Yuan Shu was right.
Although Shouchun city did not have much grain, with the principle of letting the soldiers go hungry, the people go hungry, and ensuring he himself ate well, Yuan Shu calculated that they could still hold out for two months.
But…
What did Yang Hong mean?
Gone? Two months' worth of grain, how could… how could it be gone?
"It was me!"
Just then, a voice called out.
The speaker was named Shu Shao, courtesy name Zhongying. He was Yuan Shu's most famous scholar, having once killed someone in revenge for his brother when he was young. When the incident occurred, his brother was willing to die for him, so he was spared the death penalty. Revered for his loyalty, he was a renowned scholar of the Han Dynasty!
Therefore…
When Yuan Shu declared himself Emperor, he specially invited this esteemed scholar and appointed him as "Chancellor of Pei."
Seeing him, Yuan Shu was startled…
And Shu Zhongying's words continued to follow. "I have distributed all the remaining one hundred thousand hu of rice in Shouchun city to the common people and soldiers. There is nothing left!"
This…
Yuan Shu was enraged. "You…"
Shu Zhongying showed no fear. "Hmph… I know I am bound to die, but I did this because three years ago, when I was destitute and starving, I was fortunate enough to witness Yin Lin's demeanor!"
"He would rather give up his family fortune when searching for his relatives in the south, and distribute all his money and rice to the starving populace."
Speaking of this, Shu Zhongying paused. "I have long admired Yin Lin's actions. Heh heh, today, I will emulate him, willing to sacrifice my own life to save the suffering populace!"
Shu Zhongying was indeed right. Lu Yu had done this…
But that was because he couldn't bear to see Sister Zhao Ji cry. As for his true intentions, while he felt some pity, he certainly wouldn't go out of his way to help these starving people. Besides… in times of chaos, with so many starving people, how could he help them all?
However… Lu Yu's actions had indeed moved many starving people, including the scholar – Shu Zhongying!
It could be said that at that time… this scholar, who had become a refugee, would likely have died in a foreign land without Yin Lin's relief!
And his words caused Yuan Shu's expression to change dramatically.
Hmph…
Yin Lin, was it?
"Zhongying, Yin Lin is clearly in my Shouchun city. What nonsense are you spouting."
Yuan Shu's anger did not abate.
"Hahahaha…" Shu Zhongying laughed. "Your Majesty, the situation being what it is, do not deceive yourself any longer. Where Yin Lin is, I do not know! But no one knows better than I do whether the Yin Lin in Your Majesty's hands is genuine or fake. Heh heh, Your Majesty… kill me, and you will complete my reputation!"
This…
Yuan Shu was furious, but at this juncture, how could he dare to kill a scholar!
If things went wrong, it could incite a mutiny in the entire Shouchun city…
And this was enough to be the last straw that broke him.
It was just a pity…
A pity for that one hundred thousand hu of grain!
"Zhongying…" Yuan Shu let out a long sigh. He deliberately took Shu Zhongying's hand. "The hundred thousand hu of grain, it's gone, it's gone. But Zhongying, oh Zhongying, must you… enjoy all the praise of the world alone? Why can't you let me share this good reputation together?"
The moment these words were spoken…
Shu Zhongying coldly snorted. "Hahahaha, one who dares to fake 'Yin Lin' cannot possibly deserve the good name of the world!"
With that statement…
Stomp, stomp, stomp!
Accompanied by heavy footsteps, Shu Zhongying strode away.
Only Yuan Shu was left, gnashing his teeth in hatred.
But he was utterly helpless against this scholar.
In the Han Dynasty, killing a scholar… had very serious consequences.
"Chancellor Yang…"
Yuan Shu tried his best to calm himself down.
"Your Majesty…" Yang Hong frowned. Only he knew what it meant for Shu Zhongying to distribute the grain to the soldiers and civilians after all.
Distributing to the army could somewhat save the precarious morale, but distributing to the civilians… this was giving Cao Cao an opportunity!
"How much grain do we have left!"
"There is also the private treasury, ten… ten days' worth of grain!" Yang Hong replied truthfully…
"What about Cao Aman? How much grain does he have left?" Yuan Shu asked next…
"Three days… the intelligence is reliable. Only three days left."
"Good!" Yuan Shu's eyes narrowed, a flicker of murderous intent flashing in them. "It's over. Cao Aman is ultimately a skilled cook who can't cook without rice! Your Majesty, Your Majesty's Zhong family's empire is saved!"
…
…
Within Chen State.
Lu Yu and the Long Xiao Battalion had arrived here ten days ago.
