“Mr. Xu, in your opinion, if there is a way to ensure Sun Ce, this sharp vanguard, ‘fails before he sets out,’ then these five armies would be half-crippled.” Lu Yu asked boldly.
Xu Shu’s answer was as expected. “Not half-crippled, but all of them.”
He pointed at the map and began to explain.
“The reason I designed Liu Bei’s escape route to Xiapi City in Xuzhou was so that it could echo Sun Ce’s northward advance. If Guangling City were to fall, Xuzhou would undoubtedly become a breach. With the bravery of Sun Ce and the youths of Jiangdong, combined with the valor of Liu, Guan, and Zhang, they might very well take Xuzhou in one go. If that were to happen, Cao’s army would be forced to dispatch a large number of troops to defend the Xuzhou direction!”
“But once troops are divided, the defense lines in Guanzhong and Jingzhou would inevitably be contracted, and defensive strength would be tightened. This would create a situation where ‘Cao’s army’s momentum is lost.’ Neither Liu Biao nor Han Sui and Ma Teng would miss such a heaven-sent opportunity. The pressure from the southern and western borders would suddenly increase.”
Having spoken thus far, Xu Shu paused and then pointed to the northern border.
“This way, Cao’s army would have to transfer its northern defenses to compensate for the gaps in the southern and western lines, and this is precisely the opportunity that Yuan Shao’s army of three hundred thousand men is waiting for!”
“Even if this Yuan Shao is indecisive! How could he not understand such a clear and obvious situation? Coupled with the so-called ‘Hidden Dragon’ threat theory, Ju Shou, Tian Feng, Guo Tu, and Feng Ji would inevitably work together on this matter. In this way… almost every defensive line would be precarious for Cao’s army, and defeat would be certain! And the most crucial part of this plan is the route of Sun Ce, this ‘sharp vanguard,’ as mentioned by Situ Lu. This route is the eye of victory or defeat for the five armies attacking Cao!”
It was fortunate that someone had laid out this plan. Otherwise… Even Lu Yu might not have been able to fully grasp this path. However… it was actually quite alright. Everything Xu Shu had calculated was based on a major premise: that Sun Ce could successfully capture Guangling City and rendezvous with Liu Bei in Xuzhou!
And the piece that Lu Yu had specifically placed in Guangling City, Chen Deng, was the biggest variable! Now, it was even more direct, striking at the most vulnerable point. The person who had devised this plan had now laid out the detailed strategy in a compelling manner. Lu Yu had a great deal of room to maneuver.
“Mr. Xu, I know what to do…” Lu Yu’s words were quite firm, as if he had suddenly become full of confidence.
Xu Shu saw through Lu Yu’s thoughts at a glance. “When I devised this plan, I considered that Sun Ce of Jiangdong was the only breakthrough point, and also the only weakness. But he is highly skilled in martial arts, and it is not easy to make him ‘fail before he sets out.’”
Haha…
Xu Shu said this quite seriously. The key to the plan lay here, and the key to breaking it also lay here. Who would have thought that upon hearing this, Lu Yu would burst into hearty laughter? He patted Xu Shu on the shoulder.
“Mr. Xu, you just set the strategy. As for the execution, leave it to me, Lu Yu. Isn’t it just Sun Ce? Within ten days, he will be heavily wounded by someone, confined to his bed, and nearly killed by an assassin!”
Assassin? Confined to his bed? Lu Yu’s words made Xu Shu pause slightly. Such bold words! The Little Conqueror Sun Bofu was highly skilled in martial arts; how could he be so easily brought down by an assassin? Moreover, in Jiangdong, who could assassinate him? Which faction would dare to assassinate him? This was simply unbelievable.
Seeing Xu Shu’s doubts, Lu Yu smiled again. “Mr. Xu, just you wait and see… we shall wait and see!”
With these few words, the most important “sharp vanguard” of Jiangdong was put aside… Lu Yu’s eyes flashed again, and he pointed to the northern and Jingzhou directions on the map. He had a smiling demeanor.
