The Prime Minister's estate in Xuchang.
Beneath the serene night sky, hurried footsteps suddenly echoed through the mansion.
Xu Chu was leading Xun Yu deeper into the courtyard. The night grew darker, yet the Prime Minister's estate was adorned with lanterns and festive colors today, a stark contrast to its usual imposing and fearsome demeanor.
Speaking of which…
Xun Yu had not had an easy few days. The Grand Master of Ceremonies and the Minister of Ceremonies, responsible for etiquette, couldn't make decisions on many matters and had to consult him.
For instance… the specific amount of betrothal gifts.
The Son of Heaven had decreed the marriage, and the timing was urgent, meaning the betrothal gifts could only be prepared within three days.
According to the highest standards for marriage in the Han Dynasty, it was no more than one hundred catties of gold, fifty thousand coins, fifty bolts of silk, one hundred bolts of fine silk, one hundred bolts of cotton, one hundred bolts of brocade, and one hundred bolts of fine gauze, plus some ceremonial items.
However…
These standards felt somewhat insufficient to the Grand Master of Ceremonies and the Minister of Ceremonies.
They had specifically sought Xun Yu's opinion. Xun Yu knew nothing about this… Years ago, when he married the eunuch's daughter, the betrothal gifts he gave were less than one-tenth of this standard.
It was his father-in-law, whose historical records described him as "willful and unrestrained," who had provided a dowry that was as vast as a mountain.
For a moment, Xun Yu was at a loss.
It was Old Master Cao Song who made the final decision: ten times the betrothal gifts for each of the two ladies!
After all, the Marquis of White Horse's estate was adept at making money, dealing in both the living and the dead, so they were not short of funds!
As the witness for Lu Yu's grand wedding, Xun Yu, accompanied by Cai Zhaoji, leading Xiahou Dun, Cao Hong, and others, grandly went to the Imperial Palace and Xiahou Estate to "exchange gifts" respectively. The two families accepted the monetary gifts, and only then could the wedding proceed as scheduled tomorrow.
One could say…
For a Marquis's estate with two wives, the busiest person wasn't Lu Yu, but rather this Lord Xun!
After a busy day, he had intended to sleep soundly tonight, as there were many matters he would need to attend to tomorrow…
But unexpectedly…
Late at night, Cao Cao summoned him again.
"Lord Xun, you worked hard today handling the 'gift exchange' for Yu'er. Come, sit!"
Cao Cao personally pulled Xun Yu to a chair…
"It is my honor to 'exchange gifts' for the Prime Minister's eldest son," Xun Yu offered a polite remark before directly asking, "Prime Minister Cao summoned me late at night, likely for an important matter?"
"Two matters," Cao Cao's tone was very calm. "Just now, a carrier pigeon from Guandu reported that Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang are fighting in Liyang City. Yuan Tan launched a surprise attack on Liyang City, and both sides are currently fighting within the city, with rivers of blood flowing!"
Hoo…
Hearing this, Xun Yu's eyes fixed.
This was within the plan.
This was originally a scheme Lu Yu had set up. He had Cao Cao lead the army back to Xuchang in triumph. The Yuan brothers, having lost their formidable enemy, had their so-called "shared hatred" instantly dissolve, and then… came the much-anticipated internal strife.
All of this was within the plan.
Xun Yu intended to speak, but observing Cao Cao's gaze, it was somewhat off. It was too calm… frighteningly calm, which was unusual.
Xun Yu closed his mouth. As expected, Cao Cao hadn't finished speaking.
"While the Yuan brothers were in internal conflict, and during the street fighting in Liyang City, scouts from the Tiger Guards discovered a troop. They departed from Cangting and are rapidly heading towards Liyang City!"
Hmm…
Xun Yu blinked, recalling Xiahou Yuan, Cao Chun, and Cao Ren leading the Swift Cavalry, Tiger Cavalry, and Leopard Cavalry the day before.
Xun Yu subconsciously replied, "Is it the cavalry of General Miaocai, General Zihe, and General Zixiao?"
