The land of Guanzhong, night descends stealthily!
At this moment, the city of Chang'an is still brightly lit, as if... because it is located in this land of the Three Commanderies, where powerful figures abound, the common people dare not extinguish their lights even after nightfall, for fear... of attracting the attention of petty thieves and scoundrels.
However...
Things have been better recently, thanks to the presence of the great calligrapher Zhong Yao, who holds the title of "Envoy to Pacify Guanzhong." His presence has brought a rare period of peace to the land of Guanzhong.
Now, Han Sui and Ma Teng, holding the Emperor's decree, act like official soldiers dispatched by the court, maintaining order in this region. For some time now, Guanzhong, a region that values martial arts, has become much more peaceful.
The wind blows gently, flags flutter rhythmically in front of the yamen gate, a light mist falls, and the ancient carved railings are covered with a layer of moisture.
A few patrolling soldiers walk the streets, these are troops recruited by Zhong Yao. Though not numerous, the soldiers from Guanzhong are all quite robust, giving a sense of security.
The chill of the night grows increasingly bitter.
At this moment, in the yamen, Zhong Yao gazes out the window, his heart filled with a mixture of emotions.
"Commander Zhong, I hear Yuan Shao has sent Shen Pei to Guanzhong... By now, he should have arrived, shouldn't he?"
The speaker is a young scholar named Zhang Ji, courtesy name Derong. He was originally a county magistrate, but was recognized and promoted by Zhong Yao to the position of Gong Cao. Many decisions concerning Guanzhong were discussed and made by the two of them.
"I heard that both Han Sui and Ma Teng received letters from Yuan Shao. Yuan Shao is inviting them to advance west out of Guanzhong and attack Luoyang... to disrupt the situation in the Central Plains. This is unfavorable to the current situation!"
Zhong Yao said with a sigh.
"Then? How does Commander Zhong plan to respond?" Zhang Ji frowned.
"When soldiers come, we block them; when water comes, we cover it with earth."
Zhong Yao narrowed his eyes, his words carrying a sense of calm and composure unique to a great calligrapher.
"Tomorrow, I will visit Shangjun by the Luo River. Han Sui and Ma Teng are both there. Shen Pei... Shen Zhengnan, it seems there will be a battle of wits!"
Although his words were calm, they now carried a hint of resolve, making Zhang Ji's heart tighten further.
He could feel that tomorrow's "verbal battle" would be a crucial "fight" for Cao and Yuan to win over the lords of Guanzhong!
Just then...
The sound of footsteps, "tap-tap-tap," echoed.
A soldier of the Dragon Cavalry directly entered the yamen and bowed to Zhong Yao.
"Commander Zhong... A letter has arrived from the Situ Mansion in Xudu City!"
Upon hearing these five words, "a letter from the Situ Mansion," not only Zhong Yao, but also Zhang Ji's eyes widened, and they both became extremely alert.
A letter from Situ Lu!
A person's reputation precedes them...
Who doesn't know of Lu Yu's ability to attack the enemy's mind and plan without flaw?
Now, a letter...
Zhong Yao and Zhang Ji instinctively believed that he must have made some arrangements.
It seems... Lu Situ was prepared for Yuan Shao sending an envoy south. This is not surprising! But this... it unexpectedly gave Zhong Yao and Zhang Ji much more confidence.
Zhong Yao took the letter and quickly unfolded it, while Zhang Ji leaned in.
Both were very curious about Lu Yu's clever plan contained within the letter.
However... the letter was opened, but as for the clever plan? It seemed rather strange.
At least, in Zhang Ji's opinion, it was very strange.
Because... the content of the letter was none other than medical theory... male reproductive medical theory, specifically the medical theory for infertility in men!
"The main symptoms of male infertility are five points:
First, Yin deficiency of the kidney; second, Yang deficiency of the kidney; third, Liver depression and Qi stagnation; fourth, damp-heat accumulation; fifth, Qi and blood deficiency!
