"Matricide?"
As Lü Lingqi’s words tumbled out, Lü Bu’s pupils suddenly widened. He hadn't expected Lü Lingqi to utter such a treasonous statement!
He stared at his daughter in disbelief, his gaze sharp.
But soon… his expression softened.
Wasn't today's Lü Lingqi just yesterday's Lü Bu, Lü Fengxian?
Blinded by hatred and self-interest, forgetting the mission he bore.
This girl's temperament… it was exactly like his own.
Lü Bu looked at Lü Lingqi as if gazing into a mirror. Shaking his head, he gently patted her back.
"Lingqi? Do you know why the world calls your father 'the slave of three surnames'?"
This…
Before Lü Lingqi could speak.
Lü Bu’s words poured out. "Because Ding Yuan once showed me kindness, he was my sworn father. Yet, for profit, I slew him with my own hands! Afterward, I recognized Dong Zhuo as my sworn father, was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Wen, and the Grand General of the world's armies. I enjoyed unparalleled favor, second only to the emperor, yet for Diao Chan, I unhesitatingly removed Dong Zhuo's head!"
At this point, Lü Bu paused…
Lü Lingqi bit her lip tightly. She knew all of this, but… she didn't think her father had done wrong.
The world bustles for profit, the world rushes for profit.
What wrong is there in being a 'beneficiary' or a 'pursuer of profit'?
"Father…"
"Let me finish speaking first," Lü Bu’s words drowned out Lü Lingqi’s. "Slaying one's master is like slaying one's father; it is something the world will not tolerate. That line from the 'big-eared fellow' on Bai Men Lou, 'Do you not see the affairs of Ding Jianyang and Dong Zhuo?', is everyone's evaluation of me in this world!"
"It is also a nightmare I can never escape! Lingqi, you are still young, but you act too impulsively, just like I used to be! I don't want, nor will I allow, this nightmare, spat upon by the world, to befall you. My only wish now, in this world, is to protect you all, to protect my 'family'!"
Lü Bu’s speech was extremely slow…
But every word struck the ground with force. This was something he had realized through half his life, imparting it through word and deed… to his daughter!
His meaning was crystal clear.
Although Lü Lingqi couldn't marry into the White Horse Marquis's estate as the primary wife now?
Yet, there was still a sliver of hope to enter the Marquis’s estate.
But once she slew her master, then not only as a primary wife, but even as a concubine, a servant, or a maid… it would be impossible!
That would be sealing off all hope completely.
Lü Bu, having been through it, understood perfectly…
Once upon a time, he thought that by killing Ding Yuan and Dong Zhuo, he could possess power.
But…
He was too naive, truly too naive.
Besides infamy and being scorned by everyone, he gained nothing!
Impulsive actions in his youth would only plunge him into an endless abyss…
And it was Lu Yu who pulled him back from that abyss, helping him find himself again.
The current Lü Bu had completed his transformation…
He no longer pursued profit!
Instead, he cared more about 'affection'! And he cherished every bit of affection connected to him even more!
This…
Lü Bu’s lengthy speech left Lü Lingqi in silence.
She opened her mouth, wanting to speak, but not knowing what to say.
Perhaps her father was right…
Perhaps, she was indeed too impulsive, acting without thinking.
Lü Lingqi bit her lip, seemingly lost in deep thought. Lü Bu’s words followed without pause.
"As for your master, Tong Yuan, heh heh… he killed over ten border warriors. He is an irreconcilable enemy to me. However, in terms of you, he has shown you kindness. One matter is one matter, one person is one person. Never mention slaying your master again. Your father will seek revenge and clear the grievances for those border brothers openly!"
At this point, Lü Bu deliberately paused.
The words that followed added a touch of earnestness.
"Killing Tong Yuan has nothing to do with you, nor with Lu Yu. This is a grudge between me, Lü Bu, and him, Tong Yuan… it is a matter that must be settled honorably!"
