Chapter Fifty-Nine: Nothing But Schemes Everywhere

Under the moonlight, the ground lay in disarray. Madame Zou's cheeks were flushed, her breath slightly hurried as she gazed at Chu Feng with a touch of emotion—how wonderful it is to be young... Yet, she felt she had achieved her aim this night.

"General Chu, regarding the alliance to jointly resist Cao Cao, I wonder..." Madame Zou’s beautiful eyes turned to Chu Feng, her face hopeful; the alliance would indeed benefit Zhang Xiu.

Chu Feng was momentarily confused. "What do you mean?"

Madame Zou’s eyes widened in surprise. "Weren’t you discussing the alliance against Cao Cao with You Wei?"

"No, not at all!" Chu Feng replied, then raised his brows and squinted. "Madame, did Jia Xu tell you all this?"

"Yes," she nodded.

Chu Feng’s gaze tightened. Jia Xu, that old fox, truly embodied the saying, ‘if one doesn’t act for oneself, heaven and earth will destroy him.’ He really wished to turn Zhang Xiu against him!

Imagine, if he hadn’t been wary and had Xu Chu invite Jia Xu for tea, Zhang Xiu might have caught him red-handed. Whether he would survive such a moment was uncertain!

How ruthless!

"Madame, I am not a heartless man. Tonight’s lapse after drinking was not my true intent. I hope you can forgive me," Chu Feng said solemnly.

Madame Zou’s lashes trembled as she looked at the man, a few years younger than herself, with deep emotion. He was a warlord, yet he showed her respect—something that moved her profoundly.

In times of chaos, human life is as fragile as grass; beauty is often ill-fated, and at times, women are mere playthings in the eyes of the powerful, with little to speak of status.

Of course, to be favored by those in power is already a blessing; those who are not favored fare far worse.

Chu Feng was a descendant of the Yuan clan, four generations of high office, with protégés and former officials across the realm, and a warlord in his own right—yet his humility left her astonished and grateful.

"General, you are too kind. I am but a willow in autumn; to receive your affection is a blessing. How could I speak of forgiveness?" Madame Zou replied with a gentle smile.

"You are too modest, Madame. Zhang General and I felt an immediate kinship, and both bear grudges against Cao Cao; alliance is a noble act. Moreover, after sharing such intimacy with you, I would never abandon you!"

"Why not do as Jia Xu suggested and turn the scheme to our advantage? Tomorrow morning, Madame, you go meet General Zhang and recount to him all the benefits Jia Xu conveyed to you—"

"When the time comes, I will..." Chu Feng’s eyes narrowed as he whispered his plan, and Madame Zou nodded in agreement.

Jia Xu was using a borrowed knife to strike, but Chu Feng intended to turn the knife back on him—surely that was not excessive? Besides, Madame Zou’s beauty was exquisite, and to take her as a concubine was a clear gain!

Most importantly, if the plan succeeded, Zhang Xiu would ally with him. Nanyang lay a flat ride from Xuchang, and in future, Cao Cao would have to think twice before attacking.

Finally, after a gentle reprise of lingering warmth, Chu Feng departed, still savoring the moment.

Broadly speaking, he acted for power and the welfare of the people—sacrificing himself for the greater good!

Narrowly, he was nothing but an old lecher—but then again, if a man isn’t passionate, what’s the point of striving?

This, after all, is the very purpose of life!

Heroes are ever undone by beauty—how true the ancient saying is!

————

The next morning.

Zhang Xiu, drunk the night before, had been helped to his chambers. Now, he rose groggily, clutching his throbbing head, and dressed.

Stepping outside, he saw Madame Zou waiting nearby.

"You Wei, you’re finally awake!"

"What’s the matter, Aunt?" Zhang Xiu asked, surprised.

"Come inside," Madame Zou said, and once indoors, she spoke earnestly: "You Wei, yesterday Mr. Wenhe sought me out and spoke at length..."

"What did he say?" Zhang Xiu asked curiously.

"Mr. Wenhe said that you, having killed two of Cao Cao’s sons, are mortal enemies. Nanyang is but a flat ride from Xuchang, so Cao Cao will surely raise arms against us. We must form a strong alliance to resist him!"

"He also said General Chu is of noble lineage, holding the region of Jianghuai, and that Cao Cao is our common foe. To ally with him would be a great benefit!"

Madame Zou recounted slowly.

"Did Jia Xu really say this? He truly advises me to ally with Chu Feng?" Zhang Xiu smiled—no wonder Jia Xu was so enthusiastic toward Chu Feng yesterday.

So that was it. But to convey such thoughts through his aunt—perhaps he had been too careless in his words before. He should apologize to Jia Xu someday!

Then again, last night they drank as brothers, and Zhang Xiu admired Chu Feng’s skill—an alliance would be ideal.

Madame Zou nodded and continued: "You Wei, you rely on Liu Biao of Jingzhou for supplies, but he is cautious, providing only the bare minimum, fearing your rise..."

"Furthermore, Liu Biao murdered your uncle; a father’s killer cannot be tolerated. How can you call a traitor your father? If we do not keep a backup plan, when Liu Biao cuts off supplies, where will we go?"

Madame Zou grew sorrowful.

Hearing this, Zhang Xiu clenched his fists in anger. A father’s murder cannot be forgiven; if it weren’t for the army starving, he would never have listened to Jia Xu and pledged allegiance to a traitor!

Over the past year, Liu Biao had guarded against him everywhere, fearing his strength. When Cao Cao advanced, Liu Biao did nothing, so Zhang Xiu surrendered to Cao Cao.

Having thought it through, Zhang Xiu nodded. "Since Wenhe..."

Before he could finish, Jia Xu’s voice sounded from outside. "My lord, my lord, last night Chu Feng..."

He entered and saw the two together.

Jia Xu pressed his lips, surprised to see Madame Zou there. He was instantly unsettled and bowed. "Madame."

"Wenhe, what about Chu Feng?"

"General Chu... drank too much," Jia Xu said weakly.

"Haha, of course he did. But you’re just in time. Aunt says you advise me to ally with Chu Feng against Cao Cao—is that true?"

Zhang Xiu laughed heartily.

Jia Xu: "???"

"My lord, I, well, actually..."

"Come now, Wenhe, if you had that thought, why not say so directly? I know you blame me for neglecting you—here, I apologize, and let’s put it behind us. Honestly, you scholars and your pride..."

Zhang Xiu waved his hand magnanimously, expressing his distaste for the lack of forthrightness among scholars.

Jia Xu’s mouth twitched. In truth... well... how did things turn out like this? In the end, he was the one advocating alliance between them?

Damn, this kid is too sly!

He, a seasoned veteran, had been outmaneuvered. Now, he could not argue, since he had indeed said those words—just not in that order!

This was absurd beyond measure!

"Wenhe, Chu Feng and I felt an instant kinship, and now you so enthusiastically agree. There’s no time to lose—let’s go find him and discuss the alliance!"

Zhang Xiu said with exuberance.

Jia Xu grumbled internally: I do not agree!

But he could only force a smile and bow. "My lord, alliance with Chu Feng is certainly advantageous, but..."

He was interrupted by a servant. "My lord, General Chu has arrived to bid farewell!"

"Quick, come with me to greet him!"

Zhang Xiu called out cheerfully, eager and energetic, not waiting for Jia Xu to lay any groundwork.

Jia Xu took a deep breath—he needed to find a way to salvage the situation; his career couldn’t end here.

Soon after, Chu Feng was received in the side hall.