"Hidden Dragon? Does Xuan De refer to?" Cao Cao's eyes narrowed slightly...
"This is already a 'secret' known throughout the thirteen prefectures of the Han Dynasty. Does Cao Sikong still intend to conceal it?" Liu Bei replied with a smile...
Secret? Concealment?
Haha... Cao Cao immediately burst into laughter. What he had always concealed was not some secret of the Hidden Dragon in Cao's camp.
What he concealed was the Hidden Dragon, his son, Cao Cao's son!
Liu Bei, oh Liu Bei, this time you've only seen the second layer. There are still three more layers behind!
Watch slowly, savor slowly!
"Haha... Hahahaha..." Cao Cao roared with laughter, then retorted, "Xuan De asks if the Hidden Dragon is a hero? Then Xuan De must not know what a hero is?"
Speaking of this, Cao Cao's tone suddenly became serious. He sighed and said, "A true hero should have great ambitions, possess wise strategies, be able to understand the mysteries of the universe, and be able to control the opportunities of heaven and earth!"
"Cao Sikong speaks well." Liu Bei smiled and asked again, "With such high praise, I presume the Hidden Dragon still falls a little short..."
"No..." Cao Cao waved his hand, his tone even more certain. "The Hidden Dragon can be considered a hero. As for the reason, Xuan De, do not ask, and I will not tell..."
"And throughout the land, there are three heroes. Apart from the Hidden Dragon, they are only Lord Liu and myself!"
Liu Bei was tasting the delicious food with his chopsticks when these words reached his ears, and he was startled. How did the discussion suddenly turn to him, Liu Bei? And more importantly, Cao Cao actually considered him a hero!
What did this mean?
To equate him with Cao Cao and the Hidden Dragon, to say that one mountain cannot hold two tigers, let alone three tigers now. Would the first tiger to be eliminated be him?
Damn it, Liu Bei felt utter despair in his heart.
He had been keeping a low profile, digging in the dirt, and acting discreetly for a while, precisely for the sake of being low-key, low-key, and even lower-key, to make Cao Cao overlook him. Did all these days of farming go to waste?
Thinking of this, Liu Bei's hand couldn't help but tremble, and it trembled more and more violently. Inadvertently, his chopsticks fell to the ground.
The sound was not loud, but it immediately caught Cao Cao's attention.
Cao Cao's smile froze at that moment.
He narrowed his eyes, gazing at the chopsticks at Liu Bei's feet... a killing intent slowly gathered in his eyes.
Heh heh, it seems it's just as Yu'er predicted!
Is Liu Bei nervous? Has he understood Cao Cao's inner thoughts?
In that case... it seems Liu Bei's act of playing dumb and farming all this time was deliberately meant to be looked down upon. Such people are the most dangerous and must be eliminated quickly!
The atmosphere suddenly solidified!
Because this "Green Plum Brewed with Wine" meeting was at a different time, there were no thunderclaps or lightning in the sky...
Nor was there any "swift thunder and fierce wind, which is indeed significant!"
As Liu Bei reached for his chopsticks, his mood was collapsing. His peripheral vision caught a glimpse of Cao Cao's face, a face full of killing intent.
The momentum had completely gone off track!
Whether the Hidden Dragon was a hero was no longer important. What was important was... he, Liu Bei, was going to be doomed.
"Gulp."
Swallowing a mouthful of saliva, Liu Bei closed his eyes with a resolute expression... Just as he closed his eyes, a packet from Liu Bei's sleeve also fell to the ground. Was it Wu Shi San?
Liu Bei reacted extremely quickly...
In an instant, he thought of a solution. While picking up the chopsticks, he also picked up the Wu Shi San, and said with a fawning smile, "Alas, you almost made me lose this treasure. It truly startled me. Cao Sikong, look... this is a great treasure!"
A great treasure?
Cao Cao was in doubt when he saw Liu Bei place a packet of medicine on the table.
