In Lu Yu's detailed explanation…
Currently, Zhang Xiu in Wancheng relies on Liu Biao of Jingzhou for his military provisions and grain.
The two parties have long since forged an alliance, united in purpose, as closely related as lips and teeth.
As for the story of Wancheng, Zhang Xiu, and Lady Zou, it is a long tale, one that must begin with Zhang Xiu's uncle, Zhang Ji.
Speaking of the name Zhang Ji, Cao Cao was no stranger to it.
When Cao Cao served Dong Zhuo in the past, how could he not know the four mighty generals Dong Zhuo brought from Xiliang—Li Jue, Guo Si, Hua Xiong, and Zhang Ji!
When the eighteen warlords campaigned against Dong Zhuo, Dong Zhuo set fire to Luoyang, and Cao Cao pursued Dong Zhuo, suffering a major defeat at Xingyang.
Indeed, the commander of the Xiliang army in that battle was Xu Rong, but the vice-commander was precisely Zhang Ji.
Therefore, Cao Cao was deeply impressed by Zhang Ji.
Originally, Zhang Ji, along with Lady Zou and his nephew Zhang Xiu, was stationed in Chang'an. However, a change occurred with the event of "The Son of Heaven's Return to the East."
During the Son of Heaven's return to the East, Zhang Ji also led his troops to participate.
Alas, due to disagreements with Dong Cheng, Yang Feng, and others, the factions clashed. Zhang Ji even attempted to abduct the Son of Heaven, but in the end, he could not contend with superior numbers and retreated south in disgrace.
Subsequently, he encountered the same problem as Cao Cao: a lack of food.
Cao Cao’s side was subsisting on "locusts," but what could Zhang Ji subsist on?
With no other recourse, he had to turn his gaze towards Jingzhou, towards the abundant grain and provisions of the nine commanderies of Jingxiang.
However, fate is unpredictable. While attacking Xiangyang city, Zhang Ji was shot and killed by arrows. His nephew Zhang Xiu then took his place, leading his aunt back to Wancheng.
This was the "past and present" of Zhang Xiu's lineage of Xiliang troops.
Cao Cao recounted what Lu Yu had told him to Xi Zhicai and Xun You…
At first, the two listened with great seriousness, but… later, they realized something was amiss!
"Lord Cao, you just mentioned… that Zhang Xiu's army's provisions and grain were supplied by Liu Biao of Jingzhou, yet you also mentioned that it was Liu Biao who shot Zhang Ji with arrows? Could Zhang Xiu really put aside such a deep hatred for his uncle's death? How could they form an alliance?"
Xi Zhicai directly voiced the doubt in his heart.
Cao Cao smiled and explained, "Zhi Cai, do not worry. Let me tell you slowly. Haha, this concerns a woman, a beauty of unparalleled looks, Zhang Xiu's aunt, the widow who lost her husband—Lady Zou!"
As Lady Zou was mentioned, Cao Cao's eyes widened, and a covetous glint appeared in them.
It was quite obvious…
Compared to Zhang Xiu's "past and present," Cao Cao's interest had always been focused on this "widowed" lady!
Xi Zhicai and Xun You exchanged glances. Hearing Cao Cao's words, there was a hint of hidden meaning…
At this moment, Cao Cao continued.
"Indeed, Zhang Ji died under the walls of Xiangyang. Zhang Xiu accepted his uncle's troops, and naturally, he was at odds with Liu Biao. However… what lay before him was not just the matter of burying his uncle. The more than twenty thousand elite cavalry under his uncle were waiting for him to procure provisions!"
"We have all experienced that drought, and we can understand the feelings of these Xiliang cavalrymen, famished from the shortage of grain. If this continued, these old troops would likely mutiny, or even resort to cannibalism! The most crucial point was that in this situation, Zhang Xiu had to guard against Liu Biao, to prevent him from taking advantage of the opportunity to attack, the consequences of which would be unimaginable!"
Cao Cao paused at this point.
What he was about to say next, or rather… the woman he would emphasize heavily, was what interested him the most.
"It was at this critical juncture that Zhang Ji's widow, Lady Zou, actively persuaded her nephew Zhang Xiu to abandon hatred, seek peace, and cease hostilities! Furthermore, she, with her special status, went to Xiangyang as a negotiator."
"Don't you think… it was precisely because Lady Zou proactively went to Xiangyang and expressed her sincerity that Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu actually ceased hostilities, became allies, and even Liu Biao took on the expenses for Zhang Xiu's military provisions and grain in Wancheng!"
Swish…
Upon hearing this, Xi Zhicai raised an eyebrow.
This matter was quite strange!
And this woman was also quite strange!
It was only because he knew that Lu Yu had told Cao Cao that he had a bit more faith.
