The afternoon, with the chirping of sparrows and orioles, saw sunlight spilling onto the quiet East City Gate. First, birds sang softly, then the resonant clatter of hooves grew louder, accompanied by the footsteps of tens of thousands of warriors!
It seemed… a gale was also blowing.
The dark black "Cao" banner, emblazoned with a thousand faces, suddenly rose from the ranks. The wind roared, whipping the flag ferociously, creating a crackling sound. For miles around, this powerful resonance vibrated.
This was… a victorious army, returning triumphantly.
Cao Cao, who had aspired to conquer the Central Plains, had returned!
For years, he had truly grown into a behemoth that could make the Han court tremble and all the lords of the realm quake.
"Welcome, Commander Cao!"
A eunuch’s shout rang out…
Countless drums began to beat!
The Son of Heaven, leading civil and military officials, came out ten li to greet him. The scene was incredibly grand.
Ruler and minister met…
The Son of Heaven appeared somewhat timid, while Cao Cao was haughty…
During this meeting, the Son of Heaven naturally lavished praise upon Cao Cao.
However…
When the Son of Heaven, Liu Xie, proposed meeting Lu Yu, the commander of the Dragon Soaring Camp who had quelled the rebellion in Xuzhou,
He was informed by Cao Cao that Lu Yu was no longer among the procession.
When asked again, "Where has Commander Lu gone?"
Cao Cao merely smiled, offering no direct answer. In Cao Cao's view, Yu did not understand women, and the Son of Heaven did not understand Yu.
Yu, having returned victoriously, had no interest in meeting any Son of Heaven!
— The banks of the Ying River, the land of Yongqiu, that was where his heart yearned.
"Thump, thump…"
The sound of countless armored soldiers’ footsteps echoed once more, imposing and deafening!
— Cao, descendant of eunuchs, lover of married women, barber of the wheat fields… Mengde…
His name was officially changed to…
— Cao, leader of the Qiao Pei nobility, Song of the Son of Heaven, strategic partner of Yingchuan, tiger of Xu, Yan, and Yu… Mengde!
He had returned!
With a sky-shattering momentum, he had returned.
Faintly, the sky above Xuchang was already shrouded in the bloody hue of the setting sun!
…
…
By the banks of the Ying River, in the land of Yongqiu!
A single-plank bridge separated the Imperial Academy from the outside world…
However, due to the presence of the Imperial Academy, the nearby villages had become exceptionally prosperous. In addition to countless shops that sprung up, hundreds of private schools were also neatly laid out. The banks of the Ying River were already bustling with activity.
When Lu Yu arrived here.
He was truly startled…
In just half a year, this place had become so prosperous!
Along the riverbanks, fine carriages and steeds were arriving and departing incessantly. The laughter of young ladies occasionally drifted through the air, beauties and esteemed scholars exchanged glances, and the entire road was filled with the charm of spring.
"Commander Dian, look at these women. They are so unrestrained. This isn't like coming to shop for goods. They are here, posing coyly, simply trying to ensnare men!"
Looking at the many women by the Ying River… their eyes like blooming lotuses…
Constantly casting seductive glances at the scholars, Lu Yu felt… their intentions were impure.
"Hahaha…" Dian Wei chuckled. "This is good. If Man'er can study at the Imperial Academy, he won't lack wives in the future."
The Man'er Dian Wei mentioned was naturally his son, Dian Man.
However, listening to his words, Dian Wei’s standards seemed very low. As long as they were women, and alive, that seemed sufficient!
Lu Yu was amused.
"Let's go, onto the single-plank bridge! Once we pass the Imperial Academy's stone classics, Commander Dian, you won't need to protect me. You can go find Dian Man!"
"As you command!"
Dian Wei agreed.
He had participated in the defense of the Imperial Academy before. Not only was it surrounded by water on all sides, but it also housed a hundred armored soldiers. It was naturally safe within.
They proceeded in silence…
Stepping over the Imperial Academy's stone classics, Lu Yu paused, looking at the inscription: "Pillars of the Emperor, Pillars of the Nation." He felt a surge of emotion!
Pillars of the Emperor, pillars of the nation, indeed. But whether they were pillars of the Emperor or pillars of Cao, that was a matter of opinion.
Regardless of whose pillar they were, they were all students of Lu Yu.
He smiled slightly.
Thump, thump…
Taking two steps, Lu Yu parted ways with Dian Wei and went alone to find Sister Zhaoji.
