"The headquarters of the Directorate of Ceremonial is right here in this inn. Everyone here is from the Dragon Riders, or the School of Investigation!"
"Understood!"
"Also, if I'm not here and you leave a note, be sure to use this secret code: 'Diaoban'!"
As he spoke, Yang Xiu subtly handed a small piece of wood to Zhao Yun.
The wood had several holes… concealing a secret!
*Whoosh...*
Zhao Yun quickly put it away, letting out a sigh of relief.
Diaoban, the secret code, was not unfamiliar to Zhao Yun…
After all, the profession of espionage had a very long history, tracing back to the Xia Dynasty over two thousand years before Christ. When Shao Kang was restored to power, he sent Nu Ai to gather intelligence, hence the saying, "The use of spies began with Shao Kang."
As for this diaoban, Yang Xiu and Zhao Yun each possessed an identical carved board. This wooden board had several irregularly shaped holes. When placed over the original text, the letters revealed through these holes were the intelligence information to be conveyed.
Without this set of carved boards, even if a secret letter fell into enemy hands, its contents would remain unknown.
This was remarkably similar to the "Spartan stick" from four hundred years before Christ.
Zhao Yun's expression had already turned grim.
"Are there any other tasks?"
"No matter what, protect 'Adou' well. You know his identity; it's of great importance!" Yang Xiu gave a final instruction.
Zhao Yun's expression remained normal.
He lowered his voice and added, "Madam Gan misses Chancellor Cao dearly…"
"Understood!"
Yang Xiu's voice faded.
"Waiter…" Zhao Yun shouted, then suddenly stood up. "Calculate the wine money!"
…
…
In Ye City, Cao Cao in the yamen appeared even more haggard. He sat on his sickbed, his forehead feeling as if pricked by needles, causing him unbearable pain.
Xun You and Xi Zhicai stood with their heads bowed.
After a long while, Xi Zhicai, seeing the cold sweat on Cao Cao's forehead, asked with concern, "Chancellor, you should rest more!"
Cao Cao's gaze was piercing. "I can't sleep! It's that dream again!"
Uh…
As soon as he uttered these words, Xun You and Xi Zhicai knew what was happening.
Three horses eating trough…
Still three horses eating trough!
"Chancellor, dreams arise from the heart. You are the Chancellor of the Han Dynasty. What we should be most concerned about now is the strategy after pacifying the Wuhuan. Three horses eating trough… it's just a dream!" Xun You earnestly tried to console him.
"That's not what I want to hear," Cao Cao's brows furrowed. "Zhicai, you've always been bold. You tell me, what are these three horses?"
Three horses…
Three horses…
Xun You tried to avoid the question because… this question could not be probed deeply!
One must know…
"Sima" also contained "Ma"…
And the Sima clan of Henei had once served as the prefect of Yingchuan. He had a deep cooperative relationship with the Xun, Chen, and Zhong families of Yingchuan.
Xi Zhicai, though not belonging to the Four Great Clans of Yingchuan, was well aware of the implications. He chose to skirt the issue, saying, "Regarding the three horses, in my opinion, in Xiliang there are Ma Teng, Ma Chao, and Ma Dai… If we must interpret the dream, I'd rather believe they are the Chancellor's chief worries!"
Cao Cao narrowed his eyes. "Would I worry about these three horses? You underestimate me! I refuse to believe you two can't guess the family related to horses that is near us!"
This…
Xun You and Xi Zhicai fell silent.
Cao Cao keenly noticed their expressions and mused internally that the Yu Province gentry, led by the Yingchuan scholars, remained an unshakeable bloc within Cao's camp!
"Sima" was not terrifying, but this united scholarly group was gradually growing.
… And they were the real threat!
"Forget it…"
Cao Cao covered his head with one hand. He had found the answer he was looking for!
"Gongda, write a letter to Lord Xun and ask him to secure an imperial edict to summon Ma Teng of Xiliang to Xuchang!"
Uh… This…
Xun You paused for a moment before hastily agreeing, "Your subordinate obeys!"
"Also…" Cao Cao suddenly thought of something else. "I heard that His Majesty and the Secretariat are recently drafting an edict to abolish the head tax?"
"Yes!" Xun You replied again.
Hahaha…
Upon receiving an affirmative answer, Cao Cao felt much more comfortable.
He mused to himself.
"I never expected the Emperor of Han to possess such broad-mindedness!"
Abolishing the head tax almost placed him and these powerful gentry families at odds!
This was tantamount to handing over the world to Cao Cao!
This… truly surprised him!
"What method did Yu'er use to persuade the Emperor to reach this point?"
Cao Cao subconsciously murmured softly, but his voice was too low for Xun You and Xi Zhicai to hear.
"What did the Chancellor say?" Xun You proactively inquired.
