Historically, Yue Jin was incredibly brave in battle.
In the Records of the Three Kingdoms, words like "always the first to charge" and "renowned for his bravery" were often used to praise him.
Yet, the very advice he imparted to Xiahou Ba was not to be reckless or show off bravery, not always to be the first to charge, but to only charge when one's own safety was ensured.
This shows that bravery does not equate to thoughtlessness; the timing of being the first to charge is actually an extension of wisdom.
When the class ended, Lu Yu sent a teacher to summon Yue Jin, while he waited for Yue Jin in the Lingyan Pavilion.
Not long after...
The sound of powerful footsteps echoed in the courtyard of the Lingyan Pavilion.
Following close behind, a "short and sturdy" man appeared before Lu Yu.
"I never imagined Director Lu would return. Your subordinate Yue Jin pays his respects to Director Lu..."
He cupped his hands in a bow...
Still within the Imperial Academy, Yue Jin maintained his military bearing, still that upright and unyielding man!
"General Yue, there's no need for such formalities. Sit, please sit."
Lu Yu quickly helped Yue Jin up and gestured for him to sit on a stool.
In truth... Yue Jin was not as tall as Lu Yu.
He was a bit short, giving off a hint of a dwarf tiger, but... in him, Lu Yu truly experienced what it meant to be concentrated essence!
Yue Jin thought Lu Yu wanted to inquire about the military class. He proactively spoke first, "The reason I led the students of the Imperial Academy as soldiers was because Director Lu promised me. Otherwise, I could not teach them."
"Not at all..." Lu Yu could tell he had misunderstood and quickly waved his hand. "General Yue, I specifically asked you here not about that, but about the three thousand infantry under your command!"
Oh...
Yue Jin immediately understood. "Chancellor Cao has ordered that from this day forward, these three thousand infantry shall obey only Director Lu's commands. Your subordinate was about to hand over the military tally to Director Lu!"
Saying this, Yue Jin proactively took out the military tally.
This was something Lu Yu had not expected!
Good heavens, they were actually giving it to him!
Lu Yu quickly pushed the tally back. "General Yue, what are you doing? I don't have any generals under me who are skilled at leading armies. Even if you hand over the military tally to me, I have no one to transfer it to!"
"Director Lu, that statement is incorrect!" Yue Jin shook his head. "Within the Dragon Hawk Battalion, there are General Cao Xiu, General Huang Zhong, and Commandant Dian. They are all skilled and valiant generals. Moreover, your subordinate is also a general under Director Lu!"
The implication in these words was that he, Yue Jin, had already named four generals skilled in leading troops.
Wait...
Lu Yu realized the hidden meaning in Yue Jin's words. Had he... already considered himself under Lu Yu's command?
Was he that direct?
Had he been convinced so easily?
Of course...
Lu Yu had no idea that Yue Jin had fought many battles in his life, always being the first to charge and earning countless merits.
But it was only the battle of Chen State that showed him the effectiveness of "the best strategy is to attack the enemy's strategy," and "to attack the enemy's alliances."
Fighting without bloodshed, even gaining more soldiers as the war progressed!
The effect produced by this was far superior to always being the first to charge.
Speaking of which, Yue Jin greatly admired "The Art of War" and always carried a copy with him, reading it in his leisure time. With increasing experience, he gained new understanding with each reading.
And it was precisely in his understanding of "The Art of War" that Yue Jin admired Cao Cao and Lu Yu the most!
The former provided interpretations for "The Art of War," while the latter interpreted its content through a series of victories that were both unexpected and logical.
Complete victory...
It could be said that the word "complete" mentioned in "The Art of War" was perfectly interpreted by Lu Yu.
From the bottom of his heart, Yue Jin wished to serve under Lu Yu!
Lu Yu could naturally understand this sentiment.
"General Yue, as you said, I have four people capable of leading troops, and you are one of them. These three thousand infantry are also your veteran soldiers. How could I possibly hand them over to someone else to command!"
Lu Yu continued, "From today onwards, the infantry of our Dragon Hawk Battalion is entrusted to you! Besides this, I have an idea..."
