“Who is the owner here? Who do you think you are?” Cao Mu showed no sign of conceding. “There is only one owner here, and that is Miss Cai!”
Heh… Hearing this, Lu Yu chuckled. The girl before him was clearly a spoiled brat. Whoever married such a woman would be out of luck!
Lu Yu simply turned his head to look at Cai Zhaoji. “Sister Zhaoji, who is this little girl? Our academy is not a place for just anyone to come.”
“You…” Cao Mu’s pretty brows furrowed tightly. After all, she was Cao Cao’s most beloved daughter, raised by Lady Ding since childhood, making her the eldest legitimate daughter in every sense.
In all these years, Lu Yu was the first man to call her a “little girl” and to call her one of the “undesirables.”
Of course, in Lu Yu’s opinion, while the girl was a bit spoiled, she was still good-looking.
Her three thousand black tresses cascaded down her fragrant shoulders, and her fitted, plain-colored dress cinched her waist and reached her buttocks… outlining an extremely perfect figure. Most importantly… she was a C-cup.
Considering the nutrition and her build for this era, Lu Yu could already call her the most… well-endowed woman he had ever seen!
However, her spoiled nature was truly unlikable. If it were in the past, even if she had actively pursued him, Lu Yu wouldn’t have paid her any mind. In the future… whoever married her would be marrying a supreme being!
Cao Mu was about to retort…
But Cai Zhaoji’s voice cut her off. “Both Brother Yu and Mu’er, say less…”
Cai Zhaoji first introduced Lu Yu. “This young lady is your elder brother’s eldest daughter, named Cao Mu. Lady Ding instructed her to come learn poetry and etiquette from me.”
After introducing Cao Mu, Cai Zhaoji then introduced her to Lu Yu. “This is my younger brother. You must have heard of him. He is the official Cao Cao personally appointed as the Prefectural Officer – Lu Yu! He was not wrong; this residence is indeed his, and he is the master here!”
Ah… Ah…
Both Cao Mu and Lu Yu were stunned by this statement.
Evidently, Cao Mu’s reaction was greater. He… he was Lu Yu? The Lu Yu whom Father always praised?
To be honest, Cao Mu was disappointed. Since Father Cao Cao took over Yan Province, he had been busy with military and political affairs, spending very little time at home. The most he would say when he returned to Lady Ding was, “Look at the children Lady Zhaoji teaches, and then look at our Ang’er, they are as different as heaven and earth, so far beyond reach!”
It seemed that in the eyes of Lady Ding and Cao Mu, Lu Yu was like the “child from another family,” always praised by their father…
Since Father rarely praised anyone, Cao Mu assumed Lu Yu must be knowledgeable, refined, and skilled in both literary and military arts…
But seeing him today, his appearance, his eavesdropping…
Disappointment. She was indeed somewhat disappointed.
Him? He could also earn Father’s constant praise? Him… could he also outshine their brother Cao Ang? Leave him miles behind?
Cao Mu’s heart was filled with doubts… Of course, more than anything, she harbored deep suspicion towards her father Cao Cao’s praise of Lu Yu.
On the other hand, Lu Yu was also surprised…
The eldest daughter of Sister Zhaoji’s brother, wasn’t that Old Cao’s daughter?
Cao Mu… Lu Yu was somewhat unfamiliar with this name.
Because… in his memory, Old Cao’s three most famous daughters were Cao Xian, Cao Jie, and Cao Hua, who married Emperor Xian of Han, Liu Xie… Especially Cao Jie, known as Empress Xianmu in later generations.
But in reality, in the fourth year of Chuping, Cao Xian, Cao Jie, Cao Hua… were not yet born!
Therefore… Old Cao’s only daughter now could only be Princess Qinghe. It was likely that this Cao Mu was Princess Qinghe…
Lu Yu was not unfamiliar with this Princess Qinghe. Because she was born to Lady Liu, Cao Cao’s favorite, she was doted on by Cao Cao since childhood, who was reluctant to marry her off…
It wasn’t until she reached the age of thirteen, five years later, that Cao Cao married her to Xiahou Dun’s son, Xiahou Mao… As a result, when Xiahou Mao guarded Guanzhong, he became arrogant, taking on multiple wives and concubines, engaging in group activities… This Princess Qinghe then colluded with her younger brother-in-law to falsely accuse her husband…
In ancient times, it was very normal for men to have multiple wives and concubines, but considering that Princess Qinghe colluded with her younger brother-in-law, Lu Yu’s mind was immediately filled with a passionate song – “Tokyo is Hot,”
Filled with scenes of… “affairs in front of the husband…”
No wonder she was so spoiled since childhood. It turned out to be her.
Linking Cao Mu with Princess Qinghe, Lu Yu muttered to himself, such a woman… the farther the better, do not provoke her, and do not have fanciful thoughts.
…
Seeing their expressions change and fall silent, Cai Zhaoji was still thinking… Lady Ding intended to set them up!
With that in mind, Cai Zhaoji said, “Brother Yu, haven’t you attended my lessons for a long time? Why don’t you sit down and listen?”
