"Dada da..."
Fifty Dragon Cavalry, led by Cao Xiu, joined the battlefield.
Their distinctive Xuanjia armor immediately drew everyone's attention, and many Jiangdong soldiers attempted to stop them!
The Dragon Cavalry knights, with their stern gazes, exuded a four-character aura: bristling with killing intent!
"Hmph, just a few dozen people playing tricks!"
"Block them for our lord!"
"Kill... kill..."
At this moment, due to Sun Ce's bravery, the Jiangdong disciples were once again filled with surging fighting spirit.
"Come here and die!"
An infantry unit from the Jiangdong army surged forward, led by a man named "Wu Jing." He was the younger brother of the former lord Sun Jian's wife, Lady Wu, and commanded a thousand Jiangdong infantry.
Because of Wu Jing's sibling relationship with Lady Wu, he had promised his sister that he would help his nephew Sun Ce secure Lujiang as a base to attack Huang Zu in Jiangxia and avenge his brother-in-law Sun Jian.
This time...
Seeing a cavalry unit of no more than fifty men charging towards Sun Ce, Wu Jing immediately rallied several hundred nearby infantry to intercept them.
Jiangdong was short on horses, and only Sun Ce and his personal guards could ride.
But even so...
The enemy had only fifty men. Facing cavalry with infantry, and with the current high morale, Wu Jing was confident.
"Kill..."
The battle cries rang out again.
"Heh... infantry?" Cao Xiu sneered, his gaze sweeping over the charging infantry.
Ridiculous, utterly ridiculous...
These Jiangdong soldiers probably didn't even know who their opponents were.
Under heaven, who dared to challenge the Dragon Cavalry with infantry? Heh heh...
Cao Xiu and the fifty Dragon Cavalry could only utter "Heh heh!"
With a simultaneous slash of their steel war halberds, the fifty Dragon Cavalry swung their weapons. The strike was powerful and heavy. The infantrymen in front, sensing danger, hastily raised their weapons to block in front of their chests.
"Clang..."
The war halberds collided with countless sabers, crossing paths.
Under the moonlight, the faces of these Jiangdong infantrymen were grim and their expressions blank. Large drops of sweat fell onto the ground.
Just as everyone was filled with confusion, dozens of blood lines appeared on their necks.
Where the Dragon Cavalry camp passed, their steel war halberds descended, taking both man and saber in a single breath.
"Waaah!"
Wu Jing screamed and toppled forward. His wide, bulging eyes were filled with continuous astonishment.
This scene happened too quickly. His last awareness was of his saber being shattered by the war halberd, followed by a terrifying pressure and a mighty force...
Then, the war halberd, along with the saber, plunged into his chest!
Wu Jing felt the world spin, coughed out a mouthful of blood, and his pupils widened.
"Thud... thud..."
With a crisp sound, he fell into a pool of blood.
This scene unfolded too swiftly for many to react.
But here... more than fifty Jiangdong infantrymen lay fallen. The knights in Xuanjia armor raised their war halberds again, continuing, persistently, and madly reaping the lives of the infantry unit before them.
It was like cutting melons and vegetables.
These Jiangdong disciples, who had just been high in morale and full of fighting spirit, were now offering their necks to the blade, utterly defenseless.
The Dragon Cavalry, it was as if they were a unit returning from hell, each knight a veritable god of slaughter!
This sudden scene, the sudden fall of their comrades, instinctively sent chills down the spines of all the Jiangdong armored soldiers.
"This... how... how is this possible?"
Liu Ye on the city wall widened his eyes and involuntarily gasped.
Fifty riders slaughtering hundreds of armored soldiers in mere moments. Such combat power filled his heart with four words: Terrifying indeed!
Residing in Lujiang, Liu Ye knew the combat strength of Sun Ce's Jiangdong infantry!
They had swept through the six commanderies of Jiangdong, always fighting outnumbered, in dozens of great battles, and had never been defeated.
This was also the reason why they were ambushed, and Liu Xun's fifty thousand troops had struggled to subdue them.
But...
The Dragon Cavalry camp, only fifty riders, had just charged out and...
Such terrifying pressure was enough to make one's heart tremble!
And these were just the tip of the iceberg of the Dragon Cavalry. A small fraction of Lu Yu's formidable army. Then... how powerful would the entire Dragon Cavalry be?
"Good, good!"
Liu Ye's body trembled slightly, out of excitement.
He vaguely felt that this Dragon Cavalry might... might be able to defeat Sun Ce's elite cavalry.
"Beat the drums, beat the drums..."
In his excitement, Liu Ye turned around, personally beating the drums to rally the Dragon Cavalry and cheer on this battle.
