Chapter 10: Father, Why Are You Eavesdropping?
May I ask, my lord, whether the analysis regarding Zhang Miao’s betrayal this morning came from that gentleman inside? Or was it overheard?”
Xun Yu, upon hearing the sudden silence in the room, could not help but ask this question.
After hearing Chen Zhou speak so extensively, Xun Yu was certain that Cao Cao had eavesdropped on the conversation. He was just waiting for Cao Cao to admit it.
“Cough, cough…”
Cao Cao, who had been lost in thought, was abruptly brought back by Xun Yu’s question. He awkwardly said, “Wenruo, don’t focus on these details. It’s not eavesdropping; I just happened to overhear it. But what do you think of the person inside?”
He believed that simply overhearing the conversation was not enough for Xun Yu to form a judgment. He needed to bring out the content that Cao Ang had written yesterday.
Cao Cao carried those notes with him at all times.
Xun Yu took the notes, opened them, and after reading for a while, his initial curiosity turned into a grave expression. By the time he finished, his eyes widened in disbelief as if he had seen something extraordinary. He asked, “My lord, are these from the person inside?”
“Exactly!” Cao Cao confirmed.
Xun Yu replied, “If these are true, the person inside is worth recruiting. However, he is Zhang Miao’s subordinate, so it might be a bit difficult.”
Xun Yu’s evaluation further strengthened Cao Cao’s resolve to recruit Chen Zhou. He said, “With Zixiu’s relationship, I believe it won’t be too hard. Wenruo, have faith in me. Once I have thoroughly investigated him and confirmed there are no issues, I’ll proceed with the recruitment.”
Xun Yu then asked, “What if it fails?”
Cao Cao narrowed his eyes and said, “If it fails, then he will be a rebel who follows Zhang Miao.”
Such ruthlessness!
Xun Yu was not surprised that such a statement came from Cao Cao. Chen Zhou had just mentioned that in troubled times, mercy is not needed, and Cao Cao used this principle to the fullest.
If something cannot be obtained, it must be destroyed so that others cannot get it either.
“Young Master, are you feeling better now?”
Chen Zhou was concerned that Cao Ang might still be struggling with the idea of city massacres and conscription.
Cao Ang smiled wryly and said, “I’m fine. May I ask if you have anything else to say?”
Chen Zhou looked out the window and noticed it was already noon. After a moment of thought, he said, “All the others in the prison have been taken out for execution. I know that I owe my survival so far to Young Master’s help. However, as Zhang Miao’s man, I know you can’t help me much longer. I will face death sooner or later.”
Cao Ang wanted to say that even if Chen Zhou was released now, there would be no problem.
But just as he was about to speak, Chen Zhou interrupted, “I have felt a connection with Young Master and appreciate your company. Before I die, I want to give you a chance to achieve merit.”
Cao Ang asked curiously, “What kind of merit?”
“These past few days in prison, I had time to think about Cao Cao’s potential development paths.”
Chen Zhou spoke slowly, “Currently, Cao Cao is limited to Yan Province and can’t even escape Yuan Shao. However, if he follows the path I have planned, not only will he escape his current predicament, but also easily conquer the entire northern Han, becoming a true warlord.”
“Come to me when you have time.”
“I will then tell you this plan, and you can pass it on to Cao Cao. He will surely value it.”
“You could become a core member of the Cao family, just like Cao Ren and others.”
As Chen Zhou finished speaking, Cao Cao, who had been listening outside, was stunned.
Initially, Cao Cao was in disbelief, but considering Chen Zhou’s analytical skills, he then felt a surge of excitement.
Whether the plan was true or not, Cao Cao wanted to know more to see if it could benefit him.
From this conversation, Cao Cao began to think that Chen Zhou seemed genuinely interested in teaching Cao Ang and treating him as a friend without any ulterior motives, which made the opportunity for recruitment even greater.
“So arrogant!”
Xun Yu was the first to be dissatisfied, saying, “This person may have some ability, but his arrogance is excessive. Neither I, Kong Da, nor Zhi Cai would dare to make such a statement.”
Just a plan and he could help Cao Cao secure the northern region?
Could the person inside actually be a deity?
Xun Yu did not believe it.
Cao Cao was skeptical but did not mind. He decided to eavesdrop again later to find out Chen Zhou’s plan.
“Sir, I truly can help you get out.”
Cao Ang was still unwilling to accept it, saying, “Once I have recommended you, you can claim the merit yourself. I do not want it.”
Seeing that Cao Ang did not even want the merit, Chen Zhou helplessly said, “Let’s see! For now, I need to rest.”
As they heard the sound of footsteps coming towards them, Cao Cao and his companions quickly hid, not wanting Chen Zhou to discover that someone was eavesdropping.
Back in the prison.
Chen Zhou had just sat down to rest when more food and wine were delivered to him.
He opened a jar of wine, took a sip to quench his thirst, and thought, “It’s almost time to leave.”
As long as he communicated this plan to the young Cao family member, it would definitely reach Cao Cao.
If Cao Cao was shocked and interested in talent, he might come to visit the prison. However, Chen Zhou did not realize that Cao Cao had already heard everything outside.
“This approach has a fifty-fifty chance of working and allowing me to leave without any concerns.”
“I hope it succeeds. If it fails, and the young master comes to negotiate for my release, I won’t be picky. After leaving, if I can escape, I will, as Cao Cao is suspicious and holds grudges.”
Chen Zhou was confident in his plan due to his knowledge of the Three Kingdoms’ history and future, fully understanding how Cao Cao would proceed next.
These thoughts were temporarily set aside.
He waited quietly.
As Cao Ang left the private room, intending to return to find his father and release Chen Zhou from the prison, he unexpectedly saw Cao Cao approaching with a dark face.
“Father, Zixiu, and Mr. Xun.”
“Why are you here?”
Cao Ang asked in surprise.
Xun Yu replied, “We arrived a long time ago.”
“If you arrived a long time ago, then you…”
Cao Ang was greatly shocked.
He had just spoken some unflattering words about his father. Surely, they had overheard everything!
“So you were eavesdropping.”
Cao Ang was left speechless, finding it puzzling that not only his father but also someone like Xun Yu was eavesdropping.
He thought it might have been his father’s interest piqued by what happened yesterday, leading to today’s eavesdropping. Perhaps Mr. Xun could be released soon.
“Come with me.”
Cao Cao said coldly and walked out.
Cao Ang had no choice but to follow, whispering to Xun Yu as he passed by, “Mr. Xun, help!”
Xun Yu said, “Young Master, take care!”
The topic of their previous conversation was too sensitive for Cao Cao.
“Zixiu, don’t be afraid!”
Cao Ren said, “At most, you’ll just get a beating.”
Cao Ang: “……”
How about you, Zixiu, take the beating instead?
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