take good care of your health; you will surely recover soon."

Cao Cao smiled wryly and shook his head, saying:

"I have been vying with Liu Bei for supremacy over the world for twenty years, and now I am trapped in Western Shu, which is truly regrettable."

"If you can carry on my will and restore the Central Plains as soon as possible, then I will have no regrets even if I die."

After saying that, he took a deep breath and continued:
"I am now critically ill and unable to continue our conversation with you all. Therefore, I entrust my family affairs to you."

Everyone bowed their heads and prostrated themselves on the ground, listening intently.

After a moment, Cao Cao slowly spoke:
"My eldest son, Cao Ang, was born to Lady Liu, but unfortunately died young in Wancheng."

"Now, Lady Bian has four sons: Pi, Zhang, Zhi, and Xiong."

"My beloved third son, Zhi, was not chosen because he was vain and dishonest, and was addicted to alcohol and indulged in debauchery."

"The second son, Cao Zhang, is brave but lacks strategy and is not capable of managing the affairs of the state."

"My fourth son, Cao Xiong, is often ill and his life is in danger. I am deeply saddened by this."

"Only my eldest son, Cao Pi, is honest, kind, respectful and cautious, and can continue my work."

"You should all do your utmost to assist him."

Cao Hong and the others bowed repeatedly, weeping as they accepted their orders and left.

Cao Cao then ordered his close attendants to bring out the rare incense he usually kept and distributed it among his concubines, instructing them:
"After I die, you must diligently learn needlework, make many silk shoes, and sell them to earn money to support yourselves."

He also ordered his concubines to live in the pavilion, where he would hold daily sacrifices and have female entertainers play music and serve food.

Subsequently, he left a will ordering the construction of seventy-two false tombs outside the military camp in Zhangde Prefecture, explaining that:

"I have dug up countless graves in my life, and I fear that someone will seek revenge after I die."

"Therefore, this map already exists. You should set up the tombs according to this map, totaling seventy-two."

"Do not let future generations know where I am buried, lest they dig it up."

As for the burial ceremony, Cao Cao said:
"The world is not yet at peace, and we cannot follow the ancient ways."

"After the burial, all mourning clothes were removed."

"Those who command troops stationed there shall not leave their posts."

"Each official shall perform their duties."

"Conceal yourselves in everyday clothes, and do not hoard gold, jade, or precious jewels."

After giving his instructions, Cao Cao entrusted him with no further important matters.

Now, all he needs to do is quietly wait for death to take him away.

Cao Cao sighed deeply and murmured:
"Throughout my life, I have never failed in my conscience, regardless of my actions."

As he spoke, tears welled in his eyes, and he whispered:

“If the dead have a spirit, and if Zixiu asks, ‘Where is my mother?’, what will I say in response?”

After speaking, tears streamed down her face.

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps came from outside the door.

Huang Quan rushed in, his forehead still damp with sweat.

Although Cao Cao was blind, he seemed to sense something:
"...But has Gongheng arrived?"

Huang Quan knelt on the ground and bowed, saying:
"Your subject Huang Quan greets Your Majesty."

"So rushed... has something happened in Qi?"

Cao Cao's voice was weak, yet it still carried his usual authority.

Huang Quan looked up, hesitated for a moment, and then said:
"It is indeed a matter concerning the State of Qi... but not a matter of war."

He paused slightly, glanced at Cao Cao's expression, and then continued:

"Having heard that Your Majesty has recently fallen ill, Liu Bei specially wrote a letter and ordered me to deliver it to you overnight."

Cheng Yu's expression changed upon hearing this, and he said sternly:

"Liu Bei is treacherous; this letter will surely demoralize our army! Guards, burn this letter!"

"Wait a minute!"

Cao Cao suddenly raised his voice, struggling to get up, "Bring it here...let me see it..."

"Kings!"

Cheng Yu urgently tried to dissuade him, saying, "Liu Bei's arrival is certainly not with good intentions—"

"shut up!"

Cao Cao roared angrily, then softened his voice.

"My...my eyes can no longer see..."

"Zhongde, you...you read it to me..."

Seeing Cao Cao's insistence, Cheng Yu could only sigh and take the letter wrapped in brocade from Huang Quan.

When unfolded, a faint scent of pine resin permeated the air.

The handwriting on the paper is vigorous and powerful, and is indeed Liu Bei's own handwriting.

"Emperor Bei of Han sent a letter to Duke Cao of Wei..."

