Xu Du, the Imperial Palace!
In the Chongde Hall, at this moment... in the vast palace, only the Son of Heaven and Dong Cheng were present.
"Presumptuous! How dare you!"
"Arrogant, insolent!"
The roars could be heard from afar; this was the Emperor's fury.
"Before all the officials, I humbled myself to welcome him, yet he did not even dismount. When I asked him questions, he answered only when he pleased and refused when he did not! What does he think I am? His subordinate, Cao Cao? Or in his eyes, am I merely a lowly puppet!"
With a *clatter*, the brush and ink, along with the bamboo slips on the dragon desk, were swept to the ground. Emperor Liu Xie was enraged...
He had tried his best to restrain himself, but... but Cao Cao showed him no respect befitting an Emperor in front of all the officials. He felt like he was about to explode!
"Your Majesty, please calm your anger!"
"Your Majesty, speak with caution!"
Dong Cheng repeatedly advised, "Now, Cao Cao controls four prefectures, holds Your Majesty and the Han Court, and defies all. It is no wonder he is so presumptuous before Your Majesty!"
"But... but Your Majesty must speak with caution... be careful, be careful of eavesdroppers!"
These words tumbled out...
Dong Cheng looked around, and only when he was certain no one was nearby did the stone in his heart finally settle. Who knew how many of Cao Cao's informants were in the Chongde Hall? Caution was necessary!
"Your Majesty, Leng Shouguang has returned... he is waiting outside the hall."
Dong Cheng reminded him.
Leng Shouguang was the Grand Chamberlain of the palace, in charge of harem affairs. This time... the Emperor and Dong Cheng had dispatched him to secretly contact Liu Bei, Liu Xuande... to see if any reliable intelligence could be gathered.
Upon hearing the name "Leng Shouguang," Emperor Liu Xie's eyes sharpened, as if seeing a glimmer of hope.
"Quickly bring him in!"
"Yes!" Dong Cheng replied and hurried to escort him.
A short while later, Dong Cheng and Leng Shouguang strode back into the Chongde Hall.
"How is it? Did you meet Liu Bei?" Emperor Liu Xie asked impatiently. "Is... is he reliable?"
"I met him. Liu Xuande is a loyal and reliable person," Leng Shouguang replied truthfully. "He has already stated that as a member of the Han imperial clan, he wishes to be loyal to the Emperor, rectify the court, and punish the wicked. Your Majesty's plan... I have already narrated it to him!"
Liu Bei had always enjoyed a reputation for benevolence among the common people.
As for the so-called plan, it was for Emperor Liu Xie to elevate Liu Bei's status before all the officials during the morning court the next day.
– General of the Left of Han, Marquis of Yicheng Village, Governor of Yuzhou...
In addition to this, there was an even more important title – Imperial Uncle of Han!
This was the only external force the current Emperor could support.
"Good, good, good..." With three consecutive "good," Emperor Liu Xie, whose face was covered in dark clouds, finally felt a little brighter because of this matter.
Leng Shouguang continued, "Your Majesty, Liu Xuande also mentioned an important matter, one that even concerns the success or failure of Your Majesty's grand undertaking!"
"What matter?" Liu Xie asked urgently.
"Liu Xuande asked me to convey this to Your Majesty – 'If you wish to succeed, you must win over Lu Yu! Whoever gains Lu Yu can pacify the realm!'"
Huo...
As Leng Shouguang uttered these words, Emperor Liu Xie's eyes lit up, and Dong Cheng's eyes also brightened.
They exchanged glances...
Winning over Lu Yu was originally a major strategy set by the Han court. Although it wasn't as exaggerated as "Whoever gains Lu Yu can pacify the realm," the Han court's efforts to win him over had never ceased. For any official title or reward related to Lu Yu, Emperor Liu Xie would add another layer of reward on top of the original award in the Shangshu Province!
But...
Even so, the plan to win him over was not easy!
Cao Cao valued Lu Yu too much; how could it be easy to win him over?
"What Liu Xuande says seems too wishful thinking..."
