The state of Chen was about to descend into chaos, yet Duke Lu had sent the four of them… to turn the tide?
Or perhaps, this wasn't turning the tide, but rather like a mantis trying to stop a chariot?
Cao De felt dizzy and disoriented. If he hadn't forced himself to hold on, he would have collapsed.
He understood now, everything was clear.
No wonder his elder brother, Cao Cao, looked at him strangely. It turned out… his son was currently in the eye of the storm in Chen.
Perhaps… he was indeed sent on a mission.
But given the current situation, this mission was bound to be a desperate gamble.
Cao De wasn't sure if his son knew the full picture, but… it didn't really matter. Magistrate Xun had already explained that Yuan Shu had sent Zhang Kai to feign surrender with the intent to assassinate.
If the Lord of Chen and the Chancellor of Chen were to perish, it would be obvious to anyone that Yuan Shu would launch a fierce assault on Chen. The entire state of Chen would likely become a bloody battlefield.
And his son, Cao De, was right in the middle of this slaughter.
Unless… unless they could save either the Lord or the Chancellor… but was that even possible? There were only four of them!
Cao De was utterly panicked. He took two steps, intending to leave the Sīkōng's mansion and head to the Sīnóng's mansion. He had to ask Lu Yu about such a significant matter.
At least to get an explanation…
But after taking just two steps, he stopped again.
How could he possibly go?
Strictly speaking, Lu Yu was his benefactor, not just his benefactor, but also the benefactor of Old Master Cao!
Back then… when his son joined the Dragon Swift Camp, he, Cao De, had specifically instructed him to go through fire and water to repay the favor, to fear no blade or cauldron.
Of course, those words were somewhat exaggerated at the time. No matter what, Cao De still hoped his son could protect himself.
This…
Now…
With a gulp, Cao De swallowed his saliva…
Calm down, don't rush, be rational, take a deep breath…
Cao De performed a series of actions, trying to pacify his agitated emotions.
But his heart was still filled with intense worry.
"My son… you went to such a perilous place like Chen… why didn't you tell your father before you went?"
"Repaying a favor… doesn't mean sending yourself to your grave!"
Suddenly, Cao De's brows furrowed even tighter.
"Magistrate Xun… finally found you." A scribe rushed in, out of breath. "Chen… Chen sent a carrier pigeon message. Duke Cao read the letter and remained silent. Now… we can only… can only ask you to make the decision."
The scribe appeared very nervous.
This method of communication, using carrier pigeons, was rarely employed. The reason was its difficulty and the risk of losing the message.
After all, a pigeon had to fly a hundred miles and accurately find the post station to deliver the message. The post station would then remove the message, tie it to another pigeon's leg, and send it to the next post station, and so on.
But… what if the pigeon accidentally crashed into a tree?
Or was targeted and eaten by some bird of prey, or perhaps… it had some other idea, like falling in love?
Then that letter would likely not be delivered on time.
Therefore… unless the message was extremely urgent, carrier pigeons were not used during the Han Dynasty.
Yet, this time, the scribe had received a carrier pigeon message.
It was fortunate… that these pigeons were of strong will, and they delivered the messages.
Xun Yu keenly perceived these details.
Similarly, at this moment, Xun Yu had many questions. What was the situation in Chen now?
After all…
The intelligence from spies in Shouchun City indicated that Yuan Shu intended to use despicable tactics to plot against Chen. This report was received yesterday!
This meant that… considering travel time, something had likely already happened in Chen yesterday.
Now, Xun Yu's greatest concern was whether Chen had fallen?
What mission were the four sent by Lu Yu carrying out? And could they escape unscathed?
This letter should reveal the truth.
At this very moment, Cao De's heart was pounding. Xun Yu was also about to unfold the letter.
But just then…
The area outside the Sīkōng's mansion became noisy, as several eunuchs from the imperial palace arrived.
Through the gate of the Sīkōng's mansion, the eunuchs saw Xun Yu and directly asked, "Magistrate Xun, our visit today is quite abrupt, but… His Majesty is concerned about the situation in Huainan and has heard there is an urgent dispatch from Jianghuai, so he sent us to inquire? Is there any news from Jianghuai?"
