Chapter 140: The Master of Universal Deception

Jiang Gan felt his head spinning slightly, probably from having slept too long. Lazily turning to his side, he even sensed a faint jostling as if riding a roller coaster. The wine’s effect was indeed strong; when he fell asleep it was night, and when he opened his eyes, the starry sky still stretched above.

“Hey... wait, how did I end up outside? Where is this?” Jiang Gan sat up, scanning his surroundings shrouded in a thin mist. So he had actually slept all the way onto the boat?

“My lord, you’re finally awake,” called the boatman rowing the oars.

“Where exactly are we?” Jiang Gan squinted, confirming that he hadn’t been mistaken.

“This is the Red Cliffs River. Didn’t you specifically instruct us to take you to Cao Cao’s camp before boarding? You sounded quite urgent back then and even paid extra. Have you forgotten already?” The boatman pulled some coins from his pocket and recited the scripted story prepared in advance.

Jiang Gan’s face showed doubt as he tentatively tapped the back of his head. The drunken haze was clearing, but he couldn’t recall a single thing that had happened before. His hand slipped and accidentally pressed against something.

“What’s this... a secret letter?”

Overjoyed, Jiang Gan carefully unfolded the letter. The handwriting was unmistakably Zhou Gongjin’s, and the content largely matched the rumors he had heard. Judging by this, it was likely genuine.

“Could it be that I fled in haste because I stole this secret letter? But why can’t I remember anything? What a strange matter,” Jiang Gan murmured, sitting on the deck with the letter in hand, alert and scrutinizing it.

Suddenly laughing heartily, he exclaimed, “Hahaha! It must be divine intervention. Maybe all this was done in my drunken stupor. I’ve always known I get drunk easily and often mess things up because of it, which troubled me greatly. Now it seems only by getting drunk can I accomplish great deeds. Truly a blessing in disguise. It couldn’t possibly be a scheme orchestrated entirely by that Zhou Gongjin fellow.”

“My lord, we’re nearing the shore. You only paid a deposit before boarding, so the remaining balance...” The boatman eyed Jiang Gan’s disheveled state and hesitated, but still pressed for payment.

Jiang Gan patted down his person, pulling out a few bronze coins from his shoe sole. Seeing that it was still insufficient, he even pawned some of his jewelry without hesitation.

“As you wish, as you wish. I’m about to rise to great heights. Here you go.”

“Much obliged, my lord.” The boatman happily accepted the money, pleased with the small job that earned him favors on both ends and some extra income.

Not far away on the river, another straw boat drifted in the mist.

“By the way, my lord, why are you dressed like that? It seems...”

“No need to ask. Just do your part. I have my own plans.” Chen Fan anxiously watched the dark sky, wishing the gloom would hold for a little longer. Eyes fixed ahead, he kept a close watch on the movements of Jiang Gan’s straw boat.

The two boats docked one after another at the riverbank. Jiang Gan, now a familiar face, passed through smoothly. Chen Fan, however, was dressed plainly and visiting the camp at night, which aroused suspicion. The soldiers on guard stopped him at the gate.

“I’m here to see the Chancellor. I have a secret letter from Eastern Wu that must be handed over to him personally. If you don’t believe me, feel free to open it here. I carry no weapons; please check as you wish.” Chen Fan calmly spread his hands to show he was unarmed.

With a friendly smile, he added, “Thank you all for making the effort on my behalf.”

The letter’s content was of Chen Fan’s own invention, filled with vague and nebulous statements. His subordinates, not privy to the core military secrets, wouldn’t see through it. The main goal was to open a channel of communication; everything else would be easier afterward.

“Thank you for waiting. The Chancellor requests your presence.”

The soldier dashed in and out swiftly, indicating that Chen Fan’s message had been taken seriously.

“You really know how to enjoy yourself,” Chen Fan remarked as he entered the main tent, greeting casually but quickly sensing an uneasy atmosphere. He reined in his demeanor a little.

“That’s enough. Guards, stand down. I will summon you if needed,” Cao Cao dismissed the nearby soldiers with a relaxed expression.

“Chancellor, you mustn’t! What if this is an assassin? You might...”

