Cao Zhang, the third son of Cao Cao, affectionately called "Yellow-Browed Son" by his father.
Perhaps before, he had no intention of vying for the heir.
But his father king's death was sudden, and the edict of succession was burned. In his shock, how could he resist the instigation of those around him?
Which young master's house retainer wouldn't want to achieve "merit by accompanying the dragon"?
Wouldn't they want to soar to the heavens?
Speaking of this "Yellow-Browed Son"...
Many people think of "Shaking the Frontier."
His image of a "martial arts fanatic" and "straight man" is deeply ingrained. Once... for a fine horse, he traded his beloved concubine for the horse's owner.
Once, the Nanyue Kingdom sent a white elephant, and Cao Zhang grabbed its nose with his bare hands. The white elephant obediently lay on the ground, not daring to move...
This is also recorded in the three volumes of "Former Affairs of the King of Ren City."
Cao Pi once cast a great bell weighing ten thousand catties and hung it in the Wenhua Hall. He wanted to move it to another location, but a hundred strong men couldn't budge it. However, Cao Zhang picked up the bell and walked away. His divine might was heard in all directions, and everyone ceased hostilities and defended themselves.
This is also recorded in "Zaiyuan Zazhi" written by Liu Tingji of the Qing Dynasty.
When Cao Cao ransomed Cai Wenji, he ordered Cao Zhang to lead troops to the northern frontier to threaten the Southern Xiongnu.
As a result, there are many strange theories about Cao Zhang's death in history...
The most widely spread is that Cao Pi, fearing Cao Zhang's martial prowess, used a scheme to poison Cao Zhang to death.
"A New Account of the Tales of the World" by Liu Yiqing of the Southern Dynasties records that Cao Zhang enjoyed playing chess. Cao Pi catered to his preference. In the middle of the game, Cao Pi was losing, so he called to the maids beside him, "Bring the dates."
Afterward, they played chess and ate dates, appearing to be on very good terms.
In reality, the vicious Cao Pi had long poisoned some dates and secretly marked them, eating only the unmarked ones himself.
Cao Zhang, unaware of the plot, soon felt his head heavy and his eyes unfocused. Before he could utter a word, he fell to the ground.
Of course, there is another explanation given in "Wei Jin Shi Yu": "Initially, Zhang asked about the imperial seal and ribbon, harboring ambitions, so he was not granted an audience when he came to court, leading to this resentment and fear, and his sudden demise."
Cao Zhang had indeed inquired about the "imperial seal and ribbon"... and participated in the struggle for the heir.
Regardless of the reason...
Today, Cao Zhang has stationed his troops in Luoyang City with thunderous might. At this moment, he has temporarily become the master of the situation, holding the power of life and death over everyone.
"Does General Ziwen intend to rebel?"
Even after being stabbed with a sword, Cheng Yu still held his head high, letting the blood stains flow down his body.
Ding Yi quickly went to Cao Zhang's side and whispered into his ear, "Yesterday, General Xiahou handed the imperial seal and ribbon to Sima Cheng!"
Cao Zhang's eyes widened, "I will not rebel against Great Wei, I rebel against the太子 you, the Long Xiao Camp, have privately established!"
Then he pointed at Cheng Yu, "Tie him up!"
A squad of armored soldiers rushed forward and bound Cheng Yu.
Xiahou Yuan, filled with anger and a hint of panic, exclaimed, "Ziwen, do you know how many merits Sima Cheng has made for Great Wei over the years? How dare you tie him up?"
Cao Zhang's gaze turned sinister as he swept across the officials, "He made merits for the master of the Long Xiao Camp, what does that have to do with Great Wei?"
"Hmph, now that the King Father has passed away and Great Wei is in turmoil, from today onwards, Xudu City will be under martial law. All officials will be sent back to their residences. Without my general's token, unauthorized movement is forbidden."
"You..." Xiahou Yuan roared.
But Cao Zhang didn't even glance at him. He slowly walked up to Cao Zhi.
