Shouchun City…
In the past, when the Zhong family's Son of Heaven ascended the throne, this was the capital "personally appointed" by the Zhong family's Son of Heaven. How glorious it was!
But now?
Yuan Shu fled, accompanied by a great fire that reduced this place to ashes.
The former magnificence was long gone. The entire palace was a scene of ruins, much like the scene when Dong Zhuo burned the Changle Palace in Luoyang in the past.
Looking around, only four words could describe it: silent, desolate, and deep!
Yuan Shu's dream of "the world under the Han, all in my grasp" was shattered in just a few months, destroyed by this great fire!
Along with it, the past splendor of this palace was also taken away.
Crows soared across the sky, and the grass grew luxuriantly.
Stomp… stomp…
The continuous sound of footsteps echoed through the ruins of the palace…
Within the pitch-black, ruined palace, two men, escorted by countless armored soldiers, strode in.
The one wearing a red cape, with narrow eyes and a long beard, was Cao Cao, Cao Mengde.
He was the victor of this battle…
And the ultimate beneficiary. He held his head high, surveying his surroundings, filled with emotion.
Beside him was a man covered in dust, his twin swords already stained red with blood. It was Liu Bei, Liu Xuande.
Thus, Cao Cao and Liu Bei entered the ruined palace side by side.
"Xuande, Yuan Shu's usurpation this time has cost him his troops and his generals. Of his more than two hundred thousand troops, no more than two thousand have broken through and are fleeing towards the northern bank of the Huai River! What's interesting is that my campaign against the rebel Yuan Shu has not only cost me not a single soldier but has actually gained me ninety thousand elite troops!"
Cao Cao's words were not without basis…
Previously, Yuan Shu had mobilized seven armies, led by seven generals. Five of these armies had already surrendered to Cao Cao, defecting on the battlefield, totaling sixty thousand troops!
In addition, the army in Shouchun City mutinied, and He Yan and Lady Yin opened the city gates to welcome Cao's army.
This time… another thirty thousand mutinous Yuan troops were incorporated.
Wasn't that a gain of a full ninety thousand men!
Of course, in addition to these ninety thousand men, Cao Cao also gained a wife, Lady Yin, the former daughter-in-law of the great general He Jin, whom he had once cherished.
And it was a buy-one-get-one-free deal: "Fake Yinlin" He Yan was adopted as Cao Cao's foster son.
In Cao Cao's opinion, He Yan was of great use. Yu'er… needed exactly such a "fake Yinlin" to shield his identity, to prevent him from being too sharp and attracting the hostility of all sides!
"Hahahaha…"
Looking around, Cao Cao couldn't help but laugh. "Xuande, I heard that when Yuan Shu rode out of the city, he spat blood with every step. He must be like a startled bird, with his life hanging by a thread!"
It wasn't that Cao Cao was deliberately showing off.
It was just that… he couldn't help but show off!
In his view…
The entire process of punishing Yuan Shu was a masterclass in "psychological warfare" played by Yu'er!
Yuan Shu was betrayed by everyone…
Cao Cao's wings were growing stronger…
Now, upon capturing the city, he had gained ninety thousand troops for free!
Ninety thousand… what did that mean? It meant that in the entire Central Plains, there was no one who could contend with Cao Cao, no one who could withstand Cao Cao's might.
Indeed…
Liu Bei stopped in his tracks. His expression was extremely complex, both rejoicing in the successful elimination of the rebel Yuan Shu and worrying about Cao Cao's further growth!
At such a time, Liu Bei still had to offer some flattery.
"After this battle, Mengde, your achievements will be recorded in history, and your name will resound throughout the land. Liu Bei congratulates Commander Cao."
"Hahaha…" Cao Cao laughed, but then he turned his head. "As for you three brothers, traveling hundreds of miles only to not even fight a decent battle, you must be quite disappointed!"
Uh…
As these words escaped his lips, Liu Bei felt a pang of sourness.
Subtle bragging was the most deadly.
But could one try to think, were Cao Cao's words problematic?
Not at all!
… He, Liu Bei, had come to aid Cao Cao in punishing the rebel, but in the first battle, five of Yuan Shu's six armies defected.
Cao Cao had taken them without shedding blood…
The second battle was even more exaggerated. With just a single "Internal Warning Order," the entire Shouchun City mutinied, also without shedding blood!
