Here, though situated within the Imperial City, was under the jurisdiction of the Commandant of the Guards, a self-contained prison known as the Jiānyùn Láo. The vicinity was strictly guarded by the Feathered Forest Army (Yǔlín Jūn), all of whom were personally loyal to Cao Ren. Following the incident concerning the Emperor's Secret Edict (Yīdài Zhào), Cao Cao had significantly tightened his control over the Imperial City. The original Yǔlín Jūn had been completely redeployed, and several thousand troops were drawn from his own personal forces to assume the duties of guarding the city, effectively forming Cao Cao’s private retinue.

No one dared move past them without Cao Ren's direct order.

The cell was spacious enough to hold twenty or thirty men, yet only ten individuals were currently incarcerated within its walls.

The dim candlelight flickered restlessly. Cao Peng sat in one corner of the cell, appearing completely at ease.

He sat cross-legged, quietly cultivating the Twelve Section Brocade static meditation technique, seemingly undisturbed by his imprisonment.

Xiahou Lan and the other nine Fēiyàn guards were scattered around him.

Their arrangement appeared haphazard, yet it effectively placed Cao Peng in the center, offering him protection. Any assassin would have to contend with Xiahou Lan and his comrades first. Furthermore, Cao Peng was no frail scholar lacking the ability to defend himself.

"Captain Cao, time to eat!"

A jailer carrying a food bucket shouted loudly as he entered.

Two Fēiyàn guards rose, took the bucket from the jailer, and offered their thanks.

Xiahou Lan ladled out a bowl of rice and approached Cao Peng. "Young Master, you haven't eaten all day. Please have something."

Cao Peng opened his eyes, smiled at Xiahou Lan, accepted the food, and said, "Ziyou, you really didn't need to follow me to suffer this fate."

"Does the Young Master not know the principle that a subject should die if his lord is shamed?"

Hearing this, Cao Peng stopped speaking.

What had happened was done; words were useless now. He only felt pity for Xiahou Lan and the others. They had already achieved the rank of Jūnsīmǎ (Army Commander), and with a little more effort, they could have reached at least Xiàowèi (Colonel). Now, by entering this prison with him, their prospects as Jūnsīmā...

What a pity for the Galloping Cavalry Battalion!

With that thought, Cao Peng picked up his bowl and devoured the meal in large gulps.

"Ziyou, all of you, come over here."

He beckoned Xiahou Lan and the others forward. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "I do not know how I can repay you for sharing this hardship. I possess several styles of boxing that can temper sinews and increase strength. Ziyou has studied Bājí with me, so he will pass it on to you all...

"Ziyou, you have not made progress since reaching the Marrow Cleansing stage. It is not that I am unwilling to teach you, but I truly do not know how to transmit it. Fortunately, my esteemed teacher, the Immortal Zuo, bestowed upon me the method of the White Tiger Seven Transformations. From today onward, you shall study the Seven Transformations of the White Tiger alongside me. I am not entirely clear on the finer points; it will depend entirely on your own comprehension. I will also pass on the Twelve Section Brocade static technique to you. Should you regain your freedom in the future, this cultivation method alone will be enough to earn distinction and comfort my heart."

Hearing this, Xiahou Lan immediately knelt with a thud.

"I am indebted to the Young Master for recognizing my worth—a debt of true acquaintance. Back then, I was merely skilled in martial arts; it was through the Young Master's instruction that I achieved what I have today. Though the Young Master never said it, I have long regarded you as my lord. Now that I am granted the transmission of your supreme arts, how could I not pledge my life? Please do not mention the pursuit of honors again, Young Master. I wish only to hold your stirrup for the rest of my life."

A brilliant smile spread across Cao Peng's face. He gazed at Xiahou Lan for a long time, then suddenly grasped his arm. "Ziyou, if I can rise again one day, I will never forget your loyalty."

Xiahou Lan and the nine Fēiyàn guards knelt simultaneously. "We swear to serve the Young Master!"

