"Reporting to my lord, we do indeed have a way, but after this, Master Xu may not be able to live as a man!" The two attendants on the left and right spoke with extreme trepidation, unsure of Ye Feng's true feelings towards Xu Gong.
"A man on the verge of death, what need has he for reputation? Use it then!"
The attendants agreed and rushed out to prepare. When they returned, one held a small curved knife, and the other, a handful of ashes.
"Damn it!" Ye Feng suppressed the urge within him, for he clearly saw that this was no method at all, but the outright castration of Xu Gong.
"Xu Gong, Xu Gong, this is your fate, blame no one but yourself," Ye Feng muttered to himself. One attendant had already brought a long bench, and Xu Gong was tightly bound with ropes, while the other sharpened his knife menacingly!
Meanwhile, outside, Lu Bu waited in extreme anxiety. Ye Feng had instructed him to break in at the sound of a scream and save the person no matter what. But now, there was no sound at all, so he could only cautiously peek through a small crack into the room.
Ye Feng sat upright, watching the two attendants busy themselves, their actions clearly indicating they were about to castrate Xu Gong.
What was going on? Lu Bu stood frozen. It was true that he and Xu Gong had some past acquaintance.
But Xu Gong, a Confucian who considered himself a disciple of the Sage, being castrated – wouldn't that hasten his own demise?
At this moment, Lu Bu's intervention was not as the script had planned. Xu Gong was unconscious, so the intended effect would be lost. If he didn't intervene, and Xu Gong were castrated, wouldn't everything be ruined?
Lu Bu pondered for a long time, then cautiously pushed open the door and signaled to Ye Feng with a wink.
Only then did Ye Feng suddenly recall his plan, though he would absolutely deny having any intention of watching the spectacle, absolutely!
Staring at the two busy at their task, Ye Feng coughed lightly and feigned an air of seriousness, "You two, wake him up. To castrate a man while he's unconscious would be too easy for him!"
The two attendants hastily made a note in their book; they had learned a new trick!
A basin of cold water was poured over Xu Gong, who slowly opened his eyes. He then discovered he was completely undressed and, in a panic, found he was bound and unable to move.
"You ruffians! I am a disciple of the Sage, how dare you desecrate a disciple of the Sage! Aren't you afraid of retribution, of being rendered infertile!"
"I think it is you who should be rendered infertile. Make your move!" Ye Feng waved his hand and gave a casual order. The attendants surrounded Xu Gong but hesitated, gritting their teeth.
"What are you afraid of? Whatever karma comes, it falls upon my head!"
As a young man from the twenty-second century, a firm materialist, he feared no ghosts or spirits.
"Yes, yes, Your Majesty could never be rendered infertile!" the left attendant flattered. Seeing Ye Feng's displeased expression, he quickly corrected himself, "I mean, Your Majesty will absolutely not be rendered infertile!"
Ye Feng's expression twitched slightly. He really wanted to suggest to these two that if they couldn't speak properly, they should just remain silent; he couldn't bear to listen!
"Your Majesty's fortune is boundless; how can he be compared to a mere eunuch."
One attendant hurried to smooth things over, and Ye Feng, with a poker face, ordered, "Proceed. And don't be too quick; it would be best if Master Xu could witness his own transformation!"
"Your Majesty, rest assured, my brother and I are quite accustomed to such tasks from our village. We will certainly let him savor the experience!"
Xu Gong stared at the approaching attendants, and a rope was suddenly stuffed into his mouth. "Your Majesty, this is to prevent him from biting off his tongue to commit suicide!"
"Master Xu, rest assured, we will take good care of you."
The two attendants approached with leering smiles, appearing like demons in Xu Gong's eyes, yet they stammered and couldn't speak.
Xu Gong, struggling, felt a chill creeping through him. His once verdant field had become a desert. Suddenly, a blue and white porcelain vase was knocked to the ground, making a tremendous crash.
Seeing that the moment had arrived, Lu Bu charged in without hesitation. Xu Gong looked upon him as a savior and became agitated.
"My Lord, what is this you are doing?" Lu Bu demanded aggressively.
"Fengxian, this matter concerns you not. Retire!" Ye Feng rebuked him unceremoniously.
"If it were any other matter, I would certainly obey. But Xu Gong is Fengxian's dearest friend, brother, and kinsman. How can Your Majesty ask Fengxian to retire!" Lu Bu cried out in anguish, kneeling and repeatedly kowtowing.
"Fengxian studied with him in the past and knows Xu Gong cannot endure such humiliation. I implore Your Majesty to grant him a quick death, kill him!" Lu Bu wept in pain and hastily kowtowed, "I implore Your Majesty to grant Fengxian's wish for a swift end!"
Xu Gong, seeing Ye Feng's expression gradually relax, knew this matter could succeed and nodded frantically.
"Xu Gong, do you desire a swift end?" Ye Feng asked condescendingly, his voice filled with authority.
"Wuwuwu," Xu Gong tried to speak, but only choked sounds emerged!
"I said, Xu Gong does not wish to die. Fengxian, you are presuming too much. Quickly withdraw!" Ye Feng commanded sternly.
"I never imagined that a former classmate would become a craven wretch. Fengxian wishes no part of you and hereby severs all ties!"
