"This elder sister cares for her younger brother, how could the younger brother not care for his elder sister?"
"Miss Cai Yan, shall we make a bet? Tomorrow, when your brother returns, the first place he'll rush to is this Imperial Academy. Haha, if the Imperial Academy happens to be closed, then Administrator Lu won't find his sister, and he'll be disappointed!"
These words flowed out smoothly.
Don't be surprised…
With that reminder, Cai Zhaoji felt it made quite some sense. At least… the last time her brother returned from a long journey, he came to the Imperial Academy first. This time… it would likely be the same.
"As expected of General Zixiao. You understand my brother's thoughts better than I, his elder sister."
Cai Zhaoji replied with a smile.
Indeed, the visitor was Cao Ren, also known as Cao Zixiao.
He had been ordered to arrive in Xudu City ahead of time…
Cao Cao had also specifically instructed him to visit Cai Yan, and of course… the purpose was something else entirely.
Cai Zhaoji blinked her eyes and waved her hand, signaling for the assistant to withdraw.
The assistant quickly asked, "Then… are we still taking a holiday?"
"Let's not take a holiday tomorrow, but the day after tomorrow," Cai Zhaoji replied with a smile.
After arranging these matters, she turned to face Cao Ren.
"General Zixiao, you've come to the Imperial Academy, so you must have other matters to attend to, right?" Cai Zhaoji asked curiously.
"Haha, Miss Cai Yan, you've guessed correctly. Indeed… there is one more matter!" Cao Ren replied with a smile. "As I said, Miss Cai Yan cares for her brother, so how could the brother not care for his sister? Administrator Lu, knowing how hard his sister works teaching, has asked me to assist!"
"I've heard that the Imperial Academy plans to open a course on 'City Construction.' As for the instructor for the 'City Construction' course, haha, I, Cao Ren, will take on that role!"
City construction, of course, refers to the building of a city.
Of course…
The Han Dynasty, since its founding by Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang, has lasted for about four hundred years. The cities that needed building have long been built. Existing cities only require repairs and modifications; opportunities to construct a new city from scratch are rare.
In fact, sometimes, opportunities to build new cities do not arise even over several generations.
However… this does not mean the course on city construction is unimportant.
Only when the students of the Imperial Academy systematically learn all the procedures for city construction can they easily handle any aspect of city construction. For example, reinforcing city walls, modifying defensive fortifications, all of these are included!
In ancient times…
When mentioning generals who excelled at attacking and capturing cities, one could name many. But when mentioning those skilled in defense, the numbers are few!
And every general skilled in defense was undoubtedly proficient in the discipline of "city construction." Precisely… Cao Ren was deeply versed in this art!
Indeed…
Cai Zhaoji had been troubled by this matter recently!
Finding an instructor for the "City Construction" course was not easy!
But…
It seemed she hadn't mentioned this matter to Yu, her brother. How could Yu have invited General Zixiao to take on this role?
It was quite uncanny!
"What's wrong, Miss Cai Yan? Do you not think highly of me, Cao Ren?" Seeing Cai Yan's silence, Cao Ren spoke again.
"No… no…" Cai Zhaoji waved her hand. "It is an immense honor to have General Zixiao's assistance at the Imperial Academy. I am extremely grateful."
"Don't thank me. If you want to thank someone, thank your brother. He's the one who called me here…" Cao Ren said with a smile.
Hearing this, Cai Zhaoji's heart warmed.
Looking at it this way…
Yu brother still had some conscience, knowing how difficult it was for his sister to manage the Imperial Academy.
This younger brother, leaving without saying goodbye and without a letter, deserved a good scolding. But… he still remembered his sister in his heart, so in that regard, his merits and demerits canceled each other out.
With this thought…
Cai Zhaoji could not help but ask again, "General Zixiao, will my brother really be able to return tomorrow?"
Her eyes were expectant, filled with urgency…
"Haha…" Cao Ren replied with a smile. "Certainly. With Miss Zhaoji here in Xudu City, Administrator Lu wouldn't dare to hesitate for a moment! Hahaha…"
His hearty laughter was tinged with a meaningful undertone.
Just then.
"Tap, tap…"
A teaching assistant scurried over. "Chief Administrator Cai… a person from the Administrator's Office has arrived, saying… something has happened at the Administrator's Office."
The Administrator's Office? Something happened?
Cai Zhaoji was slightly taken aback…
Ever since the two sisters, Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao, were brought into the Administrator's Office, Cai Zhaoji had handed over the internal affairs of the office to Da Qiao, and Da Qiao managed them exceptionally well.
Everything in the Administrator's Office was orderly. In fact… every evening when Cai Zhaoji returned, she could enjoy delicious meals.
Under her management, what kind of trouble could the Administrator's Office encounter?
