"All of you, look."
Qu Yi let out a cold shout, raising his arm.
As soon as the words fell... a "buzzing" sound was heard, and then the potted plants hanging in the main hall of the yamen trembled violently!
Immediately after, with a "bang," the flowerpots shattered...
This...
Everyone exchanged glances, filled with doubt.
Clearly, clearly Qu Yi had not thrown any blunt weapons in his movements?
But... the flowerpots had shattered, the entire process was as if attacking an object from a distance, carrying a touch of the mystical!
Qu Yi then calmly walked to the shattered flowerpots, cleared away the bricks, tiles, and soil, and held a very thin, wafer-like object in his hand.
He continued to explain, "This is called a blade shard! An iron shard shaved into a very thin, sharp edge. It has a certain weight yet is extremely thin, making it difficult to detect. If one has practiced the art of throwing these blade shards, they can instantly throw numerous shards at close range, taking lives without a sound..."
"Just now, the armored soldiers of the Vanguard Camp inspected the bodies of the guards.
Without exception... each one had a blade shard embedded in their neck! This method of throwing blade shards is a type of hidden weapon, and the Vanguard Death Warriors also carry some on their person."
"However, it's the limit for our Vanguard Camp armored soldiers to throw four at once. But that old man could instantly throw more than ten blade shards. This is not just about his movement technique; his skill and strength are also extremely formidable."
One must know...
The Vanguard Death Warriors in Qu Yi's hand were the most capable infantry legion in the entire Han Dynasty!
Their strength lay in their various methods during sieges. "Being the first to charge" only proved their bravery, but... the Vanguard Death Warriors were most skilled in using various weapons,
Naturally, this included hidden weapons...
Blade shards are a type of hidden weapon. These extremely thin blade shards... are more concealable, easier to throw suddenly, and kill enemies invisibly!
The Vanguard Death Warriors were trained... and in battles, these blade shards were extremely practical!
It's just that...
To others, this field of "backstabbing" hidden weapons remained somewhat unfamiliar.
Everyone gathered around, carefully observing the extremely thin iron pieces in Gao Shun's hand, and some went to look at the shattered flowerpots, which proved the power of these blade shards.
Then...
On Yanmen Pass, that old man instantly killed more than ten people, likely using this very hidden weapon!
Although it still proved he was strong,
Ultimately... Qu Yi's explanation had brought that old man down from the heavens, back to reality!
"Hmph, petty tricks!"
Lü Bu snorted coldly. He had initially thought highly of the old man, but now his eyes were filled with contempt.
One must know that Lü Bu was a disciple of Li Yan, who was a disciple of Yu Zhenzi...
And Yu Zhenzi's "Three Perfections" were unparalleled in the world – Spear, Halberd, and Hidden Weapons!
Li Yan and Lü Bu had similar dispositions...
Disdainful of learning such underhanded tactics of backstabbing, thus he only mastered the halberd and scorned "hidden weapons."
Tong Yuan's thinking was entirely different; he advocated for "victory" rather than the process, which was also the reason for his eventual split with his senior brother Li Yan!
Therefore...
Hidden weapons! He learned them all...
However, in his youth, his martial arts were supreme, where would he need hidden weapons?
But as he grew old... to regain the terrifying deterrence of his youth, he needed to supplement his spear techniques with these stealthy "blade shards"!
Furthermore, spear techniques differ from halberd techniques...
Spear techniques were inherently built on a swift attack route, thus... using these blade shards was also exceptionally effortless.
"General Ying, you must not be careless!"
Qu Yi suggested, "Even if this old man used some minor tricks, it still doesn't hide his formidable skill! Especially his movement technique... and his extreme methods! General Ying, please do not underestimate him!"
Indeed.
Who would kill the defending generals without a word, without distinguishing right from wrong?
This temperament is too extreme, isn't it?
Of course... for someone like Tong Yuan, who could teach such a powerful disciple, to live in seclusion at the frontier...
Even remaining indifferent to the Wuhuan's southward march, how could his temperament *not* be extreme!
"Hmph..."
Hearing this, Lü Bu snorted. "Didn't he leave a message, a battle at the foot of Niutou Mountain in three days? I am quite interested in this battle."
"I truly wish to see how many more of his trivial tricks and despicable methods he has!"
Lü Bu stood proudly.
He was already fond of martial arts, and upon hearing of such a strange, extreme, and highly skilled old man, he was naturally eager to try!
"Actually..." Tian Yu suggested, "Why don't we first send people to set up an ambush at Niutou Mountain? Now that the truth is revealed, though this old man is skilled, he is no immortal! As long as we can set it up first, could it be that he can evade a volley of arrows? At that time... if he's shot dead by countless arrows, Governor Yang will naturally be saved!"