The sound of diligent studying continuously echoed…
Occasionally, Lu Yu would curiously peek through the windows to observe the students' conditions. It seemed that in the latter half of the year, Sister Zhaoji had taken in a new batch of students.
They appeared to be very earnest. He wondered where they all came from!
However…
Lu Yu was unaware of the smooth enrollment at the Imperial Academy…
Or rather, the reason why the Imperial Academy was now so sought-after among scholars!
It was mainly due to the outstanding performances of the five students: "Zhuge Liang," Huang Xu, Cao Ang, Dian Man, and Xu Yi, on the battlefield.
Because of the great merits they had earned at the Shouchun battlefield, almost everyone realized—scholars have their rewards, this was the best interpretation of the Imperial Academy!
Studying here promised a bright future!
Suddenly…
A voice emanated from the classroom.
— "The first element of building a city is whether this city needs construction; the second, whether the court approves it. Beyond that, one must also note not to exceed established regulations. Imperial capitals, national capitals, provincial capitals, and county capitals all have strict regulations regarding city wall height and scale. Do not transgress these."
This gruff voice…
Lu Yu found it very familiar. Was that not General Cao Ren?
Of course, Cao Ren's presence here was not unexpected. After all, Old Cao had stated that Cao Ren was a gift, a gift from Old Cao to Lu Yu for his sister!
However…
His discourse was on "city construction," which caught Lu Yu by surprise. He had expected General Zixiao to teach "city defense."
After all, within Cao's camp, when it came to city defense, Cao Ren was second to none.
As he thought this, Cao Ren's voice echoed again.
— "Building a city, although it requires significant expenditure, often does not necessitate ample funds. Firstly, power can help you achieve your goal; secondly, with the people's support and collective effort, a city can also be well-built."
— "And you, who will be generals in the future, being a general is not just about charging into battle. The ability to defend a city, to defend strategic locations, is equally crucial! And only by mastering city construction can you be invincible in defensive battles!"
City defense… and city construction, they were intrinsically linked!
Lu Yu felt a sense of emotion…
Hearing this, he suddenly felt that the gift from Old Cao was very practical.
This was easily understood. No matter how brilliant Zhuge Liang was historically, if Ma Su couldn't hold Jieting, it was all in vain. While offensive prowess was important, defensive skill was even more precious!
Of course…
City construction was not that simple. From Cao Ren's subsequent words, Lu Yu grasped some of it.
The major of city construction was not a simple command lesson, but a lesson in arithmetic!
From the circumference and height of the outer walls to the systematic planning and design of the inner city's roads, houses, and water systems;
Then to the consumption of bricks, tiles, earth, timber, lime, tung oil, glutinous rice juice, and other materials;
And the transportation tools, including carts and baskets;
And the calculation of underground works for defensive fortifications, as well as the data for worker housing, cooking stoves, clothing, shoes, hats, money, and grain and rice, totaling over two hundred and sixty items.
The design of city defenses, in particular, applied many principles from Mozi and The Art of War.
Cao Ren explained as simply and thoroughly as possible, and Lu Yu listened with rapt attention, feeling that… this was a profound subject.
Indeed, the "Heavenly General" who was as sturdy as a golden fortress and as firm as a rock, and skilled in "holding ground," was no accident. He had never imagined Cao Ren to be so proficient in the art of city construction!
— "Symmetrical on both sides, clear districts, and complete road and water supply/drainage systems;"
— "Gardens and corridors connecting a thousand households, ten thousand houses sheltering clans and old friends;"
— "Building a city for self-defense, granaries full, unbreachable for three years; constructing a ten-zhang high platform for distant observation, within a hundred li, enemy soldiers have nowhere to hide; underground tunnels within the city lead directly outside, supplies are uninterrupted; defenders remain steadfast, attackers return without success."
— "Only by being able to build such a city can one proudly say that this 'city construction' lesson you have taken was not in vain!"
— "My lifelong aspiration is to rebuild a city, but alas, I fear this wish may be difficult to fulfill. I only hope that you, students of the Imperial Academy, will have the opportunity in the future!"
Hearing this, Lu Yu nodded in agreement…
"City construction" was indeed a crucial part of the Imperial Academy's curriculum, and the most difficult aspect was finding a suitable instructor!
After listening to Cao Ren's lesson, Lu Yu suddenly felt that the gift Old Cao had sent for Sister Zhaoji this time was quite good, priceless!
Judging by Old Cao's understanding of women's hearts, Sister Zhaoji must be quite pleased, and would also feel his concern for his sister, right?
