"Clang, clang!"
The knocking at the door was soft, and the maid's voice followed.
Cai Zhaoji slumped onto the bed, her pale face like a pear blossom floating in the morning light. Lu Yu leaned in, his head lowered, gazing at her with confusion. He asked with concern, "Sister? Are you alright?"
"Hurry and get dressed." Cai Zhaoji seemed to snap back to reality, quickly tossing Lu Yu's clothes from the bed to him.
She also quickly put on her own clothes.
Without forgetting, she called out towards the door, "Ask the two ladies to wait a moment, I'll be right out…"
Although Cai Zhaoji's complexion was pale, it added an infinite charm. Lu Yu stared at her, so lost in thought that he completely forgot to get dressed.
"Haven't seen it yet?" Cai Zhaoji mumbled, picking up a pillow and playfully throwing it at Lu Yu.
The pillow was soft and felt quite comfortable as it hit Lu Yu.
Cai Zhaoji, however, said calmly.
"Brother Yu, you and I must make three pacts!"
"Ah…"
Before Lu Yu could react.
Cai Zhaoji's words had already been spoken. "Last night, you were drunk, so nothing that happened counts. You are still my brother, and you are not allowed to call me 'Lan'er' anymore!"
Uh…
Lu Yu paused, then nodded.
Cai Zhaoji continued, "When you see your two wives later, just say you came to pay your respects to me in advance. Don't say anything else."
"Okay!" Lu Yu agreed.
Hoo…
Cai Zhaoji let out a sigh. "The last rule, forget last night… and forget your sister's…"
She wanted to say, "forget last night's indulgence and teasing," but the words stuck in her throat, hard to utter.
She wondered, how passionate was she in her dreams? How wild? Last night… how passionate, how wild?
But…
This third rule.
"Sister, aren't you making it difficult for me? I… can't forget…"
"You must forget even if you can't!" Cai Zhaoji threw another pillow at Lu Yu.
Lu Yu caught the pillow.
"Alright, alright, I'll forget, I'll forget everything."
Upon hearing this, Cai Zhaoji seemed to exhale a sigh of relief.
Indeed, she also wanted to be her brother's woman, but in reality, reason told her she couldn't… at least not officially.
Everyone under heaven knew they were siblings, even if not by blood. Having raised Brother Yu, a sister is like a mother.
If such a thing were to spread, her reputation as Cai Zhaoji would be tarnished, but Brother Yu was destined for great things, and his reputation must not be affected.
Even at this moment, Cai Zhaoji's mind was still on Brother Yu!
Life is unpredictable, she had given her entire heart, and even her entire body, to Brother Yu.
Hoo…
Having done all this, Cai Zhaoji tidied the bed.
"Brother Yu, you go open the door…"
Cai Zhaoji was about to sit in front of the bronze mirror, but as Lu Yu turned, she suddenly realized something.
"It's bad…"
Cai Zhaoji bit her lip.
"What's bad?" Lu Yu quickly asked, turning back around.
"Turn around." Cai Zhaoji's tone was commanding.
Lu Yu, helpless, turned back again but dared not open the door.
On the other hand, Cai Zhaoji quickly grabbed the cushion from the bed and hid it in the cabinet, her entire forehead covered in sweat. After doing this, she gasped for breath repeatedly.
She offered no explanation.
Because on that bed cushion, there was a patch of scarlet that she simply couldn't bring herself to speak of.
"Alright, go and open the door…"
Having laid the bed neatly again, Cai Zhaoji sat before the bronze mirror. She tried hard to calm her racing heart, but even so, her hand holding the comb was still trembling slightly.
The speed at which she brushed her messy hair was notably not fast.
"Creak."
Lu Yu opened the door.
Outside the room, in the courtyard, Liu Xue and Xiahou Juan were already waiting. Seeing Lu Yu open the door, they both froze and said in unison.
"Why is Husband here?"
Yes, according to Xiahou Juan's thoughts, Husband Lu Yu had been with Princess Wannian late last night, and according to Princess Wannian Liu Xue's thoughts, Husband was at her sister Xiahou Juan's room.
