Aide to the Vanguard Captain (Part 1)
189 AD. The sixth year of Zhongping. Two long years had passed since he became trapped in the Three Kingdoms game.
Serving as the Gate Captain guarding the capital of Han, Luoyang, he had quelled rebellions and repelled the Yellow Turbans who had encroached near the city, earning merits that allowed him to securely hold his iron rice bowl position as Gate Captain.
"Gate Captain Lee Seong-hwi, you are hereby assigned to the army of the Vanguard Captain. Assist the Vanguard Captain in preparing against foreign rebellions."
"Understood. I shall obey."
He bowed his head at the eunuch's command.
To counter the simultaneous rebellions breaking out across Han territories, the Ten Attendants had established the West Garden Army. Though created to prepare for rebellions, it was merely a private militia under the Ten Attendants. This was evident from the appointment of Jian Shi (Geonseok), one of their own, as its leader. The people of Luoyang greatly feared that the eunuchs now controlled military power as well.
"Gate Captain, I've heard you're a capable military officer. Your achievements so far are impressive. From now on, aid me in leading the army."
"Understood."
Black hair exuding elegance, red eyes clear and refined, a straight nose, and delicate features. Skin as white as ivory. His new superior, the Vanguard Captain, was a stunning beauty who turned every man's head. Dressed simply without ornate clothes or jewelry, she still radiated noble grace and allure.
Vanguard Captain Cao Cao (Mengde). She had become his new commander.
'But she's tiny.'
Cao Cao had a very petite build. Was this reflecting reality? Historical records did note that Cao Cao was smaller in stature compared to others. She barely reached his chest. Yet she didn't seem frail. A powerful intensity emanated from her cool demeanor. It was the image befitting the hegemon who left a massive mark across the entire Three Kingdoms era.
"You're staring at my face."
Cao Cao asked. Perhaps he'd focused too much on her face. Their eyes met.
"I never imagined I'd have the honor of serving the renowned Vanguard Captain."
"No need for surprise. Being assigned under me won't change your duties."
"Understood."
Cao Cao was a woman without flaws. Not a single gap in her every move or gesture; she was always mindful of her conduct. A thorough perfectionist, perhaps. She ranked first on his list of superiors he didn't want to serve. It was hard to believe she'd personally recommended him as her aide. A perfectionist like her should have chosen someone more capable. He couldn't help but wonder why she'd nominated a mere Gate Captain like him.
"What shall I do first, then?"
"Hm..."
Cao Cao pondered his question, nodded, and spoke.
"First, we have a place to go. Accompany me."
"Understood, Vanguard Captain."
"Wait."
As he moved to step forward, Cao Cao frowned, revealing her displeasure. She said,
"Mengde. Call me Mengde."
"Yes, Lady Mengde."
"Hm."
Cao Cao nodded. Only then did a satisfied expression cross her face.
"We're heading to the Grand General's residence."
"I'll lead the way."
Riding side by side with Cao Cao, they traversed Luoyang's streets.
Cao Cao was the daughter of a noble family descended from Cao Can, a founding merit of Han. More precisely, she was both of the Cao clan and the Xiahou clan. Her father, Xiahou Sung, had been adopted by the Mid Attendant Cao Teng, who had no heirs, becoming Cao Sung, thus making his eldest daughter, Cao Cao, part of the Cao family.
"Don't you have any questions for me?"
"Questions, you say..."
After much thought, Lee Seong-hwi spoke.
"I don't understand why someone of your noble house and vast wealth, Lady Mengde, would recommend a lowly one like me as your aide."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Talented individuals eager to serve the famed Lady Mengde of Han must be lining up. There's no reason to choose someone without status or background like me."
"I value ability over background. That's why I chose you."
"That makes it even less comprehensible."
Cao Cao let out a small chuckle at Lee Seong-hwi's response. She seemed to enjoy his puzzled expression.
He was right. Cao Cao was a promising talent in Han. Her family, bloodline, abilities, and fame were all recognized. She had crushed a massive Yellow Turban army at the Battle of Yingchuan, served as Jinan Minister and Dong Commandery Governor, building a reputation as an incorruptible official. Praised as exceptional by renowned scholars like Xu Shao and Jia Xu, her prestige soared to the heavens.
'You have no idea what I did to make you my aide.'
Cao Cao smiled faintly as she gazed at Lee Seong-hwi's profile. She'd bribed the military bureau heavily. To secure Gate Captain Lee Seong-hwi as her aide, she'd resorted to bold measures. The amount was a mere speck compared to the vast wealth and power of the Cao clan, but for Cao Cao, who had repeatedly confronted corruption, using bribes was astonishing.
