This…
Cao Cao’s eyes narrowed slightly. Worthy of people? Yet guilty towards Lu Yu… How was he to smooth over these words?
It was rather awkward!
Of course, Cao Cao was well aware that his headache had healed, a stark contrast to the agonizing pain and near-death state he was in moments ago.
Revealing "Yu'er's" identity now was not opportune. Setting aside whether Yu'er could accept it without any preamble, there were the obstacles of Lady Ding, the entire Ding clan, and… the rules passed down through a thousand years.
Furthermore…
There was nothing wrong with him, Cao Cao, speaking of Yu'er’s background. But Yu'er… might truly become a thorn in someone’s side, a target. It wouldn't be surprising if the Han court made a big fuss about it!
This…
The more he thought about it, the more complex Cao Cao’s expression became.
“Sikong Cao…”
Lu Yu was still asking…
After all, he was quite curious about this matter. What exactly had Old Cao done that wronged him? It couldn't be… that he had secretly done something to Sister Zhao Ji…
Cough cough…
He dared not imagine, nor could he…
If that were the case, Lu Yu would definitely wring Old Cao’s head off! This was unbearable!
Just as he was about to voice these thoughts, Xun Yu spoke first, “Sikong Cao, I have an extremely urgent and confidential military matter that requires reporting to you.”
As Xun Yu spoke, he blinked his eyes… as if signaling to Cao Cao, implying a desire to speak in private!
Cao Cao was bewildered…
But at this moment, it was the perfect opportunity to divert Lu Yu’s attention. Speaking in private would be good, at least… he could deliberate more on whether Yu'er’s identity should be revealed, and if it should be.
“Since it is a military secret, it cannot be delayed…”
As these words left his mouth…
The others in the bedroom understood and all cupped their hands in farewell.
Cao Cao then ordered, “You all proceed to the main hall… After I have consulted with Duke Ling Xun, we shall discuss matters in the main hall!”
“Yes!” Everyone, including Lu Yu, responded and withdrew from the chamber.
However, Xun You, before leaving, cast a meaningful glance at Cao Cao, and then at his uncle Xun Yu. He seemed to… have suddenly understood what his uncle intended to say.
…
…
Jizhou, Ye City.
A most ordinary tavern.
Sima Yi entered through the main door and sat at a table.
“Waiter!”
With a shout, Sima Yi began tapping his fingers on the tabletop. After a moment, a running waiter hurried over.
“Sir? What would you like?”
“One jin of yellow wine, three liang of dog meat, three liang of mutton, and three liang of venison! The wine must be hot, and the meat cold! Wrap it up, I’m on my way!”
Sima Yi blurted out.
As soon as he finished speaking…
The waiter was startled, then quickly retorted, “Sir, that’s a lot, how many meals are you planning to have!”
“One meal today, one meal tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow, someone will host a banquet for me!” Sima Yi replied with narrowed eyes and a smile.
“Certainly…”
The waiter shouted and went to prepare. As he turned, he deliberately paused, as if waiting for something.
And at that moment, Sima Yi’s words followed.
— “Waiter, do you think it will rain today?”
As he asked, Sima Yi looked up at the sky…
The waiter’s eyes focused. He turned back and replied with a smile, “Not today, but tomorrow!”
With that, he darted towards the kitchen. Shortly, the provisions Sima Yi requested were ready. He embraced them all, generously left half a sack of copper coins, and left the tavern, heading off into the distance.
However, he led his horse, circled around the alley, and returned to the same tavern!
… This time, he went to the back door.
“Clang!”
“Clang clang! Clang!”
He knocked three times rhythmically…
A hoarse voice came from within.
— “The weather is hot, does the honored guest wish to try our clear tea?”
— “It is early morning, a bowl of plain congee will suffice, why the need for tea?”
Sima Yi replied without hesitation.
This was a code, specifically instructed by Chief Lu.
To ensure the safety and efficiency of the spies in various regions in gathering intelligence, Chief Lu had devised a series of complex “meeting codes.” With these, it was easy to distinguish between friend and foe!
As Sima Yi’s words fell…
With a “clang,” the back door of the tavern opened, and a man in black, wearing a hooded cloak, poked his head out. He scrutinized Sima Yi from head to toe and asked in a low voice.
“From the south?”
“Indeed!”
Upon hearing the affirmative reply, the hooded man looked around to confirm no one was nearby, then pulled Sima Yi into the tavern!