Cheng Yu frowned as soon as he started reading.

But Cao Cao listened with his eyes closed, so he had no choice but to continue.

"I am deeply worried to hear that you have recently fallen ill."

"Since our parting in Pei State in the fifth year of Zhongping, more than thirty years have passed in the blink of an eye."

"I remember when we recruited local militia with the public to fight against the Yellow Turbans, how spirited and energetic we were..."

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao's withered fingers trembled slightly, and the scene from that time seemed to appear before his eyes—

The young Liu Bei had large ears, long arms, and piercing eyes.

Enjoy a drink with yourself and discuss important matters.

Cheng Yu continued reading:

"Later, when the general attacked Xuzhou, Liu Bei had no choice but to resist."

"This is because each is acting in the interests of their own master, and it is not what we wish for."

"When Yuan Shu overstepped his bounds, you and Liu Bei joined forces to punish him."

“Yuan Shao was powerful, and we fought alongside him.”

"Thinking back on these two battles even now, I still feel a sense of satisfaction..."

"Cough cough... Delightful... Indeed delightful..."

Cao Cao muttered to himself, a slight smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.

That was during the Jian'an era, when he joined forces with Liu Bei and decisively defeated Yuan Shu's main force on the banks of the Huai River.

They then marched north and together defeated Yuan Shao's 100,000-strong army at Guandu.

At that time, Liu Bei and I rode in the same carriage and sat at the same table.

The two often talked all night long, discussing military affairs, without feeling tired.

Cheng Yu's voice suddenly became heavy:
"...Then, in the struggle for the Central Plains, you and Liu Bei each pursued your own ambitions and met with each other in arms."

"This is the will of Heaven, and cannot be changed by human power."

Cao Cao's smile froze on his face.

He recalled the flames at Red Cliff and the defeat in Henan.

He recalled the humiliation of being forced into Yizhou step by step, and the glory of the counterattack in Hanzhong.

Those days of fighting side by side have ultimately turned into the cruel reality of turning against each other with swords drawn.

"...The world is about to be unified today, but of all the people I have ever met, only you can be considered my match."

"The rest are mediocre and not worth mentioning."

As Cheng Yu read this, his voice trembled slightly, clearly shocked by the contents of the letter.

Tears silently streamed down Cao Cao's tightly closed eyes.

He recalled what he had said to Liu Bei when they discussed heroes over wine: "The only heroes in the world today are you, my lord, and I."

Unexpectedly, twenty years later, Liu Bei returned the same words to him.

“Your descendants will not be harmed by me.”

Please don't worry.

After Cheng Yu finished reading the last sentence, a long silence fell over the room.

The candlelight crackled, and Cao Cao's tears had soaked his pillow.

He suddenly burst into laughter, but his laughter was filled with sorrow:

"What a splendid Liu Bei! What a magnificent emperor of the Han Dynasty!"

"Kings……"

Cheng Yu called out worriedly.

Cao Cao ignored him and continued speaking to himself:
"I've lived a solitary life...and I'm arrogant about my superior wisdom..."

"Only when facing Liu Bei... have I repeatedly miscalculated..."

His breathing became increasingly rapid. "I still don't know where I went wrong."

"Is it because he has Li Yi?"

"I think so. The strength of one person is limited."

“How could a mere child possess the power to overturn the world?”

"It's just that my skills are inferior to others, and I am no match for Liu Bei."

"This is my destiny!"

Clearly, Cao Cao attributed Liu Bei's lifelong setbacks to fate.

Just then, Cao Cao suddenly widened his eyes and shouted with all his might:

"Since Cao Cao was born, why was Liu Bei born?"

"If Cao Cao was born, why was Liu Bei born?!"

"..."

That shout seemed to have exhausted his entire life.

The shouting stopped abruptly, Cao Cao's body stiffened suddenly, and then he slowly collapsed.

"Kings!"

Cheng Yu and Huang Quan exclaimed in surprise and rushed forward.

Cao Cao's eyes were wide open; he was already dead, but a faint, enigmatic smile lingered on his lips.

It seemed like a sense of relief, yet also a sense of resentment.

Outside the window, the north wind howled, as if mourning the end of an era. The once-powerful warlord Cao Cao had thus completely exited the stage of history.

He did not survive the winter of the fifth year of Zhangwu, and died at the age of sixty-two.

The news sent shockwaves through the military.

