On the second floor of the wine shop, at a table, Lu Yu and Guo Jia were kneeling on opposite sides.
On the table sat Guo Jia's favorite wine gourd, its lingering aroma particularly mellow and strong, leaving Lu Yu in a daze.
However, due to the topic Guo Jia had deliberately brought up, the atmosphere here was somewhat somber.
"Fengxiao, must you make the atmosphere so… evocative?" Lu Yu spoke first.
In the past, when chatting with Guo Jia, they would always discuss women, gossiping about which girl was more pleasing…
But… today…
It felt strangely cold!
In short, the atmosphere was very "evocative," extremely "evocative"!
"Minister of Agriculture Lu, I am discussing serious matters. Be serious," Guo Jia said, pouring a bowl of wine for Lu Yu.
"What's going on?" Lu Yu asked, leaning forward. "Emperor Yuan Shu has been eliminated, and now Cao Cao controls the four provinces of Si, Xu, Yan, and Yu, with over two hundred thousand soldiers and horses. Isn't the situation looking great? Why do you speak so gravely, about a fate worse than death? Is it really that serious?"
"It is, it truly is!" Guo Jia didn't beat around the bush. He brought it up proactively. "Just a few days ago, Yuan Shao in the north made a move!"
At this point, his expression became even colder.
Speaking of which, Guo Jia was born into the Guo clan of Yingchuan. His ancestors had served as Court Ministers for nine generations. Even though his family had declined by his father's generation, the clan's network of influence had been preserved.
Furthermore, Guo Jia was exceptionally farsighted from a young age. Seeing the chaos in the late Han Dynasty, he had gone into seclusion before reaching adulthood, secretly befriending talented individuals. At twenty-one, he had traveled north to meet Yuan Shao and concluded that the man was not a wise ruler. He then left Jizhou and continued to live in seclusion in Yingchuan.
However, although he left Jizhou, he had met many like-minded talents and heroes in Jizhou who did not seek fame or fortune!
Therefore, while Cao Cao had not received intelligence on Yuan Shao's every move in Jizhou, Guo Fengxiao had learned of it first.
"Yuan Shao's action?" Lu Yu tapped his forehead lightly. "In the north now, Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan are about to engage in a decisive battle. What action could he possibly take? He wouldn't possibly divide his forces to attack us in the Central Plains, would he?"
"Heh heh…" Guo Jia gave a wry smile. "It would be good if he attacked. I fear that open shots are easy to dodge, but hidden arrows are difficult to guard against."
"Minister of Agriculture Lu, do you know that recently… Yuan Shao has been frequently sending envoys to secretly contact Zhang Xiu in Wancheng, Han Sui and Ma Teng of Xiliang, Liu Biao of Jingzhou, and Sun Ce of Jiangdong!"
This…
Lu Yu paused slightly, muttering to himself. Could Yuan Shao really be acting against Cao Cao so soon?
According to historical records, the shift in relations between Yuan Shao and Cao Cao occurred after Yuan Shao eliminated Gongsun Zan, sent Gongsun Zan's head to the imperial court, and thus openly challenged Cao Cao.
That was in the summer of the fourth year of Jian'an. It was now only the end of the second year of Jian'an. There was a full year difference between them; this shouldn't be happening.
"Brother Fengxiao? Is your intelligence accurate?" Lu Yu asked urgently…
"Absolutely true," Guo Jia's eyes narrowed slightly. "If Minister of Agriculture Lu doesn't believe me, you can try to investigate. I don't think it will be difficult to uncover."
Heh…
Seeing Guo Jia so serious, Lu Yu already believed him by about eighty percent.
Good heavens, if Yuan Shao had indeed become wary of Cao Cao ahead of schedule, then sending envoys to Zhang Xiu, Han Sui, Ma Teng, Liu Biao, and Sun Ce was highly significant!
This was equivalent to Yuan Shao uniting these warlords to weave a net of encirclement, completely surrounding Cao Cao in the Central Plains. If he wished, he could launch a pincer attack on Cao Cao at any time.
At that time… facing enemies on all sides, even if Cao Cao doubled his troops, he would not be a match!
Heh heh…
This was no longer just military containment; it could even be economic sanctions!
Of course, with Yuan Shao's intellect, he probably wouldn't think of this!
But… among the talented individuals in Jizhou, Ju Shou and Tian Feng had exceptionally sharp vision. If this plan was proposed by them, it wouldn't be surprising at all!
In fact, Lu Yu was only thinking of the first layer.
In reality, the rapid deterioration of the situation… was largely due to Lu Yu himself.