An elder interrupted impatiently, “Coward! I said withdraw. I know this man. Besides, you searched him before letting him in, didn’t you? Hurry up, the rotund one can wait outside.”

“Yes... yes!” The guards hesitated briefly but eventually stepped back outside.

“That Jiang Gan? Have you already met him?” Chen Fan, curious about the bronze chime bell nearby, knocked it lightly and hummed the melody.

“What do you think? It’s a blend of classical culture and popular tunes. I arranged the melody myself; no distortion, right?” The elder proudly sipped his wine before returning to business. “Not yet. That fellow came back eager to see me, but I made him wait. No rush. Now you’re here, I’ll call him in.”

“Hmm? In such a hurry? How will we reclaim the cards? I haven’t figured out a strategy yet.” Chen Fan felt a bit uneasy; the plan was advancing faster than he anticipated.

“As if you’d come up with anything good given more time. Just retrieve them by force.” The elder smiled mysteriously and called out to the tent’s entrance, “Bring that Jiang Gan up here.”

“You should hide nearby. When the time comes, step out and finish the last step.” Cao Cao leaned back confidently, waving his hand.

“Finally seeing you carry the day. Alright, alright.” Chen Fan nodded vigorously, happy not to have to act himself, and scurried off to a corner.

“Congratulations, my lord, congratulations!” Jiang Gan cheerfully offered his felicitations.

“That’s enough. You’ve done well. Bring the item here,” Cao Cao said bluntly, disdainful of any pleasantries. Men should be straightforward, no need for awkward niceties.

“Oh?” Jiang Gan was momentarily stunned, his train of thought interrupted by the sudden request. Yet he quickly relaxed, displaying a professional smile. “My lord is truly a mastermind. Unfortunately, those arrogant fools from Eastern Wu thought their petty tricks could fool the Chancellor’s discerning eye. Looking back, it’s downright laughable.”

“Enough chatter. Bring the item forward,” Cao Cao said awkwardly. The flattery was no better than a middle-school essay—blue skies and white clouds—good enough to fool children.

Taking the secret letter, Cao Cao read aloud while muttering, “So it claims that both Cai and Zhang, the naval commanders, are spies for Eastern Wu? Really? Hey... dealer dealing cards... seduction... what nonsense is this...”

“Chancellor, are you satisfied?” Jiang Gan whispered after watching him for some time.

“Ah... yes, very good. You did well.” Cao Cao tossed the letter aside, seemingly wanting more. “What reward do you desire? I can grant you anything.”

Feigning modesty, Jiang Gan replied, “It is but my duty to serve my lord. How could I dare ask for reward?”

“Very well. Since you refuse, I won’t give you anything—just a verbal commendation.” Cao Cao broke convention; when met with courtesy, he was straightforward.

“Huh?” Jiang Gan’s thoughts were once again interrupted. How was this script supposed to go?

“Just teasing you. I, the Chancellor, cherish talent above all. Those who serve with merit shall never be neglected,” the elder said, bringing the conversation back on track.

“My lord truly is... truly... truly eloquent,” Jiang Gan stammered, struggling to find words but forced to improvise.

“I’ll read you something shortly. After that, you’ll be appointed one of the Three Dukes,” Cao Cao announced grandly. It was an empty promise, but one must first lure him aboard.

“The... Three Dukes!” Jiang Gan trembled all over. He had only expected a minor post, enough to keep his dignity, but now he was suddenly to become a core confidential minister. It felt like a dream.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed, Jiang Gan bowed deeply. “Thank you, my lord. I am willing to die a thousand deaths for you.”

“Enough. Come in,” Cao Cao clapped his hands, signaling Chen Fan forward.

Suppressing admiration and awe, Chen Fan asked Jiang Gan, “Are you willing to bestow your abilities upon me?”

“Huh? What abilities?”

Chen Fan continued to persuade, “Your strategic genius and talents. This is the Chancellor’s order. He hopes you will pass on your wisdom to benefit all people. I ask again, are you willing to grant me your abilities?”

“Very well! It is my utmost honor. I gladly accept!”

His voice nearly roared. If loudness equated to loyalty, Jiang Gan was undoubtedly the most devoted of all.