"Clap, clap!"
Crisp applause echoed from the second floor.
From behind the curtain, a man of about the same age as Lu Yu emerged. He wore the attire of a servant, his brows etched with a hint of sorrow and melancholy. Yet, an innate nobility radiated from him. Who else could it be but the current Emperor, Liu Xie?
"As expected of the Marquis of White Horse, possessing keen insight and flawless strategy. I knew you would discover me when I arrived, but I never imagined it would be so swift!"
"Your Majesty is too kind." Lu Yu cupped his hands, performing a formal salute befitting a subject to his sovereign.
"Thump, thump!"
Emperor Liu Xie descended from the second floor. He walked up to Lu Yu and scrutinized the man who was nearly his age. Both were in their early twenties, yet Lu Yu's confident demeanor and air of assuredness left a profound impression. In contrast, Liu Xie was almost the complete opposite. Despite his high position, he walked on eggshells, his aura completely subdued.
"Your Majesty!"
"Here in my elder sister's garden, there are no rulers or subjects, only family." Emperor Liu Xie sat down, gesturing for Lu Yu to take a seat opposite him.
"I dare not..." Lu Yu remained hesitant to break protocol. Sitting on equal footing with the Emperor was no trifling matter.
"You are to be my brother-in-law! What is there to dare not?" Liu Xie extended his hand again. This time, Lu Yu no longer refused and sat down. To "sit," however, meant to kneel. Both Emperor Liu Xie and Lu Yu adopted a kneeling posture. A low table, two cups of tea, and the two men were seated.
Emperor Liu Xie cast a glance at his elder sister, Liu Xue. Liu Xue began to strum the zither again. The melody this time was entirely different from the earlier, lingering and sorrowful 'Qin Cao.' It was grand and majestic, a sonic landscape of towering mountains and tumultuous seas, a tune that could truly captivate the soul. Lu Yu was no stranger to this piece.
—"Gong Wu Du He"
It was the shortest of the Han Yuefu poems, and like the longest, 'Peacock Flying Southeast,' it was a tale of spousal devotion unto death. The song depicted the tragic cries of a wife as her husband, a mad old man, drowned himself in the river.
—"Sir, do not cross the river, yet you cross it!
—Drowned in the river, what can be done for you, sir."
These four lines, filled with poignant sorrow and deep sentiment, struck the very core of the heart, vividly portraying a woman's sincere affection for her kin. Likewise, through the movements of Liu Xue's jade-like fingers on the zither strings, the current predicament of the Han court, its desolation and suffering, was laid bare.
"Princess, your zither skills are remarkable. The emotional depth of 'Gong Wu Du He' likely surpasses that of my elder sister!" Lu Yu could not help but praise.
"Haha..." Emperor Liu Xie burst into laughter. "Your sister, Lu Yu, shines brightly, but how can my sister be an ordinary person? Haha..." His laughter began heartily but ended with a sigh, as if he were deeply affected by the music.
"Gong Wu Du He, Gong Jing Du He, Drowned in the river, what can be done for you, sir?" Emperor Liu Xie murmured, "How many in this world can truly cross the river? I congratulate my brother-in-law for navigating against the current in these turbulent times and crossing safely!"
"Hoo..."
"This..." Lu Yu let out a soft breath and curiously inquired, "May I ask what Your Majesty means by crossing safely?"
"Heh..." Liu Xie offered a wry smile. "In the past, the King of Qin entrusted sixty thousand troops to Wang Jian to campaign against Chu. Before even engaging Chu, Wang Jian repeatedly requested fertile lands and grand residences from the Qin Emperor to demonstrate his lack of ambition, seeking only wealth and honor! Brother-in-law, you are wise; surely you understand my anxieties, the Han court's anxieties, and the Chancellor's anxieties!"
"Heh..." Liu Xie's words made Lu Yu understand. No wonder Zhao Ji hadn't consulted him before agreeing to this arrangement of two ladies for the Marquis's household. Lu Yu himself had been blinded by the situation. Indeed, Xiahou Yuan was a noble lady of the Cao and Xiahou clans, while Princess Wannian, Liu Xue, was a woman of the Han imperial family. If they did not marry into the Marquis's household, how could the Cao faction and the Han court, the Emperor and Cao Cao, trust Lu Yu, whose power was increasingly growing?
