It was night, the sky was darkening, and the moonlight descended. Outside the city of Wancheng, in the central tent of the Long Xiao Camp, the lights were bright, but there was a calm silence.
Inside Wancheng, however, the sounds of toasting and drinking continued to be heard, with occasional exclamations.
A quarter past midnight...
Many were drunk, celebrating with Zhang Xiu. Cao Cao's eyes were somewhat glazed.
"Hahaha..."
Cao Cao rubbed his temples and smiled, saying, "General Zhang, Advisor Wen He, let's not drink anymore today. We can discuss the governance of Nanyang Commandery tomorrow!"
"As Commander Cao commands."
Zhang Xiu and Jia Xu bowed with clasped hands...
A different expression flickered in Jia Xu's eyes.
He seemed to be drunk, but in reality, no one was more sober than him...
Cao Cao looked back at Xu Chu beside him. He had also drunk a lot today.
After all, who didn't know that among Cao's elite guard, there was a "Tiger Fool," and in the Long Xiao Camp, there was a "Ancient Fierce Wolf," both invincible... revered by the martial men of the Central Plains.
Tonight, they couldn't witness the demeanor of the "Ancient Fierce Wolf." Thus, one by one, the generals of Wancheng could only toast Xu Chu, the "Tiger Fool." Xu Chu didn't want to drink, but since Cao Cao had permitted it, he drank some.
But once he started... it was three large jars!
At this moment, he was somewhat dazed, and even his steps were unsteady.
After Zhang Xiu and Jia Xu left...
Cao Cao was also led by attendants towards a residence.
Just then.
Thump, thump, thump...
Heavy, low footsteps sounded from the street ahead.
Before Cao Cao could react, a sober Tiger Guard quickly warned, "Is that the Long Xiao Camp on patrol?"
"Patrolling?"
Cao Cao's eyes darted, and he immediately became more sober, "Call them over."
"Yes!" A responsive shout, and the Tiger Guard went to call the Long Xiao Camp knights.
Soon...
The Long Xiao Camp knights quickly approached Cao Cao.
"Commander Cao..."
They immediately saluted...
Although Situ Lu and Commander Cao had been at odds recently, the Long Xiao Camp still showed the proper respect to Cao Cao!
"Which unit of the Long Xiao Camp are you from?" Cao Cao asked first.
"Reporting to Commander Cao, we are a part of the Vanguard Battalion!" the leader replied without hesitation.
Hmm... the Vanguard Battalion.
Cao Cao's eyes blinked. Was this the most ferocious and invincible infantry unit under Lu Bu, mentioned by Yu'er?
Looking at their equipment, they had not yet changed into fine steel armor.
"The army is celebrating today, why is your Vanguard Battalion not drinking?"
The leading Vanguard Battalion armored soldier replied truthfully, "Just yesterday, Commander Lu convened all the generals of the various units and strictly ordered that no one drink during this march!"
"The Vanguard Battalion is also among them, and General Gao Shun emphasized repeatedly... the army prohibits alcohol, and the Vanguard leads the way, not a single drop is consumed, and no military affairs are delayed!"
Ho...
A hint of surprise flashed in Cao Cao's eyes.
Gao Shun's words were out.
Cao Cao was half sobered by the wine. He then asked, "Aren't the Long Xiao Camp stationed outside the city?"
"Commander Lu specifically dispatched Commander Dian with three hundred Long Xiao cavalry and General Gao with seven hundred Vanguard Battalion armored soldiers to patrol the city streets. As for... why Commander Lu made such an arrangement, this subordinate does not know!"
Don't know?
Hehe, Cao Cao knew...
As if in a daze, Cao Cao recalled the word "restraint" that Yu'er had mentioned and that he himself had deeply engraved in his heart.
The opposite of "restraint" is "indulgence," and drinking was also indulgence!
"Hahahahaha..."
Cao Cao immediately patted the shoulder of the Vanguard Battalion soldier.
"To indulge in this yellow soup is truly to neglect one's duties. This time, it was I, Cao Cao, who indulged. Haha, you have done very well. With the Long Xiao Camp present, I have no worries! Go, and after some time, this Commander will reward you handsomely!"
"Yes!" The Vanguard Battalion armored soldiers bowed and responded, then continued their patrol of the other streets.
It seemed...
This was just a minor interruption.
Soon, Cao Cao returned to his temporary lodging.
Just as he did, he heard the melodious sound of a pipa from outside the window...
The music was melodious and graceful, the notes entering Cao Cao's ears, truly stirring the soul.
As the saying goes, "after a full meal, one desires...". Fueled by alcohol, Cao Cao could feel the delicacy and tenderness of the slender hands plucking the pipa.