One must know…
The current situation had already differed greatly from history, and the biggest difference was that Lu Yu had saved Cao Cao from many costly "pitfalls"!
The saying goes, to injure the enemy a thousand times, you must sacrifice eight hundred of your own!
Historically, after defeating Yuan Shu, Cao Cao had less than seventy thousand troops. Such a small force would naturally not attract the attention or fear of his "elder brother" Yuan Shao. He could still treat Cao Cao as a watchdog.
But…
Cao Cao now controlled four prefectures and had over two hundred thousand soldiers and horses. Such a scale would make even the slow-to-react Yuan Shao realize that this former junior brother was gradually becoming his future formidable rival!
He was too preoccupied with conquering Gongsun Zan to look south, but that didn't mean he would allow Cao Cao to develop.
And uniting Zhang Xiu, Han Sui, Ma Teng, Liu Biao, and Sun Ce to form a circle of encirclement!
This was a "contain Cao" strategy proposed by Tian Feng and deeply approved by Yuan Shao, which was immediately put into action. Even the Ru Ying gentry faction under Yuan Shao did not raise any objections or attacks against this "contain Cao" strategy due to Cao Cao's rise.
This was the butterfly effect!
Lu Yu flapped his wings, and the entire Central Plains was experiencing a massive tsunami!
It could be said…
The relationship between Cao and Yuan had already developed an irreparable rift, and the storm had quietly begun to churn on the sea.
Ready to explode!
"Fengxiao, if this is the case, do you have any suggestions?"
Lu Yu's expression also turned solemn.
To be honest, Cao Cao currently lacked the capital to contend with Yuan Shao, not because of the disparity in troop numbers, but due to diplomatic and internal hidden concerns that held him back!
"I dare not claim to have suggestions, but the urgent tasks for Minister of Agriculture Lu are twofold!"
Guo Jia seemed to have anticipated Lu Yu's question. He reminded him carefully: "The first is to pacify the internal affairs of the Central Plains, and the second is to win the support of these peripheral warlords, at least to keep them neutral!"
Guo Jia didn't elaborate further.
He knew that with Lu Yu's insight and his understanding of the situation, a few hints would suffice.
And these two points immediately plunged Lu Yu into deep thought.
Pacifying internal affairs, as the name suggests… meant dealing with Lü Bu, Liu Bei, Zhang Yang, Zhang Xiu, and other warlords in the Central Plains.
These actions were already underway.
Cheng Yu's mission to Henei was to deal with Zhang Yang's fifty thousand troops;
Yang Xiu's mission to Xiapi City was to deal with Lü Bu and Liu Bei.
As for Zhang Xiu, that would have to wait for now. After resolving the issues with Zhang Yang, Lü Bu, and Liu Bei, they would then tackle the problem right next door.
As for the periphery… Han Sui and Ma Teng in Guanzhong, Liu Biao in Jingzhou, Sun Ce in Jiangdong…
These…
Lu Yu's eyes darted.
"Fengxiao, a while ago in Chen Guo, I mentioned a strategy to Commander Cao. Why don't you listen…" Lu Yu changed the subject. "—The strategy of 'Looking East, Drawing West, Crossing South, Harmonizing North, and Stabilizing the Center'."
Lu Yu carefully explained this strategy to Guo Jia.
This was his next strategic plan, which he had elaborated to Old Cao based on the development of the historical situation.
However, now that the situation had changed somewhat, this strategy needed minor adjustments.
And when Guo Jia heard this strategy!
First, he appeared thoughtful, and then his eyes sharpened.
"Actually, Liu Biao isn't a big problem. Ever since he entered Jingzhou alone and pacified the rebellions in the nine prefectures of Jingzhou, he has become indulged in pleasure. He will most likely adopt a fence-sitting strategy, maintain neutrality, preserve his strength, and reap the benefits.
"As for Sun Ce of Jiangdong, there's no need to worry. Sun Ce has been campaigning and conquering Jiangdong over the years. He has killed many heroes and outstanding figures, but he suffered a great defeat in Lujiang, exhausting his reserves. His position in Jiangdong is not stable. Moreover, this person is rash and not good at defense; he will sooner or later die at the hands of an assassin! So, there's no need to be too wary!
"The only thing that requires attention is the attitude of the Guanzhong warlords…"
At this point, Guo Jia paused. "Minister of Agriculture Lu, your strategic concept of 'Drawing West' is perfect, but it lacks timing. In the current situation, this 'Drawing West' needs to be put on the agenda and executed immediately. The sooner we win over the Guanzhong warlords, the sooner Cao Ying's western front will be secure!
