"Sir, may we speak in private!"
Lu Bu pulled Chen Gong into the main hall of the yamen...
He asked impatiently, "Sir, you say Yin Lin is in Cao Ying?"
As he spoke, Lu Bu's expression suddenly changed, and he still found it somewhat unbelievable.
"Yin Lin... how can Yin Lin be in Cao Ying?"
"Then where else?" Chen Gong frowned, explaining carefully, "Three years ago, Cao Cao was just like you, Lord Wen Hou, without a single city, and with only some Qiao Pei warriors under his command!"
"After pursuing Dong Thief and suffering a great defeat at Xingyang, he went to Yangzhou to recruit soldiers, and even encountered betrayal from new recruits. It was from that time on that he took this seemingly unremarkable step!"
Upon hearing this, Lu Bu suddenly thought of something.
The unremarkable step Chen Gong spoke of was Cao Cao taking control of Yan Province.
Indeed... even now, Cao Cao's move into Yan Province didn't seem particularly brilliant.
Granted... at that time, Yan Province Governor Liu Dai had died, and Yan Province needed someone to oversee the situation. However, in reality, with internal strife and external threats, taking over Yan Province was almost a hellish challenge.
With strong enemies encircling them externally and the Yellow Turban Rebellion raging internally, Cao Cao was very likely to become the next Yan Province Governor Liu Dai to perish!
Yet, most incredibly, in this hellish difficulty, Cao Cao managed to make an unbelievable comeback. Not only did he resolve the internal Yellow Turban Rebellion, but he also incorporated them for his own use. Furthermore, he campaigned in Xuzhou, Yuzhou, and Sili, and even now, he welcomed the Son of Heaven, thus soaring to become a colossal power in the Central Plains.
If it were according to Mr. Chen Gong's intention, then...
"Sir..." Lu Bu was about to speak.
Chen Gong's words preempted him. "Feng Xian, think about it. Cao Cao, who had repeatedly failed before, was dejected, and even stooped to being Yuan Shao's lapdog. How could he rise to power overnight? If he had no expert guidance, how could he possibly make such a comeback?"
Having said this, Chen Gong paused, seemingly giving Lu Bu time to think.
Lu Bu's brows furrowed even tighter. "Sir means that from that time... Yin Lin joined Cao Cao's command? And planned and strategized for him to achieve this mighty army?"
"That's right!" Chen Gong's tone was firm. "Before, I couldn't be sure, but... recently, among the nine ministers newly appointed by the imperial court, the selection for the Grand Minister of Agriculture is a seventeen-year-old youth named Lu Yu!"
"I specifically sent spies to investigate him, and it turns out... this Lu Yu joined Cao Ying two years ago and has since served as Cao Cao's staff officer and the commander of the Dragon Cavalry Camp!"
"Our surprise attack on Yan Province back then, our defeat at Puyang, were both due to this Dragon Cavalry Camp... Feng Xian, do you now understand Lu Yu's influence? How could he be an ordinary youth?"
Huo... Lu Bu's eyes narrowed almost completely.
Come to think of it, he had heard of a staff officer named Lu Yu in Cao Ying before, but he had never connected Lu Yu with Yin Lin.
However, with Chen Gong explaining it like this, it... carried a profound meaning.
In Lu Bu's mind, Mr. Chen Gong's insight was incredibly sharp, and his words would never be groundless.
Moreover...
"Lu Yu, seventeen years old! Two years ago, Yin Lin was precisely fifteen!" Lu Bu murmured the sentence, and then he thought of something. "Then that Yin Lin under Yuan Shu..."
"Hmph!" Chen Gong snorted coldly, and then his eyes were filled with contempt. "Fake! Yuan Shu's ambition to proclaim himself emperor has almost clouded his mind, making him utterly foolish, utterly foolish! The true Yin Lin would only hold the Son of Heaven to command the feudal lords, while a fake Yin Lin would advise his lord to proclaim himself emperor and bring about his own destruction!"
"To go a million steps back, even if the true Yin Lin were in Yuan Shu's hands, at this juncture, he would need to remain hidden! Now... using Yin Lin to proclaim himself emperor is tantamount to making enemies of everyone. Feng Xian, watch, Yuan Shu will soon become a living target! His side will also be deserted by all."
"Then Cao Cao, who holds the Son of Heaven, and Yuan Shu, the false emperor, will inevitably engage in a fierce battle! At this time, Yuan Shu marrying his son is to tie Feng Xian to his war chariot! Do you understand!"
When it came to this crucial point, Chen Gong couldn't help but speak with more emphasis.
At this very moment... he was like Lu Bu's doting father, earnestly advising him, and also somewhat disappointed that he wasn't making more progress.
Even so, Chen Gong inwardly exclaimed - This is too difficult for me!
"Then... then what should we do?"