If this matter had come from anyone else, Xi Zhicai would have had reservations.
Who would act like this?
Because of one woman… they went from deep-seated hatred to ceasing hostilities. Although this woman, for the sake of the greater good, was willing to put aside grudges and go to such lengths, it was indeed admirable. However… to have two lords form an alliance and work in unison, the weight of it still felt insufficient.
Just as he thought this, Xi Zhicai was about to express his doubts.
But…
Suddenly, he thought of something else.
The true reason Liu Biao agreed to the alliance was…
—A "buffer zone"!
That's right, just as Agricultural Official Lu had suggested when Cao Cao campaigned in Xuzhou, allowing Liu Bei to occupy Xiapi city and Guangling city.
This was to make Liu Bei a buffer zone between Cao Cao and Yuan Shu, preventing Cao Cao from clashing with Yuan Shu too early and gaining time to develop.
And now…
Zhang Xiu and Wancheng, where he was located, served as a buffer zone between Cao Cao and Liu Biao!
This was Liu Biao deliberately avoiding conflict with Cao Cao.
In other words, his purpose in providing grain and provisions to Zhang Xiu was to have the brave and skilled Zhang Xiu guard his northern gate and resist Cao Cao!
Heh heh…
This was the ultimate goal.
"Lord Cao, I understand…" Xi Zhicai said… He recounted his thoughts, especially emphasizing this "buffer zone"!
Cao Cao nodded repeatedly. "Precisely, what Zhi Cai has said is what Agricultural Official Lu mentioned, one of the three reasons Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu formed their alliance."
Hmm…
Upon hearing this, Xi Zhicai tapped his forehead. Three reasons?
Then?
What were the other two?
Just then, Xun You stroked his mustache and said with great seriousness, "In my opinion, Agricultural Official Lu's other point is Liu Biao's apprehension!"
"It seems that Liu Biao's defense of Xiangyang when Zhang Ji attacked in the past had a significant element of luck. This indicates that Zhang Xiu's cavalry is also formidable. If pushed too hard, it could lead to a mutual destruction… This is something Liu Biao would not want to see."
Hahaha…
As these words left his mouth, Cao Cao burst into hearty laughter.
"That's right. Wancheng and Jingzhou are allies and work in unison for three reasons, as Agricultural Official Lu mentioned.
The first two reasons are as my two strategists have said: one is the buffer zone, and the second is to avoid mutual destruction.
However, this third point, it is indeed because of Lady Zou's visit."
With this in mind, Cao Cao added with a smile…
"Liu Biao, this fellow, values his reputation. Moreover, he is one of the Eight Sages of this era. Now that he has killed someone's husband and the woman has come to seek peace, how could he refuse? An alliance, along with providing money and grain to Zhang Xiu, is not this a display of his scholarly demeanor? This superficial elegance is something Liu Biao particularly cherishes."
As these words were spoken.
Xi Zhicai and Xun You both nodded. After guessing and speculating, they had finally missed this point.
Of course, they still believed in Lu Yu's analysis of Liu Biao. Liu Biao was merely a conversationalist, but he was recognized by almost all the talented scholars of Yingchuan.
Agricultural Official Lu, his judgment of people was as accurate as ever!
Through Cao Cao…
Ah, no, to be precise, through this analysis by Agricultural Official Lu, it seemed that they had a clear understanding of the entire Wancheng and Zhang Xiu's situation.
The taboo of marching is fighting unprepared!
Previously, Wancheng and Zhang Xiu were unknown to Cao's army. Even though "one cannot tolerate others snoring beside one's bed," if a real battle were to occur, it would be like being blind and deaf. Such a battle would not be easy to fight.
But now…
That was a different story.
Knowing oneself and the enemy, they had a general understanding of Zhang Xiu and Wancheng. Seizing this opportunity, the strategists could discuss and formulate corresponding strategic plans, adapting to local conditions and timing, thus undoubtedly increasing their chances of victory.
However…
What Xi Zhicai and Xun You did not know was that regarding the campaign against Wancheng, Lu Yu had also told Cao Cao two additional sentences, two profoundly meaningful sentences.
The first sentence was: "A beauty is a disaster!"
The second sentence was: "Abusing your wife is fun for a while, but chasing her back is a struggle!"
Lu Yu's underlying meaning was naturally to imply that Old Cao, oh Old Cao, you must not make the mistake that all men in the world make because of one woman!
This is unwise…
Of course, Lu Yu had more in mind. After all, if history were to follow its course, it was precisely because of Wancheng, because of this Lady Zou, that Cao Cao lost his eldest son Cao Ang, his good nephew Cao Anmin, the ancient fierce general Dian Wei, and even a valiant steed named Jueying. Moreover… it also caused his principal wife, Lady Ding, to break with him, never forgiving him in her lifetime!
