Chenliu Commandery, the grand army returned in triumph.
Cao Cao specifically ordered the banner of the Long Xiao Camp to be placed in the foremost position of the three armies, allowing the knights of the Long Xiao Camp to be the first to enter the city, to enjoy the welcome from the populace lining the streets and the earth-shattering cheers!
Almost, along the entire route, the people were asking: "Whose soldiers are the Long Xiao Camp?"
That's right, the deeds of the Long Xiao Camp had already spread. The Battle of Puyang, knowing there was a tiger on the mountain yet heading towards it… knowing the ambush ahead, yet seven hundred Long Xiao Camp warriors fearlessly charged, holding the enemy for over an hour, fighting to the death without retreating, striking fear into the hearts of the Bingzhou soldiers.
At this moment, despite the scorching weather, the entire Chenliu Commandery was still emptied of people…
Everyone remembered the three words "Long Xiao Camp," and even saw the heroic bearing of Cao Xiu, the leading general of the Long Xiao Camp!
Only… amidst the common folk, very few knew that the true commander of this Long Xiao Camp was Lu Yu, the Official of the Prefecture!
"Well done… Long Xiao Camp, well done!"
Someone in the crowd was already shouting enthusiastically.
The people of Yanzhou, like people all over the world, desired peace and stability, and did not wish for a life of "vague memories of a mother's tears, and the changing flags of kings on the city walls!"
Moreover, Cao Cao had reclaimed wasteland and distributed ownerless land to farmers to cultivate, allowing the people of Yanzhou to finally experience peace.
And Lü Bu's invasion had undoubtedly shattered this tranquility…
Just as war was about to break out…
It was precisely because of these few hundred men of the Long Xiao Camp that they had repelled the invaders, allowing their peaceful lives to continue.
Ancient people were exceptionally simple. Their demands were low: as long as they could eat their fill, wear warm clothes, and not live in constant fear, that was enough!
As long as there was an army that could help them achieve these things, they were like benefactors.
The entire Chenliu Commandery, even the eaves were filled with people. A group of young men, with their children, climbed onto the rooftops, as if… only then could they be closer to this army of heroes.
"Son, do you see? When you grow up, you must be like the knights of the Long Xiao Camp, protect your mother, protect your grandmother. Whoever dares to invade, make them pay."
A middle-aged man pointed at the Long Xiao Camp troops and instructed his child.
The child nodded. Although he couldn't fully understand his father's words, a vision of becoming a hero arose in his heart.
In reality…
The warriors of the Long Xiao Camp also knew that they were not that formidable, nor did they deserve this enthusiastic welcome…
Even compared to the Tiger Cavalry or Leopard Cavalry, their martial arts and troop maneuvering skills were still inferior. Their great achievements this time… were merely due to the divine weapons and divine armor provided by Young Master Lu.
Of course, there was also Young Master Lu's brilliant strategy.
But… even so, to be so adored by so many people, especially with their mothers, wives, and children among these people… surely, at this moment, they must be proud of themselves?
Thinking of this, many soldiers' eyes welled up. It was a strange feeling. They were originally just ordinary soldiers from Qiaopei, following their leader Cao Cao on expeditions, but… they had more victories than defeats, and had been on the brink of despair countless times…
Back then, who could have imagined?
That one day, they would achieve such a victory, become heroes who protected their families, protected the people, and protected the entire Yanzhou, and that they themselves would become renowned… It seemed as if fate had changed in an instant.
Cao Cao's troops deliberately marched behind the Long Xiao Camp. Cao Cao, in his carriage, looked at the scene in the distance and nodded with great satisfaction.
Could he fully understand the feelings of the Long Xiao Camp soldiers?
Over the years, Cao Cao had experienced more. He had risen in Chenliu, suffered defeat at Xingyang, recruited soldiers in Yangzhou only to be betrayed by new recruits, entered Yanzhou and was repeatedly routed by the Yellow Turban Army, narrowly escaping death several times!
And now…
Especially in the past year or so, news of great victories had come one after another, his army had grown, his territory had expanded, and he had even risen to become a force in this chaotic era that could not be underestimated, a force capable of competing with all the feudal lords.
And the reason for all this… was nothing more than the few pieces of the puzzle that Lu Yu had once mentioned.