"What is this?" Cao Cao asked suspiciously...
Liu Bei then smiled and opened the packet, revealing the powder within. He didn't forget to take out a straw from his懷 and explained, "This is called Wu Shi San. After inhaling it, one feels as if they are floating like an immortal. To tell Cao Sikong the truth, I've been unable to quit since I first inhaled it. I feel uncomfortable if I don't inhale a few mouthfuls every day. In my opinion... being a hero is extremely boring. It's better to inhale a few mouthfuls of this. Haha, this treasure falling to the ground, it truly startled me?"
Hoo... Wu Shi San?
Cao Cao was skeptical, but Liu Bei directly inhaled the Wu Shi San in front of him.
After inhaling, he stopped speaking, stopped drinking wine, and sat there blankly.
A moment later, the drug's effects took hold...
Liu Bei actually unbuttoned his upper garment, which truly startled Cao Cao.
The usually gentle, refined, and polite Liu Bei, Liu Xuan De... had actually bared his upper body. Not only that, he began to take off his pants... and started to howl, to vent, as if he had completely let go.
He suddenly stood up, wearing only a pair of shorts...
Xu Chu stepped forward upon seeing this, but was stopped by Cao Cao.
Cao Cao wanted to see just how potent the effects of Wu Shi San were. What would it turn a benevolent and virtuous gentleman into?
Liu Bei's howling had already spread. He tilted his head towards the void, sighing continuously.
"Cao Sikong, actually... whether one is a hero or not is all nonsense. The world is empty. You and I are just illusions!"
"But, the question is? Where did we all come from? It's possible we all leaped out of stones!"
Speaking of this, Liu Bei spun around, completely intoxicated!
His words continued...
"Hahahahaha... I think the chicken came before the egg! No, no, without the egg, where would the chicken come from? Haha..."
"Is the sky round and the earth square? Nonsense... Cao Sikong, let me tell you, this world is all round! This world is a sphere, never square!"
Metaphysics...
Liu Bei's mouth began to chant metaphysical theories. He was like someone who had taken drugs in his previous life, lost in himself, as if he had fallen into a state of ecstatic intoxication all by himself!
This appearance completely stunned Cao Cao...
Cao Cao even suspected that this Liu Bei might be fake! Such a transformation made him incredulous!
Unexpectedly, Xu Chu, who was beside him, reminded him, "Cao Gong, looking at Liu Bei's appearance, it is somewhat similar to He Yan after inhaling Wu Shi San!"
Speaking of this, Xu Chu paused and added, "Exactly, identical!"
Heh...
This time, Cao Cao's suspicion greatly diminished. Looking at Liu Bei's solitary performance of "wushan yunyu" and his near-naked state, the killing intent in his eyes gradually dissipated.
Shaking his head, shaking his head repeatedly.
At this moment, Cao Cao felt he had overestimated Liu Bei?
A hero? Liu Bei? What a joke!
How could a hero turn into such a state, like a madman, naked, arbitrarily trampling on the dignity that scholars valued most...
For a moment, he even felt that Yu'er had overestimated Liu Bei. How could a person who truly embraced the universe, possessed wise strategies, and had great ambitions, consume such a poison as Wu Shi San? How could they fall into their own world, abandoning all ideals and aspirations?
"What a pity..." Seeing Liu Bei running out of the pavilion, completely in a state of madness, Cao Cao shook his head again. "I initially thought he was a formidable opponent, but in reality, he is just... heh heh... heh heh..."
Smiling faintly, Cao Cao waved his hand.
"Zhong Kang, open the mansion gate and let Liu Bei return. If he returns to his suburban residence in this state, then withdraw most of the spies. There is no point. Let him continue to degenerate in Xudu city!"
This...
Xu Chu's eyes rolled. "Then... if he walks out of Sikong's mansion and puts on his clothes again? And returns to his original appearance?"
Hoo...
Cao Cao's eyes narrowed.