"The western front is adjacent to Bingzhou. If they ally with Yuan Shao, their combined forces would make it impossible for the Central Plains to resist. But if the western front adheres to Duke Cao, then Yuan Shao cannot open a second battlefield, and the situation can be stabilized!"
Guo Jia analyzed Lu Yu's strategy sentence by sentence.
Subsequently, he added only a few minor adjustments, adapting to the circumstances. These were precisely the changes Lu Yu needed!
One had to commend Guo Fengxiao's meticulous thinking.
What Lu Yu could think of, and what he couldn't, was supplemented and refined by Guo Jia, making it more practical.
"Regarding Guanzhong, I will mention it to Commander Cao tomorrow. As for the candidate, I do have one! However…"
"Fengxiao, there's one more thing. Can you help me ponder it?"
Lu Yu's eyes darted slightly. After a moment's hesitation, he decided to inform Guo Jia about the matter.
"Please speak freely, Minister of Agriculture Lu?" Even though Guo Jia was speaking and pouring wine from the gourd into his mouth, his mind remained clear.
The title of "Heavenly Gifted Genius" was not given lightly!
"In Jiangdong, I have stationed a reliable person. He is my mother's cousin, named Lu Xun!"
As Lu Yu spoke…
Guo Jia's eyebrows rose. "Is it the Lu family, one of the four great families of Jiangdong?"
"That's right!" Lu Yu nodded…
Upon hearing this, Guo Jia let out a heavy sigh.
"If we have the assistance of the Lu family of Jiangdong, then… perhaps we can be more decisive in the Jiangdong situation!"
"What do you mean?" Lu Yu asked.
"Support a new ruler for Jiangdong!" Guo Jia's eyes fixed, and his tone was exceptionally firm.
Who would have thought, hahaha… Lu Yu burst out laughing.
He immediately patted Guo Jia's shoulder.
"Brother Fengxiao, we have kindred spirits!"
…
…
Jiangdong, Wujun, Lu Residence.
"Boyan, there's a guest outside who wants to see you."
Lu Ji rushed into the main hall.
Lu Xun was currently in deep thought. He had only returned to Wujun three days ago, and many things still needed to be organized.
"A guest outside?" Lu Xun waved his hand. "Didn't I say? Our Lu residence does not receive outside guests."
"But he…" Lu Ji quickly said, "He wants me to deliver a message to Boyan!"
"—A sigh for lacking words, a fool's madness then, all becomes naught!"
As soon as these words were spoken…
Lu Xun, who had been closing his eyes, suddenly opened them.
"Quick, quickly invite him into the main hall!"
As he spoke…
Lu Xun and Lu Ji hurried to the main hall.
Seeing Lu Xun, the man in black repeated, "—A sigh for lacking words, a fool's madness then, all becomes naught!"
And Lu Xun, without hesitation, immediately replied, "—A dull blade, a broken bond, the dream shatters!"
The man in black's lips curled into a smile. He then added, "—A lonely lament in a desolate road, full of footprints, yet no one understands!"
As soon as these words were spoken…
Lu Xun quickly cupped his hands. "Does my elder brother have new instructions?"
The elder brother he mentioned was Lu Yu…
And these lines: "A sigh for lacking words, a fool's madness then, all becomes naught."
"A dull blade, a broken bond, the dream shatters."
"A lonely lament in a desolate road, full of footprints, yet no one understands."
These three lines were all passwords, specifically instructed by Lu Yu to Lu Xun!
To prevent secrets from being leaked and to avoid being exploited, the person Lu Yu sent to liaise with Lu Xun had to strictly adhere to this code.
And with these three lines, after exchanging glances, both parties could confirm that the visitor was the right person!
"Young Master Lu… I am a knight of the Long Xiao Battalion!"
The man in black cupped his hands in a salute. Then, without daring to delay for a moment, he took out a map from his怀. "This is what Minister Lu asked me to give you."
Saying this, the man in black stuffed the "map" into Lu Xun's hand.
"A map?" Lu Xun was stunned.
He knew that when he went to Lujiang, he had given Lu Yu a map of the seventy-two counties in the six prefectures of Jiangdong. Why… now the roles were reversed, and his elder brother was sending him a map?
"Did Big Brother say anything else?" Lu Xun asked urgently.
The man in black had intended to speak, but seeing a handsome man beside Lu Xun, he immediately retracted what he was about to say.
Lu Xun understood and quickly explained.
"This is Lu Ji, also a member of our Lu family, and a trustworthy person."
