Chapter 53: Among Lord Cao’s Retainers, Who Is Fit to Be a General?

A strong warrior is skilled in medicine.

This phrase does not mean that those who excel in martial arts are necessarily good doctors, but rather that, over the course of their long training, each has developed their own methods of examining their bodies. Dian Wei, a formidable warrior, inevitably suffered bumps and bruises, and so, unknowingly, acquired this ability.

Cao Peng's injuries appeared severe.

His back was swollen like a steamed bun, with a bloody ridge raised high, a sight that struck fear into those who saw it. Yet, after Dian Wei inspected Cao Peng’s body, he was surprised to find that the situation was not as dire as it seemed. Since his rebirth, Cao Peng had cultivated his body with Tai Chi, combining Eight Brocades with the Eight Character True Words to strengthen his vitality and internal organs. This gave him an ability to self-regulate.

Xiahou Lan’s level was only at "Bone Transformation," a grade below Wei Yan. The long silver spear struck Cao Peng, but much of its force was neutralized by the Whirling Blade. Thus, Cao Peng’s wounds were external, not internal. They looked severe, but in truth, Xiahou Lan had merely obstructed his breath, causing him to temporarily lose consciousness…

“Xiahou Lan, do you have any healing medicine?”

Dian Wei picked up Cao Peng’s short sword, passed it over the flames, then wiped it clean.

Xiahou Lan, feeling a bit guilty, immediately stepped forward in response, “I have excellent healing medicine.”

He took a palm-sized clay jar from his pouch and handed it to Dian Wei.

Dian Wei accepted it, poured out a black pill the size of a pigeon’s egg, sniffed it, and his face immediately showed a hint of appreciation.

“Good medicine!”

“This was given to me by my teacher when I left for the battlefield, who acquired it from Elder Zuo.”

“Elder Zuo?” Dian Wei was momentarily puzzled, glancing at Xiahou Lan. But he did not press further, and instead used the short sword to gently cut along the bloody ridge on Cao Peng’s back. Dark red clotted blood oozed from the wound. Cao Peng’s body visibly trembled. Dian Wei held Cao Peng steady, made two more incisions, drained the clotted blood, then chewed the healing pill, spreading the paste over the wounds… The swollen ridge, resembling a steamed bun, visibly deflated, and Dian Wei breathed a sigh of relief.

“General Dian, what about Afu…”

“He’s mostly fine.” Dian Wei stood up, returning the medicine to Xiahou Lan. The dark, robust face broke into a smile. “This child, I don’t know what martial art he practices, but his vitality is abundant and his internal organs are strong. He should be alright.”

Wei Yan, too, breathed a sigh of relief.

“Who is your teacher?”

“To answer Captain Dian, I am a disciple of Tong Yuan.”

“Tong Yuan?” Dian Wei’s expression changed to one of astonishment. “Is that the Spear King, Tong Yuan, who is as renowned as Sword King Wang Yue, the Prince’s Master?”

“You know my teacher’s name as well?”

Dian Wei laughed, “The Prince’s Master’s disciple, Shi A, now serves under Lord Cao and is the sword instructor to the Second Young Master. How could I not know of Tong Yuan?”

Then he looked at Xiahou Lan with a curious expression, sizing him up. “But your skills seem lacking… Shi A’s abilities are extraordinary. If it were just sparring, I might not even be his match.”

By implication, if it were a real fight, Shi A would not be Dian Wei’s equal.

Xiahou Lan blushed and spoke timidly, “Actually, I am merely a registered disciple of Master Tong. He said from the start that my aptitude made mastery difficult, and he was reluctant to take me… His main disciple and I grew up together, so he pleaded persistently. Master Tong, unable to refuse his appeals, allowed me to train alongside him. But Master Tong’s attention was always on my brother, so…”

Dian Wei nodded in understanding, “No wonder. I thought with Tong Yuan’s reputation, he’d surely teach his disciples thoroughly. By your appearance, you must have served in the army for some time. Though your skills are not exceptional, you could easily command a thousand men. Why are you only a junior officer?”

