Chapter 20: Cao Cao Organizes a Hunting Expedition in Xutian; Dong Cheng Receives a Secret Command in the Palace

In the previous chapter, Cao Cao’s anger toward Zhang Liao was checked by Liu Bei and Guan Yu. Liu Bei held Cao Cao’s arm and said, “Such a generous-hearted man should be saved.”

Guan Yu knelt and added, “I know Zhang Liao well. He is loyal and righteous. I will vouch for him with my life!”

Cao Cao smiled, set aside his sword, and said, “I already know his loyalty. I was only testing him.”

Cao Cao personally released Zhang Liao, dressed him in fine clothes, and gave him a seat of honor. Touched by the gesture, Zhang Liao pledged allegiance to Cao Cao and was made an Imperial Commander with a noble title. He later convinced bandit leader Zang Ba and his comrades to submit as well. All who surrendered were treated well and given responsibilities.

After rewarding his troops, Cao Cao led the army to Xuchang. Passing through Xuzhou, the people lined the roads to welcome the victors and petitioned for Liu Bei to remain as their protector. Cao Cao replied, “Liu Bei has done great service. Once he receives his reward at court, he will return to you.”

In the capital, Liu Bei was formally introduced to Emperor Xian, who verified Liu Bei’s lineage as a descendant of Emperor Jing and declared him his uncle by blood. Liu Bei performed the ceremonial bow of a nephew and was granted the title General of the Left Army and Lord of Yicheng. From then on, he was widely referred to as the “Imperial Uncle.”

Cao Cao, aware of the growing respect for Liu Bei, told his advisers, “Though the Emperor recognizes Liu Bei, he remains under my control. I will keep him close under the guise of loyalty to the throne.”

To consolidate power, Cao Cao accused Imperial Guardian Yang Biao of conspiring with Yuan Shu. Though banished rather than executed due to protests by Governor Kong Rong, this action silenced most court officials. When Court Counselor Zhao Yan accused Cao Cao of abusing his authority, he was executed, further intimidating the court.

Cao Cao then proposed a royal hunt under the pretense of military training. The Emperor reluctantly agreed, and a grand expedition was arranged. During the hunt, Liu Bei impressed the Emperor by shooting a hare with a single arrow, while Cao Cao hit a deer with the Emperor’s bow, claiming the honor as his own. The officials mistakenly cheered for the Emperor, but Cao Cao stepped forward and accepted the congratulations. Guan Yu, enraged by Cao Cao’s audacity, nearly attacked him, but Liu Bei stopped him with a glance.

Later, Guan Yu fumed, “Why did you stop me? Cao Cao insults the Emperor and ignores all decorum!”

Liu Bei replied, “When throwing stones at a rat, beware of the vase. Cao Cao stood close to the Emperor and was surrounded by his supporters. One misstep could have harmed the Emperor and brought disaster upon us.”

Guan Yu muttered, “If we don’t act now, worse trouble will come.”

“Patience, brother,” Liu Bei warned. “Such matters require careful timing.”

The Emperor returned to his palace, troubled, and shared his worries with Empress Fu. “Alas, from the start of my reign, treacherous ministers have risen. Dong Zhuo, Li Jue, Guo Si—they’ve all brought suffering. Now Cao Cao, who claims to uphold the throne, has taken power for himself and does as he pleases. I fear his intentions. Just recently, at the hunt, he humiliated me, and I cannot shake the feeling he seeks my downfall.”

Empress Fu responded, “In a court full of Han nobility, is there no one who will save the country?”

At that moment, Fu Wan, the Empress’s father, entered. “Do not despair,” he said. “I know a way to find a savior.”

The Emperor, wiping his tears, asked, “You’ve heard of Cao Cao’s behavior, haven’t you?”

“Everyone knows,” Fu Wan replied. “But the court is filled with his supporters. The only one with the power to act is General Dong Cheng.”

“Could he be consulted?” the Emperor asked. “He has experience in such matters.”

Fu Wan advised secrecy, warning that Cao Cao’s allies were everywhere. “Send a robe and jade girdle to Dong Cheng, with a hidden decree in the lining,” he suggested. “He can then plan in secret.”

The Emperor agreed, writing the decree in his own blood. It was sewn into the girdle and sent to Dong Cheng, who was summoned to the palace.

When Dong Cheng arrived, the Emperor thanked him for his past service and led him to the Temple of Ancestors. After the usual rituals, they stood before the portraits of Liu Bang and other forefathers.

“Such heroes, yet look at me,” the Emperor lamented.

He whispered to Dong Cheng, “I need your loyalty, just as my ancestors had.” Dong Cheng humbly replied, “I am unworthy of such comparison.”

The Emperor then presented him with the robe and girdle, whispering, “Examine them closely when you return and understand my intention.”

Dong Cheng understood, accepted the gifts, and left. On his way out, he encountered Cao Cao, who demanded to inspect the robe. After careful scrutiny, Cao Cao returned the items, and Dong Cheng departed, puzzled.

At home, Dong Cheng spent hours examining the robe and girdle but found nothing. It wasn’t until a candle burned a hole in the lining that he discovered the hidden decree, written in blood. The Emperor’s message called for action against Cao Cao, urging Dong Cheng to gather loyal allies.

Dong Cheng was troubled, unsure of how to proceed. Then, his close friend Wang Zifu arrived and, finding the decree, agreed to help. They called for more loyal men, including General Wu Zilan and Counselor Wu Shi, who all pledged to join the cause.

Just as they were finalizing their plans, Ma Teng, Governor of Xiliang, arrived and expressed frustration with Dong Cheng’s inaction. When Dong Cheng revealed the decree to Ma Teng, the latter swore to help, and they all signed a pledge to stand against Cao Cao.

Ma Teng suggested consulting Liu, a member of the imperial clan, to complete their group. The conspirators agreed, knowing they now had a solid plan to restore the throne.