"Lu Gongcao, this isn't a joke..."
"If...if this prescription works, then..." Xiahou Dun's eyes were burning with a fierce intensity.
It was as if they could melt a person in an instant.
Lu Yu scratched his head. "General Xiahou, no matter how I praise this prescription, it's useless if you don't try it." He said this while gently patting Xiahou Dun's back... and comforting him,
"Actually, in nature, there's an animal that's the king of the forest. It looks majestic, but in reality, they are also very fast, only lasting three to five breaths. So, General Xiahou, you don't need to be self-conscious about this. Heaven is fair; it gave you a strong body and martial arts, so it will naturally take back some from other areas. Otherwise... how are we weaklings supposed to live!"
While comforting him, Lu Yu thought of the lion king Solowang on the African savannah. He usually acted powerful and impressive, taking down one male lion after another, but when it came to...well, with a lioness, he often couldn't last for three seconds.
Lu Yu could see the disappointment and lack of interest in the eyes of the lionesses from the nature documentaries.
Of course, if Lu Yu really had to choose, between a strong body and strong kidneys, he would definitely choose the latter!
"Lu Gongcao..." Xiahou Dun's words became earnest, though his voice remained low. "Remember this, if this prescription works, then I, Xiahou Dun, will thank you for a lifetime. No... I'll thank your ancestors for eight generations!"
Uh... Lu Yu was a bit bewildered. Xiahou Dun's compliments were quite unique.
"Alright, alright... I didn't come here to be a doctor. General Xiahou... go quickly and see the surprise I've prepared for you!"
Lu Yu patted Xiahou Dun's back again...
The two walked back to where they were before.
"Open it..."
Lu Yu gave the order.
"Bang..." With a sound, the chest opened, and dazzling golden light met their eyes.
Gold, it was all gold...
Xiahou Dun wasn't someone who hadn't seen the world. He had fought many battles and sometimes captured significant spoils. However, when such a large amount of gold, nearly half a chest, was placed before him, Xiahou Dun was quite stunned.
Of course, this shock had only just begun...
Because Lu Yu's next words left him frozen in place, dumbfounded!
"General Xiahou, these... are the 'dividends' from our oil workshop's profits this past month. All of it is yours."
"According to Elder Wei, business was just average this month because of the promotion. Next month, it will only be more."
Ah... ah...
Lu Yu's words entered Xiahou Dun's ears one by one. What? What did he say?
All this gold was for him, Xiahou Dun?
That wasn't the main point. The main point was... Lu Yu seemed to mention that this was with poor business, and next month there would be even more!
Good heavens... could this oil workshop be a gold mine?
Xiahou Dun was already bewildered. His not-so-bright intellect began to fantasize!
Wait... Xiahou Dun suddenly remembered, he couldn't accept it! Xun Yu and Cao Chun had each paid five hundred thousand coins for a share, but he... he hadn't given Lu Yu a single wuzhu coin. By what right... could he earn the profits from this oil workshop?
No, that wouldn't do!
Xiahou Dun repeatedly waved his hands. "I can't accept this... it's too valuable. Besides... I never gave you any money, so I can't be considered part of your so-called 'stake'..."
"Hey..." Lu Yu was slightly surprised.
As expected, Xiahou Dun's skin wasn't thick enough. However... Lu Yu had already anticipated his anticipation. "I never said... you were a shareholder..."
This sentence completely confused Xiahou Dun...
"Then... then what is this gold for?"
"You should collect it. Don't you still owe me a hundred thousand locusts? Those hundred thousand locusts... will be your share!"
Ah... ah...
After a brief moment of stunned silence, Xiahou Dun understood. So, Lu Yu meant to count the profits from the locusts.
Wait... something was wrong here?
Xiahou Dun raised his eyebrows. "Wasn't it... fifty thousand?"
"If General Xiahou asks again, it will be a hundred and fifty thousand," Lu Yu said with a smile, revealing his harmless demeanor...
Heh... so he had been tricked by this kid.
"Ten thousand it is!" Xiahou Dun exclaimed. "I've already posted notices in various counties and prefectures. It's just that... it's not spring yet, and there are no locusts in the fields. I've already said... if there aren't ten thousand locusts in total in the fields, then don't blame me for catching fewer!"
Heh heh...
Lu Yu just chuckled. He only hoped that all of Yanzhou wouldn't even have ten thousand locusts.
Of course, if hundreds of thousands of farmers here took it seriously and went to catch locusts, a large number of locusts might be wiped out in their larval stage and fail to develop, let alone gather. Of course, this was a grand strategy that required a step-by-step approach.
