Xiapi City, the Chen Residence.
“Why are there so many people?”
Upon entering the main hall of the Chen residence, Yang Xiu was somewhat surprised. He had actually suggested that Chen Deng summon some officials from the Xu Province gentry faction to discuss inciting a rebellion among the army and populace!
Chen Deng was the representative figure of the Xu Province gentry faction, therefore… these officials were reliable and trustworthy.
But…
The hall was now teeming with people, packed densely, numbering perhaps several hundred. Not only were there officials from the Xu Province gentry faction, but also many generals from the Danyang faction, and even… a large number of warriors who had followed Lu Bu for a long time.
Astonishingly…
Even Wei Xu was present, Lu Bu’s own cousin, who held military power!
Subconsciously, Yang Xiu thought that their plan had been exposed, and Wei Xu had brought his troops to arrest them!
This…
Yang Xiu’s gaze sharpened, and for a fleeting moment, he considered slipping away…
But Chen Deng grabbed him.
“Our plan has been leaked…”
As this sentence escaped his lips, Yang Xiu’s heart sank. He suddenly felt a chill run through him. Lu Gongzi’s mission was not yet complete, and the Yang clan of Hongnong had not yet been revived? How could he die here?
But…
The atmosphere felt a little off. Shouldn’t someone have a knife to his throat by now?
“Yuanlong, this…”
“Dezu, do not fear…” Chen Deng pulled Yang Xiu forward towards Wei Xu.
Yang Xiu felt as though he was about to wet himself…
But at that very moment.
Wei Xu respectfully cupped his hands in greeting towards Yang Xiu. “So, Young Master Yang is sent by Commander Lu of the Dragon Soaring Camp. My apologies, my apologies…”
With his bow, over a hundred people in the hall also cupped their hands and bowed towards Yang Xiu.
Suddenly… Yang Xiu became the most honored person present!
Uh… this…
Yang Xiu was completely bewildered! What was going on?
Chen Deng then carefully explained to him.
It turned out…
After Cao Cao had persuaded Lu Bu to surrender, and Chen Ming was forced to flood Xiapi, the entire Xiapi city was in a state of panic. Yang Xiu and Chen Deng had separated their actions. Yang Xiu, leveraging the popular support and reputation he had gained from treating fevers previously, mobilized the common people to rise up…
Everything went exceptionally smoothly. Just as they were about to incite the populace to riot.
Meanwhile, Chen Deng had been diligently contacting reliable officials in Xiapi city to coordinate an inside and outside assault.
Who would have thought…
That Chen Deng’s side would leak the news? After all, Lu Bu had ordered Wei Xu to closely monitor all officials in the city.
This secret plot to rebel was precisely what Wei Xu had caught!
But… the unexpected turn of events was that when Wei Xu learned that Yang Xiu was someone from Cao Ying, someone from the Dragon Soaring Camp, he was overjoyed and begged Chen Deng to introduce him to Yang Xiu!
He even completed the subversion of many civil and military officials on Chen Deng’s behalf.
Now, in the entire Xiapi city, aside from a few individuals like Zhang Liao and Gao Shun, who else did not harbor the desire to surrender to Cao?
They had previously lacked the opportunity and guidance; now, it was all good… the guide was right before their eyes!
The appearance of Yang Xiu and Chen Deng undoubtedly became their guiding light.
Thus, all of them gathered at the Chen residence, waiting for Yang Xiu to take charge of the situation.
Good heavens…
Yang Xiu had never seen such a scene. For the first time, so many high-ranking officials bowed to him, all so humble. This made the usually arrogant Yang Xiu’s mood inexplicably tense.
Of course, Yang Xiu was clever enough. He knew that this was not due to his own merit! It was entirely due to the face of Chief Commander Lu!
After listening to Chen Deng’s account…
“Cough cough…”
Yang Xiu coughed lightly, his eyes narrowing. “Generals, have you all made your decisions?”
Wei Xu nodded, and standing beside him were Hou Cheng, Song Xian, and Cheng Lian, among the Eight Valiant Generals. Counting Hao Meng and Cao Xing, who had died among the Eight Valiant Generals.
It could be said that most of the Eight Valiant Generals, whom Lu Bu most cherished, now stood with Cao Ying, leaving only Zhang Liao, Gao Shun, and Zang Ba…
And ironically, except for Zang Ba, who had a force of Taishan soldiers, Lu Bu had handed over the military power of Zhang Liao and Gao Shun to his cousin Wei Xu.
As the saying goes, birds of a feather flock together, and when disaster strikes, they scatter. How much more so for his cousin Wei Xu?
Rather than being fish and turtles in the water, submerged by the flood, it was better… better to surrender!