“As for Liu Biao and Yuan Shao… they are still their usual ‘old schemer’ selves! Heh, if they are hesitant and waiting for the ‘sharp vanguard’ to charge forward, then let the Dragon Cavalry also send them a surprise!”
Lu Yu’s finger lightly swept across Jingzhou, then Bingzhou, and finally stopped at Yanmen and Youzhou in the direction of Wangjing.
“Yuan Shao is actually very easy to fool. You just need to constantly make him choose. The more he chooses, the more confused his mind becomes. The more he chooses, the more his officials and generals will fall apart, take sides, and act for their own benefit!”
Speaking of which… Lu Yu thought of the seemingly powerful but actually paper-tiger counselor team under Yuan Shao, Yuan Benchu, as recorded in ancient texts. There were also the two major factions: the Ru Ying gentry families and the Ji Province talents! The former had more prominent family backgrounds, while the latter had more outstanding abilities. Along the way… the two sides inevitably had some friction, but with Yuan’s camp advancing triumphantly, and under victory, the two sides were still outwardly respectful and did not need to fight to the death. It was precisely on a critical choice that the two sides bore grudges and fell apart! And that critical choice was – welcoming the Son of Heaven! Perhaps, if there had been no external pressure, they could have remained outwardly harmonious. But Cao Cao had taken the lead in welcoming the Son of Heaven and seized the initiative. This also exacerbated the breakdown of relations between the Ru Ying gentry families and the Ji Province talents under Yuan Shao. The current peace was a mere illusion… it was because, like the four northern provinces, they had progressed too smoothly and too comfortably. What Lu Yu intended to do was to make Yuan’s camp less comfortable… to scatter choices throughout Yuan’s camp? To make these choices cause these two factions of advisors to abandon their previous tacit understanding and only leave the mutually exclusive pursuit of power!
With this thought, Lu Yu’s mouth curved into a confident smile. If before, he had only a sixty percent chance of breaking this situation, then… today, with Xu Shu’s words, he had a ninety-nine percent chance!
“Where is Commander Dian?” With an order… Dian Wei, who was guarding outside the door, quickly entered.
Lu Yu immediately instructed, “Summon Commander Cheng, Uncle Liu, General Cao Wenlie, General Zhang Wenyuan, and General Huang Hansheng to see me at once!”
“Yes!” With an order, Dian Wei reminded him, “Young Master Lu, General Cao Anmin of the Scout Camp is still locked up in prison!”
“Release him…” Lu Yu lightly tapped his forehead, having forgotten this matter. Speaking of which, after the Yue Dan Ping, he had remembered it once, but… he heard that Cao Anmin did not cry or make trouble in prison, ate several large bowls of rice per meal, and was also studying ‘The Art of War’ behind closed doors. So, Lu Yu decided to keep him locked up for a few more days, to let him work hard! Now it was time to use him!
“Yes!” Dian Wei responded again and went to arrange it.
…
…
As dawn broke, Xu Du City had a somewhat overcast and rainy feel today. In the sleeping quarters of the Situ Mansion, Xiahou Dun entered. He was one of the few cousins who could enter Cao Cao’s bedroom without prior announcement, and one of the few who knew the truth behind “Cao Cao’s habit of killing in his dreams!”
Upon entering, Cao Cao immediately woke up. Xiahou Dun wasted no pleasantries and slowly unfurled several scrolls before Cao Cao.
The first depicted the scene of Xu Shu meeting Liu Bei in the plum grove! The second depicted the eunuch Leng Shouguang of Changqiu Palace disguised as a vegetable farmer meeting Liu Bei in the plum grove. The third depicted the scene of Xu Shu and Leng Shouguang meeting in a vegetable garden and whispering.
Xiahou Dun said in a low voice, “My elder brother asked me to investigate, and everything has been clarified. Only this person… has contact with the Han court and Liu Xuande.”
