Hongnong County, a common county town on the long road from Chang'an to the ancient capital of Luoyang.
The Son of Heaven's carriage reaching this point could be considered completing half of the journey back to Luoyang.
However, the hardships involved meant that the Son of Heaven, Liu Xie, and the officials could only "swallow their pride with clenched teeth!"
"Alas..."
In a farmhouse in Hongnong County, Emperor Liu Xie let out a long sigh.
He knew the hardships of this journey best.
Originally, he was escorted from Chang'an by General of Chariots and Cavalry Dong Cheng and General Who Guards the Nation Fu Wan.
These two, one the father of his Empress and the other the father of his Noble Consort Dong, were the forces he trusted most.
Indeed, Emperor Liu Xie was very reliant on these two fathers-in-law.
But... Li Jue's Xiliang troops were relentlessly pursuing them.
Dong Cheng, unable to cope alone, had to enlist the help of Yang Feng, a former general of the White Wave Army and an old subordinate of Dong Zhuo, to jointly resist the enemy.
In addition to this, Han Xian, the leader of the Yellow Turban Army, also got involved...
Both Yang Feng and Han Xian were originally Yellow Turbans, rebels with their own agendas. Escorting the Son of Heaven back to Luoyang was no different than whitewashing themselves, plus the promise of increased rank and title – a deal with no downside.
Next, the Governor of Henei, Zhang Yang, suddenly intervened, wanting a piece of the pie.
Zhang Yang had the support of the Southern Xiongnu. The Xiongnu Chanyu played a significant role in his appointment as the Governor of Henei Commandery.
Besides these forces, there were many opportunistic powers like Hu Cai, Li Le, and Wang Yi, though these were relatively milder, neutral, and not as strong.
"Alas..."
Emperor Liu Xie looked at the sky from the window, a helpless and wandering expression on his face—
—Unsure of the path ahead, unsure of the way home.
"Your Majesty..." A woman gracefully approached him from behind.
Through the window, one could see a face of exquisite beauty, a pair of captivating eyes gazing towards the horizon. If observed closely, the deep, extraordinary pupils in her eyes added a layer of mystery and solemnity.
However... a hint of loneliness fell upon her smooth face, and her lips parted slightly: "Does Your Majesty know why more and more factions are getting involved in our return to Luoyang? Why the situation is becoming increasingly chaotic?"
She was the Empress of the Han, surnamed Fu, given the single name Shou. Her attendants liked to call her Empress Fu...
As she spoke, her voice was filled with infinite worry and helplessness.
"Speak what you wish to say, Empress. I am already so fallen, how much worse can it get?" Emperor Liu Xie slowly replied.
He had lost weight during these days.
Indeed, with constant exposure to the elements and irregular meals, how could he not have lost weight?
Who would have thought that the dignified Emperor of the Great Han would be in such a miserable state today!
And these were nothing. Compared to the Great Han Empire's current precarious state, like a candle in the wind, Emperor Liu Xie's heart was filled with a myriad of emotions.
Empress Fu Shou shook her head helplessly and said:
"Your Majesty appointed Han Xian as General of the East, Hu Cai as General of the West, Li Le as General of the North, Zhang Yang as General of Peace, and Wang Yi as a Marquis, all granted special insignia and the authority to establish their own administrations..."
"Such generous rewards! Any other minor warlord who hears of this will naturally assume that Your Majesty can grant them higher office and titles, and they will flock to you. How can the situation remain stable?"
Yes, it was originally a matter concerning two fathers-in-law and a group of court officials, but now it involved the Yellow Turbans, remnants of the Xiliang forces, the White Wave Army, and local warlords.
Let alone Fu Wan and Dong Cheng being unable to control it, even Emperor Liu Xie himself could not control this complex situation.
For example, regarding the eastward return to Luoyang, when the Son of Heaven decided to set out, they simply couldn't move. All the warlord factions had to agree to the journey for the Son of Heaven to depart...
To be reduced to such a humble state as an emperor was unprecedented!