Sour, Liu Bei felt his molars ache, more sour than eating ten pounds of green plums!
Of course…
How could he not realize that such "psychological warfare" was precisely Yinlin's usual style of combat? Most likely… Cao Cao was once again relying on Yinlin's support!
As for Yuan Shu!
This tragic "Huainan Wrecking King" had merely become another person who was played by Yinlin, following the "Yellow Turban Army of Xuzhou," Tao Qian of Xuzhou, Yang Feng, Zhang Yang, Li Jue, and Guo Si…
This showed the terror of Yinlin.
"Liu Bei still congratulates Commander Cao. Commander Cao has a vast array of civil officials and a multitude of generals. Moreover, he has the uncanny craftsmanship of Grand Administrator Lu, who created the wooden oxen and flowing horses, solving the problem of grain transportation. Truly enviable!"
This was the brilliance of Liu Bei…
When mentioning Lu Yu, he only called it "uncanny craftsmanship" and only mentioned the "wooden oxen and flowing horses," deliberately avoiding his understanding of people and his strategic planning. This was, to some extent, Liu Bei's feigned ignorance, and also a form of self-protection.
But… no matter what, Liu Bei still felt a pang of sourness in his heart!
Now, twenty pounds of plums couldn't compare to this sourness.
Heaven was unfair. Why was "Yinlin" under Cao Cao's command?
If only… Yinlin had joined his side, Liu Bei, then perhaps today, he would be the one eliminating Yuan Shu, acting under the emperor's orders against the disloyal, and conquering the Central Plains!
Alas… alas…
He couldn't help but sigh in his heart.
"Hahahaha…" Cao Cao, however, couldn't stop laughing.
He was happy. Today was a happy day!
Suddenly, he extended an arm and patted Liu Bei heavily on the shoulder. "Xuande, don't leave. Stay, let you and I join forces! We will surely achieve great deeds!"
"Thank you for Commander Cao's kind offer…" Liu Bei replied without hesitation. "However, my generals and their families are all in Xiaopei City, and my soldiers are longing to return home. I ask Commander Cao to permit me to return to Xiaopei."
Hmm…
As soon as these words were spoken, Cao Cao's footsteps paused.
Did Liu Bei intend to leave?
Then…
Should he, Cao Cao, keep him, or kill him?
Silence…
One breath, two breaths… ten breaths, twenty breaths!
In the ruined palace, only Cao Cao's heavy breathing could be heard. The entire atmosphere suddenly became cold, even to the extreme.
In contrast, Liu Bei appeared calm and composed…
He was now certain that Cao Cao would not move against him! Neither for fame nor for profit would he act.
Hoo…
Finally, Cao Cao let out a breath.
"Hahahaha…" He broke the tense atmosphere with a shallow smile. "I have long heard that Brother Xuande has great ambitions, and today it seems this is true!"
"Not at all, not at all?" Liu Bei replied with a smile. "Commander Cao has strong troops and horses, both civil and military talent. Having one more person like me is not too many, and having one less is not too few. I still ask Commander Cao to permit me to return to Xiaopei."
Hoo…
At this moment, Cao Cao's eyes narrowed.
He thought of… the suggestions made by his advisors, including Yu'er, when dealing with Liu Bei's issue before.
Xun Yu suggested killing Liu Bei;
Xi Zhicai suggested using Liu Bei;
Xun You suggested using Liu Bei first and then killing him. Cao Cao was not satisfied with any of these answers.
The only answer that satisfied Cao Cao was precisely the one proposed by Yu'er—use Liu Bei first, then "borrow a knife" to kill Liu Bei!
Hoo, borrowing a knife to kill someone!
With this thought in mind, Cao Cao's eyes narrowed tightly. He now had nearly three hundred thousand troops. Neither Liu Bei in Xiaopei nor Lu Bu in Xiapi was his opponent.
But precisely…
Liu Bei had made contributions in punishing the rebels. Cao Cao could neither move against him nor raise an army to attack him at this time.
So… it came to a rather serious question.
How to fulfill the plan of borrowing a knife to kill Liu Bei, as proposed by Yu'er? Whose knife should be borrowed?
Lu Bu…
This was Cao Cao's subconscious thought.
But how to implement it would require careful planning!
And since borrowing a knife to kill someone was proposed by Yu'er, naturally… Cao Cao's first thought was to plan meticulously with Yu'er.
