Cao Army Camp
After the Battle of Guandu, the Cao army prepared to return to Xuchang for a temporary rest and regrouping.
Within the camp, Cao Zhi went to visit Cai Wenji. She had recovered somewhat in these past days, though the worry in her expression had not lessened.
Cao Zhi spoke earnestly:
“Sister Wenji, although this place is temporarily safe, it remains a land of war and danger, not suitable for permanent stay. Once the Battle of Guandu is fully resolved, my father will surely lead his army north to pacify Hebei. The realm may be vast, but true peace will remain elusive until unification.”
Cai Wenji’s eyes darkened further. She understood all too well how difficult it was for a woman to find safety and stability in such chaotic times.
Observing her, Cao Zhi continued:
“I humbly request, Sister Wenji, that you consider my proposal. Xuchang is the heart of the realm and the seat of my father’s administration—relatively secure. Moreover, my father has long admired the scholarship and virtue of Cai Zhonglang (Cai Yong), and has spent years collecting his scattered works. You, as his sole bloodline, are the best inheritor of his learning.”
He paused briefly, then offered an invitation:
“I would like to invite you to return to Xuchang with me. Firstly, to escape the dangers of war and secure your life; secondly, my father has likely gathered some of Zhonglang’s surviving manuscripts and fragments, which require a learned hand to identify, organize, and restore. In this way, we may honor Zhonglang’s legacy for posterity. Sister Wenji, what say you?”
A spark of light appeared in Cai Wenji’s eyes, though a trace of hesitation remained:
“Your generosity overwhelms me. Yet… my position is delicate. If I reveal my true identity, it may bring unwelcome attention upon you and the Chancellor.”
Cao Zhi had anticipated this concern and smiled:
“Your caution is wise. We have planned for this. Until we reach Xuchang and meet my father, there is no need for you to appear as your true self. Externally, you may present…”
He suggested a solution:
“Simply say that you are a northern scholar I rescued during the chaos, whose family was lost, skilled in music and manuscript restoration. Out of respect for your learning, I have appointed you as the ‘Consultant for Texts’ in the household, tasked with assisting in organizing captured and collected works. This covers your identity, allows proper access to the manuscripts, and when the time is right, my father will reveal your true status.”
Cai Wenji felt deeply moved. Cao Zhi had considered everything for her; she could find no reason to refuse:
“Your careful planning humbles me, my lord. I shall follow your arrangement. To assist with my father’s works is all I could wish for.”
Cao Zhi quickly steadied her:
“Sister Wenji, you need not overstate it. This is only what I must do.”
Though she now had a temporary refuge for the future, a faint trace of lingering worry remained in her expression. After a moment of thought, she asked a question that had weighed on her mind:
“Your care overwhelms me, yet one matter still gnaws at me—may I speak freely?”
Cao Zhi’s face grew serious:
“Speak, Sister Wenji. I shall do all in my power and cannot refuse.”
Cai Wenji asked:
“You rescued me from disaster—an immense fortune. But what of the other women saved alongside me, those who suffered through war and have no home or family? How will you see to them?”
Cao Zhi had not expected that her first concern would be for others even as her own fate was turning. A warm admiration filled his heart.
He replied solemnly:
“Sister Wenji, your compassion is remarkable. I have indeed considered this, and arrangements are already underway.”
He explained in detail:
* Nearby cities around Xuchang will provide secure estates or shelters to house them temporarily, with food and lodging.
* Those willing to work will be placed in the city to earn a living.
* Those wishing to return home will receive sufficient funds to do so.
* If they are able to support themselves, they may even marry locally. I will allocate extra rations to soldiers if needed; supporting one more woman is manageable.
Hearing Cao Zhi’s thorough arrangements, Cai Wenji’s eyes shone with genuine gratitude. She bowed deeply:
“Your care for those in suffering touches me greatly. Thanks to your benevolence, I can journey to Xuchang in peace.”
Thus, among Cao Zhi’s victorious army returning to Xuchang, a conspicuous green-covered carriage carried Cai Wenji, presenting her as a “consultant” and keeping her true identity hidden.
On the long journey, whenever Cao Zhi had free moments, he rode to her side, discussing scenery along the way, consulting her on textual questions, or simply speaking with her.
The army knew that Cao Zhi treated the rescued “lady scholar” with exceptional respect, yet because she remained secluded and his orders forbade disturbance, no one questioned it further.
This relatively peaceful journey became the bedrock for growing intimacy between them. Through their daily interactions, mutual attraction, shared intellectual resonance, and Cao Zhi’s meticulous care, subtle feelings began to take root in Cai Wenji’s heart.
The empire’s most esteemed woman, with her wisdom and occasional vulnerability, had quietly captivated the young Cao Zhi.