Chapter 28: A Loan, Perhaps?

Dian Wei’s original intention was merely to give Cao Cao a stern warning, ensuring he understood the rules of Lu County and would refrain from acting recklessly or harboring any unrealistic ambitions. Of course, this was all at Lu Chuan’s instruction.

However, Dian Wei had not expected the soldier being whipped to be so foolish; it was bad enough that he was being punished, but he had to go and drag his fellow soldiers down with him by shouting out their names! Had he kept his voice down, Dian Wei could have feigned ignorance, but since he had shouted, there was no way for anyone, unless they were deaf, to miss it.

What was he to do? Lu Chuan hadn’t coached him on how to handle such a situation. The atmosphere turned momentarily awkward. Fortunately, Cao Cao was no ordinary man and reacted with lightning speed.

"Yuanrang! Go and find everyone who snatched meat pies outside the city, at once!"

"This... Mengde, it’s just a meat pie; surely it’s not worth—"

"What? Are you no longer listening to my orders?" Cao Cao fixed a cold, icy stare upon Xiahou Dun.

Xiahou Dun was startled and dared not delay. He turned to investigate and quickly dragged out thirteen soldiers who had forcibly stolen the meat pies.

"Men! According to the laws of Lu County, give them ten lashes each! Yuanrang, you will administer the punishment yourself!"

"Yes!"

Xiahou Dun drew his whip and lined up the thirteen soldiers, lashing them one by one. The sound of the whip echoed, accompanied by the wails of the soldiers, and Cao Cao’s expression grew increasingly grim. It was not that he wanted to do this, but he had been forced into a corner; he had no other choice. Lu County was remarkably prosperous, and Dian Wei’s earlier display had already drawn a crowd of onlookers. If Cao Cao were to show partiality or shield his own men now, his reputation would be ruined. Thus, his actions were not out of respect for the laws of Lu County or to curry favor with Lu Chuan, but to preserve his own standing. Whipping thirteen soldiers in exchange for a reputation of strict military discipline was a worthwhile trade.

With a total of fourteen soldiers whipped, the proportion was significant enough that Cao Cao no longer had any excuse to ask Dian Wei to move his men aside.

"Yuanrang, take the money for fourteen meat pies and give it to County Commandant Dian." Cao Cao then turned to look at Dian Wei. "County Commandant, please trouble yourself to have someone deliver this money to those whose meat pies were stolen."

If one is going to put on a show, one must see it through; since the men had already been whipped, why hesitate over a few coins? Dian Wei did not dither; he handed the money to one of his soldiers, instructing him to go outside the city to inspect the situation and ensure that every laborer received a meat pie, leaving no one hungry. After this episode, Cao Cao and his men became much more disciplined.

It was mostly because they felt so humiliated. Dian Wei said nothing more and led the way directly toward Lu Chuan’s residence. Originally, Cao Cao had intended to use this opportunity to get close to Dian Wei and see if he could poach him, but now he couldn't bring himself to speak. It wasn't until they reached the gates of Lu Chuan’s mansion that Cao Cao regained his composure and approached Dian Wei.

"County Commandant Dian is truly valiant! In my view, even Lu Bu of Hulao Pass might not be your match!"

Dian Wei turned back and looked at Cao Cao. "Are you trying to get me to abandon Master Lu and follow you?"

"Ah?" Cao Cao was stunned. He had only just begun to test the waters; how had Dian Wei jumped straight to the point? Shouldn't there have been a stage of mutual flattery where Dian Wei felt appreciated before moving to the next phase?

"What 'ah'? I’m asking you, are you trying to get me to leave with you and join your ranks?" Dian Wei pressed again.

Cao Cao steeled himself and nodded firmly. "Exactly so! A warrior as valiant as you, relegated to the rank of a mere County Commandant in Lu County, is truly a talent wasted. If you are willing, I can recommend you for the rank of Colonel!"