Dong Cheng's eyes were cold, and he shook his head.
"Your Majesty, Imperial Uncle Dong... times are different now!" Leng Shouguang explained repeatedly. "Liu Xuande's analysis is not without reason. This time, Cao Cao captured Xiapi City and Liu Bei was executed. However, all his generals asked to surrender not to Cao Ying, but to the Dragon Mighty Camp, wishing to pledge allegiance to Lu Yu!"
"Even more mentioned 'Surrender to Lu Yu, not Cao Cao.' In such a situation, the naturally suspicious Cao Cao, even if he said nothing on the surface, would he not be wary and suspicious of Lu Yu in his heart? The relationship between the two is bound to develop cracks! And this is an opportunity!"
"Furthermore, in the past, whenever Cao Cao conquered a city, he would take the defeated opponent's women as concubines. But this time... for some unknown reason, Cao Cao became sworn siblings with Lu Bu's concubine, Diao Chan, and even placed Diao Chan in the Ministry of Agriculture, allowing Lu Yu to play with her... In my guess, it is likely that Lu Yu, confident of his merits, had already taken Diao Chan beforehand, leaving Cao Cao with no choice but to swallow bitter medicine and make a show of magnanimity!"
Leng Shouguang recounted Liu Bei's words verbatim.
Emperor Liu Xie and Imperial Uncle Dong Cheng's expressions became even more complex.
Considering Cao Cao's suspicious nature!
Considering Cao Cao's fondness for other men's wives!
How could he allow a subordinate to be so arrogant due to his merits, ride over him, and act imperiously!
Perhaps, the seed of suspicion... no, the seed of suspicion must have already appeared.
"Good..." After a moment of thought, Liu Xie uttered a "good" first. He turned his head and looked at Dong Cheng. "In that case, perhaps Lu Yu can be persuaded to join our side. Offer him great benefits, and he will not betray Cao Cao!"
Dong Cheng stroked his beard. "Your Majesty, allow this old minister to go and probe first..."
Just then...
"Your Majesty, this is bad!"
A hurried female voice came from the back hall of the Chongde Hall.
It was obvious that someone had entered from the back door.
Of course, Liu Xie had strictly ordered that no one be allowed in except Empress Fu.
This time...
Who else could be here if not Empress Fu?
Before reaching the front hall, Empress Fu Shou had already spoken, "Your Majesty, it is Consort Dong... she... she has left the palace."
Consort Dong? Left the palace?
This seemed like nothing. In Liu Xie's impression, Consort Dong was willful and overbearing. Wasn't her leaving the palace as normal as eating and sleeping?
Just as he thought of this...
Empress Fu Shou's voice continued, "The palace maids said that she... she went to the Ministry of Agriculture. It seems... it seems that yesterday, a concubine in the Ministry of Agriculture provoked her. This time, she most likely..."
Walking in front of Emperor Liu Xie, Empress Fu seemed to have just noticed that someone else was present and quickly stopped her remaining words.
But...
What the Empress had said was clear enough.
A concubine in the Ministry of Agriculture had offended her!
Heh heh...
Why else would she go to the Ministry of Agriculture? Anyone could guess that she was going to... make a scene at the Ministry of Agriculture!
One must know that as a consort favored by the Emperor, making a scene at an official's residence was usually nothing. Officials could only suffer in silence.
But precisely...
This time, Consort Dong had kicked an iron plate!
At such a critical moment, when the Han court was about to win over Lu Yu, how could she go and make a scene at the Ministry of Agriculture?
"Nonsense!"
Emperor Liu Xie roared.
Dong Cheng immediately knelt down. "Your Majesty, please calm your anger, Your Majesty, please calm your anger. I... I will go... go and bring my sister back."
As he spoke, Dong Cheng stood up with a "whoosh" and strode out of the Chongde Hall.
Sweat beaded on his forehead.
After Dong Cheng left, Empress Fu Shou, no longer flustered, became much more dignified and solemn.
She looked at Emperor Liu Xie meaningfully...