This way… it would be good.
Just as he thought this, a melodious zither melody sounded, flowing out beautifully and灵动ly from her fingers, like threads of fine water coursing through the heart, soft and tranquil, and like mountain springs meandering from a secluded valley, slowly flowing…
This "end-of-class bell," Lu Yu knew it all too well. Who else could it be but Sister Zhaoji playing her Jiaowei zither!
People say one knows a woman by her fragrance, but… for Sister Zhaoji, in the Imperial Academy, the easiest way to find her was to follow the melodious sound of the Jiaowei zither.
Lu Yu stepped forward, following the sound…
As expected, Cai Zhaoji had just finished a class and was gently strumming the zither strings in the classroom, signaling the end of the day's lesson.
However… a few notes were a little hurried. Lu Yu, having listened to Sister Zhaoji play since childhood, could immediately understand. The strings followed the heart, and Sister Zhaoji's mood was unsettled!
Since she was unsettled, he might as well make her more so.
Lu Yu hid outside the door…
Before long, the zither music ceased. An assistant helped pack up the Jiaowei zither, while Cai Zhaoji gracefully walked out of the classroom.
"Ah…"
Just as she gracefully stepped out of the classroom, she let out an involuntary cry of surprise.
Because… a man had directly scooped her up! A princess carry!
This sudden scene startled her, her face paling in shock. But upon recognizing the man's face, Cai Zhaoji's panicked heart immediately calmed down. Wasn't it his younger brother Yu who had picked her up?
Younger brother Yu was back?
Her initial astonishment turned into a rapid beating of her heart.
And when she realized she was still being held, Cai Zhaoji's cheeks flushed.
"Younger brother Yu, what… what are you doing?"
She exclaimed, again and again.
Of course…
This sudden scene instantly attracted countless students from the Imperial Academy, numerous instructors, and countless… guards who were about to draw their sabers. But when everyone saw that it was Chief Lu who had lifted Director Cai.
Everyone's movements came to a synchronized halt…
They just watched from a distance, at a loss. What was going on?
Chief Lu lifted Director Cai. Wait… they are siblings, so it shouldn't be anything, right? Perhaps this was just how they expressed their longing for each other since childhood?
"Younger brother Yu…"
Cai Zhaoji spoke again as Lu Yu did not respond, "Younger brother Yu, what… what are you doing?"
Though she said this, her cheeks grew redder. In the eyes of all the students, instructors, and guards, Director Cai had never shown such shyness before.
"Missed my sister!"
Lu Yu held her tighter…
Speaking of which, Sister Zhaoji was very light, and holding her… took almost no effort.
Years ago… when Lu Yu went south to find his relatives, he would occasionally "princess carry" Sister Zhaoji. This was a unique way of playing and teasing between siblings, perfectly normal.
But…
In front of so many people, in broad daylight, this was the first time.
Lu Yu remained calm and composed, while Cai Zhaoji's face was redder than the midsummer sun!
"This is the Imperial Academy? There are so many people! Hurry and put me down…"
Cai Zhaoji's words were almost a plea.
"I won't!" But Lu Yu was very firm this time. "Unless my sister agrees to one thing for me."
This was something Old Cao had taught him…
Upon meeting, he would directly lift Sister Zhaoji and, in front of everyone, let them all witness how much he "cared" for his sister!
Of course, whether this "care" was proper or not was unimportant…
The most important thing…
Being held in the arms of the man she cared about, the more people saw, the more her heart would pound, the more her heart would flutter. Old Cao called this move "forcing oneself upon her like a Hegemon"!
It had to be said, Old Cao understood women too well, he was simply a king of understanding!
At this moment…
From Sister Zhaoji's flushed cheeks and her rapid panting, Lu Yu could feel… not just her heart fluttering, but her entire body was in turmoil!
"I… I…"
Cai Zhaoji felt her blood circulating faster. Being held by… her younger brother, this feeling…
It was warm, yet very shy.
For Cai Zhaoji, who had always been disciplined and polite in front of outsiders, this was unimaginable. How embarrassing…
"Gulp."
She unconsciously swallowed, her pearly teeth biting her red lips. "If you don't put me down, Sister… Sister will get angry!"
"Even if you get angry, I won't let go!" Lu Yu said with a smile…
This was… being unreasonable.
Had Younger Brother Yu learned to be unreasonable from spending so much time with his older brother?
Cai Zhaoji was helpless. She had no choice but to agree. "Alright, alright, Younger Brother Yu… Sister will agree to anything, okay? You put me down first."
