In the palace in Shouchun City, officials appeared, and the entire hall suddenly became lively.
Among the officials, one youth drew particular attention.
Feminine steps, a powdered face…
This youth gave off a single impression – effeminate!
Even… using descriptions like “radiantly beautiful” for a woman, applied to him, felt perfectly fitting.
He… was the “Hidden Dragon” Yuan Shu had spoken of.
The Hidden Dragon had appeared! At least… the Hidden Dragon as identified by Yuan Shu, had appeared.
If one were to say… this Huainan Hidden Dragon merely lacked a touch of a boy’s masculinity and possessed a bit more feminine grace, that would be one thing…
But this youth, who clearly looked under ten years old, despite his tall stature, did not match the seventeen or eighteen-year-old Hidden Dragon in age.
Yang Hong, Yan Xiang, and Zhang Xun’s expressions tightened. They couldn’t understand what Yuan Shu was trying to achieve. This… was clearly a fake Hidden Dragon!
Immediately… Yan Xiang cupped his hands and asked, “Lord Yuan? This… is the Hidden Dragon?”
“Hahaha…” Yuan Shu laughed. “Ping Shu, tell them who you are.”
Upon hearing this, the youth turned around, looking quite composed. “I am He Yan, courtesy name Ping Shu, seventeen years of age. The Hidden Dragon whom Lord Yuan and all the esteemed ministers are searching for, is myself.”
Huo… Huo…
What audacity!
Wait?
He Yan? Courtesy name Ping Shu! Yang Hong, Yan Xiang, and Zhang Xun exchanged glances. Wasn’t this the grandson of the former General He Jin? When did… he become the Hidden Dragon?
That’s right, He Yan was indeed He Jin’s grandson. During Dong Zhuo’s reign of tyranny, his mother, Madam Yin, took him south to escape, and they had been hiding in Shouchun City.
Speaking of which, He Yan was a famous prodigy of the Three Kingdoms period…
According to ancient records, he was known alongside Cao Chong, who could “weigh an elephant,” Zhou Buyi, the “man from Lingling’s Chong’an,” Zhuge Ke, “Zhuge’s Donkey,” and Sun Liang, “Sun Lang’s Plum Break.” He was counted among the five great prodigies of this era.
Of course, the title of prodigy was far inferior in status to the title of “Hidden Dragon.”
For this very reason, when the assertion that He Yan was the Hidden Dragon was made, Yang Hong, Yan Xiang, and Zhang Xun repeatedly shook their heads in disbelief!
“Lord Yuan… how… how can he be the Hidden Dragon?” Yan Xiang quickly questioned.
Yuan Shu, however, waved his hand dismissively, his gaze sharp, and his tone extremely confident. “If I say he is the Hidden Dragon, then he is the Hidden Dragon, no doubt about it!”
This…
Before Yan Xiang and the others could retort, Yuan Shu spoke again.
“Hidden Dragon, could you explain to all the assembled ministers the meaning of the recent popular prophecy? And why do you claim that the one to replace the Han is me, Yuan Shu?”
“Here!” He Yan replied, then turned and cupped his hands. “Emperor Wu of Han once said – the Han has a calamity of six sevens, and the law dictates a new mandate. Which of the imperial clan’s descendants shall answer this? The one who governs for six sevens, forty-two generations of Han, shall be the High of Datu!”
Despite He Yan’s effeminate appearance, when he spoke solemnly, his voice was clear and resonant.
It possessed a maturity and confidence far exceeding his age.
“The calamity of six sevens corresponds to the forty-second generation of Han… and adding them together makes twenty-nine generations. The current Great Han has precisely experienced twenty-nine generations. This is a sign from heaven, the Han’s fate is exhausted, and it is time for a new ruler to replace it!”
Having said this, He Yan continued his explanation…
He linked Yuan Shu’s name, Yuan Shu’s courtesy name, and “High of Datu”…
He also connected the Yuan clan’s genealogy with the Chen clan…
The Chen clan, descendants of Emperor Shun, belonged to the Earth element. Fire generates Earth. Only Yuan Shu’s Earth element, which extinguishes the Han’s Fire element, can succeed!