The urgent report had just arrived, and the Emperor's envoys followed closely behind. As the old saying goes, what an emperor cannot tolerate most is others claiming the throne.
Emperor Liu Xie was also watching the situation in Jianghuai.
Not only was he watching, but he felt as if he had a thorn in his throat, a mote in his eye, and was sitting on pins and needles. Another emperor had appeared on the lands of Han? How would he explain this to his ancestors?
Xun Yu's spirit immediately lifted, and he reminded them, "Since that is the case, please allow me to read this urgent dispatch first."
With that, Xun Yu unfolded the letter.
No…
This urgent dispatch was not from within Chen, but rather from the spies sent by Cao's camp to the outer perimeter of Chen.
They were not in the center of the storm, so they could report what was happening as it unfolded.
Of course, this was also logical.
Now…
Chen was undoubtedly in turmoil. If Cheng Yu and the other four could escape with their lives, that would be good enough. They wouldn't have the time to send urgent dispatches.
Xun Yu continued reading, while Cao De desperately craned his neck to look this way…
The more Xun Yu read, the more his heart leaped into his throat, and his face turned pale. Cao De was no better; he held his breath, his entire demeanor one of utter despair.
Something had happened. Indeed, something had happened in Chen.
Especially upon seeing that Liu Chong was assassinated, internal strife erupted in Chen, and the entire southern city became a bloody battlefield. Cao De felt his vision darken.
Had the situation already developed in the worst possible direction?
At this moment, Cao De no longer cared about the situation or any grand plans; he was truly worried about his son.
He only had this one son, and after finally becoming accomplished, he was now in a life-or-death situation.
If Cao Anmin were truly gone, Cao De would have no choice but to cry himself to death.
"Young Master De… this…" Xun Yu tried to speak. "Perhaps the lack of news about your son is also good news?"
Was this meant to be comforting?
Cao De's face grew even more pallid. His body trembled involuntarily, and his legs felt weak.
No news? That was bad news. If his son had escaped, wouldn't he have sent a carrier pigeon to Xudu immediately, at least to report he was safe? But…
He thought of the worst possible outcome, and his body trembled involuntarily. Was he about to… send his son off before his time?
He, Cao De, did not have as many sons as his elder brother, Cao Cao. The mother of Cao Anmin had already died on Fengming Mountain in Langya Commandery. This only son was also likely…
Tears welled up in Cao De's eyes…
"Magistrate Xun? May I ask… where is Duke Lu, the Sīnóng? Where is he?"
Cao De asked instinctively.
As a father, he couldn't save his son, but at least… at least he could find out what mission his son was undertaking in Chen.
This was considered a father's final farewell to his son.
*Hoo…*
Xun Yu let out a soft sigh. "Duke Lu is in the suburbs. Today… is the day the Imperial Academy opens!"
Imperial Academy? Opening day!
Cao De could no longer suppress his inner emotions. He rushed out of the Sīkōng's mansion, mounted his horse, and galloped towards the suburbs, towards the Imperial Academy by the Ying River.
However… Cao De did not know.
At the same time, Cao Cao had also changed into plain clothes. Emperor Liu Xie and Empress Fu Shou had also changed into incognito attire. They were all heading towards the Ying River.
The opening of the Imperial Academy today was a major event for Lu Yu, for the Han Dynasty, and even for Cao Cao.
…
…
In the outskirts of Xudu, by the Ying River, the Imperial Academy was situated in the middle of the Ying River, surrounded by water on all sides.
A single-plank bridge, about a meter wide, connected the Imperial Academy to the outside world, making it particularly striking.
Even with the passage of time, even though the Imperial Academy had moved from Luoyang to Xuchang,
This "Bridge of Dreams," which thousands of scholars yearned for, would never lose its pure gold luster in the eyes of the world, even if it became covered with moss.
