Time flew by, and ten days passed in the blink of an eye.
During these ten days, Cao Cao, stationed in Guandu, barely slept. He had underestimated the speed at which the daily food consumption of a sixty-thousand-strong army would deplete resources. It was too fast, far too fast!
The grain captured from Yuan Shao's camp during the Battle of Guandu, along with what Lord Xun had gathered from various regions, was simply not enough. He had initially thought it would last for a month, but now, in less than twenty days, the granaries were almost empty! Cao Cao's mind was consumed by the problem of feeding sixty thousand mouths – the pressure was immense!
Of course, if this were the only issue, Cao Cao wouldn't be so deeply troubled. What was more terrifying was the urgent dispatch just received from Xi Zhicai.
“Lord Cao, a critical report has just arrived. Yuan Shao has made a move. As expected, twenty thousand troops are advancing from Cangting, attempting to bypass Guandu and detour towards Chenliu Commandery!”
Yuan Shao's movements, his advance from Cangting, this in itself was not alarming. With Cao Cao’s current army of sixty thousand, they were not afraid of Yuan Shao making a move; rather, they feared him not moving. However, this time, Yuan Shao had chosen the perfect moment to act!
Sitting in the main seat of the administrative office, Cao Cao’s brows were tightly furrowed. Xun You, clad in white scholar’s robes, stepped forward and said loudly, “It seems that while we are focusing on Yuan Benchu’s troops, Yuan Benchu is targeting our provisions! He has calculated that our army’s grain supplies are about to run out, choosing this very moment to attack Cangting! With the defeat at Guandu, the balance of power has shifted, making Yuan Shao a bit more astute.”
It was well known that Yuan Shao did not perform well when he had the advantage, but in adverse situations, he could often display incredible strength.
“A clever cook cannot cook without ingredients!” Cao Cao grumbled, his brow furrowed. “We could dispatch troops to reinforce Cangting, but it would lengthen the supply lines and expose our weakness of insufficient provisions again. It seems… our only option is to hold our ground in Chenliu Commandery, relying on the city walls to make a decisive stand against Yuan Benchu!”
Cao Cao's words were heavy with concern. Fighting Yuan Shao in Chenliu Commandery would mean abandoning half of Yan Province! But even if they retreated to Chenliu Commandery, would the grain problem be solved? No, it would still not be solved! They would only be able to retreat further and further!
This was not only apparent to Cao Cao but also to Xun You, who was the first to voice his dissent.
“Lord Cao, we cannot retreat…”
“In the past, during the standoff at Guandu, my uncle wrote an article published in the newspaper stating that since Yuan Shao was moving south, it was a decisive battle with Lord Cao, leaving no room for maneuver. If Lord Cao retreats, he will inevitably advance, and this push and pull will greatly affect the morale and spirit of the troops! Moreover, the situation back then was even more unfavorable than it is now, yet we endured. How much more so now? We must not retreat. In my opinion, we should advance instead of retreating! Lord Cao, I propose we fight Yuan Shao in Cangting, overcoming all difficulties!”
This…
Upon hearing this, Cao Cao and Xi Zhicai fell silent. Who wouldn't want to fight Yuan Shao? But as the saying goes, “An army marches on its stomach.” To dispatch troops to Cangting… where would the food come from? Where would the provisions be? These were not issues that could be resolved with mere words.
Cao Cao looked towards the silent Jia Xu, seeking his opinion. “Mr. Jia, what are your thoughts?”
This…
With the topic turned to Jia Xu, Jia Xu’s eyes narrowed. He did not answer Cao Cao’s question but retorted with a question of his own. “How is things with Lord Situ Lu recently?”
Heh…
This reminder instantly sent a chill through everyone. Yes, when Lord Situ Lu left, he had promised to alleviate their immediate crisis within a month and to secure three years of provisions for the northern campaign within half a year. But now, more than half a month had passed, where was the grain? Where was the grain to alleviate their immediate crisis?
“Zhongkang…” Cao Cao immediately called out. “Your subordinate is here!” Xu Chu quickly entered the pavilion.
“Where is Lord Situ Lu? Has Lord Situ Lu not yet procured the grain?” Cao Cao asked urgently.
Hearing this, Xu Chu scratched his head, hesitant to speak. Cao Cao sensed something unusual and commanded, “Speak!”
This…
Xu Chu truthfully replied, “Actually, a few days ago… Lord Situ Lu had procured fifty thousand large yellow croakers. They were preserved as salted fish and dried. They were supposed to be sent over, but… just along the way, as they passed through Mount Tai Commandery, they were looted by the Mount Tai bandits! All fifty thousand large yellow croakers were… were stolen!”
What…
No wonder Cao Cao and his advisors had heard that Yu’er had a bountiful harvest fishing in the East Sea earlier, but had suddenly gone silent recently! So, these fifty thousand large yellow croakers had been stolen!
