“Master Lu, Sister Mu and I are not together…” Zhuge Jun was still trying to explain…
Of course, they were not together. How could Cao Mu fancy the simple-minded Zhuge Jun?
However, the pavilions where they stayed daily were connected, and from time to time, Zhuge Jun would cook some sumptuous dishes and send them to Cao Mu. He didn’t have any ill intentions.
The reason he did this stemmed from seeing the sibling affection between Cai Zhaoji and Lu Yu. Zhuge Jun yearned for it deeply.
From time to time, he would think of his two older sisters, wondering how they were doing.
This feeling naturally led him to treat Cao Mu as a sister.
“Sigh…”
Lu Yu was speechless. Sister? Lu Yu simply didn’t believe that pure sibling affection existed in this world!
Instantly, looking at Zhuge Jun, he felt like a child who had grown up, become disobedient, and forgotten his parents after getting married.
What a mess this was!
At this moment, Lu Yu’s mood was like that of Cao Cao back then. When Cao Cao heard Lady Ding making arbitrary arrangements, his feeling of speechlessness was almost identical to Lu Yu’s now.
“I’ll remember this…” Lu Yu perfunctorily replied. “Hurry back and get some sleep. I heard Old Wei say that the oil in the shops is already in short supply, and your oil workshop has a heavy task tomorrow!”
This… Zhuge Jun lowered his head, wanting to ask but not daring to.
Did Master Lu Yu agree to him?
Raising his head, Zhuge Jun wanted to say something more, but Lu Yu had already walked far away.
…
…
Yanzhou, Puyang City.
On the city wall, a tall, sturdy, and extraordinary martial artist was conversing with a Confucian scholar, facing the biting night wind.
“Sir, I heard Cao Cao has returned to Yanzhou… This is much faster than you predicted.”
This martial artist was none other than Lu Bu, and beside him was Chen Gong.
“Feng Xian, I truly did not expect Cao Cao to resolve such a complex situation in Xuzhou so quickly, and moreover… not a single hint of rebellion arose in all four commanderies of Xuzhou.”
Chen Gong placed his hands on the city wall, sighing repeatedly. “And Cao Cao’s prowess doesn’t end there. That move to petition the Emperor to grant Liu Bei the position of Governor of Xiapi and Guan Yu the position of Governor of Guangling was truly brilliant!”
“Sir? This… what do you mean?” Lu Bu’s intelligence naturally couldn’t comprehend Cao Cao’s series of intricate maneuvers.
He even thought Cao Cao was foolish for having the imperial court grant Liu Bei the title of Governor of Xiapi City; wasn’t that like nurturing a tiger that would later threaten him?
“Feng Xian, only by understanding these few moves of Cao Cao can one realize his brilliance. If one cannot even recognize this brilliance, then defeating him would be like a fool’s dream!” Chen Gong did not explain but sighed again.
Chen Gong understood Cao Cao, and he also understood Lu Bu…
It was impossible for Lu Bu to realize how brilliant these moves by Cao Cao were in his lifetime.
“Sir? Then… will Cao Cao, with tens of thousands of troops, attack Puyang City immediately?” Lu Bu continued to ask, which was his most pressing concern. “I heard that Cao Cao rushed back for his daughter Cao Mu’s wedding? This…”
“Wedding, how laughable, how laughable!”
Chen Gong stroked his beard and said with a slight smile, “What we see is what Cao Cao wants us to see. Cao Cao is a prominent hero. How could he rush back overnight for a mere daughter… Heh, in my opinion, he is targeting our Puyang City, but…”
He paused mid-sentence, creating suspense.
Lu Bu was a bit anxious. “Sir, don’t leave it half-said!”
“Hahaha…” Chen Gong burst into laughter. After the laughter subsided, he slowly analyzed, “However… in my opinion, Cao Cao’s attack on our Puyang City will most likely still be in July!”
“At this time, the grain and supplies of Cao’s camp are concentrated in our Puyang City, while the other commanderies can only barely maintain themselves. With the harvest in July and ample provisions, the timing will be right for Cao Cao…”
At this point, Chen Gong paused. “We don’t have much time left. We must take advantage of this period of stability to recruit soldiers and train our troops. Although Puyang is not large compared to Yanzhou, its high walls and deep rivers make it not so easily conquered!”
“Moreover, isn’t there still you, Feng Xian? Among Cao’s generals, who can match you?”
Chen Gong said this to boost Lu Bu’s confidence…
The situation in the world changes rapidly. Today Cao’s army is strong, but tomorrow it might face annihilation!
Besides, in terms of the combination of strategy and martial arts, Chen Gong considered himself… a match for any civil or military official under Cao Cao, not inferior to any of them!
The outcome of the battle for Puyang City was still unknown!
However…
Chen Gong’s fiery words might have boosted Lu Bu’s confidence in the past, but now… Lu Bu’s mind kept recalling the disastrous defeat at Chenliu City.
Admittedly, that defeat… was partly due to him falling into an ambush.
