The swords hung in the Cao mansion were all made from the finest Wufang iron.
The paired sword shattered when struck by the dagger. This…
"Gulp!"
He swallowed a mouthful of saliva.
Rarely, Cao Cao's eyes showed astonishment, disbelief. Heavens…
The astute Cao Cao immediately sensed that this dagger held great mystery. He let out a soft breath, paused, and then called out, "Guards!"
*Tap, tap.*
Several armored guards rushed in. They had heard the clang of weapons and had already drawn near, waiting by the door. At Cao Cao's call, they dared not delay and quickly entered.
"Immediately, fetch the Yi Tian and Qing Gang swords!" Cao Cao commanded directly…
After all, it was merely an iron sword that had been shattered by the sharp dagger. To test its true quality… one must use the Yi Tian and Qing Gang swords!
"Yes…" After the guards hurried out.
The entire main hall fell back into a dreadful silence… Cao Mu's teeth still bit into her red lips, Madam Ding's face remained pale, and within Cao Cao's ashen countenance, a glimmer of anticipation appeared.
At this moment, Cao Cao's thoughts raced. Mu'er… Mu'er had only been at Lu Yu's residence for a little over a month. Could it be that she had truly forged such a divine weapon?
Could it be… she was merely… merely focused on forging? With no trace of romantic affection?
Was he perhaps too sensitive, having misunderstood her?
Cao Cao's gaze softened slightly.
"Mu'er, sit…"
These three short words, however, fell upon Madam Ding and Cao Mu like a gentle spring breeze.
…
…
Chenliu Commandery, Xiahou Mansion.
In the kitchen, Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Lian gathered around a stove. On it sat a large iron pot, inside which medicine was being simmered. More accurately, it wasn't medicine, but water being simmered over a low heat.
A few Chinese medicinal herbs were added to the water…
10 grams of Huang Jing, 20 grams of Goji berries, 20 grams of mulberries, 10 grams of longan fruit, and 20 grams of red dates… along with a slice or two of American ginseng!
Speaking of American ginseng, Xiahou Dun had searched all the pharmacies but couldn't find it. However, it didn't matter. Lu Yu had said that Dang Shen could be used as a substitute.
As for the grams, Xiahou Dun was initially a bit confused. What did "gram" mean…
Fortunately, Lu Yu had specifically mentioned the exchange ratio between "grams" and "liang."
This Lu Yu fellow always liked to come up with strange units of measurement. It was quite troublesome to convert, but… harboring the dream of "restoring his vigor," Xiahou Dun was more than willing to try.
He could no longer bear his short duration, his weak body… nor the lascivious gazes of his concubines.
"Is it ready yet? Lu Yu said it could just be mixed with water! Is there any need to simmer it for so long?" Xiahou Dun gazed eagerly at the water in the large iron pot…
"Young Master Lu also said… slow simmering over low heat can bring out the medicinal properties. Big Brother… it won't make a difference to wait a little longer!" Xiahou Lian replied…
Xiahou Dun had only shared the prescription with Xiahou Lian because this younger brother had been incessantly inquiring.
And so, the current scene unfolded.
"Brother Lian, tell me truthfully, why are you so concerned? Is it that you're also… not performing well?" Xiahou Dun seemed to have found a comrade in arms sharing his plight…
"Ah… ah…"
Xiahou Lian was a bit embarrassed. He actually wanted to say, even if he wasn't performing well, he'd at least last longer than you!
But the words reached his lips and ultimately did not leave. He was afraid Xiahou Dun would hit him.
"Big Brother, in middle age… who hasn't felt like their body has been drained? This prescription… Young Master Lu says it's so miraculous, cough, cough, it's mainly because… I have a friend… he's rather weak!"
As soon as he said this, Xiahou Dun glared fiercely at Xiahou Lian. Damn it, your friend couldn't possibly be me, could he?
The more he waited, the more anxious he became…
Xiahou Dun couldn't help but ask again: "Lu Yu only said to simmer it over low heat for a while, but how long is 'a while'? Ah… I say, it would be better to just mix it with water and drink it."
Speaking of which, Xiahou Dun could no longer wait. "Serve a bowl, I'll taste it!"
Xiahou Lian simply took a ladle, served a bowl, and handed it to his older brother…
Xiahou Dun took a small sip… "Ah!" His pupils tightened, and he cried out in surprise.
Xiahou Lian quickly asked, "Big Brother, is the medicinal effect so potent? One sip made Big Brother… so excited?"
Cao Cao placed the bowl on the table, then clenched his fist and slammed it onto Xiahou Lian's forehead. "Idiot, it's too hot!"
Speaking of which, Xiahou Dun leaned his head over the table again, eagerly waiting for the medicine to cool down…
"Big Brother, why don't we add some cold water?" This time, it was Xiahou Lian's turn to be impatient.
"How can we add cold water?" Xiahou Dun glared at Xiahou Lian again, his tone exasperated. "We'll do as Young Master Lu instructed, don't go making any funny business!"
Uh… Xiahou Lian felt a bit awkward, but the waiting time always felt long.
