When Liu Biao's peculiar actions are mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is the current predicament of the Son of Heaven.
Hedong Commandery. The Son of Heaven had now left Hongnong and arrived in Hedong Commandery.
At the normal pace, it would only take about a month to reach Luoyang. His "guardians" at this time were still the Four Great Vajras, ranked by strength from strongest to weakest: Yang Feng, Zhang Yang, Han Xian, and Dong Cheng!
Regrettably, even after reaching Hedong Commandery, the four of them still harbored their own intentions, making it difficult to reach a consensus on many decisions!
Dong Cheng and Zhang Yang felt that with Luoyang so close, escorting the Son of Heaven back to the old capital would be a great achievement.
However, Yang Feng and Han Xian did not see it that way. Being from Guanshan, the closer they got to Luoyang, the more anxious they felt, fearing that their status would be threatened upon arrival in Luoyang.
As a result… they argued and fought as they traveled…
In the end, it was Emperor Liu Xie who mediated. After bestowing additional official titles upon each of them, an agreement was reached.
Dong Cheng would go to Luoyang city first to construct the palaces…
Yang Feng and Han Xian would be responsible for protecting the procession along the way, while Zhang Yang would procure the necessary provisions.
This was the agreement, but in reality… the provisions provided by Zhang Yang were meager, and Dong Cheng's palace construction was like a clever cook trying to make a meal without ingredients!
Seeing that the palace could not be built and Emperor Liu Xie could not move east, the Son of Heaven issued an imperial edict, instructing Dong Cheng to send someone to deliver it to Liu Biao of Jing Province, asking him to fund and send personnel to rush the construction of the palace in Luoyang.
In this way, a historical opportunity presented itself to Liu Biao. Forget Yuan Shao; he was now a full step closer to welcoming the Son of Heaven than Cao Cao was!
It could be said to be in accordance with the will of heaven and the hearts of the people, easily attainable…
Liu Biao, the Governor of Jing Province, agreed with extreme promptness. Upon hearing that His Majesty had ordered him to provide funds, he agreed without a second word. Large quantities of supplies were sent from Jing Province to Luoyang continuously…
However, it was only material supplies, with only a small escort of troops along the way, and not even a single senior general was dispatched.
This incredibly foolish operation made Zhuge Liang immediately see through Liu Biao…
This man is merely a talker, not to be consulted for important matters.
It was no wonder that even now… Zhuge Liang, recalling this incident, could not help but sigh at Liu Biao's foolishness and pedantry!
Unexpectedly, however…
Even from Jun's letter now, one could discern such a detail!
It seems that Jun, under the tutelage of Master Lu in Yan Province, has been progressing rapidly!
Zhuge Liang could not help but sigh repeatedly… The greatest sigh was that Jun belonged to Cao Ying. The lord, Cao Cao, was not muddled; he could listen to advice and implement the move westward to Luoyang to welcome the Son of Heaven. For Jun, this was a kind of unique happiness, wasn't it?
Shaking his head, it wasn't for nothing that Zhuge Liang felt a little envious of Jun at this moment.
For a moment, he even wondered, if Jun hadn't knocked him out with a single blow back then, then with the real Zhuge Liang in Yan Province and the fake Zhuge Liang in Xiangyang, perhaps it would have been a different story!
His eyes continued to scan downwards…
Zhuge Jun's letter, the parts unrelated to the current situation, mentioned what he had been doing recently, such as… pressing oil, and frying locusts!
Zhuge Liang had heard of these things and was even more curious… How was the oil pressed? And… why could only locusts from the eight commanderies of Yan Province and the four commanderies of Xu Province be eaten?
He continued to read with great curiosity, but… regarding the pressing of oil and the frying of locusts, Jun only wrote a few brief sentences, without going into detail.
It was precisely this point that made Zhuge Liang notice something profound.
"Heh heh…"
With a light smile, Zhuge Liang sighed, "It seems that our Jun has developed a sense of belonging to Yan Province, to that so-called Master Lu, and to Cao Ying. He is learning to conceal confidential information without showing it. Indeed, Jun has made progress!"
"Yes…" Zhuge Ruoxue, who was beside him, nodded. "In the past, we only thought of Yan Province as a dragon's pool and a tiger's den, but we never expected that Jun would gain a sense of belonging before us. Eldest Sister worries that you two will be in conflict on the battlefield if you serve different masters in the future!"
"It won't happen!" Zhuge Liang waved his hand… As soon as these three words escaped his lips, he felt uneasy. To be precise, for a moment, he also had the same thought as his eldest sister, and he let out a wry smile, "Even if we brothers meet on the battlefield one day, I will let Jun win. I won't let him lose too badly!"
Pfft…
As these words escaped, Zhuge Ruoxue couldn't help but laugh out loud. She retorted, "Jun's letters are becoming more and more confident. It's possible that he also thinks the same, that he won't let Kongming lose too badly!"