…
As Sima Yi had expected…
Beneath this seemingly unremarkable tavern, in the wine cellar, there was a secret door. Opening the secret door revealed a hidden chamber.
At this moment…
The tavern keeper led Sima Yi into it.
Sima Yi noticed that in the hidden chamber, five or six men were gathered around a table. Some wore scholar’s robes, some had the appearance of butchers, and one even hunched over, wearing a pimp's hat. Even more surprising, one man had a saber tucked at his waist, seemingly… local soldiers!
Sima Yi’s eyes narrowed slightly, and he mused to himself, these must be the spies Chief Lu had dispatched to Jizhou!
Indeed… it was as Sima Yi had predicted.
These men from all walks of life, with their diverse appearances, were all transmitting countless pieces of intelligence to Cao’s camp.
But…
The term “spies” was not entirely accurate!
Because these individuals, including the tavern keeper, had all received guidance from “Yin Lin” in earlier years. They had escaped from the most tumultuous Beihai Commandery during the Yellow Turban Rebellion, fleeing to the relatively peaceful Ye City in Jizhou.
Their fellow villagers had died in Beihai, while they, by chance… had survived.
Later, when they heard that Yin Lin was in Cao’s camp, they volunteered to provide intelligence from Ye City, Jizhou!
Counting carefully, it had been about two years, and they were all loyal and reliable individuals.
As for Sima Yi, he was clad in a black robe, a cloak, and a bamboo hat, appearing exceptionally mysterious.
He walked before everyone and cupped his hands.
“I am Sima Yi, a student of the Imperial Academy. Greetings, esteemed seniors.”
“You are Sima Zhongda, sent by Minister Lu? Is that correct?” the tavern keeper asked.
“Precisely.” Sima Yi nodded…
These people had no doubt. They had previously received letters from Lu Yu, informing them of the arrival of such a “guest.” Similarly, they also knew the “guest’s” mission.
Coupled with the perfect matching of the code, it ensured absolute certainty.
“Regarding the intelligence on Xu You and the Xu family, all that we have been able to gather is on the table. Young Master Sima, please examine it carefully. If you have any questions… we are all here and can answer them at any time!”
In this work of intelligence gathering, everyone was accustomed to cutting to the chase and avoiding unnecessary words.
They all knew why Minister Lu had sent Sima Yi, and they were willing to cooperate fully.
“Thank you.”
Sima Yi uttered softly and then unfolded a bamboo slip on the table.
This was a bamboo slip detailing Xu You’s early experiences. It turned out that fifteen years ago, in the first year of the Zhongping era… Xu You and the provincial governor of Jizhou, Wang Fen, had planned to raise an army under the pretext of guarding against the Black Mountain Bandits while Emperor Ling of Han was on his northern tour… intending to stage an uprising. However, Emperor Ling of Han ordered them to stand down and summoned him to court. Wang Fen, fearing, committed suicide… Xu You and others fled.
From then on, Xu You tightly clung to Yuan Shao’s leg and became a highly trusted member of Yuan Shao’s Ru’ying faction.
This intelligence was helpful for Sima Yi to understand Xu You’s character, but… it was not crucial.
Sima Yi put down the bamboo slip and then picked up another.
He quickly unfurled it…
As this bamboo slip was unfurled, Sima Yi’s eyes instantly narrowed, and his expression froze.
This bamboo slip was crucial, containing a wealth of information, such as some of the Xu family’s businesses and… their dealings!
“I never imagined that Xu You’s clansmen would dare to repeatedly embezzle the grain and provisions requisitioned by Yuan Shao, selling them to the common folk and clans, and lining their own pockets…”
Sima Yi exclaimed…
“Indeed.” This time, it was the burly soldier who spoke. “It appears to be Xu You’s clansmen engaging in such dealings, but without Xu You’s consent? Would these clansmen dare to act so brazenly!”
“For the past three years, the grain embezzled by the Xu family has amounted to no less than a hundred thousand shi! However… the Xu clansmen have always been cautious. If not for the lack of evidence, given the nature of the Ye City Magistrate Shen Pei, he would have already imprisoned the entire Xu family! Even so, Shen Pei and Xu You have deep-seated animosity. One disapproves, the other is arrogant and overbearing due to his merits, and the two have long been political rivals, mortal enemies!”
