The two palaces face each other, their dual turrets a hundred feet high.
It's an almost perfect replica of the former Luoyang Imperial Palace!
Inside the current Imperial Palace of Xudu City, it's just like before... still a 'Lu' character-shaped structure with large courtyards. The North and South Palaces are connected by a covered elevated walkway, seven li long!
The so-called elevated walkway is three parallel roads. The middle one is the imperial path exclusively for the Emperor and Empress, while the sides are for officials and attendants.
Every ten paces, a guard is stationed, forming two ranks, immensely imposing.
The northern gate of the South Palace and the southern gate of the North Palace face each other across the turrets, precisely the ten characters – "The two palaces face each other, their dual turrets a hundred feet high."
At this moment...
Along the elevated walkway connecting the Xuanwu Gate of the South Palace and the Zhuque Gate of the North Palace, footsteps echo, "tap, tap, tap." Empress Fu Shou, with a few attendants, is hurrying from the South Palace towards the North Palace.
They are taking a seldom-used path, leading to the Yongning Palace in the northeastern corner of the North Palace!
It is said that the South Palace is where the Emperor and his officials gather for court and deliberation, with its neat and orderly layout and densely packed palaces and pavilions!
The main palaces within the Imperial Palace are situated along the north-south central axis.
From north to south, they are: Simen Gate, Duanmen Gate, Quefei Gate, Quefei Hall, Zhanghua Gate, Chongde Hall, Zhongde Hall, Qianqi Wansui Hall, and Pingshuo Hall.
However...
The Yongning Palace, where Empress Fu Shou is currently heading, is not part of this "core" cluster of palaces.
Yongning Palace was the palace bestowed by Emperor Ling upon his eldest daughter, Princess Wannian, when he was in the Luoyang Imperial Palace. Liu Xue preferred quiet, so the late Emperor granted her the most serene palace in the Imperial Palace.
Even after moving to Xudu City, Liu Xue continued to reside in Yongning Palace.
"Tap, tap, tap..."
Empress Fu Shou's footsteps grow more urgent. The palace maids, seeing this, step aside along the walkway, lowering their heads to bow.
After the Empress passes, they whisper amongst themselves.
It seems...
This is the first time the Empress has been so unsettled.
Similarly...
It's also the first time in these past two years that the Empress has gone to Yongning Palace to see Princess Wannian.
Faintly... many palace maids feel something is about to happen, but they cannot quite say what it is!
An hour later.
After circling through the corridors, Empress Fu Shou entered Yongning Palace. She anxiously looked left and right, then heard faint zither music from behind the flower bushes.
Taking a few steps forward, she saw a woman in white attire and a white hat, wearing a cloak, playing the zither amidst the flowers.
Who else could it be but Princess Wannian, Liu Xue?
It was a piece called "Gong Wu Du He" (May You Not Cross the River), its melody vigorous and fierce. Fu Shou was stunned by its soaring and passionate rhythm.
At the same time...
Liu Xue also noticed Fu Shou. While continuing to play the zither with one hand, she gently removed her hood with the other, her eyes gazing at Fu Shou.
Fu Shou's sincere, hopeful gaze met Princess Wannian Liu Xue's sincere, sorrowful gaze. At such close proximity, Fu Shou felt both captivated and worried, the very air seeming to tremble with their breaths.
And at this very moment...
Perhaps due to distraction...
Or perhaps for some other reason.
A string on the zither in Liu Xue's hand snapped. Fu Shou initially thought it was accidental.
Never did she expect... all the strings were cut simultaneously by Liu Xue. Fu Shou trembled in fright, and a silk handkerchief she held fell to the ground... there were clearly words on the handkerchief. The accompanying maid hurried to pick it up, but Fu Shou waved her hand, signaling everyone to withdraw.
Princess Wannian Liu Xue also waved her hand, signaling the servants and maids of Yongning Palace to retreat...
"Yes!"
With the maids' reply, only Fu Shou and Liu Xue remained in Yongning Palace.