The music grew more rapid, and more sorrowful, like a beauty repeatedly seducing Cao Cao.
And at this moment.
Cao Anmin entered Cao Cao's room. His expression was complex. As the head of the reconnaissance department in the Long Xiao Camp, he was responsible for collecting intelligence. But now... because of the growing animosity between his uncle Cao Cao and benefactor Lu Yu, he could not calm down.
He wanted to try to mediate this conflict, but... how to mediate it?
Just now, he had also heard the gentle pipa music. He had immediately sent someone to investigate. Upon learning that it was a beautiful widow playing, he had an idea. Perhaps... this widow could be used to mediate the conflict between his uncle and benefactor?
"Uncle..."
He bowed with clasped hands...
"Shh!" Cao Cao raised a hand, signaling him not to speak, as he was still immersed in the captivating pipa music.
It was as if he could feel the fingertips of that beautiful woman lightly touching his back, plucking the strings and roaming the world!
"Uncle!"
Cao Anmin stepped closer to Cao Cao, lowering his voice, "When I was patrolling just now, I saw a beautiful woman in the residence next door. Her appearance was shy and exceptionally beautiful. This music was played by her. I reported this matter to Commander Lu, and Commander Lu proactively mentioned letting me ask Uncle!"
Cao Anmin did not explain himself too clearly...
But it was enough for Cao Cao to understand. According to his words, Lu Yu was likely offering a beauty to Cao Cao as a gesture of apology, to ease the strained relationship between them.
But...
Cao Cao shook his head inwardly. He turned and gazed at Cao Anmin. Yu'er would not do this.
Nephew Anmin is too naive. Doing this is a bit like trying to be clever.
Of course, Cao Cao did not point this out... After all, his nephew's intentions were good.
He nodded approvingly at Cao Anmin.
Cao Anmin's voice continued. "Uncle took Wancheng today without a single soldier, which deserves celebration..."
"Since Commander Lu asked me to inquire of Uncle, why not accept Commander Lu's kindness? I will invite this woman to play a song for Uncle in person?"
Play?
It was obvious... the "playing" Cao Anmin mentioned was not entirely innocent!
Hmm...
A hint of confusion flashed in Cao Cao's eyes.
After all...
The words "restraint" that Yu'er had mentioned were still imprinted on his mind. He opened his mouth, intending to stop Cao Anmin, but unexpectedly... Cao Anmin had already run out of the chamber!
"This child..."
Cao Cao narrowed his eyes. Although the word "restraint" was still echoing in his heart.
But...
His body was, after all, very honest!
... The atmosphere had been built up to this point, and desire had surged. If it couldn't be released, it would be disheartening!
However...
"Tiger Guards, where are you?"
"Your subordinate is here!" It was not Xu Chu who replied, but another Tiger Guard leader.
Xu Chu was already heavily intoxicated and fast asleep.
"Investigate whose residence the pipa music from next door is coming from!"
"Yes!" The Tiger Guards hurried to investigate...
In just a moment, they returned, their tone quite certain. "It is the residence of General Zhang's uncle, the former General of the Chariots, Zhang Ji. The woman playing the pipa is Zhang Ji's wife, Madam Zou, General Zhang Xiu's aunt."
What?
Cao Cao's eyes snapped open. The word "restraint" in his heart suddenly became exceptionally heavy. At this moment, he seemed to have sensed something from these words!
Madam Zou? Pipa music? Jia Wenhe? Reputation?
Hoo!
Did Yu'er even calculate this?
...
...
Time passed slowly.
The bright moon was in the sky, stars twinkled, and the quiet Wancheng night was stealthily covered by a layer of dark clouds.
At this moment, the Long Xiao Camp central tent was still brightly lit.
Countless generals stood on guard within, and similarly, all Long Xiao Camp warriors remained fully armed, ready to assemble at any moment...
This was a military order. Since dinner, the entire Long Xiao Camp had been in a tense atmosphere.
Hoo...
At this moment, Lu Yu sat in the commander's seat, his eyes narrowed, but he remained silent.
He had not reminded Cao Anmin too much, it was deliberate and purposeful...
Because of this, the heavy stone in Lu Yu's heart could not be lifted. He was waiting, waiting for that event to happen.
Wancheng was a situation where a single move could affect the entire board!
If Zhang Xiu's thirty thousand cavalry could be subdued, and Nanyang Commandery brought under control, then conquering the north or marching south to Jingzhou would be much easier...
But if this battle were to fail, the losses would be more than just tens of thousands of soldiers!
Just then.
Thump, thump!
Footsteps sounded.
