Chapter 2: A Visit to Cao Bao

The lead servant bowed to Liu Feng and said, “Young master, the Middle Commandant General learned of your visit today and has already prepared a banquet in the rear hall, awaiting you for some time.”

At this moment, Cao Bao held the position of Middle Commandant General, appointed by Tao Qian, commanding over twenty thousand troops from Danyang in Xuzhou.

“My apologies for the intrusion. Your kindness humbles me beyond words,” Liu Feng replied.

“I am Cao Yang, here to guide you, young master.”

After the formalities, Liu Feng followed Cao Yang into the Cao residence. After several turns, they arrived at the rear courtyard, where from afar, Liu Feng saw Middle Commandant General Cao Bao standing before the hall to welcome him.

A faint smile flickered at the corner of Liu Feng’s mouth and vanished instantly. Clearly, Cao Bao’s presence at the hall’s entrance was an extremely auspicious sign.

Liu Feng had never dared to expect Cao Bao to wait for him at the gate of the Cao residence; after all, he was only Liu Bei’s son, not Liu Bei himself.

At the same time, Cao Bao was scrutinizing Liu Feng from a distance.

Besides the fact that the visitor was Liu Bei’s son, another significant reason for Cao Bao’s reception was Liu Feng’s growing reputation, which had already spread from the northern provinces to Xuzhou.

Rumors had it that Liu Feng was not only a filial son renowned for his devotion but also a prodigy famed across Qingzhou.

During the Eastern Han, prodigies were greatly valued.

The Records of the Eastern Han mention Zhang Kan, “at six years old, his talent was extraordinary and he was called the ‘Holy Child’ in the capital.”

The Huayang Guo Zhi’s praise of Yang Xiong reads, “At seven, he was already versed in profound texts, hailed as a prodigy.”

The Yiwen Leiju recounts that Du An, who loved books so much he carved walls to store them, was also known as a prodigy.

Prodigies appeared in abundance during the Eastern Han, nearly becoming a hallmark of the era.

Throughout history, no dynasty cherished prodigies more than the two Hans.

Cao Bao had heard of Liu Bei’s prodigious son and was naturally curious when he received news of Liu Feng’s visit.

“Young master Liu Feng, I pay respects to Middle Commandant General,” Liu Feng said, quickening his steps to bow deeply before Cao Bao.

Surprise flashed across Cao Bao’s face. He quickly stepped forward to support him. “Young master, there’s no need for such formality. As a subordinate of Lord Xuande, I am naturally your servant as well. Such grand ceremony embarrasses me.”

Liu Feng allowed himself to be helped up and replied courteously, “It is because Middle Commandant General is a pillar of Xuzhou and a talent my father relies upon that I dare not fail to show proper respect.”

Cao Bao paused, pondering the phrase “pillar of talent,” his eyes gleaming with appreciation.

He was no ordinary veteran leader; as a scion of a noble family, he held a distinguished lineage.

Otherwise, why would Tao Qian entrust him with the elite and vital Danyang troops?

Though Cao Bao had heard Liu Feng’s name before, he remained skeptical.

After all, Liu Feng was still young; despite appearing the size of a teenager of thirteen or fourteen, he was truly only ten years old.

Considering that the stories Cao Bao had heard took place years prior, it implied Liu Feng had already accomplished great deeds at six or seven years old.

Hence, Cao Bao had always harbored doubts.

Yet, when Liu Feng requested to visit, Cao Bao responded earnestly and personally awaited him at the rear hall’s gate.

Now, upon meeting, Liu Feng’s offhand four words carried such refined subtlety that Cao Bao found himself believing the rumors a bit more.

“Please enter the hall, young master.”

“Middle Commandant General, after you.”

They removed their shoes and entered the hall, seating themselves according to rank.

Pan Zhang knelt behind Liu Feng, holding a box and resting his hand on his sword.

After a serving maid brought tea, Cao Bao smiled and asked, “May I inquire, young master, what brings you here today?”