Uh…
Lu Yu was somewhat dazed. His mind was filled with “Tokyo is Hot.” Sister Zhaoji wanted him to attend class again? He pictured a classroom… the scene was very stimulating.
He began to fantasize again.
“Mu’er, don’t stand anymore, sit down…” Cai Zhaoji continued speaking.
Cao Mu gave Lu Yu a meaningful glare. “Hmph…” she snorted, and pouted as she sat down.
As for Zhuge Jun, witnessing their confrontation, he felt a stir.
Originally, due to the changes in Yan Province in recent times, various rumors had painted Lu Yu as a god-like hero, a sage strategist, a god of war!
But today, in this study, Lu Yu arguing with a young girl caused the lofty, mysterious persona from the rumors to collapse, replaced by a touch of human warmth…
Interesting, very interesting…
Zhuge Jun blinked his eyes. To be honest, he was quite looking forward to studying alongside the great hero of Yan Province, Young Master Lu Yu.
“Brother Yu, are you not giving your sister face?” Cai Zhaoji added, seeing that Lu Yu had no intention of sitting down…
Lu Yu sighed and found a seat, kneeling there.
Yes, kneeling. Disciples in private schools knelt when studying; it was a rule…
Only Cai Zhaoji stood. Seeing Lu Yu kneeling obediently, Cai Zhaoji began the day’s lesson.
“Mu’er just explained the Six Arts of a Gentleman. However, to become ‘the Emperor’s aide, the pillar of the nation,’ besides the Six Arts and the Four Books and Five Classics, one must also master one or two crafts from the ‘Hundred Crafts,’ such as building houses, mending barrels, weaving mats, and so on. This not only solves basic necessities but also allows one to do practical work for the common people.”
In fact, Cai Zhaoji’s original plan for today’s lesson was not about the “Hundred Crafts.” However, due to Lu Yu’s appearance and her concern for Lady Ding’s instructions, she adjusted it to the “Hundred Crafts.”
The “Hundred Crafts” was a hands-on course, providing more opportunities for cooperation in class and allowing Lu Yu and Cao Mu to interact more and grow closer.
Being Lu Yu’s sister was truly not easy… She really worried about her brother.
Cai Zhaoji continued, “The ‘Kaogongji’ in ‘Rites of Zhou’ explicitly explains ‘Hundred Crafts.’ The state has six functions, and ‘Hundred Crafts’ is one of them. ‘Hundred Crafts’ is an important industry of our Han agricultural empire. It is closely related to people’s lives, and also closely connected with military and other special needs…”
Hearing this, Lu Yu yawned. He knew these things, but it was not bad to hear Sister Zhaoji explain them again. As the saying goes, reviewing the old helps one learn the new. Besides feeling a bit sleepy, everything else was fine.
Of course, sleepiness… was a habit formed since childhood. He felt sleepy during class and energetic after class.
While Lu Yu was feeling sleepy, Zhuge Jun meticulously took notes. He was the most dull-witted among his three brothers, yet he had to play the role of his smartest second brother, Kongming, and dared not be careless at any moment.
Only Cao Mu, hearing the female teacher’s important assertion about the “Hundred Crafts,” immediately shook her head and retorted:
“Female teacher, these Hundred Crafts are nothing more than ‘mending barrels’ and ‘weaving mats.’ The emperor and vassal kings’ responsibilities are to sit and discuss principles; the duties of scholars and officials are to implement the principles of governing the country; building houses, repairing roads, producing materials, and developing tools are all tasks for subordinates. They are done by our subordinates for us, so why should we personally learn them as a subject!”
Upon hearing this, Cai Zhaoji paused slightly, and Lu Yu also blinked.
Lu Yu mused that this girl’s thinking was dangerous. No wonder when she grew up, she would… ah, no, plot to frame her husband.
To be precise, her thinking was somewhat akin to the Indian “caste system,” and it was very obvious and extreme!
Cai Zhaoji intended to respond, but seeing Lu Yu’s expression change, she smiled and said, “Brother Yu? Can you answer Mu’er’s question?”
“This is very simple!” Lu Yu yawned, not even glancing at Cao Mu, and said mockingly, “To ask such a childish question shows you are half-baked!”
What…
Cao Mu was a little angry. Because she was Cao Cao’s eldest legitimate daughter, Cao Cao and Lady Ding indulged her in many things. If she wanted to learn poetry, Lady Ding would hire a teacher for her; if she wanted to learn martial arts, Cao Cao would also arrange for personal guards to teach her some. It could be said that since childhood, Cao Mu had received guidance from many famous teachers, but… Lu Yu called her half-baked. This… this…
Cao Mu felt a flicker of anger ignite in her heart, about to spread like wildfire!
“Hmph…”
However, after all, she was in front of the female teacher. Cao Mu tried her best to suppress the anger in her heart and retorted, “If you can’t explain it, then *you* are the one who is half-baked!”
Tit for tat, the atmosphere suddenly turned cold.
Heh heh…
Lu Yu chuckled.
He… a man who defeated the famous scholar Bian Rang in a debate until he was speechless, now… debating with a young girl? Uh… “debating” in the literal sense… do not overthink it.
