The Xu clan was originally a prominent family in Qiao and Pei...
However, many years ago, they had already declined.
Xu Chu was from Qiao County, Pei State, and the Xu Family Manor was also located within Qiao County. These five hundred fellow villagers also hailed from Qiao County, Pei State...
Coincidentally, Cao Cao's hometown was also Qiao County, Pei State.
What a coincidence...
Seeing the surprise on Cao Cao's face, Lu Yu hastily explained:
"Cao Gong's personal guards must be trustworthy individuals. It just so happens that Xu Chu and these five hundred warriors are all from Qiao and Pei, and are fellow townsmen with Cao Gong. Xu Chu is a loyal and brave warrior. Therefore, aside from the Cao and Xiahou clans, no one is more suitable to protect Cao Gong's safety than them!"
Hmm... fellow countrymen?
Cao Cao's eyes darted around. Hey, he, Xu Chu, and these five hundred righteous warriors were all from the same place.
If his guards were his own people, it would mean something different.
China has always valued camaraderie, shared experience, and fellow countrymen's bonds. Wasn't there a popular anti-corruption TV series about the "Han Da Gang"?
To put it bluntly, this is circle culture!
The camaraderie among fellow soldiers, those who shared experiences, and countrymen makes it easier to establish a circle of mutual trust, assistance, and exchange...
By extension, besides the troops originally from Qiao and Pei under Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Cao Ren, and Cao Hong, who else could Cao Cao trust and allow to guard him closely?
Thinking this way, Xu Chu and these five hundred righteous warriors, also from Qiao and Pei, were undoubtedly the most suitable.
Cao Cao pondered for a moment. To confirm, he directly retorted, "Lu Gongcao, are you sure? Are Xu Chu and the five hundred warriors all from Qiao and Pei?"
"As genuine as it gets..." Lu Yu nodded. "Xu Chu is quite familiar with many Qiao and Pei armored soldiers in the military camps. He even... has a past connection with General Miaocai!"
Hmm... a past connection with Xiahou Yuan?
The moment this was said, it completely dispelled Cao Cao's reservations about Xu Chu and these five hundred righteous warriors, making him trust them implicitly.
As the saying goes, when fellow countrymen meet, tears of joy flow!
"Good, good!"
With two consecutive "good"s, Cao Cao nodded. Considering this bond of fellow countrymen and this formidable force led by Xu Chu, Cao Cao's mood suddenly became very good.
"Lu Gongcao has thought this through thoroughly."
He couldn't help but sigh. But then, Cao Cao finally sensed a hint of "Zixiao's" [Cao Pi's courtesy name] understanding.
However, he suddenly realized a problem...
Perhaps the reason Yu'er [Lu Yu] did not incorporate Xu Chu into the Dragon Soaring Camp but instead recommended him to Cao Cao...
This action was deeply meaningful.
Cao Cao's mind raced. He pondered that perhaps Yu'er was overthinking things. He was trying to prevent the Dragon Soaring Camp from becoming too powerful, which might arouse unnecessary suspicion from Cao Cao. This was a way of governing and also a way of conducting oneself in life.
Holding back one's edge, in this regard, Yu'er seemed to have done nothing wrong...
Thinking of this, Cao Cao couldn't help but show a hint of sorrow on his face.
He mumbled to himself, "Yu'er, oh Yu'er... even if I Cao Cao were to be suspicious of everyone in the world, how could I ever be suspicious of Yu'er?"
You cannot yet comprehend the earnest intentions of your old father!
"Ahem..."
Clearing his throat, Cao Cao continued, "Since Lu Gongcao has recommended him, so be it."
With that said, Cao Cao picked up his brush and added Xu Huang and Xu Chu's names to the memorial. At the same time, he loudly called out, "Please have General Xu and General Xu enter!"
Xu Chu and Xu Huang, who had been waiting outside the door, quickly entered the main hall.
"Xu Huang pays his respects to Cao Gong!"
"I, Xu Chu, pay my respects to Cao Gong!"
Cao Cao looked them over. Xu Huang was dignified and imposing, exuding an aura of unflustered composure even if Mount Tai collapsed before him.
As for Xu Chu, he was burly and robust. The fist he used to clasp his hands in greeting was larger than a rice bowl.
No wonder there was a saying in the Jianghuai region that this man once dragged an ox a hundred paces backward. Looking at his fist, one could tell he was naturally strong!
