Here, the Longxiao Camp cavalry rode towards the Imperial Academy.
Meanwhile…
Inside the Sima residence, after seeing Lu Yu off, Xun Yu bowed to Cao Cao.
"I, Xun Yu, congratulate you, Sima Cao."
This bow… completely bewildered Cao Cao.
What was happening?
Why the congratulations?
"Lord Lingjun Xun, what is there to congratulate?"
"Haha…" Xun Yu stroked his beard and eloquently explained his thoughts. "Sima Cao's desire to conquer Lü Bu was only held back by five points. The first was Liu Bei's relationship with Lü Bu, the second was Lü Bu's ferocity, the third was Chen Gong's strategy, the fourth was the bravery of Lü Bu's eight elite generals, and the fifth was the eyes of Xiapi City!"
"Now, all five points have been resolved by the words of Agricultural Minister Lu. Everything is ready."
"Sun Tzu's Art of War states – to subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill! The time is now ripe, we only need for Agricultural Minister Lu to again open our eyes, to re-establish contact with Xiapi City. Then, conquering Lü Bu, coordinating from within and without, this battle is sure to be victorious!"
Speaking of which…
Xun Yu's mastery of military strategy might only be second-rate, but his insight into the current situation has always been precise.
From his conversation with Lu Yu just now, regarding the issues of conquering Lü Bu, Lu Yu's answers were enough to convince him that Lü Bu would be defeated, and the Central Plains would be pacified!
When these words reached Cao Cao's ears.
It felt very comforting.
Just as Xun Yu had said.
These five points were indeed the aspects Cao Cao was concerned about regarding Lü Bu.
However, due to Hao Meng's betrayal, Lü Bu had reduced the military power of the eight elite generals, causing these generals, despite their strength, to be unable to exert it.
Furthermore, due to the personality weaknesses of Chen Gong and Lü Bu, both Lü Bu's ferocity and Chen Gong's strategy would be greatly diminished.
If the eyes of Xiapi City were to be lit again, with coordination from within and without, only Liu Bei's relationship with Lü Bu would remain.
And this…
Was precisely the easiest point for Cao Cao to manipulate at the moment.
After all, he still held the Emperor in his hand!
With just one imperial decree, an edict for Liu Bei to attack Lü Bu, regardless of whether Liu Bei accepted the decree to attack, it would inevitably arouse Lü Bu's suspicion!
Xiapi City, Xiaopei;
The great fire between Liu Bei and Lü Bu was about to be ignited.
With this thought in mind…
Cao Cao looked meaningfully at Xun Yu, then reached out and patted his shoulder.
"Wenruo, listening to you speak is as intoxicating as drinking fine wine, as always!"
"Come, Agricultural Minister Lu missed our venison, let us replenish ourselves! Hahaha…"
Saying this, Cao Cao and Xun Yu walked out of the study arm-in-arm!
At this moment, the venison in the dining hall was fragrant.
…
…
On the road from Xudu City towards the Ying River on the outskirts…
Inside the carriage of the Longxiao Camp cavalry.
Lu Yu and Cheng Yu were talking face to face.
"Young Master Lu mentioned before that he had an important task to give me. Now that we have returned to Xudu City, please speak frankly. Whatever your command, I will go through fire and water without hesitation."
Cheng Yu volunteered…
He was not someone who could stay idle. For these past few years, whether day or night, he had been on the move and could not settle down.
"Does Commander Cheng not intend to rest for a few days?" Lu Yu asked in return…
"Rest? Haha, I can rest anytime. But now that a major battle is imminent and Xiapi City has lost its eyes, I fear there is no time for rest!" Cheng Yu replied with a smile.
In fact… he had already guessed something.
Sima Cao's ambition to conquer Xuzhou was no secret in the Cao camp. Coincidentally, Hao Meng's rebellion had disrupted all previous deployments, cutting off all intelligence channels!
At such a time, how could he be absent?
However…
This time, Cheng Yu had truly guessed wrong.
"Commander Cheng, this mission is indeed related to the conquest of Lü Bu, but for you, it is not to go to Xuzhou!"
Lu Yu explained, "Xuzhou is merely the enemy in front of us. As I said before, no matter how formidable the enemy in front of us is, they are in the open and not truly terrifying. What we truly need to guard against is the wolf behind us!"
