"Father, your son wishes to enter the Imperial Academy."
"Uncle... your son also wishes to enter the Imperial Academy."
Cao Ang and Cao Anmin spoke first…
Xiahou Heng and Xiahou Ba exchanged glances. Since Lu Yu was the Grand Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, then… the Imperial Academy represented a different story for them.
While the Dragon Roar Camp could hone their martial skills, in the Imperial Academy, they could learn military strategy, tactics, and the terrifying art of psychological warfare that Master Lu possessed.
"Uncle, Father… your son also wishes to go to the Imperial Academy."
"Your son does too!"
Xiahou Heng and Xiahou Ba declared loudly.
"Is that so?" Cao Cao asked deliberately. "Just now, you all seemed unwilling?"
"Willing… your son is willing!"
Cao Ang and the other three spoke almost in unison…
Cao Cao looked back at Xiahou Yuan, and both of them burst into laughter…
The Dragon Roar Camp was renowned, Lu Yu was renowned, and it seemed that even the Imperial Academy’s prestige had risen with them.
Cao Cao narrowed his eyes, his mind racing with thoughts.
Haha…
The Imperial Academy of the past nurtured a large group of young talents. What would the Imperial Academy of today achieve?
Looking at the eager young masters before him…
Cao Cao could roughly foresee the Stone Classics being re-erected and the Imperial Academy being rebuilt!
The court officials, the sons of noble families… including his own Cao and Xiahou clansmen, would surely scramble and strain their heads to vie for a spot as Imperial Academy students, wouldn't they?
Speaking of which…
Twenty-five years ago, was he, Cao Cao, any different?
…
…
Xu Du City, the Ministry of Agriculture!
Looking at the grand plaque of "Grand Minister of Agriculture" hanging high before the mansion gate, Lu Yu felt as if ten thousand phantom horses were galloping through his mind.
He had actually become the Grand Minister of Agriculture of the Great Han… in other words, the Director of the Imperial Treasury!
How many temptations would he face in the future?
This was simply testing cadres!
The key was… the Grand Minister of Agriculture was no idle position. Lu Yu was utterly bewildered.
Of course, news from the court was not difficult to obtain. This official title had nothing to do with Old Cao; it was personally bestowed by the Son of Heaven, and Old Cao could do nothing about it.
But Lu Yu was even more bewildered. Damn it, this Son of Heaven hadn't eaten any of my rice, so why was he granting me an official post?
Was he bored to death?
Instantly, Lu Yu felt that his free and unfettered life seemed to be drifting further and further away…
In short, there were only two words: outrageous!
Of course, in addition to being the Grand Minister of Agriculture, Lu Yu had also become the youngest Grand Chancellor in the history of the Imperial Academy.
This was originally something to be happy about, but somehow… Lu Yu couldn't be happy at all. Managing finances and education simultaneously… Damn it, was this trying to work this young master to death!
"Ahem…"
He coughed lightly, gazing at the "Ministry of Agriculture" plaque, Lu Yu spread his hands in helplessness…
Yet, a crowd had gathered before the gate to offer congratulations…
"Congratulations, Young Master Lu…"
"Second Brother, congratulations, congratulations!"
"Hahaha… His Majesty has truly recognized talent! Congratulations."
Xiahou Dun, Xu Huang, Xu Chu, Cao Xiu, Cao Chun… even Xun Yu, Xun You, and Xi Zhicai had come.
Lu Yu looked at these individuals with whom he had deep connections, all offering endless congratulations. His heart was filled with mixed emotions; these people couldn't understand the joy of a laid-back life.
"Likewise, likewise…" Lu Yu politely congratulated them in return. Everyone was getting promoted and prospering!
Xiahou Dun patted his chest and exclaimed, "Big Brother also mentioned this morning that the Imperial Academy, agricultural administration, and finance are crucial to us. If Second Brother is too busy and needs help, feel free to find Big Brother anytime… Big Brother may not be good at anything else, but helping you teach those Imperial Academy students is no problem!"
Uh…
Xiahou Dun’s words caught Lu Yu off guard, leaving him somewhat disoriented.
One had to wonder, could students taught by a perpetually losing general be victorious in the future? This was simply a false proposition!
Heh, Lu Yu merely "heh"-ed at this!
Lu Yu pondered that if the Imperial Academy were to offer military courses, it should at least be taught by Xiahou Yuan, who had graduated from the Imperial Academy and received systematic training. He would definitely be better than Xiahou Dun’s unconventional methods!
Wait…
Xiahou Dun’s mention of help suddenly made Lu Yu realize something, or rather, he thought of two people.
As long as… these two arrived, he, Lu Yu, could still remain free and relaxed.