Beside him, there was a sense of security, wasn't there?
Of course, the word "I" also revealed Xu Chu's character – somewhat rough, but without hidden agendas. Such a person was indeed suitable to be by Cao Cao's side.
With this thought, Cao Cao nodded with satisfaction and first looked at Xu Huang.
"You are Xu Gongming?"
"Indeed, it is I!" Xu Huang's voice was resonant, exuding an aura of heroism...
"Hahaha... a fierce general!" Cao Cao suddenly stood up. "Lu Gongcao has strongly recommended you just now, and I have agreed. I will recommend you as General of Anxi, to establish the Sixth Camp within the Cao army. You will lead your troops into the Sixth Camp, with you, Xu Gongming, as the commander!"
Whoa... General of Andong? Commander of the Sixth Camp?
Xu Huang was slightly surprised. General of Andong was one thing...
In the past two years, since the Emperor returned to Luoyang, there have been no less than eighty to a hundred generals and marquises enfeoffed by imperial decree.
The title of General alone no longer held much attraction. But... commander of the Sixth Camp, this... this was someone who wielded military power and even held a prominent position within the Cao camp!
As a surrendered general, it was difficult for Xu Huang to gain the trust of his lord...
But... Cao Gong not only did not strip him of his troops but also established a new camp for him. Such trust made Xu Huang quite moved.
Of course, from this, one could also see.
How much weight Lu Gongzi's words carried in Cao Gong's heart.
"Thank you, Cao Gong..." Xu Huang did not refuse and clasped his hands in thanks!
Cao Cao nodded slightly and then turned his gaze towards Xu Chu. "...You, strong warrior Xu, are so robust in appearance. Indeed, you live up to Lu Gongcao's recommendation."
"From now on, you and your brothers will form an independent army. Let us name it the 'Tiger Guards Army'. Your duty will be to guard the central army. Xu, strong warrior, will serve as the commander of the Tiger Guards Army. What do you think?"
Ah... ah...
Tiger Guards Army? Commander of the Tiger Guards Army?
Xu Chu was stunned. The righteous army he had formed himself before was all small skirmishes. His brothers addressed each other as brothers. What did commander mean? He hadn't experienced that yet!
It sounded quite imposing...
But that wasn't the main point.
"Cao Gong..." Xu Chu's eyes darted around, and he quickly asked, "My brothers and I originally wanted to join the Dragon Soaring Camp because the food in the Dragon Soaring Camp was good, with three catties of grain and one catty of meat every day..."
"Young Master Lu told me that if I followed Cao Gong, I would receive three catties of grain and two catties of meat every day. I want to ask Cao Gong, is what Young Master Lu said true or false?"
As soon as he said this, Xu Chu felt he had gone too far...
After all, three catties of grain and two catties of meat daily was, in his ingrained perception, the kind of treatment even the Emperor himself would have at most.
Immediately, he felt he had gone too far and changed his words.
"Cao Gong, what I mean is, as long as this Tiger Guards Army can have three catties of grain and one catty of meat like the Dragon Soaring Camp, my brothers and I will go through fire and water for you! I and my brothers don't have much skill, but we have two characteristics: one is that we can eat, and the other is that we can fight!"
As soon as he said this...
Hahahaha...
Cao Cao laughed, Lu Yu laughed, and even Xu Huang, standing beside them, couldn't help but laugh.
"Hahaha..." Cao Cao laughed and walked up to Xu Chu. He asked meaningfully, "Strong warrior Xu, are all five hundred brothers in the Tiger Guards Army as robust as you!"
"Naturally!" Xu Chu was quite honest. Since Cao Cao asked, he answered truthfully.
He then added, "They all have the same appetite as me!"
At this moment, Cao Cao directly turned around, hands behind his back, and his subsequent words became somewhat serious and meticulous.
"Oh, if they are as robust as strong warrior Xu, then three catties of grain and one catty of meat would not be enough! How about..."
Cao Cao paused and continued, "Let the Tiger Guards Army be allocated three catties of grain and three catties of meat per person per day? What do you think, strong warrior Xu!"
Ah... ah...
Three catties of grain and three catties of meat, Xu Chu's eyes lit up with a green glow, a verdant...
Meat, meat... this was all meat!
From childhood to adulthood, he had never eaten three catties of meat in one meal. What kind of life was this in the Cao camp? Happiness had come too intensely!
