Chapter 50: Adopted Son? Zhong Yu Calms Down Chang'an!

  "Lord Pei, why has our army's rations not arrived yet?" Duan Zhuo angrily questioned Pei Mao, his own troops were on the verge of rioting due to lack of food.

  Pei Mao also had no choice, what could be done if the imperial court did not issue military rations? Pei Mao clasped his hands and said: "General Duan, I have no solution either, the imperial court really cannot issue military rations!"

  "Hum, Lord Pei, our generals in Guanzhong surrendered to the imperial court because my brothers and I were tired of fighting for many years. We didn't want to fight anymore. If the imperial court treats us like this, are they forcing us to become bandits again?"

  Pei Mao Yi listened and hurriedly stopped Duan Zhuo, saying: "General Duan, calm your anger. I will personally return to Xudu once and give you a satisfactory answer!"

  "Alright, I hope General Pae won't keep me waiting for long. When that time comes, I can endure it, but our soldiers won't be able to!"

  "All right, General Duan, I'll set off immediately!" With that, Pei Mao left Chang'an and rushed to Xudu.

  With a whoosh, Lü Rui's bow and arrow shot down a wild rabbit. Hehe, following Xiahou Yuan to learn archery really paid off, another prey!

  "Rui'er's archery skills are so impressive! Uncle Zhong, at Rui'er's age, you didn't have such great archery skills!"

  "Thanks, Uncle Zhong!" You, Cao's wife, certainly didn't have such great archery skills back then. I reckon you were already starting to fight with the Yuan brothers over someone else's wife at that time.

  "Report! Your Excellency, Pei Mao is waiting at the Minister of Works' residence seeking an audience. General Guo requests your return!"

  Pei Mou has actually arrived? Haha, another one who has come to surrender, it seems that there is indeed a mother! Cheng Yu and Guo Jia are truly renowned for their wisdom throughout the ages, allowing Cao Cao to leisurely go hunting and bask in the admiration of those court officials!

  Cao was on horseback, stroked his beard, and smiled: "Let Pei Mao wait, I'll finish hunting and go back, Rui'er, let's go!" After finishing speaking, Cao galloped away, and Lü Rui also rode the small Jueying to follow up.

  "Lord Pei, have some tea!" Guo Jia smiled and handed a cup of tea to Pei Mao.

  "Thank you, Lord Guo!" Pei Mao took the tea, his heart racing with anxiety. What did Cao mean? He had come to the Sima's residence in person, and yet Cao was still avoiding him? If that was the case, then Chang'an was already in danger, and he... would probably lose his official position and even his head! Thinking of this, Pei Mao broke out in a cold sweat.

  "Master Sīkōng has returned to the mansion!" The gatekeeper intentionally raised his voice so that Pei Mào could hear. Upon hearing this, Pei Mào stood up and then stood still at one side.

  "Rui Er? How about entrusting you with the task of persuading Pei Mao to surrender?"

  "Old man?"

  "Rui'er has been following Feng Xiao and others for a long time, today it will be used as a test question!"

  Isn't that so, unpredictable? That's exactly what I'm talking about. Old Cao suddenly gave a pop quiz, and it was really unexpected. But there's no way out, so I agreed. "Yes, Uncle Zhong, Rui'er will give it a try!"

  "Alright, let's see how Father handles this!"

  "See Sir Cao!"

  "Oh? So it's Lord Pei, please take a seat quickly!"

  Afterwards, Lü Rui and Pei Mao also finished their greetings, the three of them sat down separately. Guo Jia saw Cao Cao's hint and retreated.

  "What brings Lord Pei here today?" Cao asked slowly and calmly.

  "Chang'an is running low on military supplies and food, today I specially came to ask for help from Your Excellency, the Minister of Works!"

  "Lord Pei, our military provisions in Yuzhou are also insufficient, there is really no way."

  "Your Excellency Sako? This...?"

  "Lord Pei, sorry about that. Our master still needs to take a look at the injured puppy, so let Rui'er attend to you instead!" After saying that, Cao glanced at Lü Rui and then left.

  Pei Mao hadn't even reacted yet when Cao left. The test has arrived? Lv Rui must deal with Pei Mao!

  Pei Mao finally reacted, could it be that Cao had something to say to Lü Rui? Was he not good at showing his face himself? This was the way things were done in official circles!

  "Little Master?"