Cao Peng was overjoyed. He immediately began instructing Xiahou Lan in the first three transformations of the White Tiger Seven Transformations. At the same time, he decided to teach Xiahou Lan a set of spear techniques called the White Ape Door-Slicing Spear. This was originally a spear form from the White Ape Back-Through-the-Body Fist school. However, Cao Peng had never practiced it seriously in his previous life and could only vaguely recall some of the methods. He gave this spear art to Xiahou Lan not for him to master, but to add variations to his own spear play, hoping it would aid his future development.

Outside the window, a light, drizzling rain began to fall.

Xiahou Lan gathered the Fēiyàn guards and began instructing them in the boxing methods nearby.

Meanwhile, Cao Peng stood by the cell window, hands behind his back, gazing at the small patch of sky, lost in deep thought...

He wondered how his father, mother, and elder sister Yueying were faring.

"Xiahou Lan, all of you, come out."

A jailer suddenly shouted loudly outside the cell door.

Xiahou Lan instantly became alert. "Why are we being called out?"

"Someone wishes to see Captain Cao. You all step out first."

"Who?"

Xiahou Lan peered out into the dim corridor. He could vaguely make out a figure, short in stature, shrouded in a large robe that obscured their face. Xiahou Lan looked back at Cao Peng in confusion.

"It's fine, Ziyou, you can leave. In this grand prison, I doubt anyone here can harm me."

Xiahou Lan and the others agreed and cautiously exited the cell.

After locking them in the adjacent cell, the jailer led a person clad in a dark, sweeping robe into the room.

"Who are you?"

The figure hesitated for a moment before removing the face covering.

"Little Sister Zhen... why are you here?"

Cao Peng jumped in surprise. The visitor was none other than Xiahou Zhen. The little bunny-like girl from before had grown into a graceful young woman. She stood at the cell door, looking at Cao Peng, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"Xiao Zhen, don't cry. Tell me, who bullied you?"

"No one bullied me!" Xiahou Zhen’s voice was soft, gentle, and exceedingly pleasant.

Cao Peng suddenly waved his hand, stopping her. He walked to the cell door and barked sharply, "Ziyou, all of you, face the wall and meditate."

"Yes!"

Xiahou Lan and the others responded in unison.

This caused Xiahou Zhen's delicate face to flush with shyness. She stood there, her slender jade-like fingers nervously twisting the sash at her waist, her head bowed, unsure how to begin speaking.

"The environment here is less than ideal; please forgive the intrusion, Little Sister Zhen."

"It's nothing, nothing..."

Xiahou Zhen hesitated for a long moment before looking up, her autumn-like eyes flowing with feeling. She murmured softly, "Brother Afu, are you alright?"

"What could be wrong with me? See, I'm perfectly well now? Hehe, I ate a huge bowl of rice at dinner; my stomach is full... Don't believe me? Knock on it; it sounds 'thump-thump'!"

One sentence made Xiahou Zhen let out an involuntary giggle.

"I just heard about Sister Gou's situation. A few days ago, Aunt Huan wasn't well, so I was taking care of her and didn't pay attention to outside matters. Before coming here, I visited Sister Nan; she seems fine, but she, Aunt Huan, and Sister Yueying are all worried about you..."

Cao Peng couldn't help but smile at this.

"What is there to worry about? No one in the Commandant of the Guards' prison dares to cause me trouble."

"Brother Afu, I heard that your recent affair has caused quite a stir... I told Aunt Huan about it and asked her to intercede for you. But Aunt Huan said she didn't know how to plead your case. Her suggestion was for you to write a Letter of Self-Censure (Qǐngzuì Shū), which she could forward to Lord Cao Sikong... I came today precisely for that matter."

A Letter of Self-Censure?

Cao Peng froze! He sat there stunned, unsure what offense he had committed. Yet, facing Xiahou Zhen's clear gaze, laced with a thread of pleading, Cao Peng found himself unable to refuse. He closed his eyes, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Fetch paper and brush."

Xiahou Zhen quickly summoned a jailer to bring ink and brushes, then requested an oil lamp, which she brightened. Rolling up her sleeves to reveal an arm as white as jade, she gently ground the ink. Cao Peng picked up the brush, closed his eyes, reflected briefly, and then rapidly inscribed a passage. He blew the ink dry and handed the paper to Xiahou Zhen.

"That was quick?"

"Where intention exists, words are unnecessary. Please give this to Madam Huan to pass to my uncle."

