The deployment of troops took place, and the Bing Province soldiers had already entered Fan County.
Cheng Yu pretended to surrender, but in reality, he had laid an ambush and decisively defeated the Bing Province soldiers led by Hou Cheng and Wei Xu… Having accomplished this, he then rushed to the Dong'e line without delay.
To prevent Lu Bu and Chen Gong from attacking Dong'e County first, Cheng Yu specifically dispatched a hundred Dragon Elite Cavalry Mo Jin riders to cut off the Cangting Ferry Crossing on the Yellow River.
In an instant, the entire Fan County and Dong'e County formed a united front, as impregnable as a golden fortress, and everyone was fully prepared to defend the city.
The unyielding strength of these two most crucial counties provided immense encouragement and support to other cities and prefectures. With the situation unclear, more cities and prefectures chose to wait and see rather than surrender!
"This is bad…"
Looking at the soldiers stationed at the Cangting Ferry Crossing on the Yellow River, Chen Gong's brow furrowed deeply.
"Sir, it's merely a hundred or so soldiers. In my opinion, breaking through them is as easy as lifting a hand… cough… cough cough!"
Lu Bu raised his Fangtian Huaji, ready to fight again.
Even though it had been five or six hours since his defeat, he was still unconvinced.
It was one thing to be ambushed in Chenliu Commandery by a powerful warrior no weaker than himself, but to have all the dispatched troops suffer defeats, failing to conquer even a single county in the entire Yan Province, and now to find ambushes along the Yellow River? Was heaven trying to destroy Lu Bu?
Lu Bu was unwilling, a thousand times, ten thousand times unwilling.
However, the battle with Dian Wei last night and the skirmishes with the Yan Province officials had left his tiger's mouth still faintly aching, and the breath in his chest had not yet fully settled.
Among them, what Lu Bu could not forget was Cao Chun's shout from the city wall—"Your strategy of 'colluding from within and without' to seize Chenliu is so obvious even a three-year-old child could see through it. How dare you show off your tricks before Young Master Lu! It's truly laughable!"
Young Master Lu… was that the fifteen or sixteen-year-old youth whom Chen Gong had mentioned and whom Cao Cao had entrusted with great responsibility?
He… he…
Every time he thought of that name, Lu Bu felt as if a nail were piercing his back, an unbearable prickle.
"Cough cough…" Lu Bu coughed violently again.
"Feng Xian, Dong'e County also seems to have an ambush. If we attack with our current forces, the losses will be immense," Chen Gong said with a troubled brow. "To turn the tide of the battle now, there is only one city left!"
"Sir, are you referring to Juancheng?" Lu Bu blurted out…
Juancheng was the seat of Yan Province, the center of politics and culture, and its importance was self-evident. It was precisely for this reason that Cao Cao had specially assigned his most trusted separate cavalry commander, Xun Yu, to guard Juancheng.
And Chen Gong was aware of this…
"No!" Chen Gong waved his hand. "Xun Yu is stationed in Juancheng. This man is meticulous. If he receives news of the attack on Chenliu, he will have immediately strengthened his defenses. With his nature, there will be no loopholes. With our current army strength, we might not have an opportunity… However, I have just sent a letter to Guo Gong, the Inspector of Yu Province. This man is best at taking advantage of a crisis. He has likely already marched his army of one hundred thousand towards Juancheng!"
"Sir, you mean… we are simply paving the way for others?" Lu Bu's face was extremely grim. "Guo Gong? What is he… just an Inspector of Yu Province recommended by local gentry? How dare he… profit from Juancheng for free!"
"Feng Xian!" Chen Gong's tone suddenly became serious. "Recognize reality. We cannot take Yan Province with our current situation. The most urgent task is to stir up the waters in Yan Province even more, so that we can find a chance to survive!"
As he spoke, a cold glint appeared in Chen Gong's eyes, and his tone became increasingly serious and meticulous. "Feng Xian, listen to me. Leave Juancheng to Guo Gong's one hundred thousand troops, and we will go attack Puyang City… The general stationed there is Xiahou Dun. This man is brave but lacks strategy; he is the easiest to break through! And Puyang City hoards the entire grain supply of Yan Province, which is the lifeline of Yan Province!"
Xiahou Dun? Lu Bu had heard of him. In his opinion, he was just a second-rate general… With his Fangtian Huaji, taking Xiahou Dun's head would be as easy as turning his hand.
