In a wine shop in Xiapi City.
"Bang!"
In the private room, a crisp sound, this was the sound of chopsticks being slammed onto the table.
"You want me to go to Lujiang? Lu Sinong, what trick are you playing this time?"
The speaker was Chen Gong, a man of upright character.
This guy was just like that, his mood all written on his face. Unhappy, dissatisfied… he would immediately slam the table.
Lu Yu, however, didn't mind at all.
"What else?" He spread his hands. "Mr. Chen, calm down, calm down!"
"Didn't you bring this up yourself? You don't want to be too close to Chancellor Cao, nor do you want to be dictated to, yet you still want to maintain your own strategic judgment! Under these conditions, only Lujiang will do!"
That's right…
Chen Gong was quite a character. From "surrendering to Lu Yu but not to Cao Cao," one could see a glimpse of it.
Of course, he had also made a gentleman's agreement with Lu Yu…
— Do not be too close to Cao Cao.
— Do not be dispatched by Cao Cao.
— The matters he was responsible for must allow him to exercise his wisdom and strategy!
For this, Lu Yu had truly put some thought into it.
Speaking of which…
Lu Yu paused slightly.
"I am very familiar with Liu Xun, the Prefect of Lujiang. He doesn't have much of his own opinion and is in great need of a wise talent like you, Mr. Chen. Go to Lujiang to oversee the overall situation. I have already sent an urgent dispatch to transfer Gong Cao Liu Ye back to Xudu. From now on, you will be the Sima of the Dragon Cavalier Camp and the参军 of Lujiang. You could say that the military defense of the southern region will completely rely on you, Mr. Gongtai."
This…
Chen Gong's eyes flickered, and after a moment of thought, he still shook his head.
"I heard that you set up a shipyard in Lujiang to build warships. I, Chen Gong, am not skilled in shipbuilding! If you send me there, aren't you afraid…"
Before he could finish his sentence.
Lu Yu waved his hand. "Shipbuilding? Of course, I won't have Mr. Chen responsible for shipbuilding! I've asked. The shipyards have already entered the right track, and Liu Ziyang has cultivated some skilled craftsmen who can be entrusted with important tasks. Shipbuilding will naturally be left to them. As for you, Mr. Gongtai… you have a task ten times more important than shipbuilding."
Ten times more important?
Chen Gong's eyes narrowed slightly. In fact, going to Lujiang wasn't impossible. It aligned with his first two conditions—cherish life, stay away from Cao Cao!
It was a perfect fit.
However, Chen Gong still wanted to contribute something. If he were just a defensive strategist in Lujiang, he would inevitably feel bored. Couldn't even a dog do this job?
Why would Chen Gong need to be involved?
But hearing Lu Yu's statement of "ten times more important," how could he not be tempted?
"Master Lu, don't keep me guessing. I'm a straightforward person, so just say it!"
"Actually, my goal is for you to be stationed in Lujiang and look towards Jiangdong, with Jiangdong as your target!"
"Jiangdong?" Chen Gong asked.
"That's right." Lu Yu's tone became serious. "Mr. Gongtai, you don't know yet, but I have a nail planted in Jiangdong. Perhaps it was just a nail originally, but your arrival will make this nail even sharper, as sharp as a saber, its edge drawn!"
Whoa…
Remarkably, Lu Yu's words immediately made Chen Gong curious.
Lu Yu continued to speak, gesturing for Chen Gong to lean closer. He then whispered and told the story of his maternal family, the Lu family of Jiangdong, in a gentle manner.
At first, Chen Gong listened absentmindedly, but the more he listened, the wider his eyes grew.
His chest heaved!
Good heavens…
Lu Yu, no… to be precise, Yin Lin's identity was actually connected to the Lu family of Jiangdong.
After all, Chen Gong knew Yin Lin's identity better than anyone!
Cao Cao personally stated that Lu Yu was his eldest son. Therefore, if Lu Yu's maternal family was the Lu family of Jiangdong, then Cao Cao must have had relations with a woman from the Lu family of Jiangdong…
Heh, this truly fit Cao Cao's usual way of doing things.
