Chapter 96: Glory Is My Fate

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Xu Zhu was quite surprised and turned to look at Dian Wei. In his experience, Dian Wei never spoke up proactively during internal meetings of Cao Cao’s circle. Whenever discussions began, Dian Wei and Xu Zhu would stand silently to Cao Cao’s left and right like two steadfast guardians. When the meeting ended, they would follow Cao Cao away without engaging much with the other attendees. As bodyguards, to be honest, they were not suited for mingling with court officials.

But today was different.

Cao Cao himself stopped in his tracks, watching Dian Wei with keen interest. A smile appeared on his round, plump face as he asked, “Junming, is there something you wish to say?”

All eyes seemed fixed on Dian Wei, making him a bit embarrassed. His dark face flushed a deep purplish color as he hesitated, then said, “My lord, I have felt guilty for not accompanying you on the campaign to Huyang. You should know that I have met a master blacksmith. During your expedition, I have worked tirelessly with the Cao family to forge excellent blades.”

Xu Zhu shuddered slightly. He had heard of the “Cao family” and thought silently: Could Dian Wei be planning to distribute these blades to the Tiger Guard?

Cao Cao was momentarily taken aback, but his smile grew broader. “The Cao family?”

“That’s the family in Nanyang Commandery who saved Dian Wei’s life.”

“Oh, now that you mention it, I do recall... During the recent fight in Xili, some members of the Zhang family seemed connected to the Cao clan.”

The words sounded awkward, as if he were referring to himself.

Cao Cao sat back down, smiling warmly at Dian Wei. Guo Jia, Xun Yu, and others returned to their seats.

Cao Cao had seen shamelessness before, but never to Dian Wei’s extent. Claiming to work tirelessly — was that not self-praise? Such words should be reserved for others. Yet Dian Wei’s phrase captured his simple, honest nature perfectly. It was laughable, but no one dared to criticize. Arguing about word choice with a rough man was a fool’s errand.

Dian Wei nodded vigorously. “My lord, regarding the fight in Xili, the Zhang family members were involved, but they bear no fault. The Zhangs are connected by marriage to the Cao family. Thus, Cao family’s sons and nephews naturally would not stand down. Actually, the matter is simple, but Wenruo complicates it.”

All eyes turned to Xun Yu. Xun Yu smiled wryly: Dian Junming really does say everything.

Cao Cao laughed heartily. “Decisions have been made; Junming, there’s no need to dwell on this. Now, tell me about these fine blades you have forged.”

Dian Wei cupped his hands. “My lord, these blades by the Cao family correspond to the cosmic patterns of the Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiends. In three months, they forged thirty-six Heavenly Gang blades.”

“These blades are made according to celestial principles. I dare not keep them for myself. They are currently kept outside the mansion, intended as a gift to you. Each blade weighs eleven jin, symbolizing renewal. They cut through iron like mud. I have tested them at home — each blade can easily sever fourteen layers of armor plates. Even a slight increase in force will enhance their power.”

Cao Cao was moved. “A hundred days’ work to produce thirty-six precious blades?”

To be honest, Cao Cao paid little heed to Dian Wei’s talk of celestial patterns and cosmic forces. What truly caught his attention was the phrase “in three months.”

Xu Zhu breathed a sigh of relief. Only thirty-six? That meant these blades could not be mass-produced for military standard issue.

Gou said, “My lord, Xun can vouch that Junming’s words are true. On the day the Cao family forged the Heavenly Gang blades, Xun Ceng personally visited and saw the finished blades... but on that same day, the incident at Xili occurred. Since then, I have been busy and could not visit again. Otherwise, I would be tempted to invite the Cao family to forge more blades.”

If Dian Wei’s words aroused some doubt in Cao Cao’s mind, Xun’s testimony dispelled it completely. Xun was known for his sincerity and impartiality; he would never lie.

“Junming, bring the blades here.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Dian Wei bowed and turned to leave.

Cao Cao tapped his fingers lightly on the railing, his thoughts turning elsewhere.