"Tap, tap..."
The rainbow-like luminescence faded, and with light steps, Liu Xue walked towards Fu Shou.
She was dressed in white robes and a white skirt, her three thousand strands of black hair flowing smoothly down her fragrant shoulders, past her waist, and reaching her delicate hips.
Her eyebrows were like painted strokes, her skin like ice and snow. Her slightly slender, pretty face formed a perfect outline, evoking an involuntary sigh of admiration in one's heart – what an elegant beauty.
"I did not expect that His Majesty would ultimately invite the Empress."
Liu Xue suddenly bowed to Fu Shou.
One was a princess, the other an Empress; this was the proper etiquette.
Fu Shou quickly helped her up, holding Liu Xue's wrist, "Sister Xue, you are the Eldest Princess, you must not bow to me!"
Liu Xue blinked her eyes, then lowered her head to pick up the silk handkerchief, softly reciting, "What is this?"
As she spoke, she slowly unfolded the silk handkerchief and read the words – "Earnestly implore Eldest Sister to save the Han Dynasty from this dire plight!"
Hoo...
Liu Xue let out a soft sigh, a hint of surprise on her face. Then, the expression on her entire face softened considerably.
"As expected, the rumors among the Han officials are not unfounded. His Majesty... wishes me to marry that White Horse Marquis? In exchange for His Majesty and Chancellor Cao... no, to be precise, in exchange for reconciliation between His Majesty and Prime Minister Cao, is that it?"
Although Liu Xue resided in the imperial palace.
She had special channels to hear some "rumors and gossip," no... to be accurate, this was not rumor, but the Han court's only choice.
The Han Dynasty and the Cao faction seek great reconciliation and a grand alliance... and then to turn their gaze towards unifying the realm. The Han Dynasty needs to 'marry' into the powerful ministers of the Cao faction, just as the Han Dynasty has, for centuries, continuously sent princesses (and palace maids) to the frontier to exchange for reconciliation and concessions from the Xiongnu!
Of course, Wang Zhaojun's departure to the frontier was also a beautiful tale, was it not?
"Sister Xue... you know everything, then I... I..." Fu Shou's words stumbled.
It was hard to imagine... the Empress, usually dignified and noble, looking so as she bit her lip at this moment.
"Sister Xue, what... what do you think?"
Finally, Fu Shou calmed herself and asked.
"What can I think?" Liu Xue tossed the handkerchief with writing into the pool... "I have two younger brothers, one was poisoned by Dong Zhuo, and the other successively became puppets in the hands of Dong Zhuo, Li Jue, and Cao Cao. They had a much harder time than I did. As children of the imperial family, perhaps this outcome was decided long ago."
At this point, Liu Xue paused. "Even if I were to marry the White Horse Marquis, I wouldn't be marrying some commoner or dog-butcher. Given his current status and reputation, Lu Ziyu, perhaps it is I, Princess Wannian, who is reaching too high!"
Insightful, perceptive!
In the past few days, two matters have been widely discussed among the Han officials, led by the Fu family, causing a veritable storm.
The first is Lu Yu's request to be enfeoffed as "Grand Censor," a matter everyone knows Lu Yu's true intention is not the title itself, but the position of "Prime Minister" held by Cao Cao!
The second is Lu Yu's marriage to the noble daughter of the Xiahou clan, Xiahou Yuan. If the Han court had no reaction, or even subtly interfered, then... the relationship between the Cao faction and the Han court would be pushed to an irreconcilable extreme!
Besides these two matters...
The actions of the School of Inspectors are also closely monitored by the Han officials, and it is clear... the blade of the School of Inspectors is now pointed at the leader of the Han officials, the Fu family.
For the Han court, this is already a matter of life and death!
Therefore...
The Han court must make a decision, and the Han officials must make a decision immediately!
"It comforts me greatly that Sister Xue can think this way..." Fu Shou murmured.
Unexpectedly, at this moment.
