What is a prophecy, generally referring to a prediction.
For example, the most famous prophecy in history was uttered during Qin Shi Huang's reign—"The one who destroys Qin is Hu."
Qin Shi Huang believed that "Hu" referred to the barbarians and thus attacked the Xiongnu to the north, building the Great Wall to prevent their southward invasion. How could he have imagined that "Hu" referred to his youngest son, Hu Hai?
And now…
Cai Zhaoji, her face drained of color, uttered, "The one who replaces the Han will be Dangtu Gao…"
This seems to be almost a perfect parallel to "The one who destroys Qin is Hu."
No wonder Cai Zhaoji was so panicked…
Just as Brother Yu and my elder brother had welcomed the Son of Heaven to Xudu, how could… this very prophecy have quietly emerged from the marketplace? Would this harm Brother Yu? Would it affect my elder brother?
In fact, the learned and talented Cai Zhaoji knew the origin of this prophecy.
— "The one who replaces the Han will be Dangtu Gao!"
This had been widely circulated among the common folk during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han. Emperor Wu had then lamented:
— "The Han has the calamity of six or seven; the decree dictates a second mandate. Which of the imperial clan descendants will fulfill this? Six times seven is forty-two; the one who replaces the Han will be Dangtu Gao."
Precisely this interpretation by Emperor Wu of Han…
Caused a great debate in the Han dynasty.
Many believed that Emperor Wu's interpretation foretold the demise of the Han dynasty after twenty-nine emperors.
But in reality.
Their understanding was greatly mistaken. Emperor Wu of Han's true intention was that the Han dynasty would surely produce twenty-nine emperors, and that the Liu family was of the highest caliber in the imperial line.
Of course…
None of this is important. Now that this prophecy has reappeared and is circulating among the people…
Lu Yu will have no thoughts about it, nor will Cao Cao. But some people will have thoughts.
However, the thoughts of these people will only hasten their demise.
"Sister Zhaoji, please don't dwell on this prophecy… In truth, it's not that important!" Seeing Cai Zhaoji's worried expression, Lu Yu repeatedly comforted her.
"How is it not important? Has Brother Yu forgotten the prophecy of 'Hu' who destroyed Qin?"
Cai Zhaoji's face remained full of worry, "The popular interpretation is that the Han dynasty has had exactly twenty-nine emperors to this day… which perfectly fits the prophecy. The people are all saying… that the times are about to change!"
Sigh…
Hearing this, Lu Yu sighed helplessly.
Actually, of all the things in this prophecy, what he couldn't quite grasp was how, from "six times seven is forty-two," Emperor Wu could conclude that the Han dynasty would have a total of twenty-nine emperors!
However…
The pleasant atmosphere was truly ruined by a prophecy.
He had originally intended to take Sister Zhaoji to visit the newly constructed Imperial Academy. But now… the campus atmosphere of sweet affection was completely destroyed…
Lu Yu shrugged helplessly. "Sister Zhaoji, do you really want to hear the interpretation of this prophecy?"
"Can Brother Yu interpret this prophecy?" Cai Zhaoji's eyes blinked, looking at Lu Yu with great curiosity…
After all, the entire realm was currently discussing who "Dangtu Gao" might be.
"Of course, your younger brother can interpret it. Don't forget… I am a descendant of the Yin-Yang school. Interpreting prophecies is child's play?" Lu Yu winked. "Sister, let's talk as we walk!"
As they spoke, Lu Yu led Cai Zhaoji along the banks of the Ying River, walking with strides…
He continuously explained:
"The Emperor Wu also mentioned this prophecy, 'The Han has the calamity of six or seven; the decree dictates a second mandate.' The 'decree dictates a second mandate' in the middle refers to 'the Han dynasty will experience two periods'!"
"And after Wang Mang usurped power and established the Xin Dynasty… the Son of Heaven… ah no, Emperor Guangwu once again brought the realm under the Han. Doesn't this perfectly align with the interpretation that the Han dynasty would experience two periods?"