"Good!"

Xiahou Zhen tucked the letter away, then looked at Cao Peng, her mouth opening as if she had something more to say. But the words caught in her throat. She loved Cao Peng, ever since she was an innocent little girl searching for white rabbits in the garden and chanced upon him. From that moment, Cao Peng’s image had been etched into her heart. However, Cao Peng had Huang Yueying by his side, which left Xiahou Zhen unable to speak her feelings, resulting only in sad contemplation. She wanted to use this opportunity to confide in him, but feminine restraint kept her silent.

Cao Peng looked at Xiahou Zhen, and on a sudden impulse, stepped forward and drew her delicate body into his embrace. He felt her body stiffen instantly. After a brief, instinctive struggle, she ceased resisting and leaned submissively into his arms.

"Xiao Zhen, don't worry about me. Go back now. Don't come to this place again; it is no place for a girl like you... When I get out, I will certainly send you two white rabbits."

"Mm," Xiahou Zhen replied softly.

"The western cicadas sing their chant, the southern shackled guest's thoughts press near. How can one bear the shadow of dark temples, arriving with hair turned grey. The dew is heavy, flight is hard; the wind is strong, the sound easily sinks. No one believes in high purity; who will testify to my heart?"

Cao Cao sat in his command tent, reading the family letter sent from Xuchang, silent for a long time.

"Madam, what else did she say?" Sister Sister wrote that Cangshu is five years old and should begin learning to read characters. Aunt Aunt felt that the composition Eight Hundred Characters was excellent, and asked if her nephew could begin instructing Cangshu with that text."

The young man before him was named Cao Chang, styled Dongyang. He was responsible for guarding the Commander’s residence and was a member of the Cao clan. He had been dispatched to assist in the battle at Guandu and had brought a letter from Madam Huan.

Cao Cao let out a soft laugh. Madam Huan's intention was clear enough. However, he had not expected Cao Peng to use such a poem as a Letter of Self-Censure. To be honest, when he first received the letter, he wasn't particularly pleased. But after reading the content, Cao Cao couldn't help but nod slightly. This poem was hardly a plea for mercy; Cao Peng was clearly proclaiming his innocence!

"Fengxiao, you should look at this as well."

Cao Cao passed the 'Letter of Self-Censure' to Guo Jia, who was standing nearby.

"Dongyang, you may step down... Report to General Zhang Lin tomorrow; you will serve temporarily as the Army Secretariat Officer to assist General Zhang Lin in managing the troops."

"Yes!"

Cao Chang bowed respectfully and left, brimming with excitement.

Cao Cao then asked, "Fengxiao, what do you think?"

Guo Jia set down the 'Letter of Self-Censure' and smiled. "It is certainly in Afu's style."

Cao Cao nodded. "This child acts rashly, but he possesses deep integrity. Previously in Xiakou, he released Lü Bu's family for personal reasons. I relieved him of his post intending to teach him a serious lesson. Who knew this boy wouldn't improve? He is just entrusted with an important duty, and he causes such trouble again—it is truly vexing."

Cao Cao displayed an attitude of exasperated disappointment. But Guo Jia knew that if one truly believed Cao Cao was expressing disappointment, they would be gravely mistaken. The more he acted this way, the clearer it showed his deep affection for Cao Peng. Who could dislike a man of deep integrity? Unless that person was entirely heartless and devoid of righteousness. Hadn't even the upright scholars fallen silent once the matter became public?

Guo Jia said, "Youxue's learning has truly progressed. This ode to the cicada does not confess guilt but rather expresses his noble spirit everywhere. It is not a plea for censure; it is clearly an explanation for himself. In my view, the young man's temperament is excessively proud, and he shows no repentance. With such a disposition, he may have difficulty achieving greatness in the future."

Cao Cao glared. "You cannot speak like that. Men who consume grains must have faults. Afu's pride is a fault, but his actions are justifiable. If it were me, I probably couldn't swallow that insult either. A proud nature can be tempered, but to judge his entire future on this is perhaps too arbitrary. In my opinion, let this matter rest for now, considering it a tempering of his character. If His Majesty does not speak on it, I cannot intervene. Let him remain in the Commandant of Justice's prison for now... My primary concern is Yuan Shao; I truly lack the energy to focus on this."