With a "噗" sound...
Liu Xue smiled, a strained smile, her laughter laced with a hint of mockery, mocking her own status, mocking the Han court's current predicament.
That piece she played earlier, "Gong Wu Du He," heh heh... Gong Wu Du He, how will the Duke cross the river?
"Empress, I have a word here, I don't know if I should speak it!"
Liu Xue spoke again...
"One noble household with two ladies, Sister Xue's virtuous marriage to Lu Yu makes her a benefactor of the Han court. Sister Xue, please speak your mind! If Sister Xue has any requests, please state them directly!" Fu Shou continued...
Hoo...
Liu Xue turned around. She slowly walked to the birch tree, a deep resentment rising within her, an intense hatred for the "incompetent" Han court that she felt for the first time.
Perhaps...
This was the pain of a change in status, from Eldest Princess Wannian to... to a Marquis's wife, and even a wife of a noble household with two ladies. A dignified Han princess serving the same husband as other women, how ridiculous!
Her delicate jade hand was raised, her sleeve cuff appearing exceptionally crystal clear in the sunlight...
Liu Xue's final words finally escaped her lips.
"Empress, tell me, after I marry the White Horse Marquis, if one day my husband were to harm my brother, should I consider my family's honor? Or stand with my husband's family?"
This...
Princess Wannian's words left Fu Shou speechless.
As a woman, she didn't know how to answer?
It seemed... this era was never fair to women!
"Alas..."
With a long, sighing lament, Fu Shou pondered for a moment, then spoke, "Since ancient times, loyalty and filial piety are hard to reconcile, let alone husband's family and maiden family?"
At this point, Fu Shou paused and murmured with emotion, "Sister Xue's question, I cannot answer... but, according to the 'Book of Rites: Funeral Attire,' it states – 'A woman has three obediences and no self-determination. Thus, before marriage, she obeys her father; after marriage, she obeys her husband; and when the husband dies, she obeys her son.'"
"And the 'Zhou Li: Tianguan: Jiupin' states, 'The Nine Concubines are in charge of the rules of female education, teaching wives in nine ways – virtue, speech, appearance, and skill! Regardless of anything, you and I, women... the three obediences and four virtues, should be correct, shouldn't they?"
Fu Shou's words did not directly answer, but... the meaning was extremely clear.
Since the "Zhou Li" has the rule of "after marriage, obey the husband," then... whether to obey the husband or the clan, it seems... there is no need to scrutinize further, right?
The ancestors have already provided a definitive answer!
Upon hearing this, Liu Xue nodded...
Of course, she was somewhat surprised.
She did not expect... Fu Shou to answer this way!
Fu Shou's words continued, and it seemed there was some consolation in them. "Sister Xue marrying the White Horse Marquis is already helping the Han court, helping the Fu family... If there truly comes a day when the White Horse Marquis breaks with the Han court, then Sister Xue will naturally make the correct choice! Just follow your heart. At least... at least... at least the White Horse Marquis will still be His Majesty's brother-in-law then, won't he?" Da Feng Novel Network.
Hoo...
Follow your heart.
Upon hearing this, Liu Xue's lips curved slightly. It seemed... she had found her answer.
Follow your heart, is that it?
She bit her lip with her silver teeth...
Who would have thought?
This Young Master Lu, who had shaken the Nine Provinces in recent years and could be called a legend, would one day... become Liu Xue's husband, become the Son of Heaven's brother-in-law!
How unpredictable life is...
If, one day, her husband and the Han court present conflicting arguments, then... she must follow her heart.
Younger brother... do not blame your sister then!
Do not blame... do not blame!
...
...
Bing Province, Yanmen Commandery.
On the training ground, Lu Bu was sparring with Zhang Yan, Gongsun Zan, and Qu Yi.
Zhang Yan used a saber, Gongsun Zan a spear, and Qu Yi a halberd. The three wielded their weapons with impressive ferocity. Lu Bu still used his Fang Tian Hua Ji, his movements fluid and his aura sharp. He could handle all three at once without issue!