...
"Lu Gongcao, I'm in a good mood today, so don't leave. Stay at my manor, and I'll let you taste the good wine of our Qiao County!"
...Upon hearing about the good wine of Qiao County, Lu Yu immediately became interested.
In his previous life, he had heard of a beautiful legend, the world-renowned "Gujing Gong Jiu" (Ancient Well Tribute Wine), whose history could be traced back to the late Han Dynasty, originating from Qiao County in Pei County.
Legend had it that there was an old well in Qiao County... the water in the well was exceptionally sweet, so someone opened a winery and brewed wine with this water, naming it Jiuniang Chun Jiu (Nine Brew Spring Wine). The wine was fragrant and thus became popular throughout the Han Dynasty. The officials of Qiao County presented this wine to the Emperor... the Emperor was greatly pleased, hence this wine was also called "Gujing Gong Jiu," meaning "Ancient Well Tribute Wine, aged original mash!"
Before Lu Yu could elaborate further...
"Big Brother..." Xiahou Lian, who was beside him, spoke. "All our family's wine has been distributed to the soldiers..."
"Aren't there still two jars of Jiuniang Chun Jiu?" Xiahou Dun exclaimed...
"But... but those are two jars of thirty-year-old aged wine..."
"Hahaha... today is double happiness, no... it's triple happiness! If not today for this thirty-year-old aged wine, then when?"
Xiahou Dun's brow lifted. "Lian, hurry and get them! Today, I'll drink until we're both drunk with Lu Gongcao!"
Ah... triple happiness?
Lu Yu was slightly taken aback. He pondered... was his son's wedding one happiness?
Receiving so much wealth was also one happiness?
Then where was the third happiness? It couldn't be that prescription that allowed Xiahou Dun to regain his vigor, could it? Good heavens... could that be it too?
Shaking his head, Lu Yu decided not to think about it anymore.
Xiahou Dun and Lu Yu slung their arms around each other and walked into the inner hall, like brothers...
...
Three small dishes, two pots of warm wine, one table, Xiahou Dun and Lu Yu sat on opposite sides.
"Cheers..."
Xiahou Dun was quite jovial, his speech already a bit slurred, as if slightly tipsy. "After this cup, there are three more..."
Lu Yu was more sober. The Han Dynasty's winemaking technology was limited, so even Gujing Gong Jiu...
The alcohol content was much lower, roughly comparable to beer from his previous life...
At this alcohol content, Lu Yu shouldn't have gotten drunk. However, after two large jars, Lu Yu already felt slightly disoriented.
"Lu Gongcao, Lu Gongcao, you've really saved me in my time of need!" Xiahou Dun began to talk drunkenly...
"Time of need?" Lu Yu countered...
According to his understanding, Xiahou Dun was most likely referring to his son's wedding arrangements.
Speaking of which, whose wedding didn't cost money? Therefore... this nearly half-chest of gold was indeed timely rain!
Indeed, "Hahaha"... Xiahou Dun burst into laughter, and the topic seemed to revolve around his son's wedding!
"Big Brother is returning soon, and I heard he's coming specifically to attend Zilin and Mu'er's wedding... This is a joyous occasion!"
Xiahou Dun drank another cup heartily...
"Lu Gongcao, to be honest, I was worrying about how to present the betrothal gifts to my sister-in-law. I was rejected twice before, and she said to wait for Big Brother to return. But just now, Miaocai sent a letter back, saying that Big Brother has instructed sister-in-law to accept the betrothal gifts and choose an auspicious date. The wedding is likely not far off."
"Frankly... because the previous two betrothal gifts were too shabby, this chest of gold has solved my urgent problem. However... I can only use a small portion of it."
A small portion? Lu Yu didn't quite understand... His son's wedding was such a big event. In this situation, was there still a need to be so stingy?
Just as he was about to ask, Xiahou Dun preempted him:
"Lu Gongcao, although Mu'er is my niece, we don't interact much on a daily basis. I heard she always runs to your manor and stays there all day. Can you tell me about Mu'er?"
Uh... upon hearing this, Lu Yu felt a bit awkward.
He pondered, the prospective father-in-law of Cao Mu asking him... saying that his daughter-in-law visits his manor every day and stays for a whole day. How did this sound? It sounded like a retort, almost like "Maid of Honor at a wedding."
Cough cough...
With a light cough, Lu Yu quickly retorted, "General Xiahou, are you blaming me?"
"No!" Xiahou Dun waved his hand. "I don't mean that. I don't mind my prospective daughter-in-law running to your manor..."