"I will listen to you, sir. This lord will personally slay Xiahou Dun and capture Puyang City!"
"Hahaha…" Chen Gong laughed. "To deal with a mere Xiahou Dun, why would Feng Xian need to personally take action? With a little strategy, Xiahou Dun will surely be captured!"
Speaking of this, Chen Gong raised his eyes and looked north. Four strategies had been devised; the first two had failed. The remaining two… should have started to show some effect by now?
With a cold snort, Chen Gong's eyes narrowed, and he murmured to himself, "Cao Cao… and that Lu Yu who appeared out of nowhere! The chaos in Yan Province has just begun. Let's wait and see!"
…
…
Watching Lu Bu's army retreat, Cheng Yu on the city wall of Dong'e County finally breathed a long sigh of relief.
At least in the area around the land where he performed his tomb-robbing, the situation had stabilized. It was truly a blessing from the gods…
*Huff… huff…*
Despite Cheng Yu's outward composure, his brows not even furrowed, he was actually gambling. This was a high-stakes gamble.
After all, even though Cheng Yu trusted Lu Yu…
But no one knew the current situation in Chenliu Commandery!
If Chenliu Commandery had already fallen, then… the Bing Province Wolf Cavalry, with their high morale and sharp blades, might very well break through the defenses he had established along the Dong'e and Fan County lines.
Regardless, Lu Bu had finally retreated. Cheng Yu swallowed his saliva, feeling immensely relieved!
"Report… Commander Cheng."
Just then, a messenger from Chenliu Commandery finally entered the city and rushed forward to report.
"Urgent dispatch from Yan Province: Lu Bu's plot to collude with Zhang Miao, the Prefect of Chenliu, to seize Chenliu Commandery was discovered by Young Master Lu Yu. Young Master Lu Yu turned the tables… Yesterday morning, ten ambushes were set up outside the south gate of Chenliu Commandery, and Lu Bu's army suffered a crushing defeat, losing more than half their forces!"
Hmm… Upon hearing this, Cheng Yu's spirit immediately lifted.
Was this… expected?
No, this was called a surprise!
Cheng Yu's eyes suddenly widened. "Haha," his face, which had been as cold as ice that had been soaked for ten thousand years, finally relaxed, clearing like the sun breaking through the clouds. Cheng Yu laughed… he laughed with genuine joy!
"Young Master Lu, for a moment just now, I too doubted you!"
"But… hehe, let's not talk about it. Who are you? You are the Commander of Faqiu, feared even by ghosts knocking at the door. How could a mere Lu Bu and Zhang Miao possibly deal with you? Haha…"
Straightening his back and watching Lu Bu's Bing Province cavalry gradually disappear at the end of the official road, Cheng Yu's eyes narrowed.
He began to meticulously consider the current situation.
The great victory in Chenliu Commandery, with Lu Yu stationed there, ensured its safety…
The seat of Yan Province, Juancheng, was guarded by Xun Yu. Breaking his defense would not be an easy task.
However, there was still one more city that was crucial to the situation in Yan Province – Puyang City!
That's right, Puyang City… This was the grain storage center of Yan Province and also the center of its grain production. If Puyang City were lost, then… the Yan Province officials' grain and fodder would be in short supply!
And that wasn't the main point. The main point was that the general stationed in Puyang City was Cao Cao's cousin, Xiahou Dun. Even more importantly, Lu Yu had mentioned to him multiple times that Xiahou Dun was a bottomless pit.
Hiss, thinking of this, Cheng Yu gasped… Not good, Puyang City, not good!
…
…
Chenliu Commandery, Cai Residence, in the main hall.
Lady Ding, standing at the connecting point between the front and back halls, felt her legs tremble, even feeling unstable. If not for Cai Zhaoji supporting her, she might have stumbled and fallen.
The reason for this was the current situation in the main hall…
General Cao Chun, a cousin of her husband Cao Cao, was recounting the events of last night to Lu Yu.
Several keywords and sentences made Lady Ding feel as if she were "trembling with anger."
Zhang Miao… Zhang Miao, the Prefect of Chenliu, whom she and her husband Cao Cao trusted implicitly, and who was also the "intended" father-in-law of her adopted son Cao Ang… had betrayed her husband and colluded with Lu Bu?
If these words had come from anyone else, Lady Ding would certainly not have believed them.
