The night was as dark as pitch, with rain pouring down in sheets.
It had been a bright and sunny day, but as midnight approached… a torrential downpour began.
At a point thirty li east of the Xudu city’s East Gate, the place was thronged with people. Numerous officials, clad in straw raincoats, waited in the pouring rain.
At the very front of the assembled officials was the Son of Heaven, sheltered under a Yellow Umbrella. He shivered uncontrollably, coughing a couple of times intermittently, yet his eyes were filled with an unwavering resolve!
It was very cold. He was shivering violently at that moment…
But even as he curled himself up, the Son of Heaven Liu Xie’s feet remained unmoving. He would wait… even if it was just an act, he had to wait!
“Dede de…”
The neighing of a warhorse echoed through the night.
Cao Ren, along with several Tiger and Leopard riders, galloped towards the East Gate. Upon seeing the Son of Heaven, they abruptly reined in their horses. They whipped their steeds forward, and a long neigh pierced through the rainy night.
An armored soldier helped Cao Pi pull the reins. Cao Pi dismounted.
“Your Majesty, the Grand Commandant Cao knows that Your Majesty personally came thirty li to welcome him and is deeply grateful. He sent me to inform Your Majesty that the army will not reach Xudu city today, so there is no need to wait. Please return. In this downpour, Your Majesty should take care of your dragon body!”
“What is my body compared to anything?” The Son of Heaven Liu Xie grabbed Cao Ren’s hands. “Grand Commandant Cao has been fighting rebels for the country and has not returned for more than half a year. How many times has his life hung by a thread… Compared to my body, I care more about his. Tonight… even if Grand Commandant Cao’s army has not returned victoriously, I will wait for a day. This is… the only meager effort I can make for Grand Commandant Cao!”
Huo…
The Son of Heaven Liu Xie displaying such humility surprised Cao Ren somewhat.
But the Han officials were not surprised, nor was Xun Yu standing beside him.
The Son of Heaven was worried that Cao Cao would enter Xudu city.
Once he entered, he would have to personally handle the “Fu family” case. Once this case was tried, the relationship between the Han Court and the Cao clan would be irreconcilably broken!
With their current strength… the Han Court would surely perish.
“Your Majesty, this rain is pouring down. Grand Commandant Cao has always been cautious and never travels at night. It would be best to return to the palace to rest. Your Majesty can come again tomorrow morning,” Xun Yu advised.
“No need… I will wait for Grand Commandant Cao here to welcome his triumphant return!” The Son of Heaven Liu Xie’s tone was exceptionally firm.
Just then…
The sound of “dada da…” horse hooves sounded again.
Amidst the sound of the rain…
Suddenly, the sound of tens of thousands of horse hooves approached from afar…
Liu Xie’s eyes widened, and Xun Yu was filled with disbelief. Had Grand Commandant Cao really traveled at night?
“Dede de…”
Warhorses neighed. This time, it was Xiahou Yuan who reined in his horse before the Son of Heaven.
He dismounted and cupped his hands. “Your Majesty, Grand Commandant Cao is already at the Chongde Hall, awaiting Your Majesty!”
Huo…
Upon hearing this, everyone was astonished. Only Xun Yu’s eyes narrowed, and he murmured to himself.
Grand Commandant Cao was still the same familiar Grand Commandant Cao. How could his whereabouts be easily leaked?
Besides the members of the Cao and Xiahou clans, and his eldest son, he trusted no one else!
…
…
The palace guards were still complaining about the dreadful weather. The downpour had caused a mist to rise from the ground, their socks and shoes were soaked, and they shivered involuntarily.
Finally, His Majesty was not in the palace tonight. They had been thinking of enduring until late at night, then taking turns on duty, allowing some to get a short nap.
Who would have thought that in the distance… a group of people was hurrying into the palace!
“Grand Commandant Cao…”
The guards rubbed their eyes, looking incredulous. According to the dispatched letters, Grand Commandant Cao should have returned tomorrow morning. How…?
Before they could recover their senses.
“On duty late at night, stay alert!”
Cao Cao’s shout echoed. He had already passed the Simen and entered the covered walkway connecting the Xuanwu Gate of the Southern Palace and the Zhuque Gate of the Northern Palace!
He walked in the central lane, the one reserved only for the Son of Heaven and the Empress, commonly known as the “Imperial Way”!
In just over two hours.