Instantly, Lu Yu’s mind brought forth two very important names, one of whom was — Cao Song!
This old man was still alive; he had been the Grand Minister of Agriculture of the Great Han back then, in charge of the Great Han’s agriculture and finance. He knew all the ins and outs of it…
If he were to come to Xu Du City to lend a hand and manage finances… wouldn't the difficulties in agricultural administration and finance be resolved?
As for the Imperial Academy, although it needed many teachers, such as Sister Zhaoji and Xiahou Miaocai who could guest teach, there was one very crucial fellow who had to come…
If he came, Lu Yu would be much more relaxed.
With this in mind, Lu Yu’s eyes lifted, gazing directly at Xi Zhicai.
Suddenly being looked at by his savior, Lu Yu, Xi Zhicai immediately understood something. He quietly moved towards the backyard of the Ministry of Agriculture, and Lu Yu seized the opportunity to sneak away to the backyard.
Stealthily, he and Xi Zhicai met in the backyard.
"Young Master Lu, I wonder…" Xi Zhicai inquired proactively…
Before he could finish speaking, Lu Yu stated directly, "Brother Zhicai, you must accompany me to Yingchuan immediately. I need to invite someone to emerge from seclusion…"
"Who?" Xi Zhicai’s eyes narrowed…
After all, he was Lu Yu's savior, so Xi Zhicai paid close attention to Lu Yu’s affairs.
However, he was familiar with Yingchuan… why would Lu Yu need to personally go to invite someone!
Even if his own reputation was not enough to invite ordinary talented individuals from Yingchuan, wasn't Xun Wenruo still there?
Just then, a name came from Lu Yu's mouth—"Guo Jia, Guo Fengxiao!"
Upon hearing this name, Xi Zhicai was taken aback…
It was him?
If it was him, then it would be difficult to invite him.
At once, a hint of conflict appeared in Xi Zhicai's eyes. "Young Master Lu, to be honest, when I was young, I had a bet with Guo Fengxiao. He lost to me, and at that time, we made an agreement: as long as Xi Zhicai is alive, Fengxiao will not emerge…"
Speaking of this, Xi Zhicai paused. "Although Fengxiao is unrestrained in his behavior, what he says and the agreements he makes are never violated… inviting him to emerge? I fear…"
Xi Zhicai was about to say that it would be extremely difficult, perhaps even forcing him against his will!
Unexpectedly, Lu Yu waved his hand directly…
"It's not about entering officialdom! It has nothing to do with life or death, or emerging. " Lu Yu smiled slightly. "To come to the Imperial Academy as a teacher… there's no conflict, not at all!"
Speaking of this, Lu Yu thought of something.
"Alright, Brother Zhicai, you've just joined the Imperial Secretariat, and the entire court is in disarray. You're likely too busy to go. Don't bother. Just send me a trusted subordinate. As long as they can find this Guo Fengxiao in Yingchuan, I have a way to make him emerge!"
Huo…
So confident.
Xi Zhicai’s eyes narrowed. He had a close relationship with Guo Jia, and frankly, he understood Guo Fengxiao too well. This man was carefree and unconventional… Even without the old agreement, inviting him to emerge would not be easy.
However… if it were Lu Yu, it might be worth a try.
"Alright!" Xi Zhicai nodded. "I will make arrangements…"
…
…
Yan Province, Mount Tai Commandery, a heavily guarded manor.
The weather was pleasant today. Cao Song was fishing by the lake. Having entered his retirement, his mood seemed good every day.
Of course…
The repetitive days were gradually diminishing his passion!
Moreover…
Recently, he had heard reports that his son, Cao Cao, had successfully escorted the Son of Heaven and established his capital in Xu Du.
It seemed…
Everything was developing in a positive direction, yet Cao Song found the beautiful mountains and clear waters increasingly boring!
Besides…
There was one happy event hidden in Cao Song's heart!
It was the intelligence brought by Cao De two years ago—that Yin Lin was actually his grandson, Cao Song's grandson.
That was one thing, but his grandson had helped his son secure the territories of Yan, Xu, and Si Province!
Gratified…
His old heart was comforted.
He never expected the Cao family to produce such a genius. Even in the netherworld, he could account for himself to his adoptive father, Cao Teng…
Of course, Cao Song felt that he also had some credit for Cao Cao being able to sire such a child as Yu'er.
If he hadn't strictly taught Cao Cao from a young age, sent him to the Imperial Academy, and improved his caliber, how could such an unparalleled genius, Yin Lin, his grandson, have been born?
Happy, extremely happy!
At this moment, Cao Song flicked his wrist, and a small fish took the bait. A subordinate naturally went to remove the small fish. Cao Song, while stroking his beard, instructed, "As usual! Release it!"