Just then.
Tian Yu was brought to the training ground by several Long Xiao Armored Guards. His brow was furrowed, and he called out several times, but Lu Bu, engrossed in the fight, seemed not to hear!
His halberd continued to whistle through the air. Tian Yu was anxious, but unable to interrupt.
Qu Yi, with sharp eyes, saw Tian Yu. He exchanged a glance with Gongsun Zan and Zhang Yan, and after a flurry of saber and swordplay, the three, acting in unspoken concert, ceased their attacks and respectfully bowed to Lu Bu.
"General Ying's martial arts are peerless. The three of us are not your match!"
With these words...
"Haha..." Lu Bu laughed. He took a towel from a nearby Tiger Guardsman to wipe his sweat and said, "Not as good as I used to be!"
This statement was filled with meaning!
As he spoke, Lu Bu noticed Tian Yu and beckoned him over. Gongsun Zan, Zhang Yan, and Qu Yi knew it was urgent and also gathered around.
Tian Yu quickly reported, "Just now, a carrier pigeon arrived from Mount Tai Commandery in Yan Province. Young Master Yang's whereabouts have been found!"
Hmm...
Upon hearing this, Lu Bu's eyes narrowed.
He recalled that he and Yang Xiu had come to Yanmen together. Along the way, he didn't particularly like this refined university student. But... as time passed, he realized this fellow had a very sharp mind!
With his strategies, his own martial prowess and command could achieve twice the results with half the effort, and in civil affairs, this lad was quite capable!
These past few months... Yang Xiu had not been by his side, and Lu Bu actually missed him a little!
He even occasionally wondered if that old rascal Tong Yuan was giving him trouble.
Upon hearing of Yang Xiu's whereabouts, it was no wonder his expression changed drastically.
"Where?"
Lu Bu immediately asked... "Mount Tai, he is currently imprisoned on the mountains of Mount Tai. It seems... a band of bandits calling themselves the Mount Tai Army is guarding him!"
Hoo...
Hearing this, Lu Bu was startled!
Mount Tai Army? Zang Ba?
Instinctively, he thought of his sworn brother from the past, Zang Ba, who was righteous and valiant in his corner of Mount Tai, and his loyal Mount Tai soldiers!
Since leaving the Central Plains and coming to Bing Province, Lu Bu had tried his best to forget the past and rarely inquired about his former brothers. He thought this was for their own good, and for his own good!
But... now learning that Yang Xiu was imprisoned on Mount Tai? Imprisoned by Zang Ba, how could Lu Bu remain calm?
His calm heart was now pounding with agitation!
If Tong Yuan were also involved, this...
Lu Bu's eyes suddenly narrowed.
Tian Yu's words continued. "Not only is there news of Young Master Yang... Young Master Yang also cleverly sent word, specifically mentioning 'Lu You Nan' (Lu is in danger). General Yan Rou speculates that this refers to Young Master Lu being in danger..."
Huo...
If Yang Xiu's whereabouts had only stirred Lu Bu's emotions slightly, then... the words "Lu You Nan" made Lu Bu unable to remain calm!
One must know, in Lu Yu's view... the fact that Diao Chan and Ling Ju could live peacefully, and that he himself could live safely in this world, was never a gift from Cao Cao!
It was because of Lu Yu's existence!
If viewed from this angle...
If anything happened to Lu Yu, then he and everyone he cared about would... would...
"Is it related to that army at Mount Tai?" Lu Bu asked instinctively.
"I don't know!" Tian Yu shook his head.
Lu Bu asked no further questions. He immediately picked up his Fang Tian Hua Ji and headed towards the stables.
Lu Yu is in danger...
Lu Yu is in danger!
His mind was filled with this single thought. Zang Ba is one of ours, the Mount Tai Army is also one of ours, we must not have a case of the Dragon King's temple being flooded by our own water!