This lucky bridge, which had weathered centuries of wind and rain, still used its ancient and intricate wood grain to pave a unique carpet. The surrounding pine and cypress trees stood tall and radiant like guards of this "noble" single-plank bridge, protecting every qualified student who stepped upon it.
This made every Imperial Academy student who was qualified to pass through here feel a surge of excitement.
When Lu Yu and Cai Zhaoji arrived, a group of instructors were waiting.
Lu Yu waved, signaling Zhaoji-jie to go first.
*Tap, tap…*
With light steps, Cai Zhaoji did not refuse and stepped onto the single-plank bridge. She stopped only when she reached the Imperial Academy Stone Classics engraved with "Pillars of the Emperor, Pillars of the State."
Gazing at the eight bold, elegant, and dignified pure gold seal script characters above, Cai Zhaoji couldn't help but feel a flutter in her heart.
At this moment, she felt that while inheriting her father's legacy, she also bore a heavy burden on her shoulders.
What would the Imperial Academy, the current Imperial Academy, be like?
With Cai Zhaoji leading, Lu Yu second, and the instructors following, every Imperial Academy student still on the bridge lowered their heads, stood to the side with their hands at their sides, and only dared to step forward after Cai Zhaoji and the others had passed.
However, there was one person with sharp eyes and a hint of dissatisfaction in his gaze.
He whispered to the Imperial Academy student beside him.
"Hmph, it seems he is Duke Lu, the Sīnóng…"
"But barely ten years old, and yet he has become the Chief Supervisor of the Imperial Academy, just like us? On what grounds?"
Upon hearing this, the Imperial Academy student beside him quickly waved his hands.
"Dezu, are you crazy?" This Imperial Academy student was the second son of the Sima family, Sima Yi, and the one with the dissatisfied expression was Yang Xiu, the son of the Grand Commandant Yang Biao.
"Hmph," Yang Xiu was still unconvinced. He had been immersed in reading and poetry since childhood, and his family background was prominent. He had never put others in his eyes. If not for his father's insistence, he would never have come to the Imperial Academy to be disciplined by a young man of his own age.
The corner of Yang Xiu's mouth curled up, revealing an undisguised disdain. "The entire court speaks of how wise and astute Lu Yu is? How many great merits he has made? In my opinion, he is merely a showy crane! Now, at such a young age, he holds the position of Sīnóng of Han and is also the Chief Supervisor of the Imperial Academy. I, Yang Xiu, am simply unconvinced!"
"Dezu! You mustn't speak nonsense." Seeing that Yang Xiu's mood was not right, Sima Yi reminded him again… "Regardless, he was appointed Chief Supervisor of the Imperial Academy by His Majesty and Duke Cao. You must not lose your manners?"
Hearing this…
Yang Xiu seemed to gain more energy. "Chief Supervisor of the Imperial Academy? What a joke! Zhongda, tell me? Now… all the lords in the Han Dynasty are focused on Yuan Shu's claim to the throne in Huainan. Chen, on the border between Huainan and Sili, is crucial. I can see this, but why… does our consistently wise Chief Supervisor Lu not see it? Nor has he made any suggestions to Duke Cao?"
"One step slow, and every step is slow. Such a great situation, yet the advantage was lost. For this reason, I am certain he is unworthy of his title, just a showy crane!"
Yang Xiu proudly puffed out his chest, appearing arrogant and overbearing.
Seeing that he couldn't persuade him, Sima Yi shook his head.
"On this single-plank bridge, I will pretend I heard nothing of what Dezu said. But after crossing the bridge, Dezu had better be careful with his words. I've heard that our Chief Supervisor Lu is no simple person. The Dragon Swift Camp, as valiant as it is, was subdued by him. It seems his methods are not ordinary!"
"Heh heh…" Upon hearing this, Yang Xiu laughed. "Come on, my father is the Grand Commandant of the court? Would he dare to touch me? Zhongda, you watch. During the sacrifice later, I will directly mention… ask him why he is ignoring the situation in Jianghuai? Ask him why he stood by and lost the initiative? Let's see how he answers!"