After explaining this, He Yan pointed out the most crucial point – the Imperial Seal.
“On the Imperial Seal, the small characters carved in vermilion jade seal script by Qin Prime Minister Li Si read: ‘Received the Mandate of Heaven, Endowed with Longevity and Prosperity!’ Now, Lord Yuan possesses this Imperial Seal, does that not signify that Lord Yuan has received the Mandate of Heaven? Therefore, I declare that the one to replace the Han – must be Lord Yuan!”
He Yan’s words made Yuan Shu’s heart bloom with joy.
“Hahahaha…” Yuan Shu stood up and laughed heartily…
Looking at the dull-witted Yang Hong, Yan Xiang, and Zhang Xun, Yuan Shu laughed even more heartily.
This was a show he had concocted himself, finding someone to impersonate the Hidden Dragon, all for the sake of popular rumor and the Hidden Dragon “leaking heavenly secrets”!
Then… have the “Hidden Dragon” say everything he wanted him to say, all about Yin-Yang, five elements, prophecies, and the Imperial Seal!
In this manner, he would add more leverage. With this, who would dare to object when Yuan Shu proclaimed himself emperor?
This was all just a play for his imperial enthronement!
Of course, Yuan Shu believed that Yang Hong, Yan Xiang, and Zhang Xun were stunned by the Hidden Dragon’s words.
But in reality… these three had only four words in their minds –
…
…
In Xuchang City, south of the city, the Dragon Roar Camp.
The mission to Chen State was extremely confidential. Even Dian Wei, Lu Yu’s personal guard, was unaware of it until the day of departure.
Early that morning, when the news of Yuan Shu’s enthronement arrived, Lu Yu calculated the timing and found it was about right.
He immediately went to the Dragon Roar Camp to summon Dian Wei, Huang Zhong, and Cao Anmin…
Cheng Yu had been waiting in the Dragon Roar Camp’s main tent since early morning, seemingly prepared with warhorses, maps, and even arrangements for assistance in Chen State beforehand.
Everything was ready… and he had spent at least ten days preparing all this.
Meanwhile…
When Cao Anmin arrived at the main tent, he saw Lu Yu, Cheng Yu, Dian Wei, and Huang Zhong discussing something within.
Seeing Cao Anmin arrive…
Cheng Yu glanced at Lu Yu, and Lu Yu also glanced at Cheng Yu. Their eyes met, and Cheng Yu pursed his lips, remaining silent.
After all, in his opinion.
Dian Wei and Huang Zhong were brave enough, but… Cao Anmin’s courage was another story. He was only a teenager. If he were to hear that he was to undertake such a dangerous mission to Chen State at this critical juncture.
He wondered… how would he react? Would he have second thoughts?
Lu Yu spoke first, smiling. “Anmin, you’ve arrived at the perfect time. Do you know that among the rising stars of the Dragon Roar Camp, you are the one I value most!”
Cao Anmin was initially full of doubt. He muttered to himself, “Young Master Lu, Cheng Yu, Dian Wei, Huang Zhong… for a military conference of this caliber. It seems, no matter how you slice it, it’s not my turn to participate.”
But upon hearing Lu Yu’s words, he was instantly moved.
If not for Young Master Lu, he would have become an orphan a long time ago. Lu Yu was like a benefactor to him. It was precisely because of this that he worked exceptionally hard in the Dragon Roar Camp, partly to repay his kindness, and partly to achieve success and gain the recognition of his father and uncle.
In fact…
Cao Anmin had performed quite admirably in the Dragon Roar Camp. He was responsible for the scout camp, which was tasked with intelligence gathering.
Previously, whether it was the battle of Runan or the battlefield of Luoyang, his scout camp had played a crucial role.
Hearing the tone of Young Master Lu, it seemed he was about to entrust him with a significant responsibility. Cao Anmin mustered his full spirit.
“Young Master Lu’s kindness to me is as heavy as a mountain. Even if I were to go through fire and water, it would be difficult to repay even a fraction of Young Master Lu’s grace!”
