Three days later.
Cheng Yu, Huang Zhong, Dian Wei, and Cao Anmin, a group of four, rushed to Chen Guo...
Speaking of which, Chen Guo was a typical product of the parallel system of Han Dynasty commanderies and kingdoms.
If the aggrandizement of some Han imperial relatives was inseparable from the policy of "abolishing history and establishing shepherds" implemented during the reign of Emperor Ling of Han.
Then, the growth of Chen Guo into a colossus in the Central Plains was inseparable from its lord Liu Chong and prime minister Luo Jun.
It can be said that the entire Chen Guo held their lord and prime minister in extremely high esteem.
Precisely, this was also their weakness.
Once Liu Chong and Luo Jun perished, then... Chen Guo would inevitably fall into great chaos.
"Commander Cheng? We've reached the territory of Chen Guo. What should we do?"
Huang Zhong asked Cheng Yu in the inn.
After Cheng Yu carefully checked all the doors and windows, he began to make specific deployments. "Young Master Lu is quite familiar with Chen Guo. According to him, he even lived here for some time in his early years when he was searching for his relatives."
Cheng Yu stated the mission directly: "Young Master Lu wants us to save one person and kill one person!"
Save? Kill?
Upon hearing this, Huang Zhong, Dian Wei, and Cao Anmin were all stunned, filled with intense curiosity as to who they were to save and who they were to kill.
Just then, Cheng Yu's voice followed.
"We need to save Chen Guo's prime minister Luo Jun, and the one we need to kill, to be precise... is Chen Guo's lord, Liu Chong!"
Having said this, Cheng Yu signaled everyone to move closer, lowering his voice even further.
"Young Master Lu intercepted crucial intelligence that the rebel Yuan Shu ordered his subordinate Zhang Kai to assassinate Chen Guo's lord Liu Chong under the guise of surrendering... At the same time, Yuan Shu also dispatched many assassins to take the life of Chen Guo's prime minister Luo Jun."
"If Chen Guo's lord and prime minister perish, Chen Guo will surely fall into great chaos, and Yuan Shu can then take advantage of the situation to seize Chen Guo. However, if we can save Chen Guo's prime minister, then the entire Chen Guo will undoubtedly harbor intense hatred towards Yuan Shu, and Prime Minister Luo Jun is highly likely to pledge allegiance to Duke Cao!"
Ho...
Now everyone understood.
If Liu Chong did not die, Chen Guo would not fall into chaos, and even Young Master Lu would find no opportunity.
But if both Liu Chong and Luo Jun died, the situation in Chen Guo would be uncontrollable, and it was very likely that Yuan Shu would take it in one fell swoop. Therefore, one death and one rescue was Young Master Lu's meticulous plan.
It could not be described as not insightful.
"Now, do you all know your tasks?" Cheng Yu asked again...
Dian Wei, Huang Zhong, and Cao Anmin all nodded heavily.
Cheng Yu then began to assign specific tasks. "Anmin, you will be responsible for intelligence gathering. The assassins Yuan Shu sent this time will surely be found in inns, taverns, and brothels. Young Master has prepared considerable wealth for you. By bribing the shopkeepers, waiters, madams, and prostitutes, we can obtain more accurate intelligence! Be sure to ascertain the specific time of their assassination of Prime Minister Luo Jun."
"Yes!"
Cao Anmin immediately accepted the order.
Cheng Yu's intention, or rather, Lu Yu's request to Cao Anmin, was simple: pure and unadulterated use of money.
As the saying goes, money makes the mare go.
In Lu Yu's opinion, Cao Anmin, who in history managed to find the seductive beauty Zou Shi immediately after Cao Cao conquered Wancheng, must have had excellent "pimping" skills, or rather, excellent intelligence gathering abilities!
Coupled with a large amount of financial assistance, it would not be difficult to ascertain the specific time of the assassins' actions.
After instructing Cao Anmin, Cheng Yu continued to instruct Dian Wei, "Commander Dian, after ascertaining the specific assassination time, I will visit Prime Minister Luo Jun as an imperial envoy. You will accompany me then to protect his safety."
"Your subordinate accepts the order!" Dian Wei cupped his fists.
Protecting people was a familiar task for him, Dian Wei.
As long as he was alive, no one could harm Prime Minister Luo or Commander Cheng!
He, Dian Wei, would never fail Young Master Lu's mission.
"What about me?"
Huang Zhong hurriedly asked... Everyone else had a task, but only Huang Zhong was still without one, making him naturally eager.
