After a satisfying meal, Cai Zhaoji and Lu Yu returned to their new, large tent.
Xun Yu and Xun You had intended to exchange a few words with Wei Hong, but alas… the wealthiest man in Chenliu Commandery seemed preoccupied and had retired early as well.
Under the moonlight, Xun Yu and Xun You took the opportunity of a necessary bodily function to strike up a conversation.
“Gongda, this Lu Yu? What do you make of him?” Xun Yu narrowed his eyes, his words seemingly hinting at something more.
“Uncle’s doubts are likely related to ‘Yinlin’, aren’t they?” Xun You, naturally, understood his uncle’s veiled meaning.
Xun Yu nodded and spoke slowly. “Lord Wei Hong navigates both official and business circles with equal adeptness and is known for his sharp tongue. When have you ever seen him so openly support a young gentleman?”
“I recall… Lord Wei Hong mentioning to you and me that he met ‘Yinlin’ two years ago. At that time, Yinlin was thirteen years old, making him exactly fifteen this year, correct?”
Xun Yu’s insight was considered exceptional for the era.
Xun You nodded. “And the rumored brother and sister from the common folk; the elder sister is most likely Miss Cai Yan, and the younger brother is Master Lu Yu. Heh, who would have thought that the ‘Yinlin’ we have been diligently searching for is so far away, yet so close at hand!”
Lu Yu’s performance today had been too outstanding, leading Xun Yu and Xun You to immediately link him with the identity of “Yinlin.”
It was said that a year ago, this uncle and nephew duo had experienced significant setbacks: one resigned from his official post, while the other’s attempt to assassinate Dong Zhuo failed.
When they reunited, both were filled with uncertainty about the future. At that time, their gazes naturally fell upon ‘Yinlin,’ hoping for even a word or two of guidance, which they were certain would be immensely beneficial.
However, after searching for Yinlin for half a year, there was no trace of him to be found.
Later, they heard that Yinlin’s last known whereabouts were in Langya Commandery, advising the Cao family, and his words pointed towards Yan Province. Hence… this uncle and nephew pair, Xun Yu and Xun You, specifically traveled to Yan Province. As for Cao Cao’s decree seeking talent, it was merely a fortunate coincidence.
“Gongda, if Cao Mengde knew ‘Yinlin’ was here, he would undoubtedly treat him with the utmost respect! Why would ‘Yinlin’ need to conceal his identity?” Xun Yu continued his questioning.
Xun You raised his eyes. “Uncle, please stop joking. Such a simple matter, and you cannot see through it?”
As soon as these words were spoken, the two exchanged another glance and burst into laughter.
“Hahaha…”
Descendants of the esteemed scholars of Yingchuan, the Xun family’s Eight Dragons, were hardly incompetent individuals!
Lu Yu’s perspicacity was astonishing, and theirs was equally so.
Yinlin was innocent; possessing jade brought about crime… For Lu Yu, the most brilliant strategy was not to reveal himself, but to remain hidden, growing stronger and more influential without revealing a single clue.
Such a meticulously planned stratagem truly deserved the title of “Yinlin.”
Before long, their laughter subsided.
“Uncle, we must continue to play along with Yinlin’s charade,” Xun You reminded him.
Xun Yu stroked his beard. “Naturally, but… because ‘Yinlin’ is here, my heart is considerably more at ease!”
“At least it proves that our decision to pledge allegiance to Cao Cao was a wise one!”
Upon hearing this, Xun You nodded emphatically.
Indeed, they had chosen correctly; they had come to the right place!
…
At the dead of night, inside the spacious and tidy great tent.
Lu Yu yawned. Cai Zhaoji leaned against the headboard, half-reclining beside him.
Looking at her brother’s clear and handsome face, for a moment, she felt that he had suddenly matured considerably.
In his past “Yinlin” persona, he was characterized by intelligence and wit; now, a layer of shrewdness and strategic planning had been added.