It was only dawn, and both Liu Xue and Xiahou Juan had risen early. There was no need for Husband to serve tea, so they thought… Husband must still be sleeping in the other's room?
Liu Xue and Xiahou Juan met in the courtyard and naturally wouldn't discuss such "sensitive" topics between girls.
But no matter what, it seemed… Husband shouldn't be in Sister Zhaoji's boudoir, right?
Of course…
For a moment, they wouldn't think wildly, nor would they have guessed how wild it was in Sister Zhaoji's boudoir last night.
"I woke up early and came to check on Sister Zhaoji. She drank too much last night, and I was worried she might be uncomfortable."
Lu Yu's answer was calm.
Of course, this sentence itself was a flaw.
If Lu Yu had come to see Sister Zhaoji in advance, then one of Xiahou Juan or Liu Xue would not have asked in surprise.
However… at such a time, the two new wives wouldn't pay attention to these details.
"I also heard Sister Zhaoji was drunk. That's why I came early this morning to see her… serving at the morning court can also help Sister Zhaoji sober up," Liu Xue said generously.
Xiahou Juan asked with concern, "Is Sister Zhaoji alright?"
"Come in…"
Just then, a clear female voice rang out.
Accompanying the voice was the sound of a zither. The "Jiaowei Qin" hanging on the wall had been taken down. Cai Zhaoji, having tidied herself up simply, began to play the zither. It seemed… only the music of the zither could adjust her current state of mind.
The melody was melodious, but it seemed to carry a hint of a different sentiment.
Liu Xue, having lived in the palace since childhood, understood a little about the zither. She immediately sighed, "Sister Zhaoji's father, Master Cai, once said that the sound of the zither can express one's will. Joyful sounds are invigorating, mournful sounds are melancholic, and decadent sounds are degenerate! But today, I can't quite discern the sentiment in this music."
Hoo…
Lu Yu let out a sigh.
Indeed, it was hard to discern. As one of the parties involved, he might be able to understand the meaning in Sister Zhaoji's music.
The first strum was one of weakness, the second of confusion, and the third of longing and hope!
"Everyone is here…"
As the music ended, Cai Zhaoji raised her head, her mood considerably calmer.
Who would have thought…
Xiahou Juan said, "I heard Sister Zhaoji was drunk. She must have been quite uncomfortable last night, right?"
Hoo… Last night?
The heartstrings, which had just calmed down, surged within Cai Zhaoji's heart once more at the mention of "last night."
Last night was not about discomfort; it was about soul-wrenching pain, but this pain was accompanied by happiness, a happiness that defied the world.
"Cough…"
With a slight cough, Cai Zhaoji shook her head and replied softly, "You two had your wedding yesterday. As your sister, I was naturally happy and drank a little too much without paying attention."
"However, it doesn't matter… I've woken up today, and anything that happened in my drunken dreams has been forgotten!"
Cai Zhaoji's words seemed to have a hidden meaning.
"Oh!"
She slightly opened her eyes. "Are you here to serve tea?"
"Yes!" Xiahou Juan and Liu Xue said in unison.
Cai Zhaoji smiled faintly. "Yesterday, I even told my brother that from now on, he too is a married man and cannot act as recklessly as before. Fortunately, Princess Wannian and Sister Xiahou are both reasonable people, and they won't hold many things against my brother."
"No matter when, sister hopes you all live well!"
"Thank you, Sister Zhaoji."
Liu Xue and Xiahou Juan said in unison.
Next, it was time to serve tea.
Lu Yu watched, but his mind was thinking that the tea was still the same tea, but the meaning was slightly different.
Although Sister Zhaoji didn't want him to speak of it… this was already a fact!
Rather than saying that the sisters-in-law were serving tea to their elder sister, it was more like a younger sister offering tea to an elder sister… a single word difference, and the distinction was as vast as the difference between heaven and earth!
After the tea ceremony, the three women naturally engaged in some idle chatter.
