As Cao Cao walked away with a smile, Fei Qian still couldn't figure out whether Cao Cao had discovered his deception or not. If he had discovered it, why didn't he say anything? If he hadn't, why did Fei Qian feel that Cao Cao's smile before leaving was somewhat eerie?
Although Cao Cao now appeared harmless and non-confrontational, Fei Qian knew in his heart that this was merely a facade. Once Cao Cao gained significant power in the future, he would no longer be like this. Historical records described him as having an imposing presence that commanded respect without the need for anger.
For a brief moment, Fei Qian even had the impulse to rush up to Cao Cao, point to the heavens and the earth, and spout prophecies like a mystic who knew the past 300 years and the future 600 years. He wanted to tell Cao Cao not to meddle with other men's wives, as it would cost him his great generals, and that he shouldn't recruit Huang Gai, not all calcium supplements are "Gai Zhong Gai"...
But reason told Fei Qian that if he were to rush up like that, Cao Cao would probably send him to the afterlife... Just like in modern times, if a stranger suddenly appeared before you, chanting that you would be hit by a car next week and injure your leg the week after—even a devout Buddhist or Christian would find it hard to accept.
Forget it, he would find another opportunity to speak. Besides, it seemed that Cao Cao was about to attempt an assassination on Dong Zhuo? And then flee to Chenliu? Rushing over to cling to his coattails now might not be reliable. He might not only fail to gain his favor but also end up with a handful of thorns.
He should deal with the immediate situation first. He wasn't even sure if he could get through this. As Fei Qian walked into the Cai residence with the bamboo scroll in hand, he didn't notice Cao Cao, who had reached the street corner, casting a meaningful glance his way before disappearing from sight.
Fei Qian, of course, didn't realize that his attempt to make up for a previous mistake had sparked a different possibility in Cao Cao's mind—Cao Cao had just acquired an ancient book for Cai Yan, so how could it be such a coincidence that this young man also brought an ancient fragment?
Was it really a coincidence?
But when Cao Cao thought about how Fei Qian was just a collateral branch of the Fei family, he relaxed a bit. A collateral branch of the Fei family... Even if you had ambitions, what could you do?
Originally, Cao Cao had come today to seek support. Although Cai Yong was a bit pedantic, he had good connections, was highly learned, and his reputation was unparalleled throughout the Han dynasty. If he could formally enter the political arena instead of just holding an advisory title, then as Cai Yong's disciple, he would naturally carry significant weight.
Unfortunately, Cai Yong had little interest in politics, so taking the direct route through him wouldn't work. Cao Cao had to settle for the next best option. If he could win over Cai Yan, he wouldn't need to worry about her political influence, as she was an outsider. But as a son-in-law, if he had political needs, it would be unreasonable for her not to help, right?
Even if Cai Yong didn't come around immediately, being the son-in-law of someone whose disciples were spread throughout the court would naturally solidify his position.
Originally, Cao Cao wasn't a match for Cai Yan. Being from a eunuch family put him a half-step lower, and being already married put him another half-step lower, so they were not equals.
But now things were different. Although the Wei family had sent a letter of divorce, Cai Yan was now free. However, her status was not the same as when she was unmarried, so Cao Cao could just barely reach her level.
But Cao Cao hadn't expected that while he was bringing an ancient book to build a relationship with Cai Yan, he would run into Fei Qian, who was also bringing some ancient fragments. How could this not make Cao Cao suspicious?
Unfortunately, Fei Qian didn't see this, or else he would have known that he had caught the attention of the formidable Cao Cao.
Fei Qian watched as Cai Yong examined the bamboo scroll, even calling for a set of small brushes, hooks, and shovels—various oddly shaped tools. Fei Qian couldn't help but feel nervous. He had already been worried after being scrutinized by Cao Cao at the door, and now Cai Yong had such a complete set of tools. This situation was not looking good. The ancients were not easy to fool, and he felt like he had delivered himself to the tiger's mouth, waiting to see how it would bite...
Cai Yong first gently wiped the bamboo slips with a piece of brocade, then looked at the cloth, his face darkening with displeasure as he turned to Fei Qian.
Fei Qian, sneaking a glance at Cai Yong's expression, felt his heart almost leap to his throat.
"Books are hard to come by, so they should be cherished and cared for, always kept clean and free from dust," Cai Yong said sternly to Fei Qian.
Fei Qian bowed his head in acceptance, secretly breathing a sigh of relief. So he was just upset that I didn't protect the scroll well and let it get dusty—it had just been dug out of the ground, of course it would have dust...
Cai Yong took a small hook and gently scraped the end of the bamboo scroll, examining the texture of the bamboo. He nodded slightly; it was indeed made of ancient bamboo.
After a while, Cai Yong frowned and muttered, "Strange! Why does this look like a fresh cut?"
Fei Qian's heart skipped a beat.
Just as Fei Qian was trying to figure out how to explain this convincingly, a clear voice suddenly called from outside: "Father! Father! I found it!"
Fei Qian turned abruptly to see someone hurrying into the hall.
It was afternoon, and the sunlight wasn't too strong. It shone from behind the newcomer, creating an illusion that they were stepping on sunlight.
The person was holding two large parchment scrolls, which covered half of their face. They were slightly out of breath, with a few strands of hair stuck to their temples by sweat. Their delicate skin glowed with a peach-like blush in the sunlight, and their fine hair was tinged with gold by the light.
When the person saw that not only Cai Yong but also Fei Qian was in the hall, they let out a soft "ah" and instinctively tried to cover their face with their sleeve. However, their hands were full with the parchment scrolls, so they couldn't lift their sleeve. Instead, they hid their face in the scrolls, revealing only their dark, sparkling eyes as they glanced at Fei Qian.
Cai Yong coughed twice, clearly a bit embarrassed by his daughter's abrupt entrance. But since she was already inside, he couldn't just shoo her out, so he introduced the two to each other.
Fei Qian confirmed his guess: the newcomer was indeed Cai Yan, Cai Zhaoji, the most talented woman of the Three Kingdoms period.
Unlike Fei Qian's impression from later generations, this Cai Yan had not yet experienced those tragic events and still retained some of the straightforwardness and playfulness of a young girl.
"Greetings, Senior Sister!" Fei Qian bowed respectfully and formally.
Fei Qian had read Cai Zhaoji's "Poem of Sorrow and Anger" and had some impression of the verses. The most memorable part was the description of Cai Wenji's sorrow when she was ransomed back: "...I had just freed myself, only to abandon my son again... My son hugged my neck, asking where I was going. People said I should leave, but how could there be a time to return?... Seeing this, my heart shattered, and I became delirious. I wept and stroked him, hesitating even as I prepared to leave. Others who were with me at the time bid me farewell, envious that I alone could return, their cries of sorrow tearing at my heart..."
There was not a single word of resentment towards the court, society, or others—only profound sorrow. Even when describing the humiliation she suffered at the hands of the Qiang and Hu tribes, she merely said they "lacked righteousness," rather than cursing them venomously... Historically, she was not only tragically captured by the Hu people for 12 years but also ended up marrying a crude warrior, which undoubtedly wounded her both physically and emotionally. Just thinking about such pain and suffering made Fei Qian's heart chill.
Therefore, from any perspective, Fei Qian felt deep respect for a woman of such talent, who loved books as much as her life, and who, though delicate, possessed a kind and strong soul. Thus, his bow was heartfelt and sincere.