Medical professionals often say that soldiers who have been through war suffer from post-war syndromes, experiencing inexplicable irritability, depression, and a lack of direction in life, among other things.
In fact, during the special historical period of the Three Kingdoms, Yuan Shao was a prime example of "post-war syndrome."
Ultimately, the severe blows dealt to Yuan Shao's heart by the battles of Guandu and Cangting were too profound.
In reality, rather than attributing his death to Cao Cao or Lu Yu, it's more accurate to say he destroyed himself!
On the surface, he was impressive and powerful, but inwardly, he was full of suspicion, extremely thin-skinned, and overly concerned with appearances, enduring suffering for the sake of face. He was consumed by shame and saw no hope for the future. Such a state of mind—especially in someone with a mind as small as a little finger like Yuan Shao—made his death hardly surprising!
It was unexpected, yet entirely within reason.
Yuan Shao walked towards the end of his life in a state of dejection, completely crushed by indelible pain, trapped in a dead end!
The letter he left for Cao Cao perhaps carried his good wishes, passing his hope onto his son, but ultimately, it was all in vain!
Whenever Lu Yu thought of this, he couldn't help but feel a sense of inexplicable helplessness and melancholy. Perhaps this was the nature of a turbulent era, where the achievements of one general were built upon the bones of countless others!
Noticing Lu Yu's emotional fluctuation…
Cao Zhi proclaimed loudly, "Yuan Benchu was merely a mediocre individual, defeated by Father, defeated by Situ Lu. It is only natural. Why should Situ Lu be sad for him?"
This…
Hearing this, Lu Yu raised his head, his eyes turning to Cao Zhi, and said with great sincerity, "Zi Jian, you are in charge of the newspapers in Xuzhou and guide public opinion throughout the land. In the future, you must open your eyes wider. You cannot just look at appearances; you must see the essence of matters through the phenomena, ponder deeply from the root, and then act."
Since Cao Zhi treated him, Lu Yu, like an elder, Lu Yu naturally felt compelled to guide the younger generation patiently.
"Considering Yuan Shao alone, if we calm ourselves, we will find that Yuan Shao was indeed quite capable. In his youth, he was renowned in Puyang; during Emperor Ling's reign, he served as one of the Eight Colonels of the Western Garden; during the campaign against Dong Zhuo, he led the allied forces as their commander; afterward, he controlled the northern territories, formed alliances with the Wuhuan, and subjugated the Xiongnu and the Black Mountain Army. However…"
Lu Yu paused at this point.
"However, Yuan Shao was accustomed to being a pampered young master from a wealthy family, having grown up bathed in the sweetness of power. No one around him ever dared to contradict his opinions. As he grew older, he naturally lost the ability to accurately grasp the opinions of others. This upbringing ultimately left Yuan Shao with only the trait of valuing face, enduring suffering for the sake of appearances. Everything else became superficial!"
"He was superficial to others, and others were superficial to him. His political circle was a facade of prosperity; on the surface, it appeared powerful, but in reality, it was rife with scheming. Yuan Shao was also unlucky; if his opponent had not been the shrewd and capable Situ Cao, but rather another lord, he might not have suffered such a crushing defeat. He might even have contended for the central plains and dominated the north. But alas… Situ Cao was too powerful, and Situ Cao was too daring in his gambles. Therefore… this outcome was not unexpected."
Saying this, Lu Yu patted Cao Zhi's shoulder. "Therefore, you brothers are all sons of Situ Cao. You must never cause trouble within your own ranks. If you are united in spirit, then the Cao faction's influence will not be a mere facade of prosperity! You must remember these things!"
Hoo…
After listening to Lu Yu's words, Cao Zhi let out a sigh and then nodded…
After a moment of contemplation, he spoke again. "Zi Situ, I have benefited greatly from your words. However… on one point, I have a slightly different feeling!"
Hmm…
Lu Yu paused slightly.
Cao Zhi continued, "Situ Lu said that Father is too powerful and too daring in his gambles, which is why he defeated the arrogant Yuan Shao. But in my opinion, Father merely did one thing well!"
