"Lu Situ! Esteemed sirs…"
"The Han court is in decline, but in reality, any single amongst the Three Tribes would be able to easily defeat them! Yet why is it that for so many years, Liao West, Bing Province, Ji Province, and You Province have remained on the defensive?"
"Also… back in the 'Emperor Ming's era', it was we, the Great Han, who marched north against the Xiongnu and restored the glory of the Western Regions. But why did the Xiongnu split into three, and upon their return, for so many years, it has been the barbarians who launch attacks and raids on the Han borders, while our Great Han is perpetually in a defensive posture, rarely launching offensives? Why is this?"
Yan Rou posed a question.
This was a profound question… a macro-level issue concerning the "Three Tribes."
Lu Yu, knowing the answer, raised his hand and pointed at Yang Xiu.
"Dezu, you are well-read. Please answer Situ Yan's question!"
"This student humbly attempts to answer," Yang Xiu did not hesitate, quickly rising and cupping his fists. "Ultimately, it boils down to vested interests. As the saying goes, 'no profit, no early rise,' and 'the world bustles, all for profit!'"
"The barbarians live by nomadic herding. Every male in their tribes is a warrior from a young age. When they march, they require no provisions. Wherever their horses go, that becomes their pasture. Wherever they raid, that becomes their home."
"But the Han is different. Even a single feudal lord dispatching tens of thousands of troops to guard the border requires a continuous supply of grain. Take Yuan Shao, for instance. He needs to extend supply lines from Ji Province to Yanmen in Bing Province. Not to mention the immense manpower required, but if the barbarians successfully raid even once, they earn more than a year's hard work, with no downside."
"But… the Han cannot. The lands beyond the passes cannot be cultivated. Even if we conquer them, what then? We still need to station troops, consume grain from the Central Plains. This means even if we win and annihilate the Three Tribes, it would still be a significant loss. This is why, in the past, the Marquis of Wei Qing and the Marquis of Huo Qu Bing drove the barbarians out of the Western Regions and slaughtered the Xiongnu royal court, yet within a few years, these barbarians resurfaced!"
"For the Great Han against the barbarians, victory is defeat, and defeat is still defeat! The Han is like a wealthy landowner, and the barbarians are like beggars. If a beggar raids a landowner once, they can live comfortably for many years. But what good comes from the landowner killing the beggar and taking the beggar's dilapidated shack? Nothing but wasted effort!"
Yang Xiu spoke at length, his expression filled with helplessness.
This was why he had initially not supported Lu Bu getting involved in the "troublesome" affairs of the Three Tribes.
It wasn't a matter of not caring, but a matter of inability to manage it, as it only led to pointless consumption without any value.
Indeed…
The lands beyond the passes held no value. This was a significant problem.
The solutions were, at best, two: either change the climate, or change the soil.
However, clearly, the current agricultural technology was incapable of achieving this!
Drought resistance was still limited, and the crops that could be grown in deserts and in Liaodong and Liaoxi were too few. Even though the Great Han had begun cultivating winter wheat, the frost-free period in the deserts was too short. Liaodong was a vast expanse of primeval forest, mostly swamp, unsuitable for cultivation. For an agricultural nation, managing such lands was unprofitable.
If a place only incurred expenses with no output, it would eventually be abandoned.
Thinking this, Lu Yu nodded, his gaze returning to Yan Rou.
"Ultimately, it is because the desert lands are unsuitable for agriculture. Those lands hold no value for the Great Han. Even if the barbarians are driven away, what then? They will return sooner or later, and the lands beyond the passes will always be a burden. Even if we defeat them a hundred times, two hundred times, as long as these 'spoils of war' – the lands – are useless, it will not deter the barbarians from returning, merely under a different name."
Speaking to this point, Lu Yu also sighed.
According to ancient texts, dating back to the pre-Qin era, in the desert regions, there were the Hu people, then the Xiongnu, followed by the Xianbei, Wuhuan, Turkic peoples, Khitans, Jurchens, Mongols, Oirats, and Tatars, a cycle of continuous, unending waves. Regardless of who dominated the Central Plains, it seemed there was no end.
However, to utilize the desert lands and enable them to yield crops was beyond the current capabilities.
People said that travelers in ancient times brought three treasures – potatoes, corn, and sweet potatoes!
But alas, Lu Yu had transmigrated, yet had not awakened any system that could conjure potatoes, corn, or sweet potatoes. If these could be cultivated in the desert, it would perfectly solve this problem, allowing Chen Gong to utilize these lands.
But…
He would have to wait for the introduction of these three treasures.
Lu Yu could only scoff.
