Three Kingdoms: Prince of the Great Wei, Prime Minister Cao

Near the Huai River’s vicinity, in the eastern part of Runan, lay Anqiu—a settlement formed by the displaced residents. These were individuals who had migrated northward from Nanyang and Xinye.

The toiling farming settlers returned home in small groups as the sun descended. However, some noticed a figure atop a distant hill facing southeast. Their light-hearted banter ensued.

“Hey, we’re farming settlers. What’s with the intense focus on the military camp over there?”

“Hurry up and join us!”

“It’s getting dark, and you might attract unwanted attention from who knows what. Those creatures won’t care if you stutter when they devour you!”

A friendly wave and shout urged the figure “Ai” to return promptly.

“Shizai, your little brother Hu got it right!”

“Why stare at the military camps? Do you see crops growing there?”

“Use that time to work on your speech instead of turning from a scholarly commander to a minor official guarding straw because of your stutter.”

Another young farming settler joined in, encouraging the figure on the distant hill.

Then, a voice of reason spoke up, “Enough, let’s not tease Ai. He’s probably lost in thought.”

This voice belonged to Cao Shizai, a steady young man in his early twenties. Unlike the relaxed demeanor of the other settlers, he exuded a calm steadiness.

A group of settlers had gathered, playfully teasing the figure in the distance.

“Shizai, come down quickly! Stop staring over there. If Commander of Farming Cao catches you neglecting your duties, you might end up herding cattle.”

“Those folks at the military camp aren’t friendly sorts. If you keep watching them, they might mistake you for a spy sent by those Sun and Liu rebels.”

Laughter and jests filled the air. However, the teasing was mostly good-natured, given their shared background as migrants from Jing Province’s Deng family of Nanyang Xinye. The Deng family members displayed remarkable unity in this unfamiliar land between Yuzhou and Yangzhou.

Not far away, Cao Ju from Shouchun observed Deng Ai’s location, smiling as he watched over his attendants. Lieutenant of Farming Wang Hong, sweating nervously, spoke up.

“Wang Hong, is that person Deng Ai?”

Cao Ju’s gaze remained fixed on the distant figure atop the hill. Though posed as a question, his tone hinted at certainty.

As a time traveler, Cao Ju had some knowledge of Deng Ai. Historical records noted Deng Ai’s interest in military matters despite a speech impediment.

Lieutenant of Farming Wang Hong quickly affirmed, “Yes, my Lord! That is indeed Deng Ai!”

“Furthermore…”

Frowning at the distant farming settlers, Wang Hong gave them an annoyed glance and continued, “You need to know the truth, my Lord. Despite his speech impediment, Deng Ai’s interest and talent in military matters are undeniable. Due to his communication challenges, I had to demote him from a scholar-official to a lowly straw guard.”

Wang Hong felt a deep sense of grievance. Unanticipatedly, the prestigious son of the Prime Minister visited their remote place. While a routine inspection would have been acceptable, he singled out Deng Ai upon arrival.

His words expressed admiration for Deng Ai. In this situation, Wang Hong aimed to mitigate any misunderstanding, especially if the Prime Minister’s son were to misinterpret the words of these “commoners.” The consequences could be dire.

Amused by Wang Hong’s earnest attempt to explain and alleviate, Cao Ju waved his hand dismissively. “Dian Man, you and Lieutenant Wang can stay here. I’ll go and meet this Deng Ai myself.”

With those words, Cao Ju headed towards the hilltop. Meanwhile, back at the original spot, Wang Hong was preparing to step forward and disperse the overly candid group of farming settlers to prevent them from saying anything inappropriate. He truly feared that their words might lead to unintended consequences.

However, before he could act, Dian Man had already intercepted him.

“Lieutenant Dian, what are you…” Wang Hong looked at Dian Man with confusion.

Dian Man’s response was brief. “Lord Cao has spoken!” Dian Man stood with his arms crossed over his chest, his gaze fixed on the positions of Cao Ju and Deng Ai. He was prepared to intervene at a moment’s notice should any unexpected situation arise.

Deng Ai turned slowly atop the hill as he heard footsteps behind him. When he saw the figure before him, a finely dressed and elegant young nobleman, his initial surprise quickly faded. He subtly glanced at Lieutenant of Farming Wang Hong, who had been looking their way.

“Is this noble intentionally here for Ai?” Deng Ai’s words were hesitant, his speech impediment evident.

From his vantage point, Deng Ai not only saw the military camps nearby but also noticed Cao Ju arriving alongside Wang Hong.

Upon reaching Deng Ai’s side, Cao Ju smiled and nodded in acknowledgment as Deng Ai spoke of his purpose. Cao Ju’s careful observation showed promise of his latent talent for leadership and command, a quality that later allowed him to overthrow the Shu Han dynasty alongside figures like Jiang Wei and Zhong Hui.

Thus, Cao Ju chuckled and straightforwardly introduced himself. “Hahaha, Deng Ai, you’re right! Allow me to introduce myself. I am Cao Ju, also known as Cao Ju, the eighth son of the current Grand Chancellor of Great Han. I am here for you! I have only one question for you. Are you willing to follow me and join my banner? If you’re willing, I can find renowned generals of our time to be your mentors. If you learn and achieve success, you could potentially lead your army in battles abroad. It is not an impossibility!”

Different individuals, different attitudes.

Had Cao Ju faced an unproven Kongming (Zhuge Liang) who had yet to make a name for himself, this statement might have soured relations with Kongming, leading to displeasure and a failed attempt at recruiting the wise strategist.

However, the person he was facing was Deng Ai, an individual of humble origins who had not yet achieved greatness. In the presence of Deng Ai, adopting an approach similar to Liu Bei’s three visits to Zhuge Liang that sought the wise counsel of Deng Ai would not only belittle himself but also make Deng Ai feel uncomfortable. A straightforward invitation, accompanied by the bestowal of recognition and favor, was the most suitable way for him and Deng Ai to interact.

On the other side, when Deng Ai learned of Cao Ju’s identity and realized that the son of the Grand Chancellor had come personally to recruit him, he was shocked. While he had speculated that Cao Ju held a high position, he had never imagined it could be to this extent, causing him to look up in awe.

One was a humble farmer from the fields, while the other was a lofty nobleman of princely status. Under this stark contrast in social standing, even Deng Ai couldn’t help but feel a faint sense of humility. Could someone like him deserve the attention and recruitment of this nobleman before him?

As a result, Deng Ai hesitated and didn’t immediately respond to Cao Ju’s invitation.

However, just at that moment, a voice echoed in his ears.

“Modest origins, no shame! Flexibility and adaptability define a true man!”

Upon hearing these words, Deng Ai’s heart was touched deeply, and he lifted his head to gaze at Cao Ju.

At that moment, his mind was singularly focused on one thought.

“Nobleman, recognize me!”

These words struck a chord deep within him.