Liu Feng took a quiet breath, straightened his posture, and solemnly bowed, “I have come concerning the very life and fate of the Middle Commandant General.”

Clatter!

Cao Bao had just lifted his teacup when these words caused him to drop it, shattering it on the floor.

But at this moment, he paid no mind to the broken cup. Instead, he furrowed his brow, scowled at Liu Feng, and his voice turned cold. “Young master, what do you mean by this?”

Liu Feng had anticipated such a reaction.

Since ancient times, persuasive speakers often began with bold claims.

If you don’t startle your opponent, why would they take you seriously?

His expression remained calm, seemingly oblivious to Cao Bao’s displeasure. Instead, he respectfully requested, “The sages say the law is not passed through six ears. I earnestly beg the Middle Commandant General to dismiss your attendants.”

Before Cao Bao could respond, Liu Feng turned to Pan Zhang, “Wen Gui, place the box beside me, you may withdraw as well.”

Pan Zhang acknowledged and set down the wooden box before rising and leaving.

Cao Bao had harbored suspicions about Pan Zhang’s loyalty, but now, seeing Liu Feng dismiss him, he realized that the ten-year-old child, though large for his age, posed no threat.

Cao Bao pondered for a moment, recalling Liu Feng’s prodigious reputation. Moved, he waved his hand to dismiss the serving maids and guards from the hall.

With only the two of them remaining, Liu Feng ceased his coyness and began, “I humbly attempt to outline the current situation for the Middle Commandant General.”

“Xuzhou has always been a land of four wars. Apart from the east facing the sea, the south, west, and north all border hostile forces. The terrain is flat and open, easy to attack but hard to defend. Though Kong Beihai to the north maintains friendly ties with Xuzhou, he has done nothing against the Yellow Turbans in Qingzhou, merely guarding Beihai. This is like water without a source, a tree without roots—survival here is already a blessing.”

“Moreover, the Inspector of Qingzhou, Tian Kai, has faltered repeatedly, defeated time and again by Yuan Ji’s son Yuan Tan. Even Qingzhou’s largest commandery, Pingyuan, has been lost. I foresee that within a year, Tian Kai will be driven out of Qingzhou by Yuan’s forces.”

At first, Cao Bao was indifferent but gradually grew attentive.

Though he was among Xuzhou’s upper echelon, his vision and intelligence network could not compare to that of a younger generation.

The intelligence Liu Feng shared was something Cao Bao could never have gathered in full.

“To the west of Xuzhou lie Yan and Yu. Cao Cao has twice invaded Xuzhou, burning, plundering, massacring, severing the Si River’s flow. General, you are a key commander of Xuzhou who has fought and bled against Cao’s forces many times, harboring deep enmity. Moreover, you are a trusted aide of Lord Tao, Cao Cao’s father’s murderer. Should Cao Cao gain power and seize Xuzhou, I fear there will be no place for you to survive.”

Hearing this, Cao Bao’s expression changed drastically.

Though he wanted to dismiss Liu Feng’s words as exaggeration, on reflection, which of these claims was not true?

Indeed, Cao Bao had long pondered these matters. Though not as insightful as Liu Feng, he was far from ignorant.

Yet, these thoughts had long tormented him without resolution.

Now, Liu Feng’s words stirred the burden in his heart, and it was no wonder he found himself drawn into the flow of Liu Feng’s reasoning.

“Xuzhou’s five commanderies, Guangling is the largest. Since the death of its governor Zhao Yu, however, it has long been seized by Yuan Shu, who appointed Zhang Chao, brother of Zhang Miao from Chenliu, as governor. Yuan Shu is petty and arrogant, valuing family background over talent, surrounding himself with sycophants, while loyal and capable ministers have no standing.”

“Furthermore, he claims authority over Yangzhou and styles himself as the Count of Xuzhou, acting arrogantly and provoking conflicts on all sides. General, tell me, if you were to align with Yuan Shu, what fate do you foresee?”

As Liu Feng spoke, he studied Cao Bao’s expressions closely.