Upon hearing the news, all the civil and military officials, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, beat their chests and stamped their feet, their cries of grief echoing across the fields.

Despite their grief, veteran officials such as Zhao Yan and Cheng Yu ordered that the body of the King of Wei be placed in a gold coffin and silver outer coffin.

On one hand, they urgently dispatched fast horses to various places.

He informed the heir Cao Pi, Marquis of Nan'an Cao Zhang, Marquis of Han'an Cao Zhi, and Marquis of Deyang Cao Xiong of the death.

"With the death of the King of Wei, the land of Shu is about to descend into chaos!"

Cheng Yu's expression was solemn as he stroked his beard and sighed:
"Although the heir apparent is virtuous, his sons each hold military power, which may lead to unforeseen events."

"We should hurry to receive the coffin and make plans as soon as possible."

Half a day later, Cao Pi led all the officials of Chengdu, dressed in plain clothes, to greet the hearse on their knees.

White banners fluttered like snowflakes as the hearse slowly made its way in.

Cao Pi struck his forehead to the ground and cried out in grief:
"Father! Your unfilial son failed to serve you at your bedside; he deserves to die!"

After speaking, he suddenly fainted and collapsed to the ground, and the officials hurriedly helped him up.

The coffin entered the city and was placed in a side hall.

Officials wore mourning clothes and kept vigil day and night.

The sound of weeping filled the hall, and incense and candles swirled around it.

Cao Pi knelt before the spirit tablet, refusing to eat for two days, until he became emaciated.

At dawn on the third day, a man suddenly stepped out from the crowd and said loudly:

"Please, Your Highness, take heart in your grief. We must now discuss important matters!"

Everyone stared in astonishment; it was Sima Yi, the magistrate of Chengdu.

His eyes were piercing, and he bowed with his hands clasped, saying:

"When the King of Wei died, the land of Shu was shaken."

“A successor should be established as soon as possible to reassure the people.”

"How can we keep crying and miss the opportunity?"

As soon as these words were spoken, there was an uproar in the hall.

Liu Ba sternly rebuked:

“Zhongda, you are mistaken! The King of Wei’s body is barely cold; how can we discuss the matter of succession?”

"This is not the proper conduct of a subject!"

hum~
Sima Yi gave him a cold glance.

He had long anticipated that Cao Cao's death would inevitably incite malicious intent among a group of people in the court.

Previously, the interests of all factions in Shu relied on Cao Cao to maintain.

Now that Cao Cao is dead, some people are eager to cause trouble.

Sima Yi would never allow such a thing to happen.

Sima Yi would not allow anything that would weaken the power of the Wei Kingdom.

Cheng Yu stepped forward, drew his sword, and with a "whoosh," slashed off his robe sleeve, shouting sharply:
"The king died at home, and his beloved son was secretly established."

"If we delay and fail to make a decision, Liu Bei will surely take advantage of the situation!"

"Today, we request that the Crown Prince succeed to the throne. Anyone who objects will be dealt with accordingly!"

The sword's edge flashed with a cold light, and the officials were terrified.

Just as the situation was at a stalemate, the sound of horses' hooves suddenly came from outside the palace.

The guards shouted, "Minister Huang has arrived!"

Huang Quan rushed into the hall, looking travel-worn, much to everyone's astonishment.

Cheng Yu asked urgently, "Why has Gongheng come here so suddenly?"

Huang Quan, having caught his breath, looked around at everyone and said:

"King Wei left a secret edict on his deathbed, ordering me to rush here and report."

"We are surrounded by powerful enemies from the outside, and powerful ministers from within are watching and waiting."

"If a high position is not established soon, there is a risk of internal strife!"

Before the words were finished, the clanging of armor could be heard outside the hall.

But then they saw the one-eyed general Xiahou Dun leading a hundred elite guards in formation, his voice booming like a bell:
"This humble general has come to protect the grand ceremony on the king's orders!"

Upon seeing the imposing array of soldiers, all the officials held their breath and stood at attention.

Xiahou Dun strode forward, took out a brocade pouch from his robes, and said loudly:
"The King of Wei's dying wish is here!"

He then unfurled the imperial edict and read it aloud:
"I have roamed the world for over thirty years, and now my time is drawing near."

"The Crown Prince Pi is benevolent, filial, and intelligent. He is qualified to succeed the King of Wei and serve as Chancellor of Han and Governor of Yizhou."