At times like these, Emperor Liu Xie needed a capable person to help him uphold the Han Dynasty's empire and rescue it from its dire straits!
"Alas... alas..."
Liu Xie sighed helplessly. "Empress, what you say is true, but what can I do? Li Jue, that traitor, and his cavalry are right behind us... If I don't rely on the people around me, who else can I rely on?"
Saying this, Liu Xie paused, his eyes closed as he looked up at the sky.
"How could I not know that they all have ulterior motives, but... but..."
His fists clenched, and he pounded them heavily against the window frame. However, weakened by hunger, even a punch was soft and powerless.
Just like the Great Han today, buffeted by wind and rain, not knowing its way!
"Your Majesty need not be too sorrowful." Empress Fu Shou, though deeply worried, had to comfort the Son of Heaven and urge him to rally. "If we can return to the Eastern Capital this time, Your Majesty will surely be able to revitalize the Great Han... Moreover... moreover..."
"Grand Commandant Yang has already sent a letter to Yuan Shao. His clan, the Yuan family, has held high office for four generations and now commands a million troops. He is closest to this location. With his assistance, Your Majesty will surely be able to eliminate the rebels around you, return to Luoyang, and restore the Han!"
Huo...
The mention of Yuan Shao's name was like a flicker of light in the darkness for Emperor Liu Xie.
Yes, the Yuan family had long received imperial favor. As long as... as long as he could offer his assistance, Li Jue's pursuit, and the villains around them could all be eliminated. The Han... the Han would surely prosper!
"Good... good... good!"
With three consecutive "good"s, Emperor Liu Xie turned around. "Empress, is there... is there any more food? I... I am hungry. I must gather my spirits. I must wait... wait for the arrival of Lord Yuan."
At this, Empress Fu took out a thin pancake she had hidden within her clothes. The pancake had some green moss-like marks, as if it hadn't been eaten for a long time, but Liu Xie didn't mind at all. He brushed away the moss and devoured it greedily...
Hope, it was good to have hope!
With hope, there was light in his eyes!
It was said that in the midst of the great drought, locust plagues, and rampant fevers in the Sanfu region, any morsel of food was extremely precious...
Now, the thin pancake in Empress Fu's chest was still warm, precisely because her chest was large and warm!
Just then...
A eunuch rushed into the farmhouse.
"Your Majesty, outside... General Yang Feng requests an audience. He wishes to request official positions for his subordinates..."
Requesting official positions?
Give... give...
This was an instinctive reaction. The Son of Heaven took an iron awl from the desk behind him and handed it to the eunuch.
Recently... as more and more people were requesting official positions, there was no time to engrave seals of office!
So, the Son of Heaven used the iron awl to grant each position, letting the eunuch engrave whatever he pleased!
Originally, few generals were appointed in the Eastern Han. The rank of Colonel was already extremely high. However, Dong Zhuo had first appointed a large number of Colonels, rendering the title of Colonel worthless!
Later, after Li Jue and Guo Si gained control of the court, they also appointed a large number of generals.
Now... with Emperor Liu Xie making such appointments, it was likely that the title of General, especially the title of Miscellaneous General, would become even more worthless.
Such appointments were merely empty titles, a game, what was the point?
However, from Liu Xie's perspective, what choice did he have?
If he was to return east, he had to rely on these people!
"Appoint, appoint them... Whatever General Yang Feng asks for, I... I will appoint him."
"This is the list submitted by General Yang Feng..." The eunuch handed the roster to Liu Xie...
Huo... glancing at it, there were as many as sixteen people requesting to be made generals. Liu Xie's gaze fell on the first name – Xu Huang?
He had some impression of this general. He was a general under Yang Feng, wielding a golden-backed mountain-splitting axe, possessing unmatched bravery. In the past... it was he who repelled Li Jue's pursuit.
"Appoint... Appoint General Xu Huang as Marquis of Dutting... Appoint..."
After bestowing sixteen titles, Emperor Liu Xie was exhausted. His heart was weary, so weary!