Mmm…
As these words escaped, Zhuge Liang paused slightly. He raised his eyes and looked towards the sky…
If, in the future, he and Jun were to face each other on the battlefield, serving different masters, then… what would that feeling be like? And what would be the outcome of the victory or defeat?
Not to mention, Zhuge Liang was somewhat looking forward to it!
"Haha… It seems that I, as the elder brother, also need to work harder."
"However, Jun is venturing out alone, while I have the help of my two elder sisters. Eldest Sister… you will be marrying into the Pang family next month. Liang congratulates you in advance!"
Hoo…
Zhuge Mengxue smiled slightly. "No need to congratulate me yet. Soon, you will have to congratulate your second sister again! I heard… that the betrothal gifts from Pang Shanmin, the son of Pang Degong, are already on their way!"
Whoa…
Zhuge Liang was slightly surprised.
However, it was only for a moment. With the talent and looks of his eldest sister, Zhuge Mengxue, and his second sister, Zhuge Ruoxue, having such good matches, he, Zhuge Liang, was not surprised at all!
"Kongming… what about you? When you complete your studies with Mr. Shuijing, what are your plans?" Zhuge Mengxue asked Zhuge Liang…
Zhuge Liang waved his hand. "Haha…"
He first smiled, then turned around, "What can I do? It's just… to live my life in peace in troubled times, without seeking fame among the lords. A thatched hut, three acres of land, and a knowing, intelligent wife are enough, enough…"
Speaking of this, Zhuge Liang's eyes blinked a few times…
It was clear that this was not the life he envisioned in his heart…
"Alas…" Zhuge Mengxue sighed. "Now… Cao Cao is advancing west to Luoyang. Who can know what the future of the world will be like?"
With a sigh, her eyes looked to the north… Presumably, in Luoyang at this moment, there must be strong winds and driving rain, like autumn winds sweeping away fallen leaves!
…
…
A pass on the road from Yan Province to Luoyang…
This place had long been occupied by Dong Cheng's troops in advance, serving as a checkpoint to prevent more unknown forces from getting involved in the struggle for the Son of Heaven, and also to prevent the petty villains from trying to get a share of the spoils.
Beyond this pass, there was another pass, which was guarded by Yang Feng's troops…
Cao Cao's first battalion was currently stationed before this first pass.
It could be said that to reach Luoyang, the immediate priority was to pass through these two passes.
But… the key problem was, although they could easily capture it…
Cao Cao was still unable to attack.
If he dared to act, in a matter of moments… Dong Cheng and Yang Feng would have the Son of Heaven issue an edict, labeling Cao Cao as a rebellious minister and traitor.
At that time, it would no longer be welcoming the Son of Heaven, but a complete "coercion" of the Son of Heaven.
Do not underestimate the difference between "welcoming" and "coercing." The gap was enormous, and it could even determine whether the scholars of the world would align with him!
"My Lord? If we can't attack like this, just waiting like this… is not a good strategy either!"
Mao Jie sighed.
The other civil and military officials had been dispatched to other camps. Only Mao Jie, a civil official, remained by Cao Cao's side.
"Wait a little longer!"
Before the Cao Ying camp, Cao Cao stood straight, gazing at the pass ahead, his eyes narrowed.
He was waiting, waiting for news…
In the past, when he spoke with Yu'er, Yu'er had mentioned that Dong Cheng and Yang Feng were both targets that could be won over…
Ten days ago, he had already dispatched envoys into the pass to secretly contact Dong Cheng and Yang Feng…
Calculating the time, the results should be here by now…
Of course, Cao Cao was also a little uneasy. After all… Lu Yu said it, and he analyzed it… but whether Dong Cheng and Yang Feng would cooperate with him, Cao Cao, was uncertain!
"Alas…" Mao Jie sighed. If they continued to wait like this… the military provisions could still hold out, but… the morale! A formidable pass blocking more than ten thousand soldiers, and every day of delay was a great blow and torture to the morale of the three armies!
Welcoming the Son of Heaven to Luoyang was like saying, "Once beaten, twice shy, three times disheartened!"
They could not wait, and Cao's soldiers could not wait!
And did Cao Cao not know all this?
His eyes deepened… If Mao Jie was anxious, he was even more anxious!
For the past ten days, he had clenched his fists countless times, wishing he could raise his arm and let more than ten thousand armored soldiers break through the pass, but reason told him, he couldn't!
He had to endure!
Since he had decided to welcome the Son of Heaven, there were many things that required patience. A sentence from Yu'er remained deeply impressed in Cao Cao's mind: "Take off your socks before your shoes, be a younger brother before you become a master!"
Just as Cao Cao frowned and Mao Jie was helpless…
Rumble, the gate of the pass opened.