"All sons should work together to assist and safeguard the foundation of the nation."

After the imperial edict was read aloud, Xiahou Dun, his tiger-like eyes filled with tears, knelt on one knee:

"We beseech the Crown Prince to ascend the throne, so that the people of Shu may be at peace!"

Cao Pi prostrated himself on the ground and wept as he took his leave.

“I am of meager talent and shallow ability, and I fear I may fail the great trust placed in me by the late king.”

"I am willing to discuss important plans with all my brothers..."

The voice has not fallen,

Sima Yi, Cheng Yu, Peng Yang, Huang Quan, and other ministers all urged him to ascend the throne:

"A country cannot be without a ruler for even a day! If the Crown Prince does not ascend the throne, we will plead with him even at the cost of our lives!"

Xiahou Dun helped Cao Pi up and said in a deep voice:
"At this critical juncture, if the Crown Prince were to refuse again, he would be placing the fate of the Great Wei dynasty in grave danger!"

Cao Pi looked around at the crowd and, seeing the surging emotions, finally sighed deeply:
"Since it is for the sake of the ancestral temple, Pi... dare not disobey."

At noon that day, Cao Pi received the imperial seal and ribbon before the spirit tablet and ascended to the throne of Wei.

The officials bowed and danced in turn, shouting "Long live the Emperor!"

After the ceremony, Cao Pi touched the coffin and wept bitterly.
"Father, may your spirit in heaven bless your son to restore the Han Dynasty and eliminate the false ruler as soon as possible."

Subsequently, the officials began to celebrate Cao Pi's ascension to the throne.

Inside the Wei King's palace, drums and music resounded, and wine cups were clinked.

When the wine was half-finished, a scout suddenly rushed into the palace with a report:
"Report——"

"Marquis Cao Zhang of Nan'an has led 20,000 elite troops from Jianwei and is already 30 li outside the city!"

Upon hearing this, Cao Pi's golden goblet trembled, and wine spilled onto his sleeves.

His expression changed slightly, and he surveyed the assembled officials before speaking in a deep voice:

"Young Master Huangxu is of a fierce and brave nature, and is skilled in battle."

"Now that we have brought troops from afar, it must be to vie for the throne!"

The officials below looked at each other, all showing signs of worry.

Cheng Yu stepped forward and said:
“The Marquis of Nan’an is brave and fierce. If we forcibly stop him, it may cause a mutiny. It would be better to send an envoy to find out his intentions first.”

In the midst of the discussion, a man suddenly stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said:

"Your subject wishes to go and see the Marquis of Nan'an, and resolve the matter with a few words!"

Upon closer inspection, everyone recognized him as Jia Kui, the Grand Counselor.

Cao Pi was overjoyed and immediately granted permission, adding the following instructions:

"You must be careful. If things do not go well, return and report to me immediately!"

Jia Kui accepted the order and rode out of the city alone to meet Cao Zhang's army.

Banners fluttered in the wind, and swords and spears stood like a forest.

Cao Zhang, clad in golden armor and a red robe, sat majestically on his horse.

Upon seeing Jia Kui arrive, Cao Zhang reined in his horse and demanded:
"Where are the late king's seal and ribbon?"

Jia Kui, showing no fear, replied solemnly:

"A family with an eldest son is a nation with a crown prince."

"The imperial seal and insignia of the late king are not something a lord should inquire about!"

Upon hearing this, Cao Zhang frowned, remained silent for a moment, and then asked:
"My brother has ascended the throne. Does he have the late king's edict?"

Jia Kui solemnly said:

"The King of Wei's dying wish was heard by all the ministers, and General Xiahou personally proclaimed it; how could it be false?"

"If you do not believe me, my lord, you may enter the city and see for yourself."

Cao Zhang pondered for a long time before finally nodding.

He then ordered the army to camp outside the city, and took only a few close followers with him to enter the city with Jia Kui.

Upon reaching the palace gate, Jia Kui suddenly turned around and asked:

"Has Your Excellency come here to attend a funeral? Or to vie for the throne?"

Cao Zhang's face darkened, and he said:
"I have come to attend the funeral; I have no other intentions!"

Jia Kui's eyes were like torches as he stared intently at him, saying:
"If you have no ulterior motives, why did you bring troops into the city?"

Cao Zhang was speechless when asked the question. After a long while, he let out a long sigh.

He waved his hand to dismiss the soldiers around him and walked into the palace alone.

