"Young Master Lu?"
"Sit!"
Dian Wei entered the central army tent and felt the atmosphere was somewhat off.
He normally guarded Lu Yu, staying by Lu Yu's side, and thus was exceptionally familiar with Young Master Lu. But... it was the first time Young Master Lu had been so polite to him, immediately inviting him to sit without a word.
"Commander Dian probably doesn't know why I specifically summoned you, do you?"
"I do not," Dian Wei replied truthfully.
"I have a few questions for you..." Lu Yu's eyes narrowed slightly. The Battle of Wancheng was imminent.
Historically, Cao Cao made a mistake here that all men would make...
The price was not light!
— He lost his eldest son Cao Ang, his nephew Cao Anmin, the fierce general Dian Wei, and the battle horse Jueying!
Among these, there were three questions Lu Yu had to be particularly careful about...
These concerned the weaknesses of three individuals, and the foremost among them was Dian Wei's weakness.
Lu Yu felt it necessary to teach this lesson through example.
"Young Master, please ask directly. Since I began following Young Master, I have gained fame and fortune. My son can attend the Imperial Academy, and my old mother has no worries about food and clothing. Whatever Young Master asks, I will answer truthfully and completely."
As straightforward as ever.
"Then I will ask," Lu Yu blinked and blurted out, "Commander Dian, why do you think Lu Bu of Xiapi City was captured?"
This...
Dian Wei felt a bit dizzy. It seemed this question shouldn't be asked of him!
Why was Lu Bu captured? Wasn't it because...
"It was Young Master's brilliant strategy. Lu Bu fell into Young Master's trap, and thus was captured!" Dian Wei's answer was still honest.
"Incorrect."
Unexpectedly... Lu Yu waved his hand and said earnestly.
"Even though Lu Bu was defeated, he would never have been captured. With his peerless martial skill and his Red Hare horse, escaping Xiapi City would have been as easy as flipping his hand. The reason I was able to capture him was that his weapons and Red Hare horse were stolen by Hou Cheng, Wei Xu, Song Xian, and others."
As he spoke of this...
Lu Yu glanced at Dian Wei, seeing his usual expression, clearly unaware of how serious this matter was.
Thus...
Lu Yu's tone became even more serious.
"A weapon and a steed are crucial to a warrior. Imagine, if you, Dian Wei, were without your twin halberds? Would you still be the Dian Wei of old? How much would your combat effectiveness be reduced?"
"It is for this reason that I have prepared two pairs of flying halberds for you, carrying one pair with you and concealing another in your package, just in case someone steals your flying halberds, and to prevent unforeseen events... Your reputation as the 'Dian Wei of old' must not be ruined by petty men!"
Hoo...
After these words, although Dian Wei's mind was not quick, he finally understood.
Young Master was using Lu Bu's example to tell him that as a warrior, weapons... were more important than anything else, that weapons were like one's own life!
Dian Wei excelled in foot combat, so... a horse was not important to him.
But... with a pair of fine steel hand halberds, Dian Wei was the Dian Wei of old. Without them, he was just Dian Wei.
"Young Master's lesson is well taken. Dian Wei remembers it."
At this, Lu Yu nodded. "Now, you will issue an order. Regardless of the situation in Wancheng, during the campaign, the generals of the Dragon Soaring Camp are not allowed to drink alcohol, nor are they allowed to oppress the innocent. Violators will be dealt with by military law!"
As he mentioned the prohibition of alcohol and oppression of the innocent, Cao Anmin happened to arrive...
"Yes!"
Dian Wei cupped his hands in acknowledgment and immediately went to make arrangements.
Cao Anmin, on the other hand, bowed in greeting.
"Cao Anmin pays his respects to Commander Lu..."
"Anmin, my boy..." Seeing Cao Anmin, Lu Yu stood up abruptly and slowly walked up to him, saying earnestly, "In the past, your father proposed that you join the Dragon Soaring Camp? This morning... do you regret it?"
"To be able to join the Dragon Soaring Camp and serve Young Master Lu is an honor that brings glory to our family. How could this subordinate regret it?" Cao Anmin thought Lu Yu said these words because of the increasingly tense relationship between Commander Lu and Uncle Cao Cao.
The tension in the carriage during yesterday's march had almost spread throughout the entire army. The most uncomfortable person was Cao Anmin. One was his uncle, the other his benefactor. If the two were truly to fall out, how would he choose?
In fact, it wasn't just Cao Anmin; many people felt the same way.
"Anmin, come here."