In fact…
There was another sentence behind Lü Bu's words.
"If there must be hatred in this world, then let him bear it!"
These words were for his daughter, Lü Lingqi, and also for the original 'prospective son-in-law', Lu Yu…
There was no need to mention Lü Lingqi, the master-disciple bond!
But… Lu Yu, the implications were far greater.
Lü Bu had not failed to investigate Tong Yuan. He knew very well that Changshan Zhao Zilong, who was currently making waves in the Dragon Soaring Camp, was Tong Yuan’s closed-door disciple!
Furthermore, General Zhang Xiu, stationed in Wancheng, commanding thirty thousand elite cavalry, had ties with Lu Yu. And let's not forget Xi Chuan Spear King Zhang Ren.
Lu Yu's identity was too special; even the slightest action he took would be magnified infinitely, causing immense repercussions!
He could not, and should not, bear this 'hatred' connected to 'Tong Yuan'!
Heh heh…
Thinking of this, Lü Bu’s lips curled into a smile.
Throughout his life, Lü Bu had killed both those he should and shouldn't have. He would consider this hatred as repayment for Lu Yu saving his life, and as much as possible, to earn Lu Yu’s forgiveness for his daughter?
"Father…"
Lü Lingqi uttered a soft sound, seeming to have something to say.
Lü Bu saw her thoughts at a glance and immediately waved his hand. "For this period, stay by my side. However… regarding your master, do not mention a single word about him, including where he is! His martial arts! His weaknesses!"
"Even if a decisive battle is to be fought… I, your father, must win this battle honorably and let the world know who the true peerless warrior is!"
Hoo…
Lü Lingqi let out a long sigh.
She could feel… her father was being serious!
Speaking of which, Lü Lingqi was only in her teens. Her mind was far from mature, and rashness had always been her label.
Even in today's conversation with her father, she only half-understood!
Why?
Why did her father insist on doing things honorably?
This… did this have anything to do with Lu Yu… or with her marrying into the Marquis's estate?
…
…
Xu Du City, the Directorate of Surveillance.
Everyone knew that the "Directorate of Surveillance," which monitored all officials, had changed its master today.
From today onwards, Lu Yu, the Censor-in-Chief and Marquis of Baima Pavilion, would be in charge of the Directorate of Surveillance.
At this moment… the guards at the entrance of the Directorate of Surveillance stood firm and alert. Upon seeing Guo Jia and Ju Shou arrive, they all knelt on one knee, their movements precise, yet they remained silent.
Guo Jia's casual smile gradually receded here, and Ju Shou's expression became stern and solemn.
Now, with Lu Yu absent.
The entire Directorate of Surveillance would be fully managed by the two of them!
This was personally appointed by Cao Cao. Even Cao Ren and Cao Hong, who originally managed the Directorate of Surveillance, could no longer interfere in the slightest.
As the saying goes, "a new emperor, new officials"…
Cao Cao had gone from Commander of Works to Prime Minister, and Lu Yu had also gone from Minister of Works to Censor-in-Chief!
From today onwards, the Directorate of Surveillance would no longer be subordinate to the Prime Minister's Office but would be under the Censor-in-Chief. Cao Cao had specifically replaced all the officials within with "Lu Yu's" men!
"Brother Ju? Please…"
Guo Jia extended his hand to Ju Shou, making an inviting gesture.
Ju Shou shook his head and said with utmost seriousness, "There is no living person who asks a 'dead person' to go first!"
The living person he referred to was Guo Jia, and the 'dead person' was naturally himself.
Ju Shou had long since changed his name. The name Ju Shou had been bestowed death by Cao Cao. This was arranged by Lu Yu… This way, Ju Shou's family in the northern territories could be kept safe!
And it also ensured Ju Shou's loyalty here…
"Brother Ju, you are too polite!"
"Brother Fengxiao, you are too polite!"
Guo Jia and Ju Shou exchanged a few more words.
