Chapter 011: I Possess Lofty Ambitions (1/2) Please Recommend!

Page (1/3)

Brothers, could you make your recommendations a bit more enthusiastic? It seems I’ve become a little proud...

——————————————————————————————

In answering the question, Cao Peng was clearly shifting the argument. The youth’s original intention was to challenge Cao Peng to a wager, as he believed that Cao Cao stood no chance of defeating Yuan Shao. His meaning was: If Cao Cao loses, what will you say then?

Yet, whether deliberately or through misunderstanding, Cao Peng responded with “the people will suffer,” which was plainly contrary to the youth’s intended point. Anxious, the youth was about to speak when he heard Pang Ji say, “Do you perhaps believe that Cao Cao is a loyal subject of the Han?”

Cao Peng replied, “Whether or not Cao Cao is loyal, I cannot say. But I do believe that Cao Cao would never usurp the Han dynasty! Though I have never met Lord Cao, I have heard that back when the lords of the east gathered to oppose Dong Zhuo, only Cao Cao fought valiantly regardless of the cost, nearly sacrificing his life. Whereas Yuan Shao, though the leader of the alliance, hesitated at the crucial moment, allowing Dong Zhuo to seize the Emperor and move the capital to Chang’an... Is such a man truly the pillar of the Han? As for his four generations of high office, that was earned by his ancestors—what does it matter to him? Have you not heard that while Yuan Shao was in Hebei, he once attempted to install a new emperor? Fortunately, the Governor of You Province refused to be complicit, and was ultimately killed by Yuan Shao. There is also Yuan Shu in Huainan, whose ambitions were never loyal. When His Majesty was in peril, the lords—even Liu of Jingzhou—ignored him. Only Cao Cao marched forth to escort the Son of Heaven. Is this the deed of a traitor?”

By this point, Cao Peng had achieved his aim. He had no wish to out-argue Pang Ji and Sima Hui, but hoped merely to leave an impression upon them. The reputation of a scholar cannot be gained lightly; it requires acknowledgment from others. For now, Cao Peng did not expect Pang Ji and Sima Hui to accept his arguments, but through these words, he could at least make them remember him.

Having finished, Cao Peng clasped his hands and bowed. “My learning is shallow. What I have spoken was but a moment’s sentiment—if I have offended, I hope you, gentlemen, will forgive me. I will not disturb your rest any longer; I shall take my leave.”

He knew when to stop. Any further debate would only expose his limitations...

This was also one reason why Cao Peng was not eager to seek out Cao Cao. He needed more time to understand this era and broaden his knowledge. Though his words just now were not the result of painstaking effort, he knew that if the discussion turned more technical, he would not know what to say.

Turning away, Cao Peng quietly returned to sit beside his parents. Nestling against his mother, he finally felt a wave of dizziness sweep over him. The exchange with Pang Ji and Sima Hui had been not only a test of courage, but a challenge to his spirit. From this day on, he would live in this era, and such debates might become commonplace. Today’s trial was nothing more than his first cry in this world; he hoped for a good outcome.

Wang Meng and Cao Ji looked at Cao Peng in a daze. Wang Mai’s eyes burned bright; he clenched his fist and pumped it in front of his chest, unable to contain his excitement. As for Lady Zhang, her reaction was more direct—she hugged Cao Peng tightly and, lifting her head with care, stole a glance at Pang Ji and Sima Hui.

Pang Ji and Sima Hui, meanwhile, fell silent. Neither spoke, but it was clear that Cao Peng’s words had struck a chord.

In the first year of Jian’an, Cao Cao had just escorted the Emperor and had yet to unify the north. In many people’s eyes, the true hegemon of the north was not Cao Cao, but Yuan Benchu, entrenched in Hebei. In terms of family background, reputation, and strength, Yuan Shao was the only candidate for northern overlord. As for Cao Cao? While undeniably capable, he still lagged behind Yuan Shao in some respects.

Perhaps, it was time to seriously reconsider: between Cao Cao and Yuan Shao, who could truly rescue the Han?

————————————————————————

Unnoticed, the snow outside lessened and gradually ceased. Two riders entered the house and whispered a few words into Wen Pin’s ear. Wen Pin nodded, approached Pang Ji, and said, “Master Yuan’an, the snow has stopped; we can be on our way.”

“Ah, very well, let us depart.” Pang Ji rose, and the youth immediately stepped forward to drape a fur cloak over his shoulders.

He walked shoulder to shoulder with Sima Hui, but as they reached the door, he suddenly paused.

“Young friend, your name is Cao Peng?”

Cao Peng, now recovered, quickly rose and answered, “It is but a humble name, unworthy of mention. What instruction does Master Yuan’an have for me?”

Wang Meng had already informed him of Pang Ji’s background, so Cao Peng dared not be careless.

Pang Ji smiled slightly. “So young, yet so insightful... Very good! How old are you this year?”

Page (2/3)

“Senior, I am thirteen; after the new year, I’ll be fourteen.”

“Excellent, excellent... Cao Peng, where are you bound?”

Cao Peng replied forthrightly, “I am traveling with my parents to Jiyang, to seek refuge with my elder sister.”

“From your accent, are you a local?”

“Yes, I am from Nanyang Commandery.”

Cao Peng did not specify that he was from Zhongyang Town, for Pang Ji would surely ask: if you’re from Zhongyang heading to Jiyang, why detour through Biyang? He was not afraid Pang Ji would turn them over to Zhang Xiu, but one should never be without caution. After all, Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu were allies, and would not become enemies over his family. Therefore, Cao Peng answered skillfully: he would not give a precise location, only that he was from Nanyang Commandery—his accent would betray him anyway.