If Wei Xu had such thoughts, it was even more so for Hou Cheng, who had been beaten by Lu Bu, and the subordinates who were always scolded by Lu Bu.
What kind of master, what kind of subordinates!
Lu Bu was driven by profit, and which of his subordinates was not?
“We have decided to pledge our loyalty to Commander Cao…”
Wei Xu cupped his hands and stated their intention…
The others also cupped their hands in unison. “We have resolved to pledge our loyalty to Commander Cao!”
Their voices were not loud, but they were firm and resounding.
Hoo…
Yang Xiu took a deep breath, his gaze turning towards Chen Deng. “Brother Yuanlong, what about next…”
Before Yang Xiu could finish speaking, Wei Xu’s words came again. “We understand the rules. If we join Cao Ying, how can we not bring a ‘letter of allegiance’? I heard that Lu Bu’s youngest daughter is critically ill today, and Lu Bu is guarding the rear hall of the yamen. We can take this opportunity to steal his Sky-Shattering Halberd, abscond with his Red Hare horse, and then capture him together. In this way… we can open the city gates and surrender. Xiapi City and Lu Bu will be our ‘letter of allegiance’!”
Good heavens…
Yang Xiu’s eyes widened. So, these gentlemen had already thought through the path ahead.
It seemed… the subversion, which he considered the most difficult and dangerous part, had been so inexplicably and easily accomplished?
Hiss!
Yang Xiu gasped, feeling it was too smooth, unexpectedly smooth.
Even the clever him, thinking of the legendary Sima Cheng Yu from the Dragon Soaring Camp, a bold idea suddenly flashed through his mind: could it be that Sima Cheng was this relaxed every time he persuaded enemy generals to surrender?
Yang Xiu blinked repeatedly.
He was convinced… this time, he was completely convinced of Chief Commander Lu, convinced to the point of prostrating himself!
“Then I shall trouble you, generals!” Yang Xiu cupped his hands… “After this is accomplished, I will certainly report your merits to Chief Commander Lu and Commander Cao. Then, you will be rewarded according to your achievements upon returning to the court!”
“Many thanks, Young Master Yang!”
Another round of respectful bows.
Yang Xiu felt… this feeling was so wonderful. This was something he had never experienced in over ten years… even as a noble young master of the Yang clan of Hongnong. This feeling was captivating, inspiring!
Just then.
“Clatter…”
A shattering sound came from outside the door.
“Someone’s there…”
Wei Xu reacted the fastest, immediately turning his head to look outside. A petite figure was at the door, seeming to pause for a moment, and then quickly ran away…
“Chase…” Wei Xu immediately waved his hand, and countless warriors swiftly drew their swords and pursued her.
At this critical juncture…
If the news were to leak, wouldn’t it lead to unforeseen complications?
How high was Lu Bu’s martial arts skill? Everyone knew. If he held the Sky-Shattering Halberd and rode the Red Hare, perhaps all of them present, even combined, would not be able to subdue him.
“It’s her…”
Chen Deng’s brow furrowed… This girl who always came to ask him about military strategy and tactics, this girl who had taken him as her master, how could Chen Deng not recognize her background?
Her?
Yang Xiu was startled and quickly asked, “Who?”
“Lu Bu’s eldest daughter – Lu Lingqi!” As he uttered this, Chen Deng’s brow furrowed. He also hurried to chase after her.
After all, they were master and disciple. He did not wish for Lu Lingqi to be harmed!
…
…
Drip… drip drip!
The dark clouds overhead grew denser, starting with a light drizzle.
But… in just an instant, the raindrops connected into lines. With a “whoosh,” a torrential downpour fell from the sky as if the heavens had collapsed.
The strong wind swept through the torrential rain, like countless whips, fiercely lashing the Cao Ying military encampment.
The water level of the Si River was rising at a rate visible to the naked eye…
Even though the Cao Ying military encampment had long since relocated to higher ground and made thorough preparations, it was suddenly hit by the pouring rain. Numerous large tents were instantly crushed, water splashing everywhere, creating a hazy vista.
“It’s coming… the rainstorm is here!”
Cao Cao stood before the main military tent, raising his head towards the void, gazing at the falling rainstorm. He tried to peer towards the Xiapi city not far away, but in the mist, he could no longer see anything there.
From the bottom of his heart, Cao Cao was anxious, very anxious!
According to Yu’er’s plan…
The city of Xiapi would experience riots out of fear, and this torrential downpour would only amplify this fear, causing the riots to occur more violently.
Opening the gates to surrender would be one of Xiapi city’s few choices.
But… all of this was ultimately the ideal scenario!
What if, what if Xiapi city did not open its gates to surrender? Would they really have to divert the floodwaters?