“Who is he?” Xiahou Dun truthfully replied, “He is from Yingchuan, originally named Xu Fu, later changed his name to Xu Shu, courtesy name Wenruo. According to investigations, he is closely related to Lord Xun!”
Oh… Cao Cao nodded slightly, stroking these paintings, a coldness emanating from his eyes. “Continue to investigate. Who has Xu Shu met with these past few days? Where is he now? I want to know everything!”
“Understood.” Xiahou Dun solemnly agreed.
Just then… Xiahou Lian hurried over. He was Xiahou Dun’s younger brother and also someone Cao Cao trusted. However, he did not dare to enter Cao Cao’s bedroom and waited outside the door.
“Commander Cao, Elder Brother, just now… Xu Shu was found!”
Upon hearing the words “Xu Shu was found”!
“Come in!” Cao Cao immediately commanded… Xiahou Lian then entered Cao Cao’s bedroom.
Cao Cao eagerly asked, “Where is Xu Shu? Why wasn’t he captured?”
“No… no, because he… he is in the Situ Mansion!” Xiahou Lian answered this sentence with some nervousness, as Xu Shu being in the Situ Mansion was a very sensitive matter. “Today, this Xu Shu hurriedly returned from outside the city, first returning to Xu Family Village by the Ying River, and then… then he went to the Ministry of Personnel to visit Lord Xun, and then… then the two of them went to the Situ Mansion together!”
Situ Mansion? Cao Cao snapped back to reality. He remembered that just now, while talking with Yu’er, Lord Xun had sent a message saying… he had brought someone who could break the current situation! This person… this person was Xu Shu, Xu Yuanzhi, who had devised this plan? This… Cao Cao’s eyes narrowed. He was a little puzzled? If Xu Shu had devised this plan, then why… did he return to visit Lord Xun, and visit Lu Yu? It couldn’t be that he wanted to personally unravel the plan he had devised, could it?
Seeing his demeanor, Xiahou Dun, afraid that his elder brother might suspect Lu Yu, quickly said, “Elder Brother, my second brother… he absolutely would not…” He intended to say that he would absolutely not collude with this Xu Shu. But before the words left his mouth, Cao Cao waved his hand directly. “I know, compared to you, I trust Lu Yu more!”
With this in mind, Cao Cao immediately gave an order.
“Where is Zhongkang?”
“I am here!” Xu Chu also entered.
Cao Cao instructed, “You and Yuan Rang go together to investigate. I want to know what Xu Shu has experienced, where he came back from, whom he met in Xu Family Village, and why after leaving Xu Family Village, he went to the Ministry of Personnel and then to the Situ Mansion!”
“Yes!” Xu Chu agreed and was about to go investigate.
“Come back…” Cao Cao called out again. “Investigate secretly, don’t let Situ Lu know!”
“Understood.” Xu Chu, knowing the great importance of the matter, exchanged glances with Xiahou Dun and quickly departed.
Only Cao Cao remained. His eyes were narrowed, and he increasingly could not figure out what had happened in the meantime. The more he thought about it, the more his head ached. This was his migraine since childhood! And Cao Cao’s method of dealing with it was very direct…
“Cold water, get cold water!”
…
Valley </span>…
Xuzhou, under Guangling City!
At first glance, Sun Ce’s northward attack on Guangling City was an urgent report, but for Chen Deng, the Jiangdong army’s northward assault on Guangling City was like eating and sleeping, he was used to it. Ever since Sun Ce’s defeat in Lujiang, Sun Ce had ordered his younger brother Sun Quan to focus all his efforts on attacking Guangling City from the north. It seemed that he wanted to wash away the shame of Lujiang from here. To this end, Sun Ce had dispatched ten times the number of troops as the defenders, all to escort his second brother. On the battlements of Guangling City, one could always see the banners and armor of the Sun family covering the river! The momentum was immense… The current situation was even more imminent!