"Emperor Guangwu of Han was a descendant of Liu Fa, the King of Changsha, son of Emperor Jing of Han. He was a parallel branch to Emperor Wu of Han. Therefore, the second 'Han' and Emperor Wu's 'Han' were not closely related by blood. Although both were Han, it fits this phrase 'decree dictates a second mandate'!"
Lu Yu explained meticulously to Cai Zhaoji.
Initially, Cai Zhaoji listened absentmindedly. After all, in her opinion… how could Brother Yu possibly interpret a prophecy from Emperor Wu's era!
But… Lu Yu's words made a lot of sense.
Cai Zhaoji blinked a few times, silently remembering Lu Yu's words.
And Lu Yu's analysis continued.
"As for Emperor Wu's phrase 'Which of the imperial clan descendants will fulfill this?', the correct understanding is that the renewed mandate of the Han will not be for his own descendants, but for the descendants of other imperial clans. In this way… wouldn't the first half of the prophecy be perfectly aligned?"
"As for… 'The one who replaces the Han will be Dangtu Gao,' it can be understood as the one who replaces the Han is Dangtu Gao. But… if we take a different approach to understanding it, it means the Han dynasty can have twenty-nine emperors, which is already quite outstanding! So, Sister Zhaoji, please don't overthink it. The words of Emperor Wu circulating among the people are actually… merely a beautiful wish for the Great Han!"
"Of course, some people will interpret it maliciously, and some will place this 'Dangtu Gao' upon their own heads. In reality, these people are the most foolish!"
As Lu Yu said this, he blinked and looked at Cai Zhaoji… attempting to find something in her eyes.
After all… Lu Yu's interpretation was only half complete.
If he were to fully interpret it, then "The one who replaces the Han will be Dangtu Gao!" would be another story, a story that could instantly make Cao Cao the target of universal criticism.
— "Dangtu Gao," the word "Tu" refers to earth. Piling earth high creates city walls or palaces. And the original meaning of "Wei" is palace!
Furthermore, in official positions before the Han dynasty, the character "Cao" was never used!
After the Han dynasty, "all officials were designated Cao, stating attachment to Cao, and soldiers stating service to Cao"… Even Lu Yu had held the position of "Mu Fu Gong Cao." As long as someone with intent guided it a little…
It would not be difficult to arrive at such an interpretation: The one who replaces the Han—is Cao Wei!
Beyond this, Lu Yu, familiar with this history, naturally knew that Liu Bang, Emperor Gaozu of Han, ascended the throne in 202 BC, and Liu Xie, Emperor Xian of Han, abdicated in 220 AD, a total of 422 years. If Wang Mang's usurpation period were excluded, taking the integer year, it was exactly 420 years, which perfectly coincided with the prophecy's "calamity of six or seven," "six times seven is forty-two"!
The Great Han would eventually be a sad song… Of course, Lu Yu didn't need to tell Sister Zhaoji these things!
…
"Dada-da…"
Suddenly, the sound of hooves approached…
Lu Yu was chatting with Cai Zhaoji when, unexpectedly… several fast horses hurried over. Looking from afar, they seemed to be from the imperial palace!
Upon closer inspection, the riders were actually eunuchs.
Seeing Lu Yu… the eunuch dismounted and immediately bowed.
"This subordinate greets Lu Sinong…"
His gaze flickered towards Cai Zhaoji beside him. "May I ask Lu Sinong, is this… Chief Cai?"
Ah…
Chief Cai? Chief Cai?
Before Lu Yu could answer, Cai Zhaoji was first stunned. The title "Chief" was not unfamiliar to her, and in fact… she was extremely sensitive to it.
Only in the Imperial Academy was such a title used.
But… when did she become a Chief? She was a woman… How could a woman be a Chief? Besides… wasn't the Imperial Academy already reduced to ashes by fire?
