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

Chapter 26: In That Year, Diao Chan Was a Mature Woman!

As a former general under Lu Bu’s command and having surrendered to Cao Cao after Lu Bu’s death, Zhang Liao always watched over Lu Bu’s widow, Diao Chan, and his only daughter, Lu Lingqi.

Zhang Liao’s presence had undoubtedly deterred many who harbored ill intentions towards Diao Chan and Lu Lingqi’s mother-daughter relationship.

Thinking about the spirited and carefree girl who had unconsciously grown into an age where marriage and motherhood were considered, Zhang Liao couldn’t help but feel both indulgence and helplessness whenever he saw Lu Lingqi addressing him as “Uncle.”

As an elder, Zhang Liao had never intended to hinder Lu Lingqi from pursuing her happiness. Not only did he refrain from stopping her, he also hoped that she would find a son-in-law who treated her well and didn’t mind her identity as Lu Bu’s daughter.

Because that way, even if he, as her uncle, were to meet an unfortunate end on the battlefield one day. At least that girl would still have a husband who genuinely cared for her, standing by her side, shielding her from the winds and rain, and with the support of her son, Zhang Hu.

In Zhang Liao’s vision, it would ensure that the girl would live out her life in peace and safety, with minimal problems.

However, Zhang Liao looked at Cao Ju as he entered the county government hall, his expression a mix of emotions, a faint trace of bitterness at the corner of his mouth.

He never would have thought. In the life path he had envisioned for his old lord’s daughter, a roadblock would appear like Cao Ju, the young master from the Cao family. Regarding Cao Ju’s admiration and pursuit of Lu Bu’s daughter, Zhang Liao’s headache and resistance were not due to any negative perception of Cao Ju himself. It was simply that, in Zhang Liao’s view:

No matter how outstanding Cao Ju might be, his status as the son of the Prime Minister precluded him from being a suitable candidate for a son-in-law. At least, that was the case for Lu Lingqi.

Who knew if the current young master had ulterior motives, deliberately showing affection for Lu Lingqi to win him over? Who knew…

Zhang Liao took a deep breath and glared at Cao Ju.

Would this eighth young master of the Cao family, who was exceptionally allowed to participate in the military council today by Prime Minister Cao Cao himself, have ambitions for the crown prince position?

Did he intend to compete with the other young masters?

If that were the case, no matter whether it was Zhang Liao or Lu Lingqi who was the object of Cao Ju’s affection, they would inevitably be drawn into the struggle for the crown prince position among the young masters. If it succeeded, that would be great. But if it didn’t.

Thinking of the enigmatic Prime Minister Cao Cao, Zhang Liao didn’t believe he, an outsider, could secure a favorable outcome even if Prime Minister Cao Cao spared him. Once, the young master of the Cao family who succeeded in the struggle for the crown prince position ascended to the position currently held by Prime Minister Cao Cao.

Upon careful consideration, they would still have an unfavorable fate. As Cao Ju entered the county government hall, he could feel a certain gaze following his every move. He suddenly stopped and looked towards the source of that gaze. When he saw the owner of that gaze, a man with star-like eyes and a robust statue, he immediately recognized his identity.

One of the five exceptional generals of Cao Wei.

Marquis of Duting.

Zhang Liao was renowned for his feats in the battle against the Wuhuan and the victory at Bai Lang Mountain. In terms of military achievements, he was nearly on par with Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, the generals who suppressed rebellions.

For Zhang Liao Zhang Wenyuan, their gaze locking surprised Cao Ju. Upon sensing that he had been noticed, Zhang Liao immediately averted his gaze as if unwilling to be involved. The unfamiliarity and distance seemed to be written all over Zhang Liao’s face.

This piqued Cao Ju’s interest. He turned his body slightly and confidently stood in front of Zhang Liao.

“General Zhang,” Cao Ju began, “It seems you have some… reservations about me?”

As he said this, Cao Ju didn’t display any annoyance. Instead, a faint smile played at the corners of his mouth. After all, the family knew its own business. Cao Ju knew his actions of befriending Zhang Liao’s son, getting close to Lu Lingqi, and indirectly prying into Zhang Liao’s “family” while stationed away from home was quite evil.

But what did that matter?

Zhang Liao’s reputation in the future was certainly impressive, but who outside of this room would know that? They would just consider him an ordinary general under Cao Cao.

However, how could Cao Ju not know?

Furthermore, even if he wasn’t plotting anything related to Zhang Liao, he still had to cultivate a good relationship with Zhang Liao’s son, Zhang Hu, for the sake of Diao Chan and Lu Lingqi, who were not biologically related but still held deep meaning to him.

Because of the existence of Zhang Hu, it was something he had thought of when he first arrived at this time a year ago. It was also the most efficient way to quickly approach Diao Chan and Lu Lingqi. After all, he couldn’t simply barge in to visit the two women. But if Zhang Hu acted as an intermediary, it wouldn’t be too abrupt.

Recalling his visits to Ye City, where he had gradually become acquainted with Diao Chan and Lu Lingqi through several meetings, Cao Ju could only say that from the time he first encountered Diao Chan, who had just come onto the stage during Dong Zhuo’s time, to the present day when she was a mature woman of thirty-five, she exuded a unique and mature enchanting beauty.

The words “mature” and “woman” were perfectly suited to describe this peerless beauty. As for Lu Lingqi, though slightly more youthful compared to Diao Chan, she displayed a spirited and determined character that set her apart from the norm. Her demeanor showcased the brave and heroic spirit typical of women born in prominent military families during these chaotic times.

Cao Ju’s thoughts on these two women were evident as he contemplated their unique charms.