“Swish…” Cao Cao suddenly stood up. “Who was escorting the grain convoy? Who was it?”
He was furious… Cao Cao was enraged!
Xu Chu frowned. “Changshan… Changshan Zhao Zilong!”
Upon hearing this, with a “bang,” Cao Cao slammed his fist on the table. “Changshan Zhao Zilong, I, Cao Cao, want his head, I… I want his head!”
Speaking of which…
Cao Cao suddenly felt dizzy. The persistent headache returned. First, a daze, then a stumble, and finally… he staggered and fell!
“Lord Cao… Lord Cao…”
Instantly, the administrative office in the Guandu camp was thrown into chaos!
…
…
In the East Sea Commandery, a luxurious residence had been specially prepared for Lu Yu by Hou Cheng. Knowing that the Marquis of White Horse had not been home for over half a year, Hou Cheng had thoughtfully arranged for some of the popular courtesans from the Red Pavilion. People, after all, have needs. Moreover, the Marquis of White Horse was young and vigorous… his needs would naturally be more intense.
Of course…
Hou Cheng had underestimated Lu Yu’s discernment. With Lu Yu’s standards, he wouldn't be interested in women of such appearance and status.
One day…
Lu Yu was in the accounting room, watching the clerks use their pens to calculate the proceeds from the welfare lottery, the profits from preserving yellow croakers, and the revenue from selling sea salt.
Just then…
“Thump, thump, thump…” Footsteps echoed outside the door.
Cao Xiu walked in, gave Lu Yu a knowing glance, and Lu Yu, understanding him, walked out of the accounting room… He strolled with Cao Xiu around the residence.
Cao Xiu reported the urgent dispatches one by one. “As Commander Lu predicted, after the rumors of grain transport were released, when the ‘salted fish’ arrived at Mount Tai Commandery, they were looted by a group calling themselves ‘Mount Tai Bandits’!”
Hearing this, Lu Yu nodded and asked, “What about Commander Zilong’s convoy, the grain carts heading towards Yuzhou’s Lu State via Langya Commandery?”
“They are safe and sound,” Cao Xiu replied. “According to the… schedule, they should be arriving at Guandu soon.”
As Cao Xiu said, the transport of these “large salted fish” was of great importance. Furthermore, wars often led to soaring grain prices, and starving refugees could easily turn into rioting mobs, plundering food. Therefore… Lu Yu had spread the word that the “large salted fish” transported from Donghai Commandery, Xuzhou, to Guandu would pass through Mount Tai Commandery, Yan Province, to attract the attention of bandits! Whether it was the Mount Tai Bandits who looted them, or other bandits disguised as Mount Tai Bandits, that was uncertain!
Of course, it wasn't important!
Because the actual grain transport convoy was discreetly traveling from Langya Commandery, Xuzhou, through Lu State, Yuzhou, then to Rencheng Commandery, Yan Province, Dongping Commandery, and finally arriving at Guandu! This was the safest route… although it was a detour, there were no large bandit gatherings along the way. Moreover, all other bandits were concentrated in Mount Tai Commandery! This would likely ensure the safe arrival of these large salted fish!
Now… the so-called “looting of provisions” in Mount Tai Commandery only involved the theft of many rocks, but it had successfully drawn the attention of the real grain convoy. In times of chaos, one had to think more deeply about everything, even transporting grain… The saying “one careless move leads to the loss of the entire game” captures this very essence.
The grain issue was resolved…
Next, Lu Yu looked up at the sky. It was almost time to harvest the leeks.
Lu Yu immediately asked, “Wenlie, are the wealthy merchants and traders already gathered in our Donghai Commandery?”
Cao Xiu nodded heavily. “Indeed… Following Commander Lu’s instructions, I spread the word, and these wealthy merchants and traders have flocked to Donghai Commandery. However, Commander Lu has not sent out invitations, and they are unsure if they will be invited. They are actively approaching our brothers in the Dragon Valour Camp, and many have offered generous gifts.”
Heh heh…
Hearing this, Lu Yu chuckled. He mused to himself that it seemed the brothers in the Dragon Valour Camp had also had a very fruitful time recently!
“Haha…” With a slight smile, Lu Yu raised his hand. “Tomorrow, gather them all together, book a restaurant, and say that I, Lu Yu, invite them for tea…”
Tea…
Cao Xiu smacked his lips. “Commander Lu, these merchants hold more than ninety percent of the grain in Xuzhou! Wouldn't it be too meager to just have tea?”
Heh…
Lu Yu smiled, a slight curve at the corner of his lips. “That’s true. Then let them drink plain water. Drinking too much tea isn't good, it harms the kidneys!”
Upon saying this, a subtle, cunning smile appeared on Lu Yu’s lips.
— The big fish have entered the net!
— It’s time to cast the net!