Lu Yu gestured for Cao Anmin to come closer, and then he leaned in and whispered, "Many times, what you see is not necessarily true. It might be what others want you to see. You must believe in your own heart! What appears black may not really be black, and what appears white may not necessarily be white. As long as you persevere, the truth will emerge, and your future will become bright."
Very philosophical...
In fact, when Lu Yu told Cao Anmin this, he thought of the WeChat Moments of those girls in his previous life, showing off luxury cars, mansions, incomes, and travel!
Were these all true?
Not necessarily!
Many of them deliberately packaged themselves in this way. Only by presenting themselves as sophisticated could they attract countless admirers willing to spend money to elicit a smile, and thus catch a wealthy husband!
In the current situation, this was roughly the principle Lu Yu wanted to convey to Cao Anmin.
Of course, the reason he told him this was because... in Lu Yu's plan, Cao Anmin was a crucial link, both in the Battle of Wancheng and in the upcoming Yue Dan Ya Ping!
He hoped that this "pimp" from ancient texts, who was loyal and brave, could continue to play his role, and he also hoped that he could grow!
"Commander Lu... please forgive my ignorance, but I cannot fully comprehend Commander Lu's words."
"It's alright, there's plenty of time. Savor it slowly, and ponder it carefully!" Lu Yu patted Cao Anmin's shoulder again. "Whatever you do, follow your heart... don't be surprised, and don't be discouraged."
Thinking of this, Lu Yu smiled at Cao Anmin. "Alright, you may go down... Remember what I said today."
Huo...
Cao Anmin tapped his forehead. Commander Lu's words today seemed particularly obscure and difficult to understand...
Although he still couldn't understand, Cao Anmin immediately committed these words to memory and then bowed and withdrew.
Hoo...
After Cao Anmin had gone far, Lu Yu finally looked up and gazed at the starry sky through the tent's doorway.
— Ordinary Jia Wenhe, scapegoat nephew Cao Anmin!
— Black is white, white is black.
In Wancheng, in Xuchang City... the silent battlefield had already begun.
...
...
In Xuchang City, in Changqiu Palace, the Jiaofang Hall.
Emperor Liu Xie was sitting by the bed, his eyes narrowed, seemingly pondering something...
Empress Fu Shou stood silently beside him.
After a while, the Grand Chamberlain Leng Shouguang quietly entered the Jiaofang Hall.
"Your Majesty, Empress, I have just returned from outside the palace. Ever since I left, I have been followed, and there are suspicious individuals lurking near the palace gates. Your Majesty and the Empress should be cautious in the coming days."
Xuchang City was now in turmoil, with Dong Cheng accelerating his deployment. It would be strange if Cao Cao's School Office was idle.
Because of the sudden appearance of Situ Lu Yu, the relationship between Cao's camp and the Han court had almost frozen. It would be stranger if no one was monitoring the vast imperial palace.
However, in the eyes of Emperor Liu Xie and Empress Fu Shou, this was for the best. At least... it could attract the attention of the School Office and allow Uncle Fu Dong Cheng to speed up his deployment.
"Have you found out anything?" Empress Fu Shou asked Leng Shouguang.
"Yesterday, on the official road from Xuchang City to Nanyang, Commander Cao and Situ Lu argued in their carriage, seemingly concerning the restoration of the Han dynasty. The two sides were at each other's throats, and it almost came to blows. It is said that the Commander of the Tiger Guards Xu Chu and the Commander of the Dragon Soaring Camp Dian Wei even drew their weapons... If not for the pleas of several civil and military officials, the consequences would have been unimaginable!"
Leng Shouguang's tone was firm. "The person who delivered this message is extremely reliable, and Your Majesty and the Empress can rest assured."
"Another argument?" Emperor Liu Xie mused softly. "Recently, Situ Lu has had many arguments with Commander Cao, each one more intense than the last. Empress, are we perhaps asking too much of Situ Lu to be the vanguards of the Han court..."
"Your Majesty must know that 'a general's success is built on the bones of ten thousand soldiers.' How can Your Majesty be so soft-hearted?"
Fu Shou waved her hand gently, her eyes darting around. "In fact, I have been worried that these frequent disputes are too deliberate. Each time, it's all thunder and no rain! Without more intense conflict... could it be..."
"Empress worries too much?" Emperor Liu Xie's eyes widened. "I trust Situ Lu!"
"Let's observe further..." Empress Fu Shou suggested. "If Cao Cao and Lu Yu are truly at odds, this Nanyang campaign cannot be so peaceful; there will inevitably be conflict! It's just that I don't know... where this conflict will begin."
Hoo...
Emperor Liu Xie nodded and then sighed, "Let's wait and see."