But the towering strongman who emerged from Cao’s camp was an even more formidable opponent to him!
That thousand-jin strength, those exquisite double halberds… he fought Lu Bu for dozens of rounds without a clear victor, and in the end… he even unleashed moves that threatened mutual destruction. He was not to be underestimated!
He heard that Cao’s camp called him “the ancient Evil-to-come”… This was a battle that earned him fame!
Hoo…
Lu Bu let out a sigh. However, Lu Bu had not been idle during this period.
He had replayed Dian Wei’s fighting style countless times in his mind. The previous encounter was somewhat sudden, and Lu Bu was caught off guard.
But in reality… Lu Bu had already figured out a counter-strategy.
Although the double halberds had a weakness in their shortness, in battle, an inch longer meant an inch stronger, and an inch shorter meant an inch more dangerous. Lu Bu could fully leverage the length of his Fangtian Huaji to create space and engage him. There was no need to fight him up close like last time!
Furthermore, in horsemanship, martial arts, and even archery, Lu Bu surpassed him. By playing to his strengths and avoiding his weaknesses, Lu Bu believed he could confidently win their next encounter, even killing him on the spot.
Just…
“Sir…” A flicker of suspicion flashed in Lu Bu’s eyes. “Your predictions have been wrong several times recently, and Cao Cao’s decisions always surprise you… This time…”
Lu Bu did not finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear.
Chen Gong predicted that Cao Cao would attack Puyang after July, but… given Cao Cao’s cunning and the unexpected nature of his recent actions, wouldn’t he foresee Chen Gong’s plans and launch an attack early?
If that were the case… Lu Bu’s army would be unprepared and might suffer heavy losses.
Hiss… Speaking of which.
Lu Bu’s reminder alerted Chen Gong to a higher degree.
He closed his eyes slightly, and after a long pause, he spoke, “Feng Xian, I had a stratagem before to deal with Cao Cao’s large-scale invasion?”
Hmm…
Lu Bu also became alert, immediately perking up his ears to listen attentively.
Chen Gong continued, “If Cao Cao rushes to attack Puyang City, then his provisions will be his weakness. He will want a swift victory, and we can exploit this!”
At this point, Chen Gong paused and continued, “I heard that the Tian clan in Puyang City has a good relationship with Xiahou Dun and enjoys his trust. If they were to be used by us, to provide false intelligence to Cao Cao? This way… Cao Cao, in his haste, will surely trust the Tian clan, and our opportunity will arise.”
What… the Tian clan?
Lu Bu scratched his head. “Sir, you just said that the Tian clan is friendly with Xiahou Dun, would they cooperate with us?”
“Heh heh…” Chen Gong chuckled, stroking his beard as he did. “There are no eternal enemies, only eternal interests. Furthermore, send out more spies. If Cao Cao attacks Puyang in July, then… we will act according to this plan! Cao Aman will surely return without coming back!”
Hoo…
Lu Bu’s eyes fixed, hoping that this time… there would be no more mishaps.
…
…
Yanzhou, Chenliu Commandery.
According to calculations, Cao Cao was supposed to return tomorrow, but this night, Cao Cao had already appeared at the Cao mansion.
Being naturally suspicious, he never traveled at night. However, this time, the matter was urgent. Cao Cao’s mind was filled with thoughts of Mu’er and Yu’er, and he was extremely anxious, even disregarding traveling at night!
It was strange, really. Having experienced so many battles, big and small, even when the situation on the front lines was unfavorable, Cao Cao would at most look displeased, but never anxious to the point of desperation.
But now? It was obvious that Cao Cao was a little tense, a little flustered, and the most crucial thing was that he didn’t know how far Yu’er and Mu’er had progressed.
Of course, the more anxious and flustered Cao Cao was, the more he cared about Lu Yu…
He had many people around him, but to whom could he confide his inner turmoil?
As usual…
Cao Mu did not return early tonight. After talking with Lu Yu, she meticulously organized all the bamboo slips recording the forging of steel before returning to the Cao mansion.
Although she appeared carefree on the surface, she was always a meticulous person.
The Cao mansion seemed no different from usual tonight, with the same familiar stone lions, the same faint lamplight, and the night was about to fall.
Tap… tap…
She lightly stepped through the back door.
Cao Mu intended to return to her own chambers. Unlike usual, tonight… she didn’t plan to review or summarize anything. She intended to sleep soundly. Tomorrow… her father would return, and there would surely be an argument.
Entering the Cao mansion, she turned around the front corridor, passed the main hall, and after a few more steps, she would reach her own pavilion.
But at that very moment.
With a “swish,” the torches around were raised simultaneously, illuminating the dark Cao mansion as if it were daytime.
At the same time, two figures appeared before Cao Mu. One was her mother, Lady Ding. Her eyes were somewhat complex, and her lips quivered as if about to say something, but she ultimately stopped.