As the words left his mouth, Xun Yu felt something was wrong!
If it were Generals Xiahou Yuan, Cao Chun, and Cao Ren, then even with their swift marching speed, they would at most reach Guandu. Cangting was still some distance from Guandu!
It shouldn't be…
Indeed.
"It's not them," Cao Cao's eyes narrowed slightly. "I am also puzzled, but it appears these troops might be our own!"
Hiss…
At this point, Xun Yu suddenly thought of something.
"Does the Prime Minister remember? When Zi Yu returned from Xuzhou, he passed through Mount Tai Commandery in Yanzhou, where he recovered a legion! However, he did not bring them back to Xuchang."
With this reminder…
Cao Cao's eyes suddenly widened. "Are you referring to the Mount Tai Army, Lord Xun? Could it be that the troops currently rushing from Cangting towards Liyang City are the Mount Tai Army?"
"More or less," Xun Yu's tone was exceptionally certain. "Zi Yu has always been good at winning hearts and minds. He naturally knows that if troops were dispatched from the front, they would inevitably be noticed by the Yuan brothers. Once noticed, they would undoubtedly unite against the enemy again and would not attack each other. But… the Mount Tai Army is different. Even you, Prime Minister, have almost forgotten about this troop, so how would the Yuan brothers notice them?"
Cao Cao and Xun Yu were both exceptionally intelligent individuals…
As they conversed, Lu Yu's entire deployment became clear before their eyes.
First, the Yuan brothers would engage in internal strife, resulting in mutual injury. Then, the Mount Tai Army would enter Liyang, occupying the city gates, and finally… the cavalry of Xiahou Yuan, Cao Ren, and Cao Chun would deliver a fatal blow.
This…
Cao Cao's eyes narrowed slightly, and he couldn't help but marvel, had Yu'er been planning today's scheme since Xuzhou?
Or… such a meticulous plan!
Had Yu'er anticipated all of this in advance? And this grand wedding… was it also part of the plan, or rather, a cover to deceive the Yuan clan?
Huo…
Cao Cao's expression became extremely solemn. If that were the case, then Yu'er's cunning was indeed profound!
"Prime Minister, you might as well wait and see," Xun Yu said with emotion. "I have a premonition that after Lu Zi Yu's grand wedding tomorrow, the situation in the world will change drastically again!"
In fact…
A considerable amount of time had passed since the great victory at Guandu. Currently, although Cao Cao had achieved strategic, popular, and logistical victory over the Yuan clan, the first step of the northern campaign remained difficult to take.
This was no small matter; it was a major event where a single move affected the whole situation.
Recently…
Liu Bei had sought refuge with Liu Biao of Jingzhou and was amassing troops in Xinye City, poised to attack Xuchang at any moment…
And if Cao Cao marched his army out, who knew if Liu Biao would provide more support to Liu Bei and help him advance north!
The situation was too sensitive…
The only way to break this stalemate was to swiftly capture Liyang with a lightning campaign, opening the gateway for the northern expedition!
Unexpectedly, the problem that Cao Cao had been pondering for a long time was resolved the day before Yu'er's wedding.
"Prime Minister, you mentioned two matters earlier. What is the second matter?"
Xun Yu spoke again…
Frankly speaking, he was a bit sleepy. He wanted to finish discussing with Cao Cao as soon as possible and go back to sleep…
As he was getting older, his body couldn't quite keep up.
"Oh!" Cao Cao returned to his senses, collected himself, and his gaze sharpened again. "Tomorrow is Yu'er's grand wedding, but tonight I tossed and turned, repeatedly pondering the previous topic."
Speaking of which, Cao Cao paused. "When should I tell Yu'er my true thoughts, and when should I tell the world that Yu'er is my chosen heir?"
This…
It was an old topic.
In Xun Yu's memory, Cao Cao had discussed this with him no less than three times, and Xun Yu had also proposed specific methods before.
"Prime Minister has already persuaded Young Master Ang."