Cao Xiu strode into the central army tent. "Young Master Lu, as expected, after Cao Anmin left his uncle's residence, he led men into the adjacent residence, seemingly... to 'invite' the woman playing the pipa."
Calling it "inviting," Cao Xiu was already being very polite...
Using the word "kidnap" seemed more fitting.
"Understood." Lu Yu nodded, his eyes finally opening a bit. He then asked, "Does Commander Cao have any moves?"
"Commander Cao sent the Tiger Guards to investigate that residence!"
As Cao Xiu said this, Lu Yu's blinking eyes steadied...
He muttered to himself, Old Cao, you are not a complete pervert after all. Heh, this is somewhat surprising.
According to Lu Yu's plan...
Although he had reminded Cao Cao to exercise restraint many times, could he truly restrain himself?
This was the infamous Cao for married women!
Could he restrain himself? Lu Yu truly had no idea.
It seemed that Old Cao was capable!
This time, he really controlled his own desires, heh, an unexpected joy... truly an unexpected joy.
Heh heh...
With this thought, Lu Yu chuckled slightly.
Cao Cao sending people to investigate the adjacent residence proved that he had not yet been swayed by beauty. And after the Tiger Guards reported that the residence was "General of the Chariots" Zhang Ji's mansion,
Given Old Cao's intelligence, he would surely understand the nuances. Lu Yu's previous hints were more than enough.
— Jia Xu, Madam Zou, General of the Chariots' mansion, raising reputation... and that sentence, Jia Wenhe is poisonous!
These keywords were enough for Old Cao to sort out the entire matter clearly.
However, Lu Yu's plan needed to be modified.
Originally... if Old Cao were to forcefully take her, Lu Yu had planned to have the Vanguard Battalion and Long Xiao cavalry in the city immediately control Zhang Xiu and Jia Xu!
Capture the leader to capture the army...
Then, he, Lu Yu, would seek out "Big Brother" Xiahou Dun and his business partner "Cao Hong," mobilize the army, and surround the enemy camps outside Wancheng.
In this way... even if Old Cao forcefully took her, the situation in Wancheng would be stabilized!
It would prevent him from losing the situation and several brothers due to "a mistake that all men in the world make."
As for now...
The actions still needed to be taken, but there was no need to be so violent, it could be gentler.
"General Cao Xiu, you continue to send people to closely investigate. The Vanguard Battalion and Long Xiao cavalry will patrol the streets as usual, secretly monitoring the movements of Zhang Xiu and Jia Xu, but... do not alert them about this matter, nor the other generals of Wancheng."
"Yes..." Cao Xiu immediately agreed.
Just then, Lu Yu suddenly stood up.
"Commander Dian..."
"Your subordinate is here."
"You gather troops and enter the city to assist the Tiger Guards in protecting Commander Cao!" Lu Yu continued to order.
Ah...
Dian Wei was stunned.
He tapped his forehead, somewhat unable to understand. Commander Cao had the Tiger Guards and Dian Wei around him, and their protective capabilities were not inferior to his own. What was there to escort?
Dian Wei showed a puzzled expression, which did not escape Lu Yu's eyes. He immediately smiled slightly, "Commander Dian, just do as I say. Today... more than half of the Tiger Guard soldiers are likely drunk!"
Saying this, Lu Yu's eyes swept across everyone in the tent.
"All generals, you must stay sharp tonight. If tonight's matter is not handled well, there will inevitably be a bloody battle. But if it can be handled well, then... Zhang Xiu, Jia Xu, and these thirty thousand cavalry will be loyal!"
"Everyone, if the situation changes, act according to the pre-arranged deployment!"
"Yes!"
The generals shouted in unison.
Lu Yu then called for Huang Zhong to gather troops. He, along with Huang Zhong and over a hundred cavalry, galloped towards Wancheng. It was time to meet the great manipulator behind the scenes.
...
...
Inside Wancheng, in the yamen.
— "Cao Cao bullies me too much!"
With a cold shout, Zhang Xiu clenched his fists tightly, as if he had suffered some great humiliation. Jia Xu beside him smiled slightly, everything was proceeding as planned.
As expected...
Cao Cao had made a mistake after all, his usual mistake. His subordinates had "kidnapped" Zhang Xiu's aunt, Madam Zou...
The armored soldiers reported that just now... they had "kidnapped" her from the General of the Chariots' mansion without any explanation.
Next, even a fool could guess that it would be nothing more than Cao, the married man's forceful conquest!
Of course...
Jia Xu was delighted by this, or rather... he had designed all of this.
On the contrary, Zhang Xiu's eyes were wide with rage, his molars grinding with a "grinding" sound, his face flushed red... furious!