But… who was Cao Chun? Her husband's cousin, a trusted commander of the Tiger Cavalry. Since he said Zhang Miao had rebelled, there must be solid evidence. Furthermore… Lu Bu's attack last night made it impossible not to believe.
Heavens…
Lady Ding gasped. Her husband had misplaced his trust, and had even told her that if anything happened, she should take their family and flee to Zhang Miao, who would surely not fail him… How could he not fail!
If she had truly chosen to trust Zhang Miao and sought refuge with him, Cao Cao's family might have been taken hostage by Lu Bu.
The more she thought about it, the colder Lady Ding felt all over…
At the same time, her eyes involuntarily glanced at Lu Yu. If he hadn't seen through the conspiracy of Lu Bu and Zhang Miao, Chenliu Commandery would likely have fallen already, and she, Lady Ding, might have become a prisoner of Lu Bu.
Even… this would have threatened her husband Cao Cao on the front lines.
Thinking of this, Lady Ding felt ashamed…
Just now, she had actually blamed Lu Yu, saying he would leave a bad reputation, that no well-bred young ladies in Chenliu Commandery would dare to marry him, and that he could only marry a girl from a humble family.
Now it seemed… for any girl to marry such an intelligent and resourceful young man would be a blessing accumulated over several lifetimes!
"Madam… if you are tired, Cai Yan will help you to the inner room to rest…"
Seeing Lady Ding's face turn from red to purple, Cai Zhaoji asked while supporting her…
Oh…
This question made Lady Ding even more embarrassed. She felt she had no face to speak further with Miss Zhaoji… she felt so ashamed.
Ever since Cao Chun entered the residence, Lady Ding's proud demeanor had deflated, like a woman who, with a 36D bust, naturally walked and spoke with confidence, exuding the aura of an absolute domain.
But suddenly… she was pricked by a needle, deflated, left with only an A cup. Apart from wishing she could find a crack in the ground to hide in, where was her aura? Her confidence?
Lady Ding's current mood was probably like this. The person she had just reprimanded was now a hero. If not for Lu Yu, Chenliu Commandery would have been lost, Yan Province would have collapsed, and she herself would have become a prisoner. This feeling… was a mixture of emotions!
"Miss Zhaoji… you are truly skilled at teaching your younger brother!" Lady Ding forced a smile…
"Not at all, Madam. This is all due to the cultivation provided by my elder brother and Madam to my younger brother…" Cai Zhaoji was very eloquent. With this sentence, she completely eased Lady Ding's embarrassment.
Lady Ding bit her red lips tightly, seemingly having undergone a series of mental struggles, finally calming her emotions.
The next moment, she looked at Cai Zhaoji with complex eyes, simultaneously holding Cai Zhaoji's delicate hands.
"I truly must thank Miss Zhaoji and your younger brother on behalf of my husband, Chenliu Commandery, and the people of Yan Province…"
"If not for you, I might have become a prisoner, and my husband might have become homeless."
"It is no exaggeration to say that your younger brother is a life-saver to my husband and me…"
Saying this, Lady Ding was about to bow to Cai Zhaoji…
Cai Zhaoji dared not accept such a gesture and quickly helped Lady Ding up.
Of course, Lady Ding's actions were not excessive. A life-saving grace was like a rebirth! Moreover, this also concerned Yan Province.
"Lady Ding, that's too kind… My younger brother is merely…" Cai Zhaoji intended to say a few modest words, but… the words stuck in her throat, and she didn't know how to be modest.
She couldn't possibly say that Lu Yu discovering Zhang Miao and Lu Bu's conspiracy was a coincidence, could she?
How could there be such a coincidence? Cai Zhaoji found it unbelievable…
"Miss Zhaoji, please don't be modest," Lady Ding said, lifting her hand, her gaze full of gentleness.
Suddenly, Lady Ding seemed to have thought of something.
"Your younger brother is so outstanding, so accomplished, and has made so many great contributions. He is also of marriageable age. We cannot just marry him off to any girl… let them get off easy."
"On this matter, as an elder sister, I must remind you to plan carefully… However, Cao Mu, the son of my husband's concubine Lady Liu, is of the age to be married. He is quite a match for your younger brother!"