"General Huang, do not worry, your task is the most important." Cheng Yu's tone became even more serious. "Young Master Lu cannot ascertain the time of the assassination of Prime Minister Luo Jun, but he can be sure of the time of Liu Chong's assassination, which is when Zhang Kai surrenders."
"When Zhang Kai surrenders, Lord Liu Chong will definitely go out of the city to welcome him. And as expected, he will fall into an ambush. If he is assassinated by Zhang Kai, then that would be best, but if..."
Having said this, Cheng Yu paused. He intended to say that if Liu Chong survived, then... General Huang's arrow would have to shoot him down.
However, before proposing this, Cheng Yu's peripheral vision caught Huang Zhong's facial expression.
After all, this mission was, strictly speaking, a bit inhumane...
Cheng Yu was not sure if Huang Zhong could be so ruthless as to kill someone he had never met.
Unexpectedly, Huang Zhong's eyes narrowed. "Commander Cheng, do not underestimate me, Huang Zhong. Liu Chong's death alone is exchanged for the lives of tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians, and it concerns the general situation, the reputation of our benefactor and the Dragon Roar Camp. For this reason alone, he cannot escape my three-foot long bow."
He, Huang Zhong, was never someone who cared about the common people. The most important person in his heart was his son, Huang Xu.
Now, Xu'er was healthy, attending the Imperial Academy in Xuchang, and could follow his benefactor.
This mission was merely to kill a stranger, not a relative or friend. How could Huang Zhong be unable to do it?
In his opinion, Cheng Yu was overthinking.
Having said this, Huang Zhong was about to offer to sign a military order.
Cheng Yu quickly stopped him. "How could Young Master Lu not know General Huang's intentions? Otherwise... why would he send General Huang here to carry out such an important mission?"
Having said this, Cheng Yu patted Huang Zhong's shoulder. "Hansheng, let me remind you of one thing. If Liu Chong escapes Zhang Kai's assassination, when you draw your bow and nock your arrow, you must use these three arrows. This is extremely important."
Saying this, Cheng Yu took out three arrows from the wooden chest. These were three arrows that Lu Yu had specifically requested from Cao Cao.
They were three arrows of Yuan Shu's army captured by Cao Cao when he clashed with Yuan Shu.
Unexpectedly... they were now put to use.
Hoo...
Upon hearing this, Huang Zhong let out a long sigh. It was still Cheng Yu who thought of everything. If not for this reminder, if not for these three arrows, he, Huang Zhong, might have ruined Young Master Lu's great plan.
"Commander Cheng, rest assured, my three-foot great bow has always been unerring. Why would I need three? One arrow is enough."
Surprisingly, Huang Zhong's words made Cheng Yu shiver instinctively.
Dwelling in such a perilous land, with such confidence... General Huang's courage was admirable.
"Good!" After finishing all the instructions, Cheng Yu let out a long sigh. "Now, let's go about our business. The innkeeper here is one of us. If you have any intelligence, you can tell him, and he will find a way to inform everyone."
"Besides this, everyone must remember the code name for the operation – 'Black Cloud'. Anyone who can recite the two words 'Black Cloud' is one of us."
With that...
The eyes of the four men all narrowed heavily.
An operation code-named "Black Cloud" began.
...
...
On the road from Shouchun to Chen Guo.
A legion of over five thousand men was advancing.
This was Zhang Kai's legion under Yuan Shu. To be precise, they were now flying the banner of Chen Guo.
As for the reason, on the surface, Yuan Shu declared himself emperor, and Zhang Kai, unable to bear it, led his troops to leave Huainan and defect to Liu Chong of Chen Guo.
However... in reality, this was merely Yuan Shu's stratagem to seize Chen Guo.
Assassination, covert killing...
Although despicable and shameless, the world was like this. The victor becomes king, and the history is written by the victors.
Precisely, the location of Chen Guo was too important for Yuan Shu. It could be said that whoever occupied this place between him and Cao Cao held the initiative on the battlefield.
Seeing that the army was only two days away from reaching Chen Guo.
But Zhang Kai's hand was trembling...
On his left and right, several deputy generals all lowered their heads, not daring to make the slightest sound.
They were all assassins carrying out this mission. They were well-trained, and they were confident that they could strike a fatal blow within ten paces, but... the situation seemed to have changed.
They cautiously looked at Zhang Kai, awaiting his command.
Hoo...
Zhang Kai exhaled a breath. He unfolded a bamboo slip in his hand, which was sent by Yuan Shu.
