The conflicts between the Hu and Han peoples ran through the entirety of the Han Empire!
Often, the Xiongnu would attack the Han Dynasty in autumn. This was because autumn was when their warhorses were at their plumpest and strongest, and it was also when the Han people, after a year of hard work, began their harvest.
It was at this time that they could seize the most resources.
Conversely, when the Han Dynasty counterattacked the Xiongnu, they favored spring. This was because spring was the most difficult time for the Xiongnu.
After enduring the winter, their grain and fodder reserves had been depleted.
The green grass had yet to grow, and their livestock were in heat. It was the weakest time of the year. For every ewe the Han army seized, the Xiongnu effectively lost an entire flock. This loss would take years to rectify.
What's more...
For this northern expedition, Lu Yu was waiting for the combined arms of the repeating crossbow and sixty thousand crossbow bolts!
This wait would last not a month!
...
In the seventh year of Jian’an, on the fourth day of the second lunar month, the northern expeditionary army took its oath in Ye City!
On this day, countless citizens rose early. People from nearby prefectures and counties flocked to Ye City, and numerous civil and military officials alike donned their ceremonial robes and headed outside the East City Gate.
An oath…
A rare departure ceremony!
Looking back at the conquests of recent years, only the eighteen lords who campaigned against Dong Zhuo had held such a grand oath-taking ceremony!
That occasion marked the beginning of the vying for power in this world. This time, it was to inscribe the final glory of the Great Han!
Of course…
In Lu Yu's view, it held a new meaning.
This might be the last northern expedition of the Great Han, but it was the first northern expedition of "Great Wei." For the people, for the civil and military officials, and for Cao Cao… the significance was profound.
Early in the morning, in the Prime Minister's mansion.
Madam Yin, who had traveled hundreds of miles, draped a silver suit of armor onto Cao Cao.
Ever since her son He Yan had become a princess consort to the Southern Xiongnu and "married away" to the northern desert, she had taken a keen interest in matters concerning the three Hu tribes. This time, with Cao Cao embarking on the northern expedition, she had begged Lady Ding to bring her along.
This "silver armor" was the latest creation from the forge. It was lighter yet infinitely sturdier. War was merciless, especially against the Hu, who excelled at mounted archery. One could not afford to be careless.
Madam Yin hung the newly forged Yitian sword from Cao Cao's golden sash and said with a lingering reluctance, "Yan'er left and never returned. Now, the Prime Minister is also leaving. Who knows when I will see you again? I hear the Hu are skilled in drawing bows and volley fire. Prime Minister, please be extremely careful!"
"Don't worry!"
Cao Cao looked at Madam Yin with concern, stroking her long hair. "The imperial edict that Zi Yu brought this time uses the words 'Northern Hunt.' If it is a hunt, what threat can mere Hu pose to me? Moreover..."
He almost revealed his entire plan, but Cao Cao quickly shut his mouth, ceasing to speak.
"Moreover?"
Madam Yin became even more worried.
"Prime Minister, why do you only speak half your words!"
"Hahahaha!" Cao Cao laughed heartily. "Rest assured, once this campaign is settled, the northern desert will be Cao Cao's horse farm! Hahaha…"
He only laughed, not saying much else. Even one more word and he would have given himself away!
"Tap…"
Cao Cao turned and walked out, gripping the Yitian sword.
At the entrance, his new concubine in the Prime Minister's mansion, Lady Liu, who was formerly Yuan Shao's principal wife, lowered her head and murmured, "Can you spare Shang'er's life!"
"Alright!"
Cao Cao, with insincerity, agreed. In his heart, Yuan Shang was doomed!
Lady Liu nodded. "You must return. I don't wish to become a widow again so soon after marrying into the Prime Minister's mansion!"
Cao Cao nodded and continued to stride with imposing steps towards the outside.
Stepping out of the gate… he met Lady Ding.
Facing Lady Ding, Cao Cao spoke first.
"I didn't expect you to come as well, Madam."
Lady Ding remained as cool and distant as ever. "It is our daughter who misses you…"
She held a two-year-old girl in her arms. This was her and Cao Cao's daughter, their true嫡女 (daughter born of the principal wife)!
"Hahaha!" Cao Cao smiled at the little girl. "When I return, I will hold her properly!"