See one, love one; see one, sleep with one!
However, this time… he slept his way to a "world-opening" and a "beginning of hegemony"!
The scene was too shocking. Chen Gong couldn't bear to think further, and he even felt a bit sour!
Of course, these were not important.
What was important was that he understood, and now Chen Gong understood everything…
Precisely because he understood…
He could better appreciate Lu Yu's mastery of the overall situation and his planning!
Although Chen Gong had never underestimated Lu Yu or Yin Lin, the reality proved that he had still underestimated Yin Lin.
With this connection, Lu Yu had likely begun planning for Jiangdong long ago!
Heh heh…
This was not merely holding the central army, conquering Xuzhou, and aiming for the Central Plains. This was clearly… the world as a chessboard, with Yin Lin playing against all the lords of the world!
What a "kingly and domineering aura" that was spreading all around!
"What does Master Lu intend for me to do?" Chen Gong tried his best to calm his inner excitement. His eyes narrowed, and he asked subconsciously.
"Mr. Gongtai, strategizing… isn't that what you're best at?"
Lu Yu's lips curled into a slight smile. "Sun Ce is far easier to deal with than Chancellor Cao. And there's Zhou Gongjin over there. Perhaps… the two of you can have a good match! His reliance is Jiangdong, and your reliance is our Dragon Cavalier Camp, and our Central Plains!"
Whoa…
Hearing Lu Yu say this, Chen Gong was truly moved.
As a top strategist of this era, the most terrifying thing for him was never death, but the inability to utilize his talents and ambitions.
Precisely because Yin Lin's brilliance was too overwhelming, he, Chen Gong, had very limited room to maneuver as a Sima in the Dragon Cavalier Camp.
But… assisting the Lu family of Jiangdong, plotting against the six prefectures and seventy-two counties of Jiangdong, and plotting against the Sun family… wasn't this exactly where he yearned to display his talents?
Staying away from Cao Cao, not being dispatched by Cao Cao, and being able to display his talents!
What a Lujiang, what a position in Lujiang looking towards Jiangdong, what a target set on the six counties of Jiangdong!
Just as he thought of this.
Lu Yu's words followed, "Mr. Gongtai, what do you think of my arrangement? Are you satisfied?"
"Hahahaha…" Chen Gong laughed heartily. "Who doesn't know that Master Lu is best at probing hearts? This time… it's not just the heart of the Sun family of Jiangdong, nor just the hearts of those Jiangdong gentry, but perhaps even the heart of this Chen Gongtai has been thoroughly probed by Master Lu? If so? Can I still refuse?"
In a word…
Chen Gong turned his gaze to the southeast, looking towards the horizon in the southeast through the window. Immediately, a feeling of "the sea is wide for the fish to leap, the sky is high for the birds to fly" surged within him.
Tragically, danger was approaching, and the Sun family of Jiangdong was completely unaware!
Wait a moment…
Suddenly, Chen Gong became curious about one thing.
He simply opened his mouth and asked, "Master Lu has been plotting against Jiangdong for a long time, hasn't he? Why don't you tell me in detail how you have secretly helped the Lu family?"
This…
Lu Yu's eyes rolled, and then he spread his hands. "It seems… there hasn't been much help, I haven't had the time yet!"
Uh…
As soon as these words came out, Chen Gong was slightly stunned, and then asked, "Didn't you support the Lu family with some money, food, and military supplies?"
Shaking his head…
Lu Yu shook his head again. However, after shaking his head.
He smiled and leaned his face towards Chen Gong, followed by a meaningful sentence: "Isn't there a saying in the 'Shuo Lin Xun' of 'Huainanzi'—It is better to teach a man to fish than to give him a fish!"
Whoa…
— It is better to teach a man to fish than to give him a fish?
Chen Gong was amused. So, Lu Yu was even quoting classics now.
But… this saying, strangely enough, did have some sense to it!
…
…
Jiangdong, Wu Commandery.
Ever since Sun Ce's defeat at Lujiang, the entire Jiangdong had fallen silent, recuperating and accumulating strength.