Cao Pi had already received the news and personally went out to greet them.

The brothers met and embraced, weeping bitterly.

Cao Zhang wept and said:

"I have no objection to my elder brother's succession to the throne. I only wish to work together to support the Han Dynasty and eliminate the false emperor!"

Cao Pi was moved and took his hand, saying:
"I am very pleased that my brother has done this!"

That night, Cao Zhang handed over all 20,000 troops under his command to Cao Pi for deployment.

He bid farewell the next day and returned to Jianwei to guard the town.

From then on, Cao Pi's throne was secure.

It was the sixth year of Zhangwu, which was the twenty-third year of Jian'an.

Cao Pi ordered that the 23rd year of Jian'an be changed to the first year of Yankang.

He then bestowed generous rewards upon his officials:
Cheng Yu was appointed Commandant of the Guards.

Sima Yi was appointed Grand Commandant;

Huang Quan was appointed Prefect of Shu Commandery;
Wu Zhi was appointed Imperial Censor;
Wei Zhen was appointed as a Gentleman Attendant at the Palace Gate.

The remaining civil and military officials were all promoted and rewarded.

Cao Cao was posthumously honored as King Zhuang of Wei, buried in the western suburbs of Chengdu, and a temple was built to commemorate him.

Clearly, Cao Pi intended to distance himself from the imperial clan.

He promoted ministers who were not of the same surname.

He and his father were completely opposite.

Cao Cao actually despised powerful clans, and his attitude towards them was more of a tool to be exploited.

After the Battle of Guandu, Cao Cao issued an edict seeking talented individuals.

They proposed a personnel policy that does not discriminate based on character but only on merit.

This is actually aimed at powerful and influential families.

Of course, in this world, Cao Cao had to compromise with the powerful clans of Shu after several moves.

Even so, Cao Cao still insisted on the principle of giving Xiahou Cao important positions.

Cao Pi, however, was different; he preferred to heavily rely on members of the aristocratic class.

My uncles, Xiahou Dun and Cao Hong, were all veteran generals of my father's generation.

Cao Pi needed a new group of ministers to serve as his trusted confidants.

But, until then.

Cao Pi also needed to purge some of his veteran officials.

For example, Yu Jin, a general who was gradually marginalized after the Battle of Runan.

When Cao Cao was alive, he did not punish him too severely.

But Cao Pi was a man who could not tolerate any flaws.

Cao Pi held Yu Jin in utter contempt for his actions: being defeated and captured, failing to die for his cause, surrendering to the enemy, and then returning home.

So he ordered that the mausoleum of the former king still needed repair.

Yu Jin was sent to supervise the construction.

Yu Jin had no choice but to comply, and led more than ten personal guards to the Wei King's Mausoleum in the western suburbs of Chengdu.

It was the dead of winter, and the mountain roads were covered in snow.

"General, the cemetery is just ahead."

The guard pointed to a building that could be vaguely seen in the distance.

Yu Jin nodded, but felt inexplicably uneasy.

Cao Pi was notoriously petty.

Since returning to Wei, he has lived in constant fear, not knowing what Cao Pi's intention was in making this arrangement.

The supervising officer was already waiting in front of the cemetery gate.

Upon seeing Yu Jin, a strange glint flashed in the captain's eyes, and he immediately bowed in salute:

"General Yu, I have been waiting for you for a long time."

"The main structure of the mausoleum building is complete, awaiting only the general's inspection."

"Thank you for your trouble, Captain."

Yu Jin said in a deep voice, "I have come here on the king's orders, and I will do my utmost."

Entering the cemetery, one is greeted by towering pines and cypresses and menacing stone beasts.

The captain led Yu Jin through the many palaces and arrived at the main mausoleum building.

Outside, the cold wind howled, but inside, it was warm as spring.

The walls were freshly painted white, so shiny they were like mirrors.

"This is……"

Yu Jin suddenly stopped, his pupils contracting sharply.

On the pink wall directly opposite the entrance, a huge painting was prominently displayed—

In the center of the image, Guan Yu, with his red face and long beard, sits majestically in his tent.

On the left is Cheng He, his eyes wide with rage, cut in two by Gan Ning.

And on the right...

Yu Jin trembled all over. Wasn't the general kneeling on the ground, shivering in the painting himself?
What alarmed him even more was the painting of Cheng He and his son.

Cheng He stood tall and unyielding, but was cleaved in two by Gan Ning's blade.

