It wasn’t as if Cao Song would react so strongly if Cao Cao were to take a concubine.
In this era, three wives and four concubines were common.
But… a formal wife! That was a different matter!
Marriages in this era often carried a strong color of political alliance. The Ding family’s ancestors had served as high officials, and although they had declined and become a merchant family, their foundation remained. This was also a form of expectation.
“I’m leaving!”
Cao Cao gently placed Cao Yu back beside Lu Wenran, his eyes full of reluctance.
Then, as he walked towards the back door, he sighed:
“My son’s bone structure is extraordinary, like uncarved jade. With careful sculpting in the future, he will surely soar like an eagle, his fame echoing through the universe!”
Waa…
Perhaps it was because Cao Cao’s voice was too loud, or perhaps Cao Yu was responding to him in some way, but Cao Yu began to cry loudly.
Cao Cao’s footsteps paused, a flicker of unwillingness in his heart. But… after just a moment, he clenched his fists and resolutely walked out.
“Giddy up…”
He dared not linger. Riding a swift horse, carrying only his personal belongings, he hung his official seal on the front wall of the county yamen hall and hastily departed the Dunqiu Prefecture Office!
Two scenes flashed repeatedly in his mind: one was the image of “Yu’er,” the hardships of Lu Wenran, and the other was his father being imprisoned, paraded through the streets, and even displayed on the city gate!
His heart…
Cao Cao’s heart tightened!
At that very moment…
From within the courtyard, voices erupted.
“Bad news, bad news… The imperial court has issued a decree, Cao County Magistrate is dismissed from office with immediate effect.”
“The imperial court orders Cao County Magistrate to return to the capital immediately, to await punishment and receive the edict, stripped of his official position and reduced to a commoner!”
“It seems… it seems to be related to the Cao family’s involvement in the witchcraft case of Empress Song…”
This…
This news caused an uproar.
The people present in the county yamen at this time were mostly the poor whom Cao Cao had helped. They had thought that, thanks to Magistrate Cao, they could finally live good lives. But… this sudden turn of events…
It was like rolling thunder!
With a gulp, countless people swallowed. Their first thought was the dark clouds gathering over Dunqiu, and then… their son, “Man Ye,” had just arrived!
If Man Ye returns to the capital under accusation, then… what about his wife?
What about his son?
The powerful families and gentry in Dunqiu County whom Cao Cao had suppressed… they would surely… surely seek the most furious revenge!
With Man Ye gone, this ambition… naturally… would… this…
This…
More than worrying about themselves, the people were more concerned about the mother and son currently in the county yamen. Amidst the murmuring, countless discussions quietly arose.
“Why don’t we hide them?”
“We must hide them, otherwise…”
“Man Ye has done so much for us, we should… we should do something for him, shouldn’t we?”
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Side Story: Hidden Dragon, Fate's End