Speaking of which, they had slept in the same room since childhood, accustomed to each other’s presence as if they were true siblings. If, one day, Lu Yu were no longer sleeping beside Cai Zhaoji, she would likely feel a profound sense of loss.
“You’ve been busy all day, strategizing all day; isn’t your head tired?”
Seeing Lu Yu’s eyes darting about, Cai Zhaoji spoke gently.
In front of outsiders, she also had to maintain a façade, pretending to be a not-so-bright girl, or perhaps an innocent, simple-minded elder sister. If her brother needed her to play along, how could she refuse?
In reality… she understood it all clearly, seeing through everything.
“Sister Zhaoji, I’m thinking… General Cao and General Xiahou will likely call for you tonight!”
“Call for me?” Cai Zhaoji was slightly taken aback.
“That’s right!” Lu Yu nodded. “They will undoubtedly inquire about my background and my knowledge. If they do… Sister Zhaoji, just tell them the truth, but absolutely do not reveal the identity of ‘Yinlin’.”
“Also, the book of military strategy that I translated and you wrote down can be given to General Cao and General Xiahou. This is crucial for us to establish a foothold in Cao’s camp!”
*Huu…*
Cai Zhaoji let out a soft sigh. Even at this late hour, was her brother Lu Yu still meticulously planning every step?
Immediately, a trace of tenderness flashed in her eyes. If she had a choice, she would prefer her brother not to bear such burdens.
However, Cai Zhaoji did not know that even within Cao’s camp, in Lu Yu’s eyes, it was not entirely safe, and was even fraught with peril.
What particularly concerned Lu Yu was Cao Cao’s suspicion.
Cao Cao was inherently suspicious, and for this very reason, he had to think three steps ahead for every single move. He needed to ensure Sister Zhaoji had a good life while also preventing Cao Cao from harboring any suspicions.
“Sister Zhaoji, just do as I say. Don’t appear too intelligent, and our good days are not far off!”
After listening to Lu Yu’s words, Cai Zhaoji gently stroked his forehead.
“Alright, hurry up and sleep… it’s almost dawn!”
Before long, Lu Yu fell asleep. Cai Zhaoji once again gently stroked his hair and couldn’t help but shake her head.
Lu Yu was only fifteen years old, not yet of age, still just a child, yet he was already shouldering so many responsibilities.
“Alas…”
With a sigh, Cai Zhaoji murmured to herself. “Lu Yu, oh Lu Yu, grow up quickly. When you reach adulthood, I will definitely find you a beautiful bride. I imagine… she will bring you happiness?”
As she spoke… Cai Zhaoji also felt drowsy and gradually drifted off to sleep!
…
…
The moon had risen high, just as Lu Yu had predicted.
A few female soldiers tiptoed into the great tent.
They gently patted Cai Zhaoji’s shoulder. “Miss Cai Yan, the two generals request your presence.”
Thanks to Lu Yu’s reminder, Cai Zhaoji was prepared and thus slept lightly.
She softly stepped out of the tent, and after confirming that the area around the tent was well-guarded, Cai Zhaoji slowly walked away.
At this moment, the central military tent was brightly lit.
Cao Ren and Xiahou Yuan had been anxiously waiting by the entrance.
“Miss Cai Yan, is your brother asleep?”
“He has fallen soundly asleep.”
“We are returning to Chenliu Commandery tomorrow. General Xiahou and I both have some questions for you regarding Master Lu.” Cao Ren made a gesture of invitation. Because of Lu Yu, he had become exceptionally polite towards Cai Yan. “Let’s go to the tent and talk in detail. Tea has already been prepared there!”
“Alright…”
Cai Zhaoji agreed. Just as her brother Lu Yu had instructed, she had to appear not overly intelligent. This way, no one would be guarded against her words, and her and her brother’s situation would be safer.
*Tap, tap, tap…*
With soft footsteps, the few people slowly entered the central military tent. This was destined to be a sleepless night.
…
…