  "Lord Pei!" Lü Rui was also unprepared for Cao's test, but Pei Mao had definitely leaned towards Cao in history, after all, it was a matter of circumstances. However, as for the process... Lü Rui didn't understand it at all. There was no other way, he could only rely on himself, so he gritted his teeth and decided to make a mess!

  "Little Master Hou? I don't know what requirements Sir Cai has for Pei Mao. Please enlighten me, Little Master Hou, Pei Mao is eternally grateful!"

  "Is Lord Pei afraid of losing his official position? Losing his life?"

  Pei Mao Yi listened, stunned for a moment. Although Pei Mao had the intention of surrendering, it was to Cao Cao, not to Lü Bu, and he still needed to maintain his dignity in front of Lü Bu!

  "Pei Mao, for the sake of Guanzhong soldiers, even if his official position is not preserved, what's the big deal? I just want to find a good place for the Guanzhong soldiers to settle down. Losing one's life? Pei certain has never been afraid!"

  Ahh, don't be so hypocritical, okay? Aren't you afraid of death? What are you doing here? Why not stay in Chang'an and wait for Duan Yu to make a soup out of you? Why come back? Heh heh? You think I'm not worthy? Fine! Let me show you my prowess!

  "Lord Pei is indeed a loyal and patriotic person, his integrity makes Lü Rui admire him. Lü Rui has not yet come of age, he still needs to learn from Lord Pei."

  "Your Lordship is being polite, please inform me of the true intentions of Grand Councilor Pei Mao."

  Lü Rui ignored Pei Mao and played with the jade sword in his hand, asking: "Lord Pei, do you know where this humble lord obtained this jade sword?"

  You dare to put on airs in front of me? Trying to raise your value? I'm afraid of Cao, but not you! "Pei Mao doesn't know, please enlighten me, Your Highness!"

  "Oh, some time ago, Xu Du had investigated and punished some rebellious individuals. My father ordered me to join General Xu Huang in confiscating their properties, and that's how I obtained this jade sword. The story of its original owner is quite thought-provoking!"

  "What road shall I take? Alas, my family is long and has many young children!"

  "Lord Pei Mao is fearless of life and death, Lü Rui admires him, but Lord Pei Mao seems to have five sons? If they all unfortunately pass away, it would be a great misfortune!"

  Pei Mao Yi was stunned upon hearing this, this child is not easy to deal with, **naked threat? This is absolutely something Lü Rui can't do, only... Cao!

  Pei Mao hastily bowed and said: "Your Excellency is wise! Pei Mao admires you! Please forgive me, I sincerely ask for your guidance!"

  Haha? People with integrity, using family members as a threat is indeed useful, the Three Kingdoms era was an age where family interests were above national interests after all!

  Lü Rui nodded and said: "Lord Pei Mao is too polite, since Lord Pei Mao wants to surrender to Prime Minister Si Kong, he must have some sincerity!"

  Pei Mao listened, suddenly enlightened, and indeed it was so. Pei Mao nodded his head and said: "Pei Mao is willing to contribute the precious treasures of his family to Lord Sikong, and at the same time petition the imperial court to let Zhong Yi take the position of Sili Xuewei, Governor of Chang'an!"

  Pei Mao still did the preparatory work, Zhong Yu is Cao's favored governor of Chang'an, and Pei Mao knew about it? Hehe, mission accomplished!

  "Lord Pei Mao, this method is good, but it has no new ideas!"

  What's new? Can this expression of loyalty still have a new meaning? What is this thing? "Pei Mao didn't know what Master Hou meant?"

  "Lord Pei, as they say 'to each their own', are you aware which ancient sage Lord Si Kong has the most admiration for?"

  "Pei Mao does not know, please enlighten me, Lord Hou!"

  "The Great and Wise King Wen of Zhou!"

  King Wen of Zhou? What does this have to do with showing one's intention to surrender?" "Indeed, Sir Si Kong has lofty aspirations, and Pei Mao is impressed. However, what...does this have to do with Pei Mao?"

  "Lord Pei is so muddle-headed! What can King Wen take pride in? Nothing but having a hundred loyal sons!"

  "If Lord Pei and Lord Sikong have a father-son relationship, would Lord Sikong not rescue him even if it means death? I, the Marquis, have finished speaking, farewell!"