—Qiaopei warriors, Yingchuan talents, and the lower-class Yellow Turbans…
One could say that everything was getting better!
Thinking of this, Cao Cao couldn't help but smile.
Wait… something was wrong!
Cao Cao suddenly realized that the reason for all these improvements was not the so-called puzzle pieces, but a person…
That's right, it was Yu'er. It was Yu'er's appearance that untangled the complexities for him and guided him onto a path of reversing the tide against all odds.
Considering Yu'er's identity as Yin Lin, hehe… then, even occupying Yanzhou was his merit.
With this thought, Cao Cao felt much more at ease. His son helping his father build the empire was only natural; there was no need for the father to be overly sentimental!
Furthermore, the empire his son helped him build would, in the future, still be his own, wouldn't it?
With this thought, Cao Cao instructed the guards beside him.
"Issue an order that for the Battle of Puyang, the Long Xiao Camp knights, led by Cao Xiu and Dian Wei, have made outstanding contributions. Have Commander Xun and the strategists discuss and bestow rewards! Whether it be in terms of gifts or official titles, do not be stingy!"
"Yes!" The guard acknowledged and prepared to withdraw…
Cao Cao seemed to think of something else. "By the way, doesn't Dian Wei, the Commander of the Long Xiao Camp under Official Lu, seem to… have an old mother?"
"He does have an old mother, who is already over sixty this year!" the armored soldier replied truthfully…
Cao Cao smiled and continued to say with a smile, "I heard Official Lu mention that Dian Wei eats the equivalent of five men for a meal. It must have been difficult for his elderly mother to raise him… Haha, it seems I, Cao Cao, must personally write a plaque for the old lady! Heh, right now… you go prepare a plaque, and I will write the inscription, and send it to his mother immediately!"
As the saying goes, one loves the house and the crow…
Because of Lu Yu, Cao Cao also cherished every soldier in the Long Xiao Camp, especially Dian Wei!
The battles of Chenliu and Puyang, the name "Ancient Evil King," had already resounded throughout the nine provinces. In the central plains, even small children would stop crying upon hearing this name!
The armored soldiers understood and hurried to make arrangements.
Cao Cao continued to sigh in his heart, "Yu'er's discerning eye is truly sharp!"
No wonder Cao Cao thought this way. Who would have expected that Dian Wei, with his large head and thick neck, a mere cook in the barracks, would in just a few months become someone that warriors of all factions feared?
Heh, in the Spring and Autumn period, because there was Bole, there were those thousand-mile steeds!
…
…
Lu Yu was together with the knights of the Long Xiao Camp…
Rarely, he abandoned his carriage and rode a horse, joining the armored soldiers in welcoming the cheers from the roadside.
It was an extremely gentle horse. Speaking of which, Lu Yu had only learned to ride a horse a few days ago and was not proficient. Fortunately, Cao Xiu was on his left and Dian Wei was on his right… giving him a sense of security.
"Commander Dian…"
"Your subordinate is here?" Hearing Lu Yu's voice, even though he was on horseback and had just achieved great merit, Dian Wei now lowered his head, appearing to listen attentively.
"We've arrived at your home." Lu Yu raised his horsewhip and pointed towards a corner of the street…
Earlier, Lu Yu had specifically asked Dian Wei to bring his mother from the countryside, and had also asked Cao Xiu to prepare a house for her. It wasn't large… but it was enough for Dian Wei's family to live in.
Besides his mother, Dian Wei also had a wife… Lu Yu had met her once; she was taciturn and didn't talk much!
There was also a big, stout boy, thirteen years old, also born sturdy and strong, named Dian Man.
Dian Wei looked up at his own door. He didn't see his mother or wife, likely his mother was not feeling well and hadn't come out to join the excitement.
However, being reminded by Lu Yu like this…
Dian Wei's heart fluttered slightly. He hadn't been home for over a month. Had his son grown even sturdier? Could he also join the Long Xiao Camp and serve Young Master Lu? These were all things Dian Wei cared about greatly.
However…
Ahem…
With a slight cough, Dian Wei cupped his hands and said, "Your subordinate will escort the Young Master back to his mansion first…"
From morning till night, protecting Lu Yu's safety was Dian Wei's duty, and he had never forgotten it.