The usually formidable overlord only displayed a tender side when facing women, especially Lady Ding…
Tap…
He took another step forward, suddenly remembering something. Cao Cao's eyes narrowed, and he turned back.
"Madam, when I return, there is a matter of great importance I wish to discuss with you!"
"Important matter?"
Ding Hui was slightly taken aback…
Cao Cao, however, flashed a meaningful smile and strode away.
Ding Hui, of course, did not know that this important matter was related to the position of Crown Prince, and even more so, it was closely related to Zi Yu! Now that Yu'er's identity was clear, and the position of Crown Prince was all but settled, all that was needed was Madam Ding Hui's agreement.
Leaving his wives and daughters behind, Cao Cao's gaze suddenly turned sharp.
War was an epic written in blood and fire; it held no tender and beautiful romance, only the mournful cries of withered bones buried in yellow sand!
Stepping out of the gate of Ye City.
Countless soldiers and armor were already waiting here…
"Tap tap…"
Cao Cao ascended the high platform. Cao Pi, who had been waiting there, bowed with his hands clasped. "Father, my son saw a golden light rise from the ground last night. I sent men to excavate, and they unearthed this bronze sparrow!"
As he spoke, Cao Pi carefully presented the "bronze sparrow…"
Seeing this, Xun You's eyes fixed upon it. "In ancient times, Shun's mother dreamt of a jade sparrow entering her embrace and giving birth to Shun. Now, obtaining this bronze sparrow is also an auspicious omen."
Hearing this, Cao Cao paused, as if remembering something.
"Pi'er, since this bronze sparrow was unearthed by you, you shall recruit artisans to build the Bronze Sparrow Terrace here by the Zhang River! This will showcase the achievements of Cao Cao and all our civil and military officials in pacifying the four seas!"
"Yes!" Cao Pi accepted the order…
Clearly, his previous night of kneeling in punishment had not been in vain; he had thought through many things.
However, Cao Pi did not know that the reason Cao Cao wanted to build the Bronze Sparrow Terrace, besides showcasing the merit of pacifying the four seas, was also to announce a major event to heaven and earth, to the meritorious officials, to the people, and to his Yu'er!
—The acknowledgment of father and son!
—The decision of the Crown Prince!
There was nothing more exhilarating than announcing this to the public under the watchful eyes of everyone on the Bronze Sparrow Terrace!
"Hahaha… hahahaha!"
Cao Cao laughed heartily as he walked onto the high platform.
Lu Yu was already waiting on the high platform…
"Prime Minister, please!"
Lu Yu gestured, and Cao Cao stepped forward. The camps were arrayed, and over thirty thousand soldiers and armor lifted their heads in unison, their eyes bursting with killing intent, which permeated the entire army.
Rumble…
Tens of thousands of troops roared in unison, "Greetings to the Prime Minister!"
The army howled, warhorses whinnied, and the synchronized roars echoed.
In the distance, countless common people also gazed towards this direction, their eyes filled with fervor and expectation.
The gazes converged into a river, as if to guide the spirits of the Han ancestors who had guarded the borders for centuries to return and witness this oath-taking assembly with them!
"Wuwu!"
"Wuwu wuwu!"
The sound of the horn rang out, echoing throughout Ye City. A mountain-like roar erupted from the four camp positions, as if to overshadow the heavens and earth, as if to lift the entire Ye City. Countless warhorses reared up, and amidst the horns, the clang of iron cavalry spread, the dust that covered the fields instantly enveloped the entire parade ground, proclaiming the fighting spirit of the northern expedition!
"Are the generals of all camps present?"
Cao Cao asked, gripping his sword.
"Tiger Cavalry present!"
"Leopard Cavalry present!"
"Divine Speed Camp present!"
"Qingzhou Soldiers present!"
"Jizhou Soldiers present!"
Cao Chun, Cao Ren, Xiahou Yuan, Xiahou Dun, Zhang He… each stepped forward!
But there was no sound from the Dragon Soaring Camp. Even more so, the 'Bingzhou Wolf Cavalry,' 'First Vanguard Camp,' and 'Formation Breaking Camp' of the Dragon Soaring Camp were absent from this oath-taking.
