The forge and Cao Mu's efficiency were both very high…
In just three days, samples of three types of long spears – the Red Plume Spear, the Double Hook Spear, and the Hook Sickle Spear – were completed.
After Lu Yu inspected them, he had them all sent to Xiahou Dun’s mansion for his nephew, Xiahou Mao, to try…
Lu Yu even sent someone to specifically record Xiahou Mao’s feedback after using them.
This seemingly small step was crucial for the overall significance of the "Spearman" troop type.
Assembling a formidable infantry legion had always been Lu Yu's goal.
After all…
The Sui and Tang dynasties were strong due to their elite cavalry.
However, the Ming dynasty's strength lay in the coordination of its infantry legions. While it was true that infantry, due to current equipment limitations, could not yet inflict the same destructive power and casualties on the battlefield as cavalry.
But… once spearman, Modao soldiers, and even future Repeating Crossbow units cooperated…
With the successful implementation of formations like the Mandarin Duck Formation, Lu Yu had the potential to build a powerful infantry force in Cao's camp. His vision had to be long-term.
Everything starts with difficulty, and this first step of spear forging was paramount.
However…
Beyond this, in Lu Yu's view, there was another pressing matter at hand.
That was… Old Cao's final obstacle in his southern campaign to attack Shouchun!
Currently…
At first glance, Old Cao’s forces, finances, and war supplies were abundant, while Yuan Shu's troops were demoralized and his grain supplies dwindling. However, in reality… Old Cao still faced a significant challenge: the transportation of grain.
Shouchun city was situated in a low-lying area.
And Lu Yu knew that this year there was abundant rainfall, which resulted in numerous marshes and treacherous shoals near Shouchun…
This posed a great test for Cao's camp's grain transportation.
If this problem were not solved, it was likely that many of Cao's camp's grain officials would lose their heads to Cao Cao.
If only one or two grain officials were to die, the problem would not be significant. However, he feared… if this battle dragged on for too long, unforeseen changes could occur!
For this reason, Lu Yu established a "Hundred Crafts" class in the Imperial Academy in advance!
Normally, the Hundred Crafts class should be offered in the third or even fourth year of the Imperial Academy. For instance, Cao Cao, who had studied at the Imperial Academy before, had to complete the Hundred Crafts class as part of his final graduation examination!
Besides this, this subject was also an important reason why it was considered the "dirtiest," "hardest," and "most arduous" course.
However…
Lu Yu could not wait that long. In his first year, he established the Hundred Crafts class, and the only subject taught was carpentry!
More precisely, it was the wooden ox and flowing horse!
“Cough cough…”
In the classroom, Lu Yu coughed lightly. He stood before fifteen Imperial Academy students.
Normally, the Imperial Academy had fifteen students per class, and except for specific major lectures, all were taught in small classes…
“I always demand that you Imperial Academy students refrain from riding in sedan chairs, acting pretentious, showing off, or feigning authority. You are also not allowed to bring personal attendants or maids. This is all to ensure that you approach everything from a practical perspective and learn more life skills. Among these, the 'Hundred Crafts' have always been the most valued by me.”
Now that he lectured more frequently, Lu Yu had become accustomed to this feeling of acting cool in front of his students…
Ah no, lecturing in front of his students.
More importantly, Lu Yu felt his skin had grown thicker.
“Learning textbook knowledge is certainly important, but mastering life skills… may be of greater help to you in the future. For example, being skilled in carpentry, building walls, weaving mats and baskets, binding barrels, chiseling stone, forging bronze basins, setting up stoves, grinding mirrors, blacksmithing, casting… even having one skill will make you a revered master craftsman in the future.”
In fact…
Lu Yu did not need to preach about the importance of the Hundred Crafts so earnestly.
After all, with Cao Mu, the eldest daughter of Sikong Cao, managing the forge at such a young age, she was admired by countless people. The weapons she forged had played an incredibly important role on the battlefield…
This alone made Sikong Cao and all the court officials look on with astonishment.
With such achievements, who wouldn't be tempted? Da Feng Novel Network
Lu Yu continued, “Starting now, within one month, I want you to collaborate and complete the carpentry aspect of the Hundred Crafts. Simultaneously, understand this! And build this!”
As he spoke, Lu Yu took out a bamboo slip from his embrace.
He handed it to the Imperial Academy student Zhuge Jun, asking him to pass it around.
Zhuge Jun’s eyes fixed on it. The outside of the bamboo slip was inscribed with six large characters – "Method for Making Wooden Ox and Flowing Horse"!
He was immediately filled with doubt.
If he was so puzzled, what about the others? What were a wooden ox and a flowing horse?
All fifteen Imperial Academy students exchanged bewildered glances… their minds full of question marks.