Regarding the matter of transporting grain, Lu Yu dared not delay and personally led the team. Due to the waterlogging, the journey was delayed by a full five days more than planned.
This was fatal…
"How is the construction of the wooden ox and flowing horse going?" Lu Yu inquired every day.
"Including today's, there are one hundred and twenty!" Huang Xu reported truthfully…
This son of Huang Zhong had now become the link between Lu Yu and the team of five carpenters. The other four, such as Zhuge Jun, Cao Ang, Dian Man, and Xu Yi, were all very busy…
Busy to the point of dizziness!
Contrary to Xun You's expectations, not many craftsmen were recruited in Chen State, which undoubtedly required these five students to put in more effort.
"We can't wait any longer!" Lu Yu immediately ordered, "Load them up immediately. First, send five days' worth of grain for the army using the wooden ox and flowing horse. We must resolve the urgent need!"
Too many unexpected events had occurred on this journey…
Who knew if five days would be enough to transport it to the front lines.
And most importantly, even with five days, the army on the front lines would already be out of grain.
"Old Cao, Old Cao, you must hold on!"
Lu Yu muttered to himself…
And Huang Xu had already instructed the craftsmen to begin the final adjustments to the "wooden ox and flowing horse."
Just then.
"Young Master Lu…"
"Young Master Lu…"
Four voices called out simultaneously.
Lu Yu turned his head and saw that it was none other than Dian Wei, Huang Zhong, Cheng Yu, and Cao Anmin!
"You guys?"
Lu Yu was slightly surprised. "Weren't you at the front lines before Shouchun city? Why… have you returned?"
"Oh, it's like this." Cheng Yu explained slowly, "Commander Cao heard that Young Master Lu had arrived in Chen State, so he sent us back to see if there was any way to transport grain and fodder."
Speaking of this, Cheng Yu's expression became a little more serious. "Commander Cao's intention is… that he can still hold on for ten days with the current grain. If he doesn't receive grain within ten days, he intends to launch a strong attack on Shouchun city, at all costs."
Hmph…
At all costs!
Don't look at these small six characters, Lu Yu deeply understood that "at all costs" meant the death of sixty thousand soldiers!
If you added the three thousand from Yuan's army, in total… the losses here could reach a staggering ninety thousand.
After all, these were all surviving forces!
According to the course of history, the main reason Cao Cao was able to face Yuan Shao's army of seven hundred thousand with eighty thousand troops at Guandu four years later was… in the campaigns to pacify the Central Plains before, three thousand died here, six thousand died there, and occasionally a city was massacred…
With the accumulation of these casualties…
It was likely that two or three hundred thousand lives were sacrificed in vain.
Wasn't it better to preserve these soldiers and use them to fight Yuan Shao?
"You came at the right time…"
Lu Yu's expression became serious. He immediately ordered, "Anmin, I'll trouble you. Immediately… rush back to the vicinity of Shouchun city and tell Commander Cao that I, Lu Yu, will deliver grain to the front lines within ten days. Tell him to hold on for another ten days and temporarily postpone the strong attack."
The normal journey was five days, but… for the first transport of grain by the wooden ox and flowing horse, Lu Yu was not sure if there would be any unexpected events.
Therefore, he promised double the time.
"Yes!" Cao Anmin took the order. Even though he had just returned, he immediately turned and left quickly.
He was tired, but he knew that his uncle Cao Cao was even more tired, and Young Master Lu's words were hope.
"General Huang…"
As Lu Yu instructed Huang Zhong, Huang Zhong's eyes were already looking at Huang Xu.
Seeing his son grow up and become strong, he was quite pleased.
Lu Yu noticed Huang Zhong's gaze and smiled, saying, "General Huang, this time… Huang Xu has made a great contribution. If Shouchun falls… then Huang Xu and the other four students will be credited with the first merit!"
"And I trouble General Huang to escort Young Master Huang Xu and these wooden oxen and flowing horses to transport the grain to Shouchun, ensuring they arrive within ten days!"
Hmm…
Wooden ox? Flowing horse? Escorting his son Huang Xu?
Huang Zhong was still a little confused.
Huang Xu immediately spoke, "Father, these wooden oxen and flowing horses were invented by Young Master Lu. I, along with four classmates, have completed the manufacturing of these grain carts. They are not afraid of shallow water, mud, or steep slopes… they will definitely be able to deliver the grain to the front lines smoothly."
Hoo…
As these words came out, Huang Zhong's eyes fixed. He wasn't particularly concerned about these wooden oxen and flowing horses. What he cared more about was Young Master Lu's earlier words, "escort Huang Xu"? And… "to be credited with the first merit!"