Having figured this out…
Cao Cao's eyes slightly closed. He tentatively asked, "Brother Xuande, Xiapi City was originally yours, and Lu Bu forcefully seized it? Are you willing to accept this?"
This…
Liu Bei was slightly taken aback, and Cao Cao continued, "You and Lu Bu outwardly claim to be brothers, relying on each other like lips and teeth, but in reality, you are in a covert struggle, mutually vigilant. Tell me? Am I right?"
Heh…
Having been pointed out by Cao Cao, Liu Bei became more at ease. "Commander Cao is right, and also not right. Frankly speaking, my mutual vigilance with Lu Bu is true, and our reliance on each other is also true!"
These words were full of meaning…
Since everyone had laid their cards on the table, let's play openly.
Cao Cao nodded. "As Xuande says, it is indeed clear."
"If that is the case, why do you still want to return to Xiaopei? You know that Lu Bu is as unpredictable as a fox and as greedy as a wolf. For a benevolent gentleman like Xuande to go there, wouldn't it be like living next to a wolf's den, perhaps leading to a death without burial?"
Haha… Liu Bei said with a slight smile:
"Commander Cao, please forgive my directness. Although Lu Bu is as greedy and fierce as a wolf, Commander Cao is as powerful as dragons and tigers. Staying by the side of a wolf is always better than staying by the side of a fierce tiger or a dragon, wouldn't you say?"
The implication was that although it was dangerous to be by Lu Bu's side, it was still manageable!
But… staying by Cao Cao's side made him walk on thin ice, which Liu Bei could not do!
Haha.
Hahahaha…
This time, Cao Cao laughed out loud. He realized that Liu Bei had a firm grasp of him.
He saw through that Cao Cao could not possibly move against him, such a meritorious official, such a righteous person upholding the Han dynasty.
Therefore… Liu Bei was fearless!
Was this being cornered?
However…
"Good," Cao Cao nodded. "Since that is the case, I will not force you to stay. However, tomorrow evening is our celebration banquet. I hope Brother Xuande will depart after drinking this celebratory wine!"
This…
Liu Bei hesitated for a moment, then finally agreed with a smile. "Good, then Liu Bei dares to ask Commander Cao for a celebratory drink!"
"Farewell!"
As the word "farewell" left his lips, Liu Bei turned and quickly departed.
Beside Cao Cao, Xiahou Yuan's eyes narrowed, and he immediately drew his sword…
"Big Brother? Are you really… letting him go?"
Cao Cao remained silent for a moment. He first pushed Xiahou Yuan's long sword back into its sheath, then said, "Liu Bei assisted me in punishing the rebel, and he has made some contributions. Killing him at this time would be extremely unwise and would alienate the hearts of the people…"
Having said this, Cao Cao paused.
"Besides, to kill him? Why would I, Cao Cao, have to do it myself? Sometimes, borrowing a knife can also kill."
As he spoke, a fierce glint flashed in Cao Cao's eyes.
He quickly asked, "Miaocai, is Grand Administrator Lu still in Chen State?"
"Still there…"
"Then, I'll trouble you for a trip." Cao Cao immediately placed his hand on Xiahou Yuan's shoulder. "You are fast. Go and bring him to Shouchun City, and tell him that Liu Bei is about to leave!"
Upon hearing this…
"Yes…" Xiahou Yuan agreed, cupped his hands, accepted the order, and immediately prepared to get his horse.
Who would have thought.
"Wait!" Cao Cao quickly called out to stop him. His eyes looked at Xu Chu. "Zhongkang, do you know what Grand Administrator Lu has been busy with in Chen State during this time?"
This…
Xu Chu scratched his head. The carrier pigeons from Chen State arrived daily, and Xu Chu would remember some key information.
However, when he needed it, he would need some time to recall.
"Oh…" Xu Chu seemed to have thought of something. "During this time, besides crafting the 'wooden oxen and flowing horses,' Grand Administrator Lu secretly dispatched Cheng Yu, Cao Xiu, and fifty Dragon Cavalry Knights to Lujiang Commandery. From his tone, it seems… he is plotting against Lujiang, and the operation has already begun."
What…
It was better not to ask, but by asking, Cao Cao truly unearthed an unexpected surprise.