...
...
Yan Province, Chenliu Commandery, Yamen.
Everyone was happily eating dumplings in the mess hall, while only Cao Cao and Lu Yu were in the study.
This was specially arranged by Xun Yu. With the impending western advance to Luoyang and escorting the Son of Heaven, it was time for Cao Cao to make his final deployment. Based on past experience, Lu Yu would invariably offer some insightful suggestions at such times.
More importantly, these insights had been tested and were convincing.
Thinking of this, Xun Yu looked up through the window towards the study...
"Sima Xun, don't daydream, eat quickly..." Cao Hong patted Xun Yu on the shoulder. He couldn't understand why Sima Xun was daydreaming when such delicious dumplings were right in front of him. It was a waste of good food!
"Sima Xun, I heard this is the last pot. If you don't eat it now, it'll be gone... Come, come... eat, eat!"
At this moment, Cao Hong appeared quite generous!
Indeed, he was always very generous when sharing things with others.
"Alright... alright!"
Xun Yu replied, picking up his bowl, his eyes narrowed slightly.
He was curious, this time with the western advance to Luoyang, what surprises would Yin Lin bring to Duke Cao and them?
Besides this, Xun Yu was also contemplating another issue, a more distant one.
... The issue after escorting the Son of Heaven.
If the Son of Heaven were in Luoyang, he would be too close to Li Jue and Guo Si in Xiliang, and to Yuan Shao in the north. This was a huge hidden danger.
But to bring him to Yan Province...
The Son of Heaven would naturally be suspicious, and even the officials would not agree. If done too excessively, it would be like holding the Son of Heaven hostage.
So? Where should he be settled?
In fact, Xun Yu had always had a place in mind – Xu County!
Xu County, located between Yan Province and Luoyang, was strategically important. It was close to Luoyang, preventing the Son of Heaven from being too far from the ancient capital, and also distanced him from forces like Yuan Shao and Li Jue...
Most importantly, Xu County was surrounded by abundant forests and minerals, making it easier to build palaces, which was much more suitable than the ruined city of Luoyang.
However, Xu County also had a hidden danger – Runan in Yu Province.
Yes, below Xu County lay Runan in Yu Province. An attack from Runan to Xu County could be accomplished within a day's travel.
And the current situation in Yu Province was complex...
There were small factions, as well as Yellow Turban troops fighting each other. And with Cao Cao's current focus, he certainly wouldn't have the leisure to pacify them, which was also a hidden danger!
He wondered if Yin Lin could take this into account?
Thinking of this, Xun Yu's eyes narrowed slightly. He had eaten a dumpling, but his heart was still unsettled.
...
Cai Residence, study.
A desk, two bowls of dumplings, Lu Yu and Cao Cao sat facing each other.
There were many dumplings in the bowls, filling two large bowls, which looked very satisfying.
However, Cao Cao's mind was not on the dumplings.
"Eat first? Or discuss first?" Cao Cao asked first.
"You speak, Duke Cao..." Lu Yu gestured, appearing very polite... Of course, he knew that at this juncture, Cao Cao's mind was entirely focused on the west, and he couldn't be bothered with dumplings.
"Hahaha..." Cao Cao stroked his beard. "Then let's talk about the westward advance to Luoyang and escorting the Son of Heaven!"
Seeing Lu Yu nod, Cao Cao continued, "Although a few armored soldiers are still suffering from the fever, it's not bad. More than eighty percent of the armored soldiers have recovered, and with your dumplings and the Qi Han Jiao Er Tang, all conditions for the westward advance to Luoyang have been met."
At this point, Lu Yu interrupted...
"Duke Cao, in fact... the remaining twenty percent of the armored soldiers can also recover. Although their fevers are severe, there is one person... as long as he appears, your command will no longer be troubled by this fever. If my estimation is correct, he is likely already on his way. Compared to my medical books, he is the nemesis of this fever!"
Huo... What an audacious claim.