Lu Yu, on the other hand, became superfluous.
He walked out of Cai Zhaoji's boudoir, and at this moment.
Dian Wei, who had been waiting in the courtyard, hurried forward.
"Young Master?"
"Has Prime Minister Cao summoned me?" Lu Yu inquired. He wondered if the situation in the northern territories had turned upside down overnight.
At this time, Cao Cao would likely summon him to discuss the next stage of the northern expedition plan!
And Lu Yu had already formulated the strategic plan for what was to come!
Who would have thought…
Dian Wei's opening words were completely different from what Lu Yu had imagined.
It wasn't Old Cao summoning him, but a woman requesting to see him.
Dian Wei whispered into Lu Yu's ear, "The fifth daughter of the Zhen family, Zhen Mi, has come to request an audience with the Marquis of Baima, saying she has an important letter from her eldest sister, Zhen Jiang, sent from the Southern Xiongnu!"
Hoo…
Lu Yu's eyes darted.
He recalled that the horse trade and the five-stone powder business between Cao Ying and the Southern Xiongnu were currently managed by the fifth daughter of the Zhen family. While referred to as the fifth daughter of the Zhen family, most of the business was handled by the eldest daughter, Zhen Jiang, who often spent the entire year in the barbarian territories.
And any letter Zhen Jiang sent to Lu Yu was likely a matter of urgency!
Lu Yu's expression changed slightly, and he strode out of the courtyard.
"Quickly, invite Miss Zhen to the study!"
With that said, Lu Yu had already disappeared from this courtyard of Sister Zhaoji's.
…
…
White Horse Marquis's Residence, Study.
Zhen Mi slowly walked in. She removed her white veil and, upon seeing Lu Yu, immediately bowed. "The junior daughter of the Zhen family, Zhen Mi, pays her respects to the Marquis of Baima, and congratulates the Marquis of Baima on his wedding."
Her voice was soft and slow, interwoven with her sincere gaze, making her exceptionally lovely!
In fact, the Zhen family had sent a very generous gift for Lu Yu's wedding.
A thousand fine Hu horses… delivered to the Dragon Soaring Camp three days ago!
These were carefully selected by the Zhen family… and well-trained!
At market value, they could probably offset millions of piculs of grain.
Lu Yu was also surprised; the Zhen family of Zhongshan Wuji truly had good intentions.
"Many people visited before my wedding, but only the Zhen family sent gifts without a visiting card. And after the wedding, the youngest daughter of the Zhen family is the first guest to arrive, which truly surprises me."
Lu Yu sighed.
"Before the wedding, the White Horse Marquis's residence was extremely lively. I assumed the Marquis of Baima was extremely busy, and our Zhen family dared not cause any trouble, so we merely sent our gifts."
Zhen Mi's words were generous and graceful, making them extremely pleasant to hear.
And her demeanor, viewed from afar, was that of a well-educated and sensible noble lady.
"Were it not for the urgent dispatch sent by my eldest sister last night, asking me to present it to the Marquis of Baima immediately, Zhen Mi would not dare to disturb the Marquis of Baima and his two ladies' newlywed bliss."
"Did something happen with the Xiongnu?" Lu Yu asked directly.
Since it was an urgent matter, there was no need for further pleasantries.
"My eldest sister's letter mentioned that thanks to the Marquis of Baima, the Han and Xiongnu are now trading with each other. At the border… the Xiongnu have obtained the food, five-stone powder, and cloth they need, and have also sold large quantities of cattle, sheep, and horses to the Han! The border is stable, and the Xiongnu rarely raid the border. The Chanyu of the Xiongnu, Huhanye, along with the left and right wise kings, all wish to meet the Marquis of Baima, saying they have important matters to discuss."
At this point, Zhen Mi paused. "In addition to inviting the Marquis of Baima, Chanyu Huhanye has also sent envoys to pay their respects to Prime Minister Cao…"
Upon hearing Zhen Mi's words, Lu Yu paused slightly.
"Why does he wish to meet Prime Minister Cao?"