"Just as High Ancestor proposed three 'I am not as good as' when unifying the empire, 'In planning strategies within the tent, and achieving victory a thousand miles away, I am not as good as Zi Fang; in governing the state, pacifying the people, supplying provisions, and ensuring an uninterrupted flow of grain, I am not as good as Xiao He; in commanding a million troops, ensuring victory in battle, and achieving conquest in attack, I am not as good as Han Xin.'"
"In my humble opinion, Father's discerning eye for talent and his abilities in 'flawless planning' and 'attacking the enemy's heart' are not as good as Situ Lu's. However, his unwavering trust in his subordinates and the immense power he granted to Situ Lu are the fundamental reasons for defeating Yuan Shao!"
Heh…
Cao Zhi's words surprised Lu Yu. What an eloquent child!
A promising talent indeed!
"Haha…" Lu Yu laughed immediately and then waved his hand slightly. "Zi Jian, be humble, be a bit more humble!"
"Haha…" Cao Zhi also laughed. "Although I am young, I hold myself in high regard. In the world today, the only people I admire, besides Father, are Situ Lu!"
Speaking of which, Cao Zhi changed the subject. "I have another matter here!"
Hmm?
Lu Yu remembered that Cao Zhi had mentioned three things he came for. The first was Lu Yu's courtesy name, "Zi Yu"; the second was the news of Yuan Shao's demise; and the third…
Before Lu Yu could speak, Cao Zhi blurted out, "The third matter concerns a matter of 'romance' among scholars and literati!"
Romance?
Lu Yu became curious. Primarily, he had been away from home for more than half a year, and the word 'romance' seemed to have become quite sensitive to him.
"In Xiapi city of our Xuzhou, there is a canal that flows through, named 'Wan Hua Canal.' The 'Wan Hua Canal' passes by a waterside pavilion, and above the pavilion is a fragrant tower called Wan Hua Pavilion. This can be considered the most prominent place of pleasure and beauty in Xiapi city, even in Xuzhou!"
As ancient scholars loved romance, Cao Zhi was naturally no exception!
Of course, scholars' gatherings can be boring, and without the company of a few beautiful women, it's awkward to even show off.
Therefore, throughout history, these pleasure quarters have become gathering places for scholars and literati.
This…
Lu Yu caught a hint of something.
"Zi Jian? You mention this place of pleasure with such sparkling eyes. It seems you are captivated by this place of pleasure. Could it be that this third matter is an invitation to seek pleasure in this place?"
"No! No! No!"
With three consecutive "no"s, Cao Zhi quickly shook his head. "Ordinary places of pleasure cannot catch my eye, Cao Zhi. How could they possibly catch the eye of Situ Lu!"
"However, recently, a courtesan has arrived at this Wan Hua Pavilion. She is said to be of unparalleled beauty, yet few have had the chance to see her true face. Moreover, she has set up three trials. Only those who pass these trials can enter her inner chambers to meet her!"
Is there such a thing?
Hearing this, Lu Yu was taken aback.
It turned out that while other brothels and entertainment venues selected courtesans for their guests, this Wan Hua Pavilion had a courtesan who dared to select her guests? It was truly strange.
If it were merely a marketing tactic, Lu Yu could understand it. In later generations, many streamers would cover their faces, creating a buzz and hooking the interest of their top patrons.
Of course, some accidentally revealed their faces and directly caused their top patrons to delete their accounts!
What about the rumor of unparalleled beauty? That was all fleeting!
Who dared to say that when the courtesan's veil was lifted, it wouldn't be Xiao Tuantuan or Granny Qiao?
However… the three trials were somewhat interesting, with the hype dialed up to maximum.
"Cough, cough…" At this moment, Cao Zhi coughed lightly. "To be honest, Situ Lu, I also attempted to pass these three trials, but I failed and could not get close to her beauty… Currently, all the talented scholars in Xiapi city are discussing it. Perhaps only someone with extraordinary wisdom like Situ Lu can pass these three trials!"
Heh…
This third matter that Cao Zhi spoke of was indeed quite intriguing.
Of course, if this matter were in Xuchang, Lu Yu wouldn't believe that any woman could be more beautiful than Sister Zhao Ji, Da Qiao, Xiao Qiao, and Diao Chan in his mansion!