In stark contrast to Liu Ye's astonishment, Cheng Yu remained calm.
Dragon Cavalry!
Equipped with steel war halberds and steel armor, and trained by the martial arts instructor Dian Wei, how could their martial skills and resilience be compared to ordinary cavalry?
Let alone infantry, even the Bingzhou Wolf Riders had suffered greatly at their hands.
Cheng Yu looked up at the bright moon in the sky and murmured to himself, tonight... the requiem for the Jiangdong youths would surely be played.
...
...
Chen Country, at the city gate.
Cao Cao arrived a full two hours later than planned.
Now... the sky was completely dark.
Even so, when Lu Yu greeted Cao Cao, he could see the "Jueying" warhorse beneath him snorting continuously.
It seemed that even this famed steed was quite exhausted.
However...
Seeing Lu Yu, Cao Cao was quite pleased.
"Hahahaha..."
As usual, Cao Cao walked towards Lu Yu with a smile. "I'm late, I hope I haven't delayed Lu Sinong's good deeds?"
"Good deeds? Are there good deeds?" Lu Yu was taken aback, not quite understanding for a moment.
By now, Cao Cao had walked up to Lu Yu and gestured slightly with his hand. "Aren't there the Qiao sisters from Lujiang? Under the moonlight, at this hour, isn't it time for important matters?"
Saying this, Cao Cao looked at the sky...
It was already the first quarter of the Hour of the Boar, and it was time to wash up and sleep, wasn't it?
Cao Cao mused that if he hadn't come today, it was highly likely that Yu'er would have already gone to the private chambers with the two beauties for some "shameful" activities.
It was his, Cao Cao's, unfortunate timing.
"Cao Sikong... those are trivial matters. How could they be as important as welcoming Cao Sikong?"
Lu Yu replied quickly.
Speaking of which, Cao Cao's mention made Lu Yu a bit embarrassed.
He had originally thought Old Cao would arrive in the afternoon, not delaying his search for the "Elder and Younger Qiao" in the evening...
In the late evening, it would be more suitable for appreciating the snow, the moon, discussing life and ideals!
However...
It seemed it was a bit too late. The Elder and Younger Qiao might be asleep soon.
Actually, it didn't matter much. Since he was here, when wasn't a good time to sleep?
"Hahahaha..." Seeing Lu Yu's complex expression, Cao Cao understood. "Let's go, find a place, let's keep it brief, so as not to delay your good deeds tonight!"
Saying this, Cao Cao took the lead.
Seemingly to save time, the two did not return to the official residence but went to a tavern.
Xiahou Yuan went to change horses, while Xu Chu, with the Tiger Guard, surrounded the outer perimeter of the tavern, leaving the time and space to Cao Cao and Lu Yu.
Inside the tavern.
A desk, a pot of wine, two wine bowls...
Lu Yu and Cao Cao sat opposite each other.
While pouring wine for Cao Cao, Lu Yu spoke first. "Cao Sikong, if there's anything, you could have summoned me. Why did you have to travel hundreds of miles from Shouchun? Such hardship, Lu Yu is both flattered and ashamed!"
This was the opening remark.
"No matter!" Cao Cao waved his hand lightly. "Whether I seek you or you seek me, it's not important. What's important is that I have two matters to consult you about!"
Getting straight to the point...
He even used the word "consult," which indicated that Cao Cao truly had something on his mind!
Indeed...
The handling of Liu Bei had not yet been decided. Liu Bei was still in Shouchun, and this matter could not be delayed too long.
Coupled with the critical situation in Lujiang, Cao Cao decided not to beat around the bush and spoke his mind directly. "Lu Sinong, I heard that you sent Commander Cheng and Military Officer Wen of the Dragon Cavalry Camp with fifty riders to Lujiang? Is this true..."
"Yes!" Lu Yu nodded. "I was just about to report this matter to Cao Sikong. This was my own decision, but..."
Lu Yu felt he needed to apologize...
After all, such a large operation without informing Old Cao was unacceptable by any standard.
Of course...
Given the tense situation in Shouchun earlier and the critical state of Lujiang commandery, Lu Yu had wanted to inform Old Cao, but there was no opportunity...
Any further delay, and the situation might have gone cold.
Unexpectedly, before Lu Yu could finish speaking.
"You don't need to explain," Cao Cao immediately waved his hand. "Just arrange what you think is right. Even a general outside the capital is not bound by the sovereign's orders, let alone you and me?"
"If I had to ask for my opinion on every matter, how could fleeting opportunities be seized?"
Speaking of this, Cao Cao's expression became quite serious.