Cao Cao's spirit was greatly uplifted, as was Mao Jie's, and even the spirits of tens of thousands of soldiers were greatly uplifted…
Then, the sound of dozens of horses' hooves echoed under the pass.
Immediately, dozens of knights appeared in Cao Cao's sight.
"Go… welcome them."
Cao Cao did not mount his horse but walked to welcome these knights…
Cao Cao recognized one of the knights as the envoy he had sent, and the remaining few…
"Duke Cao…"
The one at the forefront dismounted and then cupped his fists in salute. "I am Dong Zhao, an advisor…"
Upon hearing this, Cao Cao also returned the salute. "The Governor of Yan Province, Cao Cao, pays his respects to Advisor Dong…"
Humility. From the moment Cao Cao set out on his expedition, he had decided, according to Yu'er's deployment, that before entering Luoyang and before the Son of Heaven, he would act like a "grandson," being humble and courteous to everyone.
"The envoy from Governor Cao has met with General Dong Cheng. General Dong Cheng has been eagerly awaiting Duke Cao… Quickly, Duke Cao, lead your troops through the pass!" Dong Zhao said loudly…
Indeed, when Dong Cheng met Cao Cao's envoy and heard that Cao Cao was coming to welcome him, he was overjoyed!
To be honest, he was the weakest of the four warlords escorting the Son of Heaven!
Not only the weakest… his strength was far behind the other three warlords. His only reliance was the court officials…
However, the story of Dong Zhuo entering the capital had already told them that without troops, no matter how high your official position, it was useless.
Dong Cheng desperately needed a helping hand… a helping hand to assist him in rectifying the court!
But even with three imperial edicts, Yuan Shao remained unmoved, and Dong Cheng was almost frantic!
And the appearance of Cao Cao's envoy was like timely rain!
Dong Cheng immediately requested an imperial edict from the Son of Heaven and sent Advisor Dong Zhao personally to deliver it to Cao Cao. In this way… Cao Cao's entry into Luoyang would be legitimate.
"Assemble… prepare to enter the pass!"
Cao Cao hurriedly ordered his deputy to assemble the troops and prepare to enter the pass…
He then pulled Dong Zhao aside. "Advisor Dong, it seems… there is another pass ahead, guarded by General Yang Feng. What about there…"
Cao Cao did not finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear enough.
Would the imperial edict invited by Dong Cheng be useful for Yang Feng?
This time, before Dong Zhao could speak, the envoy rushed to say, "This subordinate has already met General Yang Feng and personally delivered Duke Cao's letter to him. General Yang Feng is in excellent spirits. He immediately memorialized the Son of Heaven to appoint Duke Cao as 'General Who Guards the East' and the Marquis of Feiting!"
Dong Zhao added, "Now, General Yang Feng's pass has also opened its gates wide, waiting for you, Duke Cao, your ally, to enter Luoyang!"
As Dong Zhao said…
Cao Cao's letter greatly praised Yang Feng, implying that he should manage the court, and Cao Cao would be his strong support, exchanging resources and achieving great things together!
Coupled with the fact that Yang Feng had troops but lacked grain, and Yan Province was close to Luoyang, he desperately needed an ally like Cao Cao.
Therefore…
Dong Cheng merely requested an imperial edict for Cao Cao to enter Luoyang, while Yang Feng was even more direct, directly requesting an appointment as "General Who Guards the East" for Cao Cao…
As for the title of Marquis of Feiting, Yang Feng had also made plans…
After all, the person Cao Cao admired most was his grandfather, Cao Teng. In the past… Cao Teng's title was "Marquis of Feiting"!
By bestowing this upon Cao Cao, Yang Feng's intentions were clear enough!
And at this moment…
Dong Zhao suddenly bowed to Cao Cao again.
"In fact, all the civil and military officials are waiting for a great hero like Duke Cao to save His Majesty from his predicament!"
"Now, His Majesty is about to enter Luoyang. I, Dong Zhao, though untalented, am willing to lead the way… to guide Duke Cao into Luoyang! I hope Duke Cao will purge the surrounding petty villains for His Majesty!"
Dong Zhao's words had hidden meanings…
This statement served to express loyalty, and also to convey the feelings of all the court officials!
Who were the petty villains?
… It was the three forces other than Dong Cheng, how could Cao Cao not understand?
"Rest assured, Advisor Dong…" Cao Cao also cupped his fists again. "On this journey to Luoyang, Cao will assist His Majesty in restoring the Han dynasty! Whoever His Majesty declares a loyal minister is a loyal minister, and whoever His Majesty declares a treacherous official, I, Cao Cao, will be the first to draw my sword against him!"
With these words…
Cao Cao turned around and raised his arm to give a shout. "Enter the pass immediately and proceed to Luoyang!"