I have ordered the Medical Department to prepare pills such as Liuwei Dihuang Wan, Liujunzi Tang, Wuzi Yanzong Wan, Siwu Tang, Sijunzi Tang, Simiao Wan, Erzhi Wan, Erxian Tang, Ermiao Wan, etc., for these five symptoms, which can be cured by treating the symptoms directly!
Commander Zhong, remember to avoid spicy, stimulating, damp-heat, and rich, greasy foods. Avoid aquatic products, beef, mutton, and poultry. Avoid pine nuts, sunflower seeds, and so on!
The medicine is ready and only awaits diagnosis and prescription. Commander Zhong can rest assured. When you return victorious, you will surely be cured. Two children in three years, three children in five years!
A bamboo slip...
The last signature was - Medical Department, Lu Yu.
This...
Seeing this, Zhang Ji was a bit bewildered. He felt that apart from the final signature "Lu Yu," the entire letter was completely irrelevant. What did it have to do with the current situation?
Yet, precisely...
Zhang Ji noticed that Zhong Yao, Commander Zhong beside him, his eyes were shining as he stared at the letter, a green glow, incredibly brilliant.
It was as if... he cared a lot about this letter. Wait... it wasn't "as if," he truly cared a lot.
Uh... this...
"Commander Zhong, could it be..." Zhang Ji hesitated, wanting to speak but stopping. After all, Zhong Yao was still his superior. It would be rather awkward to directly ask him if he was "that incapable."
Zhong Yao shuddered all over and immediately put away the letter. He retorted to Zhang Ji.
"What... what did you say?"
The usually calm and collected great calligrapher now seemed somewhat awkwardly nervous.
After all, male infertility... was not a glorious matter.
Cough, cough...
Zhang Ji quickly coughed.
Then he waved his hand, "Nothing, nothing... Has Commander Zhong already decided to visit Han Sui and Ma Teng in Shangjun tomorrow?"
"Of course!" The answer was firm and decisive...
Zhong Yao's eyes suddenly became much more resolute. It seemed... after reading this letter from Master Lu, even if it were a mountain of knives or a dragon's lair, he was prepared to brave it!
After all...
For others, this letter was nonsensical!
But only for him, who was over forty and had not yet had a child, could he truly understand Master Lu's thoughtful intentions!
Especially the names of those pills, such as "Liuwei Dihuang Wan" and "Wuzi Yanzong Wan," which sounded very reliable just by hearing them!
And Master Lu's specific mention...
"When you return victorious, you will surely be cured!"
"Two children in three years, three children in five years!"
Master Lu had said it all. Therefore, this struggle for Guanzhong, this competition for Han Sui and Ma Teng, if conditions allowed, they should seize it; if not, they must create conditions to seize it.
Zhong Yao was determined!
"Derong, write a letter back to Situ Lu for me, saying... with me, Zhong Yao here, Guanzhong will be as steady as Mount Tai! Firm as a rock!"
With that said...
Zhong Yao instructed his subordinate, "Fetch my official robes, prepare my horse, I am going to Shangjun immediately!"
"But..."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Ji retorted, "But, the Dragon Cavalry soldiers are not even awake yet?"
"They are not needed." Zhong Yao waved his hand, his expression stern. "This time, I will go alone. In the past... I was able to persuade Han Sui and Ma Teng to send hostages to Xudu. Today... I will also be able to persuade them to stand with Cao Ying!"
Resolute, certain...
Never underestimate a man with a "dream"!
...
On this side, Zhong Yao was ready to set off.
On the other side...
After nearly a month, Shen Pei, who had departed from Jizhou, had crossed mountains and valleys from Guangyang Commandery and appeared within Shangjun. The journey was not easy at all!
In fact, the guards and servants he brought with him either died during the arduous journey or at the hands of bandits. Now, Shen Pei was alone.
At this moment...
A river appeared before his eyes.
The Luo River flows through Shangjun, Zuo Fengyi, and other places. Flanked by the Zi Wu Gorge and Mount Huanglong, it controls the throat of the Three Commanderies, resisting Liangzhou in the west and controlling Bingzhou in the north.
