After the hunt in Xutian ended, Cao Zhi’s life seemed to return to a semblance of calm. Yet his sharp senses had not relaxed; the public humiliation of the emperor had only made him more alert. Cao Cao’s blatant insult of the Son of Heaven was intolerable to anyone, let alone an emperor—puppet though he might be. According to history, the Edict of the Clothes-and-Belt incident was about to erupt, and Dong Cheng’s faction was secretly plotting to assassinate Cao Cao.
If that conspiracy succeeded and Cao Cao were killed, Cao Zhi, as his son, would have no security. The Cao clan would fall into chaos, its leadership torn apart. Within the army, Cao Zhi had little influence, and Cao Pi, as the eldest son, was jealous of him. There was no way Cao Pi would let him off easily.
He could no longer hesitate. He had to stop the plot—not to save Cao Cao personally, but to preserve the Cao clan, the very platform that could end the chaos and allow him to achieve his goals, and to ensure he could protect Zhen Mi in the upcoming Battle of Guandu.
Being a time-traveler alone was not enough; he needed a top-tier strategist who could operate independently. The name that naturally surfaced in his mind was Sima Yi, Sima Zhongda—a sharp-eyed, patient, and cunning man, a true kingmaker.
At this time, Sima Yi had not yet entered Cao Cao’s inner circle. Cao Zhi decided to take the initiative.
He instructed Aqin to use his city contacts to discreetly investigate the Sima family. Soon, news arrived: Sima Yi’s father, Sima Fang, the governor of Jingzhao, had been falsely accused of nepotism and plotting with old allies. The situation was delicate, and the Sima household was steeped in gloom; Sima Yi himself had withdrawn from public life, said to be ill with worry.
Cao Zhi’s heart leapt. Opportunity! Sima Yi’s “illness” was likely an excuse, both to avoid danger and because he was helpless.
Cao Zhi acted immediately, having Aqin bribe the local officials in charge of the case to obtain a copy of the false accusation and the “evidence.”
That night, Cao Zhi, in plain clothes with only Aqin, arrived at the back gate of the Sima residence, delivering his calling card and a token, requesting a secret audience with Sima Yi.
Sima Yi, surprised that Cao Cao’s prominent son would come secretly at night, hesitated but eventually led him to a secluded study.
Inside, candlelight flickered. Sima Yi showed no signs of serious illness, though worry and fatigue lined his face. His eyes remained sharp. He greeted cautiously: “I am honored by your visit, Young Master. What brings you here at such a late hour?”
Cao Zhi did not mince words. He placed the copied accusation on the table. “Mr. Zhongda, let us speak plainly. I have learned of this matter. This is a frame-up; here is the evidence.”
Sima Yi’s pupils constricted as he scanned the documents, his expression darkening. He had not expected Cao Zhi to obtain them—or to be so direct.
Cao Zhi continued: “Sir, buried in obscurity and facing such humiliation, is this not a pity? The world is in turmoil; now is the time for men to make their mark and purge treachery. Would you watch your family’s honor be tarnished and your ambitions vanish?”
Sima Yi paused, then said slowly: “Your intentions are clear and appreciated. Yet this matter is complex; I am but a humble scholar. What can I do?” He was testing Cao Zhi’s sincerity and ability.
Cao Zhi smiled, confident: “Rest assured, sir. I will handle this and ensure the case is resolved.”
He looked at Sima Yi with earnest intensity: “I come not only to clear your name but to enlist your talents. The world has lost a jewel in your obscurity. I ask you, with the respect due to a teacher and friend, to step forward and aid me in unifying the realm.”
Sima Yi was deeply moved. Brilliant yet wronged, this was the moment of a fallen hero. Cao Zhi not only recognized his plight but offered aid at the moment of greatest need, directly removing his largest obstacle, with utmost respect and honor.
He took a deep breath, straightened his attire, and bowed deeply: “Young Master, your insight is vast, and your justice clear. I shall not forget this. If you will have me, I will devote myself to your cause and serve you faithfully.”
“Excellent!” Cao Zhi rejoiced, helping Sima Yi to his feet. “With you by my side, we are like fish in water. The Battle of Guandu is imminent; we need your strategy and guidance!”
In the Wei palace study, Cao Cao was reviewing reports when Cao Zhi requested an audience.
Without looking up, Cao Cao said: “Zijian, what brings you here so late?”
