Chapter 56: Fooled Again

  In the blink of an eye, Tao Ying had already returned to Xuzhou for three days. During these three days, Tao Ying and Cao Hong secretly investigated the reason why Tao Qian's illness suddenly worsened, but they didn't find any clues, not even a hint, which made Tao Ying himself suspect that he was being overly suspicious, and that Tao Qian was just old and weak, so his condition was relapsing, with no connection to anyone else.

  If it wasn't for Tao Qian's pulse case records revealing the mystery, perhaps Tao Ying would have really given up on the investigation. Although Tao Ying didn't understand traditional Chinese medicine pulse diagnosis, he still took the time to find a folk doctor to interpret Tao Qian's pulse case for him out of caution. As a result, Tao Ying unexpectedly discovered that Tao Qian's pulse case records showed that his condition had worsened in two stages. The first stage was at the beginning of his expedition against Lu Feng, before the news of victory had been sent back to Xuzhou. Tao Qian's condition began to gradually worsen. However, after the news of the miraculous victory over Lu Feng by the Junzi Army arrived in Xuzhou, Tao Qian's condition immediately took a turn for the better, and his pulse also showed signs of recovery.

  Then after sending the news of Sun Ce's western expedition to Xuzhou, Tao Qian's condition suddenly worsened again. During this time, when he sent the news of his great defeat at the hands of Sun Ce to Xuzhou, Tao Qian's condition not only did not improve but instead further deteriorated. It wasn't until he sent the news of his successful reconciliation with Yuan Shu to Xuzhou that Tao Qian's pulse began to recover and continued to improve until now.

  Having read through the pulse case, Tao Ying drew two conclusions. Firstly, Tao Qian's condition might be affected by the situation on the Guangling battlefield - when the situation was favorable, Tao Qian's condition would improve, and when the situation was critical, his condition would worsen. Secondly, Tao Ying suspected that someone was secretly manipulating Tao Qian's condition, worsening it during critical moments in Guangling - this way, if he himself were to suffer a defeat, he could shift the blame onto his own shoulders as an unfilial son who only talked about military strategy on paper. However, when the situation on the Guangling battlefield improved, the possible mastermind behind the scenes would not dare to act - because in the event that Tao Qian suddenly died after a string of victories, with his reputation soaring and being able to withdraw north at any time, the greatest beneficiary might be Tao Ying himself.

  Although the second conclusion is only suspicious and there is no real evidence to prove that Tao Qian's illness was controlled by others, Tao Ying thought that if the second conclusion existed, then the person who could directly control Tao Qian's illness would be one of three: Cao Hong, who protected Tao Qian's safety; his filial son Tao Shang, who personally served Tao Qian with soup and medicine; or Zhang Hang, the most trusted doctor in the Tao family.

  After analyzing the three most likely culprits, Tao Kan, being a fair and broad-minded man, naturally had to take some action. He arranged for some people to conduct direct and indirect investigations and checks. However, just as the time-consuming and laborious investigation was about to begin, on the fourth day in the morning, Zhang Bao's rear army also returned to the outskirts of Xuzhou City. Tao Kan, feeling a bit guilty, despite his serious illness and his son's opposition, personally led Tao Shang, Tao Ying brothers, and the civil and military officials of Xuzhou out of the city to welcome Zhang Bao's army.

  When he saw that Tao Qian was ill and had come to welcome him, Zang Ba, who had a strong sense of self-respect, was both excited and moved. He dismounted his horse from afar and apologized to Tao Qian for not having achieved anything in this trip to the south to reinforce Tao's army. However, Tao Qian disagreed with this view, believing that the key to Tao's successful negotiation with Yuan Pu was actually Zang Ba's large army intimidating Yuan Pu, preventing him from launching a full-scale war on Xuzhou and forcing him to agree to negotiate. Like an honest son, he attributed the merit of repelling Ji Ling to Zang Ba, lavishly rewarding him and his soldiers in order to win their hearts.

  Finally, Tao Qian, who was out of breath, handed over the task of receiving Zang Ba's troops to Tao Ying and asked him to do his best to receive and arrange Zang Ba's troops. Tao Ying accepted the order and promised to do so. Then, Tao Ying found Cao Jiao to discuss the matter, asking him to vacate some barracks to accommodate Zang Ba's troops. Cao Jiao did not refuse and immediately ordered the east camp to be vacated for Zang Ba's army to station, and also sent a batch of wine and meat to reward the three armies as required by Tao Ying. However, after all these arrangements were made, just as Tao Ying was about to leave to entertain Zang Ba, Cao Jiao called him back and pulled him aside for a secret conversation.

  "Gentlemen, there is one thing that I don't know whether to say or not. Cao Jiao's expression was somewhat hesitant, and he said in a low voice: "Zang Ba's troops are mostly from the Taishan bandits, each of them is brave and fierce, unruly and difficult to control. Therefore, in my opinion, it would be best for you, sir, to reorganize Zang Ba's troops and appoint Xu state officials to control them."