Yan Rou suddenly thought of something and quickly said, "Also, since he captured Governor Yang alive, he must have a purpose. Governor Yang is Commander Lu's disciple, so most likely... his target is Commander Lu. He wants to exchange something with Yang Xiu for Commander Lu. If... we know his purpose, we can perhaps trade it with him, thereby... settling this matter and retrieving Governor Yang!"
Yan Rou proposed a new opinion.
Who would have thought...
With a "clang," Lü Bu's sword was directly unsheathed, instantly shattering the table!
His voice seemed to have been infused with ten thousand years of ice.
"Exchange? Settle this matter? Hmph... how is that possible!"
"He killed seventeen of my Yanmen soldiers! These soldiers were brave men who defended the frontier and the Great Han. They had families and homes but willingly stayed here to resist the invasion of the Xianbei barbarians! I don't care what the old scoundrel's purpose is, or what he wants to exchange! But these seventeen lives, I will have revenge!"
With a "bang..." Lü Bu's sword plunged directly into the ground. "This is non-negotiable. His head must be offered to the souls of my Yanmen soldiers in the heavens! Even if the King of Heaven himself came, he couldn't save him!"
"However, I am quite disdainful of those ambushes and backstabbing tricks!"
Domineering... mighty...
As the saying goes, Lü Bu, having "died at Baimen Tower," had thought through many things.
He had returned to the purest form of Lü Fengxian of Jiuyuan!
Especially... in this new identity, he was a shadow, a shadow protecting the frontier, a shadow protecting every passionate man on the frontier!
Subtly, he had already regarded every Yanmen soldier as a brother!
Naturally, this included those seventeen departed souls!
—"No matter who it is! Whoever dares to kill my frontier soldiers, I will take his head!"
This was Lü Bu's third emphasis...
Each emphasis grew in tone, and everyone could feel his resolve and heroism.
"Count me in!" Gongsun Zan patted his chest... "Didn't he want the four of us to go together? It's been a long time since I've seen such an arrogant old man!"
"Me too!" Zhang Yan blurted out. "Putting on such a show, I find him very displeasing!"
As these words escaped...
Qu Yi hesitated for a moment, "I naturally won't be left behind either! The Vanguard Camp has no cowards!"
Watching...
The Four Diamond Warriors of Yanmen were about to keep their appointment!
Who would have thought that at this moment...
"If General Qu is going, then I won't!"
Gongsun Zan suddenly stood up.
This sudden turn of events startled everyone... Clearly, Gongsun Zan still held a grudge against Qu Yi. Even though they both belonged to the Dragon Soaring Camp now. But the deaths of the White Horse Righteous Followers in the past were caused by Qu Yi's Vanguard Camp. How could he abandon this enmity?
"If you want to go, go. Who cares if you go?"
Qu Yi's face turned cold... diametrically opposed!
"You're looking for death!" Gongsun Zan clenched his fist and exploded...
Suddenly, the two drew their swords, their tension escalating.
"Two generals... two generals..." It was Zhang Yan who spoke to persuade them, "The three of us joined the Dragon Soaring Camp almost at the same time. Generals, why don't you think about it? We've been here for so long, and yet we've accomplished nothing!"
"Governor Yang has been abducted again. If this news reaches Xudu, reaches Commander Lu? It would be embarrassing. I, Zhang Yan, cannot afford such embarrassment! Generals, if you have any grievances, let's discuss them later. With the overall situation at hand... I propose that we first reclaim our lost dignity..."
Before Zhang Yan could finish speaking.
"Whoosh..." Gongsun Zan let out a long sigh, then his eyes fixed. "Good, let's do as you say. However... General Qu! Don't hold this general back!"
"Hmph, that's what I wanted to say!" Qu Yi snorted coldly... "General Gongsun, don't be 'only go and never return' again!"
—"You!"
—"What!"
Seeing that the two were about to fight again.
Zhang Yan and Tian Yu quickly stopped them...
Lü Bu's eyes narrowed. "Why stop them? Let them fight! Hmph... if they have the ability, go slaughter that old thief! Here, in front of your own people, what are you pretending for?"
When the "Shadow General" spoke, the entire hall fell silent, and the yamen returned to peace.
After all...
In Yanmen now, the "Shadow General's" prestige was comparable to the former "Lü Fengxian of Jiuyuan." He was a god-like existence.
He was not only the protector in the hearts of all the border residents and soldiers, but also an object of admiration for Zhang Yan, Qu Yi, and Gongsun Zan!
...
...
Xudu City, Medical Office!
Lady Gan had already been sent over, and Lady Mi was also present... however, she was deliberately kept outside the door by Zhang Zhongjing!
A group of disciples busied themselves carrying Lady Gan into the rear hall.