"Your Majesty? Do you truly intend to act?" Liu Xie nodded. "I cannot bear it any longer. I... I intend to go all out."
Speaking of this, Liu Xie turned his head and looked at Fu Shou meaningfully.
"Empress, even if Imperial Uncle Dong is fortunate enough to kill the treacherous Cao, his entire clan will be annihilated. The Fu family must find an opportunity to act. In the future court, I can only rely on your Fu family!"
That's right...
This was indeed the mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.
The Emperor had already decided to go all out, and had discussed it with Imperial Uncle Dong Cheng. Dong Cheng had long since secretly trained a group of assassins and won over a faction of Han officials!
And similarly, how could the Empress's family, the Fu family, not take action?
However, they were waiting. Waiting for the time when Cao Cao was killed by Dong Cheng, and the Cao camp's forces were leaderless. The Fu family would immediately purge Dong Cheng and kill the entire Dong clan, including Consort Dong!
In this way... the Fu family would gain the favor of the Cao camp's generals. Coupled with the support of the Emperor and the Han court, they would be able to rectify the court and take charge of the situation!
This was an opportunity for the Fu family to prosper, and also the only chance for the Han dynasty to prosper!
With this thought...
Fu Shou gritted her teeth tightly, as if the force she exerted caused faint sounds from her red lips.
"Your Majesty does not betray your concubine, and your concubine's family must also... not betray! Your Majesty!"
Under imperial power, apart from alliances of interest, there was only utilization and being utilized!
The Dong family was being utilized, and what about the Fu family?
...
...
In the city of Xu Du, outside the Ministry of Agriculture.
Cai Zhaoji pulled Lu Yu out of the carriage and hurried into the Ministry of Agriculture without stopping.
Along the way, servants in the mansion had already passed on the news that Consort Dong had arrived at the gate.
Heh heh...
Consort Dong certainly wasn't here for a casual visit!
Then...
Anyone could guess that Consort Dong was here to demand an explanation...
Lu Yu's expression turned cold. He wouldn't tolerate this arrogant imperial consort bullying Xiao Qiao.
Just as they reached the entrance of the Ministry of Agriculture...
They saw Imperial Uncle Dong Cheng also hurrying over. Dong Cheng was followed by many Imperial Guards... it was quite a mobilization. Of course, Lu Yu did not know that these soldiers were sent by the Emperor. Liu Xie had given a strict order – even if they had to tie her up, they must bring Consort Dong back!
"Lord Lu..."
Unexpectedly encountering Lu Yu, Dong Cheng first let out a long sigh of relief. Fortunately... Young Master Lu had not yet returned home. Therefore... no matter how big the trouble his sister caused, there was still room for maneuver.
Thus, he first bowed to Lu Yu.
Lu Yu didn't care about these "superficial" courtesies and immediately asked coldly, "Imperial Uncle Dong is here to help your sister regain her honor, right?"
Originally, he had thought...
After such a remark, this noble Imperial Uncle Dong would likely become arrogant and confrontational.
Unexpectedly, Dong Cheng put on a dejected look and stomped his foot repeatedly.
He said again and again, "Alas... this is like the Dragon King's temple being flooded by the sea. His Majesty and I just found out... that my sister actually came to your manor to cause trouble!"
"My sister has been spoiled by me since childhood and doesn't know any better. In a moment... I will definitely discipline her severely in front of Lord Lu! Also... she must publicly apologize to Lord Lu's concubine!"
This...
Dong Cheng's words startled Cai Zhaoji.
As a person of great influence in Xu Du, why was Imperial Uncle Dong Cheng so polite to Brother Yu?
This tone was completely that of a subordinate to a superior.
Moreover...
His demeanor was one thing, but his sister was an imperial consort. In terms of status, she was far above Xiao Qiao. How could he propose that an imperial consort apologize to Xiao Qiao?
This matter was very strange!
Cai Zhaoji was a little confused.
Lu Yu, however, his eyes darted around. He seemed to have guessed something.
Was this an attempt by the Han court to unify their front and unite all possible forces before taking action?