Alas…
Sima Yi sighed and quickly walked across the single-plank bridge. For a moment, he felt that Yang Xiu was too stubborn and too arrogant.
Such a person would sooner or later suffer a great loss.
…
…
Three years after Dong Zhuo burned Luoyang, the Imperial Academy once again shone brightly.
The sacrificial ceremony for the opening of the academic year had begun.
All the Imperial Academy students knelt and paid respects to heaven and earth, then to the imperial palace, and then to the instructors. Next… it was time for Cai Zhaoji, the Chief Supervisor of the Imperial Academy, to deliver a speech.
"Everyone, the Imperial Academy has been rebuilt, and the new academic year is about to begin. I am sure you have seen the eight characters on the Imperial Academy Stone Classics – Pillars of the Emperor, Pillars of the State."
"As the Chief Supervisor of the Imperial Academy, I want to tell you that studying at the Imperial Academy is not just about passing down knowledge, but more importantly, about understanding the Six Rites, cultivating the Seven Teachings, grasping the Eight Policies, and practicing the Hundred Crafts."
"All students of the Imperial Academy must remember the glory and disgrace of the Han Dynasty, remember the hardships of the common people, contribute to the Han Dynasty, and benefit the populace! Only then will they be worthy of the eight golden characters on the Imperial Academy Stone Classics – Pillars of the Emperor, Pillars of the State!"
It was a very official opening address.
Upon hearing this…
Lu Yu noticed that the blood in the hearts of many students and instructors seemed to have been ignited by Sister Zhaoji's words, burning hot and immensely surging.
However… for Lu Yu, it was numbing.
He had attended too many opening ceremonies. He could recite a hundred such "chicken soup" speeches from memory, and he was completely numb.
Of course, this was what was called "spiritual brainwashing," which had been the same throughout history.
Speaking of which, Cai Zhaoji raised her hand slightly. "Next, I invite Duke Lu, the Chief Supervisor in charge of administration, to give the opening address…"
Ultimately, he couldn't escape.
Lu Yu's eyes fixed, and he slowly walked to the high platform.
As soon as he stepped onto the platform, Lu Yu saw many familiar faces…
Old Cao and Xu Chu stood in a distant open area, watching from afar.
And unlike the low-key presence of Old Cao's group, the civil and military officials were neatly arranged on the other side, creating a lively scene. The Emperor and Empress had just arrived and had dismounted from their carriages, looking towards Lu Yu from afar.
At this point, countless gazes shot towards him like arrows, making Lu Yu feel a bit embarrassed.
"Cough, cough…"
Clearing his throat, Lu Yu prepared to recite a modified version of a well-known university president's opening speech.
This way… the prestige would be at least very high. "Today I am proud of the Imperial Academy, and tomorrow I will make the Imperial Academy proud of me," and so on. In this era, it should be quite impressive, right?
However…
Unexpectedly, before Lu Yu could even speak.
A voice came from below the stage first.
"A student has a question that concerns the future of the Han Dynasty and the honor of the Imperial Academy. I would like to ask Chief Supervisor Lu, but I wonder if Chief Supervisor Lu dares to answer first?"
As he spoke, a student stepped forward and bowed to Lu Yu…
"Yang Xiu, son of Yang Biao…" Cai Zhaoji muttered softly. Lu Yu looked at this person… wondering, is this thin boy Yang Xiu?
He looks… not very strong, does he?
This question, it seems, has a bit of a challenging tone.
Immediately, several instructors wanted to drag him away.
However, Lu Yu waved his hand. If he couldn't handle even one thorny student today, how could he establish his authority as the Chief Supervisor of the Imperial Academy? Indeed… this would be the worst batch he had ever taught.
Heh heh…
Lu Yu decided to act magnanimously. "So it is Yang Dezu, son of the Grand Commandant. No matter. Since Dezu has a question, feel free to ask. I, as Chief Supervisor, will answer you in front of all the scholars."
Upon hearing this… the instructors retreated, and Yang Xiu stepped forward.