"Then…" Lu Yu began. "Sister just has to promise me that no matter what, you won't get angry… including about this! And about the good things to come! Of course, you can't misunderstand! Only then will I let you down!"
Was this…
Teasing his sister?
Cai Zhaoji's eyes blinked repeatedly. How could there be such a thing? To be held in front of everyone in broad daylight, how embarrassing, and she wasn't allowed to get angry!
But…
Looking at Lu Yu's harmless and exceptionally determined face, Cai Zhaoji was also helpless.
"Alright, alright, I promise you… I promise I won't get angry, nor will I misunderstand."
Hearing this, Lu Yu finally put her down.
"You…" Cai Zhaoji immediately wanted to get angry…
"Sister Zhaoji, you promised not to get angry, and so many students and instructors are listening!" Lu Yu replied…
Ah…
Cai Zhaoji, who had already clenched her small fists, had to retract them.
She turned her head towards the instructors and students.
"What are you all doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in class?"
Her tone was cold…
In the impression of the instructors and students, this was the first time Director Cai had spoken with such a stern tone.
But… they understood. It was to cover her shyness!
Actually, the sibling affection was deep, and there was nothing wrong with that. Moreover… the younger brother was not a biological brother, so there was even less to be shy about!
"Ahem…"
Cao Ren also saw this scene. He coughed lightly. "Disperse, disperse. What are you all looking at? Haven't you ever seen a reunion after a brief separation… ah, no… haven't you ever seen what sibling affection is? Disperse…"
At Cao Ren's urging, the instructors and students reluctantly dispersed.
Suddenly, everyone began to whisper and discuss.
Were Director Cai and Chief Lu really just siblings?
Perhaps…
This sibling relationship was just a facade?
Otherwise… why would Director Cai be shy? And it was a shyness like romantic affection between a man and a woman! Oh dear… it is improper to look, I saw nothing.
Before long, everyone had slowly walked away, leaving only Lu Yu and Cai Zhaoji.
And only then did Cai Zhaoji's mood seem to calm down.
She turned around, her back to Lu Yu.
— "Younger brother Yu has made several long trips, his status is getting higher and higher, and he's becoming more capable."
— "Now, he even dares to bully his sister?"
Uh…
It could be heard that Sister Zhaoji's words carried a hint of continued grievance.
Lu Yu blinked his eyes.
"Sister Zhaoji… it's really… I was afraid you would get angry or misunderstand certain things, so I resorted to this."
Lu Yu acted innocent.
"Angry?" Cai Zhaoji turned her head and looked at the sky… she said softly, "Could I be more angry than you holding your sister in broad daylight in front of so many students and instructors?"
"That's hard to say…" Lu Yu scratched his head and quickly asked, "Sister Zhaoji, are you really angry?"
"I dare not!" Cai Zhaoji pouted. "Younger brother Yu doesn't allow Sister to be angry, how can Sister dare to be angry?"
Speaking of this, Cai Zhaoji turned around and looked at Lu Yu with a deep gaze. "Tell me, did you bring women back with you this time?"
No one knows her brother better than a sister…
Cai Zhaoji was so intelligent and thoughtful, how could she not realize that Younger Brother Yu was making such a big fuss to prevent her from getting angry, it was likely he had brought women back again.
"Let's start with a few," Cai Zhaoji asked carefully.
"Two… or perhaps, three…" Lu Yu replied truthfully.
Not counting Lü Lingqi, it was two. Counting Lü Lingqi, it was three…
It seemed the Scribe's residence would need three more sets of bowls and chopsticks.
Cai Zhaoji's eyes darted around…
Heh heh…
She sneered. "My Younger Brother Yu is indeed capable. Each time it's more than the last. So… which young lady is he taking as a concubine this time?"
Uh…
Lu Yu paused. He was an honest person. "One of them is Lü Bu's concubine, named Diao Chan. The other two are Lü Bu's daughters. One is named Lü Lingqi, and the other is Diao Chan's daughter, named Ling Ju."
The moment these words were spoken…
Cai Zhaoji's eyes widened dramatically. She felt her head explode!
Good heavens…
Has Younger Brother Yu gone mad?
The last time he brought back Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao, she wouldn't say anything, after all, they were daughters from respectable families.
But this time, Diao Chan, Diao Chan's daughter Ling Ju, and also… Lü Bu's daughter Lü Lingqi. Good heavens, no wonder he forced her not to get angry. Younger Brother Yu has truly gone mad this time!
…
…