Lady Ding, Ding Hui, a woman full of legend.
She was the eldest daughter of the Ding family, wealthy merchants in Luoyang. Her aunt was Cao Cao’s mother, but she died of illness early on. Cao Cao was raised by his stepmother from a young age. The relationship between the Ding family and the Cao family had been deeply intertwined since the previous generation.
Furthermore, the youngest daughter of the Ding family, Ding Xiang, married Cao Cao’s good brother, Xiahou Yuan.
It is known that Ding Xiang, the youngest daughter of the Ding family, was the woman Cao Cao was infatuated with. Cao Cao was obsessed with married women, and his relationship with this young daughter of the Ding family, Xiahou Yuan’s wife, was significant. This will be elaborated upon in a separate side story later.
Of course, these are not the main points. The main point is…
In ancient times, a divorce letter was usually issued by a man to a woman, but… if following the normal course of history, Lady Ding was supposed to divorce Cao Cao…
A woman who could divorce the "Wife-Snatcher Cao" could, with a little thought, be understood as anything but simple.
Lu Yu’s eyes darted around. He muttered to himself, Lady Ding coming so early this morning, perhaps the news of the battle in the south of the city last night had not reached her ears yet?
Indeed, the news had been suppressed.
Moreover, ancient cities were divided into inner and outer cities. The "nobles" residing in the inner city would not know about the battles in the outer city.
Except for Cao Xiu, who had specifically dispatched the Dragon Soaring Cavalry to report the situation to Lu Yu and Cai Zhaoji immediately, even Cao Cao’s legitimate wife, Lady Ding, did not know.
However, her purpose for coming here was unrelated to the battle.
“My younger self greets Lady Ding.” Approaching the honored lady, Cai Zhaoji quickly bowed…
“No need to be so formal.” Lady Ding helped Cai Zhaoji up. “You are the daughter of my husband’s old friend. Your younger brother has also made many great contributions during the suppression and incorporation of the Yellow Turban Army. My husband specifically instructed me to take good care of you and your brother before he left. I consider you and your brother as family, so please don’t be so formal.”
After all, she came from a respected family. Lady Ding was only around thirty years old, knowledgeable and virtuous, with clear and bright features, giving her an exceptionally calm demeanor.
Yet, within that calmness, there was a powerful aura of a woman.
Speaking of which, the original wife who could divorce the "Wife-Snatcher Cao"… one could imagine her aura reaching the heavens.
“Thank you for your concern, brother and sister-in-law.” Cai Zhaoji raised her eyes. “Sister-in-law, is there anything you need?”
Upon mentioning this, Lady Ding signaled her attending maidservants to withdraw. She looked around, seeing only the two of them in the hall, and then spoke softly, “Where is Miss Zhaoji’s younger brother?”
“He…” Cai Zhaoji turned back, but Lu Yu was not behind her.
They had just been together. The visit was sudden… perhaps Lu Yu had not followed, or perhaps, with the female guests present… Lu Yu had deliberately avoided them?
“Oh, he… he just returned. He’s probably tired and went back to his room to rest?”
“That’s possible… I heard he was given fifty military strokes. How could such a young child endure that?” Lady Ding’s face first showed a look of worry, but then her tone shifted… and became serious.
“But… Miss Zhaoji, even though your brother has made many contributions, you cannot be arrogant, nor can you be lawless!”
“My husband always mentions your brother Lu Yu, saying he is very intelligent, very resourceful, and has great potential – a rough gem. But Miss Zhaoji, even a rough gem, if allowed to grow wild and act recklessly, will cause endless harm!”
At this point, Lady Ding paused. Her next sentence was much gentler.
“Of course, if carefully sculpted, a rough gem will become a treasure. Miss Zhaoji, do you understand what I mean?”
Ah… ah…
Cai Zhaoji’s cherry lips parted slightly.
She understood, she could understand, but what was this situation?
Why was Lu Yu’s younger brother growing wild? Why was he acting recklessly? Why would he cause endless harm? Was it… the disturbance at the Prefect’s mansion three days ago?
But… wasn’t that…
Cai Zhaoji suddenly realized that Lady Ding might have misunderstood. Her visit was to reprimand them!
Realizing this, Cai Zhaoji intended to explain…
“Lady Ding, actually… it’s not what you see…”
However, Cai Zhaoji’s aura was more than ten levels below Lady Ding’s. Before she could even speak, Lady Ding’s voice completely overwhelmed her.
