In the courtyard of the Qin Zhai, a broad table was set. Cao Cao and Xun Yu knelt on one side of the table, while Cai Zhaoji sat on the other, habitually reaching out to arrange the zither and its accessories. The courtyard was filled with blooming orchids and the chirping of birds, a vibrant and beautiful scene.
"Huuu..." Cao Cao took a deep breath and finally spoke the words he had been wanting to say.
"Sister Cai, Ma Teng of Xiliang has sent a letter to Zhong Yao, the Minister of the Grand Court of Justice, requesting him to arrange a marriage for the Ma clan of Maoling in Fufeng!"
Upon hearing this, Cai Zhaoji was startled. She instinctively thought that Ma Teng wanted to arrange a marriage for his son to her, Cai Zhaoji. How could that be possible?
"Brother, the Book of Later Han has not yet been compiled, and Cai Yan has not yet fulfilled her father's grand ambition. The affairs of the Imperial Academy also require my presence. I fear..." Cai Zhaoji spoke gracefully.
As soon as she spoke, Cao Cao realized his virtuous sister had misunderstood. He turned to look at Xun Yu. Xun Yu understood Cao Cao's meaning and spoke at the opportune moment, "It is not Director Cai, but Marquis of Baima, Lu Ziyu!"
"Ah..."
"Ah..."
At first, Cai Zhaoji breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing it was not about her, pondering that if it were one of her disciples, she could persuade them. But... Brother Yu? Cai Zhaoji's delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly.
"Lord Xun, are you joking? It is known throughout the Thirteen Provinces of Han that Brother Yu has two wives from the same marquisate. How would the Ma clan of Maoling in Fufeng ask my senior brother to arrange a marriage for him?"
The "senior brother" Cai Zhaoji referred to was, of course, Zhong Yao. Zhong Yao had been a disciple of Cai Yong, making him and Cai Zhaoji fellow disciples. He had also previously served as the Colonel of the Capital, holding the imperial seal to oversee affairs in Guanzhong, thus maintaining a very close relationship with Ma Teng. If Ma Teng wished to arrange a marriage, Zhong Yao would naturally be the first person to be considered.
Speaking of this, Xun Yu and Zhong Yao exchanged glances. It was Xun Yu who spoke again, "In Guanzhong, Ma Teng has three sons and one daughter. The eldest son is Ma Chao, the second is Ma Xiu, the third is Ma Tie, and his daughter is Princess Ma Yunlu of Fufeng. Ma Teng is asking Minister Zhong to arrange a marriage between his beloved daughter, Princess Ma Yunlu of Xiliang, and Cai Zhaoji's younger brother, Lu Ziyu!"
"Ah... ah..." Hearing this, Cai Zhaoji's eyes widened in disbelief. How... could it be Brother Yu again? It seemed that any influential family would think of Brother Yu for a political marriage! However, Brother Yu already had two wives. Given the status and backing of Ma Teng's daughter, Ma Yunlu, if she were to marry Brother Yu, she would surely not be a concubine! The fact of two wives in one marquisate was already outrageous, and now it was three wives in one marquisate! How many wives would Brother Yu marry in his lifetime?
"Lord Xun, you are not joking?" Cai Zhaoji's heart was filled with an inexplicable emotion, and she still found it hard to believe. It seemed that ever since who knew when, she had become somewhat anxious about Brother Yu. Perhaps... perhaps it was because of the secret, dreamlike encounter between them on Brother Yu's wedding night!
"Gulp!" Cai Zhaoji swallowed, biting her lip... but her cheeks inexplicably flushed. Xun Yu was unaware of her feelings. Cao Cao, however, understood perfectly. Although he addressed Cai Yan as "virtuous sister," she was, in fact, his daughter-in-law! Yet... Cao Cao gently shook his head. He was resigned to his son, Yu, who, by himself, had managed to confuse everyone's seniority to such an extent!
"Director Cai knows me. I am not one to joke around often!" Xun Yu said earnestly. Cao Cao added, "Sister Cai is not an outsider. I will tell you the truth. The northern territories have been pacified, and the next step will surely be to march south to Jingzhou. To march south, we must first pacify the situation in Guanzhong. To pacify Guanzhong, the Ma clan of Maoling in Fufeng is of utmost importance!"
