— An image, a conveyor of intent;
— Words, the elucidators of images.
— Intent fulfilled by imagery, imagery clarified by words.
Chen Gong’s words are from the *Book of Changes*, specifically the chapter on "Ming Xiang," which explains the meanings of eleven hexagrams.
Indeed, Chen Gong, well-versed in the Daoist heart sutra, has calculated something!
Of course…
The "image" here does not refer to "elephants" but rather to the images of the Four Symbols and Eight Trigrams.
However, this is unimportant.
For Lu Xun, he recognized every character, and could grasp the general meaning when they formed words. But… when they coalesced into a sentence, he found himself utterly confused!
“Boyan…” Chen Gong offered no explanation. He turned and patted Lu Xun’s shoulder. “You need not worry about this matter. Gong Ji and I will handle it. Your task is to diligently study the customs of the Shanyue and the art of warfare against them. Soon, it will prove most useful!”
Chen Gong spoke with full confidence.
For the Lu family of Jiangdong, the issue of finances and provisions had now been resolved.
The greatest challenge facing them next was power. They needed to find a way to enter Jiangdong’s core power circle, and from that foundation, acquire more troops.
As the saying goes…
Due to Jiangdong’s unique citizen-soldier system.
If the Lu family obtained tens of thousands of troops from the Sun family, those troops would thereafter belong to the Lu family. Even if Lu Xun were to die in battle, Lu Ji would inherit them! If Lu Ji died, other scions of the Lu family would inherit them, a continuous and endless succession, with no possibility of them being returned. Furthermore, these troops would become loyal retainers of the Lu family!
From this perspective…
Once the Lu family’s military strength reached a certain level, it would be sufficient to dominate Jiangdong’s political power. And the most direct path to acquiring troops was to enter Jiangdong’s most central power circle.
Sending elephants to Cao Cao was one of Chen Gong’s plans, aimed at helping Sun Yi gain significant power amidst the contention between Sun Quan and Sun Yi.
The campaign against the Shanyue, however, was the sole means for the Lu family to gain a large number of troops in a short period.
Chen Gong was playing a grand game.
He mused whether, in the Central Plains, whether it be Cao Cao or Lu Yu, they could understand this move of his?
“Heh heh…”
With this thought, Chen Gong’s lips curved into a contented smile.
Lu Xun, however, gently tapped his forehead. He felt as if he had heard a great deal of nothing today. Despite his many lingering questions, Chen Gong’s achievements as Lu family’s strategist were evident for all to see. Since Chen Gong did not explain, Lu Xun could not press for further details.
“Then I leave everything to you, Mr. Chen.”
“Boyan, rest assured.” Chen Gong maintained his confident smile. He looked up towards the northern territories…
And sighed, “Boyan, the situation in Jiangdong is far simpler than that in the Central Plains or the northern territories. Everything is under control!”
As he spoke, a sharp glint appeared in Chen Gong’s eyes.
With these two obedient Lu family sons, it seemed that everything had become significantly simpler!
…
…
On the outskirts of Xudu City, within the Imperial Manor.
The zither music played.
“Hahahaha…”
Emperor Liu Xie’s hearty laughter echoed.
“Today’s conversation with my brother-in-law was most enjoyable. Your words were as enlightening as divine guidance, yet there is one matter that still puzzles me…”
“Why did you say that the Chancellor, you yourself, and indeed all the common people of the realm have a common enemy? Who is this enemy?”
Lu Yu and Liu Xie had chatted for a full hour, enjoying each other’s company.
Lu Yu had imparted much philosophy to Liu Xie, topics that were like bowls of “poisonous chicken soup,” akin to the forced brainwashing Lu Yu had experienced daily on social media in his previous life…
And…
This “spiritual chicken soup” was exceptionally effective for those in confusion. Emperor Liu Xie was hearing it for the first time, hence… he felt it was divinely illuminating!
However…
There was another topic Lu Yu had raised that piqued his interest even more.
That was the common enemy!
The so-called common enemy of the Han Empire, be it the Emperor, the Chancellor, or the common people…
Now that the conversation had turned to this subject, Lu Yu opened his mouth and said, “Your Majesty, this enemy is too formidable; it would not be an exaggeration to say they are your father’s killer. It is best we do not discuss it today?”
Kill…
Father’s killer?
As Lu Yu finished speaking, Liu Xie and Liu Xue both paused. Their father was Emperor Ling, but… in their memories, their father had died of illness? He had not been murdered!
This…
Before Liu Xie and Liu Xue could speak, Lu Yu’s words preceded them.
“Your Majesty and Princess may wonder, what enmity could there be that would lead to the death of your father? Did not the late Emperor pass away on his sickbed? However… Your Majesty and Princess have overlooked a significant issue: what was the nature of the late Emperor’s illness?”