In the past two years, his mood had been excellent, and he had become even more compassionate.
Even a living small fish, he was unwilling to harm, considering it as accumulating virtue for his son Cao Cao and grandson Cao Yu!
Of course, retirement life was always somewhat boring. Many times, Cao Song would recall the glorious years of the past.
For example, when he served as the Grand Minister of Agriculture, not only did he manage the imperial treasury impeccably, but he also created a private treasury within the national treasury for his own enrichment…
Such sophisticated operations were practically impossible to discover in this era…
Because of this, when Cao Song resigned, the Son of Heaven still praised him for being an upright and incorrupt official…
Truly ironic!
"Grandfather, Grandfather…"
Just then, Cao De ran over quickly, holding two letters in his hand.
"Grandfather, there are letters from Xu Du City. Two letters in total. One is from Big Brother, and the other is from…"
When he reached the other letter, Cao De glanced around, clearly hesitant.
Cao Song understood, "You all may withdraw…"
He immediately waved his hand, signaling the surrounding attendants to retreat.
After these attendants had gone far, Cao De then said, "The other letter is… it's from Yu'er…"
Mm… Yu'er?
In private, Cao De and Cao Song referred to Yu'er, which naturally meant Cao Cao's illegitimate son, Lu Yu.
But… why had he sent a letter?
Cao Song was slightly taken aback, but only for a moment, and then he quickly reacted.
Speaking of which, because Dian Wei had saved Cao Song and Cao De back then;
And because Cao Xiu of the Dragon Roar Camp had arranged for them to live at the foot of Mount Tai, Yu'er knew their address.
However, for nearly two years, Yu'er had never sent any letters here.
Even more… Yu'er didn't even know that he was Cao Cao's illegitimate son.
Cao Song's eyes flickered…
"Bring me Yu'er's letter…"
Cao De quickly unrolled the bamboo slips and handed them to him. This was an urgent letter from Xu Du five days ago. Judging from the signature, it seemed to be written by Yu'er himself.
Cao Song read it carefully, word by word…
But the more he read, the more excited he became. What was initially a seated posture, as he got into the mood, he suddenly stood up!
It gave the impression of "This old man’s youthfulness flares up again."
This appearance truly startled Cao De.
What…
What was happening? Why was his father, who had been calm for two years, so excited today?
"Hahahaha…" Cao Song laughed heartily, "Yu'er has been appointed Grand Minister of Agriculture by His Majesty…"
Ah… Ah?
Cao De felt as if he hadn't understood!
Yes, Yu'er being appointed Grand Minister of Agriculture was something to be happy about, but… did the old man need to be so happy? Besides… since the Son of Heaven was now in Big Brother's hands, awarding Yu'er anything was just a matter of Big Brother's word!
"Yu'er has been appointed Grand Minister of Agriculture? Why are you so happy, Grandfather?" Cao De quickly asked…
"Hahaha…" Cao Song was still laughing. He stretched his arms and flexed his muscles. "Aiya… I didn't expect Yu'er, in his high position, to think of this old man first! Hahaha… You take a look yourself!"
Saying this, Cao Song handed the letter to Cao De…
Cao De quickly looked. It was one thing not to look, but upon looking, he was instantly startled.
Good heavens…
Yu'er, in his high position as Grand Minister of Agriculture, was asking Grandfather to emerge and assist him, managing the Great Han’s agricultural administration and finances. This…
Cao De was stunned at first, and then he understood. No wonder Grandfather was so excited; it turned out… it turned out he was excited about the Great Han’s finances and agricultural administration!
Thinking this way, Cao De understood some of the clues. Indeed… when his father foresaw the unfavorable situation and resigned to return to his old residence in Langya Commandery, it was considered avoiding disaster.
But in reality… whether in his old residence in Langya Commandery or in the manor at the foot of Mount Tai now, he always missed the court and his glorious past years!
Especially the days when he served as Grand Minister of Agriculture, managing the Great Han's finances and agricultural administration.
This was an unforgettable memory!
And it was a memory that stirred his heart repeatedly and rippled through his emotions!
Now that Yu'er had proposed inviting Grandfather to emerge and assist, it was no wonder Grandfather was so excited. Grandfather yearned for the position of Grand Minister of Agriculture!
Of course, speaking of which…
Yu'er had saved Grandfather, and now he was inviting Grandfather to emerge and assist. Grandfather also yearned for it. By all rights, they should rush to Xu Du to help Yu'er.
But… this matter seemed to be of great importance. The urgent matter was to inform Big Brother, Mengde!