At this moment, all eyes were focused on Yang Xiu. Of course… the court officials seemed to have already known that such a scene would occur.
To be precise, Yang Xiu's question at this juncture was part of the Han court's plan.
Yuan Shu proclaimed himself emperor, and Cao Cao refused to attend court on various pretexts… was this turning a blind eye?
They couldn't just ignore it, could they?
Where was the Emperor's majesty, and where was the court's authority?
But who to ask?
Cao Cao, the Han court officials couldn't see him. They could only ask Lu Yu, who was most trusted by Cao Cao – the strategist – in front of all the scholars, in front of all the civil and military officials, and under the Imperial Academy Stone Classics.
Of course, the most brilliant part was to ask through the mouth of an Imperial Academy student…
With so many witnesses, Lu Yu had no choice but to answer!
Now, it was up to how Yang Xiu asked and how Lu Yu answered?
"I have heard that Chief Supervisor Lu is a successor of the Yin-Yang School. Today, this student dares to ask, will the Han Dynasty's vermilion Fire Element truly be replaced by the yellow Earth Element? If the vermilion Fire Element remains inactive, will the flames still surge upwards?"
Although it seemed like a question about the Five Elements, Yang Xiu was actually asking about the pseudo-emperor Yuan Shu! And about Cao Cao's inaction!
The implied meaning was…
Since the pseudo-emperor Yuan Shu proclaimed himself the Earth Element to replace the Han, why hadn't Chief Supervisor Lu advised Duke Cao to send troops to attack him? How long would he remain like a shrinking turtle?
This was the art of language. A matter that seemed completely unrelated was somehow linked.
For Lu Yu, it seemed… this question was not easy to answer.
If he said too much, he would expose himself. If he said too little, it would be difficult to convince everyone… it was somewhat difficult.
And at this moment, Cao De also arrived…
Hearing Yang Xiu's question, his heart clenched tightly. Others might not know, but he did.
How could the vermilion Fire Element be inactive?
However… were the people sent by his elder brother and Lu Yu too few?
It seemed that… in the grand scheme of things, how could a mere four people turn the tide and stabilize the situation in Chen?
While Cao De was thinking about this…
*Dada dada…*
A fast horse arrived…
"Urgent dispatch, urgent dispatch from Chen via carrier pigeon!"
Originally, this fast horse was supposed to deliver the message to Cao Cao or the Shangshu Tai (Secretariat). However… neither Xun Yu could be found in the Shangshu Tai, nor Cao Cao in the Sīkōng's mansion.
Upon inquiring, they learned… that they had all come to the Imperial Academy by the Ying River for the sacrificial ceremony.
Because it was an urgent dispatch from Chen, the clerk dared not delay and immediately rushed over.
Of course…
Because he was relatively far from the sacrificial altar, his voice was not heard by many people.
But… Cao Cao and Cao De, who were at the outermost edge, heard it clearly.
Almost at the same time, they moved towards the clerk.
"Another urgent dispatch from Chen?"
Seeing Cao De, Cao Cao was slightly surprised… Why was his second brother here?
However, he didn't have time to consider much and directly asked the clerk.
"That's right, the two urgent dispatches from Chen were only two hours apart…" the clerk reported truthfully. "Both were sent by carrier pigeon, so they must be extremely urgent."
Hmm…
Cao Cao thought, the rebellion in Chen had probably ended. Then… did Yuan Shu successfully obtain Chen?
Although he didn't want to think in this direction, in reality, Cao Cao did not have much hope for the four people Yu'er had sent.
This time… perhaps Yu'er was truly careless!
One must know that since Yuan Shu intended to assassinate and attack, he must have made complete preparations…
How many generals in Chen had Yuan Shu already swayed?
Unless they had eyes that could see through everything, how could the four sent by Yu'er, Cheng Yu and the others, reverse the situation and prevent all this?
And Cao De had already begun to pray incessantly…
His mood had fallen to the bottom.
The chaos had ended, so what about his son… alive or dead?
Eh…
Cao Cao and Cao De both froze.
