Jin, is Jin Ping Mei;
Yang, is Yang Family Spear. According to Lu Yu's thinking, after all, Xiahou Mao lost his wife, and it was justifiable to send him Jin Ping Mei to pass the long night.
As for the Yang Family Spear... it is the spear technique used by the loyal Yang family generals of the Heavenly Wave Manor during the Song Dynasty. Its full name is the "Thirty-six Styles Secret Transmitted Yang Family Spear," also known as "Six Harmonies Plum Blossom Thirty-six Spears."
Legend has it that this thirty-six-hand spear technique is divided into three hands per route, and each route contains twelve variations. Therefore, the Yang Family Spear takes these thirty-six Plum Blossom Spears as its mother spear, with infinite variations.
As for why it is named "Six Harmonies," it's even more impressive.
This is because Yang Gun, the ancestor of the Yang family and the Old Mountain King, traveled extensively and collected the spear techniques of six ancient renowned spears. The Old Mountain King merged their essence with the key principles of the Xia family's Northern Hegemony Six Harmonies Spear, forming his own school, thus creating the renowned Yang Family Spear of the Song Dynasty!
And these six ancient spear techniques include the Overlord Spear transmitted by Yao Qi of the Eastern Han Dynasty, the Heng Hou Spear created by Zhang Fei of the Three Kingdoms, and the Tuo Long Spear wielded by Jingde of the Tang Dynasty. These are the three "fierce" spear techniques.
Then there are the Seven Explorations of the Coiled Serpent Spear created by Zhao Yun of Shu Han, the Plum Blossom Spear used by Luo Cheng of the Sui and Tang Dynasties, and the Fenyang Spear of Guo Ziyi, a famous general of the High Tang Dynasty. These are the three "skillful" spear techniques.
Yang Gun removed redundancies from these moves, each reducing to two routes and six hands of spear technique. With two routes per family, they formed the twelve routes and thirty-six hands of the Yang Family Spear technique.
In his previous life, when Lu Yu visited the Yang Family Manor by the northern bank of the Huai River in Kaifeng City, he had the honor of witnessing descendants of the Yang family practicing the Yang Family Spear.
To be honest, Lu Yu didn't hold out much hope at first.
After all, even when he visited the Shaolin Temple before, the world-renowned Shaolin "Seventy-two Arts of Shaolin" were mostly for show. In a life-and-death struggle, they were even inferior to a set of military combat techniques.
But... this Yang Family Spear truly amazed Lu Yu.
With every move, grand and expansive, the spear was pressing, every move deadly. At that time, Lu Yu exclaimed that this was how Chinese martial arts should be!
He specially sought advice and spent nine hundred and ninety-eight [currency] to purchase a genuine secret manual of "Six Harmonies Plum Blossom Thirty-six Spears."
Of course... Lu Yu had read it a few times, but it was only limited to reading. He considered himself not talented in martial arts, and the responsibility of saving world peace should be left to others.
He never expected that in ancient times... this thing would actually be somewhat useful.
According to historical records about Xiahou Mao, he was dull-witted and focused on martial arts in his youth, which is why he was suppressed by his wife, Princess Qinghe, everywhere!
But as he grew up... especially after becoming a general of a region, he let loose, married over a dozen concubines, and opened a new world.
Therefore, for Jin Ping Mei and the Yang Family Spear, Lu Yu was considered to be catering to his preferences.
Of course, just taking them out wasn't enough; Lu Yu still had to explain them carefully.
"Young Master Mao, this scroll is called 'Jin Ping Mei.' Actually... I think it's more suitable for you than women. I won't elaborate, but once you've read it, you'll know what the door to a new world is!"
Lu Yu put down the bamboo slip of "Jin Ping Mei" and then picked up "Yang Family Spear," smiling and saying, "This one is truly impressive. I saw you practicing spear just now; your foundation is solid but lacks some charm... This spear manual will surely help you break through your bottleneck and elevate your spear technique to a brand new realm."
As Lu Yu's words escaped his lips, Xiahou Mao's eyes were filled with suppressed anger.
"Lu Gong Cao, please take these back. This marriage is arranged by parents and matchmakers; how can it be undone by your mere words and two books? Hmph... let me ask you, is this annulment you're proposing today on behalf of Uncle Cao? Does he know?"
Heh...
Lu Yu's eyes rolled. It had to be said that Xiahou Mao's question was quite insightful.
But the problem was that Lu Yu couldn't explain it! From Cao Cao's words to Cao Mu, it could be heard that Cao Cao had this intention, but... he couldn't show it so obviously.