"Zi Jian, do you wish to be the太子?"
"No..." Cao Zhi repeatedly shook his head. He was sincere; he had never thought of coveting the position of太子.
But Cao Zhi's answer made Cao Zhang's lips curl slightly.
Cao Zhang then walked up to Cao Pi, "Second brother? Do you want to be the太子?"
Cao Pi remained silent...
Wu Zhi wanted to speak for him but was stopped by him.
"Heh heh..."
Unexpectedly, Cao Zhang laughed, "Second brother, as you know, I have always loved archery and riding horses since childhood, and I can wrestle with fierce beasts with my bare hands."
"When Father King was alive, he often rebuked me for not aspiring to study the ways of the sages but for enjoying riding and fencing. He said these were only useful for dealing with one person, what was so valuable about them? So he urged me to study the 'Book of Songs' and the 'Book of Documents.' I paid no heed, only saying to those around me, 'A true man should emulate great generals like Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, leading a hundred thousand troops to gallop across the desert, expelling the barbarians, and achieving fame and establishing a career. How can one be a scholar?'"
"Later, Father King asked about the aspirations of us brothers. My answer was, 'I wish to be a general, wear armor, wield sharp weapons, face danger without regard for myself, lead from the front, reward merit, and punish crimes.' Father King laughed heartily. Heh heh, I remember that at that time, second brother's answer was that you wanted to be a minister beside Father King, to share the burden of the King! To share the burden of Father! Now, Father King has fallen, and second brother wants to inherit Great Wei and continue to share Father King's burden on that high throne, right?"
This...
Cao Zhang's words made Cao Pi's heart jolt.
He was somewhat confused about Cao Pi's purpose.
"Third brother, no matter what, Great Wei cannot be fragmented!" Cao Pi remained rational, trying to use words to win over people and salvage the unfavorable situation.
"Great Wei will not be fragmented." Cao Zhang narrowed his eyes, "I have no interest in that throne. I came here in haste only to support third brother in becoming the King of Wei! People say Father King doted on the youngest brother the most, but I don't think so. Zi Jian is the only one Father King designated as someone who does not need to report for an audience. Father King also most admired his literary talent. The edict of succession placed behind the plaque in the King of Wei's palace was most likely passed to Zi Jian. Everything I have done today is not for myself? But to allow Zi Jian, as mentioned in Father King's will, to succeed to the throne!"
Cao Zhang coldly scanned the officials...
His words surprised everyone.
Especially Cheng Yu, his eyes widened, and he muttered to himself...
Does Young Master Ziwen want to be "Huo Guang"? No... does he want to be Dong Zhuo or King Wei beside the Son of Heaven?
Holding the Son of Heaven to command the feudal lords...
Who taught him this?
Only Ding Yi's eyes narrowed; he had been waiting for this day for a long time.
As early as... when the King of Wei decided to "cleave the skull with an axe," he had made full arrangements. Cao Zhi was merely bait; the person he truly served was Cao Zhang!
The armies of Bing Province and You Province had secretly assembled in Sili half a month ago...
Cao Zhang had also made thorough preparations long ago.
"I will say it again."
Cao Zhang still maintained his arrogant demeanor, "From today onwards, the entire Xudu City will be under martial law. Without my general's token, no one is allowed to move. In extraordinary times, I, Cao Zhang, will take extraordinary measures! Gentlemen, I apologize."
Cao Zhang's troops captured the officials on the spot. Although Xiahou Yuan struggled, he could not match Cao Zhang's many personal guards... and was disarmed and subdued.
At this moment, another personal guard rushed into the hall.
"Reporting to Lord Jun, we have interrogated the guards at the city gate. Today... while on patrol outside, a person rode out of the city. We don't know from where he came, nor who let him out! This person's horse headed southwest."
"It's someone from the Long Xiao Camp!" Ding Yi quickly interjected. "He's trying to send the imperial seal and ribbon to Chang'an, to Cao Chong!"
Upon hearing this, Cao Zhang suddenly approached Cheng Yu.