The Son of Heaven and the hundred officials rushed back.
Cao Cao stood smiling at the entrance of the Chongde Hall. Upon seeing the Son of Heaven Liu Xie, the corners of his mouth curved into a faint smile.
“Your Majesty personally came thirty li to welcome me, you are truly thoughtful. Please…”
Who would have thought that at this late hour of the night… the entire Chongde Hall was brightly lit!
Cao Cao knew that the Son of Heaven had something to say to him…
He also wanted to hear what the Son of Heaven intended to say? And how he intended to act?
Of course, the beginning of all this was Yu’er’s memorial requesting the position of “Imperial Censor”!
…
At the evening court, the Chongde Hall was currently holding a very rare “evening court.”
Speaking of which…
In ancient times, there was “evening court,” corresponding to “morning court.”
However, the regulations of the Zhou Dynasty for the imperial family stipulated that morning court must be held daily.
Of course, the morning court stipulated by the Zhou Dynasty was not for discussing state affairs, but merely for paying respects to the emperor. The Zhou Dynasty’s rites emphasized ceremonial and etiquette aspects far more than political ones.
However… later on…
As the social hierarchy became increasingly complex and state politics developed, the imperial court, as a whole, had countless matters to discuss and resolve daily.
Thus…
Ministers and emperors utilized the time originally allocated for morning court. In addition to paying respects to the emperor, they reported on their work, discussed policies, announced imperial decisions when made, and raised issues they wished to address.
This is the origin of morning court!
As for evening court sessions, that was implemented by another emperor, known as a “workaholic,” a thousand years later!
At this moment…
The Son of Heaven sat on the dragon throne, holding a memorial.
Cao Cao stood proudly by his side, fully armed with his sword.
“This is the list of those who rendered meritorious service in the Battles of Guandu, Cangting, and the Defense of Xudu. I have submitted the drafted rewards to the Ministry of Personnel for Your Majesty’s perusal!”
“Among them, Xiahou Yuan’s adopted daughter, Xiahou Juan, discovered the enemy’s position during the Defense of Xudu and rendered outstanding service, thus deserving rewards. However, since Xiahou Juan is a woman, the specific rewards have always been difficult for me to decide, and I have come to ask for Your Majesty’s opinion!”
“I intend to request an imperial decree from Your Majesty for Xiahou Juan’s marriage to the Marquis of Baima. What is Your Majesty’s opinion?”
Cao Cao did not mention the position of Imperial Censor, nor did he mention the position of Chancellor. He only proposed rewards, along with a marriage arrangement!
These were all well-known matters.
As for other things… Cao Cao wanted the Son of Heaven to speak, to see his attitude!
Of course.
An imperial赐婚 (emperor-bestowed marriage) was a great honor in ancient times!
“Hahaha…”
Liu Xie let out a laugh. His tone was extremely gentle.
“Since it is a reward submitted by Grand Commandant Cao, I need not look at it. I will directly instruct the Ministry of Personnel to draft the imperial edict… As for the matter of the Marquis of Baima marrying the noble lady of the Xiahou clan…”
Upon mentioning this, the Son of Heaven Liu Xie deliberately paused.
Cao Cao’s eyes narrowed slightly.
However, in just a moment, his eyes reopened.
He was certain that the Son of Heaven could not refuse.
“Hahaha…”
As expected, Liu Xie was laughing, roaring with laughter.
“How could I not know Grand Commandant Cao’s intentions.”
“While it is said to be rewarding the noble lady of the Xiahou clan, it is essentially rewarding the Marquis of Baima who rendered the first meritorious service in these three battles…”
“In fact, I had already drafted the imperial decree for the bestowed marriage long ago. It will surely make this perfect couple magnificent. However… before that…”
The Son of Heaven Liu Xie created a suspense. He signaled to the eunuch Leng Shouguang beside him.
“Read!”
A voice rang out…
Immediately, Leng Shouguang faced the hundred officials, took out an imperial edict from his sleeve, and read it aloud:
– “Penned by His Majesty. I have heard that Marquis Feiting, Cao Geng, supported the Great Han for over thirty years, serving Emperors An, Ji Bei, Shun, Chong, Zhi, and Huan, a total of six Han Emperors, without any fault. He was good at recommending the virtuous, and those he recommended, such as Chenliu’s Yu Fang, Bian Shao, Nanyang’s Yan Gu, Zhang Wen, Hongnong’s Zhang Huan, and Yingchuan’s Tang Xi Dian, all achieved positions as ministers. Yet, he did not boast of his achievements, earning the appreciation of all emperors.”
