Chapter 1087: The Power of Rumors

Cao Cao was a man of sharp intelligence, but when his mind was set on something impulsive, not even ten oxen could drag him away from it.

"My lord, what are you up to?" Dian Wei asked, perplexed, as he watched Cao Cao sneak out of his home with caution.

"Ahem, E Lai, just stay here and don’t move," Cao Cao said, glancing back at Dian Wei, who stood behind him like a mountain of muscle.

"...?" Dian Wei, puzzled, had no idea what was going on with Cao Cao. However, being ever loyal, he followed his lord’s orders and stood still like a statue.

Cao Cao sneaked his way to the courtyard of Zhang Xiu's residence as dusk fell. Seeing the closed gate, he understood that the widow, Madame Zou, was avoiding him.

Though it was not uncommon for widows to remarry during this era, most people were still influenced by public opinion. Bad rumors could destroy someone's reputation, just as good ones could elevate them. Madame Zou, who had originally considered remarrying, abandoned that idea after her name appeared on the List of Extraordinary Women. She decided to settle into her role as Zhang Xiu’s stepmother, adopting the demeanor of a matron and taking charge of the Zhang household.

Zhang Xiu, for his part, showed her great respect. Even though Madame Zou was younger than Zhang Xiu, whenever he returned home, he paid his respects to her without any hint of disrespect. It seemed that all the respect he held for his late uncle was transferred to Madame Zou.

Having dismissed any thoughts of remarriage, Madame Zou's state of mind became much more serene. With her graceful appearance and poised demeanor, she comfortably managed the Zhang family affairs, giving Zhang Xiu a sense of peace.

As Zhang Xiu's junior, his greatest concern had been that his stepmother might remarry after his uncle’s death. If that had happened, no matter how much affection there was between them, he would never be able to tolerate it.

As long as Madame Zou did not remarry or overstep her bounds, and continued to acknowledge her role as a senior member of the Zhang family, Zhang Xiu would ensure her absolute authority within the family.

With her own thoughts settled, Madame Zou knew to avoid unnecessary situations. So, for Cao Cao to try and secretly spy on her was a foolish idea. Though Zhang Ji was dead, the household’s guards were all his old soldiers. If Cao Cao dared to sneak in, it could cost him his life.

Cao Cao’s interest in Madame Zou was fueled partly by Xu Zijiang’s List of Extraordinary Women and partly by a fleeting glimpse of her. Sometimes, people desire most what they cannot have.

It wasn’t as if Cao Cao lacked beautiful women in his household, but he couldn’t resist sneaking over to Zhang Xiu’s residence, acting like a lovestruck fool.

As dusk deepened, the gates of the Zhang household suddenly opened. It was time to light the lamps. Madame Zou herself stepped out, holding a small oil lamp, and tiptoed to light the lanterns hanging by the gate. In the moment she stretched upward, her hair swayed lightly, and she gently tucked a lock behind her ear.

Dressed in plain white, though not strict mourning attire, her simple elegance moved Cao Cao's heart.

After lighting the lanterns, Madame Zou caught sight of Cao Cao outside the gate. A hint of annoyance flickered in her eyes. Now that her heart had settled, she could see through many things at a glance.

Had she been more active, she wouldn’t have been the one lighting the lamps. Even though she was still in mourning for Zhang Ji, such tasks wouldn’t normally fall to her.

Cao Cao, no fool, immediately sensed from her expression that Madame Zou was not someone who could be easily manipulated, nor did she have any intention of remarrying. His eyes narrowed in realization.

"I happened to pass by and, by chance, saw the lady of the house. My behavior was inappropriate," Cao Cao said hurriedly, bowing to her. "It’s only natural for people to admire beauty. I hope the lady can forgive me."

Madame Zou had heard such words countless times, but this time, her response was not particularly cold. Instead, she turned gracefully, her plain white robes swirling lightly. "I live as a widow in Chang’an, and the Zhang family has no men. I will not keep you, Lord Cao. Please return early."

There was no invitation for him to enter, nor any sign of respect in her tone. Her words were casual, and her decisive turn revealed everything.

Madame Zou didn’t believe a word Cao Cao said. She was no naive girl to be swayed by a few sentences. She knew all too well what her mature beauty represented to men like him. However, she didn’t intend to make an issue of it—she simply hoped that Cao Cao would give up and leave.

If he didn’t, she would have no choice but to inform Zhang Xiu. Madame Zou knew well that this was the best solution to the problem.

Though her heart raced with conflicting thoughts, her outward appearance remained calm as she turned and disappeared behind the Zhang family’s gate. Cao Cao, watching her retreat, felt a strange mix of bitterness and relief, breaking into a cold sweat as though he had just narrowly escaped disaster.

Chang’an, Chang’an… Whose city is it truly? Cao Cao mused. Both he and Madame Zou understood the implications. Seducing a subordinate’s stepmother was hardly the behavior of a moral man. If that happened, it was only natural that Zhang Xiu would rebel.

"I finally understand why they say 'beauty brings disaster,'" Cao Cao muttered after standing at the gate for a moment, regaining his composure.

Had Madame Zou left him any leeway, Cao Cao might have rushed in like a moth to a flame. It wasn’t that he had been blind to the risks—her allure was simply too captivating.

"No wonder Xu Zijiang began the list with 'Wise Consorts, Extraordinary Women…'" Cao Cao laughed, shaking off his lingering emotions. Madame Zou’s actions had sobered him, making him realize what consequences his missteps could have brought.

"E Lai, what are you still doing here?" Cao Cao asked as he returned to find Dian Wei still standing in the middle of the street.

"My lord, didn’t you tell me to stand here?" Dian Wei replied, feeling somewhat aggrieved. It made sense—he had followed his orders faithfully, only to be met with confusion.

"Huh? Did I really say that?" Cao Cao looked puzzled.

Dian Wei stared blankly at Cao Cao, noticing his guilty expression. Cao Cao coughed awkwardly. "Ahem, maybe I did. Never mind, let’s go home. I’ll treat you to some wine!"

Dian Wei scratched his head, still baffled. He lived with Cao Cao as his personal bodyguard, yet he couldn’t understand what had just happened.

What Dian Wei didn’t realize was that Cao Cao had just narrowly avoided disaster. Had Madame Zou not firmly rejected him, there would likely have been a second conflict with Zhang Xiu, and this time, it would have been a fight to the death.

Some people are easily influenced by others. Madame Zou had a naturally gentle disposition, and in another life, she might have submitted to Cao Cao. But this time, with her inclusion on the List of Extraordinary Women, she took pride in her reputation, and thus, conformed to the expectations of those around her.

Though this kind of influence—imposing others’ expectations on oneself—might not always be considered a good thing, the outcome in this case spared many people from disaster. Madame Zou now appeared as a dignified and elegant woman, rather than the scandalous figure described in historical records.

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