Cough cough…
Lu Yu coughed lightly. “You just said that the duty of the emperor and vassal kings is to sit and discuss principles, and the duty of scholars and officials is to govern the country. The Hundred Crafts are the duty of subordinates, that is, artisans! This is correct!”
“But… as a minister, as a learned person, to help His Majesty rule the common people, at least you must know how to deal with artisans. You must know how long it takes to manufacture a cart or a boat? How much labor? How much material? How much does it cost? If you don’t know these things, how can you direct the artisans? How can you assign specific people to do specific tasks? What if they cheat you as an outsider, cut corners, and pocket the difference? These… are the necessities of learning the ‘Hundred Crafts’!”
At this point, Lu Yu paused and raised his voice slightly.
“Moreover, the heavens have their seasons, the earth has its energies, materials have their beauty, and crafts have their ingenuity. Only when these four aspects are coordinated can the most excellent machinery be created. For example, the swords of Zheng in the Warring States period, the scales of Song, the daggers of Lu, and the swords of Wu and Yue, are all perfect combinations of heaven, materials, and craftsmanship!”
“In other words, for the same battle halberd, which place has more refined forging techniques? For the same clothing, where is the weaving more comfortable? If you are ignorant of all this, how can you govern the country well for the king? On the basis of your half-baked mouth?”
Because he had no great affection for the historical Princess Qinghe, Lu Yu’s words were also a bit colder and more serious.
This actually startled Cai Zhaoji… She asked him to explain, but not to refute! Why didn’t Brother Yu show any pity for the fair sex?
Cai Zhaoji’s forehead was sweating… Alas, Lu Yu and Miss Cao Mu’s first meeting seemed inevitably destined to end unpleasantly.
Indeed…
“Hmph…” A cold snort.
“Nonsense, eloquent but glib…” Cao Mu left these eight words and quickly ran out of the study… and ran towards the entrance of the Cai residence.
“Wuwuwu…”
Believing her own literary talent and broad knowledge, yet being refuted speechless by Lu Yu… Cao Mu felt extremely wronged.
Most importantly, he… he was fierce towards her! She… hated him immensely.
Along the way, servants could see Cao Mu wiping the corners of her eyes with her sleeves.
She cried. Having been pampered since childhood, Cao Mu was truly crying at this moment. “Lu Yu… Lu Yu… you… you are just a… a…”
It was unclear whether she was crying because of Lu Yu’s reprimand…
Or because of Lu Yu, she realized how far her own knowledge fell short, and a huge gap formed in her heart. In any case, from the Cai residence to the carriage at the entrance, Cao Mu’s tears flowed uncontrollably…
Of course, how could she know that because she was a woman, even though she had been taught by teachers since childhood…
But the requirements of her teachers were not high. Girls could just learn a little bit… Could she really assist the king in governing the country and managing affairs in the future?
From this perspective, Lu Yu’s words “half-baked” were indeed not wrong…
However, they were a bit too cutting.
…
“Mu’er, Mu’er…” Cai Zhaoji called out anxiously, but how could her voice stop Cao Mu’s footsteps?
Turning the corner, she could no longer see the little girl.
Cai Zhaoji turned her head and glared at Lu Yu. “You, you cause trouble as soon as you return. Now, I have to go to my brother’s residence to apologize to Lady Ding on your behalf.”
“What’s there to apologize about?” Lu Yu said dismissively. “It’s a debate. If one can’t even withstand such verbal attacks, what’s the point of studying poetry and etiquette? Their mental fortitude is too weak…”
Lu Yu even gloated.
Turning his head, he saw Zhuge Liang sitting calmly and composedly in his seat. Lu Yu smiled and asked, “Kongming? What do you think? Was I wrong?”
“This…” Zhuge Jun shook his head. “I don’t know…”
One was a favored official in Cao Cao’s eyes, and the other was Cao Cao’s most beloved eldest daughter. How could he dare to comment on this matter?
However… Lu Yu’s words just now made Zhuge Jun admire him even more.
His ability to devise strategies to pacify Yan Province was already outstanding. Moreover, during the debate, Lu Yu explained the importance of the “Hundred Crafts” eloquently and logically, which unexpectedly sparked Zhuge Jun’s strong interest in the “Hundred Crafts.”
He was actually drawn to these hands-on aspects.
Of course, more than anything, he felt that Lu Yu was truly remarkable. This feeling, apart from the one he had towards his second brother Zhuge Liang, was the first time he had felt it towards an outsider!
“Alright, the class ends here!” Cai Zhaoji instructed. “Kongming, you must work harder when you go back, and you can’t fail to explain the Six Arts of a Gentleman next time!”
“Your disciple understands!” Zhuge Jun replied and respectfully withdrew.
Actually… it was far from the end of class. Cao Mu’s departure was unexpected, but… with Lu Yu’s return, Cai Zhaoji had no mood to continue the lesson.
After not seeing Brother Yu for so long, the brother and sister should have a good… close… closeness.
After so many days apart, Cai Zhaoji had worries, anger, affection, and longing… These emotions had to be vented somehow.
…
…