Of course, they wouldn't know.
This "Method for Making Wooden Ox and Flowing Horse" was a compilation by some later scholars who attempted to imitate the "wooden ox and flowing horse" invented by Zhuge Liang, detailing the construction methods and theories.
It described in detail the shape of the wooden ox and the dimensions of various parts of the flowing horse. Unfortunately, it was all in textual descriptions without diagrams, making it impossible to restore based on this alone.
Undoubtedly, the difficulty of building it was greatly increased.
Lu Yu had no time to research this, so he would entrust it to these "intelligent" Imperial Academy students…
According to the principle that three cobblers are better than one Zhuge Liang, these fifteen Imperial Academy students should at least be equivalent to five Zhuge Liangs, right?
Even if worst came to worst, there was still one Zhuge Liang among them!
Lu Yu continued to instruct.
“Our Imperial Academy has specifically hired three local skilled craftsmen to teach you carpentry skills. However… even they cannot create this wooden ox and flowing horse. This requires you to constantly try further.”
“As for materials, you don’t need to worry. There’s no shortage of wood in our Xu Du city!”
Lu Yu smiled as he said this.
“Each of you will form a group of five. Whichever group can be the first to successfully build this wooden ox and flowing horse will receive a generous reward…”
At this point, Lu Yu cast a meaningful glance at Zhuge Jun…
He mused, “Kong Ming, for this matter… I’m counting on you!”
As the words left his mouth…
Some Imperial Academy students, like Zhuge Jun, Huang Xu, and Cao Ang, were eager to try. On the other hand, Xiahou Ba and Xiahou Heng seemed somewhat unenthusiastic. Spending so much effort just to learn carpentry? To build a wooden ox? A flowing horse?
What was the point of this?
It couldn’t play a decisive role on the battlefield like Sister Cao Mu's forging of divine weapons and sharp tools!
For a moment… the two sons of Xiahou Yuan felt utterly bored.
According to their aspirations, even if they were to learn the Hundred Crafts, they should be learning core subjects like forging and smelting.
Ultimately, they looked down on carpentry.
From their expressions, Lu Yu could discern something, but… it was not a big problem. He would let these pampered Imperial Academy students endure some hardship.
Thinking of this, Lu Yu strode out of the classroom, leaving the remaining time to the three carpenter instructors.
Carpentry was no easy feat, requiring far more skill than strength.
In simple terms, it required dedication!
Lu Yu figured…
Within this short month, these Imperial Academy students would suffer. They would not only have to learn to use chisels, planes, drills, and bore holes… but also ponder how to create this wooden ox and flowing horse. The final result would undoubtedly be summed up in three words – exhausted like dogs!
…
…
In Xu Du city, at the Sikong’s Mansion.
At this moment, Cao Cao and Xun Yu stood in the main hall of the Sikong’s Mansion.
Cao Cao held a bamboo slip in his hand, and Xun Yu’s eyes shone brilliantly.
“Sikong Cao, just as Agricultural Officer Lu predicted, the opportunity has truly arrived!” Xun Yu’s tone was quite serious, and his eyes held a glint of coldness.
He considered himself a supporter of the Han dynasty and naturally harbored zero tolerance for the rebellious act of Yuan Shu declaring himself emperor.
“I never expected Sun Ce to dispatch troops to attack Yuan Shu, nor did I expect Yuan Shu’s seven armies attacking Lu Bu to be so vulnerable.”
Cao Cao spoke as he read the bamboo slip…
The bamboo slip recorded the recent situation in the Jianghuai region.
This was the superficial situation: Sun Ce and Yuan Shu had formally broken relations and engaged in hostilities;
Lu Bu, employing the strategies of Chen Gui and Chen Deng, had achieved a great victory over Yuan Shu in Xiapi city!
In reality, none of these were the main points.
The key point was that in the past half-month, Cao Cao had received over three hundred letters of surrender. It could be said… that among the civil and military officials currently around Yuan Shu, internal spies and moles were now the minority.
Most importantly, Cao Cao had received a letter of allegiance from a family.
—The Chen family of Xiapi.
Speaking of the Chen family of Xiapi, they were descendants of Grand Commandant Chen Qiu during the reign of Emperor Ling, a family of officials…
In the Han dynasty at that time, Grand Commandant Chen Qiu and the great Confucian Ma Rong were renowned figures throughout the land. They had jointly promoted Zhonglang General Lu Zhi.
It could be said that the Chen family clan in Xiapi city possessed immense depth. Chen Gui and Chen Deng were also representative figures of the renowned scholars faction in Xuzhou.
