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

“Among my numerous sons, following my stepson Huan (styled Cao Pi), Zijian (styled Cao Zhi), and Ziwen (styled Cao Zhang), another ambitious individual has surfaced.”

When he spoke of the “ambitious individual,” Cao Cao’s eyes held a faint sense of appreciation, not a hint of anger.

Wolves travel a thousand miles to feast on meat, while dogs travel a thousand miles to eat excrement. For regular parents, the secure passage of their children’s lives might be the greatest wish. However, Cao Cao was well aware. Being in his position, if an unfortunate event were to occur. If his sons were to prove mediocre, it would bring calamity rather than fortune to the Cao family.

Amidst the chaos of the present era. The successor Cao Cao chose must be a wolf, not a dog.

“Zimou (styled Cao Ju), I look forward to your arrival. I’m curious to hear your arguments when the time comes.”

“Xun Yu, he won’t be so easily saved!”

As he murmured in this manner, suddenly, an image flashed through Cao Cao’s mind, causing him deep sorrow.

That person. It was his eldest son, Cao Ang, who had once been his most proud son, exceptionally brilliant even from a young age, and sadly, fate envied his talent. If he was still alive, Cao Cao would not find himself in the current situation, hesitating between Cao Pi, Cao Zhi, and Cao Zhang as potential successors.

Cangshu would have been his best choice for a successor.

“Zimou, I hope you can be like your half-brother Cangshu and not disappoint me!”

After sighing again, Cao Cao suppressed his longing for his departed son, Cao Chong, and loudly instructed Xu Chu, guarding outside the door, “Zhongkang, summon Cao Pi and Cao Zhang to see me!”

On this southern expedition, aside from Cao Zhi, who was left behind for the defense of the rear, both Cao Pi and Cao Zhang had been brought to the frontline by Cao Cao.

“Yes, sir!”

Soon, Xu Chu’s response came from outside the door. Not long after, with the sound of approaching footsteps, the door to Cao Cao’s study was pushed open. And then, in the attire of a literati and armored, Cao Pi and Cao Zhang entered together, connecting their steps.

“Father, did you summon me and my younger brother for something?” Cao Pi entered the room, and when he saw Cao Cao reading military intelligence documents with his head down, he cautiously and softly inquired, slightly hunched over.

Towards his father, Cao Cao, even though Cao Pi was the eldest among his brothers, he couldn’t help but feel a certain distance. Somehow, he found it difficult to be close to his father. There was an inherent reverence within him. A kind of reverence that bordered on fear, even surpassing respect.

As for Cao Zhang, he was much more casual in his demeanor. Known as “Cao Huangxuer” within the Cao family, he didn’t handle matters as cautiously as his older brother, Cao Pi.

“Father, is there a battle at the front? If so, please allow your child to go!” Cao Zhang, a lover of battles, immediately offered his service.

Inside the study, Cao Cao, seated in the main position, listened to his two sons speaking in succession. He then leisurely set down the military intelligence documents in his hand, lifted his head, and directed an annoyed look at Cao Zhang, who seemed to have a penchant for discussing fighting and killing.

“Ziwen, if Sun Quan were so easy to capture and kill, why did I retreat in defeat at Chibi?” Cao Cao reproached with a hint of irritation.

“You, indeed!”

“Don’t just think about wielding swords and spears all the time. If you’re idle, spend more time learning military strategies from Gong Da, Wen Yuan, Wen Ze, and Man Cheng.”

“Conquering Jiangdong is not the same as dealing with the barbarians on the northern grasslands. When fighting against them, you need to use your head!” As he spoke, Cao Cao tapped the side of his temple with a bent index finger.

Hearing his father Cao Cao’s lecture, Cao Zhang disdainfully curled his lip. He wasn’t interested in the scholarly pursuits of his younger brother, Cao Zhi, or his older brother, Cao Pi. Instead, he believed more in his warhorse between his legs, the long spear in his hand, and the bow and crossbow hanging from his horse’s back.

Cao Cao couldn’t help but notice that Cao Zhang was ignoring his advice, and with a hint of helplessness, he gave up on continuing the lecture.

“Fine, fine!”

“Ziwen, when you suffer losses on the battlefield someday, you’ll understand the importance of using your brain.”

Beside them, Cao Pi observed his father, Cao Cao, who showed no frustration towards his younger brother, Cao Zhang. His eyes were filled with envy. Father was truly biased.

When treating Zijian and Zijian’s younger brother, Zijian always used gentle words. But when it was his turn, he would only wear a stern expression and reprimand him.

As Cao Pi was lost in thought. He suddenly noticed that his father, Cao Cao, had put away his smile and was now frowning, looking at him seriously.

“Zihuan, I’ve heard.”

“These days, you’ve been spending a lot of time with Chen Lin and Ruan Yu, right? Hmph, I brought you here for military matters, not for you to engage in scholarly discussions with them.”

“With your time, you might as well learn from Ziwu and show more concern for the frontline battles.”

Faced with Cao Cao’s reproach, Cao Pi didn’t dare to argue. Although he had visited Ruan Yu lately due to his poor health and had grown closer to him, he lacked the courage to explain or defend himself against his father, Cao Cao.

He could only meekly respond, “Father… your guidance is correct!”

Seeing his son, Cao Pi, again displaying this timid attitude, a hint of disappointment flickered in Cao Cao’s eyes. When compared to his deceased sons, Cao Ang and Cao Chong, Cao Pi was truly unable to satisfy him completely.

Thinking this over, Cao Cao let out a cold snort.

“Hmph!”

“Your reckless eighth brother should arrive at Hefei in a few days!”

“By then…”

“Both of you, go and receive him. After entering the city, bring him directly to me.”

Having said that, Cao Cao waved his hand, indicating for Cao Pi and Cao Zhang to leave.

“Zimou will come?”

Cao Pi looked bewildered, his face filled with surprise as he gazed at his father, Cao Cao.