Seeing the expressions on Liu Xie and Liu Xue’s faces.
For a moment, Lu Yu suddenly felt.
Perhaps in the future, when dealing with the great aristocratic families and fundamentally eradicating the ills of this era, namely the monopoly of land and resources by these families, which led to the suffering of the common people—the Emperor and the Princess could both be considered allies.
As the saying goes, there are no eternal enemies, only eternal interests!
“Brother-in-law, if you have something to say, please speak plainly!” Liu Xie asked with a furrowed brow.
Lu Yu slowly rose, his hands clasped behind his back.
“Your Majesty, this topic is rather lengthy; it cannot be discussed in a day and a night. However, there are a few questions that Your Majesty might listen to and consider!”
Lu Yu slowly began, “Why did the Han Empire, once so majestic, established by Emperor Guangwu, gradually decline? What have Your Majesty and the court overlooked? What factors propelled the Yellow Turban Rebellion, Dong Zhuo’s entry into the capital, and the ensuing era of warlords, leading to the erosion of the Han’s authority? Even more importantly… what is influencing the current trajectory and the future course of history?”
Having said this, Lu Yu paused.
“If these matters are not clarified, then any discussion of warfare, conquest, civil officials, or military generals will be like scratching an itch through a boot – seeing only a leaf and not the whole mountain!”
“If Your Majesty wishes to understand the truth behind the late Emperor’s passing, I suggest you first attempt to investigate, search for, and answer the questions I have just raised.”
Lu Yu had, in essence, created a mystery.
He understood.
If he were to guide the Emperor and those who monopolized land and resources to stand in opposition, it would not be an instantaneous process, nor could it be accomplished with a few words.
Rather than Lu Yu explaining everything, it was better to pose questions and let His Majesty explore them himself!
Of course, how Emperor Ling truly died is a matter of much speculation!
But no matter how one investigates, they will inevitably arrive at an eternal topic—the noble families! The aristocratic clans!
The power wielded by the aristocratic clans in the Han Empire was unimaginably vast…
Even from the many Han Emperors who died young, one could glimpse a fraction of this truth!
Ultimately, the superficial cause of the Han’s decline appeared to be the extravagance and corruption of Emperors Huan and Ling, their establishment of Western Residences to sell official posts. But in reality, Emperors Huan and Ling were merely scapegoats!
The blame could only be placed on this era… an era where land was controlled by aristocratic families, and the right to speak was held by them!
Of course…
Delving into these matters would take more than a day and a night!
Lu Yu simply left this “mystery” for Liu Xie to unravel and comprehend!
At this moment…
Liu Xie’s eyes widened, as if he had heard something utterly unbelievable.
The late Emperor was called incompetent by many, and the common people even described Emperors Huan and Ling as extravagant and corrupt!
Yet, the answers to the questions Lu Yu had raised seemed to lead to many unknown secrets.
The truth behind the late Emperor’s passing…
Or perhaps, the late Emperor was not truly incompetent!
These were matters Liu Xie was extremely interested in!
“Brother-in-law… this…” Liu Xie, intending to ask directly, swallowed his words. “I understand. I will return immediately to investigate!”
With that, he stood up as if to leave…
Before reaching the door, he seemed to recall something and paused to instruct, “It is late now, and brother-in-law has traveled far. Please stay the night at this Imperial Manor. My elder sister also greatly admires Lord Bai Ma!”
Having said this, Liu Xie paused, his tone becoming more resolute.
He added four words: “This is an imperial decree! You may depart after completing your task!”
This…
Lu Yu had not yet reacted when Liu Xie had already quickly exited the pavilion.
It seemed he was determined…
That the matter of Princess Wannian entering the Marquis’s mansion must not have any slip-ups. Even if rumors of royal scandal were to spread beforehand… he would not shy away from it!
And Princess Wannian, Liu Xue, seemed to have known this all along… she knew the purpose of her visit!
“Someone…”
Liu Xue called out…
“Your Highness, Princess.” Several maidservants slowly entered.
Liu Xue gracefully raised her delicate hand. “Prepare hot water. This princess will personally attend to His Highness the Marquis, to bathe him and relieve his fatigue!”
Despite her noble status as a princess, she uttered the word “attend,” typically used by subordinates.
Of course…
This was not surprising. From the moment she accepted her imperial brother’s arrangement and agreed to enter the Marquis Bai Ma’s mansion!
She had already silently accepted Lu Yu as her husband in her heart, as the man of her life.
The Three Obediences and Four Virtues for women dictate obedience to one’s husband after marriage!
Even a princess should adhere to this!