At this point, Liu Xie did not forget to instruct Leng Shouguang, "Tell Uncle Fu Dong that everything is prepared according to the plan. No matter what, this Yue Dan Ya Ping is an opportunity for the Han court!"
Is it an opportunity?
Empress Fu bit her lip slightly, hoping it was.
"Also... I heard that Liu Bei was disheartened after not being granted the title of Imperial Uncle and is now farming east of the city? Is this true?"
"Yes!" Leng Shouguang replied truthfully.
"I understand his feelings," Liu Xie sighed softly. "Let Uncle Fu Dong also contact him. He is also someone I trust!"
"Yes!" Leng Shouguang promised again, silently noting down His Majesty's instructions.
After this matter was discussed, Empress Fu Shou slowly walked behind Emperor Liu Xie, intending to help him undress.
Unexpectedly, Liu Xie waved his hand.
"No need, I am a little tired... As usual, Empress, please rest on your own!" With that, he slowly walked out of the palace hall and instructed the eunuchs outside the door, "Return to Chongde Hall!"
Tap, tap...
As the footsteps gradually faded, Empress Fu Shou's eyes inevitably held a hint of loneliness and melancholy.
Leng Shouguang beside her muttered softly.
"Ever since His Majesty... ascended the throne and married the Empress, it seems... apart from the first night, he has never..."
"Hush..."
The Empress waved her hand gently, signaling Leng Shouguang to say no more.
As a woman, her suffering was something no one could understand!
Everyone said His Majesty stayed in the Jiaofang Hall on the first night,呵呵... but who knew that His Majesty didn't even touch her that night.
His Majesty's body was limp, he seemed to be in constant fear, and he seemed to have been scared out of his wits by Dong Zhuo long ago. His psychological pressure was unimaginably great. In other words... he was simply a "helpless" man!
But...
As Empress, and as the eldest legitimate daughter of the Fu family, Fu Shou bore too much!
Even though His Majesty was like this, she... she had to pretend to be a "happy" Empress.
This was difficult, but for the honor of her family and for the dignity of the Han dynasty, she had to do it.
"Don't talk about these things anymore. Continue to secretly observe Lu Yu and Cao Cao. Inform me immediately of any developments!"
"I have always felt something was wrong, but I can't quite put my finger on it."
One statement.
"Yes!"
Leng Shouguang bowed gracefully. He felt most sympathetic to the Empress's current state!
Everyone said that the Son of Heaven of the Great Han had a difficult life?
But... how was the Empress of the Great Han any easier? The Empress was also a woman!
Alas... alas...
Speaking of which, before Grand Chamberlain Leng Shouguang entered the palace to present himself, he had been saved by a young Fu Shou once.
That was when he killed a local tyrant in his hometown and was chased by over a dozen warriors.
Fortunately...
Fu Shou used the reputation of Empress Dowager Dong at the time to scare them away, and even spent a large sum of money to settle the matter for him!
From then on, Leng Shouguang vowed to be a servant and a slave his entire life, to repay Fu Shou's kindness by working like an ox and a horse.
Hearing that she was entering the palace, he did not hesitate to offer himself as a eunuch, and step by step, he grew to become the Grand Chamberlain of the court.
Even when the Son of Heaven and the Empress were in distress, he never left their side.
Heartbreaking...
Who didn't have some heartbreaking past?
...
...
The next day, Cao's army crossed the Bai River.
The towering city walls of Wancheng, the administrative seat of Nanyang, were now clearly visible.
At this moment, Zhang Xiu and Jia Xu had already led the civil and military officials out of the city, preparing to surrender to Cao Cao.
"General!"
Jia Xu looked at the countless banners in the distance and said solemnly, "For this surrender, General, you must show extreme respect to Commander Cao. Furthermore, towards the Commander of the Dragon Soaring Camp... you must show even greater reverence. Do not look at the present... although his relationship with Cao Cao appears to be at loggerheads, in reality, he is the person Cao Cao trusts the most."
"Situ Lu Yu?"
Zhang Xiu's eyes were filled with gravity...
Jia Xu nodded. According to his plan, making Cao Cao and Cao's army complacent was the primary premise. And... if Lu Yu could also be made complacent, that would be a happy event.
However, even to this day, Jia Xu still had some reservations and worries about Lu Yu... This fellow was best at discerning people's hearts. If he, Jia Xu, couldn't see through Lu Yu, it was not necessarily true that this Lu Yu couldn't see through him, Jia Xu!
"General, please remember what I have said. Furthermore, I have already made arrangements for the residence where Cao Cao will be staying in Wancheng... and the guesthouses where officials of all ranks will be staying!"