  "Reorganize Zang Ba's army?" Tao Ying looked at Cao Jiao with a hint of doubt, and asked in a low voice: "Uncle, is this idea something you came up with yourself? Or is someone else speaking through you to me?"

  "It was what I thought of myself." Cao Jiao replied truthfully, then quickly added: "But this is not just what I think, the officials and generals who accompanied the lord to welcome outside the city today are also worried about Zang Ba's ill intentions. His troops are difficult to control and will inevitably be stationed outside Xuzhou City. If something goes wrong, the consequences will be unbearable."

  "Some people are sowing discord, trying to drive a wedge between our Tao family and Zang Ba's newly improved relationship." Tao Ying glanced at the crowd of officials from Xuzhou in the distance, then turned to Cao Jiao and sighed: "Uncle, your concerns are reasonable, but have you considered this: at this time, reorganizing the Langya army, what will Zang Ba and Sun Guan think? This matter cannot be done for the time being, it can only be delayed."

  Cao Jiao was not a fool, of course he understood that reorganizing the Langya army at this time would definitely lead to dissatisfaction among people like Zang Ba, so he nodded and said: "I also know that this matter cannot be done immediately, it's just that colleagues are discussing it, and I'm worried that you won't notice, so I reminded you, hoping that you will pay attention."

  Tao Ying thanked Cao Jue for reminding him and instructed Cao Jue to strictly control his generals, not allowing the soldiers of Xuzhou to clash with those of Zang Ba's army. He also absolutely forbade the Xuzhou army from bullying Zang Ba's army. Cao Jue honestly agreed. Just as Tao Ying was about to leave, he suddenly smiled at Cao Jue and said: "Uncle Cao, I wonder if you still have some of that good wine you treated me to last time stored at home? Your nephew is craving it, and I'd like to visit your mansion again soon to discuss those matters from last time. Will you be able to receive me?"

  Cao Jiao was taken aback at first, but quickly recalled his previous proposal and became excited, his face flushing red as he nodded repeatedly and replied: "Yes, yes, no matter when the young master arrives, I will welcome him with open arms."

  Tao Ying thanked him, but in his heart he sneered: "Little girl, see how you run this time. Last time I almost got cheated by you. If it wasn't for your saying that you had a brother who died in battle for Xuzhou, I really couldn't have found out that you were the ugly eight-treasures. The military stick you owe me, I've decided to double it."

  The Xuzhou army, which was severely damaged by Cao's army, had not yet recovered to its peak state. In Cao Biao's large camp, there were empty barracks everywhere, so the work of accommodating Zang Ba's troops went very smoothly. Only half of the left camp was vacated to accommodate all of Zang Ba's army. However, Tao Ying and Cao Biao still had to go to the governor's mansion for a banquet to welcome Zang Ba, so Tao Ying did not have time to visit Cao Biao's home that day, nor did he have the opportunity to discuss with Cao Biao the matter that was left unfinished last time.

  Tao Ying was indeed moved by Lin Qing's little maid, not to mention that this little maid was in no way inferior to Tao Ying's other love interest, Mei Zhen, in terms of appearance and beauty. Just because this little maid had disguised herself as a man and accompanied him on his southern expedition to Guangling, Tao Ying felt that she actually cared more about him than Mei Zhen did. However, the little maid's proud and arrogant personality was not something to be admired. Although she had deep feelings for Tao Ying - at least, that's what Tao Ying thought - she never said a soft word to him, and never showed him a good face.

  For other men of this era, Lin Qing's spoiled and arrogant personality might be unacceptable, but for Vice Director Tao, her little temper was not a big deal and could be fully accepted. So, unknowingly, the weight of this little girl in Vice Director Tao's heart gradually surpassed that of Wen Rou's gentle and considerate but unattainable Mei Zi. Moreover, having vaguely guessed the little girl's true identity, the idea of forming an alliance with Cao Bao, the old leader of Danyang Army, through marriage also began to take shape in Vice Director Tao's mind.

  As for the poor Zou Xun's sister, Deputy Director Tao really didn't know what to do. Zou Yun and Deputy Director Tao were like fire and water, and he was secretly in contact with Liu Bei, almost openly standing on Liu Bei's side. It was impossible for him to agree to Tao Ying's proposal, so even if he understood that Zou Xun's sister had deep feelings for him, Tao Ying didn't know how to bring her home. So after returning to Xuzhou, Tao Ying didn't think of a way to visit Zou Xun once, and he tried his best not to miss Zou Xun, holding the idea of taking things as they came and getting by. He wouldn't consider anything that wasn't right in front of him.