"Young Master Ang's public tribute to his birth mother undoubtedly tells all the civil and military officials of the Cao camp that he is not the legitimate eldest son! It also makes everyone realize a fundamental premise: the Prime Minister has no legitimate son!"
Xun Yu reminded him carefully, "Furthermore, tomorrow the eldest son will marry the noble daughter of the Xiahou clan, Xiahou Yuan. This will significantly reduce the pressure on the eldest son from the clan."
"Now, as long as the Prime Minister and the eldest son acknowledge each other as father and son, establishing the legitimate and eldest, it is only natural for Zi Yu to become the heir, and there won't be too much gossip. However… before that, the Prime Minister still needs to mention it to Lady Ding. This is not a small matter. Lady Ding is the Prime Minister's principal wife, and her relationship with the Ding clan is extremely special. Of course, this is just my humble opinion."
Hoo…
Hearing this, Cao Cao sighed softly.
Xun Yu was right. Now… the obstacles for Yu'er to become the heir were becoming smaller and smaller, only the matter of "Lady Ding" remained.
But, precisely this link… was extremely difficult to cross.
One had to know that Lady Ding had a bad temper. Cao Cao's impression of her was always that of a serene and aloof figure, like a cool breeze and clear moon!
From the bottom of his heart, Cao Cao felt a great deal of guilt towards this wife, which also led to him having much "awe" towards Lady Ding!
Hoo…
Cao Cao sighed again.
"I heard that Ang'er is paying respects to his birth mother, and Ding Hui is currently angry. She's in a fit of rage right now. I…"
Rarely, Cao Cao, as a hegemon, faltered in his speech.
This showed how much pressure this Lady Ding exerted on him!
"Prime Minister, this is a step that must be taken sooner or later!" Xun Yu's words were earnest. "This is for your own good, and also for the good of your eldest son… Besides, you think it's difficult to persuade Lady Ding, but the eldest son has been planning the northern campaign since Xuzhou, even using his own marriage as a cover? Is that not difficult?"
"From what I know, the eldest son recently dispatched Ju Shou to Huguan Pass in Bingzhou, and Cheng Yu, the Cavalry Commander, to Youzhou. These deployments… combined with the current plan to break through Liyang City, are seamless and extremely meticulous… Are these not more difficult than the Prime Minister persuading Lady Ding?"
Huo…
Cao Cao was startled.
But soon, he burst into laughter. "Lord Xun, you are absolutely right. From childhood to adulthood, every step Yu'er has taken has been extremely difficult. Why should I, Cao Cao, be sentimental? Hahahaha…"
His hearty laughter echoed throughout the Prime Minister's estate.
Xun Yu cupped his hands in farewell to Cao Cao…
It was already past midnight. If he didn't sleep now, he wouldn't get any sleep.
Never expecting…
Just as Xun Yu was about to leave.
"Lord Xun…" Cao Cao called out to him again, his tone grave.
The following words were what he had pondered over and over before deciding to speak. "I suddenly thought that among the high-ranking strategists under my command, the number of talented individuals from Yingchuan is quite large."
"Now that I, Cao Cao, am aiming for the Central Plains and striving for the northern territories, having the assistance of so many Yingchuan talents is all thanks to your contributions, Lord Xun!"
Uh…
These few words from Cao Cao instantly dispelled Xun Yu's sleepiness. He mustered his full attention.
With a "gulp," he subconsciously swallowed.
He was such a perceptive person, how could he not hear the meaning behind Cao Cao's words?
Indeed…
In Cao's camp, the positions held by the Yuzhou gentry, led by the Yingchuan talents, were indeed too numerous.
"The Prime Minister is right to admonish me…" Xun Yu cupped his hands. "After this, I, Xun, will pay attention…"
For a moment, Xun Yu thought of "Zhang Liang," "Xiao He," and "Han Xin"… He thought of which historical figures met a good end and which did not.
"Gulp," Xun Yu swallowed again, wanting to say more…
Cao Cao, however, reached out and patted his shoulder.