"That would be simple, wouldn't it? A great fire could be lit in the plum forest tonight!"
At these words, Cao Cao suddenly stood up, not forgetting to cast a final glance at Liu Bei, Liu Xuan De, who was acting like a foolish imbecile, still struggling with whether the chicken came first or the egg came first!
Heh heh, such a self-willed opponent, and he, Cao Cao, actually considered him a hero!
Ridiculous, truly ridiculous!
...
...
Was Liu Bei faking it?
Yes! And no!
How terrifying Wu Shi San was, it was no less than later generations' "opium" or "poppy."
It is known that according to ancient texts and records, this "Wu Shi San," invented by the common people and further refined by He Yan, almost single-handedly buried the spirit of the Wei-Jin period decades later!
It made the literati of the entire Wei-Jin period immersed in the pleasures of this drug day and night, unable to extricate themselves...
It also caused more people to lose their motivation to strive.
It allowed confused people to temporarily escape reality, experiencing ecstatic visions, as if floating on clouds!
As Wu Shi San became popular and widespread, most of the Wei-Jin gentry lived their lives in a daze, swept along by the times, leaving behind only beautiful fantasies of "Wei-Jin" demeanor!
A drug can make an era hazy. From this, the terrifying nature of Wu Shi San can be seen!
Liu Bei was naturally unable to resist the medicinal properties of this "Wu Shi San," not to mention that he had consumed a very large dose!
But... similarly, to make Cao Cao relax, he had deliberately not suppressed this medicinal effect at all, fully releasing his natural desires.
All that arose in his mind was—continue the music, continue the dance... continue drinking, continue taking drugs!
His behavior became more and more bizarre... more and more incredible!
But in the end, he passed the test...
When Liu Bei reached the plum forest on the outskirts of the city, he was only covered by a thin layer of spruce, without even trousers... Even so, he was still roaring and howling!
"This world is round, the egg came first, then the chicken!"
Fortunately, it was night, and no one was peeking, otherwise... tomorrow, this would definitely become big "news" in Xudu city!
"Big Brother..."
"Big Brother..."
Seeing Liu Bei's state, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei rushed to meet him.
Zhang Fei was shouting and ready to fetch his Eighteen-Foot Serpent Spear.
"You are bullying me too much!"
He thought that his Big Brother Liu Bei, having gone through this, was being humiliated by Cao Cao.
Unexpectedly, Xu Chu reminded him, "General Zhang, why don't you ask your Big Brother first? We didn't take off his clothes. Your Big Brother's frenzied state is entirely his own doing. Farewell!"
Xu Chu beckoned, and the elite guards quickly departed...
Liu Bei, however, was still bellowing loudly, "Thank... thank Cao Sikong for the wine, good wine... good wine, let's continue brewing and drinking!"
"Big Brother..."
"Big Brother..."
Guan Yu and Zhang Fei said in unison.
Liu Bei's confused words continued.
"Where is the hoe? Give me the hoe, I want to go to the field, I want to farm... I want to make these green plums grow as tall as the heavens!"
Speechless...
Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were completely speechless.
...
...
In Xudu city, Sikong's mansion.
"How is it?"
Compared to Liu Bei's madness, Cao Cao appeared extremely calm. He stood with his hands behind his back in the main hall.
It seemed that he had stayed up all night just to wait for Xu Chu's return, wanting to hear accurate news about Liu Bei.
Xu Chu cupped his hands and said, "Liu Bei is still in a dazed state. After sending him back to the suburban plum forest, I deliberately lingered for a moment. He ignored the dissuasion of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, took another dose of Wu Shi San, and is still in the same frenzied state, speaking inexplicable words and doing inexplicable things!"
Hmm...
Hearing this, Cao Cao became curious and then asked, "What were his inexplicable actions?"
Originally, Cao Cao had already let go of his guard against Liu Bei...