Xun You and Xi Zhicai keenly noticed this. Their eyes narrowed, and their brows lifted slightly as they looked towards Lu Yu on the high platform. They were both thinking, what scheme was Lu Zi Yu brewing this time?
"Whoosh!"
Cao Cao drew the Yitian sword and pointed it towards the northern frontier.
"Clad in armor, to attack the unrighteous and punish the wicked, we swear an oath at Muye, to offer sacrifices to the blood of the Hua Xia. This Prime Minister is willing to emulate the glory of the former General Who Cleaves the North, and lead the troops on a northern expedition. If the flames of war are not extinguished, and there is no time for conquest, then if these Hu are not destroyed, I would rather die in the northern desert!"
As these words were spoken…
Cao Cao cast a meaningful glance at Lu Yu. His emotions were intense, the plan was unfolding within, and it was reaching its climax!
Lu Yu cooperated perfectly and immediately shouted.
"If these Hu are not destroyed, I would rather die in the northern desert!"
As his voice rang out.
Countless soldiers shouted in unison.
"If these Hu are not destroyed, I would rather die in the northern desert!"
"If these Hu are not destroyed, I would rather die in the northern desert!"
The generals and soldiers of the three armies roared with shock, their voices reaching the heavens, each louder and more unified than the last, their surging killing intent shaking the four directions and eight regions.
Within three li, five li, ten li, and the surrounding villages…
The entire Ye City, and indeed the entire Jizhou, and the entire land of China, trembled!
"Prime Minister, the Dragon Soaring Camp requests to participate!"
At this moment… Lu Yu clasped his hands and requested to participate from Cao Cao!
Cao Cao cast a meaningful glance at Lu Yu.
"Forbidden!"
The words escaped his lips…
The entire assembly fell silent.
Cao Cao continued, "The Dragon Soaring Camp made immense contributions in pacifying the four northern prefectures. For the northern expedition against the barbarians, let the Dragon Soaring Camp cede some military merit to the other camps! Moreover, if everyone goes on the northern expedition, who will garrison Sili, Xuzhou, Yanzhou, Yuzhou, Qingzhou, Youzhou, Jizhou, and Bingzhou!"
This…
Lu Yu deliberately put on a pained expression and, after a long hesitation, finally uttered.
"Yes!"
Cao Cao smiled and patted his shoulder, then raised his head again.
"Depart!"
As this resonant voice echoed, the army set off, thirty thousand troops marching grandly, war chariots rumbling forward, stirring up endless dust.
Xi Zhicai and Xun You exchanged glances… They remained silent for a long time.
Finally, Xi Zhicai could not help but speak first. "Gongda, do you think this oath-taking was necessary?"
Hearing this, Xun You shook his head. "Let us, you and I, refrain from trying to fathom Lu Zi Yu's intentions. You and I are skilled in battlefield formations and clever strategies for victory, this is the micro-level battlefield. Lu Zi Yu is skilled in strategic deployment, in foolproof planning, and in attacking the enemy's mind and heart. This is macro-level decision-making!"
Speaking of which…
Xun You paused. "Let us each perform our duties, lest we fail the deployment of Prime Minister and Zi Yu in this oath-taking assembly!"
Clearly, he had understood some of it, but not all of it!
...
The city wall of Ye City.
Lu Yu watched as Cao Cao personally led the army on the northern expedition against the Wuhuan!
Indeed, this was part of the plan. How could thirty thousand armored soldiers truly be sent to that outer region!
Even if they were sent, it would not be with such grandeur.
The oath-taking ceremony? This was merely a conference to alert the Wuhuan in advance…
Of course…
A sentence mentioned by Cao Cao made Lu Yu feel deeply emotional.
—"Swear an oath at Muye, to offer sacrifices to the blood of the Hua Xia. This Prime Minister is willing to emulate the glory of the former General Who Cleaves the North, and lead the troops on a northern expedition. If the flames of war are not extinguished, and there is no time for conquest, then if these Hu are not destroyed, I would rather die in the northern desert!"
It seemed…
Cao Cao was still quite attached to the title of "General Who Conquers the West"!
As for the overall picture, Cao Cao was a natural actor!
If the entire plan had not been conceived by him, Lu Yu, he would almost have believed that Old Cao's "if these Hu are not destroyed, I would rather die in the northern desert" was genuine!