Lu Bu was suddenly lost.
Cao Cao had the true Yin Lin under his command, and Yuan Shu had the fake Yin Lin... This matter forced Lu Bu to re-examine his relationship with Yuan Shu.
"I have already agreed to Yuan Shu. If I go back on my word, wouldn't I become a fickle and untrustworthy person?"
"It's nothing!" Chen Gong waved his hand. "Although you have agreed to Yuan Shu, there is a precedent for betrothal. It is said that the Son of Heaven's is one year, feudal lords half a year, grand officials a quarter, and commoners one month. Yuan Shu proclaims himself Emperor Zhong, doesn't he? According to the rites, there is no reason for the wedding to take place immediately after the betrothal."
Having said this, Chen Gong paused. "Feng Xian might as well use this as an excuse to inform Yuan Shu, saying that according to the rites, the daughter will be sent over after one year. Let's see how long this Emperor Yuan Shu can last!"
"Hmph, one mountain cannot tolerate two tigers. Since Yuan Shu dares to proclaim himself emperor, he will most dislike others being emperors too! Heh heh, there will inevitably be a fierce battle between Cao Cao and Yuan Shu. When the situation becomes clear, if Yuan Shu wins, then the Crown Princess is his. If Yuan Shu does not win, it will not affect our Xiapi city!"
"Brilliant, brilliant!" Lu Bu blew on his sexy little mustache and nodded, "Sir, you are truly talented..."
Just as he was about to praise Chen Gong further, he suddenly thought of a crucial issue.
He immediately spoke, "Sir, in your opinion, between Cao Cao and Yuan Shu, who will win this battle?"
This...
Let alone! This question truly stumped Chen Gong.
He slowly paced to the map, his eyes fixed, looking between Xuchang city and Shouchun city.
His eyes continuously swept over the cities and counties bordering Cao Cao's and Yuan Shu's territories. Finally, his gaze fell upon the land of "Chen State."
He whispered, "Cao Cao is not weak, and Yuan Shu is not as strong as imagined. They are evenly matched!"
"If they were to fight, I'm afraid the Chen State in between would be crucial. Whoever can win the support of Chen State, whoever can recruit these one hundred thousand elite soldiers of Chen State, will be able to dominate the Central Plains!"
As soon as these words were spoken...
Lu Bu also rose abruptly and stood before the map.
Yes, the Lord of Chen State, Liu Chong, is a colossal power from Yuzhou to the Huai River region!
His one hundred thousand elite soldiers are enough to rewrite the entire situation in the Central Plains!
However... Lu Bu asked loudly, "Sir? Is it possible that Cao Cao, Yuan Shu, and Chen State will all suffer losses, and I, Lu Bu, will be the one to benefit?"
This...
Chen Gong's eyes narrowed. He had considered this possibility, but...
Heh heh, Chen Gong smiled faintly and then sighed, "Feng Xian, you must remember that Yin Lin is in Cao Ying. He was able to help Cao Cao rise from obscurity and become the colossal power he is today. How could he not see the current situation?"
Having said this, Chen Gong shook his head. "Three states suffering mutual damage, heh heh, let's not harbor such beautiful dreams!"
For some reason, as long as Chen Gong thought of "Yin Lin" in Cao Ying!
He dared not be careless in the slightest, fearing... fearing that all these beautiful visions would ultimately turn into empty dreams.
After all... in his past encounters with Yin Lin, he had never gained the upper hand. This was not a battle of equal strength!
...
...
Xudu City, Sikong Mansion.
"Duke Cao, it's time for the morning court!" Xu Chu reminded him early in the morning.
"I'm not going to the morning court today." Cao Cao, sitting at his desk, did not look very energetic.
He had not slept all night...
And his face was exceptionally pale, his gaze fixed on a bamboo slip, which was an urgent report from spies regarding Yuan Shu's proclamation of emperor.
With Yuan Shu proclaiming himself emperor, Cao Cao had been sleepless for nearly the entire night.
He had to respond as quickly as possible...
The entire world did not know how many people were watching this matter. If Yuan Shu were allowed to proclaim himself emperor, then... the entire world would be thrown into chaos, and the card of the Son of Heaven in Cao Cao's hands would be devalued to nothing.
It seemed that he and Yuan Shu were bound to have a fierce battle.
And the outcome of this battle would determine the fate of the entire Central Plains, and even the entire world's situation.
However...
Cao Cao did not have a sure chance of victory. It was still the same question, and if it were not resolved, Cao Cao would not be able to sleep.
Chen State, this buffer zone between Cao Cao and Yuan Shu, how should it be handled?
Of course... earlier, Yu'er had made a military pledge to conquer Chen State before June. It was now early May, the fifth day.
But...
"Zhong Kang?" Cao Cao raised his head.
