On the city wall of Xiapi, Xu Province.
“Zizhong, since entering April, it hasn't rained for over a month!” Liu Bei sighed as he looked at the sky.
“Indeed… drought often leads to locust plagues,” Mi Zhu said with a narrowing of his eyes. “I've heard that locusts have begun to proliferate in the farmlands, forming small-scale locust plagues…”
Mi Zhu didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear. Drought coupled with locusts meant the crops, due to be harvested in July, were in peril, possibly even leading to a complete failure.
A sharp intake of breath. Liu Bei’s expression suddenly turned much uglier.
“Zizhong? Didn’t I ask you to post notices, to emulate Cao Cao… and call upon the farmers of Xiapi and Guangling to capture locusts? How did it still become a plague?” Liu Bei demanded.
“My fault…” Mi Zhu lowered his head, his expression grim. “The notices were posted, but… the promised copper coins for the farmers were not redeemed on time, thus… the farmers' enthusiasm was not high, which led to… the current locust plague. I am guilty!”
Saying this, Mi Zhu knelt and asked for Liu Bei’s forgiveness.
Frankly, who would actually take money to buy locusts? That sounded too absurd…
However, looking back, if they had simply followed Cao Cao’s example, at least this locust plague could have been avoided to some extent!
Sigh… sigh…
Mi Zhu let out a long sigh, realizing his shortsightedness.
“Zizhong, get up quickly…” Liu Bei helped him up. As the leader of the Commoner Faction, Mi Zhu was one of the few people Liu Bei could rely on and trust in Xu Province. Even though… he blamed Mi Zhu in his heart, he maintained an appearance of not minding at all!
“Zizhong, this is not your fault. Even some of the practices within Cao’s camp seem bizarre to me. Fortunately…” Liu Bei paused here. He crouched down to help Mi Zhu brush the dust off his legs before continuing.
“Fortunately, it’s not too late to mend. As long as the scope of the locust plague is not yet widespread, it is still possible to mobilize the people to catch locusts… Moreover… our spies in Yan Province have reported that the people of Yan Province have begun to eat locusts… Even during the campaign against Puyang, Cao Cao’s army’s rations were bags of locusts!”
Liu Bei’s words were slow, but to Mi Zhu, they were like a thunderclap…
Eating locusts? Locusts are insects! Are the people of Yan Province throwing their lives away? And the soldiers of Cao’s army… are they too… throwing their lives away?
Mi Zhu felt a little dizzy… This… this completely defied common sense!
While he was still contemplating this…
Liu Bei’s words continued to pour out. “Our spies in Yan Province have purchased an ingredient called ‘oil,’ which has been delivered. They mentioned that when this ‘oil’ is added to cooking utensils and placed over high heat, with locusts added into it, this method is called ‘frying.’ And after frying, the taste is extremely delicious, comparable to meat!”
As Liu Bei spoke, Mi Zhu’s astonishment grew.
“I found this unbelievable when I first heard it. But… the spies have sent continuous messages, and even… the four northern prefectures of Xu Province have begun to eat locusts. This is significant… Perhaps, locusts can indeed be eaten.”
In conclusion, Liu Bei placed his hand on Mi Zhu’s shoulder.
After saying all this, what he essentially wanted was for Mi Zhu to take the matter of mobilizing the people to catch locusts seriously, without stinting on money…
Furthermore, Liu Bei planned to copy Cao Cao’s strategy, intending to try cooking and eating locusts in Xiapi and Guangling to deal with the potential drought!
“Zizhong, I entrust this matter to you… Yan Province has already proven that locusts are edible, so you can purchase them with confidence. Cao Cao used them as military rations to overcome a grain shortage… If the heavens still refuse to rain, our Xiapi and Guangling cities can also rely on locusts for food. This is a backup plan!”
“… Your subordinate understands!” Mi Zhu cupped his hands.
Although it was bizarre, with so much information from the spies… even a child could realize that perhaps locusts could indeed be eaten!
The crucial part was that the thought of their appearance made Mi Zhu feel an inexplicable urge to gag.
Of course, Liu Bei gave the orders decisively, and Mi Zhu agreed readily…
It seemed that copying Cao Cao’s "homework" was not a significant problem.
However, they overlooked… or rather, they would not realize an important point.
Not all locusts are edible. The people of Yan Province collectively captured locusts, curbing the plague, thus… young and growing locusts could be fried and eaten!
But now, in Xiapi and Guangling, the locust plague has begun. These swarming locusts, if eaten, can be poisonous! Consuming large amounts could even be fatal!
Copying homework is like this: the same answer, but as you copy, you might end up with significant problems.
“My Lord…” After discussing the locust-eating issue, Sun Qian, also a representative of the Commoner Faction, spoke from Liu Bei’s other side. “I have had a lingering suspicion?”