Before Cai Zhaoji could ask, the assistant quickly added, "It seems… Miss Xiao Qiao has offended the current Noble Consort Dong!"
What?
Cai Zhaoji's eyes widened slightly, adding to her surprise. How could Xiao Qiao have offended Noble Consort Dong?
Meanwhile, Cao Ren, upon hearing the name "Noble Consort Dong," his eyes narrowed…
Noble Consort Dong? Uncle of the Emperor, Dong Cheng?
It seemed that on the journey back to Xudu City, Cao Cao, his elder brother, had discussed this "Uncle Dong" the most with Lu Yu. Cao Ren had overheard a few words, and how could he not know that the Dong family was likely facing imminent disaster!
Yet, he never expected that Noble Consort Dong would offend Miss Xiao Qiao?
Indeed…
According to the assistant, it was Miss Xiao Qiao who offended Noble Consort Dong.
However, in Cao Ren's eyes, this was clearly Noble Consort Dong offending Miss Xiao Qiao. Traditionally, only when a subordinate addresses a superior can the term "offend" be used!
Heh heh…
The Dong family seemed to be tired of living, having walked into hell's gate uninvited.
With this thought, a sharp glint flashed in Cao Ren's eyes.
…
…
On the official road leading to Xudu City.
Banners fluttered, and a powerful army marched forward, their target the not-too-distant Xudu City.
Among them, the Dragon Brave Camp army, clad in black armor, was particularly eye-catching.
This army, formed by the original Dragon Brave Cavalry, the Vanguard Camp, and the virtuous men of Bing Province, seemed to have become even more formidable.
In addition, the large five-horse carriage was also drawing attention.
Voices occasionally emanated from within the carriage.
More often, Cao Cao's distinctive laughter was heard.
"We'll do as you say…" Cao Cao and Lu Yu's discussion continued. "The immediate priority is to distinguish between friend and foe. We'll proceed according to your plan!"
Upon hearing this, Lu Yu nodded. "This way, we can silently observe who are loyal to the Han, who are loyal to Chancellor Cao, and who are neutral. Then, we can act with purpose, increasing our chances of victory."
What Lu Yu and Cao Cao were discussing was actually the "Emperor's Belt Edict" incident!
Of course, Lu Yu did not elaborate too clearly.
Those involved in the Emperor's Belt Edict incident, as recorded in ancient texts and literature, were solely the General of Chariots and Cavalry, Dong Cheng, the General of Pians, Wang Zifu, and the Colonel of Yueqi, Zhong Ji. In addition, there were the Advisor Lang, Wu Shuo, the General of Zhaoxin, Wu Zilan, and the cameo appearance of Liu Bei…
However…
It was clear that the list would not be limited to these recorded individuals.
In fact, a large number of court officials adopted a wait-and-see attitude. How to understand the thoughts of all the officials in the court and distinguish between friend and foe was the most pressing matter, the most crucial of all.
The strategy proposed by Lu Yu was not complicated…
It was nothing more than a pre-arranged "hunt." However, through the expressions of each court official, one could discern their inner thoughts.
"This matter will proceed according to plan. We won't discuss anything else."
Cao Cao waved his hand, thus concluding the topic.
Through the carriage window, he smiled and pointed ahead. The city walls of Xudu were already visible in the distance.
"We're approaching Xudu City…" Cao Cao said with emotion.
Yes…
Lu Yu also felt a sense of emotion. Ancient transportation was inconvenient; a journey could easily take half a year!
He hadn't seen Sister Zhaoji for over half a year, nor Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao. He could imagine… through the long nights, they must have been feeling empty, lonely, and cold!
Just as he thought this, Lu Yu inexplicably felt a pang of guilt. Leaving them to their own devices was his fault!
This would require compensation!
Significant compensation!
At this moment… Cao Cao's eyes flickered, as if he had thought of something, and he spoke again.
"Administrator Lu, you are unrivaled in your ability to pry into the hearts of men. But when it comes to prying into the hearts of women, haha, you fall far short!"
Ah… ah…
Lu Yu was a bit bewildered by the question. Why did he not understand women? It sounded as if… he was destined to be alone forever!
Seeing Lu Yu's expression, Cao Cao continued to laugh.
"Last time you returned to Xudu City, you brought back two concubines, Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao. What was your sister's expression?"
"At first, she was a bit displeased, but then she was fine…" Lu Yu replied truthfully. "Sister Zhaoji is kind by nature; she's not a woman who cannot tolerate others!"
"Haha…" Cao Cao laughed, and while laughing, he sighed with heartfelt emotion. "Women cannot tolerate anyone else!"
Ah…
Lu Yu was bewildered again. What kind of theory was this?
And Cao Cao's words followed, "The woman who cares about you the most, how could she be willing to share you with other women? This is why the relationship between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law has always been difficult to reconcile. In the end, it all comes down to love for the same man!"