"Alas..." Lu Yu sighed. "How I wish I could emulate Wang Jian, but alas... Your Majesty and Chancellor Cao are not the King of Qin!"
Before Lu Yu could finish speaking, Liu Xie interrupted, "The King of Qin did not kill his meritorious officials, but have there been any rulers throughout history who did not kill their meritorious officials? Especially in the Great Han, for three hundred years, powerful families and influential ministers have successively held sway over the realm. These are things that both the Emperor and the Chancellor are crystal clear about!"
"Therefore, your current predicament, brother-in-law, is ten times more perilous than Wang Jian's. The burden you carry is heavier than Wang Jian's! The unification of the world and the pacification of the four seas that you seek are infinitely more difficult than Qin's campaign against Chu!"
"Yet, you disdain to protect yourself with wealth and honor, nor are you swayed by beauty. How, then, without weaknesses or flaws, can you protect yourself and gain the trust of the Chancellor and the Han court?"
Pouring out his heart. Today, Liu Xie was truly confiding in Lu Yu.
Upon hearing this, Lu Yu instinctively turned his gaze towards Princess Liu Xue.
"So, having two ladies in the Marquis's household is the smallest price to pay? Is that it?" Lu Yu smiled faintly. "No need to tarnish oneself with wealth and honor, yet it allows Your Majesty and the Chancellor to feel slightly more at ease with me. It is indeed a small price, but it... causes hardship..."
Before Lu Yu could finish speaking!
"Dong..." A sudden zither note resounded. Princess Liu Xue's heart was clearly unsettled.
"Haha..." Liu Xie laughed and continued, "Even the Emperor Wu's own son was once framed for witchcraft, and my elder sister's mother, Empress Song, renowned for her grace, was also executed due to witchcraft!"
"Brother-in-law, in your current position, how can you not attract envy? It is one thing for me, but once envy grows, and the Chancellor is naturally suspicious, it could easily lead to tragedy."
"Now, it is well. Gong Wu Du He, Gong Yu Du He, two ladies in one Marquis's household. You and my elder sister have crossed successfully, but where lies the path for me, and for the Han court?"
Upon mentioning this... Liu Xie lowered his head, his face filled with sorrow. He had come to see Lu Yu with genuine intent. As for what he wanted to discuss with Lu Yu, or what his purpose was, Liu Xie himself did not know. Perhaps the greatest purpose was to lament Lu Yu's "successful crossing"... and to mourn the Han court's "Gong Wu Du He, what can be done for you!"
"Hoo..." Hearing this, Lu Yu exhaled softly and then said gently, "It seems Your Majesty is quite fond of this 'Gong Wu Du He.' Since you like it, Your Majesty should know the essence of this piece lies in restraint. Your words, Princess's zither melody, are distant and lingering, carrying a sense of tragic grandeur and helplessness, but lacking a crucial element of dangerous restraint!"
"This..." The zither music abruptly stopped. Liu Xie and Liu Xue both looked up at Lu Yu.
"I hope my brother-in-law can enlighten me." Liu Xie quickly inquired.
Lu Yu slowly rose. "Someone once spoke words that were both deafening and thought-provoking. Today, I shall share them with Your Majesty."
"Mmm..." Before Liu Xie could speak, Lu Yu's voice resonated again.
"Whenever I am filled with anxiety about current affairs yet feel powerless, a voice always reminds me!"
"Love your family and those around you more, do your best in your current tasks, and convey kindness and blessings to everyone you meet."
"Do not complain, do not indulge, and certainly do not fall into despair. It is said that one need not overcome fate, but at least one can overcome desire; one need not change the world, but merely change oneself!"