Cough cough…
Upon saying this, Lu Yu coughed lightly. “Don’t make it sound so serious. However… there’s a task for you this time. You will accompany Commander Cheng, General Huang, and Commander Dian to Chen State! The specific mission will be explained to you by Commander Cheng upon arrival in Chen State.”
This…
“Chen… Chen State?” Cao Anmin’s heart skipped a beat. He had just heard about Yuan Shu’s enthronement this morning. Therefore… Chen State, located between Shouchun and Xuchang, was an extremely vital and sensitive strategic location. Going there now… seemed a bit… dangerous!
Seeing his slight hesitation, Lu Yu said with a serious expression, “The matter is urgent and cannot be delayed, nor can any rumors be leaked. However… upon reaching Chen State, I have a small reward prepared for you.”
Hearing this… Cao Anmin gritted his teeth. It was at the behest of Young Master Lu and an order from the Dragon Roar Camp. He asked no further questions, merely saying, “Then… your subordinate will go back to pack and depart tomorrow!”
“Impossible!” Lu Yu interrupted directly. “This matter is of great importance. Commander Cheng has already spent considerable time gathering intelligence on Chen State. We cannot afford to delay even a moment. You must depart immediately. Ride your horses day and night, and you will reach Chen State within three days!”
Cao Anmin was still confused, but looking at Lu Yu’s stern expression, he felt a chill. Could it be… that this mission was so urgent and important?
Thinking of this, his blood surged. To be assigned a mission alongside Commander Cheng, Commander Dian, and General Huang!
This was Young Master Lu testing me.
However… his father would likely be worried.
With a sigh in his heart, he had no more reservations!
The four of them hurriedly left the main tent and rode off on their horses, as swift as lightning.
Hoo…
Watching their retreating figures, Lu Yu sighed to himself. “Whether we can save that person this time concerns an entire region of Chen State and the fate of one hundred thousand troops. You must succeed!”
That’s right, this time… the mission Lu Yu assigned them was specifically to save the Chancellor of Chen State, Luo Jun.
The reason for doing so was because… Lu Yu knew.
The first major task Yuan Shu would undertake after proclaiming himself emperor was not to fight Cao Cao, but to assassinate the ruler of Chen State, Liu Chong, and the Chancellor of Chen State, Luo Jun, thereby annexing Chen State and gaining one hundred thousand troops for free!
Ironically, history is such that the ruler of Chen State, Liu Chong, renowned for his bravery, and the Chancellor of Chen State, Luo Jun, known for his wisdom… both met their end at the hands of Yuan Shu’s assassins. And the assassin Yuan Shu dispatched was someone Lu Yu was familiar with – Zhang Kai!
That’s right, it was the same bandit leader who had once plundered Old Master Cao’s convoy.
This was a fresh grievance, along with old ones…
The difficulty of the mission assigned to Cheng Yu and the other three lay precisely in this!
Under the circumstance that the ruler of Chen State, Liu Chong, is assassinated, they must save the Chancellor of Chen State, Luo Jun, then use his prestige to stabilize the situation, and finally persuade him to surrender to Cao Cao… and await Cao Cao’s reinforcements.
On the surface, this seemed like an impossible mission of persuasion.
But with the favor of saving a life, the major premise of the ruler of Chen State’s death, and the unrest among the people of Chen, everything became possible!
Whether the one hundred thousand troops of Chen State would belong to Yuan Shu or Cao Cao… was crucial to the situation in the Jianghuai region.
Thinking of this, Lu Yu narrowed his eyes.
Cheng Yu, Huang Zhong, Dian Wei, Cao Anmin…
This time, their mission was not easy!
…
…
In Xuzhou, Xiapi City, the back courtyard of the government office.
“I won’t marry! I won’t marry… Give me a spear, and that Yuan Yao, I’ll see if I can pierce his head through.”
“Hmph, if you cause any trouble then, just find me.”
The clear voice of a girl of seventeen or eighteen could be heard continuously.
From her demeanor, she seemed quite fierce.
If she were given a long spear at this moment, she might even go on a rampage.
