Vol 9 Chapter 3 (2/2)

“Is that so? Did you listen to me in the beginning earlier?” I said in a louder voice than hers. At this stage, there is no leeway for me to take my time and feel things out or seek to accomplish my objectives with finesse. I need to subdue my foes by any means necessary.

“…” Ma Teng’s face darkened at this, “Your footsteps were too light before and I didn’t hear them. If i have disrespected you, please forgive me.”

“That’s fine.” I smiled, surprised that Ma Teng could say such half-hearted words, “But I feel that you shouldn’t delay or reject the matter of your Court appointment. If this goes on for too long, I’m afraid I’ll have to label you as a traitor and you and your family will have to suffer.”

“Cao Cao, what do you mean by this?” Ma Teng frowned and yelled at me

Asking questions which you know the answer to is far too foolish.

“I mean what I said. You should understand.” I said while keeping my smile plastered on, “On the other hand, we will treat your family well as per protocol. If you agree, then you family will be moved to Ye city.”

“Isn’t Ye city your territory?”

“The world belongs to the Emperor. How could there be land belonging to me?”

“That sounds very nice but you’re clearly taking hostages!”

It hadn’t been a long conversation before Ma Teng suddenly stood up and stormed over, drawing a dagger from inside her fur coat. Looks like she got it past the guards.

“Lord Ma Teng, please watch yourself.” I said very calmly as I looked at Ma Teng.

At the same time, Cheng Yu got up and stood in front of me as she drew her dagger from her sleeve and got into position. Ma Teng remained silent and only continued to come my way with eyes that burned with killing intent.

*Sou*– *Ding*!

2 sounds rang out when she was just 2 paces away from me and 1 pace away from Cheng Yu. Cheng Yu had slashed down at Ma Teng but her dagger was stopped by Ma Teng’s before it could land on her neck.

I looked up and saw Cheng Yu’s arm trembling while Ma Teng didn’t move at all. Looks like it’s all but decided.

Ma Teng stared at Cheng Yu, then at me. Perhaps all she needs to do is to put a little bit more strength into her grip and Cheng Yu will be swatted away. And with my skills, I’ll probably be sliced into 2 in no time at all.

When I thought of this, I chose to laugh and stare back at Ma Teng, “Lord Ma Teng, do you understand the gravity of what you are doing now?”

“What gravity is there to eliminating a treacherous thief?”

“Firstly, you brought a weapon into the abode of a Court official of the Great Han. Secondly, you have the intent of killing said official. Thirdly, you have been spouting slanderous lies of said official. These 3 charges are enough to warrant the death of your whole family. If I really wanted to, I can even order the execution of your entire clan you know?”

Ma Teng stared at me disdainfully, “You control the Son of Heaven and use him to command the feudal lords, what right do you have to talk to me about criminal charges?!”

“Ma Teng!” I was very displeased at her yelling at me, “Back when Li Jue and Guo Si kidnapped the Son of Heaven, who was it who tried desperately to save him?! Who was it who got her head smashed in by Fan Chou?! If it weren’t for this so-called treacherous thief in front of you, the Son of Heaven would have died long ago! In comparison to a treacherous thief like myself, you now hold dominion over Liang state with your battalions. What difference is there between you and Dong Zhuo?! Dare I ask, what do those actions mean?!”

I yelled back at her with my arms behind my back and withdrew my smile. Ma Teng seemed to wince at every word from me.

“Cao Cao!” When I finished, Ma Teng roared out angrily and in the next instant, she brandished her blade and swept Cheng Yu aside.

“Wu…” Cheng Yu was forced back quite a bit as there was a lot of strength behind that blow and I even had to catch her.

When I looked at Ma Teng once more, I saw that she stood rooted to the spot and didn’t seem to have any intention of attacking. She was twirling the blade of her dagger with her fingers, which were unharmed. What outstanding skill that is.

“… Lord Ma Teng.” I gave a long sigh and continued in a normal volume as I smiled, “I know that Lord Ma Teng has no intention of killing me.”

“… Oh? And how did you know that?” Ma Teng said as she frowned.

“If you did want to kill me, you would have done so when the ‘Edict in a Sleeve’ plot was brewing.”

Ma Teng seemed shocked when I raised this, “I did not partic.i.p.ate in that.”

“But your name is on it.” I said relaxedly.

Of course, I know that Ma Teng did not partic.i.p.ate in it. And anyone could have put her name down. But now, it looks like an irrefutable charge.

“Kuh…” She closed her eyes and stopped twirling her knife. Looks like she had nothing further to say.

“Alright, I’ve said all I have to say and all options are on the table. It’s all up to you now.”

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