While he was still in a daze, Lu Yu hurriedly said...
"Why don't you thank Cao Gong quickly... your Tiger Guards Army brothers will have good fortune!"
"Dong"... The two fists slammed together. Xu Chu clasped his hands in a bow. "Thank you, Cao Gong, and thank you, Young Master Lu. My brothers can finally eat their fill!"
Hahaha...
As soon as he said this, Cao Cao laughed again. He did not forget to look back at Lu Yu. Their eyes met, and both smiled brightly.
Amidst the laughter...
Lu Yu nodded...
He felt deeply that in this era... especially in this era where food was scarce and cannibalism was practiced, the one who provided nourishment was king.
...
After enfeoffing Xu Chu and Xu Huang, Cao Cao chatted with them for a few more words. The two bowed and withdrew.
Only Lu Yu and Cao Cao remained in the main hall.
Still one desk, two cups of tea, the two sat opposite each other.
"When you entered, Lu Gongcao also mentioned that you had something to report... Should you say it now?"
Cao Cao took a sip of tea and spoke first...
Half an hour ago, when Lu Yu had just entered, both of them had something to say. Cao Cao had even asked, "You first, or me first!"
Now that Cao Cao had presented his two memorials, it was Yu'er's turn.
Hearing this, Lu Yu instinctively thought of the grand "Great General's Residence" plaque outside the mansion gate...
Instantly, his expression became more serious, and he sat up straighter.
"Does Cao Gong really intend to become the Great General?" Lu Yu asked first...
This... Cao Cao's eyes darted around.
"Was this the Emperor's own initiative to enfeoff me? Is there a problem?"
"Yes... there is a big problem, and it even concerns Cao Gong's survival!" Lu Yu's tone was exceptionally serious, and his expression was meticulous.
At once, Cao Cao's brow furrowed, and he became fully alert.
"Speak, continue!"
"Yuan Shao, do you not understand Cao Gong yet?" Lu Yu shifted the topic to Yuan Shao, intending to discuss the formation of Yuan Shao's personality. "He was born to a maidservant and was a concubine's son. From childhood, he was ostracized by his mother, who was born a princess, and held a low status! It can be said that from childhood, Yuan Shu... and even the entire Yuan family looked down upon Yuan Shao!"
"If he didn't have some ability and use his family prestige to win over a large number of aristocratic families to serve him, how could he have reached this point... Therefore, Yuan Shao's character is imbued with stubbornness!"
"May I ask Cao Gong, can you understand Yuan Shao's stubbornness?"
Stubbornness?
Cao Cao paused slightly. Lu Yu understood Yuan Shao, but Cao Cao understood Yuan Shao even better...
Over the years... what Yuan Shao pursued, or rather, that stubbornness in his heart, no one understood better than Cao Cao. Similarly... this was what Cao Cao had been constantly pursuing in his early years.
"It is recognition, the recognition of everyone in the world!"
Cao Cao blurted out the answer... "I have considered this point, which is why... I specifically added Yuan Shao's name to tomorrow's memorial, so that the Emperor will officially issue a decree appointing him as Grand Commandant of the current court."
"Fifth generation of Three Ducal Ministers, can't this make everyone in the world recognize Yuan Shao? You must know... a family with five generations of Three Ducal Ministers is unprecedented in the Qin dynasty or even in the Han dynasty. If Yuan Shao creates such glory, wouldn't this prove himself? A matter of bringing glory to his ancestors! What else would Yuan Shao be stubborn about?"
Cao Cao spoke at length...
In his opinion, it was well-reasoned and seemed... unassailable.
However, he did not expect Lu Yu's words to pour cold water on him.
"A grave mistake!"
Lu Yu was not polite and continued to guide Cao Cao. "Indeed, what Cao Gong said is reasonable. Yuan Shao's stubbornness is indeed recognized by everyone in the world, and the reputation of being Five Generations of Three Ducal Ministers can indeed make him forget himself to some extent and be overjoyed. However... Cao Gong has overlooked one point! A more important point!"
Reaching this point, Lu Yu's tone became even more solemn. He leaned his head closer to Cao Cao.
"Cao Gong, you are the 'Great General'! No matter how illustrious the title of 'Grand Commandant' is, it cannot compare to 'Great General'. Being Five Generations of Three Ducal Ministers is quite appealing, but once Yuan Shao thinks... that he is still under Cao Gong's 'Great General', then even a sumptuous feast will become tasteless!"