An idea?
Upon hearing "idea," Yue Jin became very interested.
Speaking of which, Yue Jin was very familiar with the Dragon Hawk Battalion!
Why did the Dragon Hawk Battalion, from an ordinary cavalry unit, suddenly become an invincible force renowned throughout the nine provinces? Wasn't it due to Lu Yu's continuous stream of ideas?
The heavy armored Dragon Hawk Cavalry, built with fine steel halberds and fine steel armor, was the best testament to this!
Therefore...
As soon as Lu Yu mentioned an idea, Yue Jin was the most excited.
"Director Lu, quickly tell me your idea?"
Yue Jin leaned forward, looking extremely eager.
Lu Yu slowly spoke, "Director Yue probably doesn't know yet? I have created a new type of spear! I plan to promote this new spear among your three thousand infantry!"
"Excellent..." Before Lu Yu could finish, Yue Jin became excited. "When will this new spear be forged? I'll immediately have these brothers start training!"
Ah... ah...
Yue Jin's words left Lu Yu a bit confused. What... what was going on? He agreed just like that? Without any hesitation?
This was about changing the weapons of your three thousand brothers. How could Yue Jin not consider their feelings? Or the difficulty of promotion?
"General Yue Jin, you..."
Lu Yu asked curiously.
Unexpectedly, before he could speak, Yue Jin's booming voice drowned out Lu Yu's words.
"This new spear is excellent. General Xiahou Mao used this new spear formation to behead several enemy generals in the southern campaign..."
"I also heard that before the expedition, Xiahou Mao defeated General Cao Hong with the spear technique of this new spear. Furthermore, in the decisive battle with Yuan's army in Shouchun, he threw the spear, piercing the horse of the enemy general Zhang Xun, and thus captured the great general of the pseudo-emperor! For this, Chancellor Cao specially enfeoffed him as the Vanguard General!"
Speaking of which, Yue Jin became emotional.
"At that time, I was already contemplating how good this new spear was. It was both flexible and agile, and could also be thrown like a 'javelin.' In battle, or within the army formation, it could evolve into many variations. My brothers under my command all yearned for it!"
"Hahaha, your subordinate had intended to shamelessly ask Director Lu for it. I never expected Director Lu to have this very intention. Isn't this a coincidence!"
Heh...
Yue Jin's words left Lu Yu somewhat bewildered.
Had Xiahou Mao already applied this new type of spear on the battlefield?
And had it made Yue Jin and these infantrymen yearn for it? Then... wouldn't that mean the new spear wouldn't need promotion? The soldiers would happily accept it.
Moreover...
Thinking of this, Lu Yu's eyes flashed with brilliance.
He was struggling to find a good spear technique instructor, and here... Yue Jin had already recommended one.
Xiahou Mao, who practiced the thirty-six forms of the Yang Family Spear, was perfectly suited for this!
Speaking of which, this unlucky fellow had also turned his misfortune into fortune.
First, he was jilted by Lu Yu, who left him the "Yang Family Spear" and "Jin Ping Mei" as compensation, and then... he was casually given a spear manual that said "With no women in your heart, your spear will naturally be divine." It was truly tragic!
Who would have thought...
Now... he had leaped to become the Vanguard General? And could defeat Cao Hong and Zhang Xun!
This was a standard turnaround, it seemed he had the script for a "comeback from behind."
He just didn't know how many moves this unlucky fellow could withstand against Zhang Xiu, the Spear God of the North.
Thinking of this, Lu Yu's eyes rolled. It seemed... he had to visit Xiahou Mao again. The last time he went was for the broken engagement. This time he would go to seek out a skilled strategist, to invite the Spear God out of seclusion!
...
...
On the banks of the Ying River, within the Imperial Academy, the winery.
After discussing the training of spear soldiers with Yue Jin.
Lu Yu naturally had to visit the winery to chat with Guo Fengxian.
Speaking of which, Lu Yu had inquired in advance.
This Guo Fengxiao was truly acting outrageously in the Imperial Academy, having him serve as a military instructor to teach the students strategies and military tactics.