Jia Xu did not forget to remind him...
Yes, of course, they had been arranged properly. Cao Cao's residence was adjacent to the "General of Cavalry" mansion, which was the mansion of Zhang Xiu's uncle Zhang Ji. And now... the mistress of the house was none other than Madam Zou.
Everyone in Wancheng knew that in the middle of the night, Madam Zou would softly play the pipa, as if expressing her longing. But Jia Xu knew best that this was Madam Zou expressing her loneliness.
Precisely...
Cao Cao was a man who couldn't resist the temptation of married women!
"With Sir's arrangements, everything is naturally foolproof."
Zhang Xiu, who was unaware of all this, nodded...
And at this moment, Cao's army was drawing closer...
Cao Cao had already stood on the chariot's shafts, gazing at Wancheng.
After a moment, the chariot reached the city gate. One hundred thousand troops were arrayed in magnificent formations...
Like a forest of sharp spears, with dark armor, the clamor erupted with a bloodthirsty and immense fighting spirit. Such a military force made the Northern King of Spears, Zhang Xiu... instinctively gasp!
Such a majestic army, even Dong Zhuo's Flying Bear Army and Lu Bu's Bingzhou Wolf Riders of the past, couldn't compare!
But... it seemed?
Something was missing!
That's right, among all the flags, there was no flag of the Dragon Soaring Camp. It was rumored that the Dragon Soaring Camp's military might surpassed that of Cao's regular army tenfold?
But... where were they?
Jia Xu's eyes suddenly narrowed, and a hint of worry appeared in his heart.
However, this hint of worry quickly turned into a smile on his face.
"Commander Cao!"
Zhang Xiu and Jia Xu spoke in unison, and quickly stepped forward to bow respectfully...
Cao Cao pulled both of them up. "Both of you, quickly rise."
His eyes first fell on Zhang Xiu.
— "I had an old friendship with the General of Cavalry in the past. I heard he perished under the walls of Xiangyang City in Jingzhou. My heart is filled with pain. If only he could have escorted the Son of Heaven back east, how wonderful it would have been. Then I could have raised a toast with my old friend and discussed the current situation. Alas, what a pity!"
The General of Cavalry mentioned by Cao Cao was Zhang Ji...
In the past, when Cao Cao pretended to serve Dong, he truly found common interests with Zhang Ji and considered him a bosom friend.
As for later...
Zhang Ji's fate was also tragic. He escorted the Son of Heaven back east but was defeated by a coalition of other forces. He went south to attack Xiangyang under Liu Biao. Just as he was about to break through the city, he was shot and killed by a flying arrow...
In the end, his nephew could only take his aunt and retreat to Wancheng, even cooperating with his enemy Liu Biao and becoming the watchdog of the northern part of Jingzhou!
Sigh...
How lamentable was this contingent of the General of Cavalry?
"Life is unpredictable. Thank you for your concern, Commander Cao."
Zhang Xiu's eyes were filled with melancholy.
Cao Cao patted his shoulder and said with a smile, "Alright, let's enter the city... Tonight, General Zhang and I will not return until we are drunk!"
"A few days later, when you and I return together, I will petition the Son of Heaven to re-confer your uncle's title of General of Cavalry upon you!"
"Yes!"
Zhang Xiu bowed respectfully.
Step...
Cao Cao took a step forward, but his peripheral vision caught sight of the scholar-like strategist beside Zhang Xiu.
Hoo...
Instantly, he recalled what Yu'er had said, recalled Yu'er's evaluation of Jia Xu, especially the sentence, "Jia Wenhe is poisonous..." which left a deep impression on Cao Cao!
Immediately, he muttered to himself, this must be Jia Xu.
"May I presume you are Jia Xu, Jia Wenhe?"
Cao Cao asked first.
Jia Xu cupped his hands. "Replying to Commander Cao, it is indeed I!"
"Pah..."
Cao Cao directly patted his shoulder. There were no more words, only two words: "Very good, very good!"
With that said, Cao Cao strode into the city with a powerful gait!
Hiss... this...
Cao Cao's words left Jia Xu utterly bewildered.
Today... it was so strange!
First, Lu Yu and the Dragon Soaring Cavalry were absent from Cao's army, and then... Cao Cao uttered such strange words like "very good, very good." The whole affair was extremely bizarre!
Looking at Cao Cao's receding back, Jia Xu's eyes narrowed, and he looked up at the sky...
He hoped everything would go smoothly!
He hoped that in this battle, he, Jia Xu, could become famous throughout the world, becoming a strategist that even Cao Cao and Yin Lin dared not underestimate!
...
...