Immediately after… "Hahaha…" the two of them burst into laughter and walked into the gates of the Directorate of Surveillance side by side.
The guards at the entrance reported loudly, presenting the matters.
Outside, ten officials, who had been waiting in line, were all dressed in the same black fitted attire. Each held a bamboo scroll and placed them one by one on Guo Jia and Ju Shou's desks.
"Was the Directorate of Surveillance always reporting in this manner?" Guo Jia suddenly looked up, addressing a servant.
The servant quickly replied, "Whether it was Prime Minister Cao or the two Generals Cao, it was always like this."
"Good!" Guo Jia laughed heartily. "As expected of the Directorate of Surveillance. In the past, you served Prime Minister Cao by monitoring the officials in the imperial court. From now on, we will monitor all officials in the entire Han dynasty for the entire realm!"
At this, Guo Jia turned to look at Ju Shou.
"Brother Ju, don't you agree?"
Ju Shou, who was drinking tea at this moment, put down his teacup unhurriedly when Guo Jia shifted the topic to him.
"As expected of someone valued by both Prime Minister Cao and Censor Lu, Brother Fengxiao's words are well spoken!"
Receiving Ju Shou's praise…
Guo Jia then turned around and shouted.
"Report!"
A leader replied, "An hour ago, the Fu family dismissed all their retainers and hung a 'Do Not Disturb' sign outside their mansion!"
As he spoke, he placed a rolled-up document on the desk, which depicted Fu Wan closing his doors and refusing visitors.
The second leader reported, "Princess Wannian left the city incognito. The Tiger Guards notified Prime Minister Cao, and Prime Minister Cao ordered them to let her pass! Princess Wannian's carriage is parked at the imperial farm fifty li east of Xu Du City."
The scroll was unrolled, showing Princess Wannian alighting from her carriage and entering the imperial farm.
The third leader reported, "Intelligence from north of the Yellow River indicates that Yuan Shao, before his death, adopted his eldest son Yuan Tan by his deceased elder brother, but gave the position of heir to his younger son Yuan Shang. To compensate his eldest son, Yuan Shao handed over seventy thousand troops stationed in the rear to Yuan Tan's command!"
The scroll was unrolled, showing Yuan Shao holding Yuan Shang before his death, entrusting him with the future.
Yuan Tan knelt beside them, weeping sincerely, with unwillingness revealing itself in his eyes.
Heh…
After the three leaders reported, Guo Jia's eyes looked towards Ju Shou.
He repeatedly sighed, "Brother Ju, this Directorate of Surveillance is truly extraordinary!"
Indeed…
Compared to the three significant pieces of news, Guo Jia admired and was more pleased with the capabilities of the Directorate of Surveillance!
"I have long heard that below Duke Cao, there is a Directorate of Surveillance, which serves as his eyes and ears, capable of monitoring all officials and understanding the changes in the world. Seeing it today, it is indeed extraordinary!"
Ju Shou paused and continued to sigh, "What is even more extraordinary is that Prime Minister Cao has entrusted such an important Directorate of Surveillance to Censor Lu. This magnanimity alone makes ten Yuan Benchus, tied together, no match for Prime Minister Cao."
Sometimes, it is like this…
When you follow the right lord, everything goes smoothly; when you follow the wrong lord, everything is bothersome!
After discussing the Directorate of Surveillance, they naturally had to talk about official business.
Cao Cao had arranged for them to come to the Directorate of Surveillance not to idly sit around, but to assist Lu Yu… the responsibility was immense.
"Brother Ju, which one should we discuss first?" Guo Jia asked.
"The Fu family closing their doors to guests was expected and reasonable, nothing worth dwelling on," Ju Shou said loudly. "Let's start with the second item…"
Upon mentioning this…
Guo Jia and Ju Shou turned their eyes to the second scroll handed over by the leader.
Princess Wannian traveling incognito in a carriage to the imperial farm.
"Brother Fengxiao? What do you think is Princess Wannian's purpose in doing this?" Ju Shou asked with great interest.