"Whoa..." Lu Yu's words, though brief, were profound and impactful. Emperor Liu Xie instinctively bit his lip. Doing his best in his current tasks! Conveying kindness and blessings! Overcoming desire—not changing the world, but changing oneself! Never had anyone spoken to him with such "philosophical" depth! These words gave him a sense of not fully understanding, yet his soul was profoundly shaken. Yes... rather than complaining, indulging, or despairing, it was better to do what was within his power! For Liu Xie, if he let go of those unrealistic fantasies, his status as Emperor... could achieve so much more.
"Gulp." Emperor Liu Xie swallowed. He slowly stood up. Lu Yu, with his back to him, stood with his hands behind his back, like a scholar who had seen through everything. Liu Xie, however, bowed his hands and bent low, deeply bowing to Lu Yu! Lu Yu's words, Liu Xie could not fully comprehend in such a short time. But... it seemed he had glimpsed a brand new door! More importantly, on the other side of that door was light! The light of "hope," the antithesis of "despair"!
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...
In Xuchang, within the sprawling grounds of the Prime Minister's manor, Cao Cao, along with his ladies Ding, Bian, Yin, Du, Zou, and Huan, were gathered around a beautiful pheasant, accompanied by musicians. His sons Cao Ang, Cao Pi, Cao Zhang, Cao Xiong, and Cao Chong were also present. Lady Ding, delighted at the birth of her daughter six months prior, was playfully poking the pheasant with a feather, saying, "Jump, why aren't you jumping?" The pheasant remained completely still. Cao Cao and the other ladies watched with smiles, but the county official who had brought the pheasant was extremely fearful and nervous. He quickly poked the pheasant with another feather, "Jump, jump, why don't you jump faster?" This pheasant was specifically presented to the Prime Minister and Lady Ding by the people of Shanyang County, who had heard of the Prime Minister's newly born legitimate daughter. It was said to be auspicious, capable of dancing upon hearing music! However, the pheasant seemed to be suffering from unfamiliar surroundings; it wasn't dancing, not even a single hop. The county official's back was covered in cold sweat. He nervously glanced at Cao Cao, then, with a "pat," he knelt and said, "Prime Minister, my ladies... your subordinate... your subordinate and the elders and common folk of Shanyang County would never dare to deceive the Prime Minister and his ladies. This pheasant truly dances upon hearing music in Shanyang County!"
A hint of displeasure flickered in Cao Cao's eyes. With so many ladies and young masters present, his good mood was spoiled by a single pheasant. Just as he was about to dismiss the county official...
"Father!" At this moment, five-year-old Cao Chong stepped forward. "Father, your son has a way to make this pheasant dance!" Cao Chong was the son of Lady Huan. As for Lady Huan, she was a concubine taken by Cao Cao when he conquered Pengcheng in Xu Province. Cao Chong, wise since childhood, was greatly favored by Cao Cao. It was no exaggeration to say that among his sons, aside from Yu'er, Cao Chong was the most intelligent!
"What marvelous method does my son possess?" Cao Cao asked with a smile. Cao Chong did not answer but offered a smile and whispered a few words to a nearby maidservant. The maidservant immediately departed, but soon returned, carrying a bronze mirror. Cao Chong pointed at the pheasant. "Place the bronze mirror in front of the pheasant!" Cao Cao waved his hand. "Do as Chong'er says." Immediately, a formidable guard placed the bronze mirror before the pheasant. The pheasant, seeing its reflection in the mirror, suddenly spun and leaped, its movements graceful as a dance!
This caused... Cao Cao and all the ladies to burst into laughter, and the county official of Shanyang County let out a long sigh of relief. Wiping the sweat from his brow...
"May I ask, Young Master, why... why does this pheasant dance upon seeing its reflection in the mirror?" Cao Cao and all the ladies and young masters also looked at Cao Chong. They were all very eager to know the answer. Cao Chong explained softly, "I recall reading that pheasants are fond of their plumage and dance when they see their reflections in water. Such beautiful creatures... they likely enjoy admiring themselves. Seeing their reflection in the mirror, they naturally become joyful and dance."
This... The county official of Shanyang County was startled, not by the pheasant's dance, but by the intelligence of this young master.