Not to exaggerate, Lu Yu would not have any expectations. But… being in Xiapi city after being away for more than half a year was a different story.
As the saying goes, "home flowers are not as fragrant as wild flowers." Men, who wouldn't want to pursue a little excitement? Naturally… all you gentlemen understand.
"Cough, cough…" Lu Yu coughed lightly this time. "Alright… in a few days, after I arrange matters concerning the Jiangbei Alliance and my business, if no one can pass these three trials, then I, Lu Yu, will give it a try!"
No rush… important matters come first!
All this effort, wasn't it just for that last half-hour?
It might also be for a quarter-hour, half a quarter-hour… and then followed by hours of contemplative time. What's the point?
However…
Compared to this, Lu Yu was more concerned about the million shi of grain that had been transported to Guandu!
The letter Lu Yu specifically instructed Cao Xiu to deliver personally to Old Cao.
To be precise… it was a letter of commendation!
Had Old Cao seen it?
This letter was the most crucial!
…
…
Guandu, Cao's Camp!
As dawn was breaking, Cao Cao woke up very early. To be precise, he couldn't sleep since the third watch.
Having won all three battles of Guandu, Xu Du Defense, and Cangting, Cao Cao, while feeling a sense of relief, naturally had to reward his meritorious officials.
Cao Cao was a person who was strict with himself and generous with others. He demanded a lot from himself and lived a simple life, but he was never stingy when it came to rewarding his subordinates, especially his meritorious officials.
In this decisive battle between Cao and Yuan, a large number of meritorious officials had emerged!
Of course, Cao Cao knew exactly how to bestow ranks and rewards upon these meritorious officials.
However…
There were two individuals for whom Cao Cao racked his brain, unsure of what to reward them with.
"Elder Brother, you summoned me so early?"
The sound of "tap, tap" footsteps came from outside the door. Xiahou Yuan entered the large tent. With the war recently concluded, the soldiers were tired and wanted to sleep in! Even Xiahou Yuan, who ran faster than a rabbit, was no exception…
It was only Chenshi (7-9 AM), and Xiahou Yuan was already summoned by Cao Cao, which was somewhat unexpected!
"Miao Cai, come over here…"
Cao Cao called Xiahou Yuan to the desk. On the desk was a large sheet of white paper, on which were written names, followed by their corresponding rewards!
For instance, the Imperial College student "Zhuge Liang" and the Imperial College student "He Yan" had made great contributions in defending Xu Du city this time, with heroic achievements!
Then there was Zhao Zilong of Changshan, who had performed a great service both in transporting fifty thousand large yellow croakers and in leading the Long Xiao Battalion to lure the enemy deep into their territory during the Battle of Cangting!
And those who performed excellently in the Battle of Guandu, such as Xiahou Yuan, Xiahou Dun, Cao Hong, Cao Ren, Xun You, Jia Xu… as well as surrendered generals Zhang He, Gao Lan… their names were all included in these commendations!
Xiahou Yuan saw the words "General Who Conquers the West" written after his name, indicating that Cao Cao intended to recommend him to the Emperor and enfeoff him as "General Who Conquers the West"!
This was quite a high official title!
One had to understand that although the Great Han did not have ranks like "first rank" or "second rank," if the title of "General" were to be graded by 'rank,' then…
In the first rank, there was only the Grand General!
In the second rank, there were the General of Agile Cavalry, the General of Chariots and Cavalry, and the General of the Guards!
The aforementioned four were generals of the "Three Ducal Ministers" level. In the second rank, there were also Grand General of Pacifying Armies, Grand General of the Central Army, Grand General of the Upper Army, Grand General of the Guarded Army, Grand General of Suppressing the Nation, Grand General of the Southern Territories…
Following these were the Four Generals of Conquest (General Who Conquers the East, General Who Conquers the South, General Who Conquers the West, General Who Conquers the North).
The Four Generals of Suppression (General Who Suppresses the East, General Who Suppresses the South, General Who Suppresses the West, General Who Suppresses the North!)
These could be understood as "Secondary First Rank"!