Immediately... they all left, and the entrance to the rear hall was guarded by plainclothes Tiger Guards.
No one was allowed to enter.
Lady Gan seemed to have woken up... Seeing Zhang Zhongjing, seeing the medical office's layout... she looked confused? Wondering why she was in the medical office?
Zhang Zhongjing sat beside her.
He was currently taking Lady Gan's pulse, but as the pulse became clearer, his mood became increasingly agitated and shocked.
The so-called inspection, listening, questioning, and palpation!
When Lady Gan had been unconscious, he first examined Lady Gan's eyes, tongue coating, earlobes... and finally sat down steadily, gently placing his hand on Lady Gan's pulse.
His fingertips could feel Lady Gan's weak pulse beats!
"Cough cough..."
Rarely, Zhang Zhongjing coughed lightly, then narrowed his eyes and muttered, "Like, very much like..."
"Divine Doctor, may I ask... like... like what?" Lady Gan quickly asked, her voice weak.
"Pregnancy..."
As soon as the word "pregnancy" left his mouth, Zhang Zhongjing suddenly thought of something and immediately closed his mouth.
He hurriedly corrected himself...
"It's nothing... just some common female symptoms!"
He naturally dared not say that Lady Gan had a pregnancy pulse; this matter was too significant...
One must know that Lady Gan's husband was Liu Bei!
Where was Liu Bei now? No one knew! Of course, that wasn't important. The important thing was that he was definitely not in Xudu.
Therefore... Lady Gan being pregnant, this would be... very strange and violate propriety!
One must know that in ancient times, women were treated very unfavorably. If a husband was alive... yet she was carrying another's child, if this were to spread, she would be spat upon by everyone, and would be drowned in a pig cage.
Even though Zhang Zhongjing could be sure that this pulse... was definitely a pregnancy pulse!
But... he couldn't say it!
Furthermore, Zhang Zhongjing was almost certain that this matter was related to Situ Cao!
Then it was even more important not to speak carelessly!
Especially at this sensitive period, with Cao and Yuan's decisive battle... a single "Declaration of Incitement Against the Bandit" could cause Cao Cao to lose face, and then... this kind of thing would arise!
"Cough cough..."
Thinking of this, Zhang Zhongjing coughed lightly again. Regardless, he had to report to Situ Cao first.
"Madam, I have a few questions. If you know, please answer!"
Zhang Zhongjing's mood was solemn, his tone low.
Lady Gan nodded her forehead. "Divine Doctor, please ask anything..."
"Madam, besides the dizziness today? Have you had any symptoms recently?"
Zhang Zhongjing asked.
"Nausea, headache, dizziness... occasional dry heaving." Lady Gan answered truthfully. As a woman who had never given birth, she naturally did not know that these were symptoms of conception!
Zhang Zhongjing's eyes became more solemn.
"Then, Madam, when was the last time you had your menstrual period?"
"This..." Lady Gan suddenly felt a bit embarrassed. Even though the person in front of her was an old TCM doctor... answering such a question? It was somewhat shy for a girl.
One must know...
Lady Gan was still pure and innocent in front of men other than Cao Cao.
"Madam, please speak directly. I am a physician, and in the eyes of a physician, there is no distinction between male and female."
Zhang Zhongjing comforted her.
"Alright..." Lady Gan nodded, then tried to recall... but this recall was not good; she couldn't remember for a moment. It seemed... her menstrual period hadn't come this month?
Last month... it was around the beginning of the month.
Why... why was it so late?
Instantly, Lady Gan sensed something was wrong. "It seems... it seems it was last month? Why... why have I been... been... yes, have I contracted some illness?"
"Madam, do not overthink it!" Zhang Zhongjing waved his hand and picked up a brush to write on the bamboo slips.
He continued to ask, "Then... Madam, when was your last intimate encounter?"
Since it was confirmed to be a pregnancy pulse, Zhang Zhongjing's questions... were mainly to inquire about the specific time of pregnancy, so he could prescribe a medicine to calm the fetus!
However, the most recent intimate encounter.
This was even more sensitive... Lady Gan's face turned as red as a big apple, a deep, deep red.
She... how could she answer?
She... she couldn't possibly say that she went to Situ Cao's mansion every night... Recently... wasn't it last night?
With a "gulp," Lady Gan swallowed. She opened her mouth several times, but swallowed back what she wanted to say several times.
Zhang Zhongjing naturally noticed.
Stroking his beard.
"I know... Madam, you don't need to answer!"
Lady Gan was startled. What did Divine Doctor Zhongjing's "I know" mean? Did it mean what she was thinking?
Just then, Zhang Zhongjing suddenly stood up.
"Madam, there is something... I don't know whether to say it or not, but... for Madam's health, I must remind you of one thing!"
"Madam, you must be temperate!"