He was no longer that interested in his life. In Cao Cao's opinion, he was far from a threat now, and keeping him confined in Xudu city would suffice. This way, it would not harm his reputation and would resolve this hidden danger!
But somehow, Yu'er's words echoed in his ears.
It seemed that in Yu'er's view, Liu Bei was a great threat!
Therefore, Cao Cao repeatedly inquired about Liu Bei's matters, ensuring that his judgment would not be mistaken.
"Cao Gong, after returning, Liu Bei picked up a hoe and went to the green plum field to plant green plums. He also began to cut leeks... saying that he had promised Cao Sikong that the first basket of leeks would be given to Cao Sikong!"
"Moreover, he was wearing only a thin garment. If Guan Yu and Zhang Fei hadn't forcibly dressed him, Liu Bei might have frozen to death that night."
Heh heh...
Hearing this, the corners of Cao Cao's mouth curled up, and he smiled faintly.
The moon cast its light upon his brows. In this cold season, he went to the fields to swing a hoe. He didn't know whether to say that Wu Shi San was too overbearing or that Liu Bei was too disappointing.
"Do as I originally said. Liu Bei is no longer worth deploying so many spies to watch." Cao Cao waved his hand. "Only a few spies should remain, and the rest should return to the School of Investigation!"
"Yes..." Xu Chu agreed and went to make arrangements...
Treading footsteps...
As Xu Chu's footsteps gradually receded.
Cao Cao slowly walked to the window, facing the void. At this moment... Liu Bei no longer ranked among the threats in his mind. In fact... Liu Bei's threat was far lower than that of Wu Shi San.
"Someone."
"Cao Sikong..."
"Make a copy of the conversation between me and Liu Bei during the Green Plum Brewed with Wine today and send it to Situ's mansion for Situ Lu to see..." Cao Cao immediately ordered. After giving this order, he hesitated for a moment and then continued to order:
"Also, have Ping Shu come to see me!"
He Yan, styled Ping Shu, usually lived in the pavilion of Madam Yin, Sikong's mansion, not far from here. Cao Cao had always doted on this mother and son...
Even according to ancient texts and records, he eventually married He Yan to his own daughter, Princess Jinxiang.
It is worth mentioning that Princess Jinxiang was born to Cao Cao and Madam Du. Cao Cao also adopted Qin Lang, Madam Du's son with Qin Yilu, as his adopted son!
In terms of relationship, it was that Cao Cao's Madam Yin and her "former husband's" son married Cao Cao's daughter, born to another woman, Madam Du, who was also "taken" from a "former husband"...
In short... in a word, the Cao family's relationships had become incredibly tangled.
However...
At this moment, Cao Cao was somewhat curious about Wu Shi San. What kind of drug was this that could have such terrifying effects?
Did this son of Madam Yin and her former husband have such capabilities?
...
...
In Situ's mansion, a courtyard with a plaque that read "Small Bridge Flowing Water" was exceptionally clear...
Literally, there was a small bridge flowing in the water!
Lu Yu had already gone to bed, but... the problem was that Cao Cao had sent an army of tigers late at night to deliver a scroll of "sayings," and even said that this was the conversation between him, Cao Cao, and Liu Bei during "Green Plum Brewed with Wine"...
Hiss... this...
If it were anything else, Lu Yu would have put it off until tomorrow.
But... concerning Liu Bei, concerning Green Plum Brewed with Wine, Lu Yu's eyes kept jumping, both his left and right eyes were jumping. Who knew what omen this was!
Glancing at Xiao Qiao beside him on the bed, she was sleeping soundly. So... Lu Yu gently shifted her head, withdrew his arm, and was about to get dressed...
It seemed he made too much noise. Xiao Qiao let out a soft moan, as if murmuring in her dream, "Husband, you... you're pressing on my hair!"
Uh...
This sentence was very strange.
And... Lu Yu remembered that whether it was Da Qiao or Xiao Qiao, under certain circumstances... they appeared with unusual frequency.