"Oh, Miss Zhaoji, please rest assured. Lady Liu passed away early, and Mu'er was raised by me. He is considered my husband's eldest legitimate daughter, so it is not an insult to your younger brother. In this way, you, your elder brother, and your sister-in-law's families will be even closer, wouldn't that be wonderful?"
Saying this, Lady Ding paused and continued, displaying her decisive side once more.
"If Miss Zhaoji is satisfied, I, as your sister-in-law, will make the arrangements. Let Mu'er come here daily to learn the art of rhetoric from Miss Zhaoji, and also let her interact with your younger brother… The more they interact, the more their affection will naturally develop!"
Ah… Cao Mu? Brother's daughter?
This…
Cai Zhaoji listened, utterly confused. However, she had heard of Cao Mu's name. She was of marriageable age, exceptionally beautiful, and the favorite daughter of her brother Cao Cao, born to his concubine Lady Liu, and raised by Lady Ding.
If her brother Yu were to marry her, it would be…
Cai Zhaoji fell into thought… Not to mention, if this were the case, her brother Yu would become her brother's son-in-law, which would undoubtedly be a great help to his future endeavors.
Young Brother Lu Yu always worried about his brother's suspicion. If there were this layer of relationship, what suspicion would there be? Brother Yu could offer his strategies and advice without reservation… But…
Initially, Cai Zhaoji was quite pleased with this marriage prospect. However… in the end, a strange emotion arose in her heart, like reluctance, but the word "reluctance" alone could not fully explain her feelings. In short, it was very distressing, as if many hands were tearing at her heart.
This feeling was very strange…
Seemingly sensing Cai Zhaoji's mood, Lady Ding smiled and said, "There's no need to rush into a decision…"
"Tomorrow, I will have Mu'er come here to learn etiquette and literature from Miss Zhaoji. If she and your younger brother are mutually pleased, we can discuss it further."
With things said to this extent, Cai Zhaoji quickly nodded. "Everything is up to Madam's decision… Whatever Madam arranges, Cai Yan will do."
Lady Ding looked at Cai Zhaoji with satisfaction, muttering to herself, "No wonder Lu Yu is so outstanding. With such a renowned talented woman as his sister, how could he not be outstanding?"
…
On this side, Lady Ding and Cai Zhaoji were chatting gracefully.
On the other side, Cao Chun was meticulously recounting the intelligence he had received to Lu Yu…
This included the fact that Lu Bu's army had lost more than half their forces, that their grand surprise attacks on various prefectures and counties had all ended in defeat, and that Cheng Yu had killed the Assistant Prefect of Dong'e County, establishing a defensive line from Dong'e to Fan County.
Cao Chun was reporting everything without reservation. Although he was nominally the backbone of Chenliu Commandery, in reality, if not for Lu Yu, Chenliu Commandery might have changed hands.
In his opinion, Lu Yu was the most important backbone here.
Of course, what Cao Chun reported were all positive developments… Lu Yu listened to them all, and his expression did not change much.
These were all minor matters, but when Lu Yu heard the last two pieces of information, he became somewhat uneasy.
"Young Master Lu, reliable news has just been received: Guo Gong, the Inspector of Yu Province, is leading an army of one hundred thousand towards Juancheng, the seat of Yan Province."
Cao Chun's words were delivered swiftly…
Hiss, Lu Yu let out a breath. In Lu Yu's impression, Juancheng's defenses were only about four thousand troops. Fortunately… the city was guarded by the very reliable, very reliable Xun Yu, Xun Wenruo.
"In addition, Lu Bu and Chen Gong have gathered all their remaining troops and are heading towards Puyang City, the grain storage center of Yan Province."
Cao Chun's voice followed closely.
And as this voice entered Lu Yu's ears, Lu Yu's expression immediately became stern. This was what worried him the most.
Damn it, the person guarding Puyang City had never won a battle in his life. His intelligence… Lu Yu suspected it was a freebie with a phone plan!
"General Cao Chun, please guard Chenliu Commandery. I will take the Dragon Elite Cavalry to Puyang City!"
Puyang City? Cao Chun was stunned… Wasn't that the city guarded by Xiahou Dun? More importantly… Lu Bu's Bing Province Wolf Cavalry was pressing towards Puyang.
At this time, it was extremely dangerous there!
Of course, Cao Chun had no idea that Lu Yu was not going to defend the city, but to save someone!
—Xiahou Dun was going blind, and the blind Xiahou Dun was going to be in trouble!
…
…