The long-lost beacon fires ignited in the sky over the Sili region…
Billowing black smoke rose from the beacon towers, like a horn announcing the eve of dawn, carrying an insurmountable fighting spirit towards the city of Luoyang, the symbol of the Han dynasty's center of power!
…
…
Chenliu Commandery, Forge…
"Lu… Lu Yu, are you… are you crazy? You… what do you think this forge is?"
In all of Chenliu, and even all of Yan Province, the only person who dared to call Lu Yu by his name was this girl, Cao Mu. No one else!
It was impolite, but… this girl's personality was like fire and steel. Lu Yu knew she meant no harm, so he didn't bother with her.
"A forge is naturally a place for forging!"
Lu Yu smiled slightly. "Also, Steward Cao… although you are the steward of this forge, I am the person in charge of this forge. If you shout at me like this again in the future, I will tell your mother to spank your bottom!"
Recently, Lu Yu's back had straightened up, at least in front of Cao Mu, he had indeed straightened up.
Cao Mu's mother, Madam Ding… relied on Lu Yu for infertility treatment;
Cao Mu's elder brother, Cao Ang, was now… in the Dragon Cavalry Camp, and was a subordinate of Lu Yu's subordinate. Based on these two points alone, Lu Yu felt he was very strong… imposing!
At least, in front of Cao Mu, he was sufficiently imposing! Imposing enough to make her flustered!
"Then… you can't turn this forge into a workshop, can you?" Cao Mu was almost speechless… "Yes, there hasn't been much iron lately, and the forge has been stagnant for a long time, but… my father pays the wages of the forge workers. I haven't eaten a single grain from your family, so why are you letting these artisans do the work of carpenters?"
As Cao Mu said…
Lately, Lu Yu had changed careers to become a carpenter. To be precise, it wasn't that he had changed careers, but… he had instructed the staff of the oil workshop and the artisans of the forge to become carpenters…
The crafts they made were also simple, such as palace lanterns, copper pots, pure silver desks, and mirrors…
In short, all of them were made according to palace artifact blueprints… creating all sorts of miscellaneous items.
For this reason, Cao Mu was going mad… She felt that doing these things was completely useless!
The imperial palace in Luoyang had been burned down. What was the point of doing these things? Lu Yu must have been bored to death!
"Look, Kongming's oil workshop has no objections. They do whatever they are asked to do. Yet, you, young lady, are disobedient… When I ask for credit from your father tomorrow, I will selectively ignore you!"
Lu Yu said with a smile, with a hint of teasing in his words…
"You… you…" Cao Mu was instantly speechless…
After a moment, she seemed to remember something. "Wait… you said just now, asking for credit? These… these palace artifacts can also earn credit?"
Cao Mu was slightly surprised…
Who knew that Lu Yu would directly cross his legs? "Do you want to know?"
"Yes!" Cao Mu's eyes blinked continuously, looking like a curious baby…
"But, I don't want to tell you!" Lu Yu smiled and yawned…
Lately, he had been drawing blueprints for Han Dynasty palace artifacts every day, and Lu Yu was already tired!
"You… you tell me or not?" Cao Mu became anxious…
Uh… Lu Yu paused slightly. He waved his hand. "I won't… I don't want to tell you!" As he spoke, Lu Yu took a sip of tea… Recently, Yan Province had been peaceful, and with nothing to do, teasing this willful young lady was also a pleasure.
"The entrance is slightly bitter, with a sweet aftertaste. This tea is good…" Lu Yu began to taste the tea…
You…
Cao Mu's eyes widened, and she stood before Lu Yu with her hands on her hips. "If you don't tell me, I… I'll beg my father to…"
Heh heh…
Hearing this, Lu Yu "heh heh"-ed. What could you beg your father for? Would he cut me down?
Lu Yu's mouth curved into a sneer…
Cao Mu's words continued: "If you don't tell me, I'll beg my father to marry me off to you!"
Pfft…
Lu Yu spat out a mouthful of tea, almost splashing onto Cao Mu.
You… you're absolutely amazing!
Damn, you can even use this as a threat…
Alright, very alright!
Lu Yu conceded. He truly conceded to Cao Mu. Could such a woman be married? No way!
"Alright, I'll tell you…" Lu Yu spread his hands helplessly. "From now on, don't ever threaten me with this… I'm afraid I'll have nightmares!"
"I know, hurry up and tell me, why can these palace artifacts earn great merit?"
Cao Mu looked expectant.
"Well…" Lu Yu said with a smile, "This has to start from the tragic experiences of our Son of Heaven in his childhood!"
Emperor Xian of Han, Liu Xie, was an unfortunate child!
While others' misfortunes might start after birth, his misfortunes… began when he was in Consort Wang's womb!
Thinking of this topic, Lu Yu couldn't help but sigh.
The fact that Liu Xie was born was simply a miracle of life.
…
…