Speaking of which, for the Sun family of Jiangdong, this strength was not easy to accumulate.
Because of Jiangdong's unique "militia" conscription system, even though the Sun family was the ruler of this region, a large portion of military power was not in the hands of the Sun clan.
The aristocratic families held a transcendent status in Jiangdong, like colossal entities, and their troops and land could not be arbitrarily confiscated by the Sun clan, nor did they dare to dispatch them arbitrarily.
This was why, at the Battle of Red Cliffs, the only 30,000 troops that Sun Quan could immediately hand over to Zhou Yu were so few. The aristocratic families sided with surrender, and they did not send troops to reinforce them, and he could do nothing about it!
Similarly, in Jiangdong, if there was an exchange of troops between large families or a change in land ownership, it needed to be publicly declared at the assembly of Wu Commandery gentry, and a contract signed, witnessed by all families. Those who tore up the contract, or broke their promises, would be ruined.
On this day.
The gentry of Jiangdong gathered in Wu Commandery.
Not only the four great families of Wu Commandery—Gu, Lu, Zhou, and Zhang.
But also the four great families of Kuaiji—Yu, Wei, Kong, and Xie.
Today, they were discussing one matter, or rather, witnessing one event.
And here, the person presiding over this meeting was Zhang Zhao, who was in charge of internal affairs in Jiangdong!
Speaking of which, this Zhang Zhao was not from the "Zhang" family, one of the four great families of Jiangdong. The head of the Zhang family of Wu Commandery was named Zhang Wen, and he had no relationship with Zhang Zhao and Zhang Hong other than the same surname!
Similarly, at this assembly of large families, Lu Xun and Lu Ji of the Lu family also attended. They were the youngest clan heads among the families deliberating today.
They were also the protagonists of this meeting.
"Cough, cough, cough…"
Clearing his throat, Zhang Zhao spoke, "Boyan, Gongji, although you are young, you have such courage, but… courage does not equal insight… Forget it, I have advised you as I should. Do you two still decide this way?"
The decision that Zhang Zhao mentioned was that the Lu family would sell all their assets, land, and shops… and purchase three barren mountains from the Gu, Zhou, and Xie families.
These were respectively "Qionglong Mountain" and "Shenting Ridge" in Wu Commandery, and "Yan'ou Ridge" in Kuaiji!
These were the three mountain ranges marked on the map of Jiangdong's mineral distribution that Lu Yu had given to Lu Xun in the past.
It was just that.
While there was a mineral distribution map, no one knew whether minerals could actually be mined from it?
This time, Lu Xun and Lu Ji's purchase of these three mountain ranges with all their family's wealth was a gamble.
"The Lu family has decided. Please have Master Zhang draft the contract."
As the youngest clan head of the Lu family, Lu Xun's tone was exceptionally firm.
"Young people, leave a little room for maneuver!" Gu Yong, the head of the Gu family and the leader of the four great families of Wu, advised, "You have sold all your family's assets to get these three mountain ranges. If you act so recklessly, aren't you afraid that your ancestors in heaven will blame you!"
Gu Yong was still kind-hearted. Although the Lu family had gradually declined in recent years, and even… had withdrawn from the ranks of the four great families of Jiangdong!
But after all, they were once the four surnames of Wu, and Gu Yong truly could not bear to see the Lu family become "existing in name only."
… Indeed, in a sense, after selling their assets and their ancestral home in Wu Commandery to purchase these three barren mountains, the Lu family had become existing in name only.
Of course, these three mountain ranges were intimately familiar to all three families. They were just ironclad barren mountains!
Apart from being densely covered with trees, no grain could be grown there.
As for…
Some clansmen suspected that the Lu family had discovered mineral veins in the mountains.
Heh, naive! If there were mineral veins, they would have been discovered long ago, why would it be the Lu family's turn!
The declining Lu family, the lingering Lu family, would ultimately perish at the hands of these two young men.
"My brother and Gongji have decided. We still want to buy these three mountain ranges. Please, Master Zhang, be a witness!"
Lu Xun spoke again, his tone as firm as ever.
"Since that is the case, then let's sign the contract!"