The misty white rain resembled ethereal white gauze, swept away by the strong wind. Cao Cao’s eyes, however, grew more and more complex.
He was waiting…
He was desperately waiting for the city gates of Xiapi to open, waiting for news of Lu Bu’s subordinates uniting and surrendering.
“Commander Cao seems a little flustered…”
Lu Yu was also in the main tent. In stark contrast to Cao Cao’s anxiety, Lu Yu was very calm and composed.
Of course.
Even in Lu Yu’s opinion, he did not have a hundred percent certainty whether Xiapi city would open its gates to surrender. After all, this involved people’s hearts; who could guarantee it one hundred percent!
Moreover, historical records spoke of flooding Xiapi, not opening the gates to surrender. The variables here were too great!
However, it seemed there was no need to be so anxious.
Even if Xiapi city did not open its gates, they could simply open the floodgates and let the Si and Yi rivers pour into Xiapi city through the excavated trenches. Regardless, this Xiapi city was certainly conquerable!
It was merely a matter of method!
It was for this reason that Lu Yu was rather calm.
Hoo…
Hearing Lu Yu’s words, Cao Cao sighed lightly and turned his head to look at Lu Yu meaningfully.
How did Yu’er know his thoughts as an old father?
In Cao Cao’s view…
In the future, Yu’er was destined to be the heir apparent. If an appalling event like “flooding Xiapi” were to occur.
Those noble families and censors would not dare to scold him, Cao Cao. They would undoubtedly scold the strategist who proposed the plan of “flooding Xiapi” the most fiercely, which was Yu’er and Gong Da!
Gong Da would be fine; at most, he would receive a minor punishment and be appeased privately to quell the anger of the scholars.
But Yu’er was different. He was already an illegitimate son, his status not yet legitimate, and the difficulty of becoming the heir apparent was already great!
For this reason, Cao Cao needed to carefully plan and deploy step by step, gradually removing all obstacles to his becoming the future heir apparent.
Even so, he was afraid that there might be some oversight, and if the scholars seized upon it!
Then…
Yu’er’s future position as heir apparent would undoubtedly be shrouded in a thick haze.
Compared to Xiapi city, compared to the hearts of the people Cao Cao had won over in this city and prefecture, in Cao Cao’s heart, Yu’er’s reputation was undoubtedly more important.
The problem was that this matter could not be told to Yu’er at this time. Cao Cao could only sigh lightly, temporarily releasing his tension.
Unless absolutely necessary, the order to open the floodgates and flood Xiapi could not be given.
“Scribe Lu, the rain is getting heavier and heavier. I wonder what the situation is like inside Xiapi city?”
With a sigh…
Cao Cao’s mood was rather heavy and complex.
“Commander Cao, please sit down and rest for a while. Standing here and worrying is of no use.”
Lu Yu smiled slightly and comforted Cao Cao. “Actually, Commander Cao should trust Yang Xiu, trust Chen Deng… At least, I have immense trust in them. Xiapi city tonight will likely be sleepless!”
Trust…
That was right, Lu Yu trusted Chen Deng and Yang Xiu one hundred and twenty percent!
As for Chen Deng… his achievements recorded in ancient texts were already remarkable. He alone became a perpetual nightmare for the Sun family of Jiangdong! He managed to defend Guangling Commandery alone and resist the two rulers of Jiangdong, Sun Ce and Sun Quan!
His mind, his strategy, his courage were all sufficient to complete this not-so-complex task!
And Yang Xiu… this noble young master of the Yang clan of Hongnong, once he shed his inherent arrogance, his intelligence and sharpness would be at least half the level of Yang Hu! This was a talent worth great use!
It was for this reason that Lu Yu was always filled with hope and dreams.
“Commander Cao, rest assured, we will likely receive good news tonight!”
“Haha, I hope Dezu and Yuanlong live up to your expectations!” Cao Cao nodded, then turned and walked up to Lu Yu. “Come, let us father and son have a pot of wine to warm ourselves…”
Ah… ah…
As Cao Cao uttered these words, Lu Yu was startled, and his expression changed…
How… how did they become father and son?
Who is father and son with you?
Lu Yu was a bit bewildered. He muttered to himself, “Old Cao, are you confused? Cai Yan, your sister, is my older sister. Xiahou Dun, your younger brother, is my elder brother. We are of the same ‘generation,’ aren’t we?”
Father and son, your paternal uncle’s…
Noticing Lu Yu’s expression, Cao Cao realized he had spoken incorrectly. Without paying attention, he had blurted out the truth, which was rather awkward… Cao Cao immediately smiled and waved his hand.
“Mistake, mistake, it’s we, lord and minister! Come… let’s drink! Let’s drink!”