But… Cheng Yu? Cao Xiu? Fifty Dragon Cavalry Knights!
This was just a few dozen people?
Could they capture Lujiang Commandery?
It's known that even a hundred-footed worm dies but does not stiffen. Lujiang Commandery still had remnants of Yuan Shu, and Liu Xun commanded a total of fifty thousand troops.
Thinking of this, Cao Cao turned to Xiahou Yuan again.
"Miaocai…"
"Big Brother? What is it?"
"Fetch me the Jueying horse. Today, you and I will travel seven hundred miles in a hurry. We will set off tonight for Chen State!"
This was no longer just a matter of Liu Bei.
Regarding the offensive against Lujiang, Cao Cao dared not summon Lu Yu easily. If the commander-in-chief left Chen State, and there was no one to command in Lujiang, wouldn't the mission fail?
Besides, for Yu'er to travel such a distance, as a father, Cao Cao felt unbearable pity.
Therefore, Cao Cao decided to act as a messenger himself, traveling seven hundred miles in a hurry to go to Shouchun City and discuss Liu Bei and Lujiang Commandery with Yu'er!
He imagined that Yu'er would already have a plan in mind!
Having thought of this…
"Miaocai, don't dawdle, let's go now…"
Cao Cao urged…
Because of his suspicion, Cao Cao, who never traveled at night, was about to make an exception for Yu'er tonight.
…
Still in Shouchun City, at an inn.
Eating at the same table and sleeping in the same bed, the three brothers Liu, Guan, and Zhang were having dinner.
However…
None of the three of them seemed to have the appetite to eat.
"Damn it, I knew this Cao Cao had no good intentions. He wants to keep Big Brother for tomorrow's celebration banquet, humph, in my opinion, he clearly wants to detain Big Brother!"
Zhang Fei cursed loudly, the first to express his indignation.
Guan Yu stroked his long beard. "Big Brother? Bad wine, bad banquet. In my opinion, Cao Cao is imitating Hongmen Banquet, Xiang Zhuang dancing his sword with the intention to kill Duke of Pei!"
Zhang Fei and Guan Yu shared the same idea: Cao Cao intended to harm Big Brother Liu Bei!
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's gather our brothers tonight, and let me, Zhang Fei, lead the way and break out of this Shouchun City! Whoever dares to stop us, I'll poke a hundred transparent holes in him!"
Zhang Fei was still shouting…
"Hush!" Liu Bei quickly covered Zhang Fei's mouth.
Even if he had planned to escape, with Zhang Fei shouting like this, escape would be impossible.
Of course, Liu Bei had no intention of escaping. He was confident that Cao Cao would not move against him this time… not only would he not move against him, but he would also reward him?
Otherwise, wouldn't Cao Cao's repeatedly issued recruitment orders become a great joke?
"Second Brother, Third Brother, do not panic," Liu Bei appeared very calm. "In my opinion, Cao Cao most likely cannot make up his mind and wants to discuss it with someone, hence he postponed the time by one day."
Hmm…
Guan Yu urgently asked, "Who does Cao Cao want to discuss it with? Isn't his advisor Xi Zhicai in Shouchun City?"
"Second Brother, you are wrong. You have misunderstood Cao Cao from the very beginning." Liu Bei waved his hand. "How many times have I told you, although Cao Cao has talented individuals from Yingchuan such as Xun Yu, Xun You, and Xi Zhicai under his command, the one who truly helps Cao Cao grow step by step is actually another person."
"Big Brother, who are you referring to?" Guan Yu blurted out…
However, before he could utter the name.
Liu Bei preempted him and said, "Lu Yu, the Grand Administrator, the Head of the Imperial Academy, the Commander of the Dragon Cavalry, Lu Yu…"
Having said this, Liu Bei paused slightly, and his next words were spoken slowly but with great emphasis. "Perhaps, his other name is more worth remembering—Yinlin! That Yinlin who, if obtained, can bring peace to the world!"
That's right, Liu Bei calculated… that Cao Cao would definitely consult Yinlin about his affairs.
But… what could Yinlin do?
Kill him? Impossible!
Imprison him? Lose popular support?
Let him go… Heh heh, if that were the case, what difference would it make to consult Yinlin?
For a moment, Liu Bei was also curious.
Regarding his return to Xiaopei?
How would Yinlin respond?