"Naturally, to welcome her husband!" Guo Jia replied without hesitation. "Marquis Baima is due to arrive in Xu Du today, isn't he? It seems reasonable for Princess Wannian to want to meet her future consort in advance."
"Is it that simple?" Ju Shou's eyes narrowed.
Evidently, he saw deeper implications!
One must know that in the past, when Yuan Shao managed to unify the northern territories and become the Tiger of Qing, You, Ji, and Bing, his greatest contributor was Ju Shou, who formulated the grand strategy!
Ju Shou's insight was extremely sharp…
Perhaps in terms of micro-strategy he couldn't compare to Guo Jia, but in grand deployment and understanding the general situation, it was his strong suit.
His insight was not inferior to Guo Jia, let alone Xun Yu, Lord Xun.
"Fengxiao, I've heard that Princess Wannian's mansion only has female servants, and even the guards are female guards. In her past outings, Princess Wannian was always accompanied only by maids. Yet, in this scroll, why is there an additional male figure?"
Heh…
Don't say it, as Ju Shou mentioned it, Guo Jia peered closely, and it really did seem so.
Wait, this male figure lowering his head in the scroll… doesn't he somewhat resemble…
"Your Majesty…"
Guo Jia instinctively uttered a sentence.
Ju Shou quickly reached out, signaling him to say no more.
He smiled faintly and whispered, "Fengxiao, those who want to see our Marquis Baima are never just Princess Wannian. Some people's urgency to see Marquis Baima is more than ten times greater than Princess Wannian's!"
Huo…
Guo Jia's eyes fixed.
"Hahaha…" He laughed heartily. "Brother Ju, you are truly astute…"
"It seems that Marquis Baima has gone to great lengths for you, both killing you and using you. This move was the right one!"
Mutual admiration…
As they spent more time together, Guo Jia and Ju Shou both felt a sense of mutual admiration.
Indeed, Cao Cao had defeated Yuan Shao…
But this did not mean that Guo Jia was necessarily stronger than Ju Shou.
Ju Shou… this man… was severely underestimated in historical records.
Hearing Guo Jia's praise, Ju Shou changed the topic.
"Brother Fengxiao, let's look at the next item first!"
As he spoke…
The two of them turned their gaze to the third scroll, which depicted Yuan Shao disinheriting the eldest son and establishing the younger son Yuan Shang as his successor, while giving the eldest son a vast number of troops!
One must know that the northern territories today are not what they used to be…
Giving Yuan Tan seventy thousand troops was no small matter!
"What do you think, Fengxiao?"
"Have you not seen it after being in the Yuan camp for so long, Brother Ju?" Guo Jia retorted.
"Naturally, I can see it," Ju Shou said with a smile. "However, compared to our discussions about the situation here, Prime Minister Cao and Marquis Baima's analysis of the situation is undoubtedly faster and more accurate! This move of the victorious army after a great victory is the most… exquisite!"
"Yes…" Guo Jia nodded.
The conversation between two intelligent people is like this; many things do not need to be fully said, a hint is enough.
At this point, the two looked at each other…
"Hahaha!"
Hearty laughter resounded throughout the Directorate of Surveillance.
As the laughter began to subside, Guo Jia uttered four words: "Internal strife!"
Ju Shou added four words: "Too much haste in enmity!"
Hahaha…
Another burst of hearty laughter.
Of course, this game had only just begun…
For Lu Yu, it still lacked a spark, a single spark that could ignite a prairie fire.
This fire, specifically buried in Ye City, was about to be ignited!
…
…
Yan Province, Mount Tai Commandery!
The extended procession of the Dragon Soaring Camp departed from Xu Province, heading towards Xu Du City. Along the way, they passed through the Mount Tai Commandery of Yan Province.
The thirty thousand Mount Tai troops lined up in formation, as if welcoming their new master.
Lü Bu and Lü Lingqi stayed far behind everyone.