The price was not insignificant!
This matter concerning "Lady Ding" was not it—abusing your wife is fun for a while, but chasing her back is a struggle!
"It seems that Lord Cao intends to adopt Agricultural Official Lu's suggestion and first take Wancheng to implement this 'central consolidation' plan and clear the hidden danger by 'one's bedside'."
Hearing this, Xi Zhicai spoke, this was a final summary.
"That may not be the case!" Xun You interrupted Xi Zhicai. "It also depends on the situation in Xiapi city. If Lu Bu and Liu Bei fall into chaos first, then… we can first eliminate them and then return to Xudu city!"
As Xun You said…
Lu Yu's "cross strategy" did not specify who to attack first or who to attack later.
This was based on an overall macro-level deduction of the situation. Cao's army could make corresponding strategies based on the changing situation.
"Hahaha…"
Cao Cao laughed again. "Zhi Cai's words are reasonable, and Gong Da's words are also reasonable. Let's wait and see, but I predict that the winds of change are about to blow across the Central Plains! Before the winds blow, is there anything else we need to do?"
"What is it?" Xun You and Xi Zhicai asked in unison. Cao Cao said heartily, "In the seventh month, it is the harvest season. Farmers look forward to this time, don't they? Haha…"
This sentence was spoken in riddles, leaving Xun You and Xi Zhicai somewhat confused.
Only Cao Cao knew.
Before parting…
Yu'er seemed to have suddenly thought of something and casually said a sentence.
Yes… it was this sentence—During the autumn harvest, why doesn't Lord Cao become a barber in the wheat fields?
Barber?
A barber?
A barber in the wheat fields? A barber in the wheat fields?
At that moment, Cao Cao immediately understood.
This was a stratagem! This was Yu'er reminding him that to win the hearts of the people of Shouchun city, Xiapi city, and Guangling city, and also to "regulate military discipline" and "clarify rules" for the newly recruited troops, it was a good remedy!
A bitter but beneficial medicine!
Heh heh, he never expected that even he, Cao Cao, had not considered "this strict military discipline" and "the allegiance of the people." Yu'er had thought of it, and… it was all hidden within this small razor!
Brilliant, what a wonderful barber in the wheat fields, this "barber" was wonderfully ingenious!
…
…
Lujiang, Wuzhou Mountain, Qiao Family Gate.
Because the Qiao family mansion was quite spacious, Lu Yu had been staying here for the past few days.
From time to time, people came to visit and presented various valuable gifts. Lu Yu disliked such social engagements the most, so he instructed Cheng Yu to decline them on his behalf.
It seemed…
For several consecutive days, Lu Yu had found a joyful activity.
Researching and drawing blueprints for the "Thunderbolt Chariot" with Liu Ye, the Clerk of the Prefecture of Luzhou Commandery.
It should be known that the Thunderbolt Chariot was an upgraded version of the trebuchet. It not only possessed immense power but also had an extremely long range, making it a great weapon on the battlefield.
However, the blueprints for the Thunderbolt Chariot were not complete in Lu Yu's memory.
Therefore…
He had found the creator of the Thunderbolt Chariot—Liu Ye.
Of course, at this time, Liu Ye did not know what a Thunderbolt Chariot was, but… he had been proficient in craftsmanship since childhood and was extremely skilled in woodworking.
Lu Yu expounded many inventions and creations from later generations to him, making him feel as if a new world had opened up. Wood… could be played with like this?
Of course, what Liu Ye did not know was that wood could not only be played with like this, but under a certain emperor, wood could also fly… as in, "Long live, long live, long live, wooden birds fly high."
After three days, the blueprints for the Thunderbolt Chariot were largely complete.
It just needed to undergo "internal testing" and then "public testing."
And… on the other side.
For the Qiao family, for Qiao Zheng, and for Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao, this was also the third day that Lady Li was taking the medicine.
Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao had not slept for nearly three days. The two of them sat dejectedly by their mother's bedside. Lu Gongzi's medicine had been administered for three days, but… their mother remained unconscious.
The sisters exchanged glances from time to time, countless emotions surging in their hearts.
In the Qiao family, the father was always busy with business and social engagements.
It was the mother who raised the two sisters from childhood. Mother and daughters are connected.
How much suffering had the mother endured to raise them over the years? Only these two sisters knew…
How much their mother had hoped to see them get married, but… but…
Gazing at their motionless mother lying in bed,
They could only sob and cry. Apart from feeding her doses of medicine, they could do nothing.
"Da Qiao, Xiao Qiao…" Qiao Zheng walked behind his two daughters and patted their shoulders. "You haven't slept for more than ten hours. I am here, along with the maids, and the esteemed visitors. You two should first… first go and rest! Also, go to the back courtyard to pay your respects to Lu Gongzi, so he doesn't think… our Qiao family lacks courtesy."