Whoosh… At this moment, Chen Deng was standing on the city walls of Guangling City. He knew that what was before him now was merely a small test of strength by the Jiangdong army, it was Sun Quan’s contingent, Sun Ce’s main army had not yet arrived. If their brothers joined forces, even the most fortified Guangling City would not be able to withstand it. What was most terrifying was that Chen Deng’s civil and military officials had already begun to show fear. After all, Xiapi City next door had already been captured by Liu Bei, and with the Jiangdong army marching north again, Guangling City had become an isolated city. Without reinforcements, how could it withstand the enemy’s attack?
“Governor Chen, why don’t we… retreat and head north to Donghai Commandery? That place is adjacent to Yanzhou and Yuzhou… only then can our reinforcements arrive! Otherwise, facing the enemy by water and land, the pressure is too great!”
“No!” Chen Deng’s tone was exceptionally firm. He said with absolute certainty, “I, Chen Deng, will never be a deserter!”
When speaking of not being a deserter… Chen Deng thought of how, in the past, he and his father had surrendered the city and helped Commander Cao capture Xiapi and Guangling two cities. Naturally… they, the Chen father and son, had made great contributions! Many people suggested that Commander Cao grant them high official positions and let them serve in the imperial court; however, some people believed that they, the Chen father and son, were two-faced and untrustworthy, and should not be granted high official positions or military power. And at this very moment… it was Lu Yu, the commander of the Dragon Cavalry, who stepped forward and proposed that not only should the Chen father and son be granted high official positions and generous treatment, but they should also be entrusted with important responsibilities, handing over the entire political and military power of Xuzhou to the Chen father and son. It was precisely because of Lu Yu’s such resolve that Cao Cao had overruled the objections and made the father and son, Chen Gui and Chen Deng, the Governor of Xuzhou, the Prefect of Xiapi, and the Prefect of Guangling, controlling the military power of a province. Lu Yu’s favor towards the Chen father and son was undoubtedly a recommendation and a promotion! One must know… The Han dynasty had a special political ecology, which was the famous “dual monarchy system!” What was called the “dual monarchy system” was that for the scholars and officials of the Han Dynasty, they actually generally had two objects of loyalty like monarchs. One was, of course, the Emperor of the Han Dynasty, which needs no further explanation. But the other was the person who recommended oneself! The Han Dynasty used the system of recommendation for selecting officials, so… whoever recommended you to be an official, that person would naturally be your great benefactor. The recommender was even a symbol of authority similar to a monarch, parent, or teacher for the recommended! Therefore… Chen Deng was almost grateful to Lu Yu. His ability to become the prefect and governor of his hometown and be entrusted with important responsibilities in Cao’s camp was certainly due to his own efforts, but more so to Lu Yu’s recommendation. It was precisely for this reason that when Lu Yu left Xuzhou in the past, the words he left for Chen Deng were always remembered in his heart.
“Guangling City is a city that Jiangdong must fight for. Once something happens, the situation in Xuzhou, and even in the Central Plains, will plummet rapidly, which is of great importance! Mr. Xu, you must hold Guangling City firmly.”
At this very moment… these words, every character, still echoed in Chen Deng’s ears! Guangling City must be defended… The person is in the tower… no, the person is in the city! With this thought in mind! With a “swoosh,” Chen Deng drew his saber. “At this critical juncture, you should be thinking about how to repel the enemy? How to defend Guangling City! Not to be cowardly!”
“Today I, Chen Deng, declare that there can be no deserters in Guangling City. If anyone has the intention to escape, if anyone attempts to flee through the gates, the defending generals may kill them directly. I will also report to Situ Lu, and the entire clan will be implicated!”
“If you all are of one mind with me, and join hands to resist the enemy and defend Guangling City, then on the day of victory, I will report to Commander Cao to promote you all and bring honor to your ancestors! Today, I, Chen Deng, declare this, and I will do as I say!”
Chen Deng was the type of person who was ruthless and didn’t say much. Moreover, in Xuzhou, he enjoyed prestige among the common people and the soldiers. Therefore, when he said this, those who had the intention to escape lowered their heads and retreated silently.