  Also for these reasons, in order to stabilize the Xuzhou army and his own lifelong happiness, by the next afternoon, he had helped Tao Qian deal with official business, civil and military. Tao dressed himself up carefully and led a few personal soldiers to finally arrive at Cao Jie's gate seeking an audience. However, it was unfortunate that another fight broke out among the soldiers in the Xuzhou army camp, and Cao Jie went to put out the fire, coincidentally not being at home.

  Confirmed from the mouth of Cao's guards that it was not a fight between Xu Zhou soldiers and Langya soldiers, Tao Ying put his mind at ease and decided to wait for Cao Jiao's return in the Cao mansion. The Cao mansion steward, who had been seeking an opportunity, hastily invited Tao Ying to the hall to offer tea. Tao Ying also took the chance to ask the Cao mansion steward: "Is General Cao's daughter, Miss Cao Ling, around?"

  "The young lady is in the backyard pruning the plum blossoms. She loves plum blossoms the most, and with the weather getting colder by the day, it's almost time for them to bloom after the snow falls. The young lady personally pruned the dead branches of the plum blossoms, saying that they will bloom even more beautifully after the snow falls."

  Tao Ying smiled, really couldn't imagine what that spoiled little girl would look like when serving flowers and grasses. On the other side, the steward of the Cao Mansion asked hastily: "Young Master, do you want me to inform the lady and the young lady to come and keep you company?"

  "It's not necessary." Tao Ying smiled and refused, planning to give the little girl a surprise. The Cao family steward had no choice but to retreat honestly, while Tao Ying sipped his tea patiently waiting for Cao Bao to return. However, instead of waiting for Cao Bao, he waited for a very beautiful maid who bowed to him and said: "Young master, my young mistress heard that you have arrived and would like to invite you to meet her in the flower garden."

  "This... isn't quite right, is it?" Tao Ying hypocritically feigned modesty, but in her heart she was scolding the Cao household's servants for being too talkative. This time, there was no way to give a certain little maid an unexpected surprise.

  The pretty maid showed a mischievous smile and said: "Young master, our young mistress said that if you don't go to the backyard, you won't be able to see her today."

  Lin Qing's vicious temper was clearer to Tao Ying than anyone else, so Tao Ying didn't dare to be polite. He obediently got up and put on his shoes, following the beautiful maid to the back garden to pay respects to his future wife. In his heart, he hated her so much that his teeth itched, "Little girl, you dare to threaten your husband? Just wait until you get married, I'll deal with you!"

  It was late autumn, and all things were withering away. In the vast backyard, except for the chrysanthemums in full bloom, there were no other flowers left. The trees, flowers, and grasses had all withered, leaving only a golden yellow hue in the garden. It was precisely because of this that Tao Ying saw her as soon as he entered the garden - a long-haired young girl wearing a light green dress, leading several maidservants to trim the plum blossoms beside a fake hill. Tao Ying smiled secretly and signaled the leading maid to be quiet, then quietly walked up behind the green-dressed girl and made his most elegant bow, saying loudly: "I am Tao Ying, at your service, Miss Cao Ling."

  No imagined sudden shriek, no habitual cold hum, only a coarse and hoarse voice that was even more unpleasant than a male duck's quack, "Young master needn't be too polite, I am Cao Ling, nice to meet you."

  "How can the sound be so unpleasant?" Tao Ying was surprised and looked up, but only took a glance. The deputy director Tao, who had just been in a state of excitement, almost got scared on the spot. It turned out that this green-shirted girl who had already turned around was none other than the ugly girl who had scared Deputy Director Tao into refusing Cao Bao's proposal last time - with a toad-like mouth and green bean eyes, skin as black as lacquer, a flat nose and pigeon chest, hair that was both yellow and sparse, eyebrows that were thick and black. She looked exactly like a female version of the Clock Tower monster!

  "Is Xiao Yaotou tricking me again?" After the initial shock, Tao Ying's first reaction was that Lin Qing Xiao Yaotou was tricking people again. Looking around and not seeing anyone else, Tao Ying couldn't help but feel a little flustered - had he misjudged Lin Qing Xiao Yaotou's identity?

  That ugly girl took a step forward, a wave of onion and garlic flavor hit her face, and she smiled at Tao Ying again, revealing a yellow tooth that was absolutely impossible to disguise in this era. She asked in a rough voice: "Young master, what are you looking for?"

  "You... are you Cao Ling, Miss Cao?" Tao asked, trembling.

  "It's me, Cao Ling! I've met you once before, young master. Have you forgotten?" The ugly girl Cao Ling's astonished question made Deputy Director Tao completely despair. The several maids and servant girls beside her also testified one after another: "Young master, it's true, she is indeed our master's daughter."