"Nothing!" Cao Cao smiled heartily. "You may both leave!"
Just then.
"Report!" Xu Chu burst into the main hall of the yamen. "Chancellor, we have just received accurate intelligence that Yuan Shang and Yuan Xi have fled from Wuhuan and escaped to the territory of Gongsun Du in Liaodong!"
"Gongsun Du?" Cao Cao uttered…
Xi Zhicai seemed to know something and immediately spoke up, "Gongsun Du is from Xiangping in Liaodong. I know a little about him!"
Xi Zhicai then introduced him. "In the first year of Chuping, Gongsun Du, seeing the chaos in the world, mentioned to his subordinates, 'The Han imperial family is about to perish. It is time for us to discuss seizing the throne.'"
"Apart from this, a large stone grew in the sacred ground of the Xiangping county temple, over ten feet long, with three small stones beneath it serving as its base. Someone told Gongsun Du, 'The shape of this stone resembles the crown stone of Emperor Xuan of Han, and the village it is located in shares the same name as your father's. This indicates that you should possess the land of the world, with the Three Dukes as your assistants.' This was extremely treasonous talk, yet unexpectedly, Gongsun Du actually believed it."
At this point, Xi Zhicai paused and emphasized.
"In these years, Gongsun Du has proclaimed himself the Marquis of Liaodong, the Governor of Ping Province, and posthumously honored his father, Gongsun Yan, as the Marquis of Jianyi. According to ancient customs, he established an altar south of Xiangping city, offered sacrifices to heaven and earth in the suburbs, personally plowed the sacred fields, commanded the army, and rode in a gilded carriage reserved for the Emperor when he went out, his hat adorned with nine jade strands, and his personal guards were cavalry with feathered helmets."
Huo…
Upon hearing this, Cao Cao was stunned.
He never imagined that in the entire world, in the land of Liaodong, there was someone who considered himself a "local" emperor!
And yet…
The Yuan brothers had fled there!
"Has the Dragon Riders continued their advance eastward?" Cao Cao asked Xu Chu.
This…
Xu Chu scratched his head. "No, after the Dragon Riders broke through Liucheng, apart from transporting a large number of women and children to Youzhou and Jizhou, they only mobilized troops to reclaim wasteland and herd livestock within Wuhuan. They have no intention of moving against Liaodong!"
This…
Hearing this, Cao Cao narrowed his eyes. For a moment, he couldn't understand Yu'er…
—What was Yu'er's next plan?
After all, it was Yu'er who had proposed that "a centipede dies but its form remains," meaning the remnants of the Yuan clan should not be let go! But now… with such a favorable situation, why not continue eastward and take Liaodong?
However, Xi Zhicai's eyes fixed.
"Psychological warfare, this is precisely the psychological warfare that Lu Ziyu excels at…"
Mmm…
Cao Cao looked back at Xi Zhicai, who immediately reminded him, "Chancellor, have you forgotten how Lu Bu and Liu Bei were defeated in Xuzhou? And how Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang defected at Liyang City?"
Hiss…
Cao Cao was extremely sharp. With Xi Zhicai's reminder, he immediately understood.
"Zhicai means that Gongsun Du will not tolerate the Yuan brothers?"
"Precisely!" Xi Zhicai nodded heavily. "The Yuan brothers are like a centipede to us – they die but their form remains. But for Gongsun Du of Liaodong, aren't they also like a centipede that dies but its form remains?"
"Hahaha!"
Hearing this, Cao Cao burst into hearty laughter. The headache, which had felt like needles, eased considerably.
The current situation was that the Dragon Riders, the Yuan brothers, and Gongsun Du were all in a game of chess…
When the Yuan brothers sought refuge in Liaodong, Gongsun Du naturally realized this could bring about a death sentence, yet he generously harbored them.
In the final analysis, Gongsun Du had his own concerns, and moreover… the Yuan brothers still had troops! If the Dragon Riders were to attack, adding a monkey would still add some strength!
But if the Dragon Riders did not attack, then… the crisis would be resolved, and the two Yuans would become valueless. Not only valueless, but even a threat!
What if one day they turned against their host, the consequences would be dire!
Thinking this way…
"Haha…" Cao Cao's laughter grew even louder.
Xun You also caught on, "North of Liaodong there are Fuyu, Goguryeo, and Xianbei… Today, leaving Gongsun Du in Liaodong is like leaving Liu Bei in Xiaopei in the past, serving as a buffer zone between the Chancellor and the False Emperor Yuan Shu! Our army has benefited greatly from this buffer zone over the years!"
"Alright…" Cao Cao's expression changed from gloomy to decisive. "You may both go. All matters concerning the northern border can be left to Ziyu and the Dragon Riders! His work is always reassuring!"