Of course, if it were just the Mount Tai Army... or Zang Ba intending to harm Lu Yu, then that would... be manageable!
But what if that old rascal Tong Yuan made a move... Lu Bu did not believe that, apart from himself, anyone else was Tong Yuan's match!
"General Ying... do not panic!"
Seeing Lu Bu stride away, Tian Yu hurriedly shouted, "The immediate priority is to send a fast horse report to Young Master Lu, to alert him!"
Heh heh...
As these words escaped his lips, Lu Bu "heh heh"-ed. Fast horse? Was there a horse faster than his Red Hare?
Tap...
Lu Bu stopped, and yelled loudly, "My fast horse can travel a thousand li a day. From here to Xu Province, it will only take three days! Let alone a fast horse report, even a carrier pigeon cannot match my horse's speed!"
Speaking of which...
Lu Bu paused, and his words became even colder. "If that old dog dares to touch a single hair of Lu Yu, I will tear him into ten thousand pieces!"
Huo...
Upon hearing this, Gongsun Zan, Qu Yi, and Zhang Yan frowned deeply.
Rarely, they found... this "invincible" General Ying was enraged!
No... he was not enraged, he was furious!
Tap, tap...
The powerful footsteps echoed across the training ground. Before long...
"Dede..."
The neigh of a warhorse.
The "dada dada" of hooves was deafening. The halberd, like a fierce tiger emerging from its cage, was brushed with a sheen in the sunlight!
Cold, piercing sharpness!
And so urgent, so enraged!
...
...
In the Imperial Palace of the Dragon Towers and Phoenix Palaces, dark clouds obscured the sun.
Cao Cao had not yet returned from Guandu.
However... the School of Inspectors had already taken action.
Just during the morning court earlier... Xu Chu, leading a group of School of Inspectors, escorted Fu Wan, the leader of the Han officials, out. The Han officials were instantly flustered... they scrambled and stumbled in pursuit.
However, the moment Xu Chu brandished his curved saber...
The entire Imperial Palace fell silent...
...
The sun was high in the sky. Outside the Fu family mansion in Xudu City, the sounds of incessant door smashing and curses echoed.
The steward, through the door, knew the visitors were ill-intentioned and asked with a trembling voice.
"Who are you people?"
"Is this not Fu Wan's residence? On the orders of Situ Cao, we are here to apprehend the Fu family members, and the remaining servants are to be guarded on the spot!"
The words were unequivocal. The steward panicked, but... Fu Wan was not present, so they had no chance to seek instructions from the head of the family. At this moment...
With a "guang" sound, the door was forcibly broken open.
"What happened to my Fu family?"
Some servants were knocked off balance, while others got up and grabbed a soldier, asking in alarm.
"Hmph..."
The only reply was a cold voice. "Colluding with Yuan Shao, such a grave crime? What more is there to argue? Take them all away!"
In an instant, the entire Fu family was thrown into chaos. Countless Han officials... were filled with apprehension and fear!
...
At noon, within the Weiyang Palace.
Empress Fu Shou grabbed Emperor Liu Xie and pulled him towards the western city gate of Xudu City.
Carefully calculating, Cao Cao was scheduled to return tomorrow at noon!
"Empress? Will doing this... be of any use?"
Fu Shou chuckled. "Whether it's useful or not? Your Majesty... must we not do this?"
Emperor Liu Xie rubbed the imperial decree in his hand and finally made up his mind.
This was the decree enfeoffing Cao Cao as Prime Minister!
This was also the decree enfeoffing Lu Yu as Grand Censor!
And it was also... the decree for the Emperor's bestowed marriage, of a noble household with two wives!
"Summon the Imperial Secretariat, and order all civil and military officials to escort Situ Cao out of the city thirty li to welcome his triumphant return..."
"Summon the 'Fengchang Ling' from the Nine Ministers in charge of rituals to see me. I wish to discuss with him the grand wedding of the White Horse Marquis with Princess Wannian and the noble daughter of the Xiahou clan!"
...
...