Ah... "Gulp" Lu Yu swallowed a mouthful of saliva?
Lu Yu felt that he was almost becoming "displeased." There were rumors in the marketplace that he, Lu Yu, was the "neighbor's Mr. Wang." Even Lu Yu himself thought he fit all the characteristics of a paternal uncle next door. But the key point was... he and Cao Mu were truly innocent!
Seeing Lu Yu's expression, Xiahou Dun laughed heartily. "Lu Gongcao, you! I still trust you! Given the merits you've achieved, if you wanted to marry Big Brother's eldest daughter, would that 'stinky kid' Zilin even have a chance? Hahaha... although there are some rumors in the marketplace, I never mind them, and those petty people can't use this to sow discord between us! Even though your surname is Lu and mine is Xiahou, our hearts are together, as firm as rock!"
Heh... what a statement.
Lu Yu immediately felt that his efforts during this period were worthwhile, truly worthwhile!
Xiahou Dun was even treating him like a brother.
"Cough cough..." With a light cough, Lu Yu said with a smile, "Since General Xiahou puts it that way, I'll tell you about this girl, Cao Mu..."
"Don't call me General Xiahou from now on... given our friendship, you can call me Uncle or Elder Brother!" Xiahou Dun patted Lu Yu's shoulder... and took another step forward.
Wait... Lu Yu pondered that this address was not right. He was at a disadvantage!
His sister, Cai Yan, called Old Cao her elder brother. You, Xiahou Dun, also called Old Cao your elder brother. Why should I, Lu Yu, call you uncle? This generation is all mixed up!
"Heh heh..." Lu Yu gave a wry smile. It wasn't worth arguing, and he'd still call him General in the future. He just didn't want to lower his own generational status.
"This girl, Cao Mu... she's good in every way... especially..."
Lu Yu almost blurted out - especially her proud 36C chest...
He stopped himself. "Cough cough, especially her personality. She's very forthright and persistent. If she wants to do something, she can truly endure hardship, and she won't back down even if it's extremely difficult!"
When he mentioned this, Lu Yu thought of Cao Mu learning blacksmithing. What kind of girl was this? She originally looked down on manual laborers, but when she really started learning blacksmithing, she was like a madwoman!
Of course, this also greatly changed Lu Yu's impression of Cao Mu...
Actually, if it weren't for the bad first impression, and her future black history of conspiring with her uncle to frame her husband, Lu Yu... thought Cao Mu was quite good. She had the figure, and a resilient personality!
Of course, she was still a notch below Sister Zhaoji. Mainly, she was a bit spoiled.
However... when those Cs were pitted against As, her combat effectiveness still crushed them!
...
Regarding Cao Mu, Lu Yu and Xiahou Dun only chatted for a few brief sentences...
Afterward... the two chatted about everything from politics to warfare, military pay, and supplies, and also about the past battles of Xingyang and Puyang!
After several rounds of drinks, Xiahou Dun was visibly drunk...
And at this moment, they happened to be discussing a topic—soldiers!
Of course, in Xiahou Dun's eyes, these could also be replaced by two words—comrades, or brothers!
"Lu Gongcao, do you know how badly I, Xiahou Dun, need money?" Xiahou Dun spoke first, fueled by alcohol...
Lu Yu was still wondering why, after receiving such a large chest of gold, Xiahou Dun only planned to use a small portion for his son's wedding. What about the rest?
Or perhaps, did Xiahou Dun have external debts?
"I was just about to congratulate General Xiahou. Your son is marrying the daughter of the Cao family, what a joyous occasion... When the wedding day arrives, I'll give another generous gift, even more than today's!"
Lu Yu said with a smile. Frankly, he just wanted to give Xiahou Dun more money.
Given their relationship... if you need money, just say so, brother has it here, not short of money!
Xiahou Dun waved his hand. "I'm not talking about that..."
Speaking of this, his expression darkened, as if he had something on his mind. He picked up his wine cup, drained it, and then spoke.
"During the Battle of Puyang, due to my negligence... because I was carelessly underestimating the enemy and fell for Lu Bu's trick to lure the tiger away from its mountain, the more than one thousand soldiers defending the city fought to the death... less than three hundred escaped."
As if mentioning a sad event, Xiahou Dun poured another cup of wine and drank it down again.
"Do you know how heartbroken, how pained, how sad the families of those more than seven hundred fallen brothers are?" Xiahou Dun was about to pour more wine when Lu Yu snatched the wine pot. If he drank any more, he would truly be drunk.