"Hahaha..." Cao Cao exclaimed with laughter, "My son is intelligent and has saved the county official from his predicament! Come, Father shall reward you handsomely. What do you wish for, my son?" Upon hearing this, Cao Chong did not seem happy but instead frowned and sighed. Cao Cao, Lady Ding, and Lady Huan exchanged surprised glances. Lady Ding scooped Cao Chong into her embrace. "Chong'er, why the worry? Why not tell Father and Mother?" Cao Chong looked up at his eldest brother, Cao Ang. "Brother Ziyou has achieved great merit, Brother Zijian can manage the newspaper, and both have learned great skills by the side of Chief Lu in the Imperial Academy. Your son also wishes to study at the Imperial Academy, to learn great knowledge from Master Cai and Master Lu, and to alleviate your father's worries. However, your son is too young, and the Imperial Academy may not admit him!"
"Heh..." So it was about studying at the Imperial Academy. "Haha..." Cao Cao immediately laughed heartily. "Is it not just studying at the Imperial Academy? How can Chong'er's intelligence be judged by ordinary standards? When Zi Yu returns, Father will personally speak with him, and you will be admitted this year!" Cao Chong looked up at Cao Cao, at Lady Huan, and did not forget to smile gratefully at Lady Ding. In fact... Cao Chong and Cao Ang had a close relationship. Whenever Cao Ang returned from the Imperial Academy, Cao Chong would pester him, listening to his retellings. Being able to study at the Imperial Academy had always been Cao Chong's dream.
"Thank you, Father, thank you, Mother!" At this, Cao Chong became extremely happy. Just then... A formidable guard entered from outside the door and quickly approached Cao Cao. "Report, Prime Minister Cao, an urgent dispatch from Jiangdong. It states that the Sun clan of Jiangdong has sent an elephant from the southern lands, and it will arrive in Xuchang within a month!"
"Hmm..." Cao Cao's eyes narrowed. His attention had been focused entirely on the northern territories during this period. He hadn't paid much attention to Jiangdong. He only knew that half a month ago... Sun Ce had died of illness! Cao Cao had even dispatched an imperial envoy to offer condolences. The sudden sending of an elephant at this time, was it a display of power, or did it have a deeper meaning?
"Which young master of the Sun family sent the elephant?" Cao Cao immediately inquired... The formidable guard reported truthfully, "It was ordered to be sent by the second son of the Sun family, Sun Quan, and the third son of the Sun family, Sun Yi."
"Hoo..." Upon hearing this, Cao Cao's eyes narrowed. From the phrase "ordered to be sent," he could discern something... This elephant must carry significant meaning. The situation in Jiangdong was becoming unstable! Of course... Cao Cao didn't know the specifics. He knew too little about Jiangdong, except that Yu'er's maternal relatives were there, and that Chen Gong had been sent to Jiangdong to assist the Lu family! Beyond that, Cao Cao knew nothing.
"First, convey this news to the Ministry of Personnel. Arrange for Lord Xun Ling to properly handle the matter of the elephant's arrival in Xuchang!"
"Yes!" The formidable guard acknowledged and immediately went to do so.
"Alright, let us disperse for today. I will test your studies another day." Cao Cao turned and waved his hand.
"Yes..." All the young masters bowed in acknowledgment. The concubines, except for Lady Ding, also curtsied. The second son, Cao Pi, quickly cupped his hands, "Father, your son also has a humble request."
"Speak!"
"Your son has reached the age of 'Wu Xiang,' yet due to his dullness, he has achieved nothing. Your son earnestly implores Father to grant his request to study at the Imperial Academy along with his brother Chong, to learn under Chief Lu and Chief Cai!"
"Heh..." Cao Pi also wanted to study at the Imperial Academy. Cao Cao was delighted to hear this. All these sons should learn from their elder brothers.
"Good, Father agrees!" Cao Cao patted Cao Pi's shoulder, then strode towards the study in the rear courtyard. As he walked, he called out, "Zi You, come here, Father has something to say to you!"