It was about one matter... Liu Bei was also rushing to Chen Guo with seven hundred cavalry, seemingly having discovered their plot to assassinate Chen Guo's lord, and he intended to reinforce Chen Guo!
Correspondingly... Yuan Shu also dispatched Ji Ling with five thousand troops to intercept him.
After reading this bamboo slip, Zhang Kai's eyes went blank. So... such a confidential matter had been leaked! Fortunately, this matter was not leaked to Cao Cao.
Liu Bei, residing in a corner of Xiaopei, lacking troops and supplies, how much trouble could he stir up?
On the contrary, from Xuchang city... there was no news at all!
Thinking about it this way, Zhang Kai still felt a shudder of fear. If this news had been intercepted by Cao Cao, then... that would be another story.
Hoo...
He exhaled again, and Zhang Kai tried his best to calm his mood. The plan would proceed as usual.
"Have the assassins entered the territory of Chen Guo yet?" Zhang Kai asked a deputy general beside him with fierce eyes.
A partial general in charge of intelligence quickly stepped forward and reported truthfully, "Everything has been arranged. The assassins are staying in five inns, three taverns, and two brothels. When we arrive at Chen Guo in two days and take action, they will act simultaneously to assassinate Chen Guo's prime minister Luo Jun!"
"Very good." Zhang Kai nodded.
Then he asked again, "Regarding the Lord, have you bribed Chen Guo's deputy generals?"
Another civil official stepped forward and reported, "Among the seven great generals in Chen Guo, Duke Yuan has successfully bribed four of them. However... if Liu Chong and Luo Jun are alive, they dare not act rashly. If they both die, then with Chen Guo in chaos, the remaining three will not be able to stir up any significant trouble!"
"It matters not!" Zhang Kai waved his hand. "In two days, they will all be dead men! Hmph..."
Having said this, Zhang Kai snorted coldly and continued to instruct, "In two days, anyone who resists Duke Yuan will be labeled as a rebel and traitor, and be killed without mercy! It is better to kill a thousand by mistake than to let one go!"
With that... Zhang Kai's eyes narrowed...
A boundless cold glint flashed in his gaze.
This battle... was the first battle after Duke Yuan ascended the throne. Could he, Zhang Kai, surpass Ji Ling, Zhang Xun, and others to become the "Great General" of this Zhong family's world!
It all depended on this battle.
The slaughter was about to begin!
...
...
In just one day.
Cao Anmin spent over ten thousand gold.
Fortunately... Cheng Yu had secretly transported so much gold beforehand.
Otherwise... it wouldn't even be enough for Cao Anmin to patronize brothels with tips.
Of course, for a moment... Cheng Yu even suspected whether Cao Anmin was really going to gather intelligence?
Perhaps he took the opportunity to satisfy his physiological needs with this money.
After all... with so much money, which woman of pleasure wouldn't throw herself at him?
Of course... the results were fruitful.
It had to be said that this was how the world worked; money makes the mare go... With sufficient expenditure of money, any intelligence could be obtained.
Cao Anmin obtained a piece of intelligence from his bed...
There were seven guests staying in a brothel. Their luggage contained arrows and daggers...
In addition, the money they had paid for accommodation was enough for them to stay for two more days.
Cao Anmin keenly perceived this sensitive timing: two days!
It was important to know that in this era, assassins were a profession.
They killed for money, and the expenses incurred during the killing process were not reimbursed by anyone!
Therefore, if the assassins were to carry out their assassination in two days, they would certainly not pay for an extra day's room, plus... arrows and daggers, these weapons were particularly sensitive at this time!
Following this clue, Cao Anmin went to taverns and inns to inquire, and indeed...
Coincidentally, there were over thirty people who had only paid for accommodation for the next two days!
Cao Anmin specifically observed them. Each of them had calluses on their hands, were exceptionally strong, acted cautiously, and had even furtively recorded things in front of the "Prime Minister's Mansion" several times.
Cao Anmin recorded all of this...
Finally, under heavy bribes, an innkeeper told Cao Anmin a crucial piece of information.
It was a conversation that the innkeeper had inadvertently overheard—the action would take place in the afternoon, two days later!
"Commander Cheng, the action will be in the afternoon two days later! I have confirmed the list. I have recorded in this bamboo slip where these assassins are staying and how many there are. Another point is that it seems... Zhang Kai's 'surrendering' army will reach Chen Guo also in the afternoon two days later!"
Cao Anmin spoke with certainty...