A line of small characters in the letter appeared vividly before their eyes…
— "Chen is still shrouded in a purgatory, but Cheng Yu, Huang Zhong, Dian Wei, and Cao Anmin of the Dragon Swift Camp turned the tide. They saved the Chancellor of Chen, Luo Jun, and through him, reassembled the troops of Chen and launched a counterattack against the southern city occupied by rebels!"
Counterattack?
This… Cao De carefully savored every word in this short letter.
He realized… since it was a counterattack, perhaps his son Cao Anmin was still alive?
And Cao Cao's gaze quickly moved down.
He seemed to have captured a hint of joy.
As expected, the content below was good news.
— "In two hours, under the command of Commander Cheng, and through the valiant combat of Huang Zhong, Dian Wei, and Cao Anmin, the rebels were driven out. Chen was recaptured, and the 'Cao' banner was raised on the city walls of Chen. The entire state of Chen surrendered to Duke Cao!"
— "The Chancellor of Chen, Luo Jun, personally wrote a letter requesting Duke Cao to send reinforcements to aid Chen! The bamboo slips containing the letter are now being sent to Xudu via express messenger!"
*Hoo…*
A sigh of relief finally escaped Cao Cao's mouth.
Satisfying…
The four people Yu'er sent… truly… truly turned the tide!
He suddenly looked up at Cao De…
And Cao De seemed to be still reading… because there was still a sentence at the bottom.
— "Cao Anmin shot and killed the enemy general Zhang Kai, making a great contribution!"
Hoo… this…
Cao De felt his body sway. It wasn't that he was surprised by his son's merit, but rather… Zhang Kai, wasn't this the bandit leader who had plundered the Cao family's convoy on Fengming Mountain in Langya Commandery and almost killed him and Old Master Cao?
He… his hands were stained with Cao family blood!
Cao De's wife, Cao De's mother, had both died at his hands.
Now…
With a "clatter," Cao De could no longer suppress his excitement. He knelt, and murmured, "Revenge has been served. My son shot this villain and avenged our Cao family!"
Cao Cao helped Cao De up. "Hahahaha…"
He couldn't help but laugh heartily. The suppressed and enduring emotions of the past were now… completely unleashed.
"Second brother, you have raised a good son! Hahahaha…"
"This is what is called turning the tide from a collapsing situation, and turning things around from despair!"
Speaking of this, Cao Cao changed his hesitant and indecisive demeanor of the past few days. Yu'er had done it, Yu'er's plan had succeeded once again, and the situation in Chen was settled…
At this moment, he transformed back into the decisive Cao Cao.
"Issue an order to immediately dispatch Yue Jin with the Third Battalion as the vanguard to reinforce Chen…"
"Yes!" Dian Wei agreed and was about to relay the message.
"Also, immediately summon all civil and military officials and all the court officials to convene for a discussion on state affairs!"
"Yes!" Dian Wei agreed once more…
It seemed that Cao Cao's instructions were not finished. His eyes slowly shifted to Lu Yu, who was currently on the high platform.
He said to him with great earnestness, continuing his orders:
"Brother De, it seems some people have been questioning me, Cao Cao, and Yu'er! Haha, this urgent dispatch from Chen has arrived at the perfect time. From now on, leave this matter to you. Do you know what to do?"
As he spoke, Cao Cao stuffed the urgent dispatch into Cao De's embrace.
This single letter was enough to shatter all rumors, all doubts, and all gossip!
"Brother, I know what to do," Cao De replied, his tone resolute and firm.
Cao Cao's expression suddenly tensed. His eyes moved down to the Imperial Academy student who was confronting Yu'er. "He? It seems he is the son of Grand Commandant Yang Biao?"
"Precisely," Xu Chu replied.
"Very good!" Cao Cao softly uttered these two words.
Those who knew him well understood that when Cao Cao's expression was this calm, someone was bound to suffer next.
Questioning him, Cao Cao, was one thing…
But daring to openly question Yu'er, Yang Biao, the Grand Commandant, was likely at its end!
Heh heh…
…
…