The three years of provisions needed for the northern campaign will be secured tomorrow!
…
…
At night in Guandu, inside Cao Cao’s chambers, an unextinguished oil lamp flickered, casting a hazy glow on Cao Cao’s tightly furrowed brow. He was restless in his sleep, clearly having a nightmare. Xu Chu, guarding outside the door, could naturally hear his unease within. Ever since Cao Cao’s headache had acted up and he had fainted during the day, he had been restless all afternoon… and the same continued into the night. Suddenly, Cao Cao cried out in his sleep, flailing his hands. “Grain, grain…”
Thump, thump…
Xu Chu quickly entered. “Lord Cao? What is it?”
Cao Cao cried out miserably, clutching his head. “Yu’er’s grain, Yu’er’s grain… Zhao Zilong failed to protect the grain… he must be killed, he must be killed!”
“Where are the Tiger Guard?” Xu Chu hastily called out. “Quickly, go fetch a doctor! Hurry and summon Military Advisor Zhi Cai, Military Advisor Gongda, and Military Advisor Wen He!”
A moment later…
In the medical office, a disciple personally taught by Zhang Zhongjing removed a silver needle from Cao Cao’s temple. Cao Cao calmed down slightly, but still groaned in pain. The doctor repeatedly cautioned, “Lord Cao must not overthink things; he needs to rest peacefully!”
Cao Cao angrily rebuked, “Yuan Shao has already moved south! And you tell me to rest peacefully?”
The doctor knelt in terror. “Your subordinate begs for your forgiveness, Lord Cao!”
Cao Cao immediately felt a dull ache in his head. Xu Chu reminded him, “Lord Cao, please do not be angered. Commander Lu once said that if Lord Cao gets angry, his headache will worsen!”
He was fine during the day, and suddenly he had a headache… No one understood the reason better than Cao Cao. It was all because of that damned grain… it was the fifty thousand large yellow croakers from Donghai Commandery, procured by Yu’er… After all, these were what could alleviate their current crisis! If this fish were delivered, with Yuan Shao attacking Cangting, Cao Cao would have ample room to maneuver. In fact, it was no exaggeration to say that with grain, Cao Cao could win against Yuan Shao with his eyes closed, winning this crucial battle! But… alas!
“Alas…”
Just as he sighed.
“Lord Cao, Lord Cao…” Xi Zhicai hurried over. His expression was extremely urgent, and he was panting heavily, clearly carrying urgent news.
Cao Cao’s brow furrowed, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart. In just a moment, Xi Zhicai had reached Cao Cao’s bedside… and was about to speak, but because he ran too fast, he was a bit out of breath, unable to utter a word.
“Don’t panic, Zhicai, speak slowly…” Cao Cao said softly. “The sky is not falling!”
Yes… No matter how bad it got, Cao Cao could issue a decree and bury Yuan Shao’s forty thousand surrendered soldiers, solving the grain problem once and for all. Heh heh, could a living person be drowned by urine?
Just then, Xi Zhicai spoke.
“Urgent report, urgent report… Zhao Zilong of the Dragon Valour Camp has arrived… He has reached Guandu!”
Uh…
Changshan Zhao Zilong? Cao Cao’s brow furrowed. Did this Zhao Zilong still have the nerve to return?
His forehead throbbed subtly, and Cao Cao was about to erupt when Xi Zhicai’s next sentence followed:
— “He… he brought fifty thousand large yellow croakers, and he’s back… he’s back!”
What…
Upon hearing this, Cao Cao felt his head suddenly stop hurting, and then it began to buzz! What was going on? What was going on? Weren't the fifty thousand large yellow croakers looted by the bandits in Mount Tai Commandery? How… how did they arrive now! Zhao… Zhao Zilong?
— “Dragon Valour Camp” Zhao… Zhao Zilong?
“Swish…” Cao Cao suddenly stood up, feeling a surge of energy. “Where is Zhao Zilong? Where is Zhao Zilong?”
“He has already arrived at Guandu and is currently cooperating with the quartermaster to inventory the large yellow croakers! They are being transported to the granary…” Xi Zhicai continued.
This…
After a moment of stunned disbelief, “Haha, hahahaha…” Cao Cao burst into hearty laughter. Last time he welcomed Xu You, he didn't have time to put on his shoes. This time… he didn’t have time to put on his socks! Striding purposefully, he ran towards the Guandu camp gate… “Hahaha…” “Hahaha…” As he ran, Cao Cao’s manic laughter echoed, shaking the heavens and earth… If this were any other camp, everyone would surely think Lord Cao had gone mad! But here in Guandu, in this Cao camp, it seemed… everyone had grown accustomed to Cao Cao’s manic laughter! As the saying goes – Cao Cao’s laughter, life and death are uncertain! – Cao Cao’s laughter, fortune and misfortune will arrive!
