Three Kingdoms: Cao Cao is stunned when he reveals his time-traveling identity.

Three days later.

The two traveled from Xuzhou to Xudu.

This caused quite a stir.

These two people are none other than...

It was Mi Zhu and Chen Deng.

Su Chen didn't have a good way to invite these two people over.

But Cao Cao had it!

An imperial edict summoned the two of them directly.

The reason given, however, left Su Chen both amused and exasperated.

The original text of the imperial edict roughly means the following:

"In my opinion, Su Chen is a man of exceptional talent and a worthy advisor to the Han Dynasty."

"Special efforts are being made to find him a suitable spouse."

"Having long heard of the beauty and allure of the Mi family's daughter, Mi Zhen, I have specially invited Mi Zhu here to discuss this matter."

This is clearly a sign that the emperor is about to bestow a marriage upon them!

Su Chen didn't seem to care.

But Mr. Cao, have you ever considered your daughter's feelings?

Cao Cao, however, was completely unconcerned.

That means, at worst, they can just take her as a concubine.

Su Chen simply couldn't keep up with the thought processes of the ancients.

The father-in-law found a concubine for his son-in-law?!

Return the imperial edict?!

Can't we use a different reason?

But since things have come to this, at least they managed to get Mi Zhu over.

Liu Bei, who called himself the Imperial Uncle of the Han Dynasty, naturally dared not disobey the emperor's edict and could only obediently release the people.

Moreover, this was a marriage bestowed by the emperor, so Mi Zhu had no reason to refuse.

As for Chen Deng, he had little contact with Liu Bei and was indifferent to Lü Bu, coming and going as he pleased.

The Chen family, to which Chen Deng belonged, was a prominent and long-established gentry family in Xuzhou.

Their status was in no way inferior to that of the Yang family.

Let alone Lü Bu, even Tao Qian, the former ruler of Xuzhou, treated Chen Deng's father, Chen Gui, with great respect.

The two arrived at the Sikong Mansion and took their seats.

The slightly overweight Mi Zhu sat there, feeling extremely uncomfortable.

He knew very well that Cao Cao's summons was definitely not as simple as bestowing a marriage upon him.

That's just one excuse.

He and his brother Mi Fang declined Cao Cao's invitation, but who knows what Cao Cao was up to?

But at present, although he has provided financial assistance to Liu Bei.

However, Liu Bei's main investor is now Sun Qian, who is also a wealthy merchant from Xuzhou.

Mi Zhu was merely following suit.

He wasn't very close to Liu Bei, so he wasn't too worried about what Cao Cao might do.

As for Chen Deng, he remained calm, even somewhat complacent.

In his view, although this was nominally Cao Cao asking the emperor to bestow a marriage upon his staff,

But that's not the case at all.

Upon arriving at the Sikong Mansion and meeting Su Chen, Chen Deng became even more convinced of this.

too young.

He was just over twenty years old and came from a poor family; he might even be just an ordinary person.

Where is she worthy of being bestowed a marriage by the emperor?

Throughout history, those who were betrothed by the emperor were either imperial relatives or high-ranking officials.

Su Chen didn't touch any of them.

Why would Cao Cao go to such great lengths for an ordinary person?

Impossible, absolutely impossible!

Thinking of this, Chen Deng couldn't help but smile.

Cao Cao's intentions were crystal clear!

Clearly, this was all part of their scheme to take over Xuzhou!

Chen Deng represented the gentry of Xuzhou, while Mi Zhu, a wealthy merchant, represented the common people.

At present, Lü Bu has no ability to govern Xuzhou City.

Friction between the aristocratic and commoner factions was constant.

If we can take this opportunity to reach an agreement with both of them, we will be able to easily control Xuzhou City in the future!

What does this tell us?

This shows that Cao Cao already intended to attack Xuzhou!

Now that Lü Bu is gone, how could he not see through this little scheme?

"Please take your seats, gentlemen. Let's have a good drink tonight!"