"Do I need to elaborate further on Yuan Shao's broad-mindedness and narrow-mindedness?"
Beneath the Great General, being Five Generations of Three Ducal Ministers suddenly loses its appeal.
This was what Lu Yu wanted to express...
Whoa, the moment these words were spoken... Cao Cao was stunned. His forehead and back began to bead with sweat. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and looked at Lu Yu with wide eyes.
He was getting carried away. Cao Cao was getting carried away!
Because of the successful welcoming of the Emperor, Cao Cao was overjoyed and got carried away, actually... actually overlooking this crucial aspect.
At such a time, he could not get carried away. If he, Cao Cao, got carried away, Yuan Shao could then wield his sword.
Hoo...
Hoo...
He let out a long breath. Cold sweat streamed down Cao Cao's forehead, and his mind raced.
You must know, no matter how strong Cao Cao is or how much territory he has...
Before he truly had the strength to challenge Yuan Shao, he had to maintain the posture of a junior brother.
If, in name, the junior brother instantly became the superior of his elder brother... holding the position of Great General, which surpassed all "Three Ducal Ministers," completely suppressing Yuan Shao in terms of official career and status.
Under such circumstances, let alone Five Generations of Three Ducal Ministers, even Six Generations or Seven Generations of Three Ducal Ministers would not make Yuan Shao happy...
Given his narrow-mindedness, which was smaller than a fingernail, fueled by rage, and with a hot head, he might abandon his plan to go north to Youzhou and directly attack Cao Cao to the south... it was not impossible!
To put it bluntly, it was like a lion, which originally preyed on antelopes, suddenly being trampled on the head by an antelope's hoof. This was absolutely intolerable!
Tearing up the alliance and resorting to arms...
If it reached such a situation, then his, Cao Cao's, actions would be irreversible.
At this moment, Cao Cao's expression was extremely complex. Lu Yu continued to supplement:
"In recent years, Yuan Shao has wiped out the Black Mountain bandits, occupied and unified Qing and Bingzhou, and forced the Southern Xiongnu to kneel and sing 'Conquer'. Now he controls Qing, Ji, and Bingzhou, with hundreds of thousands of armored soldiers... If we truly compare current strength, to put it bluntly, three Cao Gongs combined would not be his match!"
"However... Cao Gong has the Emperor in hand. As long as he can delay for another year, countless upright scholars and loyal men will flock to him, and countless warlords will pledge allegiance. Conversely, Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan will fight in the northern territories, consuming each other's strength. Thus, as our strength grows and theirs wanes, I dare to assert that within five years, Cao Gong will have the capital to fight Yuan Shao for control of the world!"
Lu Yu spoke with great conviction...
As he reached the end, seeing Cao Cao's still complex expression, he did not forget to emphasize his words and repeatedly supplemented, "Cao Gong... this is Lu Yu's sincere advice. Cao Gong, please consider it, please consider it carefully!"
Consider?
What was there to consider?
Cao Cao's entire back was soaked. If not for Yu'er's reminder, he would have made a great mistake.
Great General?
Heh heh... Indeed, he, Cao Cao, also wanted to show off!
After all, who wouldn't want to be the Great General of the armies under one person and above ten thousand others?
But in reality, this was just an empty title. Cao Cao would never put himself in danger for the sake of showing off. Previously, he had not considered this aspect.
He hadn't expected... that the title of Great General could influence the course of the world. This was Cao Cao's oversight.
"Yu (er)... oh, Lu Gongcao..."
Cao Cao almost called him Yu'er. The moment it left his mouth, he quickly corrected himself. "If not for your reminder, I would have nearly made a grave mistake. The position of Great General must be bestowed upon Yuan Shao! Such a 'Great General' can buy us several years of development time. This is crucial, and this deal is a sure profit!"
"That's right," Lu Yu supplemented. "Cao Gong must remember that the Emperor is in Cao Gong's hands. No matter how illustrious Yuan Shao's title of 'Great General' is, can it be higher than the Emperor's!"
"Besides, this is actually a trap. As long as Yuan Shao accepts the title of Great General, if he later turns against Cao Gong, he will be at a disadvantage in terms of righteousness. He who gains the Way has much assistance; he who loses the Way has little. I, Lu Yu, dare to assert that within ten years, the northern territories will belong to Cao Gong, and Yuan Shao will flee like a stray dog!"