Guo Jia thought to himself: I knew you would say that. Cao Cao often enjoys playing subtle games. In other words, he likes to be mysterious and enigmatic, making others guess. If you guess wrong, it might be acceptable; but if you guess right, it might cause him unease. Guo Jia had also received a letter from Xun Yu, asking him to intercede with Cao Cao to resolve the matter quickly. But Guo Jia knew Cao Cao would never let this go easily.

The incident in Xuchang was an excellent opportunity for Cao Cao. He could use this outburst to warn those officials harbor treacherous intentions. Guo Jia also felt that Xun Yu was sometimes too weak in handling affairs. In truth, if Xun Yu had not been so apprehensive at the beginning and had immediately dealt with Fu Jun—even if he had been arrested—and the Emperor had spoken up, perhaps even Cao Cao would have had to acquiesce. As it was, a simple matter was complicated by Xun Yu.

Cao Cao was naturally displeased with this. Why should Fu Jun, who had caused trouble for a member of the Cao clan, remain unscathed? Yet, should a member of the Cao clan endure such humiliation in silence? Whether Fu Jun was arrested was one matter; whether Cao Cao would kill Fu Jun was another. Wenruo was always cautious, but this time, his caution was excessive...

Cao Cao’s intention was clear: he meant to teach Fu Wan a lesson. Fu Wan stirring up trouble in Xuchang, appearing secretive, how could he escape Cao Cao’s notice? The reason Cao Cao appointed Cao Peng as the Palace Deputy Commander was precisely to sever the covert dealings between the Emperor and Fu Wan. Now, Cao Peng likely wouldn't serve as that deputy commander, but the effect had been surprisingly good. Fu Wan's detention was a greater blow to the Imperial Faction than Cao Peng serving in that insignificant post ever could have been.

The next question was: who would yield first? Guo Jia guessed that the Emperor would likely be the first to falter...

"My Lord, Yuan Shao has shown no movement recently. In my view, it is not that he has retreated in the face of difficulty, but that he likely has another objective. After observing for the past two days, I found the activity within Yuan Shao's camp rather strange; we must remain cautious, lest we fall for a trick and suffer a surprise attack."

Since Cao Cao had decided to stand firm, Guo Jia would follow his lead and discuss the real matters.

Cao Cao’s expression immediately grew serious upon hearing this. "In Fengxiao's view, what trick might Yuan Shao employ?"

Guo Jia sneered. "Yuan Benchu is self-willed and arrogant. His only capable subordinate is Ju Shou, who is currently detained at Yan Jin... Guo Tu and Feng Ji are both officials who merely occupy posts without merit and are not worth worrying about. Previously, when Yuan Shao annihilated Gongsun Zan, he employed tunneling tactics... In my opinion, he will surely employ the same trick again."

Cao Cao instantly laughed. "I thought the same. Leave this matter to Zhongde to handle." Then, he suddenly asked, "Fengxiao, do you also think Afu's literary talent is excellent?"

"Yes, being able to compose the Eight Hundred Character Essay shows his brilliance."

"Then, what do you think about letting Cangshu study under him?"

"Well... the Fifth Prince is naturally gifted, and his future achievements will certainly be extraordinary. However, without a clear guide, it might not be ideal. Youxue's talent is sufficient, but his temperament is too proud; I'm afraid he might not be suitable to instruct Prince Cangshu."

"Mm..."

Cao Cao nodded slightly. "If that is the case, then let me think again, think again... But having Youxue initiate Cangshu's studies shouldn't be a problem... Forget it, let's set this aside for now. The trouble Youxue caused this time is too great; we must wait and see what His Majesty's ultimate intention is."

"My Lord has keen insight."

Guo Jia smiled cheerfully and offered Cao Cao a timely compliment.

In the third month of Jian'an, Yuan Shao massed troops at Putianzhe, attempting a surprise attack by tunneling underground. Cheng Yu utilized an ancient method, setting up two hundred large vats in the camp to monitor subterranean sounds. When Yuan Shao launched his attack, they promptly killed several thousand Yuan soldiers in the pits. Yuan Shao was furious...