"Big Brother, what did that sip you just tasted taste like?" Xiahou Lian was too curious about this steeped medicinal water.
Xiahou Dun smacked his lips, thought for a moment, and said, "It's like rustic mountain spring water, a bit sweet!"
This herbal medicine did have some sweetness. When Lu Yu gave Xiahou Dun the prescription, he forgot to mention one crucial detail—diabetics should use with caution!
…
…
Not far from Xiahou Dun's mansion were many other Xiahou residences, such as Xiahou Yuan's, who also lived nearby.
However, the plaques on their gates would all bear the inscription "General X's Mansion!"
This particular residence belonged to Xiahou En.
As a clansman of Cao Cao and an outstanding figure among the younger generation of Cao's army, Xiahou En was highly trusted. Cao Cao even entrusted him with the safekeeping of one of his two treasured swords, the "Qing Gang Sword."
It was precisely because of this that posterity bestowed upon him a remarkably resounding title—Saint of Changban Slope!
Consider it carefully, and it bears a striking resemblance to the title "God of Ten Mile Slope"!
This was the first time he had been woken up in Chenliu Commandery at this hour… Rubbing his sleepy eyes, he listened to the armored guard's report. Upon hearing that Cao Cao wanted him to bring the Qing Gang Sword to Cao Mansion, Xiahou En was shocked…
It was almost the hour of Chou (1-3 AM), so late? And to bring a sword?
Using his toes to think, he knew something must have happened over there!
Without hesitation, he hurriedly fetched the Qing Gang Sword and made his way quickly towards Cao Mansion…
The Qing Gang Sword was in Xiahou En's hands. The other sword, Yi Tian, was in the military camp. The guards retrieved it and happened to meet Xiahou En.
Both Yi Tian and Qing Gang unsheathed? This… Xiahou En's curiosity intensified.
He quickly entered the main hall.
Looking around, there weren't many people in the main hall. Only Cao Cao, Madam Ding, and… sister Cao Mu. On the ground lay a shattered iron sword, and on the table, a sharp dagger was embedded.
Traces of a fight? But… Cao Cao wouldn't fight Cao Mu, would he?
Xiahou En felt a bit bewildered. With his intelligence, he couldn't fathom what had happened here.
"Uncle…"
"Duke Cao…"
Xiahou En and the armored guard, each holding Yi Tian Sword and Qing Gang Sword with both hands, presented them to Cao Cao.
Cao Cao did not take them. Instead, he slowly walked to the table and drew out the sharp steel dagger from the records…
"You, draw your swords!"
With that command…
Xiahou Dun and the trusted guards did not hesitate, drawing the Yi Tian and Qing Gang swords.
Cao Cao did not dally. He first roared at the guards.
"Receive my strike!"
As he spoke, Cao Cao exerted force with both hands on the dagger and slashed directly downwards at the guard. The guard hastily raised the Yi Tian Sword to block…
*Clang… clang clang clang!*
The collision and friction of weapons ignited brilliant sparks. The sound of metal meeting echoed throughout the Cao Mansion.
Cao Cao's eyes narrowed. He desperately wanted to personally test how sharp this dagger truly was!
Immediately afterward, an incredible scene unfolded before Cao Cao once again. The dagger collided with the Yi Tian Sword. Amidst the violent sound and overwhelming force, both weapons remained completely unharmed!
"Unscathed?"
He murmured softly…
Indeed, the dagger did not shatter the Yi Tian Sword, nor did the Yi Tian Sword shatter the dagger…
This…
This outcome caused Cao Cao's eyes to widen. His chest heaved, as if his inner heart had been subjected to a massive shock.
The Yi Tian Sword… this was a divine weapon in Cao Cao's hands, capable of cutting iron like mud and splitting stone and gold…
How could it be… that it couldn't even shatter this dagger? Could this dagger truly be…
Of course, one attempt was not enough!
Cao Cao, worried that the guards might not be using their full strength, immediately instructed Xiahou En, "Zi Yun, come, try my dagger with the Qing Gang Sword, use your full strength!"
*Huo…*
Xiahou En, who was also in a state of shock, was abruptly reminded by Cao Cao. He instinctively raised the Qing Gang Sword and slashed in the direction of Cao Cao's dagger.
Cao Cao raised his arm to block, this posture allowing him to feel the force exerted by Xiahou En… and to more clearly feel the power of the Qing Gang Sword.
One must know that the sharpness of the Qing Gang Sword was even superior to the Yi Tian Sword, and almost no weapon could withstand a strike from the Qing Gang Sword.
"Clang clang clang clang…"
Brilliant sparks frictionally collided once more, and the sound of metal meeting echoed again.
But… the familiar formula, still the familiar taste.
The Qing Gang Sword also… did not manage to shatter this dagger.
Xiahou En remained incredulous. His single-handed sword swing turned into a two-handed one, adding more force.
But no matter how much force he applied, the dagger was as solid as a rock. As you are strong, I am strong, the breeze brushes the mountain, as you are horizontal, I am horizontal, the bright moon shines upon the great river!
By the end, Cao Cao's arm felt numb, while the dagger in his hand showed no cracks or wear whatsoever, as if… this dagger and the Qing Gang Sword were made of the same material.