"Lü Bu's decisive battle with Cao Cao, this wolf will inevitably be drawn into the battlefield. Your task, Commander Cheng, is to pull out this wolf's fangs and make this wolf's claws serve us!"
Behind? A wolf?
Fangs, claws?
Upon hearing this, Cheng Yu's eyes rolled, and he asked,
"Is Young Master Lu referring to Zhang Xiu of Wancheng?"
"But… this fellow has held firm in Wancheng for so many years and has never crossed the border. Moreover, he doesn't have much friendship with Lü Bu! I don't think it's likely…"
Hearing this.
"Heh heh!"
Lu Yu chuckled directly.
He did not expect that even a wise man like Cheng Yu had guessed wrong.
How could it be Zhang Xiu? This wolf was far inferior to Zhang Xiu. His weakness was benevolence. Back then… if he had been a little more decisive, would Old Cao have welcomed the Son of Heaven?
There would not have been so many subsequent events.
"Then who?" Cheng Yu asked, his forehead full of question marks.
Besides Zhang Xiu? Who else could it be?
Lu Yu beckoned him closer, and Cheng Yu leaned in to listen.
Immediately, a name appeared in Cheng Yu's ear.
Is it him?
Heh… how could he have forgotten him over the years?
Indeed, this person who had no presence still held tens of thousands of troops!
Speaking of which, this was also an old acquaintance of Cheng Yu.
At that time… they did not clash when welcoming the Son of Heaven. As fate would have it, he could not escape in the end!
"Young Master Lu wants me to…" Cheng Yu couldn't help but ask further…
"Don't panic, I haven't finished speaking yet. This time, you will have to make a trip to Henei," Lu Yu said with a smile. "If this task is done well, it's not impossible that tens of thousands more troops will be added to the Cao camp!"
"Haha, Commander Cheng, Commander Cheng, when you return this time, Sima Cao will most likely grant you a marquis title, after all… half of his troops were 'persuaded' by you to join him! Haha!"
At this point, Lu Yu lowered his voice.
A mission, a stratagem, sprang from his mouth.
Quietly entering Cheng Yu's ear!
—It's the same familiar formula, the same familiar taste.
…
…
The Imperial Academy.
Whether it was the former Imperial Academy of Luoyang or the current Imperial Academy of Xudu City.
They had one thing in common: exceptional emphasis on military courses.
Whether it was Qiao Xuan, Cai Yong in the past, or Cai Yan, Lu Yu in the present… they all knew.
In times of chaos, even if the aspirations of these academy students were to become officials governing the state, they must also possess the ability to defend against local rebellions at any time!
Qiao Xuan, nurtured by the Imperial Academy in the past, had guarded the border for three years. Cao Song had also gone to the front lines when serving as Grand Herald to assist Duan Jiong. Huangfu Song had gone from a battlefield general to a capable administrator.
The achievements they were able to attain were all due to the educational philosophy of the Imperial Academy.
Every student of the Imperial Academy must be both learned and martial, capable in both military and civil affairs.
This also aligned with the needs of the Han imperial court.
As officials of the Han Dynasty, they needed to put down their seals and pick up their swords in times of war, and in times of peace, they could also set aside their armor and preside over government offices.
Speaking of which…
Lu Yu, the Administrative Director of the Imperial Academy, was quite diligent. The military instructor he had invited for these students was the renowned general of the Cao camp – Yue Jin!
In the recently concluded battlefield against the rebel Yuan Shu, Yue Jin had made great contributions, drawing the admiration of countless students!
It was most appropriate to have him teach the academy students.
Of course…
The academy students were also extremely excited.
Especially Xiahou Heng and Xiahou Ba. From their father's words, they knew that General Yue Jin was formidable!
Therefore, upon hearing that their teacher was Yue Jin, they were so excited that they couldn't sleep for two days!
Cao Ang, "Zhuge Liang," Huang Xu, Dian Man, and Xu Yi, who had just returned from the State of Chen with great merit, were also very excited.
Just a while ago, they had worked together with General Yue to resist the enemy, and today… they would be able to receive General Yue's earnest teachings!
What a happy occasion this was!
When Lu Yu arrived here, he happened to catch the first military class of Cao Ang, Xiahou Ba, and others!
"Director Lu…"
A teacher recognized Lu Yu.
"Shh…" Lu Yu immediately raised his index finger, signaling them to be quiet.
He then waited outside the study, wanting to hear how General Yue Jin, the newly appointed military instructor of the Imperial Academy, would teach the students.