Whoa... how domineering!
Within ten years, the northern territories will belong to him, Cao Cao!
Even Cao Cao dared not make such a bold statement!
Yu'er is truly domineering!
Hahaha... Hahaha...
Cao Cao burst into laughter. With this matter clarified, his mood greatly improved. He immediately took out a new bamboo slip and decided to extensively revise the memorial for enfeoffment and rewrite it.
This Great General, he, Cao Cao, would not do it. Whoever wants it can have it!
He could even give up the position of Grand Commandant. Maintaining a low profile to paralyze the enemy. If he wanted to do it, he would do it thoroughly.
Cao Cao added the title "Great General" after proposing Yuan Shao's official rank and then changed his own official rank to "Situ"... one of the Three Ducal Ministers, Situ!
Just like that, Cao Cao carefully rewrote it. It took him a full half hour. Lu Yu remained silent, watching him transcribe.
Of course, Lu Yu's mood had also calmed down considerably...
Preventing future problems, or rather, not getting carried away!
At this juncture, it was not about not fighting Yuan Shao, but that there was simply no way to fight him!
Although the Cao camp appeared calm on the surface, in reality, it was fraught with danger and hidden currents...
The imperial court had just been established, and the various forces within Xu Du city were intricate and deeply intertwined, having already become a melting pot...
Lu Yu could guess with his eyes closed...
The noble officials of Qiao and Pei who had made outstanding contributions to Cao Cao, those self-important court officials, and the various small warlords, clans, and wealthy families that would continue to join them. The governance of Xu Du would be a tremendous challenge!
In such chaos, how could they spare the time and energy to deal with Yuan Shao?
Welcoming the Emperor and stabilizing Xu Du... could only be considered the first step on a hundred-foot ladder. There were still many things to do, many complications. Lu Yu dared not be careless in the slightest...
At this juncture, Old Cao must not get carried away!
"Alright!"
Finally, the transcription was complete. Cao Cao checked it again and immediately nodded.
Then, he proactively poured tea for Lu Yu. This was a way for a father to express his gratitude to his son.
They were all family, no need for pretense, no need for too much praise. Everything was in the tea.
Of course...
Cao Cao was still gratified. When he was getting carried away, and the entire Cao camp was getting carried away, only Yu'er remained clear-headed! His clarity far exceeded his age.
Compared to his grasp of Yuan Shao's intentions, this clarity was even more precious!
Resolved...
The memorial proposing Yuan Shao as Great General was settled. A large stone in Cao Cao's heart had finally landed.
So...
The topic returned to the previous discussion.
The part of Yu'er's proposed official rank was still vacant. What official rank should Yu'er be appointed to?
Considering...
The interplay of various forces in Xu Du city, Cao Cao's thoughts became even firmer!
Why not let Yu'er be the Prefect of Xu Du?
Of course... this might be good for the overall situation. With the prestige of the Dragon Soaring Camp, it would surely deter the officials and the rascals.
However... this would not be beneficial for Yu'er's future!
Prefect of Xu Du... was a thankless task!
Cao Cao adhered to the principle of strict laws in a chaotic world. He did not want Yu'er to undertake the task of Prefect of Xu Du, yet he could not find anyone more suitable than Yu'er.
Hoo... He let out a light sigh, and Cao Cao simply said, "Lu Gongcao, your official rank is still vacant. I have an idea, Prefect of Xu Du? What do you think of this title?"
As soon as he said this...
Lu Yu shivered. What he feared had come to pass. Instantly, a single thought flashed through his mind—
— I bought a watch last year!
...
...
At this time... Lu Yu was pondering, and Cao Cao was also pondering. Both were thinking about one matter... that was the imperial enfeoffment of Lu Yu.
What good official rank should be bestowed?
Lu Yu was considering what kind of leisurely position it should be. Cao Cao was considering what official rank would be suitable for Lu Yu to develop his own circle.
Prefect of Xu Du...
Actually, Cao Cao had an idea. Prefect of Xu Du was a good official rank... in the imperial capital, where the Three Ducal Ministers and Nine Ministers were spread out, the position was not particularly high, but its power was not small.
It was a position that required dealing with many important figures. Cao Cao mused that if Yu'er were not