While she was still surprised…
Lu Yu's words had already blurted out, "That's right, this is my Sister Zhaoji, and the future Chief of the Imperial Academy!"
Ah… Ah…
Now Cai Zhaoji was even more confused. Chief of the Imperial Academy? What was all this?
"Oh… as expected, it's Chief Cai…" The eunuch clasped his hands and bowed to Cai Yan as well. "His Majesty and the Empress have heard that Chief Cai has come to Xudu City today and specially invite Chief Cai to the palace for a chat!"
The eunuch remained bowed, like an arch bridge, showing utmost politeness.
Logically speaking…
Imperial palace attendants had no reason to treat an external official, let alone a woman, like this. However… the Son of Heaven and the Empress had specifically instructed that Cai Yan be invited with great courtesy.
After all, they wanted to win over Lu Yu, and the first step in winning over Lu Yu was his most cherished sister—Cai Zhaoji!
Speaking of which, the Son of Heaven Liu Xie was not unfamiliar with Cai Yong. Taking advantage of this connection, they might have an opportunity to draw Lu Yu to their side.
"Chief? The Imperial Palace…" Cai Zhaoji was slightly stunned. She turned her head and looked at Lu Yu with confusion.
At this moment, a series of question marks appeared on her forehead…
What was going on?
Just then, Lu Yu extended his arm, raised it upwards… and then reminded her.
"Sister Zhaoji, quickly look up…"
Cai Zhaoji instinctively raised her eyes…
She had been so engrossed in discussing the prophecy that she hadn't noticed this huge stone tablet in front of her.
But… as her eyes followed the stone tablet upwards, she finally saw the eight large characters on it—Aiding the Emperor, Pillar of the Nation!
This… this is… the Imperial Academy Stone Classics!
Suddenly, Cai Zhaoji's whole body trembled, and she instinctively stumbled backward…
Fortunately, Lu Yu was prepared and immediately embraced her.
Excited, as expected…
Sister Zhaoji must be excited…
The Imperial Academy Stone Classics, the gate of the Imperial Academy, this was Sister Zhaoji's wish… her aspiration to follow in her father's footsteps.
Now, this vision, this aspiration, was right before her eyes. How could he not be excited?
"Brother Yu… This…" Cai Zhaoji's voice was a little hesitant.
"Sister Zhaoji… I haven't told you yet." In front of his sister, Lu Yu always appeared very well-behaved. "Didn't I mention in the letter before that I wanted to give you a surprise…"
"Sister Zhaoji, look…" Lu Yu pointed behind the Imperial Academy Stone Classics. It seemed… there was a small island in the middle of the Ying River. Cai Zhaoji looked closely and discovered that countless buildings had already been erected on this island.
No, not just buildings!
Just now… she hadn't paid close attention, but now, looking closely, these buildings were so familiar to her. The consistent corridors and pillars, the consistent blue bricks and white tiles… and the paths paved with blue bricks and stone slabs, wasn't this… the familiar Imperial Academy of Luoyang from before?
Previously, Cai Yong served as the Chief Lecturer of the Imperial Academy, and Cai Zhaoji always came to the study there to read. Now… the study that appeared before her eyes was exactly the same as it used to be!
Surprise…
This… this is such a great surprise!
"Brother Yu, you… you actually rebuilt the Imperial Academy?" Cai Zhaoji hurriedly asked…
"It wasn't me…" Lu Yu smiled slightly. "It was Chancellor Cao and the Son of Heaven. This is for the inheritance of Han culture, and also for the scholars of the realm. Who else in the entire Han dynasty could hold the position of Chief of this Imperial Academy besides Sister Zhaoji?"
Upon saying this…
Lu Yu took a step back and respectfully bowed to Cai Yan. However, there was a hint of playfulness in his words.
"Chief of the Imperial Academy above, student Lu Yu greets the Chief!"