“I’m not trying to scold you. It’s just… people say the fault of the child lies with the parent. An elder sister is like a mother. You, as the elder sister, raised your brother all by yourself, playing the role of both father and mother. How could I not understand your difficulties?”
“The smarter the child, the harder they are to manage. I have a deep understanding of this. Look at Pi’er and Zhi’er, born to Lady Bian, aren’t they both difficult children to manage?”
“Someone like Lu Yu must have caused you endless worry, right?”
At this point, Madam Bian let out a long sigh. The following words added a touch of earnestness. “Lu Yu is fifteen now. At this age, he should be getting married. Miss Zhaoji, have you thought of this?”
This…
What is this connected to?
Cai Zhaoji’s brows furrowed. How did the topic turn to Lu Yu’s younger brother getting married? However… speaking of which, at this age, it was indeed time for marriage.
Cai Zhaoji still wanted to explain… but Lady Ding’s voice was like a rapid-fire barrage, giving her no time to react.
“Miss Zhaoji, please look at your younger brother. At this age, he is so lawless that he would visit the Prefect’s mansion over a minor issue. I heard he even injured Prefect Zhang Miao. If this gets out… he will surely gain a reputation for being ill-tempered.”
“If that’s the case… which noble family, which prominent clan, would dare to marry their daughter to him? If no one marries Lu Yu, will you, as his sister, have to accompany him for a lifetime? Take care of him for a lifetime?”
For a lifetime…
Actually, it wasn’t impossible.
This was Cai Zhaoji’s subconscious thought… But how could it be so serious? Even if, in the worst-case scenario, no one was willing to marry Yu-di, she, Cai Yan, would be willing to accompany her younger brother for a lifetime!
But soon… she withdrew that thought.
She was older than Lu Yu’s younger brother, by five years. And they were siblings… In ancient times, it was extremely rare for a woman to be five years older than her husband. Furthermore, a relationship between siblings and a master-apprentice relationship were great taboos.
Cai Zhaoji felt she couldn’t be too selfish. She was willing to bear the pain herself rather than let Yu-di’s reputation be tarnished.
Yes…
She must ensure that Lu Yu’s younger brother married a girl from a prominent family!
She must ensure that Lu Yu’s younger brother married countless beautiful young ladies…
Cai Zhaoji’s idea became firmer and firmer, but… the immediate priority was to explain!
She couldn’t let Lady Ding, these noble families, misunderstand her brother.
“Lady Ding, could you please listen to my…”
The same opening, the same forceful interruption by Lady Ding. One was serene and elegant, the other bold and unrestrained. In terms of aura alone, Cai Zhaoji was completely suppressed.
“Miss Zhaoji, do you know who Zhang Miao, whom your brother offended and injured… is?”
“He is no ordinary prefect. In the past… when my husband entered Yan Province, besides the guidance of Yin Lin, the greatest help came from Brother Bao Xin, the Governor of Jibei, and Prefect Zhang Miao of Chenliu Commandery. It can be said that without them… my husband would not have the Yan Province he occupies today.”
“Furthermore, Prefect Zhang is my husband’s classmate at the Imperial Academy, a six-year companion, and a close friend. Before my husband went to conquer Xuzhou, he repeatedly instructed me that if anything were to happen to him on this perilous journey, I should take the family and seek refuge with Prefect Zhang, who would surely not fail my husband.”
“Now… your brother Lu Yu has fallen out with Prefect Zhang to this extent. If my husband finds out… the back of his hand and the palm of his hand are both flesh. How does Miss Zhaoji expect him to handle this?”
Another barrage of questions. In front of Lady Ding, Cai Zhaoji felt like an elementary school student… Yet, she had things she wanted to say but no chance to speak, which was so uncomfortable!
“Miss Zhaoji, do you know my Ang’er… my husband’s eldest son, Cao Ang?”
Mentioning Cao Ang, Lady Ding could not hide her overwhelming praise. “Ang’er is knowledgeable, benevolent, righteous, filial, and praised everywhere he goes. As early as six months ago, my husband betrothed him to Prefect Zhang’s daughter, and they are to be married next year!”
“Miss Zhaoji, think about it. A young gentleman praised and liked by everyone, who is also marrying the daughter of Prefect Zhang, who in Yan Province wouldn’t envy him?”
Cao Ang was Cao Cao’s eldest son, born to Lady Liu.
This Lady Liu was originally Lady Ding’s maid. She gave birth to the eldest son Cao Ang and the second son Cao Shuo, but… she died in childbirth while giving birth to Cao Shuo.
Lady Ding treated Cao Ang and Cao Shuo as her own children. It was just a pity that Cao Shuo died young from illness.