Sweet potatoes aside, they wouldn't survive in the desert. Potatoes wouldn't appear until the sixteenth century, and corn not until the end of the Ming dynasty. By then, over a thousand years would have passed, and a forest could have grown atop Lu Yu's grave.
However…
Since Yan Rou had raised this question, he must have an answer. Lu Yu never dared to underestimate the wisdom of the ancients.
A breath…
At this moment… Lu Yu could clearly see Zhao Yun let out a long sigh.
It seemed…
After hearing this discourse, his understanding of annihilating the Three Tribes had taken a new turn.
Yes, even if he replicated the past glory of the Marquis of Huo Qu Bing marching north against the Xiongnu and performing the Fenglangjuxu ceremony, what of it?
The desert was still the desert, and the barbarian lands were ultimately not Han territory!
"Zilong, do not grieve for now," Lu Yu consoled him, then turned his gaze back to Yan Rou. "Situ Yan, you have resided in the barbarian lands for many years? Do you have any good strategies?"
"I dare not claim them as good strategies!" Yan Rou seemed prepared, immediately responding, "But… if we are to annihilate the Three Tribes, we must first dismantle them from within. The barbarians are martial and equally prone to conflict. And whether it be the Xianbei, the Southern Xiongnu, or the Wuhuan, they have numerous tribes. These tribes… will even fight over a lake, a water source, or some cattle and horses!"
"These past years, I have personally witnessed many such incidents in the barbarian lands. Even a few hundred bolts of silk could cause two tribes to engage in a bloody conflict. Therefore… I think…"
Yan Rou did not finish his sentence…
But Lu Yu understood instantly. Yan Rou's intention was to dismantle the barbarians from within, to incite internal strife and mutual attrition!
Of course, the idea was excellent, but… its execution was not simple.
Lu Yu continued, "Please, continue. What about those tens of thousands of barbarian horses?"
"The barbarian horses are the second issue," Yan Rou continued. "The Three Tribes have learned from past experiences and reached a consensus: they will not sell horses to the Han. In the northern regions, apart from the Zhen family of Zhongshan Wuji, no other merchant can acquire horses from the barbarians. And the Zhen family… it seems they have some agreement with the barbarian chieftain Zhen Yi!"
"However, just a few years ago, due to Zhen Yi's passing, even the Zhen family found it difficult to trade for horses… Therefore, the second crucial point in resolving the issue of the Three Tribes is the horses. We must find a way to resume the horse trade with the barbarians, otherwise… even if the barbarian factions eventually disintegrate, the Great Han cannot possibly campaign in the barbarian lands without barbarian horses!"
Lu Yu keenly noticed that Yan Rou referred to "barbarian horses," not just "horses"!
It was important to note that barbarian horses and regular horses were entirely different mounts. Barbarian horses could be understood as the Mongolian horses of later eras. These horses were small and unremarkable in appearance, with large heads and short necks…
In summary, they were extremely ugly, so ugly that their own mothers wouldn't recognize them!
Moreover… their sprinting power was generally average!
Yet, they possessed exceptionally strong combat capabilities. The hooves they raised could shatter the skull of a wolf.
What was even more terrifying was their incredible endurance. They were not afraid of the cold, did not require high-quality fodder, and could adapt to harsh supply conditions.
Even… their tenacity was so strong that if a rider ran out of food, they could cut the horse to drink its blood for sustenance. The horse would be completely fine, carrying on with its work, running as usual, completely unaffected!
In essence, for long-distance campaigns…
These "barbarian horses" completely outperformed the Xiliang warhorses!
Yan Rou's meaning was clear: if the Great Han were to eventually sweep across the desert and incorporate it into its territory, then these barbarian horses would be indispensable.
With this in mind, Lu Yu's eyes darted, and he immediately asked, "Situ Yan has raised so many issues, but surely you must have a solution, right? While these barbarian horses are excellent, how can we acquire them for ourselves?"
"Two points…" Yan Rou continued, "The Zhen family and the Five-Stone Powder!"
Speaking to this…
Lu Yu was slightly taken aback. It wasn't about the Zhen family, but… Five-Stone Powder? Could this substance… be exchanged for horses?
Before he could ask…
Yan Rou explained in detail, "Let's speak of the Zhen family first. Currently… the only ones with the opportunity to establish trade with the Three Tribes is the Zhen family of Zhongshan Wuji. Apart from them, other Han people are not trusted by the barbarian merchants."