Indeed... Cao Cao had something to say to Cao Ang! After all, in the current situation... as long as Yu'er's identity was not revealed, the clansmen of Cao and Xiahou, all the ladies, all the young masters, including Ang himself, would naturally assume that Cao Cao was his future successor! What Cao Cao had to do was to ensure Cao Ang was eliminated from the competition for the position of heir apparent. Previously... Xun Yu had mentioned the three steps for Lu Yu to become the heir apparent. Among them, a young master, a lady, and a family, the young master referred to "Eldest Young Master" Cao Ang! If he did not logically exit, how could Yu'er ascend?
"Hurry along..." Lady Ding patted Cao Ang's shoulder. "Yes, Mother." Cao Ang quickly followed. As for Cao Pi, his eyes suddenly widened. He first looked at Cao Ang, then at Cao Chong... his eyes held a hint of deep meaning.
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Jiangdong, Wu Commandery, Lu family manor.
A refined young man hurried over. At this moment... in the courtyard of the Lu manor, a middle-aged man in Daoist robes was lazily sunbathing. The young man respectfully bowed to the middle-aged Daoist.
"Teacher Chen!" The middle-aged man stretched before rising, still marveling at how pleasant the weather was in Jiangdong! This middle-aged man was none other than Chen Gong... and the hurried, refined young man was Lu Xun. Lu Xun appeared somewhat anxious...
"Teacher Chen? Why does our Lu clan propose to send an elephant to Xuchang? Is there any reason for this?" Lu Xun was somewhat puzzled... The current Jiangdong was in a state of unrest, with both internal and external troubles. Internally, Sun Ce had died! Of course, his death was not unrelated to the Lu family. Following his elder brother Lu Yu's prior instructions, even if Sun Ce had woken up, it would have been easy to ensure his death with just a bronze mirror. Just as a pheasant could dance with joy upon seeing its reflection, so could Sun Ce. He was known as one of the top two handsome men in Jiangdong, an extremely narcissistic man... Upon seeing his own handsome face, his illnesses would naturally dissipate, and he would dance with joy! Conversely... seeing a face full of scars would naturally be unbearable, causing him to vomit blood and die! Sun Ce could be considered the ultimate "beauty association" president of this era... He not only had strict appearance requirements for those in his inner circle but also pursued meticulousness regarding his own appearance! A bronze mirror! In the mirror, a "hideous" face covered in scars was enough to cause his death on the spot! After Sun Ce's death, it caused a series of tremors throughout Jiangdong and among the four great families of Wu Commandery and the four great families of Kuaiji. As for external troubles... they were the Shanyue. Upon hearing of Sun Ce's death, the Shanyue became restless, launching raids and plundering Jiangdong repeatedly. For this reason... the noble families and gentry of Jiangdong were enraged, yet helpless. After all... the man who had previously brought the Shanyue to their knees had completely perished!
However... Lu Xun, during this period, had been diligently seeking capable individuals, studying the habits of the Shanyue people... According to his elder brother Lu Yu's plan, their Lu family must rise to the challenge of confronting the Shanyue to gain the greatest military power in Jiangdong! To establish authority! However... while Lu Xun was studying how to deal with the Shanyue, Chen Gong proposed that Lu Ji undertake a task, a significant one: to persuade the third son of the Sun family, Sun Yi... to present an elephant as tribute to Cao Cao in Xuchang! That's right... it was a tribute of an elephant to Cao Cao, not to the Emperor! This move... was deeply meaningful! Of course, Lu Xun completely failed to grasp it. Hence, he rushed to ask... However, Chen Gong's expression was serene. He slowly stood up and declared loudly:
"—A metaphor is an expression of intent; words are the clarification of metaphors."
"—To fully express intent, nothing is better than metaphor; to fully express metaphor, nothing is better than words. Words arise from metaphors, so one can follow words to observe metaphors; metaphors arise from intent, so one can follow metaphors to observe intent."
"—Intent is fulfilled by metaphor, metaphor is elucidated by words."
Playing coy. At this moment, Chen Gong was like a mystical charlatan! A charlatan among charlatans!
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