– “His son, Song, entered officialdom through inherited privilege, served as Commandant of Sili, Minister of the Court of Ceremonials, and Minister of Agriculture, ranking among the Nine Ministers! A pillar of the Great Han!”
– “His grandson, Cao, holds the position of Grand Commandant in the current court, pacifying the Yellow Turbans, fighting against the rebel Dong, eliminating the false emperor, and supporting the Han dynasty. The Cao clan, a family of loyalty and righteousness, has greatly pleased me. Today, I personally bestow upon Cao Cao the title of Chancellor of the Great Han, the head of all officials, to manage all state affairs. I hope my dear minister will remember the loyalty and bravery of the entire Cao clan, unify the world for the Han dynasty, and restore peace and prosperity to the realm!”
Huo…
This imperial edict, upon reaching Cao Cao’s ears, was both expected and reasonable.
Cao Cao was pleased internally. At least, Yu’er’s request for the position of “Imperial Censor” had not been in vain. After weighing the pros and cons, the Son of Heaven had taken this “difficult” step.
Immediately, Cao Cao’s mouth curved into a smile!
Then came the cupping of hands in salutation…
Cao Cao, who was unaccustomed to such praise, rarely bowed to the Son of Heaven Liu Xie. “Your subordinate Cao Cao thanks Your Majesty for the imperial favor. Unifying the world for the Han dynasty has always been my ambition. For this… I will surely devote myself wholeheartedly!”
As he spoke, Cao Cao bowed again…
The Son of Heaven Liu Xie, however, quickly helped Cao Cao up.
“Chancellor Cao, perhaps you can thank me after listening to the entire imperial edict!”
With that said, Liu Xie turned back to Leng Shouguang.
“Continue, read!”
As he spoke, Leng Shouguang put away the first imperial edict and immediately took out a second imperial edict from his sleeve.
Swiftly unfolding it, he then announced loudly:
– “Penned by His Majesty. The Xiahou clan, descendants of the founding meritorious official Xiahou Ying. The noble lady of the Xiahou clan possesses a virtuous heart and a beautiful appearance, and is of marriageable age this year!”
– “Princess Wannian, the eldest daughter of the late emperor, His Majesty’s elder sister, born of Empress Song, is of noble status. She has been intelligent and astute since childhood, and often received the emperor’s favor when attending to the late emperor. The late emperor doted on her immensely!”
– “Today, Princess Wannian has passed the age of youth and is of marriageable age. I have received a dream from the late emperor, and among the ministers, I shall choose a suitable husband for the princess to marry!”
– “I have heard that Marquis Baima, Lu Yu, possesses noble character and handsome appearance, and is a perfect match for the noble lady of the Xiahou clan and Princess Wannian. To achieve this beautiful union, I wish to emulate the customs of the Kingdom of Qi in the pre-Qin period and bestow upon the noble lady of the Xiahou clan and Princess Wannian the auspicious occasion to jointly marry Marquis Baima, Lu Yu. All rituals shall be discussed and handled by the Grand Minister of Ceremonials and the Minister of the Imperial Household!”
– “Furthermore, I specially bestow upon the驸马 (son-in-law of the emperor) Lu Yu the title of Imperial Censor, to supervise all officials on behalf of the Han dynasty and the Son of Heaven! Let this edict be announced to all, so that all may know!”
Upon this edict… the entire hall erupted in uproar!
The Han officials were somewhat prepared. Having Lu Yu serve as the bridge between the Han dynasty and the Cao faction was a decision they had carefully considered.
Although Lu Yu was a trusted subordinate of Cao Cao and highly trusted by him!
But that was not important. What was important was… he had no background…
Or rather, he had no parents, no family. His only sister, Cai Zhao Ji, was also a descendant of loyal officials! A descendant of Han officials!
Of course, allowing Lu Yu to marry two women at once, both as principal wives, was against the rites and propriety!
But at such a time, Lu Yu’s marriage was of great significance, and any move could have far-reaching consequences. No Han official would raise objections. The civil and military officials from the Cao faction were even more delighted.
Of course… there was a bit of envy involved.
On one side was the noble lady of the Xiahou clan. The Xiahou clan and the Cao clan shared common interests, and Xiahou Juan’s status naturally rose accordingly.