As the Dragon Soaring Camp and the Mount Tai Army set up camp.
Lu Yu, in his four-carriage procession, specifically asked Dian Wei to slow down to wait for Lü Bu to arrive…
"Young Master Lu, I…"
Seeing Lu Yu, Lü Bu still felt ashamed… She glanced at her daughter, Lü Lingqi, beside her, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
"General Ying, please don't take the previous incident to heart; it was just a misunderstanding."
"Besides, if anyone suffered a loss, your daughter suffered a greater one!"
Lu Yu spoke first, attempting to ease Lü Bu's awkwardness.
Hoo…
Lü Bu let out a soft sigh.
He did not continue this topic.
After all… whether there was a loss or not,
Whether his daughter had taken off her clothes in front of Lu Yu was not important now.
He clasped his hands and said, "Young Master Lu, rest assured, I will take good care of my daughter and raise her well. As for… Nu Kou and the thirty thousand brothers of the Mount Tai Army, I hope Young Master Lu will treat them well!"
"Naturally!" Lu Yu nodded solemnly.
His promise was reassuring.
"We part ways here." Lü Bu bowed his hands, and Lu Yu returned the bow…
No unnecessary words…
"Giddy up…"
A shout, "Dede dede…" Red Hare let out a neigh, its hooves moved forward, and it galloped away…
"Young Master, I am also leaving…"
Yang Xiu, standing beside them, also clasped his hands in a salute.
Facing Yang Xiu, Lu Yu patted his shoulder. "Bing Province is left to you. Your teacher has great expectations for you!"
"As for the conquest of Bing Province, if you are ever unsure, it is best to wait. The situation is constantly changing…"
Last words of advice…
Or rather, these were Lu Yu's earnest instructions.
"I will definitely not fail my teacher's trust." Yang Xiu bowed again. "I will definitely capture Bing Province! And bring glory to my teacher!"
Da da da…
With the sound of another horse's hooves, Yang Xiu rode after Lü Bu.
Finally, only Lü Lingqi remained…
She bit her lip and urged her horse towards Lu Yu.
After hesitating for a long time, she opened her mouth and uttered, "Hey…"
Heh…
Lu Yu shook his head, still so informal!
"What?" Lu Yu asked back directly.
"Thank you for saving Father, and for saving my entire family…" Lü Lingqi's words were somewhat hesitant, a departure from her usual forthrightness, and her expression was extremely gentle.
"This, you mean?" Lu Yu smiled slightly. "It's my duty!"
"In short…" Lü Lingqi bit her lip even harder, as if… she had undergone much internal struggle before speaking, "In short, thank you. In the future… I… I will definitely repay you!"
Repay?
How to repay?
In the future?
Repay?
Lu Yu had a strange feeling. Why… whenever he thought of this impetuous little loli, Lü Lingqi, did his heart feel particularly uneasy!
Perhaps, it was because… this Lü Lingqi was a perfect replica of the Lü Bu of the past?
To be honest, the Lü Bu of the past was not so likable!
"Giddy up…"
With a crisp female voice, Lü Lingqi rode away.
The three people and three horses galloped away, traversing the silent night, rolling over the endless official road!
Lu Yu stood at the foot of Mount Tai, watching the receding figures of the three, and sighed softly.
"These three are not to be trifled with!"
"However, whether it be Bing Province or the future border regions, the three of them… are crucial!"
At this point…
Lu Yu sighed again.
The path to truly unifying the world was still long and arduous!
After sighing, Lu Yu turned his head. Next, he needed to make arrangements for Zang Ba and the Mount Tai Army.
"—General Zang"
"—Your subordinate is here."
"—You and the thirty thousand Mount Tai troops have newly joined the Dragon Soaring Camp! As the commander of the Dragon Soaring Camp, I haven't prepared any gifts. Instead, I will give General Zang and the thirty thousand Mount Tai troops a great meritorious service!"
…
…