Moreover…
Lu Yu’s words just now had greatly piqued Liu Xue’s interest.
As a princess of the Han Dynasty, to be married to a man who intrigued her was already a rare treasure!
…
…
Within the study of the Prime Minister’s mansion in Xudu City.
Outside the door, several servants were cleaning the courtyard.
Inside, Cao Cao lay semi-reclined on a couch, his eyes slightly closed… appearing to have a slight headache. Cao Ang stood before him.
“Father…”
“Sit!” Cao Cao did not open his eyes, merely waving his hand gently to signal Cao Ang to sit down.
Cao Ang sat before Cao Cao’s couch…
“May I ask why Father has summoned me?”
Cao Cao slowly opened his eyes, his tone becoming a little more serious.
“I recently inquired with Director Cai about your studies. They are excellent… even in the Imperial Academy, where talents converge, you can be considered outstanding!”
Cao Cao’s eyes lifted, looking meaningfully at his son.
He did not spare any praise.
“Furthermore, during the Battle of Guandu, when that ‘Big-Eared Thief’ launched a surprise attack on Xudu City, you assisted ‘Zhuge Kongming’ in defending the city and annihilating the enemy, a feat for which I am greatly pleased!”
Ho…
Cao Ang was somewhat surprised. In his impression, his father had always been stern.
This was the first time his father had spoken to him so kindly and praised him.
“These are all the merits of the Imperial Academy. Your son dares not claim credit.”
Cao Ang replied with humility and politeness…
“Not arrogant, not impatient. Very good, very good!” Cao Cao sat up, smiling. He instructed Cao Ang, “Zi You, fetch the map hanging on the wall.”
“Yes!” Cao Ang retrieved the map as instructed and unfurled it on the table before Cao Cao.
By now, Cao Cao had stood up. His finger traced from Xudu City to Hulao Pass, then to the Yellow River, finally stopping at Ye City.
Cao Ang had initially thought his father wanted to test his strategic or tactical opinions.
Unexpectedly, it was…
“Yuan Shao deposed the elder and promoted the younger, transferring Yuan Tan, born of his first wife, to his deceased younger brother, and establishing Yuan Shang, born of his current wife, as his heir? What are your thoughts on this matter, Ang’er? Speak your mind.”
Ho…
Cao Ang had not expected his father to ask about such a topic.
Deposing the elder and promoting the younger has always been a path to disaster since ancient times. Father could not possibly not know this.
Then…
Why was Father asking this?
Cao Ang’s brow furrowed as he pondered.
Suddenly, Cao Cao spoke, “Your mother died when you were young, and you were raised by Lady Ding. Everyone in the family regards you as my legitimate eldest son. Tell me, Yuan Shao’s actions… what is your opinion? Speak whatever you think.”
This…
Cao Ang bit his lip lightly. He suddenly felt that his father was somewhat peculiar and unusual today!
Could it be… jealousy of his younger brother?
That’s right, just moments ago, his younger brother had saved the magistrate of Shanyang County from disaster with a bronze mirror. Being extremely intelligent and agile, his father was likely… intending to designate his younger brother as the heir apparent!
So that was it!
…
…
In the bathroom, four sides were draped with light gauze, like smoke and mist. The steam from the hot water permeated the perfumed chamber, making it seem ethereal and dreamlike.
Innumerable maidservants were pouring floral dew and petals into the bathing tub. Princess Wannian, Liu Xue, led Lu Yu inside, and Lu Yu was still somewhat surprised…
Was this eldest princess serious about this?
Liu Xue gently helped Lu Yu remove his outer garments. As Lu Yu stood in a daze, Liu Xue smiled and moved to unfasten his inner robe. Her warm fingertips touched Lu Yu’s skin, and Lu Yu suddenly snapped back to reality, flinching as if stung by a bee, dodging Liu Xue’s action.
“Princess, I can do it myself.”
It wasn’t surprising that Lu Yu reacted this way…
It was like a man, half-asleep, suddenly seeing a heavenly beautiful woman pouncing on him!
The feeling was utterly unreal!
Liu Xue did not reply, merely smiling. The maidservants nearby giggled, surprised that the famous and awe-inspiring Marquis would still be nervous when faced with a woman!
On the contrary, the Princess was dignified and elegant, showing none of the awkwardness or pretense a woman might exhibit upon meeting her husband for the first time.
“Although I am a princess, I am also a woman. And I cannot martial arts. Is there any reason for Young Master Lu to be so nervous?”
“It’s not nervousness, but rather… I feel it is improper.” Lu Yu felt the Princess was going too far.
Indeed…
Having two wives in a Marquis’s mansion was a foregone conclusion. However, ancient customs dictated the involvement of three matchmakers and six rites, a rather elaborate process. In fact… Lu Yu would have to consult his elders, namely Sister Zhao Ji, before taking this final step.