Lu Yu was very familiar with this kind of operation!
"Imperial Uncle Dong..."
Just as he was about to speak...
He heard a soft chuckle, "Hehehe..." coming from within the Ministry of Agriculture. The melodious laughter and girlish voices were completely devoid of the shrewish scolding, sounding more like a pair of plastic sisters having afternoon tea!
This...
Lu Yu immediately pushed open the door.
The scene that appeared before his eyes was that Xiao Qiao had changed into new clothes, a red dress with a hundred flowers, embroidered with countless skylarks and inlaid with a large amount of jewelry, making it very luxurious and beautiful!
At the same time, Consort Dong's smiling voice followed, "I said, sister, when you wear this brocade dress of a hundred flowers, you are much more beautiful than me. His Majesty didn't give this to me as a reward, but clearly gave it to sister!"
Her tone was fawning.
The dignified Consort Dong was bending over to help Xiao Qiao adjust her slender waist, which seemed to sway like a willow in the wind.
"Sister, your waist is truly too alluring; even older sister wants to pinch it."
Yes, Consort Dong was already quite thin, and the brocade dress of a hundred flowers had a slender waist. Yet, Xiao Qiao wore it, and it was still a bit loose.
This snake-like waist truly made Consort Dong, a woman herself, exclaim in horror.
Uh...
Is this?
Sisterly affection?
Why was there a scene of sisterly affection within the mansion?
If he hadn't clearly seen the woman's face and luxurious attire, Lu Yu would never have associated her with Consort Dong.
But...
It had truly happened.
Was Consort Dong not here to cause trouble? She was clearly here to flatter.
Cai Zhaoji was completely stunned.
She felt a bit bewildered. If Imperial Uncle Dong Cheng's attitude towards Brother Yu was already quite unbelievable, then now... Consort Dong's attitude towards Xiao Qiao was even more exaggerated and incomprehensible?
The rumored willful and overbearing Consort Dong was actually so kind to others? Even Cai Zhaoji, the most talented woman in the world, was confused at this moment.
In fact, Lu Yu was also bewildered!
He felt like he had been given the wrong script. Wasn't it supposed to be a return of the war god, with his daughter living in a dog kennel, and with a single command, a hundred thousand retired soldiers of China... no, Lu Yu returned, saw his concubine insulted, and with a single command, seven hundred Dragon Mighty Camp soldiers flattened the Imperial Uncle's mansion?
Why suddenly...
Did the villainous supporting character's intelligence come online? The script was so strange! Which author wrote such a plot? Aren't villainous supporting characters all brainless?
Now, it was fine...
Imperial Uncle Dong Cheng came to apologize...
Consort Dong wasn't here to make trouble, and instead acted like they were sisters, a proper plastic sisterly bond!
With that in mind, Lu Yu decided that one day in the future, he would advise Old Cao to show mercy to the Dong family. Forget about being torn apart by five horses or being sliced by a thousand cuts; he would definitely leave the Dong family with a complete corpse. The Dong family's path had widened!
"Husband... Husband..."
"...Sister Zhaoji!"
Da Qiao was the first to notice Lu Yu and immediately exclaimed...
This drew the attention of Xiao Qiao and Consort Dong.
"So it's Lord Lu who's returned. Why is Brother also here?"
Consort Dong walked towards Lu Yu and Dong Cheng with a smiling demeanor and bowed gracefully. "This humble woman was ignorant. Yesterday... I exchanged a few words with Sister Xiao Qiao. Last night, I tossed and turned, only to feel that I was too overbearing and too willful. Therefore, today... I specially came here to apologize to Sister Xiao Qiao."
Speaking of this, Consort Dong clapped her hands...
Servant girls then brought forward several trays.
"The clothes on Sister Xiao Qiao were bestowed by His Majesty, a hundred-flower dress woven from the finest Shu brocade. It suits Sister Xiao Qiao so well... Besides this hundred-flower dress, I have also prepared this superior night-shining pearl for Sister Da Qiao..."