After all, facing Xiahou Dun, Old Cao couldn't bring himself to break the engagement, which was the most awkward part. Lu Yu was destined to be the bad guy.
"I know you're not convinced..." Lu Yu shook his head slightly. "However, the Foreman Cao of my forging workshop, my good sister Lu Yu, wants to break the engagement, and I will help her."
As he said this, Lu Yu held the Flying Dragon Spear horizontally in front of him...
As Xiahou Dun's son, he would recognize this spear. In Xiahou Dun's army camp, seeing this spear was like seeing their general.
"Young Master Mao, I apologize! Of course... you can also consider what I've said as a threat, but in this world, nothing is absolutely fair. I don't want to be too blunt, but... you truly don't deserve my sister Cao Mu anymore, and the gap between you will only grow wider!"
Lu Yu put on a villainous expression. Don't get me wrong, he used to read novels where the protagonist always had their engagement broken. It was quite refreshing to actively break an engagement; his heart was pounding, and it felt incredibly thrilling.
"Lu! Yu!" Xiahou Mao gritted his teeth. If it weren't for the Flying Dragon Spear in front of him and the burly men behind Lu Yu, he would have already resorted to force.
But the fact was that neither the Flying Dragon Spear nor the burly men dared Xiahou Mao to make a move.
At the same time, Lu Yu's voice echoed again. "Of course, regarding this annulment... it's just to inform you. You can't make the decision. Later, I will naturally explain to General Xiahou, but... you can wait and see. You truly don't deserve my sister Cao Mu anymore!"
This was the second time Lu Yu had called Cao Mu "sister." Don't get me wrong, Cao Mu felt a little bit of glee in her heart...
Lu Yu wasn't very suitable to be a husband, but he was quite good as a brother?
"Sister! Let's go..."
Lu Yu turned around directly. He had received a trust and was fulfilling it. This was already a unilateral, forceful annulment.
In fact, Xiahou Mao's attitude was not important at all, and Lu Yu couldn't be bothered with him. But after all, Old Cao and Xiahou Dun had their relationship. It was best not to do things too absolutely.
Considering it as leaving two bamboo slips, Lu Yu mused that if Xiahou Mao read them, he would definitely thank him!
As for Xiahou Dun... Lu Yu muttered that he would discuss it in detail when they met.
Stomp, stomp...
Lu Yu, Cao Mu, and Dian Wei exited the Xiahou residence.
It had to be said... he was quite looking forward to Xiahou Mao proposing a three-year pact or something, but it never appeared, nor were there any grand pronouncements like "thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river."
Lu Yu felt that Xiahou Mao was the worst among those whose engagements were broken...
"It's... over like this?" Cao Mu's big eyes blinked repeatedly, somewhat incredulously...
Lu Yu nodded, "It's over, what else? There's no deep-seated hatred that warrants more..."
"But..." Cao Mu reminded him. "Uncle Xiahou..."
"Don't worry! I have arrangements for your Uncle Xiahou..." Lu Yu patted his chest. "The priority now is for me to help you achieve a great accomplishment, to make that brat Xiahou Mao realize he doesn't deserve you!"
With that said, Lu Yu yawned, looked at the sky, and realized it was about time to head to Puyang City.
April... a severe drought was approaching. Someone inside and outside Puyang City must be impatient, and the opportunity to breach the city often arises in these imperceptible details!
...
...
Juancheng, here is a renowned miracle doctor in Yan Province. Any illness he sees is often cured immediately.
Currently, Xiahou Dun was taking his concubine to visit this miracle doctor...
Logically speaking, the status of a concubine was very low in this era. For a general like Xiahou Dun to personally accompany her for medical treatment was absolutely unnecessary and even against propriety.
But... Xiahou Dun felt guilty. This guilt had two layers.
The first layer... ever since his main wife died, Xiahou Dun took this concubine. However, every night, he only had five seconds of being a man.
The sight of his concubine's longing and unsatisfied eyes under the moonlight made Xiahou Dun feel increasingly guilty towards her.
As for the second layer, it was the exact opposite.
"Cough cough... General Xiahou... please lean closer!" The miracle doctor had already instructed his wife to apply medicine to Xiahou Dun's concubine. While this was happening, he lowered his voice and advised Xiahou Dun: "General Xiahou, you are a warrior, vigorous and powerful, and it is understandable to have a strong constitution, but... everything should be done in moderation!"