“Suspicion?” Liu Bei asked.
“Indeed!” Sun Qian nodded. “According to reports from spies, not only did they capture locusts and control the plague, but Cao Cao’s army also cut off the Taishou River, creating a pool, and cultivated thousands of mu of paddy and dry rice along the pool… It is said that these rice crops are drought-resistant… It seems Cao Cao’s actions are related to the current ‘drought’!”
Sun Qian did not fully explain, but… Liu Bei understood the implication.
Sun Qian suspected that someone in Cao Cao’s camp had predicted the impending great drought, and that capturing locusts, diverting rivers, and promoting dry and wet rice were all measures for prior preparation!
This…
Foresight?
Liu Bei’s eyes narrowed, and his expression also turned a little grim. Sun Qian’s words reminded him.
This was no small matter. If Cao Cao’s army could even predict great droughts and locust plagues… then… wouldn’t that be terrifying?
Just as he thought of this, Liu Bei suddenly shook his head. Impossible, absolutely impossible!
He had heard of magical arts that could pray for rain and auspicious signs, and even… he had heard that the Yellow Turban Army possessed a book called “Taiping Yaoshu” that taught people how to summon wind and rain, and command thunder and lightning…
But, he had never heard of…
Someone being able to predict droughts and locust plagues through some method. This was too far-fetched!
Liu Bei did not believe it, nor did he want to believe it! Could it be that Cao Cao’s camp… had a celestial being?
Whoosh…
He let out a long breath.
“Gongyou, didn’t we already purchase some rice seeds before? Let’s also start enclosing lakes to cultivate rice.”
Saying this, Liu Bei looked at the sky, feeling the scorching heat in the air.
“Whether it is a great drought or not, it is still too early to determine. However… we should prepare for the worst, believing it might happen rather than not believing it at all!”
Upon hearing this…
“Yes!” Sun Qian cupped his hands and accepted the order.
Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed from the city stairs. “Brother, why are you here?”
The speaker was none other than Lü Bu, Lü Fengxian…
He quickly walked to Liu Bei’s side, addressing him as “brother” repeatedly, completely treating himself as one of them.
“So it’s Fengxian?” Liu Bei was displeased in his heart, but… he did not show it.
“Hahaha…” Lü Bu reminded him with a smile. “Didn’t we agree to meet at my guesthouse today? I have a jar of fine wine stored there, and I wanted to have a hearty drink with you, brother!”
Hmm…
Liu Bei was slightly startled. He glanced back at Mi Zhu and Sun Qian beside him, as if to re-emphasize the matters of mobilizing the populace to catch locusts and planting rice!
After his gaze, Liu Bei collected himself… and said loudly to Lü Bu, “How could I forget? Fengxian’s wine must be good wine!”
Hahahaha…
Lü Bu laughed heartily. “You are truly generous, brother… You and I are both from the frontier, and we are as close as family!”
“Furthermore, when the lords of Guandong united to attack Dong Zhuo, I was the one who killed Dong Zhuo, yet none of them were willing to take me in, and they even wanted to kill me… Only you, brother, showed great benevolence and righteousness. In that case, our relationship is even closer!”
Lü Bu truly lacked social graces. Calling him “brother” repeatedly made Liu Bei feel extremely awkward.
Moreover…
With Liu Bei’s experience, he could see through Lü Bu’s words at a glance.
Both from the frontier? Heh?
Liu Bei was born in Zhuo County, so calling it a frontier might be understandable. But Lü Bu was born in Jiuyuan, Bing Province. What frontier was that? Their hometowns were tens of thousands of miles apart, and Lü Bu’s purpose was merely to get closer.
Despite thinking this, Liu Bei’s expression remained unchanged, as if… he would not ignore Lü Bu’s performance.
“Fengxian, why bring up those unpleasant matters? Let’s go… let’s go drink at Fengxian’s place!”
“Hahaha…” Lü Bu laughed and pulled Liu Bei towards the city wall. As they walked, he did not forget to say, “Brother, today… I have prepared a surprise for you at the guesthouse, I guarantee you’ll feast your eyes!”
Hmm… surprise…
Liu Bei was slightly startled.
Immediately after… the sound of footsteps continued to echo…
In a moment, the two of them had disappeared from everyone’s sight.
Mi Zhu and Sun Qian exchanged glances and shook their heads slightly.
Their Lord, Liu Xuande, being called “brother” by Lü Bu, was that the behavior of a defeated general? It was truly impolite!
As for… the surprise at the guesthouse?
What surprise could Lü Bu possibly have? Mi Zhu and Sun Qian pondered, could it be… the legendary Diao Chan, possessing the beauty that could make the moon hide, and a nation-toppling allure?