Lu Bu declared, about to rush out. Xu Gong knew that without Lu Bu, how could he face his ancestors? He struggled more fiercely.
"Xu Gong, we have been open and honest with each other. Henceforth, we part ways amicably!" Lu Bu turned and saw the rope still in Xu Gong's mouth. He quickly strode forward and removed it.
"Did you let me speak!" Xu Gong roared. Facing Ye Feng, he dared not be arrogant any longer. "Your Majesty, I only beg for a swift death, please grant my request."
"What a pity. I had hoped that if you and Lu Bu truly shared deep affection, you might serve me together. It seems that was wishful thinking!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty, I..."
"I know you are unwilling. Take him away and have him beheaded!" Ye Feng ordered without hesitation.
"Wait, I am willing, I am willing!" Xu Gong shouted repeatedly as he was dragged away. Seeing Ye Feng's indifference, he then turned his pleading eyes to Lu Bu, quickly seeking help.
"Fengxian, we have known each other since childhood. Please speak for me, speak for me!" Xu Gong's few words brought tears to Lu Bu's eyes. He momentarily forgot everything else, threw aside the attendants, and pinned Xu Gong to the ground, kneeling.
"I implore Your Majesty to show mercy and spare him!" Lu Bu pleaded sincerely.
"A pity, a pity!" Ye Feng leaned forward, his four fingers tapping rhythmically. "Originally, I could have spared him, but he spoke so many arrogant words. If I do not kill him, how can I uphold military discipline? Fengxian, withdraw!"
"Your Majesty, your humble servant..."
"Withdraw! I will not speak another word!" Ye Feng roared. Lu Bu retreated two steps, seeing Xu Gong's reluctance and constant head-shaking. He hardened his heart and, with a *clack*, knelt on the ground.
"Your Majesty, I am willing to forfeit all my merits to save my classmate's life. If he is punished, I am willing to be demoted in his stead!"
"Very well, Fengxian, you have truly impressive capabilities!" Ye Feng's eyes reddened. He stood up and slammed his hand heavily on the table. "Are you truly resolved to do this?"
"Fengxian has no regrets!" Lu Bu kowtowed solemnly.
"You beast! I placed so much trust in you!" Ye Feng cursed, grabbing a nearby teacup and smashing it down.
As fate would have it, the teacup struck Lu Bu's forehead, and blood slowly trickled down.
Lu Bu wiped the blood from his face and kowtowed heavily. "I implore Your Majesty to grant my request!"
"Begone! Three days from now, you will serve as a common soldier and escort your so-called classmate to the frontier. I shall see how deep this friendship truly is!" Ye Feng leaned back in his chair, quietly watching as Lu Bu helped the limping Xu Gong out.
"Scram! All of you, get out!" The two attendants immediately scrambled out of the hall, but a smile played on their faces.
On the other side, Xu Gong sat on a couch, supported by Lu Bu, tears streaming down his face. "Brother, I have dragged you down. Otherwise, you would still be my general!"
"We are brothers, let's not speak of this. Rest assured, if there's an opportunity in the future, I will send you to Jiangxia, and you will not suffer any grievances!" Lu Bu said with sincere conviction.
Xu Gong believed him implicitly. Lu Bu, with his furrowed brows and honest eyes, could surely not harbor any deceit.
For the next two days, Lu Bu cared for Xu Gong meticulously, which only moved Xu Gong further with gratitude towards his old friend.
Before long, Lu Bu was placing a basin of water before Xu Gong. Just as they were about to dine, Ye Feng arrived cheerfully, taunting Lu Bu, "I never imagined my former great general would be so attentive in caring for someone. It is truly remarkable. It seems my decision back then was indeed wise."
Lu Bu stood stunned, then after a long pause, muttered, "My Lord, did you not say it was only for my sake? Why then were you banished from Ye City?"
Ye Feng sat on his chair, holding the back of it, and said coldly, "I was merely testing your loyalty to me. I did not expect it to be so fragile. Since it is so, what use are you? It is better for you to go to the front with him!"
"Lu Bu!" Xu Gong saw Lu Bu standing there, motionless. He did not stir even after Ye Feng had left. Xu Gong, forgetting everything else, grabbed Lu Bu's arms and shook him violently. "Fengxian, wake up! Your Lord has already left!"
"He's gone!" Lu Bu slumped to the ground as if all his strength had been drained. He then grabbed a jar of wine and drank it down in one gulp.
The jar shattered on the ground, followed by several more crashes. Only then did Lu Bu speak coldly, "I never imagined, I never imagined that I, Lu Bu, would end up like this. It is truly laughable!"
"Fengxian, it is I, Xu Gong, who has dragged you down. Otherwise, I would go to the King of Chu and accept punishment to restore your rank!" Xu Gong made to leave but was pulled back by Lu Bu, unable to move.
"Don't go, listen to me, *hic*..." Lu Bu said drunkenly. "After following him for so many years, fighting north and south, it turns out I was mistaken all along. Bu will be a farmer, not a general. Gong, let's go home!"
"Fengxian, Fengxian!" Xu Gong called out several times, only to find Lu Bu completely dazed. "Today, I will sacrifice my life for my friend and get drunk with you!"