"Cough cough..." The miracle doctor was almost whispering into Xiahou Dun's ear. "Regarding sexual intercourse, the duration should not be too long; half an incense stick, at most one incense stick, is sufficient. As the saying goes, too much is as bad as too little... Furthermore, although General Xiahou's body is good, don't exert too much force, and certainly not too frequently. Your concubine is, after all, a woman. She cannot compare to General Xiahou's strength... General, do you understand my meaning?"
Uh...
Upon hearing the miracle doctor's words, Xiahou Dun was a bit confused. So... the concubine's illness was caused by him?
He, Xiahou Dun, was too vigorous?
With a gulp, Xiahou Dun swallowed. He was a little surprised?
Immediately... his gaze unconsciously fell upon a water skin placed on the table. This was a water skin he had been carrying for the past month.
The water skin was not filled with ordinary water, but with medicinal water...
To be precise, it was based on a prescription from Lu Yu, instructing him to mix it with water and drink it daily. After more than twenty days, Xiahou Dun had developed a habit of drinking a mouthful whenever he was thirsty.
And the magical effect was that with daily consumption, the feeling of "body being drained" completely disappeared...
Moreover... every night, Xiahou Dun felt a primordial force within him. If it wasn't released, he felt restless, almost to the point of internal injury.
The most impressive thing was that the duration of... it kept getting longer...
From being a five-breath man, he became fifty breaths, one hundred and twenty breaths, five hundred breaths, one thousand breaths... until one night a few days ago, it lasted for a full hour and a half.
Not to mention that a warrior like Xiahou Dun felt a long-lost backache!
Yes, it was a backache, not a kidney ache.
The most crucial point was that the concubine was actually injured!
This...
Xiahou Dun was bewildered. After finally regaining his vigor, you... couldn't get injured!
Upon inquiring in Juancheng today, he found out... that she was indeed injured by him, Xiahou Dun. This was rather awkward!
Of course... more than awkward, Xiahou Dun also realized a problem: was he really that vigorous?
Of course, the first person Xiahou Dun thought of was Lu Yu... it was Lu Yu's kidney-tonifying prescription...
Good heavens, this kid could scheme, plan, and understand business, but on top of that, he also understood this. How could his father and mother have given birth to him?
"Uh..."
Xiahou Dun hesitated for a long time before speaking, "Miracle doctor? Is my concubine... truly injured by my great strength?"
"Oh dear..." The miracle doctor waved his hand. "People say great strength creates miracles, but... too much strength is also excessive. However, I admire you, General. You are the first person to cause such an injury. General Xiahou is truly a divine person..."
Actually, what the miracle doctor wanted to say was that the General truly had divine kidneys... but ultimately, the words were impolite, and after thinking about it, he swallowed them back.
"Uh... Hahaha... Hahaha..."
This time, Xiahou Dun was amused to death... What kind of situation was this? In the past... he used five breaths to injure people, and now after a long time, he could still injure people with two hours.
Oh my, thinking about it this way, wasn't this matter so miraculous?
Xiahou Dun inexplicably felt a little proud, a little sense of accomplishment.
He held up the water skin as if it were a treasure, opened it... and took a sip.
He dared not forget Lu Yu's instructions: mix with water and drink daily, and the results were truly remarkable.
Immediately, a medicinal fragrance emerged... Xiahou Dun drank it to his heart's content. The miracle doctor, however, sniffed it quite carefully.
"General, in this water skin... I smell polygonum multiflorum, goji berries, mulberries, longan, red dates... and the scent of several other Chinese herbs. What are these?" As expected of a miracle doctor, he identified some of the herbs contained in the water just by smelling them.
Of course, this was not the main point. The main point was... these herbs all seemed to have some similar effects: tonifying qi! Great tonifying!
Could it be...
The miracle doctor tapped his forehead. "General Xiahou, could it be... that this is the reason for your 'great strength creating miracles'?"
Immediately, the miracle doctor leaned his entire body towards Xiahou Dun's face.
Xiahou Dun was stunned. It seemed that this miracle doctor had some ideas about this water-mixing kidney-tonifying prescription.
Just then...
The miracle doctor spoke, "General Xiahou, do you know that humans have congenital essence and acquired essence? Congenital essence is inherited from parents and is responsible for reproduction and procreation, also known as reproductive essence; acquired essence originates from the transformation of vital essence from water and grains, and is responsible for growth and development, also known as grain essence or visceral essence!"
Ah... ah...
The miracle doctor's words confused Xiahou Dun. What were you saying? Can you speak human language?
It seemed...