"Lord Xun, you are my Zhang Liang. You were before, and I hope… you will be in the future!"
Huo…
Xun Yu quickly nodded.
But he realized a subtle deeper meaning…
Zhang Liang… Zhang Zifang?
One had to know…
In the early Han Dynasty, as Liu Bang's imperial throne gradually stabilized, Zhang Liang gradually retreated from the role of "Emperor's Teacher" to "Emperor's Guest," adhering to the principle of being dispensable and acting with restraint.
During the brutal struggle of Liu Bang to eliminate the kings with different surnames in the early Han Dynasty, Zhang Liang rarely participated in planning.
In the power struggles of the Western Han imperial family, Zhang Liang also strictly adhered to the ancestral instruction of "not interfering between relatives when distant," especially his prudent self-preservation!
Cao Cao was reminding him that the influence of the Yingchuan gentry was becoming too great!
This was something that he, Xun Yu, as the leader of the Yingchuan gentry, needed to pay special attention to…
"Go back, there's still plenty to do tomorrow!" Cao Cao patted Xun Yu on the back again… He then turned around and walked away with a somewhat tired gait.
Tonight was destined to be sleepless!
…
…
The next day, the grand wedding!
The drums sounded in unison on the sixteen streets of Luoyang's East Street. Lu Yu, with the procession, first went to the Imperial Palace to welcome Princess Wannian Liu Xue, and then to Xiahou Estate to welcome Xiahou Yuan.
During this time, both new brides were wrapped in red gauze.
During the process, Lu Yu tried to sneak a peek, but unfortunately… he was unable to do so.
Since it was to welcome the princess into the Imperial Palace, naturally, the soldiers of the Dragon Cavalry Camp and the students of the Imperial Academy would not see the groom welcoming the brides.
How much… regret did they feel in their hearts?
After all, he was a groom creating history by welcoming two brides!
How novel…
How exciting!
…
As the red clouds bloomed amidst the flowing clouds, clear clouds rose above the bustling Xuchang City!
First, there were gentle chants, followed by festive and boisterous instrumental music.
At this moment, Lu Yu wore a scholar's cap, a grand red robe, two large red flowers on his chest, and rode a tall horse… it seemed to be emblazoned with four words: "Good fortune comes in pairs!"
Extremely ostentatious procession through the streets…
Carriages and horses lined both sides of the road, and the laughter of young girls was heard from time to time, along with discussions.
It was all about who could marry into the Marquis of White Horse's estate?
The rest of their lives would be filled with wealth and prosperity, enjoying endless glory.
According to etiquette…
Xiahou Yuan was to be welcomed into the Marquis's estate.
As for the princess, she was to be welcomed into the Princess's estate. Han Dynasty princesses had residences outside the Imperial Palace, and princesses had the right to enter and exit the palace freely. They could also reside in their mother's palace within the palace.
This was not only true for princesses but also for princes.
It was not until the Qing Dynasty that it was stipulated that all of the emperor's children resided within the Imperial Palace!
This provided great convenience to the Ministry of Rites…
After all, they couldn't possibly invite both brides to the Marquis's estate for the wedding ceremony, could they? A Marquis's estate with two wives and a ceremony with three people was a completely different affair!
The sedan chairs of Princess Wannian Liu Xue and Xiahou Yuan parted ways on East Street. Xiahou Yuan, returning to the Marquis's estate, led the way, while Liu Xue, heading to the Princess's estate, followed behind.
At this time, the Marquis of White Horse's estate was filled with banquet tables.
Besides the Marquis of White Horse's estate, the Dragon Cavalry Camp barracks outside the city and the Imperial Academy were also filled with banquet tables.
High-ranking officials of rank two thousand stone and above were seated at the Marquis of White Horse's estate, while those below rank two thousand stone were arranged at the Imperial Academy or the Dragon Cavalry Camp barracks…
The banquets at the three locations were the same, and the wedding feast style was identical, only the venues differed!