To leap from a County Commandant to a Colonel was a significant promotion. In these times, before the world had descended into total chaos and the various irregular titles for generals had emerged, the title of Colonel was highly prestigious. Only such an offer could demonstrate Cao Cao’s sincerity. He genuinely admired Dian Wei; such a fierce warrior belonged on the battlefield by his side, not wasting his life away as a County Commandant in Lu County.

To his surprise, Dian Wei laughed. "My Master Lu was right again!"

"Ah? What was he right about?" Cao Cao was perplexed.

Dian Wei continued, "When I left, Master Lu told me that once you met me, you would surely try to recruit me, promising all sorts of benefits to make me join you. I didn't believe him at the time, but now, I do. My master is truly brilliant!"

Cao Cao’s face grew awkward once more. His intentions had been seen through by Lu Chuan from the start. What was worse, Dian Wei had said it aloud in front of so many people, which left him with no way to save face. Still, Cao Cao clung to a thread of hope. "And what is your answer, County Commandant?"

"Me?"

Dian Wei shook his head, his expression turning solemn. "Although I, Dian Wei, have never read books, I know that a loyal subject does not serve two masters. I don't care what kind of general you are or what rank you want to offer me; in my eyes, there is only Master Lu!"

Although Cao Cao had anticipated this outcome, hearing it directly from Dian Wei still left him deeply disappointed. Why could such a fierce warrior not be used by him?

"Let’s go. Master Lu is waiting for you inside." Dian Wei had the gates opened and led the way in. Cao Cao, Xiahou Dun, and the others followed, but their soldiers were stopped at the entrance. Lu Chuan’s residence was not a marketplace; allowing Cao Cao and his inner circle inside was already a sign of respect—the soldiers were not invited. Xiahou Dun looked back and noticed their men being blocked. He wanted to flare up, but remembering the three hundred elite troops Dian Wei had brought, he swallowed his words.

"General Cao, my apologies for not meeting you further away!" Lu Chuan walked out from within, bowing to Cao Cao with a smile on his face.

Cao Cao hurriedly returned the bow and asked the question that had been weighing on his heart. "Master Lu, last time I led several thousand troops to punish Dong Zhuo and passed through your county, Yuanrang and I came to visit, but you turned us away. Why, today, when we return in defeat, do you invite me in?"

Lu Chuan smiled. "I invited General Cao to meet because I naturally have important matters to discuss. This is not the place for conversation; I have prepared wine and food, so please, come inside and we shall talk."

Seeing that Lu Chuan’s attitude was polite enough, Cao Cao said nothing more and followed Lu Chuan’s guidance into the main hall. He was deeply curious about what Lu Chuan had to say, and whether he might still find a chance to recruit him. If he could win over Lu Chuan, wouldn't Dian Wei, who followed him, also become his own subordinate?

Once seated, Cao Cao grew impatient. "Master Lu, what is this important matter you wish to discuss?"

"Since you are so anxious, General, I shall stop beating around the bush." Lu Chuan stood up. "I heard that while pursuing Dong Zhuo, you fell into Xu Rong’s trap, suffering heavy losses in both men and supplies, leaving you with only a hundred or so soldiers. You could say you are in a truly wretched state."

Xiahou Dun snorted coldly. Did they need Lu Chuan to remind them of their defeat? Lu Chuan glanced at Xiahou Dun, completely unbothered.

"However, General Cao is no ordinary man. Even after such losses, you will not abandon your original intent to restore the Han Dynasty. But for you to return and make a comeback will not be an easy task. You exhausted your family fortune last time, and to reorganize your troops now, you will surely require vast amounts of money and grain, will you not?"

Cao Cao nodded. "That is indeed the case! From what you say, Master Lu, do you intend to assist me?"

"Hahaha! Naturally!" Lu Chuan’s face lit up with joy, and he stepped toward Cao Cao. "General, my Lu Family Bank offers loan services. Why don't you take out a loan from me, General? What do you think?"