His youngest son, Chengman, only twelve years old, fell to the ground with an arrow in his chest, his eyes wide open...

Who painted this?

Yu Jin's voice was hoarse, like sandpaper being rubbed.

The captain bowed his head and replied:

"It was written by order of the king to demonstrate loyalty and bravery."

Yu Jin staggered backward and bumped into the guards behind him.

The scene in the painting is so lifelike that it forever captures his most humiliating moment.

The image of loyalty and bravery of Cheng He and his son only serves to highlight his cowardice and incompetence.

"General?"

His personal guards anxiously supported him.

Yu Jin shoved his personal guards aside and stumbled out of the mausoleum.

The cold wind blew in his face, but it couldn't dispel the pent-up emotions in his heart.

He knelt in the snow, gagging incessantly, but only managed to vomit a few mouthfuls of bitter liquid.

"King Wei...King Wei is so ruthless..."

Yu Jin muttered to himself, finally understanding Cao Pi's intention.

This is not forgiveness, but a humiliation more cruel than the death penalty.

He was made to face his own shame every day, to the point that he wished he were dead.

That night, Yu Jin stayed in a side room in the mausoleum.

The candlelight flickered, casting jagged shadows on the wall.

He could see the mural as soon as he closed his eyes: Guan Yu's cold smile and Cheng He and his son's unyielding spirit...

And then there's myself kneeling and begging for mercy.

"No! I did it to save the lives of my soldiers!"

Yu Jin suddenly roared, startling the guards outside who pushed open the door to check.

"Does the general have any orders?"

Yu Jin had disheveled hair, was barefoot, and had bloodshot eyes.
"Go! Fetch the wine!"

The guards looked at each other in bewilderment, and finally someone brought a jar of strong liquor.

Yu Jin snatched the wine jar, tilted his head back, and drank it down, the wine dripping down his beard and wetting his front.

"What a father and son!"

Yu Jin suddenly raised the altar to the sky, exclaiming, "You loyal and brave men, you died a worthy death!"

"Only I, Yu Jin... only I, Yu Jin, cling to life and fear death, have survived to this day..."

The wine jar fell to the ground and shattered into dust.

Yu Jin slumped over his desk and wept bitterly, his voice like the howl of a lone wolf in the night.

For the next few days, Yu Jin supervised the project like a walking corpse, and the mural became a persistent nightmare for him.

Every time he passed the mausoleum, he would take a detour, yet he could still feel the mocking gaze of the figures in the painting.

On the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, heavy snow fell.

Yu Jin had a persistent high fever and was bedridden.

After taking the pulse, the doctor shook his head and sighed:
"General, this illness cannot be cured by medicine."

Yu Jin knew his time was coming to an end.

In a daze, he saw Cao Pi standing in front of the bed with a mocking smile on his face.

"Your Majesty... I am aware of my guilt..."

Yu Jin struggled to get up.

Cao Pi's shadow sneered:
“Yu Wenze, all your achievements and reputation have been ruined by your kneeling in Xincheng.”

"I appointed you to oversee the construction of the mausoleum so that you would face your own shame every day!"

"Chen...chen..."

Yu Jin's throat made a gurgling sound, but he couldn't utter a complete sentence.

The shadow continued:
"Cheng He and his son refused to surrender even unto death and were enshrined in the Shrine of Loyal Martyrs for worship."

"And you will forever kneel in that mural, laughing for all eternity!"

"what--!"

Yu Jin let out a scream and sat up abruptly, only to find the room empty.

Only the flickering candlelight illuminated his pale face.

The next morning,

When the guards found Yu Jin, he had already been dead for some time.

When the news reached Chengdu, Cao Pi was playing chess with Sima Yi.

"Your Majesty, Yu Jin is dead," the attendant reported in a low voice.

"Oh~"

Cao Pi made his move and replied with a casual remark.

"...Let him be posthumously honored as Marquis Li."

Three days later, Yu Jin was hastily buried on an unnamed hillside in Chengdu.

There was no grand funeral, no mourning from court officials, only a few former subordinates silently seeing him off.

"...Zhongda, only today can I truly express my feelings."

Cao Pi held a bunch of grapes, dangling them as he put them in his mouth.

Then he drank the honey water beside him in one gulp.

He loves eating fruit and honey.

When Cao Cao was alive, he dared not act openly.

Now that he has ascended to the throne, he can finally do what he wants.

……

(End of this chapter)