Speaking of which…
In the past, when Lu Yu first suggested that he teach the students, Yue Jin kept waving his hands.
After all, he had never been a teacher before!
The only thing Lu Yu told him at that time was – "If there comes a day when General Yue becomes an instructor at the Imperial Academy, then I ask General Yue to treat these students as soldiers!"
Indeed, after hearing Lu Yu's words, Yue Jin's eyes gleamed, and he replied, "I am good at this!"
At this moment…
Lu Yu stood outside the door.
Meanwhile, Cai Zhaoji and Yue Jin had already entered, and it seemed the class had just begun.
"Everyone… today, Director Lu has invited General Yue Jin, the ever-victorious general of the Cao camp, to lecture you. In the campaign against the rebel just a few months ago, General Yue Jin just made great contributions, and he will narrate the military curriculum for this semester. I hope you will study diligently, serve the nation, and kill enemies on the battlefield in the future!"
Saying these words gracefully,
Cai Zhaoji glanced back at Yue Jin, then slowly walked out of the classroom. She left through another door, precisely avoiding Lu Yu.
Lu Yu wanted to catch up and greet his sister.
However… a sentence from Yue Jin immediately stopped Lu Yu in his tracks, capturing his entire attention.
"Take away these useless mats, cushions, and tables, and bring a stool!"
"And all of you, stop kneeling. Stand up, all of you stand up!"
Heh…
This was truly treating students as soldiers.
Lu Yu was curious about what Yue Jin would say next…
Watching sister Zhaoji's receding back, Lu Yu decided to find her later. It wouldn't make a difference to wait a moment or two, and he might as well hear how Yue Jin planned to teach!
After all, in Lu Yu's mind, Yue Jin was the most suitable infantry commander. For the future Spear Corps and Mo Dao Battalion, they were counting on him to lead them.
While Lu Yu was filled with curiosity,
The academy students were all stunned.
After all, from private school to the Imperial Academy, they had been kneeling for lessons for over ten years, with mats and cushions laid on the ground, and a table placed before each person.
Suddenly being asked to stand up and remove all the mats, cushions, and tables was a change in rules that made everyone uncomfortable.
However…
The academy students hesitantly stood up.
An assistant brought the stool, and Yue Jin sat on the platform after the mats and tables were removed. He treated the classroom as a military tent.
Through the window.
Lu Yu could see Yue Jin sitting on the stool, approximately at the shoulder height of the academy students, pointing at each student in front of him.
"From today onwards, this is not the Imperial Academy, but a military camp!"
"I am not your instructor, but your general! And your roles will have two choices! Advisor, or military officer!"
"Those who choose to be advisors stand to my left, and those who choose to be military officers stand to my right!"
Heh…
He started with the real thing.
Lu Yu's mood stirred, and all the students in the classroom became excited. They felt thrilled and invigorated by this way of teaching.
Soon, the allocation of advisors and military officers was complete.
The result was somewhat unexpected.
In a class of thirty academy students, Cao Ang, Xiahou Ba, Xu Yi, Dian Man, and eleven others chose to be military officers, while Xiahou Heng, "Zhuge Liang," Huang Xu, and the other nineteen chose to be advisors.
Unexpectedly, more people preferred to play with tactics than to charge into battle!
Of course, Lu Yu did not know… this was all because of him!
The principle of "the best strategy is to attack the enemy's plans, and the next best is to attack their alliances" had been deeply imprinted in his heart because of Lu Yu!
Yue Jin, being from a military background, looked at Cao Ang, Xiahou Ba, Xu Yi, and Dian Man, nodding heavily. It was evident… he was pleased with these students who chose to be military officers.
"Very good. From now on, you will need to add 'Your humble subordinate' before your surname!"
At this point, Yue Jin turned to look at Xiahou Heng, "Zhuge Liang," Huang Xu, and the other advisors.
"As advisors, you will need to add 'Mou' after your surname!"
Saying this, Yue Jin raised his left hand, and his voice suddenly rose, "Now, report your names one by one!"
"Your humble subordinate Cao Ang greets the General!"
Cao Ang spoke first.
Yue Jin interrupted, "Not loud enough. Be steady, calm, and speak clearly!"
"Your humble subordinate Cao Ang, greets the General!" Cao Ang raised his voice.
Yue Jin nodded, only then letting him pass.