Hearing this, the man in black finally spoke. "Minister Lu did not say much, only that all the treasures of Jiangdong are hidden on this map."
With that said…
The man in black cupped his hands. "I should not linger here for long, so I will take my leave."
Saying this, the man in black turned and hurried away through the back door…
The entire process, from the man in black's arrival to his meeting with Lu Xun, took only the time it takes to brew a cup of tea. He truly came and went lightly, waving his sleeves, leaving behind only a so-called treasure map!
As Lu Xun watched him leave, he quickly unfolded it.
Huh…
It was better not to unfold it, but once Lu Xun unfolded it, his eyes narrowed, and Lu Ji also frowned. Lu Ji spoke first, "Boyan, isn't this… isn't this a copied version of the topographical map of the six prefectures and seventy-two counties of Jiangdong that we drew? Why did Minister Lu… send it again?"
What Lu Ji mentioned was also Lu Xun's subconscious thought.
For a moment, Lu Xun couldn't figure out what his elder brother Lu Yu was up to.
Wait…
Lu Xun suddenly realized that something was wrong. This map was slightly different from the one he had presented earlier, or rather, there were many dots on the map!
Are these mountains?
That's right, they were mountains, some barren, and some mountains that were privately owned!
One must know that the influence of the noble and wealthy families in Jiangdong was immense. Not only in business, but they had also bought many mountains and lands, considering them as permanent assets of their families!
Even the Sun family, the ruler of Jiangdong, did not dare to casually reclaim these mountains and lakes. In fact… for families that had a good relationship with the Sun family, or for families that had made great contributions, Sun Ce would even bestow mountains and lakes upon them as rewards!
Of course, these were not important.
What was important was that on the topographical map in Lu Xun's hand, each mountain was accompanied by one or two characters.
For example, for Qionglong Mountain, which was closest to Wujun, two small characters in seal script were added: "Bīn Tiě" (refined iron). For Shenting Ridge, a single character "Jīn" (gold) was written in small seal script…
This is…
At first glance, Lu Xun didn't quite understand.
It was Lu Ji who immediately reminded him, "Could it be that Minister Lu wants to tell Boyan, to tell our Lu family, that these mountains contain refined iron and gold mines?"
This…
As soon as these words were spoken, Lu Xun's eyes narrowed.
If it was as Lu Ji said, then…
Refined iron, gold mines… Could there be minerals in these mountains?
If these mountains contained minerals.
Then… with a little maneuvering, it would be almost equivalent to their Lu clan "having a mine at home"!
Hoo…
Taking a deep breath, Lu Xun suppressed the agitation in his heart.
"Gongji, you must keep this absolutely quiet…"
Lu Xun quickly instructed.
"Boyan, rest assured, I know what should be said and what shouldn't be said!" Lu Ji immediately replied…
Hoo…
These two "brothers" who were separated by generation looked at each other, understood each other, and then both exhaled long breaths.
In their eyes, there was a glow…
A verdant, golden glow.
It was as if they had seen gold and embraced this gold.
When they were in Lujiang, elder brother Lu Yu had mentioned providing financial support, provisions, and even military strength to the Lu family. Lu Xun had been pondering what form this support would take.
After all, transporting money and grain from north of the river to south of the river was not easy.
But who would have thought…
The first help had arrived. Although the method was not direct, if the iron and minerals marked in these mountains were true, then the Lu family would not just rise, they would prosper!
The immediate priority was for Lu Xun to spend his family fortune to buy a few barren mountains that produced refined iron and gold mines.
Of course, Lu Xun did not know that…
This map of Jiangdong's mineral distribution was drawn by Lu Yu based on the topographical map of the six prefectures of Jiangdong, combined with… China's mineral distribution maps, local chronicles of the Jiangnan region, and even… corroboration from many ancient texts, thus marking it out approximately. There might be errors, but the errors would not be too large.
Even so, it took Lu Yu several days to draw it, and his brain was almost exploding.
It could be said that this map was the treasure trove of Jiangdong.
However, discovering an iron ore deposit was one thing, but whether it could be mined was another matter!
After all, the mining tools and excavation techniques of this era were not strong!
Could the Lu family achieve it?
Lu Yu didn't know, but with the intelligence and resourcefulness of Lu Xun and Lu Ji, Lu Yu felt… they could make good use of this topographical map and this huge advantage!
Similarly, because of this map of Jiangdong's mineral distribution, it had already brought Lu Xun and Lu Ji infinite confidence!
The rise of the Lu family was already underway!
…
…