Exiting the yamen.
Xun You and Xi Zhicai saw Hua Tuo and Zhang Zhongjing hurrying towards them…
The four exchanged brief greetings, and Hua Tuo and Zhang Zhongjing entered the main hall. Xun You and Xi Zhicai knew they were there to relieve Chancellor Cao's headache.
With Lu Ziyu not by his side, they could only summon these two.
Reaching the outer gate of the yamen, the two paused, wanting to discuss the "three horses eating trough" from earlier…
Little did they expect…
Cao Cao's angry roar followed immediately. "Hua Tuo, how dare you revisit your old words, speaking of using a sharp axe to open the skull! If not for Lu Ziyu, I would have killed you!"
The furious roar, interspersed with the sound of ink brushes and teacups falling from the desk…
Xun You and Xi Zhicai frowned, exchanging glances.
Xun You spoke first, "The Chancellor's headache seems to be acting up more frequently lately!"
"Indeed!" Xi Zhicai nodded. "A common man's rage might spill blood, but the Chancellor's rage… it would spill more than just blood! However, Divine Physician Hua's 'sharp axe to open the skull' remark is truly audacious!"
"Alas…" Xun You sighed. He wanted to say more, but… in the end, he held back.
He wanted to say that in this world, perhaps only one person could persuade the Chancellor to agree to "opening the skull" with a sharp axe!
That would be his most trusted and valued eldest son!
Of course, this was only a possibility!
The weight of that trust was not light…
…
…
Outside Kuaiji City, Jiangdong!
Under the blazing sun, spears, halberds, arrows, and swords reflected a cold glint under the sunlight. The bright and neat armor displayed the orderly majesty of the Lu Family Army. A falcon soared through the undulating mountains, reaching for the heavens.
Facing an army of Yue people several times their size, Lu Xun employed a strategy of sowing discord by planting numerous flags and beating drums and bugles everywhere.
Furthermore…
Taking advantage of the harvest of crops planted in the mountains, Lu Xun set up ambushes along the ridges, striking the Yue people heavily and reaping the grain in the mountains first!
Afterward…
He continuously dispatched troops to attack, forcing the Yue people to be exhausted and fatigued! Clearly, these Yue people gathered in the mountains were suffering from hunger and fear!
And only then was the groundwork for "psychological warfare" completed!
On this day, a person emerged from the Lu Family Army. He walked up the mountain alone…
Thud… thud…
Each step was heavy and firm!
When he faced the checkpoints and stockade gates before him, he shouted loudly.
"Lu Family, Lu Xun!"
These four words alone left all the Yue guards stunned. Lu Xun, who had caused them such misery and hunger during this period? He… he actually dared… dared to come?
…
The Yangtze River flowed eastward, and the waiting boat had docked.
Chen Gong personally came to bid farewell to Sima Yi and his wife.
"Haha, Zhongda, what kind of person are you? You come here, say a few words, and then leave. Aren't you going to stay and help the Lu Family?"
Although their contact was brief.
Chen Gong quite liked the young man Sima Yi. He had courage, boldness… and most importantly, great wisdom!
This reminded Chen Gong of himself in his more ambitious years. In those years, hadn't he resolutely resigned from his post, followed Cao Cao, and then helped Lu Bu devise strategies to carve out a place in this chaotic world!
It was a pity…
Ultimately, choice was more important than effort!
He, Chen Gong, had not chosen well. In this regard, the young Sima Zhongda before him was fortunate enough, and his foresight was exceptional!
"Mr. Chen's talent far surpasses mine. Lu Boyan has achieved a breakthrough in his military and psychological tactics overnight. What more can I do by staying?"
Sima Yi appeared quite humble… "I will be waiting on the other side of the Yangtze River, awaiting General Boyan's astonishing performance and his awe-inspiring victory in Jiangdong!"
Hoo…
Hearing this, Chen Gong paused and patted his shoulder.
"You young man, you are not arrogant or impatient, wise and courageous. This old man can see the strategy hidden within your heart. It's a pity you and Lu Ziyu are on the same side. Otherwise, if you two were to compete, it would be truly spectacular!"
Sima Yi was taken aback…
Chen Gong, however, laughed heartily.
Sima Yi quickly said, "How dare I contend with my mentor!"
Chen Gong laughed, "Haha, but life is unpredictable. I once defected to Cao, then rebelled against Cao, and then returned to Cao. Who would have thought of my current state back then… Haha, life is unpredictable, Zhongda, have a safe journey!"
The two bowed solemnly by the river, and Zhang Chunhua also nodded her greeting. Then, the two boarded the returning boat!
…
Outside a rammed-earth house in the Yue mountain stronghold, heavy guards were stationed, with swords, spears, and halberds standing in dense formation, creating a tense atmosphere.