“Defend, defend, defend!” Countless armored soldiers shouted in unison… After a long time, this sound finally subsided.
“Whoosh…” At this moment, Chen Deng finally let out a long sigh, but he still clenched his teeth and clenched his fists.
“Where are the generals of each camp?”
“I am here!”
“According to the original plan!” Chen Deng raised his voice. “Tonight, we break the enemy! We capture that Sun family’s dark-eyed brat alive!”
“Yes!”
“Tell the soldiers that this plan was not created by me, Chen Deng, but was the last words from a strategist’s pouch left by Situ Lu when he departed! If the generals follow the plan, they will surely achieve a great victory in this battle and capture that Sun Er Lang alive! Heh heh, I have already written the victory report for you all!”
Chen Deng’s words continued! Strangely, upon hearing that it was Lu Yu’s strategy, all the defenders felt infinite hope! Even if they faced an enemy ten times their size? Even if the situation was not optimistic. But… the Hidden Dragon… or rather, the name of Lu Yu, the commander of the Dragon Cavalry, was still quite renowned. He had left many strategist’s pouches and plans, and it seemed he had never made a mistake. Even when facing Sun Bofu of the Sun family in Jiangdong, the battle of Lujiang was enough to prove the point! The present Xuzhou City had already spread legends about him, his plans were always to use small to defeat large, to attack the enemy’s mind, and when he acted, it was astonishing!
“Kill, kill, kill!”
“Kill! Kill! Kill!” Countless defenders shouted again… Seeing the morale of the defenders soar, Chen Deng’s mouth curved slightly, and he finally showed a smile. Heh heh, only he knew that this was not some clever plan from Lu Yu’s strategist’s pouch! It was clearly… it was something he, Chen Deng, had come up with himself. However… with a little packaging, using Lu Yu’s name, the effect was quite good, wasn’t it? The morale of the Guangling City defenders had indeed risen! Heh heh, this was like leeks, if you don’t cut them, you’re a fool for not doing so!
…
…
Jiangdong, Wujun, in a wine shop.
Still in the familiar private room… still the familiar Lu Xun and Lu Ji. The only difference was that a middle-aged man wearing a bamboo hat had joined them. And in yesterday’s negotiations with the remaining forces of Yan Baihu, Xu Gong… this middle-aged man had debated with everyone, leaving these physically strong but simple-minded leaders stunned. Lu Xun and Lu Ji exclaimed… that the older the ginger, the spicier it is! Chen Gong, Chen Gongtai, lived up to his reputation as a prominent figure in the Central Plains. This time… my brother sent him here, and the situation immediately opened up!
“Have you considered it? Your time is running out.” Chen Gong’s words came out, still low and hoarse, conveying infinite mystery. And the reason for his unshakeable confidence was that he had calculated that these guys were running out of food! They were like a mother with milk now!
This… The leaders before him frowned, clearly… they felt great pressure negotiating with Chen Gong. They exchanged glances… Finally, they announced loudly.
— “Deal!”
— “Sun Ce will lead the army north to support Sun Quan via water and land the day after tomorrow. According to custom, he will lead a group of warriors to hunt in the suburbs of Wujun City tomorrow. At that time, we will make our move!”
— “After the move, we hope that the promised grain will be delivered in a timely manner!”
“Naturally!” Chen Gong nodded slightly, his voice still low and hoarse. “Please remember, do not expose our identities! Otherwise, there will be no grain at all!”
— “Naturally!” A leader patted his chest. “I was originally a retainer of Mr. Xu Gong, and I have long wanted to kill Sun Ce to avenge Mr. Xu! Tomorrow’s assassination, the world will only know that Xu Gong’s three retainers did it, and no one will know that this matter is related to the Lu family!”
— “We will have more cooperation with the Lu family in the future, and exchange goods!”
Hearing this… Chen Gong chuckled, “Of course, of course!”
…
…