"Now, about the Five-Stone Powder!" Yan Rou continued. "I have witnessed the greatest tribal conflicts erupt within the barbarian ranks. It wasn't over food or cloth, but this Five-Stone Powder. I don't know… who brought a batch of Five-Stone Powder and allowed a group of tribal leaders to taste it! Afterwards, these tribal leaders… fought fiercely to acquire this Five-Stone Powder. In fact… two tribes were annihilated because of it! Therefore…"
Yan Rou seemed to enjoy leaving a suspenseful cliffhanger by only revealing half his thought.
However… it was precisely this sentence that made Lu Yu's eyes narrow, and his spirit invigorated.
So… it was here!
—Five-Stone Powder!
Lu Yu had never imagined that this substance, similar to "opium" or "poppies," would have such a profound impact in the barbarian lands.
It could drive more than a dozen tribes to fight desperately…
And Yan Rou's meaning was crystal clear: he wanted Lu Yu to establish trade with the Three Tribes, exchanging Five-Stone Powder for fine barbarian horses.
Subsequently… using Five-Stone Powder to incite conflicts among the various barbarian tribes!
Even, through Five-Stone Powder, gradually debilitating the barbarians' physiques, and ultimately, even… controlling the Three Tribes through this substance.
The Three Tribes need not be annihilated; let them become addicts, and their bodies would naturally collapse. In this process… due to Five-Stone Powder, they could willingly become slaves, become laborers, and continuously supply fine horses to Lu Yu's side!
This…
Upon thinking this, Lu Yu's eyes narrowed!
If the slaughter of the Xiongnu royal court by the Marquis of Huo Qu Bing in the past was killing, then this gradual simmering and boiling of frogs in warm water with Five-Stone Powder was a blow to the spirit!
Of course…
Based on Lu Yu's understanding of Five-Stone Powder, it certainly possessed such potency…
Just as Five-Stone Powder debilitated the Wei and Jin dynasties!
Just as opium crippled the Qing dynasty!
The harm of such a potent poison was immense, and even towards the barbarians, it seemed a bit cruel. However, since it was directed at the barbarians… then this cruelty was far from enough.
And at this moment…
Yan Rou's brow furrowed, revealing a hint of melancholic sadness.
"The method is laid out, yet the Zhen family is in Zhongshan Commandery, Ji Province. I hear they have a marriage alliance with the Yuan family, making it difficult to contact them, let alone ask for their help… And this Five-Stone Powder is only circulated on a small scale even in the Central Plains. I once sent people to investigate, but for years, they couldn't uncover the formula for Five-Stone Powder. Alas…"
A long sigh…
This was Yan Rou's vexation. For years, residing in the barbarian lands, he had devised a method to "break the Three Tribes," but its implementation was exceedingly difficult.
Little did he expect… that as he sighed, Lu Yu's lips curled into a smile, and he burst into laughter.
"Haha… Situ Yan, your insight is sufficient. Leave the rest to me…"
Saying this, Lu Yu held up two fingers. "Two days. Within two days, whether it's Five-Stone Powder or the Zhen family… I will procure them all and resume trade with the Three Tribes. This endeavor is bound to succeed!"
A breath…
Yan Rou let out a sigh. He rubbed his eyes, thinking Situ Lu was joking.
"Situ Lu, this matter is of great importance, but… but you cannot…"
"Chief Lu always keeps his word!" Yang Xiu interrupted directly. "Since Chief Lu says two days, then it will certainly be accomplished in two days. Situ Yan, please do not doubt him!"
This…
Yan Rou's eyes widened, his gaze still filled with utter disbelief!
Of course, how could he know…
That the Zhen family, which was quite difficult to contact in his mind, had five daughters currently residing in Xuchang city, and they had specifically visited Lu Yu a few days ago!
Furthermore, the formula for Five-Stone Powder… the original version was with Zhang Zhongjing, and the improved version was with He Yan. Not only could he obtain it, but large-scale production was also simple!
As long as it could be exchanged for horses, as long as the barbarians' bodies could be gradually ravaged, Lu Yu didn't mind opening a larger pharmacy, or rather, establishing a TaiXue Bio-Pharmaceutical Company.
Thinking this, Lu Yu glanced at the sky…
"It's getting late. Situ Yan, General Zilong, please make do with a night in the guest rooms… I will attend to this matter tomorrow!"
Lu Yu smiled faintly…
His mood was exceptionally bright.
Seeing Zhao Zilong from Changshan had already been a pleasant surprise, and the strategies Yan Rou mentioned for dealing with the Three Tribes, as well as the method for acquiring the barbarian horses from beyond the passes, were simply surprises on top of surprises.
Of course…
He would have to give Yang Xiu significant credit for this.
"Then thank you, Situ Lu."
"Thank you, Situ Lu…"
Yan Rou and Zhao Yun cupped their fists in gratitude, then, led by the soldiers of the Dragon Cavalier Camp, went to rest. They had traveled hundreds of miles in a single day, and even Zhao Yun's physique was beginning to falter.