Inside, the two leaders of the Yue people, Pan Lin and Fei Zhan, sat with a group of their subordinates on one side, while Lu Xun sat on the other.
"General Lu came alone? Do you think… that your Lu Family Army has stolen our grain and repeatedly attacked us, and we Yue people dare not kill you?"
Pan Lin, the chieftain of the Yue people, gazed at Lu Xun with eyes as sharp as knives, radiating an infinite chill.
In contrast, Lu Xun remained calm and composed. In fact, the corners of his mouth curved slightly; he was smiling. He was actually smiling!
"When I was young in Haichang, I opened granaries to aid the people and encouraged agriculture. The people called me, this child, 'Divine Lord.' In recent years, I have also always distributed porridge to the populace. Everyone in Jiangdong knows me as a benevolent person! With the trust and love of the people, the number of people joining my Lu Family Army has been increasing year by year! Now, I am still that 'Divine Lord,' that 'benevolent person.' Venturing deep into the Yue territory is to do another great benevolent deed!"
Uh…
Lu Xun's voice was not loud, but each word was crisp, sparking the curiosity of all the military officers, big and small, among the three armies.
"A benevolent deed? Aren't you going to annihilate us Yue people? Is that considered a benevolent deed?" Pan Lin retorted coldly…
"Annihilate? Why would we annihilate?" Lu Xun smiled, his tone sincere. "I did not come here to pacify the Yue. If I have any personal desire, it is to expand my Lu Family Army!"
Hoo…
Pan Lin was surprised by Lu Xun's "sincerity," as his purpose was directly stated.
He was about to speak…
But Lu Xun's words had already come out. "I have a word to say, please listen carefully!"
"You have tens of thousands of people, skilled in forest and water warfare, and incredibly brave. Including your families, you are likely over a hundred thousand people! If we were to engage in a frontal assault, I fear I, your humble servant, would not be able to defeat you!"
"If you can't win, why not retreat!" Pan Lin said coldly…
"We can retreat, naturally, but I have a few questions for you. If you can answer them, then I, your humble servant, will immediately lead my Lu Family Army back to Wu Commandery and never offend you again!"
"You ask!" Pan Lin immediately said, but inexplicably, a sense of foreboding arose in his heart.
Lu Xun's voice followed in quick succession.
"You live in the mountains. What about medical care? If women and children get sick, what do you do without doctors? What about agricultural technology? What about the insufficient arable land?"
"Don't you want to wear better clothes? Don't you want to eat without going hungry every meal? And… living in these mountains, have you ever thought about what the future of your children will be? Will they not go to school? Will they spend their lives like you, living in these mountains, as savages? Generation after generation like this?"
As he spoke.
Evidently…
All the Yue chieftains were already slightly moved.
Lu Xun's voice continued.
"Let me ask you another question. I ask you yourselves, are you sure you want to spend your entire lives in these mountains? When you run out of food, you go to raid, and then you retreat, repeating the cycle, unable to leave this land! Is this the value of your birth, and your arrival in this world?"
Lu Xun suddenly raised his tone.
"Though I, your humble servant, am untalented, I possess the ambition to roam the world, the wish to open up vast lands, the ability to destroy nations and establish them, the righteousness to love my subordinates, the virtue of loyalty to the sovereign and respect for superiors, the benevolence to love the people as one's own children, and the talent for both external warfare and internal governance!"
"Imagine, if you follow me and achieve unparalleled merits, and when you retire and enjoy your family, you tell your children that you were a member of the invincible Lu Family Army, and the fame of your Lu Family Army resounded throughout the thirteen prefectures of the Han Dynasty. Everyone who mentions your Lu Family Army will give you a thumbs up! You can proudly say that your general is Lu Xun! Only then will your journey through this life not be in vain!"
"Heh heh…" Hearing this, Pan Lin interjected, "In this world, I have only heard of the Dragon Riders, and only the Dragon Riders are renowned throughout the thirteen prefectures of the Han. What Lu Family Army?"
"I forgot to tell you!" Lu Xun smiled slightly. "The Lu Family Army is the Dragon Riders, and the Dragon Riders are the Lu Family Army. My surname is Lu, and the commander of the Dragon Riders also bears the surname Lu!"
At this point…
Lu Xun's eyes narrowed, revealing a meaningful smile!
As if to say…
The opportunity to join the Lu Family Army and become part of the Dragon Riders is right before you!
And precisely this sentence made all the Yue people, led by Pan Lin, feel a jolt in their hearts. The Lu Family Army… the Dra… Dragon Riders?
Lu… Lu Xun's Lu?
Is it… is it the "Lu" of Lu Yu, Lu Ziyu? This… is this true? My heavens… my heavens!
…
…