Cheng Yu discussed the matter in detail with him. "Indeed, the assassination and covert killing are proceeding simultaneously. Alright, then we will execute the plan in the morning two days later! Anmin, go and tell General Huang to pay extra attention in the afternoon two days later. Zhang Kai's army outside the city will surely set an ambush! Besides this, tell Commander Dian that he can begin his action!"
"Good!" Cao Anmin accepted the order... and quickly walked out of the inn.
At this moment, the sky was filled with swirling dark clouds that covered more than half of the sky. Everyone could smell the scent of rain, and the wind had already arrived quietly.
The swirling fallen leaves, petals, and dust flew up together!
A dance in a storm had quietly arrived!
...
...
Xuchang City, Sinuo Mansion.
Lu Yu was actually quite worried about Cheng Yu and the others...
After all, even though Lu Yu knew the general outline of this mission from ancient texts, the details, every single one of them... were extremely perilous.
One wrong step, and it was very likely that everything would be lost.
"Alas..." Lu Yu leaned on his desk, feeling a little uneasy.
It was important to know that Yuan Shu sent Zhang Kai to feign surrender to assassinate Liu Chong and Luo Jun.
Such matters would not be precise to a specific day in ancient texts, only stating a general month.
But... which day in May, that would depend on Cheng Yu and Cao Anmin to find out...
Of course, the people and money... Lu Yu had already made arrangements.
Before Cheng Yu left, Lu Yu had also dispatched dozens of warriors from the Dragon Roar Camp to infiltrate Chen Guo to cooperate with the operation.
"Truly, the wind and rain are about to come, and the mountain is filled with towers..."
Lu Yu murmured in his heart, his expression becoming very complicated.
Cai Zhaoji did not know his thoughts and was still inquiring about the opening of the Imperial Academy.
It was important to know that the Imperial Academy was scheduled to open in five days.
At that time, not only would the imperial students enroll, but the opening ceremony sacrifices, the merits of the Cao and Xiahou families, and even the Son of Heaven, the Empress, and many officials from the court would attend.
This was considered a major event... Cai Zhaoji dared not be negligent.
Cai Zhaoji had to personally oversee every detail of the ceremony to ensure that there were no mistakes.
"Brother Yu, it's settled... Sister will preside over the opening ceremony sacrifices in five days, and you need to take the stage at the end to give the opening speech."
"This is a major event, the Emperor and the Empress, and all the officials will bear witness... You must prepare in advance!"
Ah... the opening speech.
Lu Yu was a bit stunned. His mind was full of matters concerning Chen Guo, so he had no mood to give this opening speech, yet... it was Sister Zhaoji's request, and it was to be witnessed by the Emperor and officials, so this was a major event.
"Ahem..."
He coughed lightly and nodded. "I know, Sister Zhaoji, please rest assured. Our Imperial Academy strictly adheres to the principle of 'aiding the emperor and being the pillar of the nation.' Centered around this, I can improquote!"
"Good, then... as for the etiquette and procedures, Sister will tell you again."
Cai Zhaoji, fearing any mistakes, repeatedly emphasized to Lu Yu.
After all, she, Cai Zhaoji, was the Dean of the Imperial Academy, and her brother was the Director of the Imperial Academy.
Originally, these matters of etiquette should have been handled by Brother Yu, but... seeing how busy he was, Cai Zhaoji could not bear to push it onto him, so she took on the burden.
In fact, the sacrificial ceremony for the opening of the Imperial Academy was extremely elaborate.
Lu Yu could only grasp the general idea from Sister Zhaoji's repeated emphasis...
Logically speaking, these were not that important, but since the Emperor and Empress were to attend, it was another story.
It was like a work inspection in the previous life. Normally, it was just so-so, but once the superior leaders came to personally inspect, it was necessary to undergo a complete transformation and be properly packaged!
Oh well...
Since Lu Yu was currently worried about Cheng Yu and the others, he couldn't be of much help!
It was better to change his mood... and think about the opening of the Imperial Academy.
Lu Yu unfolded the bamboo slip in front of him.
This was a selection of sixty people by Sister Zhaoji from among the students. These were the first batch of imperial students. Lu Yu looked at them.
Indeed, there were many acquaintances.
Cao Cao's eldest son—Cao Ang;
Xiahou Yuan's eldest and second sons—Xiahou Ba, Xiahou Heng.
Xu Chu's eldest son—Xu Yi;
Dian Wei's eldest son—Dian Man;
Huang Zhong's son—Huang Xu.
Along with this, there were also sons of some high officials, such as Grand Tutor Yang Biao's son, Yang Xiu; Xun Yu's eldest son, Xun Yun.