“Where in Jiyang does your sister live?” Wen Pin suddenly interjected, voice stern.

At this, Cao Ji and his wife were too frightened to speak, and Wang Meng and his son could only stand respectfully aside.

Cao Peng answered, “My sister married early to Deng Village in Jiyang.”

“Deng Village in Jiyang?” Wen Pin paused. “So, you are of General Deng Ji’s clan.”

He asked nothing further of Cao Peng, but turned his gaze upon Wang Meng and his son.

“You there! You have the air of a skilled man. Why not join the army and serve the nation?”

So, he had his eye on Wang Meng.

Wang Meng started, hurriedly clasped his hands, and was about to reply when Wen Pin continued, “If you wish to enlist, you may seek me in Xiangyang. My name is Wen Pin... Or you can go straight to Xinye County and find General Deng Ji, mentioning my recommendation—General Deng will treat you well.”

With that, Wen Pin donned his scarf and strode away.

Behind Pang Ji, the young man fixed his gaze on Cao Peng. “Hey, my name is Pang Lin. I won’t lose to you!”

Cao Peng smiled indifferently at the boy, saying nothing.

Sima Hui gave him a look, still gentle as ever, nodded, and left with Pang Ji.

Soon after, a commotion arose outside—hoofbeats and the rumble of wheels. After a while, peace returned.

Lady Zhang took Cao Peng’s hand and led him to the door. Looking out, they saw the post station’s little courtyard in disarray.

Cao Peng let out a long breath, finally relieved.

“Father, mother, uncle... They’re gone, and the fire is strong. Why don’t we rest here for the night and leave at dawn? In the morning, we can buy an ox cart in Yangce Town.”

He himself was unconcerned, but Lady Zhang and Cao Ji both collapsed onto the floor, overwhelmed.

Who were those people just now? Cao Peng not only sat with Pang Ji, but spoke at length with him? If word got out, who could believe it!

Their gazes at Cao Peng were now markedly different.

Wang Meng suddenly stepped over and hugged Cao Peng tightly by the neck. “You child, really! Where did you learn to speak like that? Do you know who Pang Ji is? If you had angered him, he could have killed you a hundred times more easily than slaughtering a chicken.”

“Uncle, if Pang Yuan’an were so easily angered, he wouldn’t be called one of the Two Pangs of Lumen.”

Wang Meng couldn’t help but laugh at this. The words sounded bold at first, but upon reflection, they made sense.

Page (3/3)

A scholar! What is a scholar? Not only must one possess vast learning and vision beyond the ordinary, but also a spirit and bearing unmatched by common men. The art of self-mastery is essential for any true scholar. The genuine scholar, even with Mount Tai collapsing before him, remains unperturbed. If one angers easily, he is but a common student—no matter his talents, he will never accomplish great things. The Two Pangs of Lumen could never be men of narrow mind.

The five of them sat together by the hearth, and the wind outside seemed to have lost its bite.

Cao Peng was truly exhausted. Nestled in his mother’s arms, he wished for nothing more than a good sleep. Yet the clash with Pang Ji and Sima Hui had left him so exhilarated that his mind remained in a feverish whirl, unable to rest even in Lady Zhang’s embrace.

The wind had stilled, and the snow had ceased.

Just as Cao Peng grew drowsy and was nearly asleep, a sudden sound of wheels came from outside. Wang Meng, ever alert, rose at once and seized his iron trident.

“Will they never let us sleep...” Cao Ji muttered, following Wang Meng out.

In the post station’s courtyard stood a carriage. Two mounted riders saluted from horseback and said solemnly, “Master Sima has sent us to deliver this carriage as a gift for your son. He also said: If your son is ever at leisure, he is welcome in Xiangyang at Tanxi. Merely mention the master’s name, and he will be found... He also asks that you all take care.”

Wang Meng quickly offered his thanks. “Our deepest gratitude to Master Yuan’an and Master De Cao!”

The riders wasted no words, turned their horses, and rode off.

Staring at the carriage in the courtyard, Wang Meng and Cao Ji were stunned for a long while.

“Congratulations, my friend,” Wang Meng was first to recover, smiling. “Afu has shown such insight—he has clearly won Master Yuan’an’s favor. His future will know no bounds.”

Cao Ji, still dazed, muttered after a long pause, “Is this really for me?”

“Haha, not for you, for Afu!”

“Afu—is he my son?”

By now, Cao Ji was so overjoyed that he was almost delirious.

Lady Zhang scolded, “If not your son, whose could he be?”

Wang Meng laughed. “I’d love to have him for a son myself, if only I were so fortunate...”

“Afu is my son! Afu is my son!” Cao Ji laughed madly, tears streaming down his cheeks. “My son has made something of himself... I always knew he was no ordinary boy. My son has truly made something of himself!”

Cao Peng, nestled against his mother, watched Cao Ji’s wild laughter and tears and could not help but feel his own eyes grow moist. Ah, the heart of a parent is ever the most pitiable. In the past, when Cao Peng was sickly and withdrawn, who knows how many tears Cao Ji shed in secret.

What parent does not wish his child to succeed? Yet so often, disappointment outweighs hope.

Now, to receive the notice of a man like Pang Ji was to open a door that Cao Ji had never even dared to imagine.

The roads to success are countless!

Suddenly, a thought flashed through Cao Peng’s mind: If I wish to change my fate, I must first lay a solid foundation. But perhaps, there is a shortcut to be found?

——————————————————————————

Thanks to the readers “The Passing of a Sigh,” “Shadow in the Rain,” “Moon on the Plum Branch,” reader 091206102831895, and “Thunderstorm under the Tree” for their rewards, with deepest gratitude from the author!

Page (3/3)