Cao Cao smiled and said, seemingly having no intention of discussing business.

The two of them relaxed and sat down together.

The servants brought over two jars of wine, placed them aside, and opened the lids.

Their eyes lit up immediately!

"Such a rich aroma is rarely seen in the world!"

Chen Deng was startled and turned to look.

They made eye contact with Mi Zhu.

Seeing that Mi Zhu also looked shocked, it was clear that the two of them had the same idea!

In ancient times, people used tea and wine to make friends.

The fact that Cao Cao could serve such fine wine to his guests shows how wealthy he was.

And his sincerity!

"Make yourself at home, drink as much as you like."

Cao Cao smiled and waved his hand, signaling to pour some wine.

After downing a glass of wine, the two looked particularly pleased.

Such fine wine is truly a rare find in the world!

"How's this wine?"

Cao Cao observed their reactions and spoke calmly.

"Truly an exceptional wine!"

"I never imagined that Cao Cao possessed such an unparalleled wine!"

"I, Chen Yuanlong, consider myself to have tasted all the finest wines in the world, but I have never tasted such a fine brew!"

Mi Zhu smiled slightly:

"I feel the same way."

Seeing the two speak like this, Cao Cao's smile widened even more:

"This wine was brewed by Jingming himself."

"If you two like them, I will send you two jars later."

Jingming?

Su Chen?!

The two men looked at Su Chen, who was sitting next to Cao Cao, with expressions of shock.

Such a fine wine, actually made by Su Chen?

Ghost letter!

Despite their disbelief, the two dared not say anything more and could only thank them.

After a few rounds of drinks...

Cheng Yu, who was standing beside him, then slowly spoke:

"Mi Zhu, you are a wealthy merchant from Xuzhou, with abundant fertile land and resources under your control."

"With such wealth, why not use it to obtain an official position?"

Since Emperor Ling of Han, Liu Hong, began selling official positions, it has become commonplace.

This statement was clearly intended to win over Mi Zhu.

However, Cao Cao couldn't say it; he had to ask someone else to speak first.

Upon hearing this, Mi Zhu coughed lightly:

"I have considered what you say, sir."

"Although I am quite wealthy, most of my assets belong to the clan and are not something I can decide on my own."

Cao Cao immediately waved his hand, then looked at Cheng Yu with feigned seriousness and said:

"Zhongde, let's not talk about this today!"

Cheng Yu nodded slightly, cupped his hands in greeting, and said:

"I asked out of me out of curiosity, and I hope you will not take offense."

Although they said nice things on the surface, Mi Zhu could easily understand the unspoken meaning behind their words.

He felt increasingly uneasy, as if he were sitting on pins and needles, or as if he had thorns in his back.

I can't wait to leave right now.

However, Mi Zhu was not actually too hostile towards Cao Cao.

He is currently considering whether to accept Cao Cao's offer or continue investing in Liu Bei.

Liu Bei's reputation, both in Xuzhou and throughout the land, was one of extreme benevolence and virtue, with an excellent public image.

But in terms of both strength and territory, they were far inferior to Cao Cao.

In chaotic times, one must find someone to rely on.

Otherwise, he will lose his assets sooner or later.

He is currently very hesitant and doesn't know how to make a decision.

Therefore, Mi Zhu couldn't help but turn his attention to Chen Deng.

As a member of the gentry, Chen Deng's insight in this regard is certainly much more unique than mine.

If he makes a choice, I can follow suit and make my own judgment.

Just then, Chen Deng slowly put down his wine bowl and said:

"Minister Sikong, I have something to say, but I'm not sure if I should."

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao smiled.

"Yuanlong, please speak freely!"

The fact that Chen Deng was willing to speak up means there's still room for discussion!

As long as we can get the Chen family's help.

Taking Xuzhou is a piece of cake!

Otherwise, even if we defeat Lü Bu, we might not be able to take Xuzhou!

……