"Is this true?"
Cheng Yu, enduring the pain, panted and said calmly, "Both the School of Investigation and the Long Xiao Camp are directly subordinate to the King of Wei. Lord Jun has no right to question them."
"Hmph! This general is asking on behalf of third brother." Cao Zhang sneered and immediately ordered, "Lead a thousand light cavalry to pursue this person, alive or dead!"
The personal guard cupped his hands in salute and then quickly ran out.
"Clatter clatter!"
"Dada dada!"
With the neighing of warhorses and the rapid hoofbeats, the situation in Xudu City grew increasingly tense and turbulent.
...
...
In the secret chamber beneath the King of Wei's palace...
Listening to the report of the Huben armored soldiers, Cao Cao sneered, his eyes suddenly filled with cold killing intent.
"I was wondering why Ziwen, who is simple-minded, would think of supporting his brother to ascend the throne? Holding the heir apparent to command Great Wei... I never thought of it. It's all Ding Yi's scheme. The Ding family seems unwilling to remain idle!"
The Ding clan had been deeply intertwined with the Cao clan from a very early age.
Cao Cao's mother was named Ding Pei, who married Cao Cao's father, Cao Song... it took six years to give birth to Cao Cao.
Cao Cao also married Ding Hui, and in fact, Ding Hui was Cao Cao's aunt.
It can be said that the Ding family began investing in the Cao family from a very early stage, first investing in Cao Song, then in Cao Cao... After Cao Cao, the Ding family naturally had to find the next generation to invest in.
This is a form of inheritance...
Originally, if Yu'er hadn't appeared, this would have been undeniable. But now, since Cao Cao intends to pass Great Wei to Yu'er, the Ding family has become a hidden danger.
However... fortunately, this scheme has brought this hidden danger to light.
This is what Cao Cao wanted to see...
He wanted to see more hidden dangers. Since he had decided to announce Yu'er's parentage to the world, then... when he appointed him as the heir, all doubts and all hidden dangers must be eradicated.
One must know...
Ancient people placed great importance on lineage. The son of the official wife was the legitimate heir, the嫡子.
The son of a concubine was a庶子...
Logically speaking, Cao Cao's official wife, Lady Ding, had no sons. With no嫡子 to succeed, Lu Yu's succession seemed to be a natural progression.
But the problem was that Lu Yu's mother was not Cao Cao's concubine; Lu Yu was an illegitimate son. In ancient times... illegitimate sons were not eligible to participate in succession.
This was an ironclad rule.
Even Cao Cao was not sure what impact it would have when Lu Yu's identity was revealed to the world, and he announced that Cao Yu was the future successor of Great Wei.
But what Cao Cao could do... was to minimize this impact.
And to identify the most unstable factors in advance, to provide Yu'er with the best environment for succession.
Being the King of Wei is difficult...
It's not easy to be Yu'er's father either.
"Continue to observe all parties closely..." Cao Cao waved his hand gently...
"Yes!" The Huben armored soldiers cupped their hands and were about to withdraw.
"Wait!"
Cao Cao seemed to have thought of something else, "What about Lu Yu? I heard he has mobilized several legions? Which legions are they?"
The Huben army truthfully reported the legions that had converged on Xudu from all directions.
At first... Cao Cao listened absentmindedly, but as... one name after another appeared.
-- Gongsun Zan, Qu Yi, Zang Ba, Tian Yu, Liu Xun;
-- Ma Chao, Zhou Yu, Lu Xun
And...
--"xx"
Cao Cao's eyes narrowed.
"I didn't expect him to be recalled by Yu'er as well."
"Hahaha, heroes gathered. This Xudu City will be lively this time."
...
...
The officials were detained, and now the vast imperial court was empty.
Cao Zhang walked forward step by heavy and slow step. He hesitated and touched the throne. He suddenly realized that this thing he had once not cared about, now so close at hand, stirred such emotions and made him yearn for it.