Just as the Qinling Mountains control the western Sichuan and Songshan Mountains control Nanyang and Yingchuan, it has become a natural barrier for the Three Commanderies, allowing advancement to contend for the Central Plains and retreat to defend, a strategic point where one man can hold the pass!
And at this time... the Xiliang army is stationed in Diaoyin County, Shangjun. This is a small county town on the Luo River, located at the junction of two mountain ranges, and it is the only place that can station a large number of cavalry!
Xiliang Army Camp.
Stretching for dozens of miles, the neighing of warhorses can be heard incessantly... Inside the central army tent, Han Sui and Ma Teng are toasting each other and drinking heartily, as if they anticipated an envoy's arrival today!
And outside the Xiliang army camp...
"Da da da..."
"Da da da..."
The sound of two horses' hooves echoes.
A voice calls out first, shouting to the guards at the gate: "Listen, General Yuan Gong of the Great General has sent me, Shen Pei, as an envoy to Guanzhong to meet Generals Han Sui and Ma Teng. Quickly go and inform your lord, open the gate of the encampment!"
The speaker is dressed in a scholar's robe, but his build is exceptionally robust.
His voice is particularly firm, just like his personality, stubborn and unyielding.
"Please wait, envoy. I will report immediately!"
Upon hearing the name of General Yuan Shao, the guards dare not delay and quickly run to report.
Meanwhile, another middle-aged scholar on horseback beside him appears more composed. After hearing Shen Pei's words, he slowly rides his horse towards him.
"Is that you, Bureau Chief Shen? How did you end up alone? It looks like the journey through the mountains to Guanzhong was not easy, was it? Haha..."
The speaker is Zhong Yao himself...
Seeing Shen Pei looking somewhat disheveled, Zhong Yao jokingly teased him.
"Who are you?" Shen Pei glares at Zhong Yao angrily.
Zhong Yao strokes his beard. "Attendant Official, Commandant of Sili, Envoy to Pacify Guanzhong, His Majesty's appointed Marquis of Dongwu Pavilion - Zhong Yao, that is this humble servant!"
"Swish..."
Upon hearing Zhong Yao's name, Shen Pei directly draws his sword, as if ready to fight Zhong Yao to the death.
Having been dispatched to Guanzhong, Shen Pei had done his homework. Previously, it was precisely this Zhong Yao, recommended by Lu Yu, who allowed Cao Cao to stabilize the situation in Guanzhong!
But... what surprised him was.
How could such a seemingly refined middle-aged man stabilize the overall situation in Guanzhong?
Seeing Shen Pei's overbearing demeanor, Zhong Yao pays no mind, merely shaking his head.
"Young man, your temper is hot... understandable, but don't you look at where this is? How can you, a mere Bureau Chief of Jizhou, be so presumptuous here?"
"You..."
Shen Pei is about to make a move...
Unexpectedly.
"Put away your sword..." a clear female voice rings out, followed by a female general, clad in armor, with sword-like eyebrows and beautiful eyes, riding her horse out.
"My father said, all guests are welcome. My father and Uncle Han invite both of you to the central tent for a drink!"
As she spoke, the woman raised her spear, exuding a heroic spirit, adding a touch of feminine charm to her delicate features.
"Surely, you must be General Ma Shoucheng's daughter, Ma Yunlu?"
Zhong Yao strokes his beard as he speaks to Ma Yunlu, his words suggesting familiarity with Ma Teng, even camaraderie. "When drinking with Brother Shoucheng, your father always mentioned you, his heroic daughter and general, hahaha..."
Zhong Yao strokes his beard...
"Mr. Zhong praises me too highly. My father also always mentions Mr. Zhong. Please..."
Ma Yunlu gestures.
Listening to their conversation, Shen Pei suddenly senses an ominous premonition. It seems... Zhong Yao has a very deep relationship with Han Sui and Ma Teng!
Damn it...
Lu Yu's calculations to pacify Guanzhong are already a step ahead of those self-important strategists in the north!
"Alas..."
