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

Chapter 32: Deng Ai Pays Respects as a Disciple, Under the Tutelage of the Five Valiant Sons!

Sima Yi’s assertion that Zhang Liao would be dead if he hadn’t recognized the situation outside the county government hall left Cao Pi with no room for a retort. Gazing at Sima Yi, who deftly pointed out human flaws in just a few words, Cao Pi simultaneously expressed admiration and a subtle sense of wariness towards Sima Yi.

“Prince, I’ve learned a lot today!”

Cao Pi placed his hands in front of him and performed a bow towards Sima Yi. In response to Cao Pi’s gesture, Sima Yi quickly sidestepped.

“I wouldn’t dare! With your wisdom, Prince, you would have noticed these things sooner or later.”

Upon hearing Sima Yi’s modest words, Cao Pi smiled without confirming or denying anything. After a few more casual conversations with Sima Yi, he departed with him towards the city’s outskirts. On the other side, on the road leading from the county magistrate’s residence to the southern military camp, Cao Ju, who had left ahead after the military council, was walking alongside Yu Jin and Zhang Liao, two of Wei’s Five Valiant Sons.

However, there was a slight difference. Compared to Cao Ju’s relaxed demeanor, Yu Jin and Zhang Liao, who couldn’t quite grasp Cao Ju’s intentions, remained silent and contemplative throughout the journey. Following Zhang Liao and Yu Jin, Deng Ai, who served under Cao Ju, walked alongside them, mirroring their every step. He suppressed his nervousness and anxiously observed Yu Jin and Zhang Liao. These two generals weren’t certain of their lord’s intentions. But for Deng Ai, how could he be uncertain?

After all, after the military council concluded, Cao Ju had said, “It’s fortunate that Cao Ju has something to ask of you two generals.”

Young Master Cao Ju fulfilled his promise during Deng Ai’s recruitment, seeking to find a renowned master to teach him. What excited Deng Ai even more was that the two individuals who were to become his mentors were extraordinary figures. One was Yu Jin, who had followed Cao Cao in various campaigns and had earned remarkable military achievements. The other was Zhang Liao, renowned for his feats beyond the borders, defeating the Xiongnu leader Tadun under the White Wolf Mountain. Regardless of which one became his mentor, Deng Ai considered himself fortunate.

Sensing Deng Ai’s anticipation, in his astonished gaze, Cao Ju halted his steps and suddenly stood still, causing Zhang Liao and Yu Jin to do the same. After briefly pausing his gaze, he fixed his eyes on Yu Jin.

“General Yu, do you remember my words after the military council?”

Of course, Yu Jin wasn’t forgetful enough not to remember something that had just occurred. But faced with Cao Ju’s inquiry. After his eyes, which revealed no emotions, glanced at Cao Ju, Yu Jin’s voice sounded deep as he said, “I remember.”

“I wonder, do you have something you wish to entrust to me?”

“However, I must preface that should it violate legal norms or contradict the intentions of the Prime Minister, please forgive me for being unable to comply. You should seek another person, Young Master.”

Yu Jin spoke out, adopting an upfront and pre-established stance. The “you’re welcome” implicit in his words made even the bystander Zhang Liao shake his head inwardly.

“Yu Wenze’s temperament is just too lacking in social graces.”

If the current young master had a thin skin. His words would surely offend Cao Ju, leading to an invisible rift between them. At least, if it were Zhang Liao, he wouldn’t say something like “Do you have something you wish to entrust to me?” but rather…

“I have everything I can do for you, Young Master.”

Facing Yu Jin, Cao Ju looked at Yu Jin’s “resolute and bold” demeanor, and not a hint of displeasure emerged on his face. Uncommon individuals should carry out extraordinary deeds and exhibit extraordinary traits. After Lu Bu’s death, anyone looked like a flag-waver trying to get ahead. Even when he had to surrender to his father, Cao Cao, after being defeated in battle, he still maintained an arrogant attitude, looking down on his father.

In such a manner… In contrast, when his father, Cao Cao, faced Guan Yu, he sent beautiful women, delicacies, gold, silver, and fine horses daily, licking his boots enthusiastically and immensely pleased.

Compared to these two, where did he and Yu Jin stand?

As long as Yu Jin could fulfill his request today and help him nurture Deng Ai, the “future General of Cao Wei,” Not to mention not speaking politely to him.

Even if Yu-Jin wanted to spit on his father, Cao Cao…

Cough cough, he could help his elder brother Cao Pi respond to Yu Jin’s request first.

With these thoughts in mind, Cao Ju asked, “General Yu, can you help me with the training of an individual?”

“If possible, I hope that you, General Yu, could become his guide in the path of martial arts. Pass on your knowledge of military strategy, tactics, and the art of war to him as much as you can.”

Cao Ju didn’t mention being a teacher in every sentence, but he repeatedly mentioned being a disciple. As he spoke, he gestured lightly to Deng Ai, who was following behind, indicating for him to step forward. Seeing this, Deng Ai hurriedly moved forward and stood nervously before Yu Jin and Zhang Liao.

“General Yu, this is the person I want to recommend to you.”

“A man from Nanyang.”

“Deng Ai, Deng Shizai!”

After the words fell, Cao Ju turned to Deng Ai and said, “Shizai, this is the renowned teacher that I, as the young master, want to find for you.”

Upon hearing Cao Ju’s words, Deng Ai understood his intentions very well. He took a deep breath, trying not to stutter before Yu Jin, preserving Young Master Cao Ju’s face.

However, some things couldn’t be forced. Attempting to do so might result in unintended consequences. As soon as he spoke, expressions of astonishment appeared on the faces of Yu Jin and Zhang Liao.

“Deng… Deng Ai!”

“Greetings to General… General Yu!”

A phrase that should have only had five words became a stuttering nine-word sentence from Deng Ai. After he finished speaking, Deng Ai’s face turned crimson from embarrassment. Today, he embarrassed himself in front of renowned generals like Yu Jin and Zhang Liao. As Deng Ai kept his head down, wishing he could disappear into the ground, he suddenly felt a light pat on his shoulder.

“Shizai, lift your head for me!”

“Isn’t it just a mere stuttering problem? It’s not impossible to overcome!”

“With your talents, becoming a marquis or a general in the future won’t be difficult. Who would dare to mock you if you still stutter?” Cao Ju’s words sent a shock through Deng Ai’s mind.

Looking back at Cao Ju’s encouraging gaze, when he raised his head and looked at Yu Jin again, Deng Ai’s face no longer held any trace of self-deprecation or shame.

“Deng Ai! Greetings to General Yu!”

Another sentence was uttered. However, perhaps due to the encouragement from Cao Ju, while Deng Ai’s speech was still slower than average, it flowed with a firm and connected tone. This scene left Zhang Liao, who initially felt quite puzzled by Cao Ju’s recommendation of a stutterer to be taught by Yu Jin, utterly astonished.

Deng Ai, this young man, is truly exceptional!

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