Chương 407: Cai Mao Visits Cao Cao

The two childhood friends are now worlds apart; one has become a surrendered general in Jingzhou, and the other a sinecure official in Luoyang. It's hard not to feel a pang of regret.

The two entered the main hall, where servants served tea.

Cao Cao dismissed his attendants, and seeing Cai Mao's restless state, he couldn't help but chuckle.

"Alright, De Gui, we've known each other for so many years, just speak your mind, don't beat around the bush. You came to see me not just to catch up, but because you have something on your mind. I bet you want to ask me about His Highness the Prince of Yan?"

Cai Mao blushed when Cai Mao was exposed by his words and stopped pretending.

He leaned forward and lowered his voice:

"Brother Mengde, you have a discerning eye! To tell you the truth, I came to Luoyang this time for two reasons. First, I am here on my father's orders to pay my respects to His Highness the Prince of Yan. Second... my sister, Cai Wan, is someone our Cai family plans to offer to His Highness as a concubine. She will be sent to the Prince's residence tomorrow."

He rubbed his hands together, looking uneasy, and said:

"But I have never met His Highness Prince Yan. I have only heard of his reputation. I don't know what kind of temperament he has, whether he is easy to get along with, what his taboos are, what he likes, or what he dislikes."

"Luoyang is not like Jingzhou. One wrong step and our entire Cai family will be doomed. After much thought, I've realized that you, Brother Mengde, are the only one in all of Luoyang who can speak the truth to me!"

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao couldn't help but burst into laughter.

He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and slowly revealed Liu Ce's true nature to Cai Mao, exposing everything clearly:

"De Gui, you can rest assured. Don't listen to those rumors outside, saying that the Prince of Yan is a fierce and ruthless killer. That's all just bluffing. Let me tell you the truth, this man is the most insightful and pragmatic person I've ever met in my life, without a doubt."

Cai Mao pricked up his ears, listening intently like a primary school student, not daring to even breathe loudly.

Cao Cao counted them off on his fingers, one by one:

"First of all, is he easy to get along with? He's very easy to get along with! He never cares about those formalities. When you talk to him, you don't have to beat around the bush or play games, and you don't have to adhere to the rules of aristocratic families every day."

"Say what you mean and be straightforward; he'll be happy that way. If you try to play mind games with him or use those underhanded tricks of the powerful families, he'll see right through you, and you'll definitely be in trouble."

Cai Mao nodded quickly, keeping these words firmly in mind.

Cao Cao then continued:

"Besides what he likes and dislikes, what he hates most are those powerful and wealthy families who occupy positions without contributing anything, seize land, and oppress the common people..."

"Look at those powerful families in Luoyang who followed Dong Zhuo in committing evil deeds; they all had their property confiscated by him. Even Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu, with their prestigious titles and four generations of high-ranking officials, were still imprisoned in the Gongdelin Prison for labor reform."

He paused, then changed the subject:

"But on the other hand, if you are honest and upright, do not oppress the people, have real skills and can get things done, he will definitely treat you well. Even if you are a surrendered general, even if you come from a poor family, he will dare to use you."

"Look at his men, Zhang Liao, Lü Bu... weren't they all from humble backgrounds? Now they're all ennobled and appointed as generals, living a very prestigious life."

"Look at me, back then I joined the coalition of feudal lords to fight against him, and he didn't do anything to me. He even gave me a sinecure and let me retire in Luoyang. Not many people have that kind of magnanimity."

Cai Mao nodded repeatedly, secretly making a mental note of it.

"As for taboos? There's nothing special about them. Don't bring up any sense of superiority about your 'four generations of high-ranking officials' or 'noble family' in front of him; he won't buy it. Don't do anything underhanded behind his back, especially embezzling military funds or oppressing the people; doing so will definitely lead to your death. As for the rest, just do your job honestly and be a respectful person, and you'll be fine."

Finally, Cao Cao patted Cai Mao on the shoulder and added a frank remark:

"De Gui, your Cai family has made the right move. His Highness the Prince of Yan is not like Dong Zhuo, all bark and no bite. He has always been kind to those around him. As long as your sister behaves well, is gentle and sensible after entering the manor, His Highness will definitely not mistreat her. Your Cai family will be secure from now on."

After hearing this, Cai Mao felt a huge weight lifted from his heart, and the anxiety that had been hanging over him for several days finally eased considerably.

He quickly stood up, bowed deeply to Cao Cao, and said:

"Thank you so much, Brother Mengde! Your words are more valuable than ten years of study! I finally feel more at ease! I cannot express my gratitude in words, but I will definitely come back with generous gifts to express my thanks another day!"

After chatting for a while, Cai Mao had a better understanding of the situation and didn't dare to linger. He quickly took his leave and returned to his residence to prepare for his visit to Liu Ce and to escort his sister to his residence the next day.

...

Cai Mao got up very early the next morning.

He tidied himself up neatly, changed into his most formal clothes, combed his hair meticulously, even trimmed his beard, and looked at himself in the bronze mirror again and again to make sure there was nothing wrong with him.

He then brought the gifts prepared by the Cai family, several boxes of Jingzhou specialties, including fine silk, tea, and medicinal herbs... all carefully selected, with no room for carelessness.

He arrived at the entrance of the Prince of Yan's residence half an hour early.

He handed over his visiting card and waited for Liu Ce to summon him.

The gates of the Prince of Yan's mansion were very imposing, with two vermilion doors and gleaming copper nails. Two rows of fully armed guards stood at the entrance, each with their eyes fixed straight ahead, exuding a murderous aura.

Cai Mao stood at the entrance, at the gate of the Prince's mansion. He took a deep breath and silently recited Cao Cao's words: Speak your mind, be straightforward, don't play mind games, and don't flaunt your aristocratic superiority...

As soon as the steward led him into the main hall of the Prince's Mansion, Cai Mao's heart leaped into his throat, his palms were sweaty, and he dared not even breathe loudly.

His eyes quickly swept over the main hall, which was not luxuriously decorated, but exuded an air of authority.

A map of the entire territory of the Han Dynasty was hanging on the wall, clearly marking mountains, rivers, prefectures, cities, and towns.

There were military books and several weapons on the shelf, which made one's legs weak just looking at them.

Even the air itself carried an aura of quiet authority.

He stood properly in the hall, his back ramrod straight, his mind racing through what Cao Cao had told him yesterday, afraid that he might say something wrong or be disrespectful when he met Liu Ce later.

Although Cao Cao had told him yesterday that Liu Ce was easy to get along with, he knew very well that this man was a ruthless figure who had swept away the north, beheaded Dong Zhuo, and united the coalition of warlords from Guandong. He held most of the country in his hands, and his prestige and abilities were not to be trifled with.

A moment later, footsteps could be heard outside the hall, along with the respectful greetings of guards: "My lord."

Cai Mao's heart tightened, and he quickly lowered his head.

Liu Ce walked in from outside, dressed in casual clothes, looking quite relaxed, but his imposing presence made people afraid to look him in the eye.

Cai Mao quickly performed a deep bow, his voice trembling slightly, and said, "This humble general, Cai Mao, pays his respects to Your Highness, the Prince of Yan!"

Liu Ce waved his hand and said in a very calm tone, "No need for formalities, get up and sit down."