The importance of a good blade was self-evident. For Cao Cao, if such blades could be produced in quantity, his army’s combat power would greatly increase. When in Nanyang Commandery, Cao Cao had heard rumors of Dian Wei’s forging efforts. He had kept a close eye on the matter, even tracking developments in Xudu daily with great speed.

Though news of Cao Ji’s blade forging spread widely, and his origins were the subject of speculation, Cao Cao did not believe the rumors — he thought them mere gossip.

Perhaps Cao Ji could indeed forge fine blades, but he was not some mysterious magnate.

Cao Cao had secretly investigated Cao Ji’s family background. With his resources, uncovering a person’s history was easy.

Cao Ji had not hidden his past, so Cao Cao learned it all with ease—not out of suspicion but caution. After all, Dian Wei was his most trusted aide and personal guard. Since Dian Wei was saved by the Cao family, what if—? Cao Cao had to be vigilant.

The information reassured him. Cao Ji was a craftsman from Zhongyang Mountain who had offended local powers and was forced to flee.

In those times, such events were common.

Cao Cao had also heard of Cheng Ji’s murder but did not connect it with Cao Ji. The reason was simple.

Cheng Ji’s body was found by his own guards the next day. Fearing punishment from Cheng Yao, two guards fled. With money missing from Cheng Ji’s belongings, the case looked like robbery and murder.

Even Cao Peng had not anticipated this.

“Zhongkang, I heard your eldest and Aman were involved in the little Eight Righteous?”

Xu Zhu’s face flushed red. “Children are naive. When I return, I will punish them severely.”

“Punish them?!” Cao Cao waved his hand dismissively. “Actually, I think the kids did well — at least more straightforward than you adults.”

“I remember you and Junming used to get along well, admiring each other back at the Xu family village. How did it become so petty? Zhongkang, how many words have you exchanged with Junming since yesterday?”

“Uh...”

Xu Zhu’s face reddened further, unable to answer.

Cao Cao hoped Dian Wei and Xu Zhu would compete but not become enemies. To borrow a saying, “Both the palm and the back of the hand are flesh.” Whether Xu Zhu’s Tiger Guard or Dian Wei’s Tiger Battalion, both were his personal troops.

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If these two units fell out, it would be disastrous for Cao Cao. His intention was for them to collaborate while competing — that was the proper path. Dian Wei restrained Xu Zhu, and Xu Zhu restrained Dian Wei. Balance between the two forces was essential.

“I hear you’ve been training the troops diligently, Junming,” Gou suddenly smiled and said.

“Is that so?”

Junming had recently assembled the Tiger Battalion, recruiting many helpers. Even Boquan had been summoned, rising rapidly.

Boquan, named Xiahou Heng, was the eldest son of Chenliu Governor Xiahou Yuan. Xiahou Yuan, styled Miaocai, had been a longtime acquaintance of Cao Cao and had taken the blame for him in prison.

Moreover, Xiahou Yuan’s relationship with Cao Cao was close. His wife was the sister of Lady Ding, Cao Cao’s concubine, making Xiahou Yuan and Cao Cao related by marriage.

With such ties, Cao Cao naturally valued and trusted Xiahou Yuan highly.

Soon after Xiahou Heng’s birth, Xiahou Yuan and Cao Cao arranged a childhood betrothal for him. Cao Cao’s younger brother, named Cao De, had been killed by Tao Qian’s general Zhang Kai while accompanying Cao Song, leaving behind a son and a daughter. The eldest son, Cao Anmin, died in battle during the campaign on Wan City earlier that year. The daughter, Cao Hui, was Xiahou Heng’s wife. They married late last year and had stayed in Xudu.

“Boquan summoned by Junming?”

This was the first Cao Cao had heard of it and was somewhat surprised.

Xun nodded. “Also Wenlie, whom Junming appointed as Assistant Minister. Wenlie, named Cao Xiu, was a relative of Cao Cao. In his teens, due to war, he moved with his mother to Jingzhou, then after wandering thousands of miles, returned to Cao Cao’s side. Cao Cao praised him as ‘our family’s swift steed.’”