Heh…
Hearing this, Lu Yu chuckled. Old Cao's words were quite philosophical!
Yes, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship has always been difficult to reconcile, isn't it just because of love for the husband, love for the son? Which woman is willing to share this love with another woman?
Understanding and tolerance are therefore exceptionally important.
However, thinking along these lines, Old Cao's reminder was very necessary. Even though Sister Zhaoji was kind by nature, her love for him, Lu Yu, was unwavering. How could she be magnanimous?
"Chancellor Cao, Lu Yu is enlightened…" Saying this, Lu Yu prepared to cup his fists in gratitude to the great philosopher Cao Cao.
"Don't rush to thank me. Let me finish speaking." Cao Cao stroked his beard. "Lu Yu, you don't understand women. This time… you left Xudu City so abruptly without a word. How could your sister not be angry? This time, you've brought back two new women. Even though they are Diao Chan and Ling Ju, will your sister think too much about it? My dear sister is a talented woman of the age; don't underestimate her imagination!"
Erk…
Imagination… the thought sent a shiver down his spine. If we include his future wife, Lü Lingqi…
Diao Chan and Ling Ju… one is his concubine, the other his sister. Could this also make his sister overthink?
Of course, what Old Cao said was not wrong. Women are generally sensitive.
It would be strange if she *didn't* overthink!
… Moreover, leaving so hastily last time without a word to Sister Zhaoji, and returning twice… each time bringing back "two" women, was truly a bit excessive!
It was fortunate that Lu Yu had grown up. If he were younger, Sister Zhaoji would surely have spanked his bottom.
"Ahem…"
Clearing his throat lightly, Lu Yu looked up at Cao Cao. "Chancellor Cao, you are only raising the problem; we need to solve it!"
Haha…
Hearing this, Cao Cao laughed heartily. Indeed, in this world, there were still problems that Yu could not solve!
How delightful!
"I'll tell you what you should do."
Cao Cao beckoned Lu Yu to lean closer.
He then whispered into Lu Yu's ear, "The women in the Chancellor's Office are more numerous and have more complex identities than those in your Administrator's Office. Lady Ding has never strictly managed them, so why have they never thrown a tantrum?"
Is this… a lesson by example?
Lu Yu's eyes darted around…
That's right, Old Cao was imparting his experience in managing women to his son. This experience was very valuable and must be passed down from generation to generation; there must be no interruption.
Of course…
If history had proceeded on its original course.
This experience… Cao Pi inherited very well, and even surpassed his predecessor.
After Old Cao passed away, Cao Pi even took in many of Old Cao's concubines, reusing them repeatedly, which his mother, Lady Bian, described as "worse than pigs or dogs."
Regarding this, one can only say that the Crown Prince of Wei really knew how to play.
"Chancellor Cao? This… if Sister Zhaoji is a little upset, what should I do?"
Lu Yu humbly sought advice…
After all, the person before him was a master of romance, a connoisseur of women. After transmigrating, he was the epitome of… a nightclub prince, a Casanova Cao Mengde.
His experience was invaluable.
"Hahahaha…" Cao Cao was still laughing, and while laughing, he spoke softly. "You are still too young. You don't understand women. Look at me, every time I go on a campaign, no matter how long I'm away, I always prepare small gifts, little trinkets, for them!"
"Is that all?" Lu Yu continued to ask…
Cao Cao waved his hand. "You misunderstand. Do you think they truly care about these trinkets? They care about your concern and affection. As long as they feel your sincerity, even a bracelet woven from reeds would be priceless to them, an immeasurable gift. Why would they still be angry? Not only would they not be angry, but they would also feel a little delighted. Haha… you can try this. It's very effective, and you can often verify the results at night!"
Erk…
Is this night proper?
Lu Yu tapped his forehead. Come to think of it, Cao Cao, the romance master, did say some very reliable things.
For example…
In his past life, Lu Yu had a friend who was always busy with work and returned home very late every night. Every night when he returned, his wife would have a cold expression on her face!
Until one day, when he returned, he brought a hairpin bought for two yuan from a street stall, one that could sparkle at night. Then… as usual, he returned very late!
But upon seeing this small gift, everything changed. It seemed that this sense of ceremony made his wife flutter. She posted on social media, showered him with affection, and her attitude completely shifted. This could be felt after the lights were out!
Cough cough…
From this, Lu Yu seemed to have a sudden realization. Small gifts, care… He felt that because of Old Cao's words, his "romance master" rank had improved from "Iron" to "Bronze," a stubborn Bronze!
"Chancellor Cao is right… but…" Lu Yu's eyes darted. "I really haven't prepared any small gifts. This…"
Gifts have their techniques!
For example… for a sense of ceremony, it must be something that sparkles!