Cao Cao glanced at Lu Yu, then nodded. "Haha, this person... isn't it the one you sent Wen Lie to specifically rush to Changsha Commandery to invite, the one the common people call the 'Medical Sage,' Zhang Zhongjing?"
"Exactly. Nothing can escape Duke Cao's knowledge." Lu Yu smiled faintly.
It was not surprising that Cao Cao knew so much. In Yan Province... nothing could escape his notice.
Of course, this topic was not crucial; curing another twenty percent of the armored soldiers would not affect the overall situation.
"As for your Qi Han Jiao Er Tang, can it really prevent the armored soldiers from suffering frostbite during the westward advance?"
Although he had an answer in his heart, Cao Cao still wanted to ask Lu Yu, wanting to hear a more definitive answer.
"Rest assured, Duke Cao." Lu Yu nodded. "This is not ordinary mutton soup. It contains over ten kinds of herbs that interact with each other, enabling the body's blood to circulate rapidly. As long as one's blood flows smoothly, they will not feel cold!"
Lu Yu's words were like those of an old TCM practitioner...
A very convincing old TCM practitioner at that.
"Haha." Cao Cao chuckled. "Didn't you say before that you didn't understand medicine? It seems you were too modest!"
Saying this, Cao Cao couldn't help but reach out and pat Lu Yu on the shoulder. He muttered to himself, "He doesn't understand medicine, is he lying? Is he being so low-key because he's afraid I, Cao Cao, will be suspicious? Why bother?"
Thinking of this, Cao Cao said loudly:
"You brat, how many skills are you still hiding? Haha, great Yin Yang scholar, great strategist, divine doctor who saves the world, hahaha..."
Actually, when Cao Cao said this, Lu Yu was quite scared. He always felt that the next sentence would be Cao Cao wanting to borrow his head. The feeling was so strong!
Little did he know, Cao Cao was genuinely happy from the bottom of his heart. As a father, how could he not be happy that his son was accomplished and held so many titles?
"Let's get to the main point!"
After the laughter, Cao Cao's expression turned serious again, and his tone became meticulous.
"Lu Gong Cao, you must also pay attention to the current situation, right? You should know that the Son of Heaven has already departed from Hongnong... He will pass through Caoyang County, Jia County, Dayang County, Anyi County, and finally Luoyang. However... judging by their marching speed, this trip will likely take at least half a year. We still have plenty of time!"
Hehe... Hearing this, Lu Yu chuckled.
Not only plenty of time, but practically abundant...
Speaking of which, half a year was not enough for the Son of Heaven's eastward return. Emperor Liu Xie, under the maneuvering of various factions, managed to stretch it out to a year. This speed was probably slower than a turtle's.
"Half a year is not enough? Duke Cao, you've underestimated it. It'll likely take at least a year, after all, the people around him are not simple characters!"
Hmm... here comes the main topic.
This was what Cao Cao wanted to ask. According to the scouts, there were quite a few forces around the Son of Heaven. Apart from the negligible small factions, there were four powerful ones.
The strongest was Yang Feng, a remnant of the Xiliang Army. Next was the Yellow Turban general Han Xian. Then came the Governor of Henei, Zhang Yang. Finally, there was the Son of Heaven's good father-in-law, Dong Cheng...
In addition, the scouts brought further news: Li Jue had gone back on his word regarding the Son of Heaven's eastward return, and his cavalry was also pursuing them closely.
Returning east while simultaneously guarding against Li Jue's attacks, with various factions harboring ulterior motives and constantly maneuvering!
Perhaps... Lu Yu's estimate of a year to reach Luoyang was not impossible!
However, what Cao Cao was most concerned about was...
How to retrieve the Son of Heaven from these four factions.
In fact, regarding the matter of advancing west to Luoyang and escorting the Son of Heaven, Cao Cao had a prerequisite.
Even if they advanced west to escort the Son of Heaven, they still had to leave sufficient troops to garrison Yan Province and Xu Province. Cao Cao did not want to be "burgled" by Lu Bu again.
Thus... the troops he could deploy were only about twenty to thirty thousand.