"Your contribution to capturing Shouchun and eliminating the rebel Yuan Shu is immense. Before I came to Chen Country, I had already issued an order to the entire army. From now on... whenever Cao Cao's soldiers hear Lu Yu's military orders, they are to be treated as if they were hearing my orders, Cao Cao's. There is no need to consult me; execute them immediately!"
"I also told them that if anyone dares to delay even for a moment, regardless of 'right or wrong, merit or demerit,' I will surely punish them according to military law. Lu Sinong, do you understand what I mean?"
This...
If Lu Yu's mention of being "flattered" earlier was somewhat casual.
Then, Cao Cao's words made it entirely different.
This time, Lu Yu felt genuinely flattered.
Old Cao trusted him too much, didn't he?
Certainly...
Lu Yu had some credit in capturing Shouchun city.
But it shouldn't be to the extent that Old Cao would order the entire army, allowing Lu Yu to mobilize the troops freely. This authority seemed excessively great!
"Ahem..." Lu Yu coughed lightly. "Cao Sikong... I..."
"You don't need to refuse," Cao Cao's tone was as serious as ever. "Since I have already issued the order to the entire army, I cannot possibly retract it. Moreover, I, Cao Cao, trust you. Your command of troops is the same as mine!"
Uh...
Hearing this, Lu Yu quickly shook his head. He couldn't just play along! Even if Old Cao trusted him, he had to be extremely cautious, lest Old Cao think he was wielding military power, being arrogant due to favor, and posing a threat!
"Cao Sikong... how can it be the same? Under heaven, 'troops' always belong to Cao Sikong, and the one who 'commands troops' can only ever be Cao Sikong. Even with a hundred courage, how would I dare to overstep my bounds?"
As these words left his mouth...
Cao Cao caught a hint of something. "Lu Sinong, haha, it seems you still don't trust me?"
Ah...
Lu Yu was stunned. How should he answer this?
Instantly, the atmosphere in the entire place became serious.
"Hahahaha..." However, this atmosphere was soon broken by Cao Cao's hearty laughter.
Cao Cao laughed while shaking his head helplessly, murmuring to himself.
—Yu'er, Yu'er, if you knew your true identity, you wouldn't distrust your father!
—Even if in this world, I, Cao Cao, distrust anyone, it would only be you, 'Cao Yu,' whom I would never doubt in the slightest! You will know all this in time!
"Alright, let's not talk about this..." Cao Cao changed the subject. "According to intelligence reports... Sun Ce has dispatched 30,000 troops north along the river, divided into two routes. One route, led by Sun Ben and Sun Fu, is marching towards Pengze. The other, personally led by Sun Ce, has likely already arrived in Lujiang commandery!"
"And there is news from Lujiang that Liu Xun is incredibly foolish, actually leading 50,000 troops to attack Shangliao City. Thus... Lujiang commandery is almost an empty city, likely to fall into Sun Ce's hands tonight."
Alas... speaking of this.
Cao Cao sighed helplessly!
How could a person be so foolish?
Luring the tiger away from its mountain, crossing the river under the cover of darkness, ambushing Lujiang. Sun Ce was practically writing his "objective" on his face, yet... Liu Xun was completely oblivious!
Foolishness, so foolish it was exasperating.
Hoo...
Cao Cao exhaled lightly and continued, "Lujiang... Lujiang connects Jiangdong, Xuzhou, Yuzhou, and Jingzhou. It is the hub of the entire Yangtze River, and it is easy to defend and difficult to attack! If our army can take Lujiang commandery, we can advance offensively and retreat defensively... the situation will be vastly different. What a pity, what a pity!"
Cao Cao sighed repeatedly, his sighs tinged with a hint of helplessness.
However, in stark contrast to his helpless expression, Lu Yu's eyes focused.
"Cao Sikong? It's not a pity... it's Sun Bofu who should feel the pity!"
"Why does Cao Sikong sigh?"
This...
Cao Cao was startled. Did Yu'er's words imply a turn of events?
But... that didn't seem right!
It couldn't be that the fifty Dragon Cavalry riders had created some room for maneuver, could it?
Instantly, Cao Cao's attention was fully engaged.
"Many spies have sent intelligence indicating that there is indeed an army of fifty thousand men under Shangliao City. Looking at the entire Yangtze River bank, who else could dispatch 50,000 troops to attack Shangliao City besides Liu Xun?"
"Thus, it appears that Lujiang is now an empty city. How can Lu Sinong, who only sent a mere fifty men, stop Sun Ce's twenty thousand troops? Even Commander Cheng there would find it difficult to accomplish anything without resources."