Gu</span> This…
Upon hearing this, Sima Yi’s eyes blinked repeatedly.
The intelligence on this bamboo slip, as well as the soldier’s words, seemed extremely important to him.
In fact… was this not precisely the “breakthrough” Sima Yi had been desperately seeking?
“Is there any way to infiltrate the Xu family… and have a chance to obtain their illicit accounts?” Sima Yi countered…
“Difficult…”
This time, not only the soldier shook his head, but almost everyone did.
As for the reason…
“To obtain the Xu family’s account books, one must inevitably enter the Xu family mansion!”
“And the Xu family never readily hires outside servants. The servants they hire must be mute and have physical disabilities. Otherwise… they absolutely will not employ them!”
As the soldier said this, the tavern keeper sighed, “Alas.”
He then added, “Logically, as Minister Lu has ordered, we would go through fire and water! But… but the Xu family’s conditions for hiring servants require them to be mute and have physical disabilities. We… we are willing but unable! Alas… alas…”
It seemed…
The tavern keeper felt quite ashamed for being unable to fulfill the task assigned by Lu Yu.
Speaking of which, Lu Yu’s relationship with them was more than just past guidance and life-saving grace.
Furthermore…
Lu Yu had made proper arrangements for their families. It could be said that their intelligence gathering in Jizhou was fraught with danger, yet their families lived in utmost peace and prosperity!
The common people in this era did not ask for much.
For this reason alone, these individuals were devoted to Lu Yu!
“This…”
Sima Yi’s eyes narrowed, and he frowned, falling into deep thought.
Mute? Physically disabled?
These were hard requirements. The key was that none of the people in this hidden chamber met these conditions. So… what should be done?
Wait…
Sima Yi suddenly thought of something. His eyes looked at his own legs. If… if his legs were broken? Would that not mean he was disabled?
And then… if he deliberately did not utter a single word, could he then pretend to be mute?
Sima Yi’s eyes suddenly emitted a ray of light.
However… this light flashed and disappeared.
The Book of Filial Piety states— “The body, hair, and skin are received from parents; they are not to be injured; this is the commencement of filial piety.”
Self-mutilation? This…
Upon thinking this.
Sima Yi’s brows furrowed even tighter. Only now did he realize that this mission could no longer be described as “not easy,” it was simply… nightmarish!
However, when he thought of Cheng Yu, Cheng Siming, and Yang Xiu, Yang Dezū, were the missions assigned to them by Chief Lu any easier?
Only by completing these missions could they become trusted by Chief Lu and have their families and households protected!
With this thought…
Sima Yi raised his eyes and said loudly.
— “To establish oneself in the Way, to achieve fame in later generations, and thus to bring honor to one’s parents—this is the completion of filial piety.”
— “If people with disabilities and mute people cannot do this, then let me, Sima Yi, do it. I have traveled a thousand miles to this place, and I will not rest until I achieve my goal!”
Huo…
Sima Yi’s words astonished everyone present.
They had never expected that this young gentleman sent by Minister Lu would possess such… such boldness!
Well done, Sima Yi!
…
…
Xu Du City, Office of the Minister of Agriculture.
Cao Cao had just put on his clean shoes, which were black with white soles, and gently stepped onto the wooden floor. Xun Yu followed behind him. After watching Cao Cao put on his shoes and socks, he spoke.
“Sikong Cao was suffering from extreme headache just now, and in his delirium… he uttered a name…”
“What name?”
Xun Yu did not conceal anything and spoke loudly, “Yu’er!”
Upon hearing this, Cao Cao’s expression froze.
Xun Yu continued to elaborate, “Yu’er, the ‘Yu’ from Lu Yu, the ‘er’ from son! I never imagined that Sikong Cao’s relationship with Minister Lu was…”
Hoo…
Cao Cao exhaled. He turned to look at Xun Yu. “As expected of ‘my Zifang’! Your perception is keen, and your insight is extraordinary. I was just wondering why you gave me that signal earlier. It turns out it was about this matter!”
Speaking of this, Cao Cao chuckled heartily.
Xun Yu was his close friend, his trusted confidant. Since this matter was bound to be revealed sooner or later, there was no need to hide it from Xun Yu.
Counting now…
Besides Jia Xu, Chen Gong, and Xu Chu, another person knew of this relationship!