Cao Cao had originally been pondering, wasn't Lu Bu trying to win over the Danyang faction while suppressing the renowned scholars faction and the commoner faction? Why… had it now reversed, with Chen Gui and Chen Deng assisting him in defeating Yuan Shu?
But only a few days later…
He received a letter of allegiance from the Chen family of Xiapi.
Of course, this was within expectations. In the past, Yu'er had analyzed that Xuzhou was a melting pot. Liu Bei tightly held onto the commoner faction, and Lu Bu had even married Cao Bao's daughter, thus binding himself to the Danyang faction. Therefore… the renowned scholars faction, lacking a patron, was precisely the force Cao Cao could win over.
Now, as expected, although Yu'er’s analysis had been a bit slow, it had finally come to fruition.
The allegiance of the Chen family of Xiapi made Cao Cao keenly aware of a military opportunity…
Not only was it an opportunity to crush Yuan Shu with one decisive blow, but it was also an opportunity to eliminate Lu Bu, this hidden threat, once and for all.
Now… the situation was exceptionally clear.
The laborers Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei were in Chen Country, ready to serve as Cao Cao's vanguard to attack Yuan Shu.
Sun Ce had completely broken with Yuan Shu and planned to march north to attack Yuan Shu's southern commanderies, which would certainly tie down a significant portion of Yuan Shu's forces.
Lu Bu had just defeated Yuan Shu, and furthermore… Cao Cao’s spies were hidden around him…
The time was ripe to capture Shouchun city, and even Xiapi city.
“Opportunity should not be lost, and time waits for no one!” Cao Cao’s eyes suddenly narrowed, his demeanor becoming exceptionally stern, radiating an aura of cold killing intent. “I have decided to march south with the army tomorrow to eliminate Yuan Shu! To make a definitive decision!”
Upon hearing this, Xun Yu nodded.
“Indeed… the opportune moment mentioned by Agricultural Officer Lu has arrived. What needs to be done now is to take Shouchun city with one surge, but…”
As he spoke, a flicker of hesitation crossed Xun Yu’s eyes, as if he had something difficult to say.
“Lord Xun, please speak your mind directly,” Cao Cao immediately asked.
“Has Sikong Cao noticed…” Halfway through his sentence, Xun Yu paused again. His eyes looked out the window, and then he spoke, “Has Sikong Cao noticed the recent weather?”
The weather?
The continuous rain?
Cao Cao was taken aback, but it was only a momentary surprise. Xun Yu's reminder suddenly made Cao Cao realize something terrible.
The transportation of grain…
It was true that rainy weather would slow down the march, but this was not crucial. Arriving at Shouchun city a day earlier or later would not have a significant impact.
However… the establishment of the grain route and the transportation of grain would become a major problem.
Shouchun city was in a low-lying area. Once the continuous rain persisted, it would inevitably lead to muddy terrain and frequent marshes.
The troops might be able to traverse it…
But the grain carts could easily capsize in the marshes, and the grain transportation period would become longer. These were all significant hidden dangers.
Cao Cao had fought battles with food shortages for most of his life. Now… Cao Cao's brow furrowed again.
He sighed, “Lord Xun, you are correct. It is currently the rainy season. After years of severe drought, the rainfall has been exceptionally abundant. This weather is indeed a hidden danger.”
As he spoke, Cao Cao let out a sigh and hesitated for a moment.
However, in the end, his eyes opened as usual, still filled with murderous intent. “This is a heaven-sent opportunity! The chance to eliminate the rebel is right before us, we cannot delay any longer!”
With that said…
Cao Cao loudly commanded, “Where is Zhongkang?”
“Your subordinate is present.” Xu Chu quickly entered.
“Send someone to relay orders to all camp generals, commanding them to come to the Sikong’s Mansion immediately for deliberation! The army will depart tomorrow to quell the rebels and slay Yuan Shu!” Cao Cao’s words were low but exceptionally heavy.
“Understood.” Xu Chu cupped his hands and accepted the order…
No matter how long Yuan Shu had been acting up, now… let alone the generals, even Xu Chu was somewhat eager.
—Let’s go beat him up!
Only Xun Yu's expression was not good.
Indeed, Yuan Shu was now facing enemies on all sides and his troops were demoralized. For Cao Cao and the imperial court, this was an opportunity to achieve victory in one decisive battle!
But… the heavens were not cooperating.
The grain route, the food… this was a significant hidden danger!
He didn't know how many of the court's soldiers would die because of this hidden danger!
Indeed, according to historical accounts of Cao Cao's confrontation with Yuan Shu.
Especially the final siege of Shouchun city, where Cao Cao was constrained by grain and forced to launch a hasty attack. Facing the towering walls of Shouchun city, such a direct assault was unwise.