He was a trusted scion, twenty-four years old, in his prime.

Cao Cao was greatly astonished and grew even fonder of Dian Wei. Junming was truly loyal. Cao Cao had entrusted him with great power, yet he returned it without any desire for personal gain.

Whether Xiahou Heng or Cao Xiu, they were his own men.

Ordinarily, once given command, few would place outsiders in key positions.

Being Assistant Minister of the Tiger Battalion was akin to army quartermaster, controlling military affairs. The Assistant Minister was directly involved in leading troops, the right hand of the Tiger Battalion’s generals. Below the generals were the Majors and Assistant Ministers; the latter commanded troops and led battles. The Tiger Battalion generals answered to the Majors. Wang Meng, a Tiger Battalion general, took orders from Cao Xiu.

Majors handled guard duties, such as security during court sessions.

Ji Chu’s face darkened, cursing Dian Wei silently and scolding himself.

Why hadn’t he thought to recruit Boquan and Wenlie? His Tiger Guard was mainly composed of Xu clan members, with senior officers mostly surnamed Xu. Compared to the Tiger Battalion, the difference in closeness was obvious. If it were Ji Chu himself, would he trust Dian Wei more or himself? It was clear that even if the Tiger Guard won this round, Dian Wei’s position would remain unshaken.

Brilliant. Truly brilliant.

Guo Jia could not help but say, “Junming has talented aides!”

In his mind appeared a lean face in white robes, one arm raised, standing alone.

Shusun, with this move, Dian’s family will prosper for three generations...

He looked at Xun but saw no reaction.

“Junming has hired talents?” Cao Cao asked curiously.

Guo Jia quickly replied, “Yes, Deng Ji, the Cao family’s son-in-law, originally a clerk in Jiyang County. After offending the local magnates, he followed Junming to Xudu. If Junming were not selfless, he wouldn’t have accepted Deng Ji’s attention. This man studies the Xiao Du code, and Guo Jia shares the same mentor. I and Wenruo have dealt with him several times; he truly is a talent.”

Cao Cao instinctively glanced at Xun Yu.

Xun nodded. “If well trained, he will one day govern a region alone.”

Such praise was high indeed. To govern a region meant at least a governorship.

Xun Yu was cautious; such an assessment showed Deng Ji’s exceptional nature.

Xun You frowned, deep in thought: Deng Ji... Why does that name sound so familiar? I feel I have heard it somewhere...

Just then, Dian Wei and his group entered.

There were thirty-six of them, each holding an exquisite rectangular brocade box.

“These are the Heavenly Gang blades?”

Dian Wei bowed. “Exactly.”

He turned, opened a box, and took out a blade.

The blade was dark red, less than seventy centimeters long, much shorter than a typical Huan Shou blade.

The edge and spine were specially designed with a gentle curve, giving this short blade a vigorous air.

“Bring the armor plates.”

Dian Wei shouted.

Several guards brought over more than twenty sets of lamellar armor and a simple long table.

“Please, my lord, test the blade.”

Just by looking at the blade’s shape, Cao Cao was tempted.

He stood, took the Heavenly Gang blade from Dian Wei, and weighed it in his hand — it was just right.

With the armor plates stacked, he stepped forward and swung the blade downwards with force.

Cao Cao had learned swordsmanship in his youth, so this strike was full of power. With a sharp crack, the Heavenly Gang blade cut through the armor plates like tofu.

One layer, two layers, three layers...

Sixteen pieces of armor were split in two by a single stroke.

The watching crowd gasped in amazement.

Even Xu Chu couldn’t help but shout, “Good blade! Good blade!”

“Please, Lord Chu, try the blade.”

Ran Wei spoke, ordering the remaining thirty-five boxes opened. Guo Jia, Xun You, Xu Chu, and others stepped forward to select a Heavenly Gang blade. Guards brought more armor, and everyone eagerly tested the blades, offering praise and admiration.

Guo Jia broke eight layers of armor, limited by his strength.