As for Lu Yu, he was returning from Xiapi City. He couldn't just buy something randomly in the west market of Xudu City and give it as a gift, could he? Or, if he gave something that someone else had given him back to Sister Zhaoji, how… scummy would that be!
It would cause public outrage…
The public outrage from "Kill Chen Gou, seize young Chu" was still vivid. If readers shouted "Kill Lu Yu, seize Zhaoji," it would be awkward!
"Chancellor Cao…" Lu Yu originally wanted to seek Cao Cao's help.
Unexpectedly, Cao Cao immediately burst into laughter. "Hahaha… I've already thought of this for you. I've also sent the gift for you in advance."
"Is having Zixiao teach the 'City Construction' course to the students of the Imperial Academy for half a year a good gift?"
"Don't worry, I specifically instructed Zixiao to say that you are concerned about your sister and pity her hardship, which is why you invited him to assist! This way, the concern is conveyed, and the resentment turns into pure emotion, doesn't it?"
Pure emotion?
Because Cao Cao spoke too fast, Lu Yu misheard it as "pure desire."
Sister Zhaoji in "pure desire"… *gulp*… he swallowed hard. The image was too beautiful to imagine!
"Chancellor Cao is very thoughtful. Lu Yu thanks you!"
"Hahahaha…" Cao Cao patted Lu Yu's shoulder, but said nothing. His expression said it all.
—Kid, from now on… when it comes to women, you should consult your father more!
Indeed, when it came to the art of managing women, if Lu Yu was a "stubborn Bronze," then Cao Cao was undoubtedly a "transcendent Master." He was only a step away from breaking through to the highest rank.
Of course…
Lu Yu blinked his eyes. Cao Cao's high rank as a master of managing women also proved another thing!
—Even the most powerful Casanova will have his day of reckoning.
Thinking about it… according to the wheels of history, Old Cao would have a setback on the upcoming battlefield of Wancheng, a major setback… In later generations, it could even be called a large-scale rollover incident for a Casanova.
Just as he thought of this…
Cao Cao spoke again. "I'll teach you another trick. Heh heh, you can give her one more surprise, and I guarantee it will make your sister overjoyed and her heart flutter!"
Hmm…
Lu Yu became curious. He leaned closer, but Cao Cao's voice became even lower and softer.
"…"
Upon hearing this, Lu Yu's eyes flickered repeatedly. Old Cao, oh Old Cao, no wonder… so many married women were successfully conquered by you!
—Your thinking is absolutely brilliant!
…
…
Behind the five-horse carriage escorted by the Tiger Guards was a four-horse carriage escorted by the Dragon Brave Cavalry.
Originally, Lu Yu should have been in this four-horse carriage…
However… because Cao Cao had kept Lu Yu by his side almost the entire journey, there were only three women left in this four-horse carriage.
One of them was exceptionally beautiful… to be precise, she should be described as "peerlessly" beautiful!
Her pearly white teeth bit lightly at her red lips, making the entire face of the beauty even more alluring. This was a "pure desire" kind of charm, intoxicatingly captivating.
Such a beauty, a temptress, could it be anyone other than Diao Chan?
Beside her, a maid was holding a two-year-old girl… this girl was her daughter, Ling Ju.
The little girl was fast asleep.
It seemed… a bumpy journey made it easier for children to fall asleep.
The maid looked out the window towards the front.
"Madam, we are approaching Xudu City. We can already see the towering city walls."
Hoo…
Diao Chan also looked out the window towards the front. Her peerless beauty, blown by the wind from outside the window, brought a faint blush to her fair, jade-like cheeks!
Simply too beautiful, too pure and desirable!
"Is that Xudu City? I heard… the Administrator's Office is located in the eastern part of Xudu City, adjacent to the Imperial Palace."
The Administrator's Office, mentioned by Diao Chan, was her future dwelling place!
After Lü Bu "left," it was highly likely that she would spend the rest of her life living here.
However…
"It seems Administrator Lu also has an elder sister, and he has taken two concubines, right? I wonder… will they be easy to get along with?"
These words slipped out…
The maid remained silent.
Who knows?
Speaking of which, Madam Diao Chan's status was quite special. Strictly speaking, she was not Administrator Lu's woman.
If one counted it that way, would Administrator Lu treat her with courtesy?
"Madam, no matter what… Madam should still be cautious," the maid reminded her.
Diao Chan nodded.
"Yes, caution is the ship that sails ten thousand years. They say, 'Once one enters the noble's mansion, the depths are like the sea.' It's not easy to be a woman in the Administrator's Office, let alone being Administrator Lu's concubine?"
Thinking of this…
Diao Chan's eyes flowed, as if she had countless words to say, but her silence seemed to bury all those words in her heart.
Everything was unknown, yet everything made one curious and hopeful!
…
…