A Marquis's estate with two wives, with banquets held at three locations in Xuchang City and its surroundings, was a first, thus attracting many sons of officials and onlookers.
The banquet tables were set up under the willow trees along the street. Outside the Marquis of White Horse's estate, many idlers also sat down to eat and drink. There were many guests at the wedding, and no one knew each other, so everyone ate to their heart's content.
Of course, the periphery was quite lax, and some people who came to freeload were unavoidable.
As the guests were seated…
On the other side… as pre-arranged, Lu Yu and Xiahou Yuan completed all the rituals at the Marquis's estate!
With over a hundred steps, from entering the hall to the wedding ceremony, Lu Yu was almost in tears. After more than an hour of busy work, the ceremony was finally completed…
Then, Xiahou Yuan was sent to the bridal chamber.
But Lu Yu still had to rush to the Princess's estate, because he had to go through these rituals again with Princess Liu Xue.
"It's not easy!"
Lu Yu felt he was almost drained.
Readers who have gotten married know that this is a physically demanding task. Marrying two at once requires even stronger stamina…
Yet Lu Yu's physique was not considered robust. While others were joyous and radiant on their wedding day, he felt like he was "rushing between venues"!
At this moment…
The rituals at the Princess's estate were still ongoing.
There were a total of nine items.
The first item, the couple enters the wedding hall!
The second item, the officiant reads the congratulatory words. While Xun Yu read the congratulatory words at the Marquis's estate, Kong Rong read them at the Princess's estate.
The third item, the ceremonial washing of hands. This is before entering the formal wedding ceremony, where the two soon-to-be impure individuals wash their hands, symbolizing that they can enter this sacred ritual with clean bodies and minds.
The fourth item, the seating ceremony, where Lu Yu and Liu Xue sit facing each other, symbolizing that they will live together from now on.
The fifth item, the shared meal ceremony, where Lu Yu and Xiahou Yuan jointly eat from one bowl, representing that they are now one family and will share meals together.
The sixth item, the paired wine ceremony. This involves cutting a gourd in half, filling it with wine. Since the gourd is bitter, the paired wine drunk is also bitter, symbolizing the couple sharing both sweetness and bitterness.
The seventh item, the untying ceremony. Lu Yu personally unties the red "ribbon" from Liu Xue's hair, signifying that the bride has entered the groom's household and is now a member of his family.
From now on, guests could not call her Princess Wannian, but must call her "Madam Lu," or "Madam Liu," either was acceptable!
The eighth item, the hair-binding ceremony. As the name suggests, Lu Yu and Liu Xue each cut a small lock of hair and tied them together with a red ribbon, symbolizing eternal separation never to be parted.
After completing these eight items…
Then it was time for the wedding bows.
This was simple, involving bowing to heaven, earth, the nation, relatives, and teachers!
Bowing to the elders…
The couple bowing to each other…
It is worth mentioning that during the wedding bows at the Marquis's estate, Cao Cao specifically walked to Sister Zhaoji and gladly accepted the bows from Lu Yu and Xiahou Yuan…
At that moment, Lu Yu was speechless. He mused, his Sister Zhaoji was Old Cao's sister, and he, Lu Yu, was bowing to Old Cao? Who was Old Cao to be considered an elder?
However, this was just a minor interlude, harmless.
In short, Wei Yu felt that today he was constantly bowing…
Having transmigrated for so long, he felt he hadn't bowed much before, and all the "bows" he owed were being repaid today.
Finally…
The wedding bows were completed twice.
Liu Xue was also sent to the bridal chamber…
But Lu Yu couldn't go directly to the bridal chamber at the Princess's estate. According to the rules of time, he had to be with Xiahou Yuan in the first half of the night!
Hoo…
With this thought, Lu Yu sighed and touched his waist, immediately feeling "immense pressure"!
"Hoo, I need to pull myself together!"
"This is just the first half!"
Gulp…
For a moment, Lu Yu suddenly felt that being a man was truly difficult!
…
…