Then came the third rank generals, generals of the Central Army, generals of the Four Pacifications, generals of the Four Tranquilities, and special generals like General Who Builds Armies, General Who Conquers Shu, General Who Conquers Lu, and other miscellaneous generals!
Further down in the fourth rank were various others, including generals, protectors of the army, colonels, generals of the middle ranks, and so on…
Previously, Xiahou Yuan was merely a Rearranging General, analogous to "Fifth Rank." Now, he had leaped to become a General Who Conquers the West, "Secondary First Rank," a jump of several rungs!
Of course, as Cao Cao's cousin, renowned in folk tales as a righteous and chivalrous man, the man who took the blame for Cao Cao in the past… these rewards were fitting for his name and merits!
"Elder Brother…"
As Xiahou Yuan was about to speak, Cao Cao first pointed to the white paper and said, "There are two rewards that I have been unable to decide. The first is the reward for Zi Yu, and the second is…"
Upon mentioning "the second," Cao Cao paused…
Xiahou Yuan gently tapped his forehead. He hadn't yet reacted to the name "Zi Yu," but after a moment, he thought of it.
Zi Yu, wasn't that Lu Yu's courtesy name? It had recently spread throughout Guandu. Master Zheng Xuan, at the invitation of Cai Yan, personally inscribed the characters "Zi Yu" for Lu Yu!
—A graceful gentleman, resounding throughout the universe!
The calligraphy was excellent, and the meaning was auspicious!
The person who inscribed it was also of great prestige!
This… Xiahou Yuan could understand why Lu Yu's reward was difficult to decide.
After all… at such a young age, he already held the position of Situ, one of the Three Ducal Ministers, and wielded substantial power, managing the affairs of the Ministry of Agriculture, overseeing national finance and agricultural policies.
Previously, he had captured Yan Liang and slain Wen Chou and was enfeoffed as the "Marquis of Baima Pavilion." If he were to be enfeoffed again? How could he be further rewarded?
It wouldn't be appropriate to enfeoff him as a Marquis of a Township or a Marquis of a Prefecture within a year of being enfeoffed as "Marquis of Baima Pavilion," would it?
Speaking of which, Xiahou Yuan now envied Lu Yu's official titles a little.
But who was the other person? Besides Lu Yu, was there anyone else who was difficult to reward?
Thinking of this, Xiahou Yuan opened his mouth.
"Elder Brother, who is the second person whose reward is difficult to decide?"
"It's your adopted daughter, Xiahou Juan!" Cao Cao blurted out.
Ah…
Upon hearing this, Xiahou Yuan was startled, then quickly waved his hands to decline. "Juan'er? She… she's just a girl, what reward does she need?"
"Why can't a woman receive rewards?" Cao Cao immediately retorted. "My virtuous sister Cai Yan is not also the Doctor of the Imperial College and the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy? Is she not a woman?"
"Elder Brother, I… I didn't mean it that way." Xiahou Yuan frowned.
"I know what you mean!" Cao Cao patted Xiahou Yuan's shoulder. "Juan'er is your younger brother's daughter, and you have treated her as your own since childhood… You and I have been playmates since childhood, how could I not understand your feelings? You wish for Juan'er to marry into a good family! This is more important and precious than any reward!"
At this point, Cao Cao paused. "But in the defense of Xu Du city this time, if Juan'er had not found Liu Bei's whereabouts in Mount Rang, how could those Imperial College students have devised the fire strategy? How could they have burned that big-eared bandit in one fell swoop?"
"In this decisive battle between Cao and Yuan, Yuan Shao was undoubtedly the strongest opponent. However, if that scoundrel Liu Bei had successfully captured Xu Du, the entire structure would have collapsed, and the tide would have been irreversible. We would have had no hope of victory! In this battle, Juan'er, as a woman, was so courageous and bore such a heavy responsibility on her shoulders. Not only did she contribute immeasurably, but she was also the primary contributor, the first to achieve success! If she is not adequately commended, how can Cao's camp demonstrate its clear rewards and punishments!"