This…
Cai Zhaoji paused slightly, but quickly recovered herself. She lightly tapped Lu Yu's head with her delicate hand. "You always like to tease your sister."
Lu Yu then grabbed Sister Zhaoji's hand and smiled slightly, remaining silent.
Uh…
Seeing this scene of deep sibling affection, the eunuch couldn't help but feel a bit envious. Of course… more than that, he felt that this Lu Sinong and Miss Cai Yan seemed to have a closeness and affection that went beyond that of siblings.
Good heavens, this felt like a full display of public affection.
"Cough cough…"
The eunuch coughed lightly. "Lu Sinong, Chief Cai… I will return to report to His Majesty. I hope Chief Cai can quickly proceed to the Imperial Palace. His Majesty and the Empress are eagerly awaiting you…"
Upon hearing this…
Cai Zhaoji then realized that she had been so engrossed in "affection" with her younger brother, no… rather, engrossed in "closeness" with her younger brother, that she had forgotten about His Majesty and the Empress.
She gracefully curtsied… "Please trouble the attendant to report to His Majesty. I will return to my residence to bathe and change, and then I will go to the palace to meet His Majesty and the Empress."
Her tone was gentle, her demeanor still humble and amiable, knowledgeable and virtuous…
Eh…
Upon mentioning bathing and changing, Lu Yu felt a certain place on his body stir. No… it stiffened.
His eyes slowly moved downwards. It seemed… through the thick clothes, he couldn't discern whether Sister Zhaoji's chest had grown!
Unfortunately… in broad daylight, he couldn't feel it!
Regrettable, truly regrettable.
"What are you thinking about?"
Before Lu Yu could snap back to reality, Cai Zhaoji asked curiously…
"Oh…" Lu Yu scratched his head. "It's nothing. I just feel that… Sister Zhaoji is even more beautiful and has more grace than she did a few months ago…"
Ah…
As these words left his mouth, Cai Zhaoji's face flushed. How could anyone stare at someone's chest and say they had grace!
This little brother is getting worse as he grows up, he's utterly wicked.
With a flushed face, Cai Zhaoji gracefully returned to the carriage…
Lu Yu then mounted his horse… and accompanied her back to the residence. Hey, cough cough… Sister Zhaoji was going to bathe and change!
…
…
Huainan, Shouchun City.
— "The one who replaces the Han will be Dangtu Gao."
This prophecy also reached this side. Yuan Shu had been unable to sleep for three full days. At this moment, he held the Imperial Seal in his hands… gazing at the eight characters engraved on it by the Qin Prime Minister Li Si—Receiving the Mandate of Heaven, Everlasting Prosperity!
Yuan Shu's eyes were hazy, lost in thought, his mind already soaring beyond the heavens.
The one who replaces the Han will be Dangtu Gao…
The more he thought, the more he felt that this "Dangtu Gao" was none other than himself, Yuan Shu, Yuan Gonglu!
"Dang 'Tu' Gao, the character 'Tu' has a story…" Yuan Shu slowly stood up, his buttocks leaving the mat he had personally woven. He paced back and forth, muttering to himself.
"That's right, 'Tu' is a homophone for 'Tu' (途), meaning path. What does 'Tu' mean? Doesn't it mean road? My Yuan Shu's name 'Shu' also refers to roads within a city…"
That's right, the character "Shu" in ancient times referred to "roads within a city." Yuan Shu's seemingly forced interpretation still had a sliver of connection.
At this moment, Yuan Shu's eyes turned…
"Furthermore, my courtesy name is 'Gonglu,' doesn't 'Gonglu' also mean road? Ah… it turns out this prophecy… The one who replaces the Han will be Dang 'Tu' Gao, and this 'Tu' refers to me, Yuan Shu! Hahaha… The one who replaces the Han is me, Yuan Shu, Hahahaha! Hahahahaha!"
Yuan Shu had figured out this problem with an incredibly peculiar thought process…
Instantly, he burst into laughter, a melancholy laugh, a hearty laugh, laughing exceptionally brightly.