The miracle doctor also saw Xiahou Dun's confusion and immediately whispered into Xiahou Dun's ear:
"General Xiahou, to be frank, I have a friend... he feels like his body is about to be hollowed out, and during that kind of thing, he can only last for twenty breaths at most, feeling listless and tasteless..."
As he said this, the miracle doctor raised his eyes meaningfully, glancing towards the back hall, where... his wife was applying medicine to someone!
It was just in this brief glance that a hint of haze flickered in the miracle doctor's eyes.
"General Xiahou, my friend is in a hurry. May I boldly ask General Xiahou for this medicinal water prescription?"
He had already started looking for the prescription in various ways...
It was still the familiar "I have a friend" series!
Heh, for a moment, Xiahou Dun felt that because of Lu Yu's prescription, he could become a doctor for chronic illnesses. And this illness was very important for men!
...
...
Yanzhou, outside Puyang City, Cao's camp, the military tent.
"How much grain is left?"
As usual, this was Cao Cao's daily question...
"Three days left!" The grain officer replied truthfully, but as the stored grain dwindled, the grain officer's expression became more and more tense. "Duke Cao, what can be done? If the grain and fodder are exhausted... then... our army will be defeated without a fight!"
"We can distribute military rations in small measures to temporarily alleviate the immediate crisis!" Cao Cao ordered...
Logically speaking, with only three days of military rations left, the correct and most stable course of action would definitely be to retreat...
Otherwise, if they waited until the grain was exhausted before retreating, it would be a different story.
But... unusually, the usually cautious Cao Cao did not choose to retreat this time, and even... continued to besiege the city, not withdrawing half a step.
As for the reason...
Seven or eight days had passed in April, but the weather seemed to have changed suddenly. Especially the sun, which had gone from mild to scorching hot and dry.
The frequent heavy rains in March seemed to have gone and never returned. The entire April was filled with bright sunshine. Not to mention rainfall, even the river water was decreasing. Within a few days, some rivers had already dried up.
This seemed to correspond to Lu Yu's Yin-Yang School... the so-called "Five Qi and Eight Cycles," "Yin-Yang Five Elements" deductions...
If Lu Yu's prediction of a severe drought and a complete crop failure in July truly came true,
Then... it would not be a simple choice for Cao Cao to retreat or not. It would be about when Lu Bu would counterattack. In a famine-stricken Yanzhou, how many people would defect to Lu Bu!
The entire situation would be reversed in an instant...
It could be said that Cao Cao had already considered the worst-case scenario. He could not retreat... If he retreated, the situation would completely become one of collapse.
"Duke Cao... If we distribute grain in small measures, then... the soldiers might have some resistance." The grain officer asked...
Cao Cao nodded, then shook his head. "This is the only way for now. Do as I say... Divide the three days of military rations into nine portions. From myself downwards, regardless of rank, everyone will receive small measures of grain!"
"Yes..." The grain officer agreed and slowly withdrew.
However, Xi Zhicai, who was beside Cao Cao, rolled his eyes. After the sound of the grain officer's footsteps could no longer be heard, Xi Zhicai finally spoke, "Duke Cao, are you planning to take the head of this grain officer?"
Hiss... With his thoughts revealed by Xi Zhicai, Cao Cao was slightly startled, then sighed with a "sigh."
"Besides this, are there any other options?" Cao Cao retorted... "Let's hold on for a few more days!"
The reason he could still hold on was Cao Cao's hope in Lu Yu.
He believed that Yu'er would not disappoint him and would definitely bring the grain.
Xi Zhicai, however, shook his head helplessly. Lu Bu had scorched earth tactics and refused to fight. This city could not be taken by force. If they maintained the stalemate, the grain and fodder would not be enough. It was truly difficult!
What was even more difficult was that since April...
Heaven seemed to have changed its appearance. Not a single drop of rain fell, the sun shone brightly, and the air was filled with the scent of flames. This... was not good!
Speaking of which... where was the grain Lu Yu promised? Where was it, or rather, where was he?
Just then...
A scout quickly ran into the main tent.
"Reporting to Duke Cao, Lu Gong Cao is leading the Dragon Soaring Camp towards our main camp..."
Hmm...
As these words escaped, Cao Cao and Xi Zhicai's eyes widened simultaneously.
"Is there any grain being escorted!"
Cao Cao and Xi Zhicai spoke almost at the same time, in unison. The two exchanged glances, and then their eyes turned to the attendant in front of them, as if they were greatly anticipating this answer.
The scout, however, hesitated, unsure how to answer for a moment.
"Yes... and no!"
Yes? And no? What did this mean?
Did they have it or not?
...
...