As Qiao Zheng spoke, Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao shook their heads. They tried hard to hold back their tears, fearing that their crying would cause their father more worry.
Da Qiao lowered her head, her face filled with worry.
Xiao Qiao grabbed her father's hand. "Father, you said… Lu Gongzi, Lu Gongzi can save Mother, Lu Gongzi can definitely save Mother, right? Right?"
Even though she tried to hold back her tears, as soon as the words left her mouth, Xiao Qiao could not help but shed tears…
She was a strong girl, but… but facing her mother's severe illness, could she still be strong?
"Hoo…"
With a long sigh, Qiao Zheng's brows furrowed.
Three days. For three full days, the medicine had been administered, yet his wife showed no improvement. This… this…
In fact, many physicians had secretly told Qiao Zheng that even though the "Medical Immortal" Lu had prescribed miraculous medicine, it was ultimately too late. The hope of saving Lady Li was already extremely slim.
Thinking of this, even the usually strong Qiao Zheng had large tears sliding down the corners of his eyes.
"My daughters, Father… Father only wishes he could endure this suffering in place of your mother!"
"Your mother… ever since your mother followed me, she has never… never had a single good day. If heaven has mercy, let me… let me suffer such hardship!"
"I beg the heavens, please spare, spare my wife! Even if it means shortening my lifespan!"
As he spoke, Qiao Zheng was so choked with emotion that he could not speak, only clutching Lady Li's cold hand and trembling uncontrollably.
But just then.
A maid behind him saw something astonishing. Her mouth was wide open, and after a long while… she finally spoke.
"Master, young ladies… quickly look, Madam… Madam… she… she opened her eyes!"
"Opened… opened her eyes?"
Qiao Zheng rose abruptly in disbelief, his head snapping towards Lady Li's face.
Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao did the same. Their faces were filled with immense surprise, and their tear-streaked eyes were fixed on their mother!
At this moment…
Lady Li's familiar, yet incredibly weak, voice emerged—"I… I am so thirsty. Water… is there any water?"
"Quick… quickly fetch water."
The physician beside them was invigorated and quickly stepped forward.
As the nephew of the "Medical Immortal" Lu, they had been guarding the place closely for these past few days on their uncle's orders.
But for three days… Lady Li's condition had not shown any improvement, which inevitably caused them immense anxiety.
However…
In their view, their uncle was a medical immortal. Since their uncle had personally administered the medicine, then… no matter how difficult the illness, it would surely be cured instantly.
They always held onto hope, onto aspirations.
Finally, finally…
She woke up, Lady Li woke up, and their uncle's medicine was indeed effective!
Instantly, the entire sleeping chamber became bustling…
"Miraculous, miraculous…" The surrounding maids, servants, and many physicians who had come seeking to witness the "Medical Immortal" Lu's superb medical skills exclaimed repeatedly.
—"Alas, as expected of the medicine personally administered by the Medical Immortal Lu, it's miraculous… miraculous. Even after a person has been to the gates of hell and back, they can still be saved, truly miraculous!"
—"I said so, who is the Medical Immortal Lu? He compiled the 'Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases,' and he can cure cold damage and save the common people from suffering. A mere minor ailment is of no consequence."
—"Yes, the Medical Immortal Lu has not visited here again since administering the medicine. This is full of confidence! This is confidence that only a medical immortal can possess! Even the divine physician Hua Tuo… would be left in the dust!"
Countless words of praise echoed throughout the entire Qiao family courtyard!
Exclamations of wonder and amazement.
In contrast, Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao…
Seeing that their mother's complexion had regained some color and that she could drink water and speak normally… their hearts were filled with excitement.
Following this, the two sisters exchanged a tacit glance.
In their eyes, a flicker of unusual light appeared.
The "Medical Immortal" Lu had saved their mother.
Then…
Then they, too… should fulfill the promise they had already made in their hearts.
Whether as concubines or as maids…
Even if it meant becoming servants, the sisters would enter the SInong Mansion together, their hearts united… serving Young Master Lu for a lifetime, never to betray him!
This was a tacit understanding that the sisters had already formed.
"Oh, right…"
Xiao Qiao seemed to have thought of something and exclaimed… "I… I'll go and invite the Medical Immortal Lu?"
Da Qiao also suddenly came to her senses, "Second sister, sister… sister will accompany you!"
Medical Immortal Lu?
The title? Is it still Medical Immortal Lu?
It seemed that in the days to come, these two sisters would have to address Lu Yu as "Master," wouldn't they?
This was a title of "Master" corresponding to "Mistress"!
…
…