Of course, Mi Zhu and Sun Qian would not have imagined… that the surprise Lü Bu had prepared for Liu Bei was indeed Diao Chan.
Ahem, it's just that, it's not what you imagine!
According to historical records, the first time Lü Bu hosted Liu Bei, he first invited Liu Bei to sit on an embroidered bed, which was Diao Chan’s bed…
Immediately after, Lü Bu summoned his concubine Diao Chan and asked her to perform a dance for Liu Bei…
Normally, such behavior would be extremely impolite. For example… if the esteemed audience were to visit an unfamiliar friend, and this friend first asked you to lie on his wife’s bed, and then invited his wife out?
Would the audience feel it was very rude?
Besides being rude, there was another possibility: this unfamiliar friend… was a cuckold… In short, it sounded bewildering and exciting!
Of course, Liu Bei would soon experience this excitement – watching Diao Chan dance on Diao Chan’s bed was extremely exciting.
Lü Bu’s bizarre actions, as recorded in history… were truly incomprehensible!
…
Just as Lü Bu and Liu Bei were heading to the guesthouse!
Inside a private room of a tavern in Xiapi City, Chen Gong was drinking with a warrior. Chen Gong poured a full cup for the warrior… and then took the initiative to toast him.
“I have long heard of General Cao Bao’s extraordinary demeanor, and meeting you today proves it!”
“Can Chen Gongtai speak directly?” Cao Bao replied with a smile. Chen Gong, newly arrived, had contacted him through various connections. The deeper meaning of this was something Cao Bao could not fail to perceive.
He was a rough man who preferred straightforward matters and disliked the indirect, evasive way of scholars.
“Haha, then I shall be direct. General Cao was once a confidant of Governor Tao and commanded over ten thousand Danyang soldiers in Xiapi City… However, as the saying goes, ‘new emperor, new court.’ Do you find your current situation under Liu Xuande unsatisfactory?”
Chen Gong had long understood Cao Bao’s character, and even more so his current predicament.
He was a confidant of Tao Qian, and later supported young Master Tao Shang, making him naturally an eyesore and a thorn in Liu Bei’s side.
Precisely… with Liu Bei now in power in Xiapi City, Cao Bao’s position… was extremely precarious!
He held military power but was controlled by Zhang Fei, often subjected to his scolding, leaving him extremely stifled and constantly looked down upon. Such a life had long filled Cao Bao with discontent.
Seeing Cao Bao’s expression change, Chen Gong shifted his tone. “General Cao Bao, my Lord, Lü Fengxian, is conferred the title of ‘Marquis Wen’ by His Majesty. His peerless martial skills are unmatched by anyone in the world, yet he… has a concern!”
“A concern?” Cao Bao asked again.
Chen Gong then replied in detail. “During the battle of Puyang City, amidst the chaos, Fengxian’s wife died at the hands of Cao Cao’s army. As the saying goes, ‘A household unsettled leads to an unsettled heart, and an unsettled heart leads to an unsettled world.’ My general is in need of a virtuous helper. I have heard that General Cao’s daughter, Miss Cao Yuan, is heroic and possesses a spirit of righteousness. My general has long admired her, hence… I have an impudent request!”
Whoa…
Originally, Cao Bao had been listening to Chen Gong’s words absentmindedly, but… upon mentioning his daughter and Lü Bu’s virtuous helper, Cao Bao immediately became fully attentive.
His daughter was his most cherished possession, but also a difficult problem… He, Cao Bao, had spoken with almost all the influential families in Xu Province, but… in this world, who could tolerate a woman who constantly fought and acted recklessly, disregarding others?
Moreover, this woman’s appearance was also quite ordinary!
Men, often, were more willing to accommodate beautiful women. Those with ordinary looks could step aside!
However…
Hearing Chen Gongtai’s implication, Lü Fengxian’s wife had just died, and he was an invincible hero with great ambitions. Could it be… that he could become his son-in-law?
Upon thinking this, a glint of light flashed in Cao Bao’s eyes!
Of course, this look was keenly captured by Chen Gong. The stone hanging in his heart had also fallen by more than half. This matter… was feasible…
As long as this matter was feasible, then Xiapi City, hehe, would have a chance!
Chen Gong’s eyes narrowed, and a sharpness, like an awl protruding from a bag, quietly appeared in his gaze.
As for the entire situation in Xiapi City…
It seemed peaceful on the surface, with brotherly affection and mutual respect, but in reality… it was turbulent, with undercurrents surging.
Lü Bu’s arrival in Xiapi not only stirred the already murky waters of Xiapi City but also made Liu Bei increasingly unable to grasp the even more complex situation and circumstances.
All of this was like two sentences mentioned by Lu Yu.
First—The water in Xiapi City is deep, and you, Liu Bei, cannot grasp it!
Second—Three women can make a lot of noise!
…
…