Is Xu'er… so important in Young Master Lu's heart? How… did he become the person with the first merit in capturing Shouchun?
Besides that…
From Huang Xu's words, Huang Zhong could feel his overflowing confidence. Was this what the Imperial Academy had taught him?
He has truly grown up.
For a moment, Huang Zhong was deeply moved and immediately cupped his fists.
"Young Master Lu, rest assured, people and grain… I, Huang Zhong, will definitely deliver them on time!"
Hearing this, Lu Yu nodded…
Huang Xu was a little confused. "Young Master Lu? Am I… am I going too?"
"Of course." Lu Yu smiled slightly…
Indeed, he had the intention of reuniting Huang Zhong with his father, but there was also another layer of meaning. Only by understanding the principle of the wooden ox and flowing horse could they repair them on the spot if they broke down during the transport of grain, saving time.
Lu Yu had figured out this team of five students.
Zhuge Jun and Huang Xu belonged to the academic faction…
Dian Man and Xu Yi belonged to the physical strength faction… Cao Ang was skilled in both literary and military arts, belonging to the comprehensive faction.
Since the academic faction, Huang Xu, was participating in the transport, naturally, the physical strength faction also had to send one person.
"Commander Dian…" Lu Yu continued to instruct, "You and Dian Man also participate in the escort! Ensure it is foolproof…"
"Yes!" Dian Wei cupped his fists and took the order!
As the words fell, Dian Wei went to find Dian Man, while Huang Zhong and Huang Xu immediately went to prepare.
Now…
Among those around him… all those who could be assigned tasks had been assigned. Only Cheng Yu remained, along with… Cao Xiu, who was eager to try, and the Long Xiao Battalion, which was poised for action!
"Young Master Lu, they have all received orders to carry out their tasks… then… what about me?"
Indeed, Cao Xiu cupped his fists and requested to be assigned a task…
From Xudu to Chen State, he led the Long Xiao Battalion on a long march here, not just for sightseeing. He wanted to achieve merit.
"General Cao? This is a bit…" Lu Yu deliberately showed a look of difficulty. "Actually, I do have a task here that requires both a civil and military official!"
At these words, Cao Xiu glanced at Cheng Yu beside him. Weren't they the civil and military officials?
Cheng Yu was also about to request a task…
Unexpectedly, Lu Yu's voice came out first. "Chancellor Cheng has performed many tasks, and I am naturally at ease. However… General Cao has not led troops in battle for a long time, and the Long Xiao Battalion has been recuperating for a long time. I fear that suddenly participating in combat, they may not be accustomed to it… wouldn't that tarnish the great reputation the Long Xiao Battalion has forged?"
Lu Yu said this intentionally…
In "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," Zhuge Liang was adept at using this kind of template, employing the "taunt" strategy!
The most important thing was that it seemed that every time the taunt strategy was used, the effect was good.
Lu Yu was simply imitating it, like drawing a tiger by tracing a cat's painting…
Of course, Cao Xiu still didn't quite understand?
What did it mean that the Long Xiao Battalion had been recuperating for a long time?
What did it mean that he, Cao Xiu, had not led troops in battle for a long time?
What did it mean that the formidable reputation of the Long Xiao Battalion would be tarnished?
Why did Young Master Lu's words sound so strange today?
While he was thinking, Lu Yu's words continued, "How about I write a letter to Commander Cao and ask General Cao Chun's Tiger Cavalry to carry it out?"
As these words came out…
Cao Xiu was even more bewildered. Why? Why?
Cheng Yu, however, immediately understood Lu Yu's meaning. Seeing Cao Xiu still looking confused, he added fuel to the fire, "General Cao Xiu, you must not misunderstand Young Master Lu's intentions…"
"Remember this, the current Long Xiao Battalion is famous throughout the nine provinces. This is praise, but also pressure." Cheng Yu's tone was solemn. "As the deputy commander of the Long Xiao Battalion, you should know! The current Long Xiao Battalion cannot afford to lose a battle. Any small defeat could very well ruin the reputation of this 'army of heroes' that is said to be invincible throughout the world! It would also be a laughingstock!"
Speaking of this, Cheng Yu patted Cao Xiu's shoulder. "Judging from Young Master Lu's words, this mission is very important and carries some risks. Perhaps you and the Long Xiao Battalion should not take the risk? This is for the reputation of the Long Xiao Battalion, and also for the reputation of General Cao Xiu!"
The moment these words were spoken…
Cao Xiu's heart suddenly stirred.
What? What was this?
Because of the Long Xiao Battalion's excellent previous combat record, in order to maintain its status as the "army of heroes," they… wouldn't assign him to battle?
