Chapter 79

The Dongjagdai (Copper Sparrow Pavilion).

Built by Cao Cao to commemorate the excavation of a copper sparrow, the Dongjagdai stood at a height of 10 zhang (about 30 meters) and boasted over 100 rooms, making it the largest pavilion of its time.

To the south, the Jinhu Pavilion was added, and to the north, the Bingjing Pavilion, connected by a cloud bridge, creating a grand trio of pavilions spaced less than 100 meters apart.

The Dongjagdai was so magnificent and splendid that even the anecdote of Cao Cao hosting a grand banquet and archery competition upon its completion seemed plausible.

Even the formidable condolence delegation from Shu was overwhelmed upon entering the Dongjagdai, their shoulders shrinking under its grandeur.

The delegation was intentionally scattered across various lodgings, causing them to arrive at the Dongjagdai separately. As the banquet time approached, Han Yeom grew restless over the missing members.

Unable to sit still, Han Yeom approached Bang Deok and asked, “Has General Zhao not arrived yet?”

“General Zhao has gone ahead, so do not worry,” replied Bang Deok.

Han Yeom wasn’t asking about safety! Despite the enmity between Shu and Wei and Cao Pi’s reckless nature, would he really kill an envoy without justification?

Han Yeom was merely asking why they were late. But with Bang Deok crossing his arms, signaling no further explanation, Han Yeom had no choice but to return.

The banquet began amidst Han Yeom’s anxiety.

Four seats remained empty. The two at the head were reserved for Cao Pi and his queen, while the other two were for Chang-ran and Zhao Yun.

Even as Cao Pi arrived, Chang-ran was nowhere to be seen. Han Yeom, pale and sweating, was on the verge of fainting.

Despite Han Yeom’s distress, the words were spoken: “Your Majesty, I, O Ji, humbly report.”

“Ah, O Ji. Speak.”

“Impertinently, the Shu delegation dares not show themselves until Your Majesty arrives. What should we do?”

Han Yeom was now on the brink of collapse.

O Ji, one of Cao Pi’s closest confidants, had spoken. This was surely Cao Pi’s scheme.

‘Could the delay of General Zhao and Chang-ran be part of Cao Pi’s plan…?’

Han Yeom bit his tongue, trying to gather his thoughts, as Cao Pi waved his hand dismissively.

“That’s fine. I already know. And it’s because I sent people to assist them. No need to worry.”

“Ah, yes, Your Majesty.”

O Ji, having failed to score a point, awkwardly returned to his seat.

The tension eased so quickly that Han Yeom slumped in relief, exhaling deeply. Bang Deok, watching beside him, remarked, “I told you not to worry.”

“Did you know something, General Bang…?”

“Not at all. I just trusted in their prowess.”

The belief that Chang-ran and Zhao Yun would overcome any obstacle. Han Yeom, slightly embarrassed, coughed to end the conversation.

With Chang-ran and Zhao Yun’s absence resolved, the banquet officially began.

Delicacies and fine wines from the Central Plains and Hebei filled the hall, accompanied by music and dances that delighted the guests.

Finally, she arrived.

“Shu’s envoy, Chang-ran, enters!”

At the eunuch’s announcement, the bustling hall fell silent as if rehearsed.

Cao Pi, about to rise, restrained himself and leaned forward instead.

Upon seeing Chang-ran, Cao Pi realized Zhao Chang’s words were no exaggeration. Despite lacking makeup, styled hair, or fine clothes, her beauty was undeniable.

An uncut gem, surpassing other jewels. What would she become after refinement?

Cao Pi sent his four cherished concubines to prepare her.

Dressed in clothes made by Xue Yalai, styled by Mo Jingshu and Dan Jiaoxiao, and taught feminine grace by Chen Shangyi.

Wouldn’t the world then agree with Zhao Chang’s praise?

Cao Pi strained his eyes as the doors opened and Chang-ran entered.

But Chang-ran’s attire was nothing like Cao Pi expected.

Instead of the vibrant, ornate dresses women typically wore, she donned a black robe with red accents, resembling the official robes of Han Dynasty officials.

The style was more masculine, with trousers under a straight robe, a feature of men’s clothing.

Yet, it wasn’t devoid of femininity. The robe cinched at the waist, accentuating her slender figure, with narrow sleeves highlighting her arms.

Chang-ran, in this blend of masculine and feminine attire, stood out even more.

Her hair, tied in a single braid, lacked the usual elaborate styling. Her face, with minimal makeup, glowed with a subtle red hue.

Her pale skin made one doubt she was a battlefield-hardened general.

Under the gaze of the banquet attendees, Chang-ran calmly approached Cao Pi.

“Apologies for the delay. It took longer than expected.”

Cao Pi, momentarily entranced by her face, quickly gestured to the seat beside him.

“…It’s fine. I permitted it. Come, sit here. Your seat awaits.”

The seat to Cao Pi’s right, just below his, was reserved for Chang-ran, closer to him than anyone except his queen.

The hall remained silent, still reeling from Chang-ran’s entrance, as Cao Pi’s voice rang clear.

“Did those I sent help you prepare?”

“No. I requested it myself.”

“Oh, you thought of it yourself? The clothes too?”

“Yes.”

At first, it seemed strange, but the more he looked, the more he liked it.

Traditional robes concealed the body, but this attire boldly revealed her figure, making it quite provocative.

“Not bad. In fact, it might be better.”

Cao Pi felt his artistic side stirring, as if a poem might spring forth. But another thought flashed in his mind.

Cao Pi smirked, a sly smile forming, and turned his gaze to one of the three he had summoned.

He laughed openly and said, “Haha, isn’t it amusing! Chang-ran, born a woman, wears men’s clothes and was praised by the late king as a general. Yet, this man here wears what women wear. Had the late king seen this, would he have taken him as a son-in-law?”

The late king Cao Cao’s son-in-law, Ha An, was the target of this scorn.

Cao Pi’s hatred for Ha An, proportional to Cao Cao’s favor, led him to expel Ha An from the palace and strip him of his position upon becoming king.

But this time, Cao Pi invited Ha An, not to forgive him, but to humiliate him.

The original plan was to dress Chang-ran beautifully to shame Ha An, who prided himself on his beauty.

Though the plan had changed, ridiculing his masculinity seemed even better.

And one more.

Cao Pi directed his malice toward another specially invited guest.

“Isn’t that right, Zi Jian?”

His own brother, Cao Zhi, now reduced to a mere marquis.