"I had intended to invite Ma Teng to the capital and even offered him the high position of Wei Wei, one of the Nine Ministers. But... Ma Teng proposed to marry his daughter, Ma Yunlu, to Brother Yu as his wife!" Cao Cao was merely stating the facts... To Cai Yan, he did not need to offer many explanations. Cai Yan was intelligent enough to understand and know his intentions! This virtuous sister was always sensible and mindful of the overall situation! Even if it meant allowing the man she loved to take another wife of primary status. However... Cao Cao could somewhat empathize with the pain she might feel!
This... Cai Zhaoji slowly rose, took a deep breath, tidied her messy hair, and gazed at the orchids in the courtyard! The dawn was bright, and the birds were singing... But the "orchids" always seemed to be making wedding dresses for others, neither charming the times nor competing with the crowd for spring's favor, only reporting the arrival of spring... They gave their peach blossoms to others, and kept nothing for themselves. A gentle breeze blew into the courtyard, and Cai Zhaoji smelled the fragrance of the orchids. Her state of mind was like her nickname, "Lan'er"... The flower resembled the person; the orchid was not flattering to the vulgar, nor did it compete for favor with the crowd of flowers... Perhaps this was the truest portrayal of her life.
Finally, after a long while, with a sigh in her heart, Cai Zhaoji adjusted her mood and turned to face Cao Cao and Xun Yu. "I understand what Brother and Lord Xun have told me. As for Brother Yu, I will speak with him!" Her pearly teeth parted slightly, her words filled with endless compromise and helplessness!
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Jiangdong, Winter Solstice. At this moment, a tall platform rose from the ground, situated along the banks of the Yangtze River. Not far from Wu County, the area was brightly lit! The cold wind howled, making the "Lu" character banner on the platform flutter. Below the platform, a banquet had been prepared, but none of the officials were seated; they all stood in respectful waiting. Behind them were over seventy thousand troops of the Lu family! The momentum was overwhelming! Everyone cast their gaze towards the platform. It was at this moment that everyone realized that the Lu family, a declining clan, had rapidly risen in just a few years, to the point where now... the "Lu" banner had become the soul that sustained half the soldiers of Jiangdong!
Finally... Lu Xun, wearing a cloak, appeared on the platform with a powerful stride. Sun Yi had already been waiting for him on the platform! The officials standing respectfully and the soldiers in formation saw the proud figure of Lu Xun and cupped their hands in greeting.
Everyone shouted in unison, "Greetings, Grand Governor!"
That's right... At this moment, on the platform, under the gaze of all civil and military officials, Sun Yi bestowed upon Lu Xun the seal of "Left Grand Governor of the Army and Cavalry," symbolizing the highest military official in Jiangdong. Lu Xun received the seal with both hands! The seventy thousand troops of the Lu family below immediately shouted.
"Grand Governor!"
"Grand Governor!"
Their shouts grew louder and more unified. The sound wave was almost deafening! Lu Xun's voice rose at the opportune moment.
"Your subordinate, Lu Xun, pacified the Shanyue and brought peace to Jiangdong. All these achievements are due to the support of my lord. Today, my lord bestows upon me the official title of Left Grand Governor of Jiangdong, which is a great honor! The Lu Family Army will swear to defend Jiangdong with our lives!"
Having said this, Lu Xun paused and raised his voice again. "At this time of the Winter Solstice, I, by the command of my lord, will celebrate with all the generals and soldiers! Serve the wine, play the music!"
At once, drums and music played in harmony! Countless Jiangdong dancers, with waists as slender as weeping willows, performed graceful dances on the platform. It seemed that... all the civil and military officials of Jiangdong, and the armored soldiers of Jiangdong... everyone was overjoyed by Lu Xun's conferment of the title "Grand Governor"! Of course... For such an honor, he, Lu Xun, was worthy! After all, the Shanyue rebellion, which had plagued Jiangdong for more than ten years, had been brought to an end by his hands! The Lu family had now become the foremost of the eight great families of Jiangdong!
However... Sun Quan, Zhou Yu, and Lu Su below watched the platform from afar, their hearts filled with extreme complexity.
"Gongjin? This Grand Governor of Jiangdong's Armies should have been yours!" Sun Quan exclaimed with emotion. Lu Su also quietly added, "Gongjin took a full year to defeat Huang Zu, yet this Lu Xun incorporated fifty thousand strong Shanyue in just one month! Is this a coincidence?"
"Huuu..." Zhou Yu let out a soft sigh, "Perhaps it is..." His eyes narrowed as he gazed at the spirited Lu Xun on the platform, murmuring, "Now, these things are no longer important. The urgent matter is how to resist Cao Cao to the north. As long as the Lu Family Army stands with Jiangdong on this issue! Then everything can be discussed!"