As she spoke, Consort Dong took out the night-shining pearl from the tray.
It was large...
As large as a fist!
Consort Dong continued, "Besides this, I heard that Lord Lu's elder sister, Miss Cai Yan, is the most talented woman in the world. As a vulgar consort, I don't know what Miss Cai Yan likes, so I took the liberty of preparing a calligraphy piece by the esteemed Master Zhang Zhi, to present to Miss Cai Yan as a meeting gift!"
As she spoke, Consort Dong handed the framed cursive script of Zhang Zhi to Cai Zhaoji.
Cai Zhaoji was initially hesitant to accept it, but Consort Dong was too enthusiastic. Not accepting it would make her seem petty.
But...
She still dared not accept it and looked up at Lu Yu, seeking his opinion.
"Sister Zhaoji, please accept it. Lady Dong has shown such goodwill; not accepting it would be disheartening," Lu Yu said with a slight smile.
"Lord Lu is right..." Consort Dong echoed Lu Yu's words. "In fact, I have one more item, which was specially prepared for Miss Xiao Qiao as an expression of apology..."
This time, Consort Dong directly took off a jade pendant from her neck. "This is a jade pendant passed down in my Dong family. Yesterday, I did not know Sister Xiao Qiao, and today I feel we are fated. So, I will give it to Sister Xiao Qiao as well."
Consort Dong turned around and handed the jade pendant to Xiao Qiao again.
Xiao Qiao also dared not accept it and could only look at Lu Yu.
Lu Yu gestured for Xiao Qiao to accept it.
After all, Consort Dong had shown complete goodwill!
What if, one day, Imperial Uncle Dong's mansion and Consort Dong were gone, and these items were confiscated, wouldn't they have to be handed over to the treasury, and eventually to the Ministry of Agriculture? It would be theirs sooner or later, so take it and use it; it's like moving from one hand to the other, no need to be polite!
Although he thought this in his heart...
However, Consort Dong's gifts – imperial bestowed Shu brocade, night-shining pearls, famous calligraphy and paintings – their goodwill was truly priceless!
Not to mention the jade pendant.
One must know that in ancient times, jade pendants were not something ordinary people could possess. Even the jade pendants stolen from royal tombs by the Tomb Robber Camp, subordinates of the Dragon Mighty Camp, dared not casually take them out or sell them.
In the Han Dynasty, jade pendants were a testament to the elite and a symbol of authority...
If a bandit showed off a precious jade pendant, once seen by the corresponding noble family, the most urgent thing to do would be to kill the bandit and protect the dignity of that noble class!
Therefore, bestowing a jade pendant to someone else...
...Such an act! In ancient times, it was considered a very solemn and precious gift.
"Consort Dong is thoughtful. I will thank Consort Dong on behalf of Sister Zhaoji and my two concubines," Lu Yu said with a smile.
"Not at all, not at all. As long as Lord Lu does not blame this impolite consort," Consort Dong replied gracefully.
This exchange...
Made Imperial Uncle Dong Cheng overjoyed.
He was just wondering how to converse with Lord Lu and probe his attitude towards the Han court.
And now...
His sister's actions were a divine assist!
He never expected that his consistently willful and overbearing sister would be so sensible and consider the overall situation in matters of great importance. She was indeed a woman of his Dong family!
Indeed, she was the granddaughter of the former Empress Dowager Dong!
"Hahahaha..."
Dong Cheng immediately burst into laughter, "How magnanimous is Lord Lu? How could he blame a woman like you?"
"You go and accompany Lord Lu's female companions... try on these treasures, look at these paintings. Your brother and Lord Lu have something to discuss."
These words tumbled out...
Consort Dong repeatedly agreed and, like close sisters, linked arms with Cai Zhaoji, pulling Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao into the inner hall, as if it were her own home!
Lu Yu's eyes flickered. He guessed what Dong Cheng wanted to say, or rather... what Dong Cheng wanted to probe.
And this...
Was an unexpected surprise...
Then? How should he take advantage of this unexpected surprise and play along with the plan?
...
...