On the other side was the late emperor’s most beloved eldest daughter, Princess Wannian…
It would not be an exaggeration to say that she was one of the most noble women in the world today!
The development of the situation had actually led them to marry the same husband…
What a fortunate young man!
Hoo…
Even Cao Cao let out heavy breaths, somewhat surprised.
It was not the title of Imperial Censor for Yu’er, but rather two wives for one marquis household!
In the Great Han, a man marrying two principal wives had never happened before…
Even the King of Qi marrying a queen in the past, with one king and three queens, was merely a saying, a record by the historians. The King of Qi died before completing the marriage.
It could be said that this situation of Yu’er having two principal wives for one marquis household was an unprecedented event in history.
And the most peculiar thing was that for such behavior that defied rites and propriety, these pedantic scholars in the court remained silent!
Tacit approval!
Their expressions clearly indicated their tacit approval of Son of Heaven Liu Xie’s idea.
This was very meaningful…
What’s more, in the imperial edict, the Son of Heaven Liu Xie placed Xiahou Juan’s name first and Princess Wannian’s name second. This was full of detail!
This was considered the Son of Heaven’s sincerity and concession!
Heh heh…
Thinking of this, Cao Cao laughed. Internally, he was roaring with laughter!
Yu’er was his son. Two wives for one marquis household, heh heh… He Cao Cao was delighted to see this, even more so than if he himself had married two wives!
“Hahaha…”
With this thought, Cao Cao’s hearty laughter followed suit. Then, with a sigh, he said, “Your Majesty has thought it through. The two women, Princess Wannian and Xiahou Juan, serving the same husband, can thus highlight ‘Imperial Censor’ Lu’s achievements and also Your Majesty’s magnificent grace!”
As these words left his mouth…
All the Han officials felt their hearts settle. They had been worried that Cao Cao would not accept the reconciliation from the Han dynasty!
Of course…
The Han officials and the Son of Heaven had only seen the first layer, but Cao Cao had already seen the fifth layer!
Princess Wannian, the eldest daughter of the late emperor, his only daughter, his legitimate daughter!
With such a status marrying Yu’er, what kind of immense boost would this give to Yu’er’s reputation and prestige? Yu’er was the heir he had already designated, and the future great cause would inevitably be passed into his hands.
With the title of such a “son-in-law,” whether inheriting the great cause or acting as regent and holding power…
In the entire realm, who would dare to utter a single word of “no”?
Even the Han officials would not dare!
Nor would they be qualified!
Because this title of “Imperial Son-in-law” that Yu’er held was forced upon him by them!
“Hahahaha…”
Cao Cao’s devilish laughter resounded throughout the Chongde Hall. Who would have thought that such an “evening court” would have such a harmonious atmosphere?
Cao Cao couldn’t help but mutter to himself…
Your Majesty, Han officials, laughable, truly laughable…
They were clever but outsmarted themselves!
Thinking of this, Cao Cao immediately beckoned.
“I ask Lord Xun to represent the Ministry of Personnel in drafting the imperial edict. Lu Ziyu has a double celebration. The Son of Heaven bestows marriage, two wives for one marquis household. This requires sending the Son of Heaven’s imperial edict to Xuzhou by fast horse, so that Imperial Censor Lu can return immediately to complete the marriage! This way, we will not fail to live up to His Majesty’s intentions!”
In fact, Cao Cao had already sent people to summon Lu Yu back to court.
After all…
The grain and fodder had been largely procured. Frankly speaking, as a father, Cao Cao also missed his most valued son.
However…
Lu Yu needed to assist “Zhuge Liang” in bringing the Jiangbei Alliance into the right track. Moreover… there had been no major events recently, so Lu Yu replied to Cao Cao, saying he would return to Xudu city at a later date.
Now.
This imperial edict from the Ministry of Personnel was a different story. With the Son of Heaven bestowing marriage, how could his two daughters-in-law, Cao Cao’s, be left to wait in vain? Ah… haha!
“As Chancellor Cao commands…” The Son of Heaven Liu Xie continued along Cao Cao’s line of thought. “It is best for Imperial Censor Lu to return soon so that the Grand Minister of Ceremonials and the Minister of the Imperial Household can select an auspicious date!
“The grand wedding of Imperial Censor Lu involves both the noble lady of the Xiahou clan and the Grand Princess Wannian, so it must be grand. There should be a general amnesty!”