Now…
Only Lu Yu and Yang Xiu remained in the study, and the entire courtyard became silent.
The moon was bright and the stars were sparse, with only the chirping of insects.
It seemed…
Yang Xiu had deliberately stayed behind.
After a moment…
With a "patter…" he knelt, and as he bowed his head to the ground, he loudly proclaimed, "Yang Xiu begs forgiveness from the Chief on behalf of my father…"
A breath…
Hearing this, Lu Yu let out a sigh of helplessness.
"You should know that this 'Imperial Edict Conspiracy' did not implicate your father. In fact, even Sima Fang, the Prefect of Jingzhao, was released due to Sima Zhongda's actions."
"I know!" Yang Xiu nodded… "The Chief was considerate of us TaiXue students."
Yang Xiu's voice was extremely low…
Yang Xiu knew his father Yang Biao's character all too well. The Moon Examination assassination and the Imperial Edict Conspiracy incident – how could he not have been involved?
And Yang Xiu was even more certain that how could Situ Lu not have noticed?
Arresting his father would be duty; not arresting his father would be kindness!
"Alas…" Lu Yu sighed again, lamenting, "The wine shop on the west side of the city, isn't that yours, Yang family? If investigated thoroughly, it wouldn't be difficult to discover that the Imperial Edict Conspiracy was signed by a group of rebellious officials and traitors in this very wine shop, would it?"
A breath…
As these words left his mouth, Yang Xiu let out a long sigh.
"Chief… I… I…"
Yang Xiu wanted to say something, but Lu Yu waved him to stop. "Say nothing more. Go back. Your father is in the wine shop's cellar right now. It's been a while since you've seen each other, so you should have a reunion. Tell him what you need to say!"
Lu Yu seemed to say nothing.
Yet, it felt as if he had said a great deal, causing Yang Xiu's mind to buzz.
"TaiXue student Yang Xiu thanks Chief Lu!"
"Student bids farewell…"
With these words, Yang Xiu suddenly stood up and, after a respectful bow to Lu Yu, walked out of the Situ residence.
The night was deep, but Yang Xiu's heart was filled with mixed emotions.
…
…
The next day, at noon.
Lu Yu arrived at the Sima's mansion. Cao Cao was not present, but Cao Cao had instructed that Lu Yu could move about freely.
Precisely for this reason…
Lu Yu directly entered the backyard and went to… the courtyard of Lady Yin, the former daughter-in-law of General-in-Chief He Jin, and now concubine of the old Cao.
In the pavilion.
After paying respects to Lady Yin…
Lu Yu sat opposite Lady Yin. Grilled meat was being roasted on a stove, and steam rose from the wine pot being warmed.
Towards this famous "True Hidden Dragon," the current Sima, commander of the Dragon Cavalier Camp, and a confidant of her husband, Lady Yin showed the utmost courtesy, carefully warming the wine.
Even though Lu Yu had stated he was looking for young master He Yan…
Lady Yin still sent servants to prepare fine food and wine, inviting him to stay for a simple meal.
Speaking of which, Lady Yin was only in her early thirties, mature and elegant, exuding charm. Every gesture… could not conceal the alluring aura of a mature woman.
"Young Master Lu rarely visits… please try the wine I've warmed and see if it can compare to the mellow fragrance of that sister Qiao's wine!"
Lady Yin's words…
Lu Yu gulped… swallowing a mouthful of saliva.
Whether the wine was mellow or not, Lu Yu didn't know, but at this moment, he could truly understand Cao Cao's joy…
Indeed, the ancients had not deceived him…
—Youth knows not the fragrance of the mature woman, mistaking youth for planting in the rice fields!
In front of this Lady Yin, anyone would feel a sense of, "Auntie… I don't want to work hard anymore!"
Shaking his head…
Lu Yu mustered some resolve. He couldn't let his thoughts wander, otherwise, what difference would he have from Cao the villain?
At this moment…
"I have long heard that Young Master Lu is resourceful. I have a problem that has been troubling me, and no one to confide in. Today… I will… I will presumptuously ask Young Master Lu… I hope Situ Lu can enlighten me."
Huh? This…
Lu Yu felt the atmosphere had veered off course. He was clearly here to find He Yan, but how did he… inexplicably get involved with Lady Yin.
This was so stimulating?
Lu Yu shivered all over!
It was the same saying: what difference did he, Lu Yu, have from "Cao the villain"?
…
…
(ps: Cao the villain does not refer to Old Cao, but rather a culture, a philosophy. Those who understand, understand!)