With a sigh, Shen Pei follows Zhong Yao into the encampment!
Before the central army tent, a large cauldron is boiling, flames rising from the bottom, and many soldiers are continuously throwing firewood into it.
Shen Pei and Zhong Yao walk towards the cauldron and both stop instinctively.
However, unlike Shen Pei's slight nervousness, Zhong Yao remains calm and collected, as always.
If we were to add four more words, it would be: rock-solid.
This is the demeanor of a great calligrapher, a spirit within that transforms into a formidable aura.
"Haha, Bureau Chief Shen..." Zhong Yao says with a smile. "It seems that today, one of us, you or I, will be thrown into this oil cauldron. However, I wonder if it will be Bureau Chief Shen? Or this old bone, Zhong Yao?"
"Of course it will be you!" Shen Pei's eyes narrow, and he glares coldly at Zhong Yao.
"Perhaps you are too confident?" Zhong Yao shakes his head.
Just then...
"My two esteemed guests, we brothers did not welcome you from afar. Please forgive us! Please..."
From the direction of the central tent, Ma Teng's voice calls out.
"Bureau Chief Bie Jia Shen Pei of the Great General's command, pays respects to General Ma and General Han." Shen Pei bows with cupped hands.
Zhong Yao, however, omits this courtesy.
"General Ma, General Han, I could smell the rich aroma of wine from afar. I presume it is the several dozen jars of strong liquor transported from Xudu City half a month ago?"
Hahahaha...
Upon hearing this, Ma Teng and Han Sui burst into laughter.
And indeed it was!
After all, this was specifically ordered by Lu Yu, who asked Guo Jia to transport dozens of jars of wine brewed by the Imperial Academy Winery to Guanzhong. Lu Yu felt that Zhong Yao would definitely make use of it.
As expected...
Guanzhong people love wine, especially strong liquor. Ma Teng and Han Sui loved it immensely, and naturally, their relationship with Zhong Yao was further strengthened.
Thus... in just entering the encampment, Zhong Yao and Shen Pei had already clashed twice.
And without exception, Shen Pei had been at a disadvantage.
...
The land of Guanzhong, Xiliang Great Encampment, Central Army Tent!
Ma Teng and Han Sui sit at the head seats, while Zhong Yao and Shen Pei sit on the sides. Before the four of them are individual tables, laid with roasted lamb and fine wine.
However... due to Lu Yu's "medical advice," Zhong Yao, despite being very hungry, does not eat a single bite. For no other reason than these two things... their fiery nature is too strong and bad for the kidneys!
He is a man who demands strict self-discipline. If the medical advice requires him to "abstain," he will abstain!
Just then, Shen Pei speaks first.
"Even though I, Shen Pei, reside in Jizhou, I have long heard of the great names of General Ma and General Han. General Ma is a descendant of General Ma Yuan, the General who pacified the waves. In the past, after the Yellow Turban Rebellion, General Ma and General Han participated in the rebellion of the Yi Cong Hu in Huangzhong, and later experienced the Wang Guo Rebellion. During their peak, their troops shook the Three Commanderies, their grand ambition directly threatened the imperial ancestral temple? Yet, the current situation is so feeble!"
Shen Pei is essentially pointing out the origins of Han Sui and Ma Teng.
In plain terms, it means... you guys, stop trying to whitewash yourselves. In the past, you almost led your troops to Luoyang, and you can't wash that away.
As expected...
As these words leave his mouth...
Han Sui and Ma Teng's eyes turn cold, and their expressions change dramatically. Han Sui, in particular, says indifferently, "You may speak your mind directly, sir. There is no need to stir up old affairs!"
Shen Pei shakes his head.
"Back then, how glorious were you two generals? Even Lu Zhi, Huangfu Song, Zhu Jun, and Dong Zhu feared you three parts. Yet now... you are trapped in this Guanzhong by a mere Lu Yu, and controlled by a Zhong Yao? With no hope of advancing east, why is this so?"
"It's the general trend!" Ma Teng shakes his head. "Xiliang declined after Dong Zhu's disruption."