Zhang Zhongjing's tone became extremely respectful...
This...
Lady Gan subconsciously lowered her head, as if she had been seen through, her face turning even redder.
"I will take my leave now. Madam Gan, please rest well. Later, I will have my disciples prepare the medicinal herbs. Madam, please take them at the appointed time..."
As the words fell...
Zhang Zhongjing had already walked out of this pavilion.
Although his words were calm and collected, in reality, his heart was already surging. This consultation was truly stimulating, too stimulating.
...
...
Xudu City, Situ's Mansion.
"Crack! Clatter!"
With a crisp sound...
The brush Cao Cao was holding fell onto the desk. The fine paper that had just been brought from the Imperial Academy was stained with black dots from the brush!
"Hiss..."
Cao Cao gasped, his eyes widening in disbelief as he looked back at Zhang Zhongjing.
"Pregnant? Pregnant?"
Zhang Zhongjing nodded, "About half a month. It can be preliminarily determined through pulse diagnosis..."
The changes in pulse during pregnancy vary from person to person. Some can detect a pregnancy pulse within seven days, while others take more than twenty days to do so.
"Haha..."
"Hahahahaha..."
Suddenly, Cao Cao burst into laughter... He clapped both hands on Zhang Zhongjing's arms. "Hahaha..." He let out a sigh of relief.
His laughter shook the tiles and made the beams rumble.
Cao Cao was truly happy... This was not simply about having another son, nor was it just because Yu'er's plan could proceed smoothly. The most important thing was – a sense of accomplishment!
An accomplishment that Liu Bei had not achieved, but he, Cao Cao, had!
Heh, you Liu Bei are good at hiding your thoughts, aren't you?
You escaped from under my nose, Cao Cao, didn't you?
Heh... hehehe...
Your wife couldn't escape, could she?
Your offspring are still not as good as mine, Cao Cao's offspring, right?
Lady Gan being pregnant, this immense sense of accomplishment made Cao Cao feel like he was floating!
Then...
Next, according to Yu'er's plan, then... we must send her back quickly.
Once her belly grows in two months, it will be over.
And to achieve this, then... there are still two difficult problems. The first is... damn it, where is Liu Bei now? How to send her to him immediately!
The second is, how to make Lady Gan willing!
Especially the second problem... this is even more important than finding Liu Bei.
One must know...
The first problem, although seemingly difficult, in reality, once confirmed, Cao Cao could allow Guan Yu to proceed smoothly... no matter how far, a safe ten-day delivery!
There couldn't be more thoughtful service than sending a wife!
But the second... that's a completely new story, one that needs careful consideration...
"Situ Cao... Situ Cao..."
Seeing Cao Cao lost in thought, Zhang Zhongjing repeatedly reminded him.
"...Divine Doctor Zhongjing, as Situ Lu's junior brother, you are naturally knowledgeable. Many words do not need to be explained by me, right?" Cao Cao came back to his senses, then added, "Then... does Divine Doctor Zhongjing have any other instructions?"
"...Since Madam is already pregnant, according to medical principles, she should be told the truth... This way, she can be careful to protect the fetus!" Zhang Zhongjing whispered, "However, this situation is special. If handled improperly, it might harm the reputations of both people!"
Zhang Zhongjing did not state it clearly...
But the meaning was clear. Cao Cao was a smart person, how could he not understand?
"This, Divine Doctor Zhongjing, rest assured!" Cao Cao smiled slightly. "Someone will tell her! And someone will handle this matter properly!"
Just then...
"Reporting to Situ Cao!" Outside the study, Xu Chu roared, "Guan Yu has returned from Guandu and wishes to see Situ Cao outside the mansion! He says he is here to resign!"
Resign...
If this were historically, Cao Cao would have hung up a "no visitors" sign and refused to see him. But now...
He returned at the right time, just right... perfectly timed!
"Haha..."
Cao Cao couldn't help but laugh out loud. "Zhong Kang? Is Yun Chang wearing his hat?"
Ah... Ah...
Xu Chu was startled... then replied truthfully, "He is!"
"I heard that Yun Chang has separately sealed the horse and gold and silver bestowed by Situ Cao, wearing his original attire and hat to come and resign to Situ Gong! He said that after resigning, he would go to pay respects to his sister-in-law!"
"Hahaha..." Cao Cao laughed again, and while laughing, he didn't forget to cast his gaze towards Zhang Zhongjing. Then... he sighed, "That's right, Yun Chang has brought a very large hat for his elder brother! Haha... hahahaha!"
Uh...
As Cao Cao's words escaped, Zhang Zhongjing's eyeballs rolled.
It seemed there was a hidden meaning in Situ Cao's words!
And the interpretation of these words...
He... he couldn't do it!
...
...