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

Chapter 15: Without Cao Cao, How Many Would Assume the Title of Duke, How Many Would Proclaim as Kings in this Realm!

Observing his son, who stood firm like a young calf unafraid of tigers and was now facing him head-on…

Initially, Cao Cao thought Cao Ju would be as submissive and apologetic as Cao Pi, bowing in deference just like Cao Cao did. However, he was caught off guard by a sudden turn of events. Especially by the question, “After Xun You’s death, will you be at ease to usurp the throne and become an emperor?”

This question struck directly at Cao Cao’s vulnerability, causing his momentum to falter. There was a reason for this. Indeed, Cao Cao now harbored aspirations of usurpation. Indeed, he was gradually distancing himself from being called “Cao the Usurper,”… But, His most audacious hopes extended no further than usurping the title of a duke or perhaps proclaiming himself a king.

Because, in Cao Cao’s perspective, being addressed as a duke or a king was rightfully his due. Without him. In this chaotic world, how many would truly regard the Han Dynasty’s lineage and the young emperor respectfully? Across the vast expanse of the thirteen provinces under the rule of the Han, numerous ambitious individuals were bound to attempt to establish their territories and ascend as kings.

The concealed Imperial Seal, a symbol of dynastic authority, led to the downfall of Sun Wentai, who stirred up trouble and perished. He was not the first, nor would he be the last. The remains of Yuan Gonglu, now interred and decomposed, served as a reminder that others would follow suit. Even those like Liu Bei, currently in the distant land of Shu, and Sun Quan, who had marched south with his army to confront Cao Cao’s forces on the frontlines…

Without his restraint. These two would likely have been too eager to carve out their territories and declare themselves kings. With such achievements under his belt. If he insisted on being addressed as a duke or a king…

Not to mention Xun You’s passing. Even if Xun You were alive, he would find it reasonable for Cao Cao to take on the titles of duke and king. However, Cao Cao looked down at his son below, his expression complicated. Yet, his son was not following the expected path at all.

Disregarding whether it was justified for him to take on the titles of duke or king, he only questioned whether he could feel at peace with himself after usurping the throne. Because, As this rebellious son had posed the question. When it came to usurping the throne, Cao Cao could never truly be at peace with himself.

More than that, one might even say. The current Cao Cao didn’t dare to entertain thoughts of achieving the unattainable. Not only did he not dare to entertain them, but if any of his subordinates dared to suggest such a thing…

Without needing anyone else’s condemnation, Cao Cao would be the first to step forward, wielding his sword to execute anyone who dared to advocate for his self-proclamation as emperor amidst the silence. Cao Cao’s contemplative gaze fixed upon his son, who grew taller below, surpassing him in stature…

Suddenly, An unexpected thought occupied his mind. Cao Cao, when was the last time someone dared to confront him like this? The last time his son dared to defy him in such a way…

Who was it again?

As he pondered, Cao Cao’s thoughts drifted into the distance. As they drifted… A voice resonated in his ears as if transcending the passage of time. One scene after another, unforgettable moments for Cao Cao unfolded before him. Battlefields stained with bloodshed and defeat. A blood-soaked youth moved while guarding his sides. Amidst the chaos, when his warhorse stumbled and faltered…

“Father, take my horse!”

“Hurry and ride. I’ll hold them back!”

“Rest assured!”

“I’ll catch up soon!”

“Anmin, follow me as we charge into the enemy ranks. If we die, we die together. Father carries the fate of the nation and the world. He must survive no matter what.”

“Hahaha!”

“You rebels, trying to harm my father, you’ll have to pass through me, Cao Ang.”

“General Dian, let’s see who can kill more enemies!”

“Father!” “I might not be able to return, you… must stay safe!” Cao Cao could never forget. When he was forcefully mounted onto the horse in that battle of the past, a lone figure carrying a sword charged towards the enemy to protect the retreat.

Amidst life and death. That son of his, whom he saw as his successor. For the first time, he had defied his command. Ignoring his feelings, disregarding his angry shouts, that son forcibly placed him on the horse’s back. He chose to preserve life for him. Death, he reserved for himself. He could never forget. After that battle. His son appeared before him, a battered body marked by dozens of wounds, covered in the scars of swords and knives. He could not forget. That furious face, ready for a deathly battle.

A deep pain welled up within Cao Cao’s heart. It was also his son, the only time he had defied him at this moment. Cao Cao looked at Cao Ju, who met his gaze fearlessly. Suddenly, he realized… This child was surprisingly similar to the “Ang’er” of the past. In his eyes, the two images seemed to gradually merge. “Zimou, could you become the next Ang’er?”

Cao Cao suppressed the sorrow of losing Cao Ang and silently asked himself with this thought in mind. Cao Cao closed his eyes wearily. When he opened them again, the mournful reminiscence of Cao Ang had vanished from his gaze, replaced by calmness.

“My son!”

“Father cannot find peace in usurping the throne. But, Do you think my intention to execute Xun You is merely about wanting to usurp a title as a duke?”

“If that were the case,” Cao Cao looked disappointedly at Cao Ju and shook his head gently. “You’re underestimating me too much!”