*Hoo…*
He let out a long breath.
With a "gulp," Cao Cao subconsciously swallowed another mouthful of saliva…
Terrifying, truly terrifying!
"Put away your swords…"
Following his command, Xiahou En sheathed the Qing Gang Sword. At this moment, his eyebrows were almost furrowed into an inverted 'V'.
The Qing Gang Sword, which could cut iron like mud… could not shatter this weapon. Unbelievable… truly unbelievable!
At this moment, Cao Cao's chest heaved. After a long while, his agitated emotions finally calmed down.
"Mu'er, what material was this dagger forged from?"
"Steel!" Cao Mu replied. "This was invented by Young Master Lu. He proposed a method to make Wufang iron more durable, which is what is called steel forging. How to refine pig iron into wrought iron, how to infuse wrought iron back into pig iron, these overall directions were all set by Young Master Lu!"
"My daughter admires him and regards him as her master, her guide. She also knows what steel means to Father, so she went to the backyard of Cai Mansion every day to try to improve the success rate of steel forging. Now… my daughter has summarized a method that can increase the success rate of forging steel from Wufang iron to ninety percent. I estimate that within a year, Father's soldiers will all be able to switch to these steel spears, steel halberds, and steel sabers that cut iron like mud and split stone and gold!"
Forging steel from Wufang iron?
Cao Cao's eyes lit up. Although his heart was already turbulent, he still managed to control his emotions. He gazed at Cao Mu, as there were still some matters he had not clarified, and he dared not show too much excitement.
"You mean? Now… every piece of Wufang iron can be forged into a divine weapon like this dagger?"
Cao Mu naturally understood Cao Cao's thoughts and immediately replied, "We won't forge daggers from Wufang iron; it's too wasteful. But… the steel spears, steel halberds, and steel sabers forged from it are no less powerful than this dagger!"
Cao Cao nodded, inwardly heaving a long sigh of relief.
Now… he had no doubt about his daughter's purpose in going to Cai Mansion.
So it wasn't about romance, nor about messing around, but truly about undertaking this forging endeavor?
And the final results were indeed remarkable!
In this regard, she was much more accomplished than Cao Cao himself, who had tried and failed to forge weapons in his youth at the Imperial Academy.
And these so-called steel spears, steel halberds, and steel sabers she mentioned… if each of them were as sharp as this dagger, and no less potent than Yi Tian and Qing Gang, then… what terrifying boost would that provide to the combat power of his army?
Suddenly, Cao Cao thought of Lu Bu. Didn't Lu Bu have a well-equipped unit—the Camp of Trapped Beasts?
It was rumored that this unit, primarily composed of infantry, was a veritable killer of cavalry. Their shields, armor, and weapons were all refined from the finest Wufang iron…
If they had these fine steel weapons… then perhaps the Yan Province troops, Qing Province troops, and the Qiao-Pei troops would not necessarily be unable to break their shields or pierce their armor!
Thinking of this, Cao Cao became excited.
Wait, suddenly, Cao Cao realized a serious problem.
If Lu Yu meant for Mu'er to be in charge of this steel forging matter, then if she were married to Xiahou Mao, how could she so brazenly show her face?
How could she dedicate herself wholeheartedly to this steel forging endeavor?
Furthermore, from his conversation with Cao Mu just now, he could tell that Cao Mu was entirely focused on this steel forging. Her feelings for Lu Yu were not at all romantic; it was more of the gratitude a disciple had for her master, her guide…
In this case…
*Hoo…* Cao Cao exhaled. A bold idea formed in his mind: he had to break off the engagement! Mu'er couldn't get married!
"Mu'er, I'll ask you one last time…" Cao Cao's tone became solemn. "Is there truly nothing between you and that Lu Yu?"
"Father underestimates his daughter. This daughter aims to be Ouye Zi, to be Gan Jiang, to be Gongsun Ye, a master blacksmith. This daughter cares nothing for romantic affections!"
Before Cao Cao could speak, Cao Mu swore directly, "Father, I swear, if there is anything improper between me and Lu Yu, then may I be buried beneath yellow sand and die a terrible death! If I have any other purpose for going to Cai Mansion besides forging, then I am destined to be alone for life!"
Saying this, with a "pat," Cao Mu knelt down. "Please, Father, allow your daughter to do what she wishes. This is beneficial and harmless to the hundred blacksmiths in the forging workshop and to Father!"
Moved… At this moment, even Cao Cao could not help but be moved.
He did not answer Cao Mu immediately. Instead, he slowly walked to her, gently patted her shoulder, and said, "Mu'er, at your age, you are much stronger than your father!"
With these words, Cao Cao strode out of the main hall… As he walked, he instructed.
"Immediately summon Assistant Officer Lu to my study, immediately!"
Steel forging…
This was of great importance to Cao Cao. At present, his mind was filled with too much curiosity, too many questions to ask… No… not to ask, but to seek advice from Yu'er.
He could not wait a moment longer.
And now, the sky was clear, the bright moon hung high, stars twinkled, the weather was cold, and the night was deep…
…
…