On the other hand, the Xie family seemed somewhat impatient. They had finally found a fool. These barren mountains were useless to keep. Converting them into arable land and into shops for the Lu family was a huge profit!
"You know the rules of Jiangdong, your Lu family knows them too. The sale of these mountains, witnessed by everyone, and after signing the contract, it cannot be changed. It is you, the Lu family, who begged us to buy them, not that we forced you to sell them!"
The aristocratic families had one characteristic: they cared about their reputation!
Let's say the unpleasant things first. It's not that we had to make this money, it's that you insisted on giving it to us, and wouldn't take no for an answer! We were forced to make a huge profit!
This way, no one would point fingers at them in the future.
"This, my young nephew, naturally knows. Thank you, clan heads."
Lu Xun maintained his usual humble and polite demeanor.
"Alright…" Seeing that he couldn't persuade them, and it was a matter of mutual willingness, Zhang Zhao had nothing more to say. He immediately drafted the contract, had Lu Xun and Lu Ji sign and affix their seals, and then had the clan heads of the Gu, Zhou, and Xie families sign and affix their seals.
After this was done, the Lu family's land deeds, gold, and currency were all transferred to the Gu, Zhou, and Xie families, and the land deeds for the three mountain ranges were given to Lu Xun.
This matter was thus settled!
How enviable…
Many other families were quite envious of the Gu, Zhou, and Zhang families, and they all turned their gaze to their clan heads, Gu Yong, Zhang Wen, and Zhou Yu!
That's right, the great governor of Jiangdong, Zhou Yu, was among them!
He was the clan head of the Zhou family, one of the four great families of Kuaiji.
However, he remained silent throughout, observing the expressions and actions of these two young masters of the Lu family.
This act of squandering was done quite calmly and composedly!
When all this was settled, Zhou Yu stood up and said to Lu Xun:
"Young Master Lu has great courage! These three mountain ranges cover at least a hundred li. Although grain may not be grown there, the mountains are not without estates. The Lu family relocating there and living in seclusion is indeed admirable to me, Zhou!"
Speaking of which, Zhou Yu's eyes narrowed. "It seems that you two esteemed nephews intend to remain aloof and not concern yourselves with worldly affairs. In that case… if you two esteemed nephews encounter any difficulties, feel free to come to me, Zhou Yu. If I can help, Uncle Zhou will surely lend a hand!"
Zhou Yu's opening was like this!
The other families followed Zhou Yu's lead, expressing their "concern" for the two esteemed nephews with sincere words.
Especially the "Gu," "Zhou," and "Xie" families, who had made huge profits by exchanging barren mountains for arable land, it was time for them to express their stance. As the saying goes, the gentry of Jiangdong placed great importance on reputation!
Of course, while they said this, every family, deep down… thought that these two young masters of the Lu family were adorably foolish!
Perhaps, they could still squeeze some new benefits from them in the future!
"Thank you, clan heads." Lu Xun and Lu Ji clasped their hands in a bow, speaking in unison.
After saying this, Lu Xun carefully put away the three land deeds, bid farewell to everyone, and left quickly.
After the two Lu young masters left the "Zhang" family courtyard and were far away.
"Haha…"
A clansman from a certain large family couldn't help but burst into laughter.
Then, the clan head of another large family also burst into laughter.
And this laughter seemed to be contagious.
"Hahaha…" With mocking laughter, it spread throughout the entire "Zhang" mansion courtyard!
Silly children!
Prodigal sons!
At this moment, almost everyone regarded Lu Xun and Lu Ji as prodigal sons!
With such a reputation, it was enough to make them unable to hold their heads up forever.
Here, a group of large families were still sighing and laughing.
On the other side…
Hoo…
After walking far away, Lu Xun finally let out a long breath.
Lu Ji did the same, patting his chest repeatedly.
"Boyan… finally, finally we have obtained these three mountain ranges!"
Despite his young age, even with his reputation as a genius, facing so many clan heads, Lu Ji was still somewhat apprehensive, fearing that his purpose would be exposed.
"Gongji, rest assured, these mountains are in our hands, the land deeds are in our hands, no one can take them away!"