"Cough cough…"
With this thought, Lu Yu coughed lightly. He looked back at Dian Wei and Cao Xiu beside him. "Relay the order to all officers and soldiers of the Dragon Soaring Camp, proceed according to the plan!"
"Yes!"
Dian Wei and Cao Xiu replied in unison…
Clearly, judging from their expressions, they were full of confidence!
...
...
In Xuchang City, atop the imperial palace's Dragon and Phoenix Towers, the originally clear sky suddenly became cloudy, and a cold wind whistled.
At this moment, Emperor Liu Xie's face was stern as he frowned and gazed towards the northern frontier.
"Today is the oath-taking ceremony in Ye City, isn't it!"
… He sighed!
Empress Fu Shou, standing beside him, quickly replied, "If we calculate the time, they should be setting out soon, shouldn't they? However…"
Fu Shou hesitated to speak…
"Empress, please speak your mind directly." Liu Xie turned and looked at Fu Shou.
Fu Shou paused before speaking. "Your Majesty, you used the驸马 (emperor's son-in-law) to grant the Prime Minister the edict of 'Northern Hunt.' Lu Zi Yu's past strategies, and Prime Minister Cao's past military deployments, emphasized surprise victories. But this time, there's 'Man Jiang Hong' and 'Northern Hunt,' and a solemn oath-taking in Ye City. Isn't this alerting the Wuhuan in advance, allowing them to prepare?"
Empress Fu Shou's words slightly surprised Emperor Liu Xie…
This observation was not without merit!
However…
Liu Xie smiled slightly. "Does Empress forget the words spoken about Lu Zi Yu during the Monthly Review?"
"Mm…"
—"The words of the Hidden Dragon reveal the secrets of heaven. Whoever obtains the Hidden Dragon can bring peace to the realm!"
Emperor Liu Xie's tone was solemn. "If we, the Empress and I, can understand Lu Zi Yu's purpose, then the one who obtains the Hidden Dragon will not be Cao Cao, but our Han Dynasty's realm! Heh heh…"
He gave a faint smile…
Just then.
"Your Majesty."
A low and deep voice sounded.
Liu Xie turned back, and before him stood the Imperial Secretary Xun Yu.
"Imperial Secretary Xun!"
"Your Majesty." Xun Yu clasped his hands and presented a bamboo slip. Although paper had become widespread, official memorials submitted to the Emperor were still often in bamboo slips. "This is the decree drafted by the Imperial Secretariat to abolish the 'Head Tax,' and to re-promulgate the decrees on 'Commercial Tax' and 'Agricultural Tax.' Please examine them, Your Majesty."
Huu…
Hearing this, Liu Xie's eyes narrowed, and he became extremely attentive.
"Imperial Secretary Xun, accompany me to the Hall of Chongde!"
With these words, Liu Xie strode quickly towards the Hall of Chongde, his steps swift, showing considerable urgency…
Xun Yu quickly followed.
Empress Fu Shou watched the backs of the two as they departed. She placed her delicate hand on the palace wall and murmured to herself, perhaps this was the last thing His Majesty could do for the people of the Great Han?
"Just like this northern expedition… this is the last glory belonging to the Great Han, and perhaps… it is also the final curtain for this era!"
With this thought, Fu Shou's expression became extremely complex.
In the cold wind, she shook her head and sighed. No… she was sighing for this cannibalistic era where one had no control over their own fate!
...
...
Jingzhou, Xinye!
"What a magnificent Man Jiang Hong…"
Liu Bei gazed at the lines of Man Jiang Hong published in the newspaper, his eyes filled with emotion.
But after a moment, Liu Bei shook his head helplessly.
"It's a pity that this Hidden Dragon assists Cao, not Han. Otherwise… with his assistance, the Great Han might be able to regain its former glory." Liu Bei's voice was filled with grief and indignation…
He raised his head and looked around. At that moment, he noticed Zhao Yun.
A month ago, upon returning from Wolong Ridge in Nanyang, he had seen Zhao Yun. As always, Liu Bei appeared overjoyed!
After all…
From his early days following Gongsun Zan, he had particularly favored this young general on the white horse.
After a long and winding journey, at last… Zhao Zilong had returned.