Cao Zhi, serious, bowed: “Father, I have sensed unrest within Xuchang.”
Cao Cao paused, eyes sharp: “Unrest? Be specific.”
Cao Zhi explained how he overheard drunken officials speaking of “Han restoration” and “eliminating the regent.” “Though they may have been drunk, there may be truth in it.”
Cao Cao sneered: “Dogs bark at the sun; what is there to worry about? Who in Xuchang hates me?”
Cao Zhi stepped closer, lowering his voice: “Father, even if mere words, if acted upon… I have noticed Guojiu Dong Cheng, Wang Zifu, and others’ households have been unusually busy, with many unfamiliar faces, some from Xiliang.”
The words “Xiliang” pricked Cao Cao sharply.
Leaning forward, eyes sharp, he asked: “Xiliang faces? Are you sure, Zijian?”
Cao Zhi replied confidently: “I dare not speak falsely. You may investigate discreetly—notice guards and weapons of Xiliang style at their gates.”
Cao Cao tapped the desk, thinking. “Good. You are meticulous, very good. Do not mention this to anyone.”
“Yes, Father. I understand,” Cao Zhi bowed and left.
Once he exited, Cao Cao summoned Xu Chu.
The next night, Cao Cao’s study was brightly lit, attended only by trusted men—Cao Cao, Cao Zhi, Cao Pi, and Xu Chu. Secret reports lay on the table.
Cao Cao’s expression was dark. “Zijian, what you reported is partly true. Xu Zhongkang, speak.”
Xu Chu, gruff, reported: the Dong Cheng household had Xiliang guards and secret dealings with city officials, intercepted a coded letter mentioning “great matters” and “armor” and “wait for the time.”
Cao Cao slammed the table: “Good! So the Guojiu dares rebel!”
Cao Zhi continued, speeding through details: “Participants include Dong Cheng, Wang Zifu, Zhong Ji, Wu Shuo, Wu Zilan. They conspire with Ma Teng of Xiliang to send troops. They plan to set fire in the palace and act in the chaos. Liu Bei may even be aware, perhaps involved…”
Cao Cao’s pupils dilated. “Liu Bei?! That rebel! I will capture him!”
“Xu Zhongkang!”
“Yes, my lord!”
“Immediately mobilize the Tiger Guards! Seal Xuchang! Arrest Dong Cheng, Wang Zifu, Zhong Ji, Wu Zilan, Wu Shuo, and families! Bring them to the palace! I shall personally interrogate the emperor!”
“Yes!” Xu Chu obeyed, armor clanging as he left.
Cao Zhi looked at his father. Cao Cao spoke slowly: “Zijian, this time, you’ve done well. Without your warning, my life would be at risk. Name your reward.”
Cao Zhi bowed deeply, sincere: “Father, no reward is needed. My duty is to secure our house and stabilize the realm. If you deem my efforts worthy, I humbly have one request—not for myself.”
“Oh?” Cao Cao raised an eyebrow.
Cao Zhi looked ahead calmly: “I’ve heard of Sima Fang, a respected old minister, falsely accused. With Yuan Shao watching, stability is crucial. If he suffers unjustly, the realm’s loyalists will despair, and Yuan Shao may seize the opportunity to spread rumors and undermine our foundation.”
Cao Cao’s expression hardened. He now realized the political risk.
Cao Zhi continued: “Father, I humbly ask you to investigate and restore Sima Fang’s honor. Punish the false accusers. This will stabilize loyalty and strengthen our internal foundation.”
His words were firm, selfless, and wholly for the greater good.
Cao Cao’s eyes shone with admiration. He had not expected his son to possess such insight, political foresight, and ability—thinking beyond personal gain to consolidate loyalty. Truly a mark of a great ruler.
He clapped, laughing: “Excellent, Zijian! Your vision and loyalty please me. Do as you say!”
Glancing at Cao Pi, he continued: “Zihuan, see your brother! Achieved greatly without pride or reward, thinking only of the greater good. You, as elder brother, should reflect and learn.”
Cao Pi’s face darkened, forced a smile: “Father’s teaching… indeed. My brother… truly capable.” He added bitterly: “Congratulations on your achievement.”
The word “again” was heavy with envy and resentment.
Cao Zhi remained calm, fully aware of the growing rift with Cao Pi, but knew he had no choice. In this chaotic age, he must constantly prove his worth to survive and protect those he loved.