Etc...
—Sima Fang's eldest son, "Sima Lang".
And—"Sima Yi"!
Seeing the name "Sima Yi", Lu Yu's eyes fixed.
This guy was not simple at all, which made Lu Yu tremble all over.
From the bottom of his heart, Lu Yu dared not teach this Sima Yi...
The main reason was that this fellow was too good at hiding. Lu Yu feared being blinded by his appearance and ultimately capsizing in the gutter in his later years.
The Gaopingling Incident, this past event was vividly recalled!
Lu Yu pondered that when school started, he would find an excuse to expel him...
The Sima clan must be suppressed from this generation onwards, and if there was an opportunity... it was not impossible to eliminate future troubles once and for all!
According to Lu Yu's thoughts, it was better for the world to still be named "Cao." Lu Yu did not want the tragedy of the Sixteen Kingdoms and the Five Barbarians' invasion caused by the Sima clan to happen again!
Just as he thought of this, Cai Zhaoji spoke again. "Brother Yu, the instructors for the other subjects have all been confirmed. Only... the instructor for military courses needs you to make the decision."
"Military courses are not cultural courses, and we cannot be careless. We must have the most first-class lecturers to produce the most first-class talents!"
Hearing this, Lu Yu blurted out, "Wasn't it agreed that the lecturer for military courses would be Guo Jia, Guo Fengxiao?"
"Him?" Cai Zhaoji paused slightly. "Is he capable?"
It was not that Cai Zhaoji looked down on Guo Jia, but rather that Guo Jia was too young and did not have any outstanding achievements. It would be difficult to gain the respect of the imperial students if he were to teach them.
Moreover, Cai Zhaoji had also heard of Guo Jia's habits—heavy drinking, womanizing, and gambling?
... Could such a person teach imperial students?
In fact, if it weren't for Lu Yu's insistence, let alone military courses, even ordinary instructors... Cai Zhaoji would not have let Guo Jia take up the post.
From the inside out, where did Guo Jia look like a "pillar of the nation who aids the emperor"?
"He's definitely capable. No one is more capable than Guo Fengxiao." Lu Yu smiled slightly, his tone firm...
In this era, if Guo Jia couldn't teach military courses, then... who else could? Zhuge Liang?
"That won't do!" Cai Zhaoji waved her hand. "Even if Brother insists on using this Guo Fengxiao, then... besides him, we must set up another instructor for military courses, a renowned general whom everyone can trust. This way... the students will be convinced, and the court will also be convinced!"
In the end, it was still believed that Guo Jia was unreliable.
Lu Yu helplessly spread his hands. "Sister Zhaoji, I've noted it down... I'll go find a helper for Guo Fengxiao!"
With this thought, Lu Yu thought of someone, a god of war among the future Five Tiger Generals.
He was low-key, but his achievements did not allow him to be low-key...
It was important to know that in ancient times, victory and defeat were common in warfare!
It was not easy to be defeated throughout one's life, and it was even more difficult to remain undefeated throughout one's life...
But as it happened, in Lu Yu's impression, there was indeed such a consistently victorious general in Cao Ying who had never been defeated—Le Jin.
Speaking of which, his appearance did not match that of a tall and mighty, extraordinary bearing person at all. He was even a bit short, and using a fashionable term, he was short and sharp!
Moreover, it was enough to be short and sharp, but he was also not good-looking. If placed among a crowd, he might not even get a second glance.
Of course, if the so-called peerless god of war in this era was Lu Bu, Lu Fengxian...
Then, the undefeated god of war in this era would be the ordinary and low-key Le Jin.
According to Lu Yu's view...
For the imperial students, if they wanted to learn how to lose on the battlefield, they would definitely have to find the always-defeated general Xiahou Dun!
But if they wanted to learn how to win, then the undefeated god of war Le Jin was the only choice...
With this thought, Lu Yu did not delay for a moment and went directly to visit Le Jin...
And at this moment, Le Jin, who was in his mansion, was pacing back and forth, with a worried expression.
Seeing Lu Yu... it was as if he had seen a savior.
"Sino Sinuo, come, come, sit... You have the most ideas, tell me... this... what should we do?"
"Yuan Shu declared himself emperor, but Duke Cao has not attended court for three or five days. Yuan Shu's intention to seize Chen Guo is known to everyone. Why is Duke Cao not taking action?"
"Alas... Alas... I, Le Jin, was just thinking of leading my own troops to Chen Guo to stir up trouble in the Jianghuai region!"
...
...