"Yes..." Han Sui said with a self-mocking smile. "Back then, Dong Zhu led more than 100,000 Xiliang cavalry east out of Luoyang and formed the Flying Bear Army, which also established the reputation of the Xiliang Iron Cavalry. But... what about after him? There were hardly any men in Xiliang. Even under my command, most are Qiang cavalry. How can they compare to Duke Cao, who dominates the Central Plains?"
Speaking of which...
Han Sui's gaze turns to Zhong Yao on the other side, seemingly paying close attention to his emotions.
"Hahahaha..."
Shen Pei notices Han Sui's gaze, and suddenly laughs heartily, then rises abruptly. "Today, you Xiliang warlords are controlled by this mere Zhong Yao. Then in the future? You will inevitably be controlled by Lu Yu and by Cao Cao!"
"Lu Yu's plans are not imprecise. Today, he dares to have you send hostages to Xudu. In the future... if Cao Cao dispatches the two of you to report to the court, will you go or not? If you go, you will surely be held under house arrest in Xudu by Cao Cao, and another official will be appointed to govern Xiliang, constantly encroaching on your land. If you don't go, then... won't you be confirming your intent to rebel, giving him Cao Cao a reason to annihilate you?"
"Hmph... A battle fought without bloodshed, a war fought without visible swords and spears, has already quietly begun. The two generals are still in the dark, hehe, Cao Cao has Hidden Dragon. His ambition is to rule the world, how can he leave this corner of Guanzhong? Guanzhong's fall is only a matter of time!"
Shen Pei drinks the strong liquor before him heartily, and with the power of alcohol, he swings his sleeve and utters a shocking grand strategy, pulling Ma Teng and Han Sui from the clouds into the abyss.
"Crack..."
"Crack..."
Visibly, Han Sui and Ma Teng clench their fists instinctively.
Their emotions fluctuate slightly.
But Ma Teng still says:
"This... this is all your speculation?"
"Don't deceive yourself."
Shen Pei suddenly stands up, walks directly in front of Han Sui and Ma Teng, points to the east, and reprimands them with fiery words, "Cao Mengde is a hegemon, Lu Yu is a wise person. A benevolent person cannot lead an army, and righteousness cannot manage wealth. Since Lu Yu has already planned the threat of hostages, then in the future... even more terrifying plans lie ahead. Don't forget, this Situ Lu is best at attacking the mind! Attacking the enemy's heart!"
"And I am merely stating facts. Now, my lord has allied with Liu Jingsheng of Jingzhou, Liu Xuande of Xuzhou, and Sun Bofu of Jiangdong. The four armies, totaling one million... are jointly attacking the Central Plains. The only thing lacking is the western front. Regarding the situation and decisions, it still depends on the will of the two generals. My lord merely hopes that the two generals do not miss this excellent opportunity!"
Eloquent and sharp, with words as spears, every sentence of Shen Pei furiously pierces the bottom line of Han Sui and Ma Teng's hearts!
This speech can be considered Shen Pei's most peak rhetoric and eloquence!
At this moment...
Shen Pei glares coldly at Zhong Yao, his eyes filled with contempt and mockery!
Then, he turns his face back to them.
"Four armies attacking Cao, plus the generals, makes five armies attacking Cao... Cao Mengde is bound to lose this battle, and Lu Yu will also be a fallen soul under your blade! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity... Will the two generals truly let this fleeting opportunity slip away before their eyes?"
Boom...
Han Sui slams his fist on the table.
The atmosphere in the central army tent suddenly explodes...
Killing the heart and punishing the soul, every word of Shen Pei is a heart-killing word, and his eyes are filled with exhaustion and satisfaction.
This verbal battle... he has used all his accumulated wisdom from these years.
If it succeeds, with the world as his chessboard, he, Shen Pei, as the player, will be able to help his lord Yuan Shao pacify the Central Plains and unify the empire!
And clearly, he... he has already secured victory.
Heh heh...
As for Zhong Yao? He is already... "speechless"!
...
...