"Sikong Cao..." Seeing that Cao Cao was preoccupied, Xu Chu cupped his hands.
Cao Cao continued to ask, "Did Administrator Lu really only send those four people to Chen State?"
When he mentioned this, Cao Cao still seemed somewhat incredulous.
But Xu Chu's voice was extremely firm. "It has been verified. Administrator Lu only sent Cheng Yu, the Eastern Zhonglang General, Huang Zhong, the General of An Dong, Dian Wei, the Commander of the Dragon Cavalry Camp, and... Cao Anmin, the Centurion of the Dragon Cavalry Camp, four people. Counting the time, they should arrive in Chen State in another day."
"What about the Dragon Cavalry Camp? Have they taken any action?" Cao Cao asked further.
"No!" Xu Chu replied truthfully.
"As expected..." Cao Cao's expression looked very calm. He seemed to have anticipated something and blurted out, "It seems Yu'er... does not intend to force an attack!"
"But this time... if he uses his most skilled tactic of attacking the mind? How does Yu'er plan to proceed?"
"Yu'er?" Upon hearing this appellation, Xu Chu scratched his head and retorted, "Sikong Cao refers to Administrator Lu as Yu'er?"
"Oh..." Cao Cao paused, then smiled slightly, "Zhong Kang, you don't need to worry about this. After dealing with the matters of Chen State and Yuan Shu, I will tell you in detail!"
In Cao Cao's view...
He truly did not plan to hide the fact that Yu'er was his eldest son from Xu Chu.
Firstly, Xu Chu was recommended to Cao Cao by Yu'er. Strictly speaking, in the future, he would be a direct subordinate of Lu Yu!
Secondly, Xu Chu was Cao Cao's personal guard. He was the person with whom he had the most contact in daily life. If he knew Yu'er's identity, Xu Chu and the Tiger Guard army would act with consideration for this.
This would greatly facilitate Yu'er's smooth progress in the future.
Of course, Cao Cao was currently worried about Chen State and Yuan Shu, and couldn't bother with this for now. He would tell Xu Chu when there was an opportunity later.
"Oh..." Xu Chu scratched his head again.
Hu... Cao Cao let out a sigh. "Have our informants in Chen State closely monitor the four people sent by Administrator Lu. If necessary, even if it means exposing themselves, provide them with the necessary help."
Having said this, Cao Cao paused. He slowly stood up, walked to the window, and stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze looking south...
He couldn't help but sigh again, "Four people, can they really move the ten thousand troops of Chen State?"
Thinking of this...
Cao Cao calmly commanded, "Zhong Kang, immediately issue an order to the three armies, telling all camps to be ready to march at any time. As soon as there is any change in Chen State, our army must mobilize immediately."
"Yes!" Xu Chu replied...
In fact, Cao Cao was still confused about Lu Yu's current plan, but... with such a brilliant precedent, Yu'er had never done anything he was not confident about, and this time was no exception!
To go a million steps back, the four people going to Chen State this time—Cheng Yu, Huang Zhong, Dian Wei, Cao Anmin...
In Cao Cao's eyes...
Putting aside his nephew Cao Anmin, the other three were Yu'er's most outstanding deputies!
Cheng Yu's courage and meticulousness, Huang Zhong and Dian Wei's bravery, and his nephew Cao Anmin, who also had extraordinary skill in gathering intelligence.
Since Yu'er arranged for these four to go to Chen State, he must have had his considerations... and they would eventually stir up the winds and clouds in the Huai River region.
"Monitor closely. For the rest... prepare yourselves and stand ready!"
Cao Cao added again.
He subconsciously clenched his fist... At this moment, he was undoubtedly more nervous than Yu'er.
Similarly, Cao Cao was gambling... gambling that Yu'er could fulfill his promise and capture Chen State before June.
...
...
Xuzhou, Xiaopei City.
"Big Brother? Are we really going to Chen State? Chen State is not peaceful right now!"
At this moment, at the south gate of Xiaopei, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, three brothers, were all on horseback.
Behind them were hundreds of cavalrymen, who were already ready and prepared to depart at any moment.
Guan Yu still had his usual stoic face, but he expressed doubt about his elder brother's proposed action to go to Chen State.
After all...
After Yuan Shu proclaimed himself emperor, everyone knew that Chen State, situated between Cao Cao and Yuan Shu, would become a storm eye, or... a place of slaughter.
Hu...
Liu Bei fastened his twin swords at his waist, his tone as firm as ever.
"We must go. Our spies have discovered that the traitor Yuan Shu sent assassins to assassinate the Lord of Chen State, and Yuan Shu's legions are already restless. If they succeed, then... the situation will become irreversible."
"Moreover, the Lord of Chen State, Liu Chong, is a relative of the Han imperial family, and is my brother. Yuan Shu openly proclaimed himself emperor, so no matter what, the land of Chen State cannot fall into the hands of the traitor."