With this force against these four warlords, Cao Cao was uncertain!
Moreover, even though the Son of Heaven had not yet arrived in Luoyang, these four warlords had all dispatched troops to occupy the passes in the Sili region...
This was done to prevent other feudal lords from claiming credit for escorting the Son of Heaven east.
The current situation was entirely different from when Cao Hong advanced west to Luoyang in the past.
"Lu Gong Cao, in your opinion, how should we extinguish these 'not simple characters' around the Son of Heaven?"
Cao Cao asked proactively.
"This..." Lu Yu's eyes were determined. "It's not difficult. It all boils down to ten words—'Form alliances and stratagems, to win with weakness!'"
Hmm... Form alliances and stratagems, to win with weakness?
This...
Cao Cao's eyes darted around as he carefully pondered this sentence.
This sentence was too profound. How many details needed to be considered? How could it be explained in just ten words?
Before Cao Cao could speak, Lu Yu continued.
"Duke Cao, let's take them one by one. First, let's talk about the most powerful and strongest Xiliang warlord, Yang Feng!"
As he spoke, with a "swish"... Lu Yu took out a dagger from behind him and slammed it onto the desk with a "bang"...
Logically, Cao Cao should have been startled by the appearance of the dagger.
After all, Cao Cao couldn't possibly not have heard of the story of "the dagger revealed at the end."
Who knew... if Lu Yu harbored ill intentions and wanted to assassinate him, Cao Cao?
But strangely, with this dagger in Yu'er's hand, Cao Cao was very calm and composed!
He didn't suspect Lu Yu of any malicious intent at all. Moreover, Lu Yu's martial prowess was at most five. Cao Cao could easily subdue him with a mere twitch of his little finger.
However, Cao Cao did notice sharply that the dagger was not sharpened, meaning... it couldn't kill anyone.
"Bang, clang, clang, clang..."
The desk was still trembling, and Lu Yu's voice continued.
"Yang Feng is like this dagger; sharpest, yet easiest to be played with in the palm of one's hand! Instead of confronting him head-on, forcing him to sharpen his blade, and forcing him to become sharp, it's better to unite with him, let Duke Cao wield this dagger, let Duke Cao sharpen it for him, and let him stab people for Duke Cao. This is like treating him like a monkey, playing him around."
Huo... Unite? Sharpen? Play monkey?
Cao Cao's eyes rolled. Yu'er had such audacious confidence.
As far as Cao Cao knew, Yang Feng was first a leader of the White Wave Army and then joined the Xiliang, an old subordinate of Dong Zhuo. Cao Cao had no past acquaintance with him, so it wasn't likely that a few words could forge an alliance, right?
Thinking of this, Cao Cao said:
"Lu Gong Cao? It seems... I have no deep acquaintance with this Yang Feng? I haven't even met him once. Will he trust me?"
"Haha..." Hearing this, Lu Yu smiled faintly, then waved his hand. "Duke Cao worries too much. To unite with Yang Feng, there is no need for acquaintance, only a..."
At this point, Lu Yu didn't know how to describe it, so he simply put it plainly.
"A thing, yes, to unite with him, only requires a thing!"
Lu Yu deliberately created suspense.
Hmm... A thing?
This time, Cao Cao's curiosity was piqued. Yu'er's habit of speaking halfway made people feel like drawing their swords.
Just then, Lu Yu's words followed.
"This thing, Yang Feng does not have, but Duke Cao does. The Son of Heaven does not have, of course, Yuan Shao's is very long... as long as an elephant's trunk!"
Heh...
Lu Yu's words made Cao Cao even more curious. The Son of Heaven and Yang Feng didn't have it, he, Cao Cao, was average, but Yuan Shao's was very long?
Cao Cao muttered to himself, "Are you sure Yuan Shao's is very long?
Are you sure the Son of Heaven and Yang Feng don't have it?
Cao Cao's eyes blinked repeatedly. On his forehead were three big words—"I don't believe it!"
...
...