“Lingqi, don’t be like this…”
This seventeen or eighteen-year-old woman with exquisite beauty and a valiant aura was none other than Lü Lingqi, and the one persuading her was her stepmother, Diao Chan.
Since entering Xuzhou, to win over the support of the Danyang soldiers faction, Lü Lingqi’s birth mother, Madam Yan, had been hidden by Lü Bu in a secluded location. Therefore… all matters, big and small, in Lü Bu’s household were handled by Diao Chan.
At this moment…
Diao Chan had received orders from her husband, Lü Bu, to marry their eldest daughter, Lü Lingqi, to the newly enthroned Yuan Shu’s son, or more precisely, to marry her as Crown Princess to Crown Prince Yuan Yao.
Lü Bu had readily agreed to this marriage, but Lü Lingqi vehemently refused. Now, Diao Chan was trying to counsel her.
“A child’s marriage has always been determined by the parents’ decree and matchmaker’s words. Lingqi, don’t be wilful. Since it is arranged by your father, how could he harm you?”
“What nonsense!” Lü Lingqi’s face was exceptionally displeased. “If you force me to marry someone I’ve never met, then the wedding night will be his death!”
“Hmph, I can marry, but let me take my spear with me. This young lady would love to see if he can withstand my ‘Raging Wildfire Hundred Slashes’!”
The more she spoke… the angrier Lü Lingqi became.
Diao Chan could only continue to persuade her in vain…
“Alas…” Lü Bu, standing outside the door, shook his head helplessly. He had intended to go in and persuade her together, but… in this situation, how could he persuade her?
This girl Lü Lingqi was utterly spoiled.
Gao Shun, standing beside him, also had a solemn expression. Strictly speaking, Lü Lingqi was his disciple. To have his female disciple marry the son of a usurper, Gao Shun was also unwilling.
But… Gao Shun could understand his lord, Lü Bu!
Lü Bu, occupying Xiapi City and wooing the Danyang faction, found the situation in Xiapi far from stable. Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Yuan Shu… were all formidable opponents. He desperately needed allies. Therefore… when Yuan Shu proposed marriage, Lü Bu agreed without a second thought.
“Won’t marry, won’t marry, won’t marry…”
“I say I won’t marry, and I won’t marry!”
Lü Lingqi’s resolute voice continued to echo…
Lü Bu was helpless, his brow furrowed. He whispered to Gao Shun, “I have already agreed to Yuan Shu! Yuan Shu has now proclaimed himself emperor, so what’s wrong with becoming his Crown Princess? Moreover… this is a strong ally for us! But… but Lingqi she… she…”
Just as Gao Shun was about to offer some comfort…
At this moment…
“It’s good you won’t marry, it’s better not to marry at all!”
A deep and powerful voice sounded. Lü Bu and Gao Shun looked in the direction of the voice, it was the strategist of this place – Chen Gong.
Chen Gong walked briskly, speaking as he did.
“Yuan Shu is a usurper. We should clearly distance ourselves from him. Does Marquis Wen intend to become in-laws with a rebel? Are you rushing to be buried with him!”
This…
Lü Bu’s expression tightened. “But… Yuan Shu’s enthronement was guided by the Hidden Dragon, and even the Hidden Dragon has joined Yuan Shu’s ranks. There’s also the folk prophecy, ‘The one who replaces the Han shall be the High of Datu,’ and the Hidden Dragon’s leaked heavenly secret, ‘The one who replaces the Han is Yuan Shu’!”
“Pah…”
Before Lü Bu could finish speaking, Chen Gong flicked his sleeve. His face turned ashen as he looked at Lü Bu, his eyes filled with a sentiment of regret for his lack of progress.
“Feng Xian, oh Feng Xian, you are muddled! I’ll tell you today, the Hidden Dragon will not be under Yuan Shu’s command. The Hidden Dragon joined Cao’s camp two years ago!”
Upon hearing this…
Lü Bu’s and Gao Shun’s expressions suddenly stiffened!
Big question marks appeared on their foreheads.
Is what Mister says… true?
The Hidden Dragon… how could the Hidden Dragon be in Cao’s camp?
Then… who is this Hidden Dragon serving Yuan Shu?
…
…