"No need…" Lu Yu waved his hand directly. "With so many people escorting me, you are not indispensable. Don't just stand there, hurry back and kowtow to your mother, and deliver the good news!"
This…
Dian Wei was still hesitating, but Lu Yu's tone became stern. "This is an order!"
"Yes!" Dian Wei cupped his hands.
He dismounted, led his horse out of the Long Xiao Camp formation. Many people recognized Dian Wei by his sturdy appearance and his front position in the Long Xiao Camp, deducing that he was likely the legendary "Ancient Evil King."
They tacitly made way for him…
Watching Dian Wei walk past, his footsteps firm and powerful, the common folk couldn't help but sigh, so strong… Those arms were probably thicker than others' thighs! No wonder… it was him… who beat Lü Bu into a retreat!
Dian Wei ignored them and walked straight towards his home.
"Mother, Mother… I'm back!"
No one responded. Dian Wei scratched his head and quickly walked into the dwelling.
Entering the door, he saw the oil lamp burning. His mother was kneeling on the ground, his wife behind her, also kneeling, and even his son was kneeling. Before them stood a guard.
Dian Wei recognized this guard; he seemed to be one of Cao Cao's personal guards…
He often delivered messages for Cao Cao and had seen him many times in the Long Xiao Camp.
But why were his mother and wife kneeling? Dian Wei was stunned. What… what was going on!
"Son, kneel quickly. Duke Cao has something to say to us!"
Dian Wei's mother, having read "Instructions for Women," had some knowledge of etiquette and was very well-behaved. Therefore, she understood the rules.
Upon hearing it was a handwritten letter from Duke Cao, Dian Wei immediately reacted and quickly knelt down…
The guard seemed a little embarrassed, "Commander Dian, Old Madam, there's really no need to be so formal… Duke Cao specifically instructed that kneeling is not required!"
Although he said so, it seemed… Dian Wei's mother had no intention of getting up. Seeing his mother not getting up, Dian Wei naturally did not dare to get up either.
Moreover, this was Duke Cao's order. Young Master Lu had emphasized that in Cao's camp, Cao Cao was absolute heaven, even greater heaven than Lu Yu himself!
This…
Seeing that they did not get up, the guard said helplessly, "Actually, it's nothing. Duke Cao just wanted me to deliver a plaque to the Old Madam, and this… a token!"
"What is a plaque? What is a token?" Dian Wei looked around, not quite understanding.
The guard shook his head helplessly…
Then he waved his hand, and a few armored soldiers carried over a brand new plaque, along with a golden token.
Originally…
They had intended to make fun of Dian Wei, thinking that although he was a good fighter, he didn't even know what a plaque or a token was? Truly simple and cute!
But then they thought again, he was from the Long Xiao Camp under Official Lu. Making fun of him? Were they worthy?
Immediately, a guard respectfully explained, "Commander Dian made great contributions in the Battle of Puyang. Due to the numerous affairs during this period, Duke Cao didn't have time to reward him. So Duke Cao sent me to give this token to Commander Dian's mother and wife!"
"What is this token for?" Dian Wei asked again, ultimately suffering from a lack of education.
The guard continued, "Within Yanzhou and Xuzhou, officials and soldiers of all levels will see this token as if they are seeing Duke Cao himself. Duke Cao is giving this token as a reward to your mother and wife, considering that Commander Dian often guards Official Lu and is away from his family, and they may encounter unpleasant things in their lives. However, as long as they show this token, local governments and soldiers will handle all matters for them…"
Dian Wei still didn't quite understand, but he was too embarrassed to ask further. It seemed… this token could summon help? It could resolve matters?
Immediately, he turned to look at his wife. At this moment, his wife… on her usually calm face, there was a rare look of relief, smiling happily… seeming very pleased.
Dian Wei, not being the head of the household, didn't know the cost of firewood and rice. This family… the big and small matters were mostly managed by his wife. The child was still young, and without a man in the house, many things… would inevitably lead to bullying and unfair treatment!
Many grievances could only be swallowed.
But… with this token, things would be different…
This was Duke Cao's token, and the officials would naturally uphold justice for them. This small token almost guaranteed that Dian Wei's wife and mother would no longer be bullied. How could they not be happy?
Dian Wei didn't understand and quickly got up to help his mother.