Although Cao Cao ultimately won, it was a pyrrhic victory, with losses of tens of thousands of soldiers.
And each of these was a bloody life!
Xun Yu, at this moment, did not know so much, but he could estimate that once constrained by food… it would be like killing a thousand enemies while losing eight hundred of one's own!
…
…
In Xu Du city, at the General of the East's Mansion.
Enlightened, Xiahou Mao felt that he had gained enlightenment, a complete and utter enlightenment.
Ever since Lu Yu's reminder, he had grasped the true essence of the "Thirty-Six Routes of the Yang Family Spear." Even his spear techniques had become more fluid and natural.
Each move and stance was no longer deliberate; he unleashed them with abandon. He felt as if he were dancing.
Especially…
—The Red Plume Spear!
That was right, it was one of the three new long spears sent by his teacher.
Although Xiahou Mao couldn't understand why this spear, which clearly had white plumes, was called the Red Plume Spear.
It didn't hinder him from using this brand-new Red Plume Spear to perform the Thirty-Six Routes of the Yang Family Spear!
Chishichichi…
At this moment, in the courtyard of the General of the East's Mansion, the Red Plume Spear, like a venomous dragon, weaved back and forth in Xiahou Mao's hands, repeatedly thrusting out… the sharp spear tip continuously cut through the air, causing sharp sounds time and again.
These were moves from the Yang Family Spear he performed with abandon, also known as a casual variation of "Zhongping Spear." With each thrust and retraction, there was profound knowledge, the greatest emphasis being on maintaining a straight line with the grip.
What is "maintaining a straight line with the grip?"
When performing Zhongping Spear, the arm must quickly extend the spear body, and maintain a straight line with the spear, thrusting out in a straight line, with force reaching the spear tip, bursting forth with inch power. Not only must the thrust be rapid, but the retraction must also be quick.
Only by doing so can the advantages of a long weapon be fully utilized, truly achieving the saying "an inch longer, an inch stronger," maximizing destructive power and achieving a one-hit kill!
“I did it…”
Xiahou Mao exclaimed with emotion…
But his expression held no joy, rather he felt a sense of strangeness.
How was it that this time, he had achieved it?
The problem lay here.
In the past, due to the weight of the "long spear," it was too difficult to align the arm with the spear in a straight line. However… with this new long spear, because the spear shaft was made of wood, the entire long spear weighed considerably less. It was precisely because of this… that he was able to perform the "Zhongping Spear" almost perfectly this time.
And this… in Xiahou Mao's opinion, his spear skills had undoubtedly advanced a step further.
As the saying goes, "To break Zhongping Spear, nine out of ten people are injured!"
Once the variations of "Zhongping Spear" in the Yang Family Spear Manual can be fully utilized, then…
Xiahou Mao dared not imagine.
He tried to continue wielding the Red Plume Spear…
After continuously thrusting hundreds of times, he was already sweating profusely, but… each time he performed the Yang Family Spear, he experienced a completely different feeling from before.
Collapsing spear, cloud spear, pointing spear, chopping spear, twisting spear, flower-dancing spear…
“Weng weng weng…”
The Red Plume Spear, under Xiahou Mao’s wielding, vigorously struck the air, emitting continuous buzzing sounds.
The more he performed, the more he felt that this brand-new Red Plume Spear was tailor-made for his spear techniques. Combined with the state of "closing the heart door in seclusion," he could perform with abandon and without restraint.
At this moment…
Xiahou Mao felt that he could fight ten of his own fathers!
“Bang…”
With a powerful chopping thrust, the spear shaft even bent slightly, but the Red Plume Spear’s resilience was excellent, and it quickly restored itself.
And if that chopping thrust had hit someone, it would have undoubtedly shattered bones!
If it had struck a head, it would have certainly resulted in a burst of brains.
Do not underestimate the Yang Family Spear…
This was the crystallization of wisdom from countless spear martial arts masters over a thousand years!
Each move and stance was tempered a thousand times and was the most practical.
“No…” Xiahou Mao’s brow furrowed. “I must go to the Imperial Academy and spar with Xiahou Ba…”
Stomp…
He had barely taken a step when Xiahou Mao shook his head. “No, with this long spear and this state, Xiahou Ba is no longer my opponent! I should find my father… yes, I’ll go spar with him!”
After all…
At this moment, Xiahou Mao felt that he could fight ten fathers.
If he went to find Xiahou Ba, wouldn't that be underestimating himself?
“Two years! Two full years!”
“Father, your son feels… that he has grasped the true essence of the Yang Family Spear!”
Taptaptap…
With continuous footsteps, Xiahou Mao mounted his horse with his spear and sped towards the Qingzhou military camp.
…
…