It turned out that he hid in this winery all day long, never stepping out.
Yet, because Lu Yu respected him greatly, Cai Zhaoji turned a blind eye, and others naturally couldn't say much.
But... the instructors' private complaints were unavoidable!
This was something Lu Yu needed to have a good chat with Comrade Fengxiao about. At least, you should teach a few classes each month!
Entering the winery, Lu Yu could smell the wine from afar. Countless artisans were brewing wine using the distillation method taught by Lu Yu. The aroma was rich and mellow, making Lu Yu feel as if he was already drunk.
As he went deeper into the winery, what greeted his eyes was a production line that had been formed in a very "scientific" manner.
From brewing to aging to transportation... everything was orderly!
He truly didn't expect Guo Fengxiao to have such talent in enterprise management!
Of course...
Heh heh...
Seeing this, Lu Yu chuckled. It seemed Guo Fengxiao had used all his intelligence on brewing wine, and his technological tree had gone awry!
It was truly a pity for such a rare talent, such a hero!
Most importantly, Lu Yu worried if Guo Jia, with his frail physique, could withstand drinking every day!
"Where is Fengxiao?"
After searching all around, Lu Yu couldn't find Guo Jia...
He asked a craftsman in the winery...
Of course, one thing that surprised Lu Yu was that the winery had an equal number of men and women...
This was very strange!
God knows how Guo Jia managed to trick these village widows into brewing wine here!
Even Lu Yu suspected that these widows might have some unclear relationships with Brother Fengxiao.
After all... Guo Jia's reputation didn't seem very good!
"Is the Director of Agriculture Lu looking for Steward Guo? He's upstairs... it seems he's helping the women of the winery with their domestic issues?"
"Domestic issues?" Instantly, a swarm of question marks appeared above Lu Yu's forehead.
What were domestic issues?
If you, Guo Jia, aren't teaching the students military tactics, then brewing wine is acceptable!
... But how did brewing wine lead to domestic issues?
It turns out...
You, Guo Fengxiao, are also enthusiastic about resolving domestic disputes!
"Understood."
Lu Yu nodded and headed upstairs. He really suspected that Guo Jia had called these women upstairs to do something suggestive!
Before he had even finished climbing the stairs, Lu Yu heard a woman's weeping.
"Steward Guo, this humble woman... this humble woman's heart is suffering, and her body is also suffering. Every day when I return home, I always wash my face with tears... You must, you must help this humble woman think of a solution!"
Heh...
Hearing this, Lu Yu's footsteps halted.
Driven by instinctual curiosity for "gossip"...
Instantly, Lu Yu stopped walking and stood on the stairs to listen to how Guo Fengxiao would resolve these domestic issues!
And also...
Lu Yu was even more curious about his motives: were they pure? Was he truly resolving domestic issues? Otherwise... that phrase "her body is also suffering," heh heh, Lu Yu could only scoff.
"Sit down and tell me slowly..."
Guo Fengxiao's voice emerged, seeming a little drunk.
"This humble woman is from a nearby village. I've been brewing at our winery for over two months. Originally, a humble woman like me shouldn't be out in public, but my man is negligent in his duties. If I don't earn some money, I fear my family won't even have enough to eat."
"Then why do you wash your face with tears? Could it be that your husband gambles obsessively and gambles away all the money you earn?"
Guo Jia's voice remained deep and seductive.
Lu Yu muttered to himself, for a woman from such a village, if Guo Jia wanted to, he could probably trick her into falling for him with just a few words. There was no skill involved!
"Sigh..."
At this moment, the woman let out a long sigh. "My... my man is simply not human!"
Not human?
What position was that?
Lu Yu's mind wandered with thoughts...
And the woman's words followed in succession. "He... he goes out drinking every night with his scoundrel friends, and only comes home late into the night. I... I work hard all day at this winery, but at night, I still have to... still have to serve him!"
This was the status of women in ancient times.
Marry a chicken, follow a chicken; marry a dog, follow a dog!
Let alone your husband coming home late at night, even if he returned in the early hours of the morning, you still had to serve him.