As expected, a woman's hair is her lifelong enemy!
"Cough cough..."
Clearing his throat softly, Lu Yu walked out of the pavilion.
Xu Chu had been waiting outside the courtyard and handed the "sayings" of Green Plum Brewed with Wine to Lu Yu...
"Cao Sikong met Liu Bei tonight?"
Lu Yu couldn't help but ask.
Xu Chu nodded. "That's right. Liu Bei just returned. However... it seems that after this meeting, Cao Sikong is not as hostile towards him."
This...
Immediately, Lu Yu felt a sense of foreboding. According to the historical development of Green Plum Brewed with Wine, Liu Bei would escape...
This was also the biggest mistake Cao Cao made in his life, the most serious misjudgment.
But...
Damn it, there was no thunder today?
As the saying goes: When the words of sages encounter swift thunder and storms, people begin to change their expressions...
But today, Liu Bei couldn't change!
How would he conceal the panic in his heart?
A series of questions arose. Lu Yu beckoned Xu Chu to come to the study together, and he carefully read through the dialogue of Old Cao and Liu Bei's "Green Plum Brewed with Wine"...
When he saw the discussion about the heroes of the world, Lu Yu skimmed over it. This was damn unimportant!
But when he saw "Wu Shi San," and saw Liu Bei acting as if he were possessed, going mad, his eyes narrowed. This scene was so familiar!
In the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Di escaped by feigning madness, didn't he?
And then... there was the predictable counter-attack!
At once, Lu Yu's brows furrowed into an inverted 'eight.' He felt that Liu Bei's current appearance was very similar to that of Zhu Di!
"General Xu, tonight... you must gather all the elite guards and pay close attention to Xudu city and its surroundings! Especially Liu Bei... Liu Xuan De!"
This...
Xu Chu scratched his head. "But Cao Sikong ordered the withdrawal of many spies in the suburban plum forest!"
"The spies can be withdrawn, but the guards cannot be broken. At least tonight, the plum forest must be guarded, so that no one can slip out." Lu Yu's tone was exceptionally serious.
Speaking of this, he didn't forget to instruct Dian Wei.
"Captain Dian, also send someone to inform Zhang Liao, Zhang Wenyuan. Your three hundred Bingzhou Wolf Cavalry should also secretly guard the suburban plum forest tonight. I have a feeling something is about to happen!"
"Yes!"
Dian Wei and Xu Chu exchanged glances, agreed, and quickly went to make arrangements.
Lu Yu, with his fingers tapping on the table, kept stirring. He always felt that... Liu Bei would make some moves after this "Green Plum Brewed with Wine"!
But what kind of moves would they be?
He couldn't guess. The most urgent thing was to surround the plum forest and prevent Liu Bei from flying away, even with wings!
...
...
In the plum forest on the outskirts of Xudu city.
"Big Brother, Big Brother... stop cutting leeks. It's already the third watch, aren't you going to sleep?"
Zhang Fei was completely speechless. He wanted to die...
Looking at his Big Brother's frenzied state, cutting leeks in the middle of the night, acting like a complete madman, he felt like he had been hit by a ghost.
Guan Yu's expression was stern. Even at this moment, he still chose to believe his Big Brother!
Precisely...
As Zhang Fei's words fell.
The originally frenzied Liu Bei suddenly stopped. He stopped the hand that was wielding the sickle.
He squatted down, raised his head, and looked at the sky.
He softly chanted: "Is it already the third watch?"
Immediately, his eyes lit up, and his entire demeanor changed from the previous dejection. He mustered twelve points of spirit.
"Second Brother, Third Brother!"
His suddenly stern voice made Guan Yu and Zhang Fei freeze.
But... immediately following, Liu Bei's words came out in succession.
Very low, very soft, but every word was extremely resolute, extremely certain!
"Tonight, we brothers!"
"A tiger enters the forest, a dragon enters the sea!"
...
...