…
…
A new moon leaked its brilliance through the Guandu administrative office window. Zhao Yun waited in the office, while Cao Cao hurried over from the back hall. Upon seeing Cao Cao, Zhao Yun cupped his fists and said, “Your subordinate, Zhao Zilong of the Dragon Valour Camp, pays his respects to Lord Cao!”
“The grain convoy looted by the Mount Tai bandits was empty, containing only a small circle of salted fish on the outside, with rocks filling the rest… Commander Lu’s fifty thousand large yellow croakers, and fifteen thousand shi of grain procured from the East Sea, have been personally escorted by your subordinate. They have been inspected and confirmed, and delivered to the granary!”
Haha…
As Zhao Yun finished speaking, Cao Cao, quickening his steps, grabbed Zhao Yun’s hands, a smile on his face. “Zilong, I, Cao Cao, just received an urgent report. This grain transport involved two separate convoys, and you even managed to deceive our own scouts!” Cao Cao paused. “When I heard the grain convoy was looted this afternoon, it nearly scared me to death!”
Cao Cao did not forget to pat Zhao Yun’s shoulder. Who would have thought that just in the afternoon, or even moments ago… Cao Cao was still loudly accusing Zhao Yun of dereliction of duty and demanding his head! In just half an hour, the situation had turned a hundred and eighty degrees, much like how yesterday’s “Madam Niu” could become “Little Sweetie” today! Cao Cao’s attitude towards Zhao Yun had completely reversed!
Zhao Yun still cupped his fists. “Young Master Lu had already foreseen this. At this time, with grain being scarce, the situation being chaotic, and bandits rampant everywhere, he formulated a corresponding strategy!”
“This grain transport is of great importance, and your subordinate would not dare to make the slightest mistake, even if it meant death! Having delivered this grain, your subordinate finally feels relieved!”
“Good… Zilong, come…” Cao Cao said excitedly, pulling Zhao Yun to sit together and ordering wine and dishes to be prepared for Zhao Yun. “Let me tell you, under your Commander Lu, there are three people whom I, Cao Cao, can recognize as great talents and virtuous individuals at a glance…”
“The first is Commander Cheng Yu! The second is the Imperial Academy instructor Guo Jia, Guo Fengxiao. And the third…” Cao Cao paused.
“Is you, Changshan Zhao Zilong…”
“When you first appeared, you could fight evenly with the northern general Wen Chou. As the guardian of the White Horse Elite Guard on the border, you struck fear into the hearts of the Wuhuan people!”
“Before… I only knew your name, but recently I learned that you joined the Dragon Valour Camp. I thought then that with Zhao Zilong joining the Dragon Valour Camp, it would be like adding wings to a tiger for the Dragon Valour Camp. Seeing you today, your valiant spirit, I, Cao Cao, am deeply fond of you!”
Cao Cao was a master of winning hearts, and his words elevated Zhao Yun to the skies! Even though Zhao Yun was not one of his generals! Even if it was for Yu’er, Cao Cao spared no effort in winning hearts. This was insignificant… If they were under Yu’er, it was equivalent to being under Cao Cao, and Cao Cao’s generals in the future would also be under Yu’er, wouldn’t they?
“Lord Cao overpraises me!”
Zhao Yun remained respectful and courteous… In truth, he had a good impression of Cao Cao. Having been in the Cao camp for many days, he had witnessed Cao Cao allowing forty thousand surrendered Yuan soldiers to return north to Jizhou, and had seen how, despite the grain shortage, Cao Cao had never considered abandoning these forty thousand surrendered soldiers! To Zhao Yun, these actions were admirable! Compared to those who spoke of being a “benevolent ruler,” a ruler who practiced “benevolence and righteousness” in such a way was even more precious!
“By the way…”
Cao Cao suddenly remembered something and asked, “Where is Lord Situ Lu? Does he intend to use these large yellow croakers to fulfill the provisions for the three armies for three years of the northern campaign?” This was what Cao Cao was most curious about… Ever since the scouts had reported Lu Yu catching and preserving large yellow croakers, this thought had formed in Cao Cao’s mind! With Zhao Yun’s arrival, it was the perfect time to inquire. However…
“Reporting to Lord Cao…” Zhao Yun cupped his fists. “Commander Lu’s actions are often unconventional and unpredictable. This time, Commander Lu has merely spread the word that he will be hosting a banquet for the Xuzhou merchants in Donghai Commandery. I know nothing else.”
Hmm… Donghai Commandery, hosting Xuzhou merchants. This… Cao Cao’s eyes darted around. At first, he tried to figure it out, but then, following Yu’er’s usual style of operation, it seemed… hosting Xuzhou merchants had a bit of a “harvesting leeks” flavor to it!
That’s right… Cao Cao had guessed correctly! Not only was it harvesting leeks, it was practically a scam!
…
…