Of course, "serve" here is meant literally; do not interpret it too deeply.
"Have you not tried to talk to him properly?"
Guo Jia continued to ask, seemingly sobering up a bit.
"I talked to him. I told him to come home by midnight, otherwise... I wouldn't open the door for him. At first, it was fine, and he could still come back by midnight. But... but after ten days of improvement, he returned to his former deadbeat self, insisting on coming home past the hour of Chou or Yin!"
"This humble woman, this humble woman had no choice but to lock the door. Who would have thought... that scoundrel went to the brothel to spend the night. This humble woman cannot live, she simply cannot live."
The woman's words tumbled out.
Uh...
Lu Yu fell silent for a moment. He mused that perhaps this was the sorrow of women in ancient times.
Marrying such a lazy, gluttonous, and drunken man who stayed out all night. If you wanted a unilateral divorce, forget about it.
Moreover, the man would certainly not divorce his wife!
Of course, the situation this woman encountered was a low-probability event and could not be generalized. As far as Lu Yu knew, most men were good family men.
However...
Compared to these pointless sighs, Lu Yu was more eager to know how Guo Fengxiao would solve this problem.
"Isn't this simple!" Guo Jia spoke...
Ah, it was clear that the woman was very surprised. How was this simple!
Guo Jia's voice continued.
"The reason you can't control your man is because you only think in one direction and don't consider the opposite..."
"If I were you, I would never set a rule about locking the door at midnight. Instead, I would tell my man, if you don't come back before midnight, then I will sleep with the door open. Who is afraid of whom!"
Heh...
As these words left his mouth,
Lu Yu immediately understood, and the woman clearly hesitated for a moment, then seemed to realize something. Judging by her reaction speed, she was also a rather cunning woman!
"Yes, yes, yes. If I say I'll sleep with the door open, then that scoundrel won't dare to come back!"
"Exactly, exactly... If he doesn't come, then he'll have a green grassland on his head!"
"Thank you, Steward Guo, thank you, Steward Guo!"
Saying this, the woman stood up and, quite excitedly, exited the room.
Coincidentally...
She bumped into Lu Yu as she went out.
"This humble woman greets Director Lu."
"You may go." Lu Yu smiled slightly at her. Seeing that she looked quite good and rather lively, he couldn't help but remind her, "Remember, after midnight, if your man doesn't come back, be sure to leave the door wide open! Perhaps, our Steward Guo will sneak in!"
He made a casual joke...
The woman blushed, said nothing, covered her face, and hurried downstairs.
"Director Lu, since when did you learn to be so improper..."
At this moment, Guo Jia's voice came.
It seemed Guo Jia had also heard Lu Yu's voice and came out, not forgetting to tease him.
"Hahaha..."
Seeing Guo Jia, Lu Yu immediately laughed. "You're teaching housewives such devious tricks to force their husbands home, and you're asking who is improper between us?"
After all, Lu Yu and Guo Jia had become good friends in a brothel...
As brothers who had once slept in the same brothel, their relationship was naturally beyond question.
Guo Jia was not restrained with Lu Yu, and Lu Yu teased Guo Jia relentlessly!
And at this moment.
Guo Jia's eyes narrowed, and his entire demeanor lost its drunken haze. His tone became exceptionally serious, and his posture was even more solemn.
"Director of Agriculture Lu, if you don't come back, I'll have to find a way to search for you?"
"Do you know that the Cao camp is now fraught with danger, and it's about to be surrounded? At that time... heh heh, whether it's Chancellor Cao, or you, or me... we will all have nowhere to be buried!"
Guo Jia's tone suddenly became grave.
And these words caused Lu Yu's expression to change from playful to a frown.
"Fengxiao, what do you mean?"
"Let's go inside and talk. It's not something that can be explained in a few words."
Guo Jia's eyes sharpened...
It was truly rare to see him display such a serious expression.
However...
Lu Yu could sense that something had happened, and it must be something big.
"Ghostly strategist" Guo Fengxiao would not normally be so serious...
But if something could truly make him wear such a serious expression, it must be a major event!
...
...