  Clutching onto the last thread of hope, Tao Ying carefully examined the strange and ugly girl in front of him again, checking for any signs of makeup. However, what made Deputy Director Tao sad was that this strange and ugly girl indeed had traces of makeup on her face, but it was applied to her dark and coarse skin with white powder and red rouge, lip gloss was applied to her mouth which reeked of garlic, and a newly picked chrysanthemum was inserted into her yellow and thin hair. With Lin Qing's appearance, no matter how much makeup she wore, she couldn't be made up to look like this!

  "Sir, do not gaze at me improperly." Seeing Tao Ying carefully examining herself, that strange and ugly girl's bashful lowered face reminded her, also making Tao Ying notice that her flat chest was absolutely not stuffed with a pillow.

  "It's done, this joke has gone too far." Tao Ying finally realized that he had made a big mistake. As the saying goes, "A wise man thinks a thousand times, but must make one mistake". How did he misjudge Lin Qing's identity? Now it's too late, and the hint about marrying Cao Jiao is already out of his mouth. Does he have to marry this ugly woman and bring her home to scare people?

  "Master." Seeing Tao Ying not speaking, the strange and ugly girl Cao Ling had to take the initiative to speak up, lowering her head and saying in a very shy manner: "About our matter, Father told me last night when he came back, I'm really so happy, Master you're so handsome, and so young and promising... I... am willing."

  Blushing, Cao Ling still reeking of garlic proactively leaned in close to Tao Ying. The surrounding maids and servant girls covered their mouths and giggled, voluntarily stepping aside to give Tao Ying and Cao Ling some private space to exchange sweet nothings. At this point, even if Tao Ying wanted to, he couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine. Suddenly, he let out a loud cry, "Ah!"

  "What's wrong?" Cao Ling was startled by Tao Ying's loud cry and stopped her active movement of leaning into his arms.

  "I suddenly remembered that I still have some official business to attend to. Miss Cao, I'll take my leave for now." Tao Ying bowed slightly to Cao Ling and then quickly ran towards the rear garden gate, leaving Cao Ling behind to call out in despair, "Young Master! Please stay a moment——!"

  It was almost a rolling escape from Cao Ling's side, Tao Ying also didn't dare to wait for Cao Jiao to come back, and continued to make excuses that there were still official duties to attend to, and hurriedly escaped towards the main gate of the Cao Mansion. Unexpectedly, just as he arrived at the gate, Cao Jiao had just dismounted his horse outside the gate, blocked Tao Ying's path, and saluted: "Young Master, I apologize sincerely. There were a few squad leaders in the troops who started a group fight because of gambling, causing some chaos. However, please be assured that I have severely punished them. Young Master, please go to the guest hall and take a seat, I will order someone to prepare a banquet for you."

  "No, no more." Tao Ying, still in a state of shock, hastily waved his hand and casually made an excuse: "Uncle, I suddenly remembered that I have some urgent official business to attend to, so I'll take my leave for now and come back another day to apologize to you."

  "What's the hurry, young master?" Cao Jiao hastily detained him and said sincerely: "Young master, my precious daughter is too mischievous, there are some misunderstandings, I was going to..."

  "Master! Master——!" A sudden horseback-riding guard from the Tao Mansion saved Vice Director Tao's life and shouted loudly from a distance: "Master, the master is summoning you to return immediately, there is an urgent matter! Extremely urgent, the master wants you to return immediately!"

  "Uncle, did you see that? I didn't deceive you, did I?" Tao said with a sigh of relief, pointing at the guard and asking Cao Jiao.

  "It turns out there really is an urgent matter." Cao Jiao also came to his senses, hastily released Tao Ying and said: "Young master, since it's the master who summoned you, then please go quickly. I, a low-ranking general, was rude today and will come to the mansion another day to apologize."

  Tao Yingru hurriedly rode his war horse and left with a few close guards, leaving Cao Jiao on the spot to ponder, "The master has also revealed several times that he wants the second young master to marry me, why did the master send someone to summon him back when the second young master came to visit today to discuss this matter? What's so urgent, should I go to the master's place too?"

  "Wow!" Cao Jiao was startled by a loud roar in his ear, and he turned to see that it was his own spoiled daughter Cao Ling. He couldn't help but scold her, "Ling'er, what are you doing again?"

  "No, he just saw Father spacing out, so he reminded him." Cao Ling smiled slyly and pulled on Cao Jiao's sleeve, asking: "Father, I heard the servants in the mansion say that the bookworm has arrived, why don't we see his shadow?"

  "There's an urgent matter, the master has called him back." Cao Jiao explained casually and pushed his beloved daughter away, saying: "Ling'er, I know the master's temper, it's not a matter of great urgency that requires the young master to be summoned at this time. You and the young master's affair can wait for a few more days, I'll go to the master's mansion first and see if there's anything that needs help."

  "What's wrong with me?" Cao Ling's big eyes rolled over, and she hummed: "A bookworm who judges people by their appearance, I absolutely won't marry!"