Xiahou Dun didn't mind. "Among the seven hundred brothers, three hundred and twenty-seven were the sole male heirs in their families; four hundred and thirty-two were unmarried; one hundred and twenty were not even as old as you; and seventeen brothers' parents heard the news of their demise and fell gravely ill, on the verge of death!"
At this point, Xiahou Dun's hand gripping the wine cup was trembling uncontrollably...
He was filled with remorse for his carelessness!
Lu Yu could feel that although he was a repeatedly defeated general, he was a good general who loved his soldiers like his own children.
No wonder... he repeatedly lost battles, yet his troops and official titles kept increasing. While this was partly due to Cao Cao's favor, it was also inseparable from the soldiers' affection.
While Lu Yu was contemplating... Xiahou Dun's voice sounded again.
"Once, just like today, I also drank heartily with my brothers. Back then, I asked them why they became soldiers. Some new recruits said it was to achieve fame and fortune, to bring glory to their families; some said it was to fill their stomachs. But only the answer of an old soldier nearing forty has stayed with me to this day."
"He... he said he had been useless his whole life and wanted to leave something behind before he died. He wanted to return home with his head held high and tell his wife—your man has become successful!"
At this point, Lu Yu noticed that Xiahou Dun's eyes were beginning to well up with tears...
This tough, iron-willed man was on the verge of crying.
"General Xiahou, what happened next? What about that old soldier..." Lu Yu continued to ask...
"He... he died in battle. During the Battle of Puyang, to cover the retreat of a small detachment, he chose to stay behind... and died under a hail of spears." Xiahou Dun wiped his eyes, took out a blood-written letter from his embrace, and handed it to Lu Yu. "This is the last sentence he wrote, asking the escaping brothers to bring it to me..."
Lu Yu took the blood-written letter and slowly unfolded it. It contained only one line of small characters, written crookedly and not beautifully.
It was clear that this old soldier hadn't had much schooling, but... the words on it—"General, tell my wife that her man was also accomplished, that her man is definitely not a coward!"
Wow...
Seeing these words, even Lu Yu's heart stirred.
He exclaimed, "Well done!"
Xiahou Dun sighed again, lamenting, "These are the soldiers who died on the battlefield of Puyang due to my negligence. But... before this, too many brothers who fought alongside me either died or starved to death. I can only give the rewards my elder brother gave me, and the spoils of war from every battle, to the families of these fallen brothers."
"Only then can I feel more at ease. My elder brother often tells me, 'The success of a general is built upon the bones of a million soldiers.' But I feel that... a true man in this world should first remember, not forget..."
"If the day comes when Xiahou Dun dies, and I meet them in the underworld, I must be able to pat my chest and tell them that your families are all well, and I, Xiahou Dun, have never forgotten you, nor will I ever fail you!"
Clenching his fists tightly... Xiahou Dun's emotions reached their peak.
He was drunk, and only in this semi-conscious state could he pour out all these buried feelings.
Respect... admiration!
Apart from admiration, Lu Yu had no other emotions at this moment.
He finally understood why, after receiving such a vast sum of gold, Xiahou Dun had been stunned, wide-eyed, excitedly energetic, and deeply moved!
But in the end, he only dared to use a small portion for his own family... because the burden on his shoulders was not for one person, nor for a few people, but... for the trust of those departed brothers!
The appearance of this money, the continuous appearance of it, allowed Xiahou Dun to breathe a long sigh of relief.
The lives of the families of those fallen brothers were secured... or rather, they could live a better life.
Wasn't this what Xiahou Dun had pursued throughout his military career?
Hoo...
Lu Yu let out a long breath. He had initially underestimated Xiahou Dun. His understanding of Xiahou Dun was only limited to ancient texts and records.
But... Xiahou Dun was not text or records; he was a living, breathing person, a vibrant human being!
So what if he was often defeated?
Among Cao Cao's generals, there really was no one more deserving of the title "Great General"!
Silence, the entire room was exceptionally silent...
It seemed like a long time had passed, as long as the burning of one incense stick, two incense sticks...
Xiahou Dun, who had closed his eyes for a moment, regained some clarity, realizing that he had spoken too much.
"Hahaha... it's such a happy occasion today, why did I talk about sad things... my fault, my fault, I'll penalize myself with a cup, penalize myself with a cup!"
"General Xiahou, let's not drink anymore today." Lu Yu put away the wine jar. "It's getting late, and if we drink further, dawn will break. I should be going... See you!"
He really couldn't drink anymore...
It wasn't because he was wasting wine. Lu Yu felt it was a bit tear-jerking...
Such camaraderie on the battlefield was too easily moving!
...
...