Xu Chu cut through twenty layers with a single stroke, his eyes gleaming.

After testing, they examined the blades and found the edges remained razor-sharp, undamaged.

“Were these made by a master from Western Regions?”

Dian Wei smiled but refused to answer.

Xu Zhu said, “The blades are excellent, but a bit short.”

Cao Cao held a Heavenly Gang blade, sat back on his couch, and admired it fondly.

He had to admit, the craftsmanship was exquisite. The maker paid great attention to every detail — even the blade’s design was unique. For example, the guard and the curvature.

“Junming, what’s the purpose of these two grooves?”

Cao Cao pointed to the blood grooves on the blade.

Dian Wei grinned. “My lord, these are blood grooves. When the blade enters the body, they accelerate bleeding. It’s a unique design by the Cao family.”

“Good, good, excellent!”

Cao Cao couldn’t help but praise.

Xu Chu smiled wryly beside him.

“Junming, you’re truly fortunate.”

At this point, Xu Zhu had nothing to say, silently grateful to Dian Wei. If the Tiger Battalion wielded these Heavenly Gang blades during training, his own men would suffer grievous losses.

Damn it, Cao Ji — is he even human? How could he design such fine blades?

Except they were short!

Dian Wei said, “My lord, these blades are not made for battle but as protective and ceremonial blades.”

“Oh?”

“I believe there are many valiant warriors under your command. Sometimes, granting official ranks is less meaningful than awarding ceremonial blades — for example, Yuan Rang, Miaocai, and Zhongkang. Each has fought countless battles and achieved great merit but lacks honor. I thought that when someone achieves great deeds, you could present them with one of these blades. Each blade corresponds to a star in the heavens, making it an honor to receive. See, each blade’s spine is inscribed with an inscription.”

Cao Cao’s heart stirred as he examined the blade closely.

Earlier, he had only noticed the blade’s quality, not the inscriptions.

“Honor is my life.”

Five large dark red seal script characters — hard to notice without close inspection. Below them were star names. The blade in Cao Cao’s hand was named Tian Kui.

“Excellent, excellent, excellent!”

Cao Cao clapped his hands and laughed. The wrinkles at his eyes twisted like blooming chrysanthemums.

“A true heirloom, a true honor!”

Such craftsmanship and ingenious design.

If previously Cao Cao had been half-doubting Cao Ji, now he was inclined to believe Cao Ji was indeed the mysterious master!

Unbeknownst to him, the Heavenly Gang blade’s design was inspired by medals from the future, adapted by Cao Peng.

But in the late Eastern Han, medals might not be accepted, so Cao Peng thought of the Zhongzheng Sword used in the Republic era — also a symbol of honor, granted as a sword, and accepted by the people.

Just seeing the intense gazes of Guo Jia, Xun Yu, Xu Zhu, and others, one could feel their longing for the Heavenly Gang blades’ honor.

However, at this moment, Cao Cao would not give them away.

“Guards, collect all the Heavenly Gang blades and order their careful preservation. They must be meticulously maintained daily without error.”

At this moment, the contest between the Tiger Battalion and Tiger Guard was decided.

Before the training had even begun, Dian Wei had earned a perfect score in Cao Cao’s heart.

“Junming, fifteen days from now, the Tiger and Guard will hold a training exercise. I hear you’ve been doing well but must work harder. This Heavenly Gang blade, I reserve for you.”

Why the designation Heavenly Gang blade?

Cao Cao was essentially telling Dian Wei: I need you to be a loyal minister — a solitary minister devoted only to me.

He didn’t know if Dian Wei would understand his meaning, but he believed that the man who designed the Heavenly Gang blade and said “Honor is my life” must surely grasp it.

Xu Zhu and the others looked at Dian Wei with envy.

Guo Jia, Xun Yu, and Xun You nodded thoughtfully.

Dian Wei was about to rise in fortune...

“By the way, at the training in the Western Garden fifteen days from now, please invite the Cao family as well!” Cao Cao stood and then glanced at Xu Zhu.

“Zhongkang, you must also strive valiantly.”