Cao De pondered carefully…
Although two years had passed, Big Brother had publicly announced that Grandfather and he had perished. Returning to Xu Du… and helping Yu'er manage finances and agricultural administration, it was inevitable that he would have some interactions with others. Most likely… the fact that he and Grandfather were still alive would not be kept secret anymore?
It was just uncertain…
If this matter were to be exposed now, would it have some sinister implications for Big Brother!
This was a matter of great importance, involving the movement of one part affecting the whole. Cao De had to ask Big Brother’s opinion.
"Grandfather, this matter is of great importance. Let's write a letter to Mengde and ask for his opinion?" Cao De immediately proposed.
How could Cao Song not understand the implied meaning in Cao De's words… "I think so too. Since we are going to Xu Du, it is natural that we need to consult Mengde!"
Wait…
Thinking of this, Cao Song suddenly remembered something, or rather, a letter…
A letter from Mengde.
"Ming Shan, isn't there also a letter from Mengde? Let's open it first and take a look."
Ming Shan was Cao De's courtesy name. Hearing his father say this, Cao De also reacted. How could he forget this matter…
"Father, please look…"
Cao De quickly unrolled another letter and handed it to Cao Song.
Cao Song took it, paced back and forth, and read it carefully…
The further he read, the more his lips curled upwards, and finally, "Hahahaha…" Cao Song laughed heartily with a sense of satisfaction, exclaiming, "Good, good…"
"What did Big Brother's letter say?" Cao De asked urgently…
Cao Song stroked his beard. "Two matters. The first is that Mengde will bring us to Xu Du. Now, out of the six commanderies of Xu Province, four are under Mengde’s control. Tao Qian has long since perished. If we return now, we can use any excuse to silence everyone, and no one will bring up old accounts!"
"The second is that Cao Cao has petitioned the Son of Heaven to appoint Yu'er as the Administrative Grand Chancellor of the Imperial Academy! Hahaha… First Grand Minister of Agriculture, then Grand Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, it's no wonder Yu'er needs help! Haha…"
Cao Song stroked his beard and laughed heartily…
The Imperial Academy… didn't it also have deep connections with him, Cao Song!
One must know…
Back then, Cao Song’s adoptive father, Marquis of Feiting, Cao Teng, had sent Cao Song, his adopted son, to the Imperial Academy!
Cao Song was a top student of the Imperial Academy, learned and knowledgeable… Immediately after graduation, he was appointed as a "Doctor of the Academy of Classics" and taught at the Imperial Academy!
These were all his past experiences and history!
The Grand Minister of Agriculture was a matter of sentiment for Cao Song, and the Imperial Academy… wasn't it also a matter of sentiment!
Compared to Cao Song's hearty laughter, Cao De was a bit bewildered…
The financial power of the Great Han? The educational power of the Great Han? All in Yu'er's hands?
Then… the power that Yu'er wielded was too… too great, wasn't it?
After all, he… he hadn't even reached the age of manhood yet!
Of course, Cao De would never know that this was the product of political struggle…
This was also a beautiful misunderstanding of Lu Yu by the Han court.
However…
"In that case, we can return to Xu Du." After a brief moment of stunned silence, Cao De also became excited.
Speaking of which, who didn't miss the prosperity of the imperial capital?
Who would want to stay at the foot of Mount Tai for a lifetime, living such a life of near reclusion?
"That's right!" Cao Song was still stroking his beard. "However, there's no rush. The letter mentioned that Mengde has specifically sent Zi He to lead troops to pick us up, so that we can ensure everything is foolproof."
Because of the previous incident where his father and brother were kidnapped, Cao Cao dared not be careless and specially sent Cao Chun with his Tiger Cavalry to escort them.
Yu'er could save them once, but they couldn't always rely on Yu'er for rescue, could they?
As for…
When his father and brother returned, Cao Cao had already planned his strategy.
First, this matter would be handled discreetly. Even if someone inquired, they would claim that heaven had blessed them, and his father and brother had escaped death… hiding in the woods, recuperating in a farmer's household, and only recently contacted Cao Cao.
Moreover, this was all from two years ago. Tao Qian was long gone… The hearts of the people in Xu Province were loyal to Cao Cao. Who would care about this?
Hoo…
Thinking of this, Cao Song looked up at the sky, and a surge of fervent emotion swept through his entire body, just like when his adoptive father, Cao Teng, died, and he resolutely entered Luoyang, entered the imperial capital, and entered this center of power.
The Cao Song of the past fought for the Great Han…
Managing the national treasury, he could enrich himself, and he could make the Cao family immensely wealthy!
But… today, Cao Song was going to the imperial capital again, not for the Great Han, but to fight for his son Cao Cao, and also to fight for his grandson Yu'er. If he managed the national treasury, then… he could not tolerate a single grain of sand in his eyes!
…
…