Cao Cao took the initiative to pour Lu Yu a pot of fine wine…
Although he said he was drinking, Cao Cao’s eyes kept glancing towards the door. How he longed to hear the urgent footsteps, how he longed to hear the urgent report of the Xiapi city gates opening and the officials surrendering!
…
…
Inside Xiapi City.
The torrential rain continued unabated. The rainwater flowing from the eaves converged into streams on the streets.
The wind chased the rain, and the rain pursued the wind. The wind and rain united to chase the dark clouds in the sky. The entire Xiapi city was engulfed in this storm.
And this was not the most terrifying part…
Because on the foreheads of every citizen and soldier of Xiapi, a sharp blade hung, ready to fall at any moment.
With such heavy rain, the water level of the Si River must have risen considerably, right? The trenches outside the city… were they already filled with rainwater? Once the floodgates were opened, then… then…
Panic permeated every street and alley of Xiapi City.
However, the atmosphere throughout the city and commandery was exceptionally quiet… just like the calm before the storm.
Whoosh whoosh whoosh…
From a distance, one could hear the sound of weapons clashing in the rain on a street.
“Revolving Wind Spear, Imperial Wind Spear, Piercing Wind Spear, Blazing Wind Spear!”
“Air-Breaking Stance, Shadow-Breaking Stance, Enemy-Breaking Stance, Formation-Breaking Stance!”
A long-haired woman continuously brandished her long spear…
Her sharp offensive moves repeatedly repelled all approaching “enemies.”
She was not old, perhaps sixteen or seventeen years old, but her moves were extremely steady. Her martial arts teacher was Gao Shun, who was skilled in using the long spear, and her talent originated from her father, Lu Bu.
Furthermore, the long spear in her hand was forged from refined steel, making it much harder than ordinary swords and blades.
Such a young girl…
Her cheeks were stained with blood, her eyes were extremely complex, and her mood was like falling into an abyss.
She was precisely Lu Bu’s daughter, a disciple of both Gao Shun and Chen Gong – Lu Lingqi!
This young lady, who was usually praised by everyone, the goddess in the hearts of countless men of her generation…
At this very moment, she was being attacked by numerous armored soldiers.
“Young Madam, I cannot let you pass! Come back with us! Your father’s situation is dire!”
“At a time like this, General Wei, are you still going to hold back? Letting him go?”
“I…”
This was the dialogue between Wei Xu and Hou Cheng. At this moment, countless soldiers had surrounded Lu Lingqi.
After all, the soldiers feared her identity, and none dared to strike her to death, otherwise… a single volley would be enough to kill this potential threat.
“She is my niece after all!” Wei Xu’s brow furrowed tightly…
“If you cannot bring yourself to do it, then let me, Hou Cheng, do it!”
Hou Cheng’s tone was consistently cold. Since he had decided to betray Lu Bu, why should he be hesitant?
Lu Bu’s wife and daughter, and those related to Lu Bu, must be killed… this was called “eradicate the root of evil”!
While they were still conversing…
Lu Lingqi had repelled the attacks of three armored soldiers.
“Hoo… hoo…”
She panted repeatedly. At this age, still a girl, even with exquisite spear skills, her stamina was still far inferior.
But she still gritted her teeth, letting the bloodstains on her cheeks drip continuously. These bloodstains were hers, and also those of the armored soldiers before her.
Yesterday…
These armored soldiers were still her uncles and aunts, but today… they were going to draw swords against her?
“Come at me then…”
“You, come at me! Don’t be hypocritical, just attack together!”
Lu Lingqi forcefully straightened her long spear, preparing to fight again.
The group of armored soldiers remained silent.
Step… step…
Hou Cheng stepped forward, drawing his saber. “Young Madam, let me, Hou Cheng, have the honor of demonstrating your spear!”
“However, Young Madam, I advise you to surrender obediently and avoid suffering physical pain!”
“Traitor!” Lu Lingqi, while panting heavily, coldly uttered, “Come on, come on… let’s see if your traitorous saber is faster, or my spear!”
As she spoke, a life-and-death battle instantly ignited!
Hou Cheng would not let Lu Lingqi go to the yamen to inform Lu Bu of their “great plan”…
Neither would Wei Xu, Song Xian, nor Cheng Lian. Every armored soldier who had decided to surrender would not.
“Ya… watch this move…”
Lu Lingqi swung her long spear horizontally, charging towards Hou Cheng. However, her speed and strength were greatly reduced. She was tired. A girl engaging in such a prolonged battle, her stamina could not hold up.
“Forgive me!” Hou Cheng brandished his saber.
Just then.
– “Stop, everyone stop…”
A voice echoed through the torrential rain. Lu Lingqi and Hou Cheng both looked towards the sound, and then, they both uttered in unison.
– “It’s him!”
…
…