“To answer Captain Dian, I was originally in the White Horse Cavalry.”

“Ah?” Dian Wei was greatly surprised.

In the era of the Three Kingdoms, a few units were famed as elite.

Liu Bei’s White Ear troops, built on the foundation of Danyang soldiers; after Liu Bei entered West Shu, he had the Flying Army, adept at mountain warfare; Cao Cao’s Tiger and Leopard Cavalry was still being formed; Yuan Shao’s Vanguard Camp had been disbanded after General Qu Yi’s death, replaced by the yet unformed Halberd Warriors. Additionally, Lü Bu’s Eight Hundred Shock Troops in Xuzhou were claimed to be invincible; and the White Horse Cavalry belonged to Gongsun Zan of Youzhou, renowned as elite horsemen.

He never expected that Xiahou Lan had served in the White Horse Cavalry!

“Then why are you now under Yuan Rang?”

“Last year, General Gongsun fought Yuan Shao. The White Horse Cavalry was defeated by Qu Yi’s Vanguard Camp. I was a vanguard, and after an initial setback, Gongsun intended to punish us. My brother was also in the White Horse Cavalry, and sent word. I escaped overnight… wandered for half a year, and reached Luoyang last August. At that time, General Xiahou was recruiting, so I joined his ranks.”

So that was it…

Dian Wei nodded lightly, showing understanding.

After the three sat by the campfire, Wei Yan, though still displeased with Xiahou Lan, seemed less hostile.

Dian Wei asked again, “I recall Yuan Rang was stationed east of Yushui. Why are you here?”

Xiahou Lan forced a bitter smile.

“Yesterday, Zhang Boluan suddenly rebelled. Yuan Rang responded immediately, preparing to rescue the Lord. But the retreating troops disrupted the formation, and Yuan Rang was powerless to restore order. General Xiahou’s troops were mostly from Qingzhou. After defeat, Qingzhou soldiers looted the retreating troops and showed signs of rebellion. I was dispersed at that time, somehow ended up on the west bank of Yushui, and fought several skirmishes with the rebels…”

Dian Wei’s expression darkened.

“Qingzhou soldiers rebelled?” He quickly asked, “How is the Lord?”

“I’m not sure,” Xiahou Lan replied, “After I came to my senses, I tried to fight back to the east bank, but the rebels had sealed the riverbank. Zhang Boluan personally led the army and camped on the east bank, strictly guarding it.

I tried several times to cross, but the rebels were too numerous…

Last night at midnight, I made one last attempt to cross and was discovered by Zhang Boluan’s son, Zhang Su, who chased me all the way. In the confusion and darkness, I ended up here. I originally planned to fight my way back, but when I saw the young lord, I thought he was a rebel scout, so… Captain Dian, I truly did not mean to harm the young lord.”

There was a hint of pleading in Xiahou Lan’s words.

He had escaped from the White Horse Cavalry, could not stay in Hebei, and so sought refuge with Cao Cao.

Who knew that after the defeat at Wancheng, he would end up injuring Cao Peng. Xiahou Lan still did not know Cao Peng’s identity, but seeing Dian Wei’s concern, assumed it was extraordinary. The fact that he bore the surname Cao made Xiahou Lan think he was a relative of Cao Cao.

If that were so, his days under Cao Cao would be hard indeed…

Dian Wei waved his hand, “You cannot be blamed… Wen Chang, don’t be angry anymore. Afu’s life is not in danger, he’s only temporarily unconscious. He should wake up by tomorrow. Since we all serve the Lord, let’s not harbor grudges.”

Wei Yan, though still unhappy, nodded.

After all, this was just a misunderstanding, and Xiahou Lan truly could not be blamed.

As the highest ranking among the three, Dian Wei now clearly took the lead.

“Let’s prepare some food. Afu will need nourishment when he wakes.”

At Dian Wei’s command, Wei Yan and Xiahou Lan immediately got to work.

