Three Kingdoms: Prince of the Great Wei, Prime Minister Cao

It was because Cao Cao had never shown interest in Diao Chan and Lu Lingqi after Lu Bu’s fall at White Sect Tower. While this might be hard for some to believe, Cao Ju had solid grounds to infer that his father had never been romantically involved with Diao Chan.

This conclusion was based on historical circumstances, particularly the timing of Lu Bu’s downfall in relation to Cao Cao’s defeat at Wancheng. The Battle of Wancheng, also known as the Battle of Yusu, took place in the second year of Jian’an, corresponding to 197 AD.

Cao Ju avoided delving into the intricate details of the battle, focusing solely on the outcome. After Zhang Xiu surrendered, Cao Cao’s actions, particularly involving Lady Zou, led to a sense of humiliation for Zhang Xiu, resulting in his rebellion. The chaos caught Cao Cao off guard, and he fled hastily, inadvertently causing the deaths of his eldest son, Cao Ang, nephew Cao Anmin, and loyal general Dian Wei.

News of this defeat spread widely, revealing Cao Cao’s peculiar preference for married women. Even his legitimate wife, Lady Ding, was infuriated upon learning that her husband’s dalliances led to the death of their son, Cao Ang. In a rage, Lady Ding returned to her family home and never forgave Cao Cao until her death. Against this backdrop, in the third year of Jian’an, 198 AD, Lu Bu’s rebellion against the court and alliance with Yuan Shu occurred. Still recovering from the recent defeat at Wancheng, Cao Cao led his army to Xu Province to subdue Lu Bu. The great battle ended with Lu Bu’s defeat, and Cao Cao’s forces captured Xu Province, including Lu Bu’s beloved Diao Chan and daughter.

In ordinary circumstances, Cao Ju believed that, given his father’s propensity for married women, he might spare the young Lu Lingqi but not Diao Chan. After all, Diao Chan was not just any married woman; she was the wife of Lu Bu, the invincible God of War from the end of the Han Dynasty.

However, Cao Ju acknowledged that unexpected circumstances could arise. The lesson from Lady Zou’s incident in Wancheng was fresh in his mind. His primary wife, Lady Ding, was giving him the cold shoulder, and rumors of his affairs with married women were spreading. No matter how lustful Cao Cao might be in such a situation, he wouldn’t risk pursuing Diao Chan. He feared it might lead to disloyalty among Lu Bu’s generals and damage his relationship with Lady Ding. Moreover, it could irreparably stain his reputation as a husband of a married women.

In summary, Cao Ju concluded that his father, Cao Cao, had never been involved with Diao Chan, giving him the confidence to consider experiencing what it would be like with her.

Moreover, consider this: if his father, the “Cao traitor,” was truly so inclined toward lust that he would spare no married woman, how could there be the later story of Guan Yu slaying five generals and passing six forts, escorting his two sisters-in-law a thousand miles in search of his brother?

It’s quite possible that Guan Yu’s two sisters-in-law might have long been taken by his father, Cao Cao, and had gone through who knows how many rounds of “intimacy.” Subsequently, even the later Emperor Liu Shan might have become a seed of Cao Cao, a half-brother to his other sons! Laughs!!!

On a side note, not long after Lü Bu’s downfall, just before Cao Cao’s major confrontation with Yuan Shao in the north, facing the enticements from both sides, Zhang Xiu ultimately sided with Cao Cao. Officially, Zhang Xiu’s alignment with Cao Cao might be influenced by the cunning strategist Jia Xu’s persuasions. On a more personal level, if Cao Cao had stubbornly taken Lu Bu’s widow before trying to win over Zhang Xiu, how would Zhang Xiu have felt? Wouldn’t it have led him to unfavorable thoughts?

Inside the county government hall, with his thoughts shifting from the relationship between Diao Chan and his father, Cao Cao, Cao Ju looked at Zhang Liao, the great Wei summoner of tigers, with a smile, awaiting his response. Before Cao Ju listened to Cao Ju’s question about not seemingly liking him, Zhang Liao’s facial expression twitched. He was distressed and annoyed by this young master’s getting close to his son Zhang Hu and admiring Lu Lingqi. But now, how could he admit to it?

Sensing the gazes of the others in the hall, Zhang Liao hastily explained, “Young Master is jesting! Over a month ago, my son Zhang Hu mentioned you in correspondence with me! Hence, I thought you were still in Ye City. Seeing you suddenly appear here just now surprised me, so I inadvertently looked at you several more times.”

Regarding Zhang Liao’s explanation, Cao Ju deeply glanced at this tall and robust man from the northern regions. “Is that so? Heh, heh, it seems I misunderstood. After the military discussion, I, this young master, will apologize to General Zhang. General, please don’t rush to leave. Otherwise, this young master might truly think that General dislikes me and feels repulsed.”

Hearing Cao Ju’s words, Zhang Liao couldn’t help but sigh internally. He hadn’t expected this Eighth Young Master to be truly determined to “entangle” him.

Just as Zhang Liao was contemplating how to respond to Cao Ju’s persistent advances, outside the hall, there came the sound of approaching footsteps. “The Prime Minister is here!” With the chorus of voices echoing, Cao Cao swiftly strode in like the wind. And then, before anyone could react, he had already plopped down at the head of the hall.

Seeing this situation, the people who were previously engrossed in the “Cao Ju and Zhang Liao” drama didn’t dare hesitate. They promptly stood in their respective positions. Their speed was so quick that by the time Cao Ju tried to find his spot to stand, he had no room left in the hall.

“My son! Now that you’re here, why are you standing there like a statue? Do you expect your father to set up a special seat just for you?” Cao Cao looked at his unique and distinctive son amidst the crowd and gave him a fierce glare.

Upon hearing his father Cao Cao’s urging, Cao Ju put aside everything else. He immediately positioned himself behind Cao Zhang, ready to squeeze in. “Fourth, brother! Could you kindly move forward a bit?”

Before Cao Zhang could respond, Cao Ju called out to Yang Xiu, who held the position of army clerk under Cao Cao. “Master Yang! Could you also move back a little? You two, bear with it and make a small gap! Alright! Now… I’m ready to squeeze in!”