Cao Zhang cautiously sat down on the throne, his hands and feet somewhat stiff, unsure of how to place them... He recalled how his father king, Cao Cao, always seemed somewhat leisurely when sitting here...
Rather than dignity, he cared more about his own comfort.
Cao Zhang tried to imitate his father Cao Cao's sitting posture, but inevitably, it was like a botched imitation, a clumsy copy...
At this moment, Ding Yi walked in. Cao Zhang "jumped" up and walked down with a stern face.
Ding Yi, understanding, lowered his head and bowed deeply to Cao Zhang, "Thanks to Lord Jun's timely arrival to save the situation today... otherwise, the late king's regalia would either be forcibly sent out by Cheng Yu, or the second young master would threaten the officials to directly succeed."
"They dare!"
Cao Zhang maintained his usual sharp demeanor, his hand resting on the dragon throne. "Since you are here, why don't you tell me, to whom was the imperial decree placed behind the plaque of the King of Wei's palace passed?"
"Young Master Cao Chong!" Ding Yi replied without hesitation. "Third brother, don't deceive yourself. How much the King of Wei trusted the Marquis of Nanshòu. When the Marquis of Nanshòu went on a western expedition, he took Young Master Cao Chong to help achieve merits. Did the King of Wei not know his intentions? Most likely, the King of Wei not only knew, but the appointment of Cao Chong as heir was also instructed by the King of Wei?"
"Then why not announce it to the world in advance?" Cao Zhang asked doubtfully.
This...
Ding Yi patted his head, "I don't understand this... Perhaps the King of Wei had other concerns."
"Hmph!" Cao Zhang snorted, "If that's the case, then the Long Xiao Camp will surely protect Cao Chong to the death..."
"It's not that simple either!" Ding Yi sneered, "Is the heir apparent appointed merely by offering sacrifices to the Imperial Ancestral Temple and feasting the officials? Besides, wasn't that edict in the King of Wei's palace burned?"
"Now that General Cao has descended like divine soldiers and controlled Xudu, he has controlled Great Wei. General Cao does not contend for the太子, but rather for Great Wei. In the future imperial court, with Lord Jun as the elder brother of the King of Wei and having made the great contribution of strategizing, and since Zi Jian has always cherished poetry and books and disliked political affairs, who else could be the regent and chief administrator in the court besides Lord Jun?"
"Moreover, the current Long Xiao Camp still supports Cao Chong in Chang'an. The Long Xiao Camp is formidable. If Great Wei's strength were not leveraged to subdue them, how could it be done? After Young Master Zi Jian succeeds, with so many affairs, everything will rely on General Zi Wen to manage the overall situation and strategize!"
Ding Yi's words were well-reasoned and logical... He thoroughly analyzed the situation and made Cao Zhang extremely pleased.
Cao Zhang nodded, "I knew it. What's the use of these brothers burying their heads in the Imperial Academy to study? The world is conquered by swords and horses, by chariots and cavalry!"
Speaking of this, Cao Zhang's tone suddenly became a little timid.
"However, how can we resist the Long Xiao Camp? In the past, Yuan Shao of Beijìng, Yuan Shu of Nanyang, Lu Bu of Xuzhou, and recently the Sun family of Jiangdong, the Ma family of Xiliang... all suffered losses at the hands of the Long Xiao Camp!"
Hearing this, Ding Yi said with firm conviction.
"Kill Cheng Yu!"
"If Lu Yu is the core of the Long Xiao Camp, then Cheng Yu is the soul of the Long Xiao Camp. As long as he is killed, the morale of the Long Xiao Camp will collapse, and then victory will be achieved without a fight!"
Upon hearing this, Cao Zhang's expression turned cold. Da Feng Novel Network
But he could not make this decision.
If he really wanted to kill Cheng Yu, he would have done so just now. But if he did, it wouldn't just be no turning back; this path would become "either this or that"... life or death!
Thinking of this.
Cao Zhang sneered, "I want to get Father King's imperial seal and ribbon first!"
...
...