At this moment, the guard waved his hand, and a plaque was placed before Dian Wei and his mother.
Dian Wei frowned and looked at the words on it. He could only recognize that they were four characters, but what exactly they were… perhaps the characters recognized Dian Wei, but Dian Wei definitely did not recognize them! Bbfeng Novel
And at this moment, with a "snap," his mother, whom Dian Wei had just helped up, knelt down again.
Her eyes were fixed on the words on the plaque, but she remained silent, only with tears streaming down her face!
"Mother, why are you crying? What does it say here?"
"This is a plaque personally inscribed by Duke Cao – Teaching the Son Effectively!" the guard explained…
Ah… Teach? Teaching the Son Effectively?
Dian Wei touched his forehead. Does this mean my mother taught me well?
Just as he thought this.
"Bastard, kneel!" Dian Wei's mother suddenly shouted.
The guards were startled. What… what was happening?
Dian Wei's face changed when he heard his mother scolding him, and he muttered, "Mother… this… isn't this the plaque bestowed by Duke Cao – Teaching… Teaching the Son Effectively? Why… why are you making me kneel again!"
"Kneel!" Dian Wei's mother shouted again.
Dian Wei didn't dare to stand anymore and immediately knelt on the ground.
Dian Wei's mother held the firewood stick tremblingly. Dian Wei's wife, who had been smiling all along, was also startled by her mother's frosty face beneath her silver hair and dared not stand up.
Dian Wei's mother said indignantly, "You… why did you come back so quickly?"
"I… I missed Mother, so, so I came back!"
*Slap*…
The firewood stick hit Dian Wei's shoulder fiercely. Dian Wei, with his thick skin, felt nothing.
However, after all, it was his mother hitting him. If he didn't even cry out, wouldn't she be even angrier.
"Ouch, ouch, it hurts… Mother, I… I was wrong!"
Very fake, but… Dian Wei's mother didn't pay attention and continued to ask, "Where did you go wrong?"
"I… I don't know!" Dian Wei felt this question was beyond the scope of his knowledge. His mind… seemed unable to comprehend it!
"Hmph, that's why Mother says you're a bastard! Why did Mother give birth to such a heartless and ungrateful thing like you!" Dian Wei's mother trembled with anger. "Let me ask you, when you were a cook in the military camp, who promoted you? Who sent gold to our home, allowing us to live a good life!"
"It… it was Young Master Lu!"
Correct answer…
The reward was that this blow was spared this time.
Dian Wei's mother gritted her teeth, "And who gave you the opportunity to achieve merit, to make such great contributions, and to bring glory to our family today!"
"It was also… Young Master Lu!"
He answered correctly again, but Dian Wei's mother still struck him with the firewood.
"You bastard, you really should piss on yourself to see what you look like!"
"Ah… piss?" Dian Wei scratched his head. "Mother… I… I didn't drink much water today, so I'm afraid I can't piss! Besides… there are outsiders here!"
Dian Wei's mother was almost angered to death. Such a dull-witted son could actually achieve merit? If it weren't for the help of noble people… he would have died who knows where by now!
Immediately… she struck him with the firewood again. This time… she used all her strength, and Dian Wei felt a slight pain in his back!
Dian Wei's mother's anger did not subside. "Duke Cao… Duke Cao even gave me this 'Teaching the Son Effectively' plaque. I… I am not worthy! I gave birth to a heartless and ungrateful thing. You bastard, don't you think, without Young Master Lu, could you be where you are today? I heard from the neighbors… our benefactor Young Master Lu is returning to his mansion? You… you are tasked with protecting him, yet you… you returned first?"
"You don't protect our benefactor, so why did you run back? What if Young Master Lu has an accident? You… you… can you bear it? You… are you worthy of Young Master Lu's guidance and care for our family?"
Dian Wei's mother almost couldn't catch her breath. Fortunately, her grandson Dian Man behind her kept patting her back.
However, she was still furious. "You truly don't know what's good for you, like a dog! Get out, go wherever you want to go! Although I am poor, at least I have read a few books and understand the principle of repaying kindness! I… I am not worthy of Duke Cao's bestowed 'Teaching the Son Effectively' plaque! I… I am ashamed!"
"You get out, get out! Go wherever you should go… It's fine, don't come back!"
…
…