The utensils were ready, food was freshly hunted by Wei Yan, so there was little trouble. Xiahou Lan, evidently wanting to get on Wei Yan’s good side, took the initiative to handle the food. He seemed experienced—cleaned the grass snake, skewered it with a stick, and roasted it over the fire. Then, taking two rabbits, he cleaned them by the well.

Dian Wei, deep in thought, remained silent.

The scent of roasting meat filled the house. Wei Yan and Xiahou Lan handled the food, and the three sat quietly by the fire.

“Xiahou!”

“Here!”

“How serious was the Qingzhou soldiers’ rebellion?”

Xiahou Lan replied softly, “At the time, it was indeed quite serious.”

“So… does that mean the Lord is in danger?”

Dian Wei’s words startled both Xiahou Lan and Wei Yan.

Yes, if the Qingzhou soldiers rebelled, Cao Cao, fleeing back from the west bank, would face greater peril. What if… None of them dared to continue, staring at each other in silence.

“You’re worrying for nothing!”

A weak voice suddenly rang out.

Wei Yan turned, cried out in delight, “Afu!”

Cao Peng, who had been unconscious moments before, had somehow awakened.

He was struggling to sit up… Dian Wei hurried over and grabbed his arm, “Child, how can you get up?”

At the same time, he was secretly amazed.

By Dian Wei’s estimation, Cao Peng shouldn’t have woken until nightfall at the earliest.

Yet, within half a day, he was already conscious… Earlier, Dian Wei had noticed Cao Peng’s abundant vitality. Though his body was somewhat frail, his vitality was strong. Where vitality is strong, the internal organs are robust; robust organs mean the kidneys are strong, and so there is no threat to life.

What martial art does this child practice?

Cao Peng’s bones felt scattered, and his back burned painfully, as if seared.

He slowly climbed up and said to Dian Wei, “Big Black, don’t worry. Though the Qingzhou soldiers are chaotic, they won’t threaten Lord Cao’s life.”

“Oh?”

“Xiahou Yuan Rang is a big fool. He’s good at fighting, but poor at managing troops. Among Lord Cao’s officers, only four are truly skilled in military discipline… The rest may excel at defense or attack, can hold their own, but are not generals of great talent.”

Cao Peng’s face was still pale, but his voice was strong.

Dian Wei knew the child was safe. With some rest, he would recover.

Hearing Cao Peng’s words, he grew curious.

“Child, you say there are four true generals under the Lord. Who are they?”

“My brother-in-law taught me: a general must possess wisdom, trustworthiness, benevolence, courage, and strictness. It sounds easy, but in reality… Under Lord Cao, the Adviser Cao Ren is a true general; the Governor of Yingchuan, the Military Captain Xiahou Yuan, can drive his men to fight to the death, a true general; Lieutenant General Xu Huang, simple and cautious, scouts far ahead, ensures invincibility before battle, pursues the enemy for spoils, his men have no time to eat, a true general. These three can each hold their own territory. Besides them, the Pacifier Captain Yu Jin, strict in discipline, drives men to die for him, maintains rigorous order, knows severity… is also a true general.”

Cao Peng smiled, “I recall that this time, the Pacifier Captain accompanied the army.”

Dian Wei was astonished, looking at Cao Peng, unable to resist asking, “Afu, who is your brother-in-law?”

Cao Peng’s face darkened and he did not answer.

Wei Yan whispered a few words in Dian Wei’s ear, and Dian Wei flew into a rage.

“Huang She, that petty soul, jealous and vile, an unworthy son… Afu, don’t worry. Heaven protects the virtuous, your brother-in-law will be safe.”

But Cao Peng gave a cold laugh, “Big Black, don’t worry about my affairs. Better think carefully about how we’re going to escape this predicament.”

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Thanks to fellow readers: Book by Book, Little Dao, Jiahao~~~~~~~ , Phantom Demon of Ghost Shadow, Jin Bu Cuo, Vigorous Energy, Ultimate Wind Fan, Generous Xi Men Zhuge, Old New, salute.

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