Cao Cao asked a series of rhetorical questions.
Unexpectedly, Lu Yu had already anticipated Old Cao's question.
He smiled, his lips curling into a broad grin.
As he smiled, he continued to speak loudly.
"Cao Sikong, actually... the situation in Lujiang is quite fitting with a sentence from an article I like!"
"What sentence?" Cao Cao asked.
"It's the work of a 'great master,' and the most famous sentence is..." Lu Yu blinked. "There are two trees in front of my house. One is a jujube tree, and the other is also a jujube tree!"
Ah... ah...
Lu Yu's words completely baffled Cao Cao.
What kind of writing style was this?
He mused that if he had eaten more dishes while drinking, he wouldn't have been able to write such "brainless" text, let alone from a "great master"?
Cao Cao thought that if this could be considered "great," then anyone who got drunk could become a great master.
Before Cao Cao could ask.
Lu Yu's words continued. "Cao Sikong, in fact... the current situation in Lujiang is like these two jujube trees. Everything is under control!"
Fearing that Cao Cao wouldn't understand, Lu Yu continued to smile and added, "Actually, I sent Commander Cheng and the others to Lujiang to deploy two armies. One is an army of fifty thousand men, and the other is also an army of fifty thousand men!"
At this point, Lu Yu's eyes focused.
"Indeed, there are fifty thousand troops in Shangliao City, but Lujiang City is not empty either. There are also fifty thousand troops there, and they are already poised and ready, just waiting for Sun Ben... ah no, waiting for Sun Ce to march deep alone and become a trapped beast in a jar!"
"Cao Sikong, after tonight, the flag bearing our 'Cao' character will soon be raised on the walls of Lujiang City!"
This...
Originally, Cao Cao felt he had a good understanding of the situation in Lujiang!
But after Lu Yu's explanation.
Suddenly... he felt like he was in a fog.
What? What's going on?
There are two trees in front of my house. One is a jujube tree, and the other is also a jujube tree. This "great master's" work is already outrageous!
But... Yu'er is even more outrageous. He deployed two armies? An army of fifty thousand? And another army of fifty thousand?
The key issue is...
Liu Xun only had fifty thousand troops in total?
If one of those armies was Liu Xun's troops?
Then, where did the other army, the additional fifty thousand troops, spring from?
It couldn't be... that they materialized from cracks in the rocks, could it?
This...
Cao Cao, uncharacteristically, reached up and tapped his forehead.
He leaned his face close to Lu Yu.
"Lu Sinong? If you don't explain this clearly, I, Cao Cao, fear I won't be able to sleep for several nights!"
"Haha..." Lu Yu smiled slightly. "Cao Sikong, listen carefully, the origin of those fifty thousand troops is..."
A name emerged from Lu Yu's mouth...
And upon hearing this name.
Cao Cao's eyes widened.
So it was him?
If it was him, then all of this would make perfect sense.
For a moment, Cao Cao's eyes darted back and forth.
Well done, Yu'er. This time... he had completely toyed with that young hegemon of Jiangdong.
"Hahaha..."
"Hahahahaha..."
Instantly, Cao Cao couldn't help but burst into laughter.
At this very moment.
His mood inexplicably summarized into a single sentence:
—I, Cao Cao, have two exceptional sons. One is 'Yu'er,' and the other is also 'Yu'er'!
Thinking of this...
Cao Cao suddenly felt that the article about the "two jujube trees" was quite interesting!
As expected, it was the writing style of a "great master."
"Lu Sinong..." Cao Cao, in a great mood, asked with interest, "Who is the great master who wrote these 'two jujube trees'? His brushwork is quite interesting, making people comfortable to listen to and comfortable to read!"
Uh...
Lu Yu scratched his head, then truthfully replied, "This great master's name is—Zhou Shuren!"
Oh...
Cao Cao nodded. No wonder there were two jujube trees in front of his house. It turned out... his name also contained a jujube 'tree'!
This "great master" must have had a fixation on jujube trees!
"Haha..."
Instantly, Cao Cao's mood became exceptionally cheerful.
He suddenly became very eager for the next battle report from Lujiang, or perhaps from Shangliao City...
Two reports, reports of two great victories!
Heh heh...
That young hegemon who swept through Jiangdong, this time... Yu'er would probably trick him into his maternal grandmother's house!
How could he have imagined.
Yu'er had uniquely invited this fellow out.
Two against one;
One hundred thousand against thirty thousand;
Fighting a deep incursion while well-rested.
Everything was developing in a good direction!
At this moment, Cao Cao's fatigue from the long journey had completely vanished. His heart held four words: "So comfortable!"
...
...