And it was because of revenge for his master…
In the Great Han, a master's status was no different from that of a parent, and revenge for a master was almost equivalent to revenge for a father! Therefore… Zhao Yun's break with Lu Yu was inevitable. Liu Bei understood Zhao Yun's feelings best, and thus, he had great trust in Zhao Yun's southward journey.
"Zilong, you have been with Cao's camp for some time. What is your evaluation of this Lu Zi Yu?"
Liu Bei asked proactively.
Zhao Yun paused. "He is resourceful, his plans are foolproof, he attacks the enemy's mind and heart, and he is a very difficult person to deal with!"
This was a very general answer…
Without Zhao Yun, anyone would have given such an answer.
Liu Bei narrowed his eyes. Clearly, he was probing, probing Zhao Yun's status in Cao's camp.
However… as expected, since Lu Yu intended to eliminate Tong Yuan, how could he truly entrust Zhao Yun with important responsibilities? Zhao Yun's access to Lu Yu and the Dragon Soaring Camp was still too limited.
"Alas…"
Liu Bei deliberately sighed. "If I had a strategist who was resourceful, whose plans were foolproof, and who could attack the enemy's mind and heart, I would not be in this predicament!"
Speaking of which…
"Report…" A young soldier quickly entered the office. "Lord Liu, according to scouts, the Zhuge Kongming from Wolong Ridge in Nanyang has returned…"
Hmm…
Upon hearing this, Liu Bei suddenly stood up.
"Call my second brother and third brother, prepare the horses. I am heading to Wolong Ridge immediately!"
Speaking of which…
Liu Bei then looked at Zhao Yun. His eyes rolled. "Zilong, February has arrived. This year's She Ri (Festival of the Earth God) will be presided over by Lady Gan. We will sacrifice to the Earth God and pray for a bountiful harvest. This is a major event. I entrust your escort of Lady Gan along the way!"
Hearing about Lady Gan, Zhao Yun was startled, but he reacted quickly… and immediately clasped his hands.
"Yes!"
As a spy sent by Cao's camp to Jingzhou, "Candle Dragon's" first mission was to approach Lady Gan!
To establish an intelligence network in Jingzhou, Lady Gan's assistance would be indispensable!
"Thank you for your trouble, Zilong."
Liu Bei patted Zhao Yun's shoulder… and strode out of the office.
Zhao Yun's eyes gradually narrowed. Everything… seemed to be proceeding smoothly!
...
...
Cao's army of three hundred thousand departed in the second lunar month and only reached Yixian in the fifth lunar month!
Xiahou Yuan was an impatient man. He felt that the marching speed was too slow. After camping for the night, he immediately entered Cao Cao's tent.
"Elder Brother? Our army is undertaking a long march, with too many provisions and too many quantities. The movement is too slow!"
"Speed is of the essence. Prime Minister took his oath in Ye City. Once the Wuhuan receive the news, they will definitely be prepared. If this is the case, our attack plan will be completely ruined. In my opinion, we should leave the provisions behind and travel light!"
Hmm…
Hearing Xiahou Yuan's words, Cao Cao looked up at him.
At first, Cao Cao did not speak, but after a moment of deliberation, he finally said, "Yes, it is indeed too slow. Marching like this is like a turtle! Haha…"
Towards the end, Cao Cao even laughed…
This made Xiahou Yuan extremely anxious.
"Elder Brother? Such a slow march… Brother can still… still laugh out loud?"
As soon as he said this.
"Lord Cao!" Xu Chu quickly entered the tent. "It's raining!"
"Raining?" Cao Cao retorted.
Xu Chu nodded. "The locals say that from May to August, it is the peak summer season here, always accompanied by heavy rain…"
"Oh!" Cao Cao nodded. "If it rains, won't the roads leading to the Wuhuan become muddy and impassable? Coupled with low-lying terrain and stagnant water, it will be difficult for the army to advance?"
Uh…
Cao Cao's words genuinely astonished Xiahou Yuan.
"How does Elder Brother know?"
"Haha." Cao Cao laughed heartily. "Your son-in-law told me!"
"Zi Yu?" Xiahou Yuan was stunned…
Cao Cao, however, stood up, patting Xiahou Yuan's shoulder, and said with a smile. "Muddy and impassable, low-lying terrain, stagnant water, difficult for the army to advance. Good… very good!"
...
...