Let alone Yinlin, even Liu Bei himself did not know how to respond. This was not a choice question, but a compulsory one!
…
…
Chen State.
Today, Lu Yu received two pigeon-carried messages, one after another, with less than an hour between them.
One was from Lujiang, written by Cheng Yu himself…
It was very simple and clear, just seven words—Everything is proceeding according to plan!
Nothing gave Lu Yu more peace of mind than these seven words from Cheng Yu.
It seemed…
The situation in Lujiang was about to enter a full climax.
Cheng Yu, Liu Ye, Cao Xiu vs. Sun Ce, Zhou Yu, Lu Su!
The curtain was about to rise!
He had to admit, he was looking forward to it a little!
As for… the other one.
It was from Shouchun City, stating that Old Cao was coming… He had rushed to travel at night last night, traveling seven hundred miles in a hurry towards Chen State.
He was expected to arrive in Chen State this afternoon.
This…
Lu Yu subconsciously tapped his forehead.
What happened to Old Cao?
If there was something, couldn't he just summon him to Shouchun City? Why… would he have to make this return trip?
Of course…
How could Lu Yu understand the immense "fatherly love" contained within this?
He could not comprehend the feeling Cao Cao had for Lu Yu, cherishing him as if he were afraid of dropping him in his hands or melting him in his mouth.
If Yu'er had to travel seven hundred miles in a hurry to Shouchun City, enduring the hardship of the journey, Cao Cao felt pity for him!
Lu Yu pondered that Old Cao was coming so urgently…
He would have to go out of the city this afternoon to welcome Old Cao.
Who would have thought that this idea had just surfaced.
A Dragon Cavalry Knight quickly rushed into Lu Yu's room.
"Reporting to Grand Administrator Lu, outside the city… there is a horse team from Lujiang that wants to enter the city. They have been stopped by our Dragon Cavalry brothers."
Hmm… Lujiang? Horse team?
Lu Yu nodded, as if approving. "Now, the situation in Lujiang is delicate. It's good to stop them, to prevent spies from mixing into our Chen State to gather intelligence."
He replied casually…
Of course, Lu Yu was somewhat puzzled. Such a minor matter was being reported to him?
He was the Grand Administrator, not the city guard!
Just then.
The Dragon Cavalry Knight added.
"The owner of this caravan from Lujiang is two young women in their prime. This pair of sisters is so beautiful that even passersby can't help but look at them frequently. They claim to be from Qiao Family of Wuzhou Mountain in Lujiang…"
Having said this, the knight paused, then continued:
"They directly stated that their purpose is… is…"
"Is what?"
Lu Yu asked casually…
He vaguely felt that "Wuzhou Mountain in Lujiang" sounded familiar. It seemed there was a famous person living there?
Wait…
Lu Yu suddenly figured it out.
Lujiang, Dantu County, Wuzhou Mountain, wasn't this the residence of "Old Qiao"?
Qiao Family… Old Qiao, yes, that matched!
Then… couldn't those two beautiful and prime young women be… Da Qiao? Xiao Qiao? The "two Qiaos" from "Two Qiaos locked in the Spring Palace"?
"Gulp"
Lu Yu subconsciously swallowed. He raised his eyes and looked at the knight.
The knight replied truthfully:
"These two Miss Qiaos seek an audience with Grand Administrator Lu, saying they want to recruit… as… as concubine maids in Grand Administrator Lu's mansion!"
Uh…
As soon as these words were spoken, Lu Yu was stunned.
It wasn't just him who was stunned. In fact, the Dragon Cavalry Knight had been stunned long ago…
There was no justice! Such beautiful women actually weren't seeking to be main consorts, but… but wanted to be maids? This… this was truly unjust!
Or rather, Young Master Lu was too outstanding, too handsome, just as outstanding and handsome as all you viewers in front of the screen!
So handsome that peerlessly beautiful sisters rushed to throw themselves at him!
Outstanding, outstanding in capital letters!
In contrast, Lu Yu…
Concubine maid? What's going on?
Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao came from the Great Tang Dynasty to worship Buddha and seek scriptures from Lu Yu of Chen State… No, Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao came from Lujiang to seek "a thousand miles to sleep" from Lu Yu of Chen State!
Has this world gone mad?
Or was he, Lu Yu, hallucinating?
This is not scientific!
—When something is abnormal, there must be something wrong!
…
…