Chapter 107: Is Destiny Easy to Grasp?

Day Four.

Early in the morning, after bidding farewell to Dong Zhuo and his entire household at the Grand Tutor’s residence, Chen Cong settled in there. Such a vast estate would be wasted if left unoccupied.

With no maids available, he requisitioned some courtesans and entertainers from the seventy-four brothel establishments nearby. Without guards, the Sword Saint Wang Yue was the most capable protector, and the Fifty Flying Bears served as his sharpest fangs. There was no steward, but Jia Xu was tethered securely—so long as he didn’t escape, he was the shrewdest steward in all the land.

Whenever idle, Chen Cong would fondle his manly treasure, the object of every man’s dreams. Whether busy or idle, he tended the flowers and plants around the estate with ease.

At first, Chen Cong thought he would use Dong Zhuo’s name to act as a spoiled noble, bullying men and women alike. But once Dong Zhuo left, his quality of life skyrocketed exponentially—he lived almost like an immortal.

Day Six.

Niu Fu’s army withdrew to Luoyang for a brief rest. Chen Cong hosted a banquet at the Grand Tutor’s estate, accompanied by entertainment from the courtesans. Both hosts and guests enjoyed themselves thoroughly.

The next day, the army marched westward out of the city, heading straight for Hangu Pass. However, with Niu Fu’s departure, the Fifty Flying Bears went with him, increasing the Sword Saint’s workload considerably.

Day Seven.

The armies of Fan Chou and Xu Rong withdrew gradually in batches, avoiding Luoyang. Two days later, Huang Zhong captured Mengjin Pass and marched southward overnight, launching an assault on Luoyang.

Day Nine.

The troops of Huang Zhong, Yu Jin, and Dian Wei entered Luoyang, encamping south of the city. The three gathered at the Grand Tutor’s mansion, drinking and laughing together.

Two days later, the allied lords finally arrived.

Early in the morning, Chen Cong and Huang Zhong stood guard atop the city walls, watching as a distant cloud of dust billowed on the horizon.

“They’re coming!” Chen Cong scanned the scene and spotted the “Cao” banner fluttering in the wind. Leaping onto his horse, he dashed into the ranks of the approaching army. Huang Zhong drew his sword, spurred his horse, and followed close behind.

...

Inside the war chariot.

Cao Cao looked well, swirling a riding whip in hand, exuding an air of commanding the realm. By now, Cao Cao was thoroughly delighted with the battle’s progress.

Losses were negligible, while gains piled up again and again. His reputation needed no mention. What of the invincible Chen Zining? His son-in-law! The thirteen elite generals who raided the camp? Five were Cao Cao’s own officers! And the demon king Dong? Cao Cao had stabbed him once, and his son-in-law Chen Cong had done so again.

As they advanced, Cao Cao seemed to sense something. Turning his head, he spotted Chen Cong and Huang Zhong galloping swiftly towards him.

Day Ten.

Seeing his son-in-law so eager, Cao Cao’s eyes glistened with emotion. Raising his whip and pointing forward, he proudly declared, “In all the world, none misses Cao like Zining.”

Beside him, Cao Ren rode up with a tinge of envy, complaining, “Big brother’s words make no sense. We’ve accompanied you all along, yet Zining, lazing about in Luoyang, turns out to miss you the most?”

Cao Cao laughed heartily, “Hahaha, longing is not measured by proximity. The bond between father-in-law and son-in-law is beyond words...”

A gust of wind swept by, stirring the hair of those present. Cao Cao’s smile stiffened, while Cao Ren’s smirk grew bolder.

Only Huang Zhong saluted upon stopping their horses.

Poor Huang Zhong poured out endless tales of longing to Cao Cao, who struggled to maintain his smile, his face twitching involuntarily...

After dismounting, Chen Cong embraced his beloved.

“My dear, have you missed me?”

“Husband~” Dong Bai smiled sweetly.

Though they had been apart for days, she remained radiant, albeit a little thinner.

As usual, Chen Cong lifted her onto his steed, Jueying, then suddenly remembered something.

Before riding forward, he called out to Cao Cao, “Hey, father-in-law, still as dashing as ever after all these days.”