It could be said that Cao Ang was Lady Ding’s entire hope and reliance.
At this point, Lady Ding’s intention for coming here was not as simple as it appeared. It was about Cao Ang’s marriage to Zhang Miao’s daughter.
My husband Cao Cao valued Lu Yu, but Lu Yu had a falling out with Zhang Miao. As Cao Cao’s legitimate wife, Lady Ding had to resolve this enmity. Only then could Ang’er marry Zhang Miao’s daughter as planned and win the support of the Yan Province clans.
Of course, besides Zhang Miao’s daughter, there were Cao Cao’s favorite eldest daughter, Cao Mu (Princess Qinghe, her name is not recorded, so let’s name her Mu!), and Xiahou Yuan’s niece, Xiahou Juan, who were of similar age to Cao Ang and Lu Yu and were of marriageable age.
It could be said that these three young ladies were the objects of desire for all men in Yan Province.
“Miss Zhaoji, I have spoken a great deal here, and all I mean is that you should properly discipline your younger brother. Even if he is intelligent, he cannot be presumptuous. Even if he is resourceful, he cannot lose his manners.”
“Offending Prefect Zhang is not beneficial to his reputation. If this truly spreads and he is boycotted by the Yan Province clans, then your brother might only be able to marry a woman from a humble family? If that is the case, Miss Zhaoji, are you willing?”
“Enemies should be resolved, not made. Your brother has already been punished with fifty strokes, so it is considered a punishment. Why not visit Prefect Zhang to apologize, which would also resolve this enmity.”
Finally… Lady Ding finished speaking. She was a very assertive woman. While she was speaking, Cai Zhaoji had no opportunity to interject.
And now, it was time to explain, wasn’t it?
Cai Zhaoji slowly invited Lady Ding to sit down. “Madam, please sit first and allow me to explain to you… there is a great reason behind this!”
As soon as she spoke…
“Dong dong dong… Dong dong dong…”
A loud knocking sound came from outside the mansion gate. Cai Zhaoji and Lady Ding were conversing not far from the gate, so they heard it very clearly.
Before the gatekeeper could open the door…
Cao Chun’s voice came from outside.
“Miss Cai, Young Master Lu, quickly open the door.”
“A great victory in the south of the city! Zhang Miao colluded with Lu Bu! Young Master Lu’s plan was flawless, and he lured Lu Bu into a trap. That little Lu Bu was defeated and fled, with less than thirty percent of his troops remaining!”
“The Chenliu Commandery is now out of danger. Chenliu Commandery is safe!”
…
Ah… ah…
These voices reached Lady Ding’s ears.
What? What’s going on?
Lady Ding could recognize Cao Chun’s voice. Cao Chun was a trusted cousin of her husband, and his words were naturally trustworthy.
But the points he mentioned were a bit unbelievable.
Zhang Miao colluded with Lu Bu?
Young Master Lu’s plan was flawless? He lured Lu Bu into a trap?
What… what happened here?
Zhang Miao… his husband’s classmate and close friend, how could he betray his husband and collude with Lu Bu? Was the Chenliu Commandery originally… in danger?
Wait, Lady Ding suddenly realized an even more critical issue.
If Cao Chun’s words “plan was flawless, he lured Lu Bu into a trap” were true, then Lu Yu’s disturbance at the Prefect’s mansion three days ago, injuring Prefect Zhang Miao of Chenliu, became deeply significant!
…
…
Yan Province, Fan County, not far from Chenliu Commandery.
The magistrate of this county was named Jin Yun. At this moment, his brows were tightly furrowed. The reason was none other than his younger brother’s wife being secretly abducted by Chen Gong’s scheme.
Hearing that Lu Bu’s generals Hou Cheng and Wei Xu were leading troops to attack… Chen Gong had also issued a final ultimatum: if Fan County did not surrender, then… during the siege of Fan County, Jin Yun’s family would be beheaded.
Many county magistrates and assistant magistrates were in a similar situation to Jin Yun, the magistrate of Fan County.
The first plan of Chen Gong was to unite the Yan Province clans and launch a surprise attack on Chenliu Commandery.
The second plan of Chen Gong was to abduct the families of the county magistrates and assistant magistrates from various places.
In his opinion, if Chenliu Commandery could be captured and the Yan Province clans defected to Lu Bu, it would be a natural progression… and he was not afraid that these counties would surrender without a fight.
Even if Chenliu Commandery could not be captured, then… with the army pressing down and threatening their families, it would be another scenario.