"General Zhang, perhaps you should endure it?"
Jia Xu fanned the flames at the opportune moment... "Cao Cao has always been like this. After conquering Shouchun City, he took Yuan Shu's Madam Feng! He took Madam Yin, the daughter-in-law of the former Great General He Jin; after conquering Xiapi City, he also took Madam Du, the wife of Qin Yilu. Today... if he truly takes the General of the Chariots' wife, and General Zhang's aunt, it can only be considered ordinary and commonplace... General Zhang, you should still... still endure it! Endure for a moment of peace!"
Jia Xu spoke unhurriedly, his pace just right, perfectly fanning the sense of humiliation in Zhang Xiu's heart.
In Zhang Xiu's ears, the more he listened, the more humiliating it became... it was a great humiliation!
Indeed...
Zhang Ji was his uncle, but Madam Zou was not just his aunt!
It could be said that Madam Zou meant a lot to him and the thirty thousand knights left by his uncle. If she had not gone to Jingzhou to negotiate peace with Liu Biao in the past, how could there be a Zhang Xiu today, how could there be a feudal lord of Nanyang Commandery?
His aunt meant a great deal to him. Now, Madam Zou... had been kidnapped by Cao Cao's subordinates, and was about to be violated and bullied by Cao Cao!
If this can be tolerated, what cannot be tolerated!
"Mr. Jia, I regret it. I should not have surrendered to Cao Cao. Even if I died in battle, it would be better than suffering such a great humiliation!"
Saying this, Zhang Xiu grabbed Jia Xu's hands. "Mr. Jia is wise and resourceful, and his plans are foolproof. You must... you must have a way."
This...
Jia Xu pretended to hesitate, pacing back and forth, looking up at the sky, saying nothing.
Zhang Xiu was almost desperate...
"Mr. Jia, please say something!"
"In that case..."
Finally, after a moment of contemplation, Jia Xu spoke.
"Tonight, your subordinate Hu Che'er did not drink. This man is immensely strong, capable of lifting five hundred jin of rocks. Perhaps... he can deal with Commander Cao's Tiger Guards, and also block the drunk 'Tiger Fool' Xu Chu. As for... other matters, to ensure that nothing goes wrong, I have specifically kept five hundred armored soldiers in my residence. General can send people to contact the external generals outside the city to attack Cao's camp at night, and at the same time, lead five hundred armored soldiers to control Cao Cao. As long as Cao Cao is captured, the great matter will be settled!"
Hoo...
Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiu's heart trembled.
"Mr. is truly talented..."
Saying this, Zhang Xiu was about to muster his troops. Capture the king first...
Of course, how would he know that the five hundred armored soldiers Jia Xu had stationed in the city were his confidantes? He had already instructed these men to kill Cao Cao's subordinates without mercy, but Cao Cao himself must not be shot at, nor killed!
He wanted to let Cao Cao escape!
Jia Xu had calculated precisely.
Killing Cao Cao... that would mean he, Jia Xu, would have an irreconcilable feud with the warriors of Qiao and Pei. At that time, his reputation would be meaningless!
"This matter cannot be leaked. General, quickly do as I say. There is no time to delay, every moment counts!"
With a final instruction...
Zhang Xiu knew the gravity of the matter, and immediately went out on horseback, leading his personal guards at a gallop...
In this yamen...
Only Jia Xu remained alone.
"Hoo..."
Finally, he let out a long sigh. Looking through the window at the dark sky, his eyes gradually narrowed.
— The wind rises from the end of the green duckweed!
He seemed to have already heard the rumors spreading through the streets and alleys—Jia Xu, Jia Wenhe, severely injured Cao Cao, strategized Nanyang, this talented manipulator behind the scenes, should be on par with the Hidden Dragon's talent!
"Haha..."
Jia Xu's lips curled into a smile.
— "The sage's way of establishing order lies in concealment and anonymity. Therefore, in the current situation, there is Jia Xu behind the scenes, and also the Hidden Dragon lurking in Cao's camp!"
— "Heh heh... Nothing is difficult in the world, it all depends on human layout!"
As he spoke, Jia Xu's lips curved again, his confident smile becoming more cheerful!
Precisely...
Just then.
"Clap, clap, clap, clap..."
At the back door of this yamen, a crisp sound of applause rang out.
Accompanying it was a crisper, more hearty voice!
— "Living between heaven and earth, observing the changes of the world, living in seclusion behind the scenes, controlling the game of the world, you are worthy of being called the current era's poison strategist, worthy of being—Jia Xu, Jia Wenhe!"
— "It is just a pity that only this level of talk is not enough!"
...
...