This…
Hearing Cao Cao's words, Xiahou Yuan was a bit confused. What did his Elder Brother mean? First, he said he understood his desire for Juan'er to marry into a good family, and then he said that if she were not adequately commended, it would not show Cao's camp's clear rewards and punishments? So, how should she be rewarded? Could it be that… they would reward her with a general's title or a civil official position?
"Elder Brother…"
Just as he was about to ask, Cao Cao preempted him. "Precisely because both Zi Yu and Juan'er are difficult to reward, it's just right. I intend to have Zi Yu marry Juan'er? Let Juan'er marry into the Marquis's mansion and become Zi Yu's capable assistant. What do you think?"
When he said this, Cao Cao's tone became much more serious.
But… Xiahou Yuan was stunned!
Ah… ah…
He was surprised, very surprised…
It wasn't that he thought Lu Yu was not worthy of Xiahou Juan.
The main reason was that the Xiahou family, despite having many males, had very few female children, and even fewer female children with Xiahou Juan's status!
Almost the entire Xiahou clan had already decided that Xiahou Juan would marry one of Cao Cao's sons. In this way, the Cao family and the Xiahou family would become even more closely related, wouldn't that be wonderful?
Lu Yu, although also very good, but… but…
"Elder Brother… Zi Yu is quite good, but…" Xiahou Yuan hurried to explain. This was related to family inheritance and could not be a hasty arrangement! Xiahou Yuan even wanted to suggest that Elder Brother betroth his eldest daughter, Cao Mu, to Lu Yu instead… After all, they were very close, and if Xiahou Yuan said there was no hint of ambiguity, he would definitely not believe it!
Unexpectedly, Cao Cao's words followed one after another. "I know what you are worried about. You think that Zi Yu is not Cao Cao's son, and that will affect the Xiahou clan's enduring good relations with the Cao clan! Your worries are not unfounded; the Xiahou clan has only one noble lady like this… her marriage is of great importance!"
"However, your worry is completely unnecessary, because Zi Yu, he is my son, and he is my eldest son!"
"He is the son of that woman surnamed Lu whom I had you search for in Puyang city for many years, whom I searched for so hard… His birthmark matches perfectly. He did not die in the chaotic times; he was saved by Cai Yan. He took his mother's surname, hence surnamed Lu! The 'auspicious' jade pendant I asked you to inquire about is precisely on his person!"
"Lu Yu is Cao Yu! Cao Yu is Lu Yu!"
Boom…
Rumble!
As Cao Cao's words spilled out, Xiahou Yuan felt like he was suffocating. He looked at his Elder Brother Cao Cao in disbelief!
If his Elder Brother Cao Cao had gone mad, then… it must be him who had gone mad.
He felt an immense storm surging within him. He felt his face burning hot. Heavens… Elder Brother, Elder Brother was telling him that the eldest son he had been searching for with great difficulty for many years… was right before him, that he was… he was Lu Yu?
"Gulp…"
Swallowing a mouthful of saliva, Xiahou Yuan felt as if a heavy hammer had struck him.
He was simply suffocating, unable to breathe!
If that were the case…
Then… Lu Yu, or rather, Cao Yu, with his merits, would almost certainly be… the future Crown Prince. If… if Juan'er married him, then… then…
Xiahou Yuan's eyes suddenly flashed with light… crystal clear light!
However…
Xiahou Yuan suddenly thought of something!
"Elder Brother, even if… Lu Yu is indeed the eldest son, then… you must have made a mistake, right? He and Miss Cai Yan…"
Clearly, Xiahou Yuan realized a serious problem.
When he was young, it was Cai Yan who saved Cao Yu;
It was Cai Yan who grew up with him, his childhood sweetheart;
Even now, it was Cai Yan who cared for him meticulously in every aspect, more so than Juan'er. It seemed… it seemed Cai Yan was more suitable to be the lady of the Marquis's mansion!
Of course…
It was not Xiahou Yuan's fault for asking such a question.
In fact, Cao Cao had already considered this matter!
Xiahou Juan was his niece!
Cai Yan, was his mentor's daughter!
As far as Cao Cao was concerned, both the palm and the back of his hand were flesh…
However, he had already thought of a…
…a perfect, win-win solution!
…
…