  At night, in the Pei Mou Fu, Zhou Wen Wang had one hundred adopted sons? This legend of Pei Mou was well-known, Zhou Wen Wang liked to take in orphans as adopted sons and raise them. The legendary Lei Zhenzi was the 100th adopted son, but what did Lü Rui mean? I want to be Cao's adopted son!

  "Master? Is this the method of Rui'er?"

  "Haha, although it's strange, let Rui'er try it out, we don't need to care about it. Our goal is to consume the strength of the Guanzhong generals and court officials. The more chaotic, the better for us under our control!"

  Boom! Firecrackers exploded loudly at the Si Kong Mansion, which was decorated with lanterns and streamers. It's clear that a joyful event is about to take place. Today is the day when Pei Mao's fifth son will pay respects to Cao as his godfather. Although it's Cao who is being honored as the godfather, it's not Old Cao who is footing the bill, but rather Pei Mao himself.

  "Meet my foster father, foster mother!" Pei Mao's five sons, Pei Qian, Pei Jun, Pei Hui, Pei Jie and Pei Wan. In the main hall of the Minister of Works' residence, they paid their respects to Cao Cao and Lady Ding. Cao Cao's dark face was beaming with smiles, this method is truly brilliant! Pei Mao's sons have acknowledged me as their foster father? Your Majesty's face will look even worse now, more importantly, the political significance is immeasurable!

  Looking at Pei Mao's five sons, Lü Rui smiled. Pei Mao really dared to do it. However, these five sons were highly valued by Lü Rui. They would all become important officials of Cao Wei in the future. The Pei family also rose from them and reached its peak until the Tang Dynasty.

  Heh heh, the five sons of Pei? Maybe in the future they'll all be my assistants. But for now? The Pei family is still a humble household! Relying on the Xun family to deal with the aristocratic families? Not practical. A humble household can still be useful! Sima Yi? I'm waiting for you here!

  The news of Pei Mao's five sons making Cao their adopted father quickly spread throughout Xuchang, and soon a craze swept the city: "the fashion of adopting fathers!" Before long, officials who had no other way to advance began to think of making Cao their adopted father, and gradually this trend spread from official circles to among the common people. The courtyard of the Minister of Works was thronged with people, all using the pretext of adopting Cao as a father to offer him gifts; whether or not he accepted them as his sons depended on Cao's needs.

  Lü Rui was speechless at the sight of all these changes. So, it turned out that Father Wind Chao also had a spreading effect? Unexpectedly, he actually triggered a big Han Father Wind Chao!

  "Pei Mao is shameless, extremely shameless, SHAMELESS!!!!!!" Emperor Xian of Han loudly scolded Pei Mao in the imperial palace. He had appointed Pei Mao to a high-ranking position with generous rewards, but instead, Pei Mao defected to Cao Cao and even made his children call Cao Cao their adoptive father!

  "Your Majesty, calm your anger, this is a major trend, Your Majesty must endure!" Yang Bi bowed his hands and advised Liu Xie.

  "Old General can step down!" Liu Xie was also very annoyed when he saw Yang Bi, and could only speak but not act.

  Yang Biao saw that Liu Xie was not willing to listen to his words, and had no choice but to retreat. As he watched Yang Biao's departing figure, Liu Xie angrily exclaimed in his heart: "None of you are helping me? Then I'll use my own methods to seize power!"

  Chang'an Governor's Mansion, the newly appointed governor Zhong Yi is meeting with Duan Wei and other Guanzhong generals.

  "Gentlemen, what do you think of the governor's suggestion?"

  "Governor, are you serious about what you just said?"

  "Ben Taishou is the trusted aide of Prime Minister, so his words are naturally trustworthy. All of you have been fighting for many years and must be tired. You can go to Xudu to enjoy your old age, and let the soldiers stay in Chang'an to reclaim wasteland, get married and have children, isn't that a happy life?"

  "Alright, Duan Wei will believe in the adults and follow Pei Mao back to Chang'an!" As soon as Duan Wei said this, the Guanzhong generals all expressed their agreement.

  Guanzhong was officially recovered by Cao, with Zhong Yu as the Colonel of the Garrison Cavalry and the Governor of Chang'an leading troops to garrison. The remaining forces of Dong Zhuo in Guanzhong all laid down their arms and surrendered, becoming new residents of Guanzhong! After gaining control of Chang'an and Luoyang, Cao consolidated his position on the western front and began planning to take over Xuzhou, the granary of the east.