He paused in his steps…
He pondered, this prophecy is now spread throughout the Great Han, and it perfectly matches his name. Moreover, the Imperial Seal is also in his hands. Could this be a sign of destiny?
Speaking of which, the Imperial Seal was originally in Sun Ce's possession…
But Sun Ce, in order to retrieve his father's former subordinates, presented this Imperial Seal to Yuan Shu in exchange for freedom to go south to Jiangdong.
Of course, none of this was important to Yuan Shu…
At this moment, Yuan Shu was completely immersed in his own happiness, lost in it, unable to extricate himself!
So… the one who replaces the Han is myself. Is this the will of heaven?
Although this explanation was somewhat far-fetched and contrived…
Yuan Shu didn't care…
In matters like this, as long as he wasn't embarrassed, others would be.
Heh heh!
Thinking of this, Yuan Shu nodded. He continued to ponder…
This time, he would analyze it solemnly from the perspective of the Yin-Yang school.
"The five elements generate and overcome each other. The Zhou Dynasty corresponded to Fire Virtue. Qin was originally a vassal state of Zhou, unifying the six states and replacing Zhou, thus it was Water Virtue!"
"The Han followed the Qin system… During the reign of Emperor Wen of Han, the five virtues of the dynasty were promoted, and the Han was also considered to have 'Water' Virtue! After the chaos of Wang Mang, the Han again corresponded to the fiery Red Virtue! What is born from fire is earth… therefore… the one who replaces the 'Fire Virtue' of the Han must be 'Earth Virtue'!"
Yuan Shu muttered to himself, calculating in his mind.
Speaking of which, although he didn't study the Four Books and Five Classics diligently when he attended the Imperial Academy, he was quite proficient in the study of Yin-Yang and Bagua. As the "Destruction King" of Huainan today, he also enjoyed associating with sorcerers and Taoists.
It was precisely for this reason that Yuan Shu truly had some skill in the theories of the Yin-Yang school.
At this moment, his eyes looked out the window into the void, and he continued to say:
"According to the family genealogy, my Yuan family originated from the 'Chen' clan in the pre-Qin period, and the 'Chen' clan are descendants of Emperor Shun among the 'Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors'!"
"Oh my, Emperor Shun represented the yellow Earth Virtue! Haha, hahahaha…"
Thinking of this, Yuan Shu laughed heartily.
After the laughter subsided, he seemed to have reached a final conclusion: "According to the Yin-Yang and Five Elements, fire generates earth. The red Fire Virtue of the Han Dynasty will be replaced by the yellow Earth Virtue. I, Yuan Shu, am a descendant of Emperor Shun, a pure and unadulterated yellow Earth Virtue!"
"Coupled with the correspondence of the prophecy, plus… this Imperial Seal, heh heh…"
At this moment, Yuan Shu flung his long sleeves, and he arrived at his final conclusion.
"Hahahaha…"
His laughter, shaking the tiles, resounded through the heavens…
Yuan Shu strode to the Imperial Seal, cupped it in both hands, and laughed loudly, "Earth replaces Fire, Dangtu Gao, hahaha… With the seal in hand, the world is mine! Hahaha… Hahahahaha!"
At this very moment…
Yuan Shu, who considered himself a successor of the Yin-Yang school, officially became a deranged "charlatan."
He firmly believed that the Yin-Yang and Five Elements were the guiding principles of heaven and earth, secretly influencing the fortunes of dynasties!
So…
"The one who replaces the Han is me, Yuan Shu, Yuan Gonglu!"
Hahaha…
"I am originally the Son of Heaven, hahahaha!"
Yuan Shu was almost driven mad…
— "The throne is mine, and the world is mine!"
— "Hahahaha! How can I defy heaven? Hahahaha! What is 'Four Generations and Three Dukes'? I, am the Nine-Five Sovereign!"
…
…