Historically, the real Zhou Yu was not a jealous and envious person! The most authentic Zhou Yu in history deserved to be called "Peerless National Scholar!" In contrast, Lu Xun on the platform at this moment seemed to have noticed Zhou Yu and the others below... The corners of his mouth curved upwards, and a joyful smile emerged. He had done it! With his elder brother's help, he... Lu Xun had done it!
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Jingzhou, Winter Solstice Day. On the streets, elegant carriages and fine horses passed by continuously, accompanied by the laughter of young girls. Beauties and scholars exchanged knowing glances, filling the street with a spring breeze. At this moment, in the Yanque Tower, countless famous scholars of Jingxiang were gathered. Today was the Winter Solstice, a very important festival. After group sacrifices, it was natural for friends to gather in wine houses for a chat. Therefore, the entire street was bustling with activity. However, the Yanque Tower was a well-known gathering place for famous scholars in Jingxiang, and ordinary people could not enter without an introduction.
"Young Master? Such streets? How do we find our target?" Beside Yang Xiu, a trusted servant whispered. Yang Xiu kept glancing around as he answered, as if still searching for something, "The letter from Zhulong specifically mentioned that the woman stealthily came to this Yanque Tower, and it must be for something illicit!"
"For this reason, she would never dare to arrive in a luxurious carriage. To avoid suspicion, she might ride in an inconspicuous carriage, but given her noble status, she would certainly value cleanliness. If we can find such a low-key yet clean carriage, it is almost certain!" At this point...
"Young Master, look..." The trusted servant, following Yang Xiu's instructions, noticed an extremely ordinary carriage among the crowd. Although ordinary, the entire carriage was exceptionally clean. However, few people would pay close attention to it! Yang Xiu also noticed the carriage. Peering through the curtain, he saw a woman who had meticulously dressed herself.
Immediately, Yang Xiu subtly passed by the carriage. As he passed the horse, a silver needle from his sleeve shot out and pierced the horse's thigh.
"Giddy up, giddy up..." The horse was indeed startled, reared its front hooves, and neighed, then ran and jumped. The crowd exclaimed and hurriedly parted. Some people were knocked down, and the scene immediately descended into chaos. The coachman was thrown off, and the woman inside the carriage screamed, trying to grab the reins. Seeing that she was about to fall, the situation was critical! Yang Xiu smiled slightly, then with a few quick steps, he leaped onto the startled horse, tightened the reins forcefully, making the horse circle in place. Yang Xiu patted the horse's neck to calm it down, finally bringing it to a standstill.
Yang Xiu dismounted, and the lady inside the carriage was still shaken. But she saw Yang Xiu, and the noble and refined aura of the young man before her instantly attracted her, causing her to blush inexplicably.
"Thank you, Young Master," the woman uttered. Yang Xiu was also observing her. Yes, it was her, it was her, it was indeed her, the eldest daughter of the Cai family of Jingzhou, the wife of Liu Jingsheng—Madam Cai! Yang Xiu cupped his hands, "Fortunately, no one was injured. Madam, you should be more careful when riding in a carriage next time." Madam Cai pursed her lips and smiled gently. "I rarely ride this carriage. I don't know why the horse was startled." It seemed she realized she had said too much. Seeing that the coachman and maids had returned, Madam Cai closed the curtain. "Thank you, Young Master. I must take my leave!" She did not forget to look at Yang Xiu again from the window.
"Tuk tuk..." The carriage gradually moved away. Yang Xiu squinted at the carriage... The servant rushed over. Yang Xiu murmured with a sigh, "Zhulong was right. This woman is strange!"
"How did you see that she was strange, Young Master?" the servant asked curiously. "Intuition!" Yang Xiu said softly. "My intuition about women has always been very accurate." As soon as he finished speaking...
"Young Master..." A maid slowly walked up to Yang Xiu. "My madam invites you to Yanque Tower for a chat!"
"Huu..." Yang Xiu was surprised. He was pondering how to follow Madam Cai and sneak into the Yanque Tower, where famous scholars gathered! Now, it was an unexpected delight!
— "Thank you, Madam. I will respectfully accept your invitation!"
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Jingzhou, Xinye City. At an inn... From afar, they could hear the conversation of two young men. Both were graceful and elegant, one holding a feather fan and occasionally waving it.
"May I ask which military treatise you are referring to?"
"Six Harmony Formation!"