Next…
There was a self-introduction. For example, Xiahou Ba, his voice was loud. "Your humble subordinate Xiahou Ba greets the General!"
And then Huang Xu. "Huang Mou greets the General!"
His voice was originally small, and even when he shouted, it was only so loud.
But because he was an advisor, Yue Jin did not blame him.
After everyone had re-introduced themselves, the formal acquaintance between teacher and students was complete.
The academy students were all filled with novelty at this course, which was infinitely closer to the battlefield, giving them a sense of immersion and of being on the battlefield.
The entire classroom was filled with enthusiasm, and the air was filled with masculine energy. Outside the window, cold plum blossoms exuded fragrance, and yellow flowers dotted the scenery… and the future of Cao Wei, like the spring connecting with the cold winter, would surely leap onto the plum branches!
Hearing this, Lu Yu's heart also stirred.
This person… was the right choice!
…
"Brother Yu? What are you doing here?"
Just as Lu Yu was listening intently, a soft voice, like that of a lark, came from behind him.
It turned out that Cai Zhaoji remembered she had something to instruct General Yue Jin, so she returned.
Coincidentally, upon returning, she saw Lu Yu standing at the door.
Lu Yu looked up.
"Sister Zhaoji…"
It was also a soft reply. It seemed that even though it was an unexpected yet expected meeting with Sister Zhaoji at the Imperial Academy, Lu Yu deliberately lowered his voice, trying to avoid disturbing Yue Jin and the academy students who were currently in class.
"Brother Yu…"
Cai Zhaoji's words came out again…
"Shh…"
Lu Yu quickly gestured, then strode forward, grabbed Sister Zhaoji's wrist, and then, like the wind, the two of them ran towards the bank of the Ying River.
Upon reaching the bank of the Ying River…
Lu Yu let go of Cai Zhaoji's wrist.
"Sister Zhaoji, I…"
Before he could finish speaking…
To his surprise, Cai Zhaoji spoke first, "You good-for-nothing Brother Yu, you've gone out and learned to be overbearing now, haven't you?"
Saying this, she raised her slender arm, and one could see… faint red marks on her delicate wrist, clearly, Lu Yu had hurt her wrist.
"Sister Zhaoji… Just now, General Yue Jin was in class, and if the academy students knew I had returned, the military atmosphere that was so hard to build would have vanished in an instant, so…"
Lu Yu tried to explain…
But seeing the red marks on Sister Zhaoji's wrist, he could only scratch his head. No amount of explanation could make up for the force of his grip just now!
Speaking of which, when he used to pull Sister Zhaoji's wrist, he didn't feel like he had much strength?
Could it be…
After the trip to Lujiang, Lu Yu's combat power had increased from 5 to 10?
This was absurd!
"So that's how it is?" Cai Zhaoji gave Lu Yu a deliberately cold stare. "Brother Yu is quite capable now. You dare to be so overbearing to your sister. I suppose you are also so overbearing to those two Qiaos in Lujiang, aren't you?"
Ah… ah…
Lu Yu was stunned. So Sister Zhaoji knew about Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao!
This…
Lu Yu scratched his head. "Sister Zhaoji, it's not what you think!"
"Then what is it?" Cai Zhaoji pressed with extreme seriousness.
It seemed that if this question was not clarified, Lu Yu would not be allowed to change the subject. "Hasn't the raw rice been cooked yet?"
Uh…
Lu Yu helplessly spread his hands and replied truthfully, "Not yet!"
"Then…" Cai Zhaoji's eyes flickered, and that bone-chilling coldness instantly permeated Lu Yu's heart, also making the atmosphere here much colder.
Lu Yu was about to try to explain…
To be honest, it was not he who actively sought to marry Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao.
It was the sisters who, to repay the kindness of saving their mother, offered themselves in marriage…
He, Lu Yu, was clearly saving people!
"Sister Zhaoji…"
Just as Lu Yu was about to speak…
Unexpectedly, Cai Zhaoji's entire face softened. The cold and frosty demeanor she had deliberately put on just moments ago vanished instantly!
Her lips curved into a smile, as if… in just a moment, she had returned to being the sister who doted on her younger brother!
Her care and concern…
"Brother Yu, answer me a question." Cai Zhaoji's face was like a green willow swaying in the wind. She asked with a smile… "Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao? Who…"
Saying this, she paused, seemingly choked with emotion due to the inherent shyness of women.
However, her voice soon came out again.
"The two of them? Who is more…"
…
…