But having just returned to Xudu City, and without having seen his sister yet, to be immersed in the gentle embrace of the Han court could easily lead to suspicions from Old Cao and heartbreak for his sister!
Unexpectedly…
Liu Xue did not seem to mind Lu Yu’s words at all.
“It is merely to bathe Young Master Lu. Besides, my imperial brother issued an edict. Even though Young Master Lu is the newly appointed Censor-in-Chief, it would not be good to defy it, would it?”
“Since it cannot be resisted, then there is only acceptance. You all may withdraw. I will attend to Young Master Lu’s bath.”
When a Princess Wannian had said this much…
If Lu Yu were to refuse again, he would seem as insensible as the venerable Tang Monk.
However, what Lu Yu had not expected was…
As Princess Liu Xue had said, it was indeed just a bath, a pure bath devoid of vulgarity, very simple and straightforward.
After the bath…
Princess Wannian led Lu Yu to the bedroom.
It could be said that over the years, Liu Xue had followed her younger brother Liu Xie and the court through hardships and exposure to the elements.
She was certainly not like other princesses of ancient times, who were like flowers in a greenhouse. Her hands were skilled, and she disliked using servants; many tasks… she performed herself.
For example… serving her future husband a bath!
And… making the bed now!
Like ordinary couples, Liu Xue was making the bed for Lu Yu.
A faint, elegant incense burned in the room. Outside the window, a gentle rain drifted. On the table beside the bed, Lu Yu’s poems were displayed.
Evidently, Princess Wannian had read his poetry before meeting him.
“Princess, have you considered this carefully?” Lu Yu asked, reminding her. “If I do not return tonight, then… Xudu City will undoubtedly be filled with gossip. While this may not affect me, and the Han court would welcome it, it would be unfair to the Princess. Your chastity and purity might be tarnished because of me!”
“Should it be today, or should it wait until the wedding ceremony… Princess, please consider this carefully. Sometimes… many things cannot be achieved perfectly! I wish to serve the Han court wholeheartedly, and also to protect the Princess’s reputation.”
Lu Yu watched Princess Liu Xue making the bed and spoke his reminder.
It was precisely because he had such a good impression of Liu Xue that he warned her.
Yes!
She did not possess the characteristic haughtiness, wilfulness, or arrogance that was typical of princesses in legends, nor was she incapable of self-care.
Instead, she was humble, dignified in her demeanor… navigating between the Han court and Lu Yu, giving an overall feeling of comfort, not physical comfort, but a comfort from the heart, from within.
*Poof*…
After hearing Lu Yu’s words, Liu Xue smiled and asked him, “I had thought that one who could compose such grand poetry as ‘Do you not see the Yellow River waters falling from heaven, flowing into the sea and never returning, do you not see the bright mirror in the high hall lamenting white hair, from dawn’s black silk to dusk’s snow!’ would be a bold and unrestrained young master. But looking at you today, you are more timid than I, a mere woman.”
Liu Xue smiled enchantingly…
“Young Master Lu, what are you thinking? I am merely making the bed for you. Could it be… you think something else will happen!”
Ho…
These words stirred something within Lu Yu’s heart.
Of course, Liu Xue continued speaking.
“Everyone says Young Master Lu is exceptionally intelligent and can see into people’s hearts. If my thoughts are so easily discerned by Young Master Lu, how can I maintain my standing in the Marquis’s mansion in the future?”
“Could it be that Young Master Lu wishes for something improper to happen between us before the wedding? The more I listen, the less I understand… Do I look like someone who would demean herself?”
Having said this…
Before Lu Yu could reply, Liu Xue turned around and walked towards the door with a smile. “The bed is made. Young Master Lu, please go to sleep early. I know you must be tired from your journey; even if you have the desire, you may lack the strength, no?”
She cast a lingering glance back!
After saying all this…
Liu Xue left the bedroom.
She closed the door and stood outside for a while before smiling and departing.
Meanwhile, a fire seemed to ignite within Lu Yu’s heart…
Looking at Liu Xue’s retreating figure outside the door, he felt a sense of wistful loss.
Had he just been “teased”?
What a pure, what a virtuous way of “teasing”!
…
Outside the door.
The incense still lingered. A personal maidservant of Princess Wannian hurried to catch up with Liu Xue.
“Princess, I heard… things were just getting interesting. Why did you withdraw?”
*Hee hee*…
Liu Xue smiled faintly.
— “Do you think I am merely obeying the Han court’s orders, to gain possession of Young Master Lu’s person?”
— “No, I do not wish to obtain him in such a self-demeaning manner. I want all of him!”
…
…