If this were the case, wouldn't the Long Xiao Battalion become like swallows and sparrows kept in a golden cage?
No…
Absolutely not!
The Long Xiao Battalion under Young Master Lu had always been a fierce tiger released from its cage, never a trapped sparrow.
With this thought, Cao Xiu cupped his fists and requested to be assigned a task.
"If Young Master Lu does not give me this mission, then how can I, Cao Xiu, continue to lead the Long Xiao Battalion?"
"Young Master Lu, rest assured, for this mission, even if it is a mountain of knives and a sea of fire, I, Cao Xiu, am willing to make a military pledge. If I fail, I am willing to accept military punishment."
Hoo…
Lu Yu let out a soft breath, feeling extremely pleased.
Seeing Cao Xiu's excited appearance, he mused… it worked, the taunt strategy was successful. Then… next.
"This…"
Lu Yu deliberately showed a look of difficulty…
Cheng Yu added fuel to the fire. "General Cao Xiu, a military pledge is not a joke. If the mission is not completed… then…"
"Then chop off my head, Cao Xiu!" Cao Xiu's tone grew even more emphatic.
Lu Yu watched, and Cheng Yu's divine assistance heightened the atmosphere…
Immediately, his expression also became serious.
"Since that is the case, then I will entrust this task to the two of you!"
"Young Master Lu? What is the task that is so solemn?" Cheng Yu quickly asked…
"Lujiang, Liu Xun!" Lu Yu immediately uttered a place name and a person's name.
This…
Lujiang, Cheng Yu was not unfamiliar with it. It was located below Shouchun city and was also Yuan Shu's territory. It was heard that… the general stationed there was one whom he trusted quite a bit – Liu Xun.
Currently, Yuan Shu had dispatched a heavy force of fifty thousand troops to Lujiang to confront Sun Ce of Jiangdong.
And Lu Yu's target was not Lujiang, nor Sun Ce, but Liu Xun and his fifty thousand troops. Besides that, there was a person under Liu Xun whom Lu Yu greatly admired.
Even if it wasn't for these fifty thousand troops, just for him alone, Lu Yu had to have the Long Xiao Battalion carry out this mission.
"Come here, both of you…"
Lu Yu beckoned Cheng Yu and Cao Xiu. The three quickly gathered together, and Lu Yu then deployed the action in a very low and faint voice.
After speaking, Lu Yu did not forget to take out a brocade pouch from his怀. "I have already told you the task. Open this brocade pouch when you are near Lujiang!"
After arranging everything, Lu Yu did not forget to remind them.
"The number of people for this mission should not be too many, but they must be elite troops… You two immediately go to the Long Xiao Battalion to select fifty knights and depart tonight!"
Speaking of this, Lu Yu paused slightly.
"After Commander Cao captures Shouchun city, it will be your turn to perform! Liu Xun is not to be feared, but you must never… never… never underestimate one person."
"Who?" Cao Xiu and Cheng Yu asked simultaneously.
"Little Overlord – Sun Bofu!" Lu Yu blurted out subconsciously. "This time, the best outcome is to capture Lujiang. The second best is to preserve Liu Xun's fifty thousand troops. If both these tasks fail… then…"
Lu Yu wanted to say…
If both these tasks fail, then at least preserve your own lives and bring "that person" back.
But… before these words came out, Cao Xiu loudly said, "Impossible, absolutely impossible! This mission, I and Chancellor Cheng will definitely complete it. Either capture Lujiang city, or incorporate Liu Xun's fifty thousand troops. There is no other option!"
In fact…
Lu Yu had essentially broken down the task.
Choose one of the two, and if one action is completed, the mission is considered accomplished!
Seeing Cao Xiu's confident appearance, Lu Yu smiled slightly. He was quite confident in the soldiers of the Long Xiao Battalion… especially Cao Xiu and Cheng Yu.
It's just…
This mission was indeed not simple.
Liu Xun's fifty thousand troops, and Lujiang city…
This was like "plucking teeth from the tiger's mouth" from Sun Ce and Zhou Yu!
The difficulty of this might be a hundred times greater than Cao Cao capturing Shouchun city.
Of course, because of… Lu Yu's brocade pouch, there was still a chance. After all… Lu Yu was a cheat. Sun Ce and Zhou Yu's schemes for Liu Xun's fifty thousand troops had long been in his mind!
Besides that, there was that person…
That man from Runan's monthly review, whom Xu Shao had praised as "having the talent to assist the world"…
Lu Yu and the Imperial Academy's workshop had been eagerly awaiting him.
If this man did not appear, could they rely on a group of students to build large-scale destructive weapons – siege engines!
…
…