Now… Chenliu Commandery had not been captured, and the army had suffered heavy losses. This undoubtedly disrupted Chen Gong’s original plan, but the strategy after defeat was also a killing move.
Of course… not every county’s assistant magistrate’s family was abducted by Lu Bu. Coincidentally… Jin Yun, the magistrate of Fan County, was one of the unlucky ones, and the assistant magistrate of Dong’e County shared the same fate!
And now, the man standing in front of Jin Yun had, three hours ago, cut off the head of the assistant magistrate of Dong’e County.
It was now placed on the desk in front of Jin Yun.
Cheng Yu happened to be tomb-robbing in Dong’e County…
Who would have thought… hearing that the local assistant magistrate intended to hand over Dong’e County to Lu Bu, he immediately drew his dagger and stabbed the assistant magistrate’s head. After that… Cheng Yu expressionlessly cut off the assistant magistrate’s head, controlled the situation in Dong’e Commandery with the official seal of “Fa Qiu Yin,” and then rushed to the nearby Fan County with the “Fa Qiu Ling” and the “Assistant Magistrate’s Head”! Both Fan County and Dong’e County were important transportation hubs in the heart of Yan Province, and could not be lost…
“Sima Cheng, Sima Cheng, you are forcing my hand…” Jin Yun spoke.
That’s right, the man standing in front of the magistrate of Fan County was the Army Sima Cheng Yu of the Dragon Soaring Cavalry.
Now, the intelligence from the front line had not yet returned. They only knew that Lu Bu had launched a surprise attack on Chenliu last night. What was the situation in Chenliu Commandery now? No one knew. If they resisted stubbornly, it would be like a mantis trying to stop a chariot.
Cheng Yu took a deep breath, his brow furrowed. “I heard that Lu Bu abducted your mother. Our Great Han governs with filial piety. Logically, I should not advise you on anything.”
“But these are extraordinary times, the world is in chaos, and heroes are emerging everywhere. The one who can pacify the world must be Duke Cao. Those who have a master prosper, and those who lose their master perish. Zhang Miao betrayed Duke Cao and defected to Lu Bu. I predict he will die a violent death! If at this moment, Fan County responds to Lu Bu, you will undoubtedly be courting your own destruction! I am saving you, brother!”
Saying this, Cheng Yu placed the official seal of “Fa Qiu Yin” on the desk.
This “Fa Qiu Yin” was extraordinary. Cao Cao had secretly informed all prefectures and counties that carrying this seal allowed for small-scale mobilization of local troops, breaking through mountains and stones, and mobilizing all resources. If any prefecture or county did not obey, they could be executed first and reported later!
Now, with a “Fa Qiu Yin” and the head of the assistant magistrate of Dong’e County, this was like a thunderclap to Jin Yun, the magistrate of Fan County.
Cheng Yu continued at the opportune moment, “I received a secret letter from my Young Master Lu at dawn today. Lu Bu’s plan to collude with Zhang Miao to plot against Chenliu Commandery was within his expectations. He had already set up an ambush and told me to act accordingly… Lu Bu must have been defeated by now!”
“Although the Bing Province Wolf Cavalry is valiant, they cannot compare to my Young Master’s foresight and divine calculation, nor can they compare to Duke Cao’s strategic deployment and command of generals. At this critical juncture, it is time for you to show your loyalty to Duke Cao. If you hold Fan County, and I hold Dong’e County, the entire transportation artery of Yan Province will be controlled by us. Even if there are waverers who try to collude with Lu Bu, we will cut off their contact! This is a great achievement! You must consider it carefully!”
Uh… consider?
Jin Yun was stunned. He could clearly feel that Cheng Yu had a sharp weapon hidden in his chest. He did not doubt for a moment that if he refused, Cheng Yu would cut off his head with a single stroke.
“I… I have never dared to harbor any disloyalty!”
“Good! Then from now on, the troops of Fan County will be under my command!” Cheng Yu waved the Fa Qiu Yin in front of him one last time. “I will report your decision truthfully to Young Master Lu, and he will request merits for you from Duke Cao.”
With these words, Cheng Yu went to mobilize troops urgently.
The enemy was at the gates, and a head-on strike was necessary to strengthen the confidence of the counties in the heart of Yan Province.
And… the so-called receiving Young Master Lu’s seal this morning was all fabricated by Cheng Yu. No one knew the actual situation in Chenliu Commandery!
But… from the bottom of his heart, Cheng Yu believed in their Dragon Soaring Cavalry commander one hundred and twenty percent, believed in that young master whom he greatly admired – Lu Yu!
…
…