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

Chapter 12: Cao Pi’s False Kindness, Cao Zhang’s Recklessness, Xun You’s Display of Goodwill!

Upon receiving the report from Dian Man outside the carriage, Cao Ju’s expression betrayed a hint of surprise. Without hesitation, as the carriage stopped, he stepped out. His gaze fixed on the city gate, where he saw none other than his third brother, Cao Pi, and fourth brother, Cao Zhang. Instead of immediately approaching them, he squinted his eyes, observing his two older brothers from a distance, contemplating their intentions for being at the city gate.

Cao Ju wouldn’t be surprised if they were here on their father Cao Cao’s orders to question or reprimand him. But if they had come on their initiative, he chuckled inwardly, for that would imply something more significant—perhaps they had learned about his recent actions in Shouchun.

“Dian Man, Deng Ai, come with me,” Cao Ju ordered without turning his head. He then walked towards the city gate.

However, just as Cao Ju approached Cao Pi and Cao Zhang before he could greet his brothers with proper respect, Cao Zhang’s displeased tone cut through, “Youngest Eighth Brother, instead of staying obediently in Ye City, why did you go to Shouchun?”

“With the chaos in the world today, those bandits and rogues on the roads won’t care about your status. Or perhaps you think now that you’ve grown up and your wings are strong, no one can control you anymore?” Cao Zhang’s displeasure was evident in his words.

Observing the openly hostile attitude of his fourth brother, Cao Zhang, Cao Ju raised an eyebrow slightly. He had just started to showcase his abilities, and this young member of the Cao family was already treating him as a rival for the heir’s position, eager to suppress him.

Turning his attention to his third brother, Cao Pi, quietly waiting on the side, Cao Ju shook his head internally. Compared to Cao Zhang, Cao Pi was on a whole different level. No wonder history showed that Cao Pi played a role in Cao Zhang’s demise. As expected, in the next moment, Cao Pi spoke up. However, he wasn’t blaming Cao Ju as Cao Zhang did. Instead, he turned to Cao Zhang, who had spoken first, and scolded, “Zi Wen, watch your words.”

“Even if Zi Mu is stubborn, he is still our brother. Although Zi Mu speaks without restraint, his intentions are good. He’s considering your safety.”

“For now, you better come with both of us to see Father. Father is quite angry about your actions in Shouchun.” Cao Pi glanced around before lowering his voice, “He’s very upset.”

“Later, Zi Ju, you should handle this carefully.” At the city gate, Cao Ju looked at Cao Pi, his older brother who always preached about brotherhood, and felt nothing but disdain. Brotherhood in words, but when it really mattered, the call wouldn’t go through. He understood this principle well, having watched countless Hong Kong films.

If he didn’t know about Cao Pi’s actions after ascending to the throne in history, he might have been fooled by Cao Pi’s “pretense” of kindness. But now, well…

Believing he could rival Cao Pi in terms of acting skills, Cao Ju, armed with his knowledge of countless online resources, felt quite confident. Faced with Cao Zhang and Pi’s disparate attitudes, he adopted an expression of being taught and said, “Third brother, fourth brother, your guidance is appreciated.”

“As you both have said, my previous behavior was indeed improper. I will go to Father and apologize.”

Cao Ju’s current approach emphasized brotherly harmony. He didn’t want to directly clash with Cao Zhang, avoiding an explosive conflict. His cunning father, Cao Cao, hoping his sons would compete for the heir position, wouldn’t want them to fight to the death, losing even the semblance of brotherhood.

Seeing Cao Ju “admitting his mistake,” Cao Pi nodded with a smile. “Very well! Zi Mu, come into the city with your elder brother. Fourth Brother, you come along too,” Cao Pi said, leading Cao Ju and Cao Zhang into the city gate and heading straight for the county governor’s residence.

Upon entering the county residence, they were informed by Xu Chu, stationed at the gate, that Cao Cao was currently in his study discussing matters with the strategist Xun You. With no other choice, the three of them had to wait quietly outside after what felt like a considerable time. As the sun began to set, the door to the study suddenly opened. However, it wasn’t Cao Cao who emerged; it was Xun You.

Xun You looked at Cao Ju, Cao Pi, and Cao Zhang standing at the doorway. This unexpected situation caught his attention, and his gaze instinctively fell on Cao Ju. Even something known to Cao Pi could be sensed by Xun You.

As a member of the Xun clan and Xun Yu’s nephew, how could Xun You not know? So, when he learned that Cao Ju, the previously unheard-of-eighth son of the Cao family, had intervened to save his uncle Xun Yu from being executed due to differing ideologies, he felt grateful to Cao Ju deep within his heart.

With a sense of gratitude, it was hard for him not to pay attention to Cao Ju. “Gentlemen, the Prime Minister is waiting for you inside,” Xun You said, allowing them to enter.

Afterward, Xun You subtly nodded at the three and calmly left their presence. While he was grateful for Cao Ju’s actions, he knew this was not the time to reveal his sentiments. Showing his gratitude too eagerly would be unwise. The deaths within the Xun clan might not be limited to Xun Yu alone. Even if the Xun clan intended to reciprocate Cao Ju’s favor, they would likely wait until he weathered Cao Cao’s scrutiny and acquired the qualifications to contend for a higher position. Otherwise, their actions could end up harming both Cao Ju and themselves.