Liu Bei's tone was exceptionally resolute...
Zhang Fei straightened his Serpent Spear and shouted,
"Big Brother, in my opinion, we don't need to inform Liu Chong at all. With just the three of us brothers... we can directly conquer Chen State. Then Big Brother will be the Lord of the State, and these one hundred thousand troops of Chen State will all obey Big Brother! Then, regardless of whether it's Cao Cao or Yuan Shu, whoever Big Brother says to attack, I will lead the troops to quell them!"
Zhang Fei's words were always so... lovable.
However... the feasibility of it was undoubtedly subject to a huge question mark.
"Third Brother..." Guan Yu reminded him, "Chen State has one hundred thousand troops, and the Lord of Chen State, Liu Chong, is also a brave and skilled warrior. We are only bringing a few hundred men? How can we conquer it so easily? But if... if we tell him about the assassination news from Yuan Shu, then..."
Having said this, Guan Yu paused. "Big Brother, Chen State is in a special location, sandwiched between Cao Cao and Yuan Shu. If Chen State cannot fall into Yuan Shu's hands, then... it will inevitably fall into Cao Cao's hands. This... wouldn't that be benefiting Cao Cao?"
As soon as these words were spoken, Liu Bei's eyes slightly narrowed.
"Second Brother, if Chen State is bound to be lost, then I would rather it fall into Cao Cao's hands. At least Cao Cao supports the Son of Heaven, and upholds the legitimate lineage of the Han dynasty. Yuan Shu openly proclaimed himself emperor and called himself Emperor Zhong. How can I, Liu Bei, tolerate him!"
"This is righteousness, the great way, the foundation of my Liu Bei's standing in this chaotic world!"
Don't be fooled by Liu Bei's righteous words...
In fact, Liu Bei had another thought.
To put it bluntly, in this chaotic world, only he, Liu Bei, and Lu Bu were surviving in the cracks, constantly jumping left and right in search of survival space.
In the past, Liu Bei defected to Gongsun Zan like this, and also when he defected to Tao Qian. Now... he was merely imitating the past when he saved Xuzhou and went to Chen State to seek refuge with Liu Chong.
Now, the intelligence intercepted by Liu Bei about "Yuan Shu sending people to assassinate Liu Chong" was invaluable!
Coupled with the fact that Liu Bei was also a relative of the Han imperial family, if he could unite with Liu Chong, perhaps... he could create a different scene.
Then, using Liu Chong's hatred for Yuan Shu, they could send troops to eliminate Yuan Shu, seize the Huainan region, and occupy the six prefectures of Yangzhou would not be impossible.
Even if Cao Cao, Yuan Shu, and Liu Chong were in conflict, it was not impossible for him, Liu Bei, to sit back and reap the benefits, just like when Tao Qian abdicated Xuzhou thrice in the past.
Of course...
Achieving this was not simple.
"Hmph..." At this time, Zhang Fei was still roaring, "My Big Brother hasn't even proclaimed himself emperor yet. What is he, Yuan Shu, that he dares to call himself Emperor Zhong? If he can be emperor, then I, Zhang Fei, can also be emperor!"
"Third Brother, do not speak rashly!" Liu Bei immediately said.
"Big Brother..." Guan Yu raised his Green Dragon Crescent Blade and pointed towards Chen State, not far from Xiaopei. More accurately, he pointed towards the imperial road. Guan Yu retorted, "It seems that the situation in Xudu City is also too quiet, isn't it?"
That's right...
This was what worried Liu Bei the most.
Logically speaking, with Yuan Shu proclaiming himself emperor, Xudu City should not be so quiet!
But three days had passed, and there was no news from Xudu City. Moreover, for three consecutive days, Cao Cao had not even attended the morning court.
Was he hiding?
And Chen State!
Yuan Shu attempted to use insidious means to carry out assassination to seize Chen State, but... what about Cao Cao? Why was he so calm and collected? Without any signs of dispatching troops?
Chen State, this strategic location? Did he intend to give it up?
With this in mind...
Liu Bei's brow furrowed tightly. It was strange, too strange!
This time... the actions of Cao Ying surrounding the gamble for Chen State... were simply too bizarre!
And this also gave Liu Bei a great sense of unease.
His eyes narrowed even tighter.
He murmured to himself:
—"Cao Mengde, you... what exactly are you planning?"
—"If you don't make a move, won't this Chen State be in chaos? How can I, Liu Bei, fish in troubled waters?"
However, how would Liu Bei know.
Chen State is like a chess piece, and Yin Lin has already made his move.
Whether it was he, Liu Bei, or the Lord of Chen State, Liu Chong, or even Lu Bu, Yuan Shu... Heh heh, face the wind!
...
...