"Marriage alliance!" Zhen Mi continued. "In the past, the Wuhuan of the three commanderies formed a marriage alliance with the Yuan clan, hence the Wuhuan of the three commanderies, possessing Liaoxi, did not even regard the powerful Xianbei with respect."
"Today, the Southern Xiongnu hope to emulate the Xianbei of the past by forming a marriage alliance with Prime Minister Cao, forging an alliance, and exchanging goods…"
Whoa…
Upon hearing this, Lu Yu understood.
No wonder Zhen Jiang, the eldest daughter of the Zhen family, had sent a letter, saying Huhanye wanted to see him, Lu Yu. In reality… it was the Xiongnu wanting a marriage alliance, and they wanted Lu Yu to act as an envoy to the Xiongnu to witness this great alliance.
Of course, from the perspective of the Southern Xiongnu, this was only natural.
However…
For a marriage alliance, it would either be a Han princess or a daughter of the Cao family.
The only Han princess was Princess Wannian Liu Xue, and she was already married to Lu Yu, so it was naturally impossible.
Then…
There seemed to be only one person who fit the criteria, the future Princess Changhe, Cao Mu!
This…
Lu Yu's face showed a look of difficulty.
It must be known that this eldest daughter of Cao Cao, Cao Mu, played a very significant role in the Dragon Soaring Camp, and indeed in the entire Cao camp.
The refined steel weapons and armor forged by her in the foundry were the key to the Dragon Soaring Cavalry's invincibility!
Admittedly…
The foundry was now on the right track, and the refining of refined steel had a mature system. Even if Cao Mu were not present, it would not delay the operation of the foundry.
But… if Cao Mu were truly to be married off to the Southern Xiongnu, wouldn't that be a bit like killing the donkey after it had served its purpose?
Was Lu Yu the type of person to kill the donkey after it had served its purpose?
Certainly not!
However…
Lu Yu's eyes narrowed.
This matter might not be something Lu Yu could decide.
It must be known that Old Cao aspired to rule the world. The immediate priority now was the northern expedition and bringing this half of the world into his grasp!
And Cao Cao's main targets for the northern expedition were Jizhou and Youzhou… but the Wuhuan of the three commanderies, who were on friendly terms with Yuan Shao, were always a hidden danger? And also… that not-so-friendly, powerful neighbor, the Xianbei!
They were also a hidden danger!
If, by the cost of just one daughter, they could gain the support of the Southern Xiongnu and have them resist the Wuhuan and the Xianbei on the border, then for Old Cao, this would be a welcome development.
Moreover, Old Cao was capable of doing such a thing.
From the original historical trajectory, Cao Cao married off his seven daughters to the Emperor, including three adult daughters directly, and four underage daughters, with the promise that they would also be married once they came of age!
In this way, through "peaceful alliance," the border troubles could be resolved once and for all. Old Cao was truly capable of doing such a thing!
This…
Lu Yu's eyes narrowed even tighter.
"Does Marquis of Baima feel that a marriage alliance is not good?"
Zhen Mi saw that Lu Yu's expression was not right and quickly asked.
"Let me think." Lu Yu waved his hand. "Please reply to your sister, telling her that my mission to the Xiongnu is not a problem, but… regarding the candidate for the marriage alliance, let me discuss it carefully with Prime Minister Cao."
"Then…" Zhen Mi wanted to say something more.
Lu Yu waved his hand again. "As for anything else, Miss Zhen, please do not ask. Let us talk after I have thought about it carefully."
"Okay!" Zhen Mi did not press further, bowed gracefully, and slowly withdrew.
Lu Yu was left alone in the study, deep in thought.
A moment later, he took down the map on the wall and traced the locations of the Wuhuan, Xianbei, and Xiongnu with his finger.
As he traced,
Lu Yu's mind recalled stories about the Xiongnu people!
…
Speaking of the Xiongnu, this is a very, very long topic.
In China, since ancient times, the grasslands north and south of the great desert have been the grand stage for various nomadic peoples.