Haha…
Cao Cao laughed as he sighed, “Just now, my head was splitting from the pain. All I thought about was the continuation of my great enterprise and a reliable heir. Therefore… in my desperation, I uttered the name ‘Yu’er,’ and I did not expect Duke Ling to notice.”
Xun Yu nodded. “I have heard that over twenty years ago… Sikong Cao encountered a beautiful woman in Dunqiu County, Puyang, and had a son with her. This child is likely Lu Yu… no, Cao Yu, right?”
“Indeed!” Cao Cao nodded, but did not speak further. At this moment, his mood was also unsettled. He was still contemplating and weighing whether to announce “Yu’er’s” identity to the world.
He seemed unable to make a decision for a long time…
However.
Xun Yu’s insight was extraordinarily sharp. He could see through Cao Cao’s thoughts at a glance.
“Sikong Cao, may I offer a word of advice?”
“When did Duke Ling become so hesitant?” Cao Cao waved his hand. “Duke Ling, you are my close friend, closer than brothers. Whatever you have to say, please speak freely!”
“Then… I shall boldly offer my counsel.” Xun Yu cupped his hands and said, “Lu Yu remains Lu Yu. At least, under the current circumstances, Lu Yu must not become ‘Cao Yu’!”
Huo…
As this meaningful sentence left his lips, Cao Cao’s eyes widened, and he stared blankly at Xun Yu. But Xun Yu’s eyes were exceptionally profound, filled with a different, intriguing depth.
“Why?” After a full ten breaths, Cao Cao finally spoke.
Xun Yu’s tone became even more serious, “Extraordinary individuals achieve extraordinary deeds; extraordinary deeds lead to extraordinary accomplishments!”
“Although Chen Lin’s proclamation has cured Sikong Cao’s headache, every word was like a knife, slandering Sikong Cao completely… The common people and gentry in various regions will not know the truth or falsehood, the reality or the fabrication in this proclamation. They will only follow the crowd and enumerate the matters, whether ‘true’ or ‘fictitious,’ of Sikong Cao. It can be said that Chen Lin’s excellent proclamation of rebellion has ruined Sikong Cao’s reputation throughout the realm! At such a dark moment… if… if…”
Speaking to this point, Xun Yu paused.
He took a deep breath and then continued.
“At such a dark moment, if Sikong Cao were to have an additional ‘scandal’ of an illegitimate son, and an additional… rumor of him forcefully pushing this ‘illegitimate son’ to be the ‘heir apparent,’ then… Chen Lin, with a flick of his brush, could write another proclamation, this time a ‘love scandal’ that the common people would eagerly read!”
“At that time, Sikong Cao’s reputation would not merely be tarnished, but completely ruined… Even Lu Yu, if he… if he were to inherit the position of heir apparent, would lose the support of the common people! The support of the gentry! The support of righteousness and propriety! The people’s hearts would be against him… This would be a chain reaction that affects the whole body… Therefore, even if I must die to advise you today, I absolutely cannot let Sikong Cao do such a foolish thing!”
Huo…
Xun Yu’s words completely enlightened Cao Cao. Cao Cao’s heart trembled a few times, and his eyes unconsciously narrowed even tighter.
Duke Ling Xun is right. A chain reaction affects the whole body… a chain reaction!
Initially… I, Cao Cao, thought too simply, too naively!
He thought that if father and son were to recognize each other now, it would at most not be a good time, and it would not cause too much trouble…
But after Xun Yu’s reminder, he realized that this was not a matter of timing at all. If they were truly to recognize each other, it would be— “Misfortunes never come singly,” “The dike is about to collapse,” “The great mansion is about to crumble!”
Hoo…
Cao Cao exhaled. He reached out and patted Xun Yu’s shoulder.
“Duke Ling Xun…”
“Every time I listen to you speak, it is like drinking aged fine wine, refreshing the heart and inspiring deep thought… making one intoxicated!”
With a single statement…
“Tap tap tap…” Footsteps sounded out…
Cao Cao made up his mind. His eyes widened, and he strode purposefully towards the main hall.
Xun Yu let out a long sigh and followed.
Just as Cao Cao said…
While his words made Cao Cao feel “intoxicated and refreshed,” was he himself not also “intoxicated and refreshed”…
Heh heh…
The reason why he, Xun Yu, chose Cao Cao!
Was it not because…
Because of his open-mindedness, his willingness to accept advice… because he could always listen to sound advice!
…
…