By now, there was no trace of pride on Cao Cao’s face. He looked at Chen Cong with eyes burning like fierce flames.

All the generals struggled to suppress their laughter.

Xu Chu parroted in a rough voice, “Longing is not measured by proximity. The bond between father-in-law and son-in-law is beyond words.”

Pfft!

The rowdy men could hold back no longer and burst into laughter.

“Hahaha, Chen the Invincible, you’re truly something! Big brother fretted so much, yet you barely glanced his way.”

“Big brother, Chen Zining is unfilial! Beat him!”

“Hahaha, none misses Cao like Zining.”

As Cao Cao raised his whip high, fueled by the foolish men’s teasing, Chen Cong sneered.

He reached into his pocket, pulled out a jangling string of coins, and casually tossed it into Cao Cao’s arms.

Cao Cao glanced sideways, his eyes widening instantly. He changed the whip’s direction and struck Xu Chu heavily on the shoulder.

“You blabbermouth fool!”

Xu Chu: ...

...

The army entered the city.

There was setting up camp, rewards, and a grand banquet hosted by the alliance leader Yuan Shao. The festivities lasted deep into the night.

The generals in Cao’s camp endured the event patiently, then eagerly rushed to Luoyang’s pleasure quarters.

After so many battles, to say they did not long for women would be a lie, and they were happy to bask in Chen Cong’s favor.

Day Eleven.

Yet none of them noticed that the one who loved to freeload and boast was the only exception...

In a secluded chamber of the Grand Tutor’s residence.

By the flickering candlelight, Cao Cao held a broken stone in his hands, lost in thought.

Murmuring, “Mandated by Heaven, thus longevity and eternal prosperity... Mandated by Heaven, thus longevity and eternal prosperity... Mandated by Heaven...”

Chen Cong leaned against the wall, yawning repeatedly.

He had fondled enough.

No matter how beautiful the dream, after a while, it was just the same.

“I say, father-in-law, if you want to regret now, it’s still not too late. Once Yuan Honeydew arrives, it will be too late.”

Cao Cao looked up in surprise.

“Mandated by... what did Zining just say?”

Chen Cong, a little exasperated, held his forehead and repeated loudly, “I said, if you want to regret now, it’s still not too late. Once Yuan Honeydew arrives, it will be too late.”

“Oh... Mandated by Heaven, bah! It’s just a worthless broken stone; why would I care?” Cao Cao replied.

“Well said, father-in-law, far better than the song,” Chen Cong quipped.

Cao Cao: .....

Outside the chamber, footsteps approached. Startled, Cao Cao instinctively clutched the jade seal to his chest.

The door opened to reveal Wang Yue, but it was Yuan Shu who stepped inside.

Reeking of alcohol, he staggered to a seat, poured a cup of cold tea, and drank deeply before regaining some composure.

He glanced at the two men inside and said wearily, “I ask you, father-in-law and son-in-law, why can’t you speak such matters in daylight instead of disturbing others’ dreams?”

“Mandated by Heaven, thus longevity and eternal prosperity.”

“Huh?”

Yuan Shu shook his head, squinting to focus on Cao Cao... The exquisite jade on the desk emitted a mesmerizing glow under the candlelight. Suddenly sober, he was startled.

“This, this...”

Yuan Shu crept forward cautiously, craning his neck to examine it. It seemed as though the seal might flee at any moment.

He reached out hesitantly, withdrawing repeatedly, never daring to grasp the jade.

Swallowing hard, he trembled, “Brother Meng... do you truly intend to part with it?”

Looking at Cao Cao’s face, there was no confusion—just calm resolve, eyes gleaming sharply, as if gazing upon a mountain of gold.

“Heaven’s bestowed treasure belongs to the virtuous. However...”

Cao Cao pushed the jade seal toward Yuan Shu.

With Chen Cong beside him, he had no fear of the other seizing the treasure and fleeing, so he magnanimously displayed his grace.

“However?” Yuan Shu nervously cupped the jade seal, his mouth dry, eagerly awaiting the rest.

Cao Cao smiled softly, “Whether Heaven’s mandate returns to Yuan or to me, Cao, I do not yet know.”