In the late Warring States period, while the seven powers of the Central Plains were in conflict, a powerful and ancient nomadic people rose in the north, and that was the Xiongnu!
The Xiongnu originally lived in the Hetao region of the Yellow River south of the desert and the Yin Mountains.
Taking advantage of the chaos of the Warring States period, the leader of the Xiongnu, Laoshang, on the basis of tribal alliances, established a Xiongnu empire. He was called "Chanyu of Chengli Gutu."
According to the Xiongnu language, "Chengli" means sky, "Gutu" represents son, and "Chanyu" describes vastness.
The three meanings combined mean "Vast and boundless Son of Heaven!"
Below the Chanyu were the left and right wise kings, left and right valley kings, left and right generals, left and right great commanders, left and right great households, etc. All were held by sons and relatives of the Chanyu, and all were hereditary!
After that, as everyone knows, Qin Shi Huang sent Meng Tian with an army of 300,000 to attack the Xiongnu in the north, recapturing the "Hetao region." Then, he crossed the Yellow River and seized the areas of Gaoque, Yangshan, and Beijia controlled by the Xiongnu.
Fearing the Xiongnu, they were forced to retreat seven hundred li north, abandoning the Hetao region, which was fertile and suitable for cultivation, and moved to the desolate lands outside the Great Wall.
Later, Qin built the Great Wall to defend against the Xiongnu, stretching from Lintao in the west to Liaodong in the east, following the Yellow River to Hetao, extending for thousands of miles… and dispatched Meng Tian with 300,000 troops to prevent the Xiongnu from returning.
However, with the deaths of Qin Shi Huang and Meng Tian, the Qin Dynasty was overthrown, and the Chu-Han contention plunged the Central Plains into chaos, with no one paying attention to the north.
The Xiongnu once again moved south, crossed the Great Wall, and reoccupied the Hetao region and the Yin Mountains.
In the early Han Dynasty, due to the devastated economy of the Central Plains and the need for reconstruction… there was not enough strength to confront the Xiongnu.
Ever since Liu Bang was defeated by the Xiongnu king Modu at Pingcheng, from Liu Bang to Empress Lü, and then to Emperor Wen and Emperor Jing, they had to resort to marriage alliances with the Xiongnu!
The Han Dynasty not only married princesses to the Xiongnu Chanyu as consorts but also sent large quantities of silk, cloth, wine, rice, and food to the Xiongnu every year!
Until the reign of Emperor Wu of Han…
With the declaration, "The situation of attack and defense is reversed; if the bandits can go, so can we," the Great Han launched a counter-offensive against the Xiongnu, producing a series of heroic names like "Wei Qing, Huo Qubing, Li Guang," sweeping away the Xiongnu, and establishing the Protectorate of the Western Regions, driving the Xiongnu out of the border!
After that, the Xiongnu submitted to the Han Dynasty and sent envoys to the imperial capital. The Han Dynasty married Princess Wang Zhaojun to the Xiongnu king, followed by forty years of peace!
After Wang Mang usurped power, the Xiongnu invaded the Central Plains again, but due to internal strife, they split into three factions: the pro-Han "Southern Xiongnu," the frequently raiding "Xianbei," and the "Wuhuan!"
For most of the time, the Southern Xiongnu lived peacefully with the Han Dynasty. In fact… when Emperor Xian of Han wanted to return from Chang'an to Luoyang, the Southern Xiongnu even sent troops to escort him along the way!
As for the Wuhuan, they had been in league with Yuan Shao for a long time.
As for the Xianbei, during Emperor Ling of Han's twenty-year reign, they raided south almost every year!
And this… is the general history of the Xiongnu!
Thinking of this, Lu Yu's eyes narrowed slightly.
He pondered that with the northern gateway now open, the next inevitable step would be to resolve the issue of the barbarians!
Xianbei, Wuhuan, Southern Xiongnu…
To annihilate them all and make them all enemies would be unrealistic, but… how to form alliances?
This was a question Lu Yu had to figure out.
This was ten times more important than the northern expedition against Yuan Shao!
…
…