"There's a meeting at the Grand General's residence. I'll be back shortly."
"Understood."
A meeting would soon convene at the Grand General's residence. Countless generals, including Han's Grand General He Jin, would gather. Of course, attending meant little, as they'd dismiss her as a eunuch clan's daughter and turn her into a folding screen, but Cao Cao had never once missed a meeting. Crucial matters were always discussed there. To stay ahead of the flow and situation, attendance was essential.
"Lady Mengde."
In front of the palace, Cao Cao and Lee Seong-hwi dismounted together. As she moved to enter, Lee Seong-hwi called out.
"Ah."
Lee Seong-hwi reached out. Cao Cao froze stiffly at his approaching hand. It was her first time being touched by an outsider man. She couldn't help but tense up. With any other man, she'd have slapped the hand away, but she didn't stop Lee Seong-hwi.
"There was a leaf in your hair."
Lee Seong-hwi promptly removed the leaf from atop Cao Cao's head. Her face flushed red. The reaction was so subtle that Lee Seong-hwi didn't notice, but her close kin would have gaped in shock. Was it embarrassment from the unfamiliar touch? Or shame at her unkempt appearance? Cao Cao silently nodded in acknowledgment of his kindness and headed into the palace without a word.
"Something good happen today, Mengde?"
Upon entering the Grand General's residence, Yuan Shao (Benchu), who had been waiting, approached.
"No, nothing."
"Liar. Your mouth's grinning ear to ear."
"It's not!"
Yuan Shao stepped back with a smile at Cao Cao's firm denial. Something good had clearly happened. Otherwise, her friend, always wearing a mask-like stoic expression, wouldn't show such a broad grin. Of course, Cao Cao's emotional shifts were so minute only her close associates could detect them. Thus, her childhood friend Yuan Shao saw she was in an exceptionally good mood.
"With the Ten Attendants' authority piercing the heavens, we loyal Han generals must step up to eradicate their atrocities and corruption!"
Grand General He Jin raised his voice, appealing to the assembled generals. Drive out the Ten Attendants—all nodded in agreement.
"The biggest issue now is the Upper Vanguard Captain controlling the central army."
Yuan Shao spoke up. As always, she dominated the meeting at the Grand General's residence. Brushing back her golden hair from her forehead, she drew all eyes. As He Jin's right-hand woman, she held strong sway.
"The West Garden Eight Captains created by Jian Shi are the eunuch faction's militia, but also the Emperor's direct army. If Jian Shi deploys them against the Grand General, we'd be defenseless."
The West Garden Eight Captains were newly formed with few troops. The problem was their status as the Emperor's direct command. Opposing them meant treason.
"That cunning eunuch bastard, using His Majesty's authority as his shield."
He Jin swallowed a groan. At the word "eunuch," Cao Cao ground her teeth. She knew it wasn't aimed at her, but in the Grand General's residence, where they belittled her as a eunuch clan's daughter, she couldn't help reacting sensitively.
"Right now, that damned Jian Shi commands the central army in His Majesty's stead. Even I, the Grand General, must seek his approval daily to move them."
Despite vast forces, He Jin couldn't raise arms because the Ten Attendants monopolized the Emperor's favor. The justification was ample—even children knew they manipulated the Emperor like a puppet for tyranny and corruption. But he couldn't act. The Emperor backed them. Valuing justification, profit, and his own safety equally, the indecisive He Jin kept delaying the purge.
'Dragging his feet, giving the eunuchs time. He should end this swiftly, but he's stalling.'
Cao Cao strongly disapproved of He Jin's hesitation in a matter that could be concluded immediately. The Emperor's favor? Sweep them all away with the army. Purge the Ten Attendants, depose the manipulated Emperor, and enthrone his nephew, Crown Prince Liu Bian. He Jin had the Grand General's forces and noble support. But he rejected all extreme hardline measures, claiming he couldn't defy the Emperor.
'No reason for me to step up. I won't.'
Cao Cao had no desire for He Jin to succeed in rebellion and claim supreme power. He loathed the eunuch faction, including families tied to them. If he monopolized Han's power, she and the Cao clan would be sidelined—thanks to her grandfather Cao Teng's respected eunuch status. He Jin had always scorned the Cao clan as a eunuch house.
'That indecisive nature will be his downfall. The Ten Attendants will move. Then blood winds will blow through Luoyang.'
She needed to prepare for the bloodshed. The clash between the Grand General's faction and the Ten Attendants was imminent. She needed loyal forces. Thus, Cao Cao decided to summon her relatives from home. They had aided her since the Yellow Turban suppression, excelling in martial prowess and strategy.
Cao Cao Mengde!!! The main heroine of this work!!!!!!