Liu Xie was giving Lu Yu ample face, and also giving Cao Cao ample face.
“Your Majesty is wise!”
Cao Cao, rarely, half-knelt and cupped his hands in salutation. Liu Xie quickly helped Cao Cao up.
Just as he was about to speak, Cao Cao’s words subtly emerged.
– “Your Majesty is thoughtful. The Fu family’s collusion with the Yuan clan, I always felt it was a misunderstanding. What does Your Majesty think? Ah!”
With an extremely low and faint voice, it echoed in Liu Xie’s ear.
Only he and Cao Cao could hear it.
– “A misunderstanding, naturally it is a misunderstanding!”
Liu Xie shakily stood up…
He knew that Cao Cao saying this was a great reconciliation between the Cao faction and the Han Court… and the Han officials! It was a great concession from Cao Cao!
Finally…
With the position of Chancellor, the position of Imperial Censor, and the price of two wives for one marquis household… he had exchanged for Cao Cao’s trust, protected the Han officials, and allowed the Han dynasty to continue!
The moon had risen, the cold wind was biting…
But at this moment, the Chongde Hall felt inexplicably warm!
…
…
In the latter half of the night, in Xudu city, at the heavily guarded prison.
Torchlight flickered here, and groans echoed continuously. Cao Cao strode in, followed by Man Chong.
They arrived before the prison cell where Fu Wan was held.
Cao Cao gestured for Man Chong to open the door, then entered the cell and looked at Fu Wan. “This Chancellor gives you one last chance. Who are your accomplices? Is Kong Rong there? Xun Yu?”
– “I, I have no accomplices. I don’t know what Grand Commandant C… I don’t know what Chancellor Cao means!”
Fu Wan’s voice was extremely faint, clearly, he had undergone severe torture here.
After all…
Even if he had not colluded with Yuan Shao, acting as an inside informant for Liu Bei, attempting to capture the Son of Heaven through coordinated attacks, this was already a capital offense!
However…
Fu Wan could not die yet. To unify the world, Cao Cao still needed the assistance of the Han Court. At least… before completely pacifying the northern territories, there should be no more internal turmoil.
As long as the Fu family’s influence was weakened and their military power confiscated, just like what happened to Yang Biao in the past…
The Fu family would no longer be able to stir up any trouble!
Heh heh…
Cao Cao licked his lips with his tongue!
He squinted at Fu Wan and suddenly burst into laughter. He helped Fu Wan up. “Grandson-in-law Fu, I apologize, for making you suffer!”
Fu Wan looked at Cao Cao in astonishment, his eyes filled with fear.
Cao Cao laughed. “Many scoundrels colluded with Yuan Shao and Liu Bei, attempting to open the gates of Xudu and capture the Son of Heaven while I was engaged in the Battle of Guandu. This matter is of great consequence and has implicated Grandson-in-law Fu, causing you to suffer. Fortunately, the investigation is clear today, and the School of Investigation has cleared your name!”
Fu Wan’s legs went weak, and he could not stand. He almost leaned entirely on Cao Cao.
Cao Cao continued, “Are you severely injured? Can you still walk?”
Fu Wan trembled and said, “Yes… yes!”
Clearly, he had not had an easy time in this prison.
Cao Cao helped Fu Wan walk out.
“Actually, it is best that His Majesty has come to his senses. I, Cao Cao, am also a Han official. Everything I do is for the Han dynasty to reshape this land! Grandson-in-law Fu would not make things too difficult for me, would you?”
Fu Wan quietly replied, “Your subordinate would not dare…”
Cao Cao patted Fu Wan’s hand with satisfaction. The next sentence was filled with meaning.
– “Two wives for one marquis household, Grandson-in-law Fu, this is killing three birds with one stone. The more I think about it, the more I admire it!”
Hoo…
Fu Wan’s footsteps paused, clearly somewhat startled, but after just a moment, his expression returned to calm.
– “Killing three birds with one stone? I don’t understand what Your subordinate is saying. Your subordinate believes it is Chancellor Cao who is gaining three benefits!”
Heh…
As these words left his mouth!
Haha…
Hahahaha…
Cao Cao and Fu Wan burst into hearty laughter at the entrance of the prison.
This laughter, to those who did not know, would likely make them think they were old friends who had not seen each other for a long time!
…
…