Lu Xun patted his chest tightly. He had heard the mocking laughter from within the "Zhang" mansion just now, and he remembered it. Few people knew that he was a person who would exact revenge.
For now, it was just not the right time.
"Boyan, in Wu Commandery, we don't even have the Lu family's mansion anymore…" Lu Ji sighed. "Tell me, tell me, can we really dig out Binsheng iron and gold mines from these mountains, as elder brother said?"
This…
Lu Xun hesitated for a moment, only a moment, and then his eyes became firm.
"If elder brother says it can be dug out, it definitely can be dug out. Gongji, don't forget… our elder brother is Yin Lin… Who doesn't know—Yin Lin's words reveal heavenly secrets!"
With this remark, Lu Xun became very serious.
Gold mines, Binsheng iron…
In this era, these were undoubtedly the most scarce resources. As long as these were in their hands, then grain would be in their hands. In times of chaos, with grain, there would be soldiers, and with soldiers, there would be power!
The road is here!
The rise of the Lu family of Jiangdong is already on the way.
…
…
The next day, Cao Cao ordered Chen Gui and Chen Deng, father and son, to guard Xuzhou, and the army returned to the capital!
Along the way, he issued orders as usual, with no violations of autumn. Those who dared to bully the people would be punished by military law.
Countless people of Xuzhou stood by the roadside, kneeling to see off the Cao army.
Such a scene of Xuzhou's submission and the people's devotion was something that historical records would absolutely not see for Cao Cao!
Cao Cao in history…
It was because of the conquest of Xuzhou that he bore the name of the greatest butcher of the Three Kingdoms!
At this time, what appeared before countless people, besides the disciplined Cao army soldiers, were two huge carriages that were exceptionally eye-catching and prominent!
"It's the five-horse carriage, and the four-horse carriage!"
An elderly man with extensive knowledge shouted…
Some scholars also noticed this upon hearing the words. A five-horse carriage… they knew it was Cao Cao's carriage, but what about the four-horse carriage?
The common people and scholars began to discuss…
— "The one riding in this four-horse carriage must be that Commander Lu of the Dragon Cavalier Camp, right?"
— "Who else could it be?"
— "But, even these generals are not riding carriages of this specification?"
— "Perhaps, this is a special arrangement by Chancellor Cao?"
Indeed…
The rites and laws of the Han Dynasty were strict. The Son of Heaven rode six horses, feudal lords rode five, high officials rode four, great officials rode three, scholars rode two, and commoners rode one.
Although…
Lu Yu held the position of Grand Minister of Agriculture, and was also one of the Nine Ministers, he was permitted to ride a four-horse carriage.
However, the Han Dynasty often had unwritten rules. When traveling with a superior, the subordinate would usually be more low-key. Therefore… Lu Yu's carriage would most appropriately be a three-horse carriage or a two-horse carriage.
Even more appropriate, in fact, would be for him to drive the horses himself!
But oddly enough…
In this vast marching procession, only Lu Yu rode this four-horse carriage. Even generals like Xiahou Dun and Cao Ren only rode horses!
Few people knew…
This was a special instruction from Cao Cao. He wanted to give Yu'er this treatment!
Of course, whether it was a four-horse carriage or a three-horse carriage, it didn't matter much.
Because…
Lu Yu had long been called into Cao Cao's five-horse carriage. With the long journey ahead, Cao Cao had plenty of time to discuss current affairs with Yu'er!
However…
This level of courtesy, anyone could see!
Lu Yu's position in Cao Cao's heart was indeed unshakeable!
His merits also deserved such a proud and elevated status.
And with the arrival of the army's return, Xudu city had some happy and some sad families!
Those who were sad were the Son of Heaven, the Empress, and the officials of the Han court!
Those who were happy were the Grand Minister of Agriculture's residence…
The Little Qiao and Big Qiao, who had long been looking forward to the return of their young master;
And Cai Yan, the Grand Chief of the Imperial Academy, whose heart… had long drifted to Xiapi City in Xuzhou.
— Young master is back!
— Brother Yu is back!
…
…