"Impossible, right? This military treatise has been lost to the world for over five hundred years. It is rumored that it was buried with King Xiang of Chu in his tomb, as a sacrifice for his father. What a pity!"
"That's right, the Six Harmony Formation was indeed buried in the tomb of King Chu. But over these past few centuries, could it have been dug out by tomb robbers? Could it have ended up in street bookshops, or could some young master have purchased it for a thousand pieces of gold and hidden it in this tall building?" At this point...
A young master winked, and the ladder connecting the first and second floors was removed. Unexpectedly, at this moment.
"Thump," one young master knelt before the other.
— "Sir, save me."
That's right, the kneeling young master was the eldest son of Jingzhou, Liu Qi. As for the other young master holding a feather fan, he was Zhuge Kongming!
"Why are you like this, Young Master?"
"I have already stated that if your father's illness or the dispute over the Jingzhou heir is mentioned, I would not dare to discuss it and would leave immediately."
"Sir... this place is neither heaven nor earth, and there is no outsider. What you say, heaven knows, earth knows, you know, I know, and there will be no third person who knows!" It seemed Zhuge Liang could not refuse.
Liu Qi and Zhuge Liang conversed, recounting his precarious situation. Zhuge Liang acted convincingly. Finally, he sighed meaningfully, "Young Master, you must still remember the story of Chong'er and Shen Sheng brothers from back then, right? Duke Xian of Jin listened to slander and wanted to kill his sons. Shen Sheng remained in the capital, but disaster befell him. Chong'er fled to a foreign land and eventually returned safely!"
Zhuge Liang's words were allusive... Chong'er and Shen Sheng were the two sons of Duke Xian of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period. Later, Duke Xian of Jin favored his concubine Li Ji. Li Ji gave birth to a son and wanted her son to become the heir. Duke Xian of Jin was foolish and listened to Li Ji's words, beginning to target Shen Sheng and Chong'er. At that time, Shen Sheng was the Crown Prince, and he chose to stay and prove his innocence with his death! His younger brother, Chong'er, chose to flee to avoid disaster. Years later, he returned to the country and became the new monarch, the famous Duke Wen of Jin. This story illustrates a principle... In times of intense political struggle, whoever stayed in the imperial capital lost their life, and whoever fled had a bright future!
As if worried that Liu Qi had not understood, Zhuge Liang added earnestly, "Young Master, although your father is the Governor of Jingzhou, the military power of the entire Jingxiang is in the hands of the Cai clan. If you wish to survive, you had best comply with Cai Mao's wishes, leave Jingzhou, and request to be stationed in Jiangxia!"
"After Huang Zu was annihilated by Sun Quan and Zhou Yu, Jiangxia is in need of a prefect, and the Huang family's navy is in need of a commander. It is the opportune time for you to go there!"
"Jiangxia is a vital strategic town in Jingxiang. Tens of thousands of troops are stationed there, and there are countless supplies and armaments. If you are stationed in Jiangxia, you can instead cast a covetous eye on Jingzhou. If you and my lord join forces, Cai Mao will have to consider it if he dares to act rashly. This is the strategy of mutual radiance and controlling the distant by the near."
"Huuu..." Hearing this!
"Clack," Liu Qi knelt before Zhuge Liang. "Thank you, Sir, for your guidance!"
Emerging from the inn, the Yangtze River was beyond the South City Gate. At this moment, Liu Bei was already waiting for Zhuge Liang along the banks of the Yangtze River. Seeing him emerge, Liu Bei hurried to meet him.
"Sir..." Zhuge Liang waved his hand gently, signaling Liu Bei not to speak.
"Young Master Qi's arrangements are complete! He will request to be stationed in Jiangxia."
"Next, it depends on Zǐlong. This wife of the Cai family is the key for my lord to break the deadlock!"
"I hope Zǐlong's endeavors go smoothly and he can obtain evidence from this woman! To use it as a threat!"
Speaking of this... Liu Bei raised his eyes, "With Kongming's deployment, Jingzhou will fall into the hands of Young Master Liu Qi!" With these words... Liu Bei's tone carried a hint of sadness and regret.
"My Lord..." Zhuge Liang's words were heartfelt. "I have some knowledge of medicine. Judging from Young Master Qi's complexion just now, he is not someone with a long lifespan. If Jingzhou falls into the hands of Young Master Qi, it will be as if it has fallen into your hands! My Lord can rest assured! If the world is divided into three parts, my Lord should take one!"
The boundless river water continued to surge. The two men on the river surface, however, ventured headlong into the strong winds of Jingxiang!
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