Beside her, a middle-aged man looked at Cao Mu with a face ashen with anger. His sword-like eyebrows were almost furrowed into an inverted V, and his entire face was written with the words “indignant”…
And this man, Cao Mu was very familiar with; it was her father, Cao Cao!
“A young lady, returning so late? Have you no sense of propriety and shame!”
Cold words came from Cao Cao’s mouth.
Cao Mu was somewhat afraid. Her father’s majesty instinctively made her feel timid, making her lower her head, her teeth unconsciously biting her lip…
At this time, Cao Cao was also observing his daughter…
There were traces of sweat on her clothes, and her cheeks could be described as dusty and disheveled. Her hair was also matted and messy from being soaked in sweat…
Was this… still the Mu’er he had raised?
Why, after a few months without seeing her, had she become so disheveled?
The crucial point was that this appearance pained Cao Cao, but… he could not show the slightest hint of affection. For Yu’er and for Mu’er, he had to harden his heart.
“Father…” Cao Mu murmured, her voice a little timid…
“Bring her to the main hall! Question her!” Cao Cao’s voice remained cold, as if steeped in ten thousand years of ice!
…
Cao Mansion, Main Hall.
“Everyone withdraw, and close the doors and windows!” Cao Cao’s face was still ashen.
All the servants quickly left. The main hall was now a completely enclosed environment, with only Cao Mu, Cao Cao, and Lady Ding present.
Hoo… After a long sigh, Cao Cao stood up and walked to the kneeling Cao Mu.
He asked gently, “How far have you and Lu Yu progressed?”
Huh… Huh?
As soon as these words left his mouth, Cao Mu was completely stunned. At this moment, she realized that her father seemed to have misunderstood.
“Father, it’s not what you think. Daughter… daughter has no relationship with Young Master Lu. At most, he is my guide for the Hundred Crafts course. It is precisely because of him that my horizons have been broadened, my mind opened, and I have witnessed the marvels of forging and the vastness of the Hundred Crafts.”
Huh? Hundred Crafts? Forging?
And broadened horizons, opened minds? Cao Cao muttered to himself, “Is she going to shed her clothes next?”
Cao Cao frowned. Let the past be the past. Since he was back, he had to set things right and sever all entanglements.
“Mu’er, you may stand up!” Cao Cao commanded…
Cao Mu slowly stood up.
At the same time, Cao Cao’s voice came out, “What happened before, Father will pretend not to know. The twenty-fifth of the third month is a good day. This is the date of your wedding that your mother and I have chosen for you. You will marry Zi Lin on this day. Before then, you are not allowed to go anywhere. Stay honestly at home and prepare for the wedding rituals.”
He thought that after saying this, the matter would be settled… and his heart would be at peace.
Little did he expect, “I will not marry, nor will I be confined at home!”
Cao Mu lifted her head, her tone exceptionally firm!
“The orders of parents and the words of a matchmaker, it’s not your place to decide for yourself…” Cao Cao involuntarily clenched his fists…
With a “bang…”, Cao Mu took out a dagger from her embrace. Cao Cao thought his daughter was going to threaten suicide and was startled. Little did he know… Cao Mu actually plunged the dagger into the tabletop.
This was the dagger Dian Wei had given to Cao Mu today. It contained Dian Wei’s gratitude and affection for his female disciple.
He remembered the dog meat they had eaten every day!
The sharp dagger was completely embedded in the wood of the table… The violent “bang bang” sounds shook the desk, causing it to tremble continuously.
Almost simultaneously, Cao Mu spoke.
“Father, you have no idea what I have been forging recently?”
As she spoke, Cao Mu took three steps at once and took down a sword hanging in the main hall.
This was an iron sword. Cao Cao liked to hang weapons in every pavilion except his bedroom…
This was because he had once read about Jing Ke’s assassination of the King of Qin and had lingering fears. These weapons could increase his sense of security. If there were assassins, he could directly grab a weapon for self-defense!
But he never expected that the first person to draw a sword would be his daughter, Cao Mu. At this moment, Cao Mu placed the long sword horizontally on the table…
Cao Cao didn’t understand what Mu’er wanted to do?
Out of reason, Cao Cao wanted to stop her actions, but out of curiosity, Cao Cao wanted to figure out what was going on…
“Bang…”
At this moment, with a “bang…”, Cao Mu picked up the fine steel dagger and, from top to bottom, slashed directly at the long sword.
In an instant, the long sword seemed to have encountered a heavy blow, tearing apart from the middle and then… shattering!
Yes, as if a large hammer had struck the long sword, wherever this small dagger passed, the entire blade of the sword shattered!
At this moment…
The entire main hall was silent, so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.
Cao Cao and Lady Ding looked at the dagger in disbelief, as well as the long sword that was cleaved in the middle and was still shattering!
And… their daughter, Cao Mu, with determined eyes, biting her red lips, her gaze filled with stubbornness and unyielding defiance!
Cao Cao’s eyes widened abruptly.
Is this dagger the result of Mu’er’s forging, as she mentioned?
…
…