The night was deep.
Zhao Yun, however, couldn't fall asleep for a long time. He opened his eyes, his treasured sword half-drawn from its scabbard. Gazing at the blade, his gaze grew ever more resolute.
He took a deep breath, his brow gradually relaxing.
He murmured softly.
“I never imagined… I never imagined Commander Lu had such a stratagem hidden beside Liu Bei!”
Speaking of which…
He thought of the three tasks Lu Yu had mentioned.
The first, to head south to Jingzhou and pledge allegiance to Liu Bei.
Due to Tong Yuan's influence, Zhao Yun’s southward journey was natural and wouldn't arouse suspicion from Liu Bei.
Moreover, Liu Bei and Zhao Yun had a prior connection, making it easy for Zhao Yun to gain his trust!
The second, to protect Lady Gan and Liu Adou.
No… to be precise, not Liu Adou, but Cao Adou!
It turned out that Lady Gan’s son was Chancellor Cao’s… though preposterous, upon hearing the full story, Zhao Yun felt nothing but astonishment.
It seemed… Young Master Lu had long begun his arrangements in the southern lands!
Furthermore, Lu Yu had mentioned that Liu Bei’s strategic focus would inevitably be Xichuan, and if necessary, he could assist in capturing Xichuan, thereby gaining further trust and securing a piece of territory for Lady Gan and Cao Adou!
The third, to establish an intelligence network in Jingzhou and the southern regions…
Zhao Yun clearly recalled that Lu Yu had specifically established the “Intelligence Army Division” in the Directorate of Education to assist Zhao Yun in gathering intelligence from the southern lands. The “Intelligence Army Division” was known by codenames, and Zhao Yun's codename was “Candle Dragon!”
At first…
Upon hearing these three tasks, Zhao Yun was utterly bewildered.
He suddenly felt as if the sky was collapsing. No wonder, no wonder… Young Master Lu had replaced him with senior brother Zhang Xiu to serve as the Left Virtuous King of the Southern Xiongnu. Compared to playing the role of the Left Virtuous King, the task of being a mole in the southern lands was undoubtedly more important.
Lu Yu's grand design also left Zhao Yun in awe!
However…
Zhao Yun could understand that perhaps… this was the quickest and most direct way to end the chaotic times and bring some welfare to the common people!
—A mole!
Who would have thought that the former White Horse Volunteer, the former Zhao Zilong of Changshan, would today become a spy!
—Wind Rises in the Southern Lands!
…
…
The sound of the huqin drifted melodiously from outside the Princess’s mansion.
This sound was vastly different from the hoarse voices of the Xiongnu singing their mournful hu songs…
Hu songs only evoked a bitter sense of homesickness.
But this huqin, its pitch rising and falling, its tempo sometimes swift, sometimes slow, sometimes soaring like a clear wind to the highest heavens, sometimes diving like a jade dragon into the abyss, it captured those ineffable emotions in people's hearts.
It was as if a phoenix sought its mate, or a jade dragon searched for its companion!
He Yan, deeply versed in music theory, could not have imagined that this Left Virtuous King of the Southern Xiongnu would be such an accomplished musician.
Only…
“It’s all over!”
He Yan lowered his head, murmuring to himself, suppressing the stirrings within his heart.
For the past three months, he had been acting.
Hadn’t he?
For the sake of the plan, and for the unique “Feng Lang Ju Xu” he pursued in his chest!
“Miss Cao, your late-night visit breaks the rules, but I still wish to see you. No one can stop me…” The voice of the Left Virtuous King, Modu, followed.
“Come in…”
No resistance, nor the typical coy “wanting to welcome but holding back” of a young woman…
He Yan spoke with frankness.
Only…
“Thump, thump!” Da Feng Novel Network
As the crisp and hurried footsteps sounded, a large net immediately ensnared the Left Virtuous King, Modu.
It was over…
Everything was over!
The hearty, honest, and passionate Left Virtuous King, those sincere and open eyes, that powerful and majestic physique, were about to remain forever in this land of Xudu!
The hero, talented in both martial and civil arts from the desert, would don a new guise, carrying his queen… and set sail once more!
…
…
The jailer led Lu Yu, Guo Jia, Zhang Xiu, and He Yan through the gloomy corridor of the dungeon.
He Yan had changed back into his male attire… Unlike the other three, his expression was hesitant and nervous.
Arriving outside the cell of the Left Virtuous King of the Southern Xiongnu, the jailer opened the door. In the sudden glare, the few people adjusted to the light before seeing the Left Virtuous King, Modu, bound tightly within the cell.
Manacled, his eyes were wide with astonishment…
“Why? Why?”
He roared with all his might, but… no sound would escape this dungeon.
He Yan gently covered his mouth, a few tears welling up in his eyes.
The cell door opened, and Lu Yu and his entourage entered.
“Left Virtuous King!”
Lu Yu spoke first…
At this moment, the wide-eyed Left Virtuous King, Modu, stared intently at He Yan.
For, more than being imprisoned, he cared about when Chancellor Cao’s daughter, “Cao Mu,” had transformed into a man!
“To think… to think…”
Modu moaned.
“I apologize!” He Yan replied softly.
Lu Yu continued, “Left Virtuous King, I apologize for the inconvenience of your stay in this prison… But rest assured, I will not kill you. However… your presence here is beneficial to your people, and also to us Han people.”
“Why? Why?”
The Left Virtuous King, Modu, stared intently at He Yan…
Lu Yu did not answer. Instead, he instructed the head of the Directorate of Education beside him, “Quickly, equip General Zhang Xiu. Ensure it is exactly the same!”
“Yes!” The Directorate of Education officials agreed, carefully taking out the human skin masks…
As the human skin mask was placed on Zhang Xiu’s face, Modu saw that an identical self appeared before him, in height, in build, and even in his powerful fists, all identical… every detail was the same.
Instantly…
He understood something.
“You lied to me, you lied to me…”
He still shouted at He Yan.
Misplaced trust, this passionate Left Virtuous King… had ultimately misplaced his trust.
Lu Yu shook his head.
“The rest, I leave to you…”
With these words, Lu Yu turned and left the place…
He didn’t wish to explain further.
Although this marriage alliance involved many extraneous factors, Lu Yu still admired the Ming Dynasty’s pronouncements: “The Son of Heaven guards the nation, the monarch dies for the state,” and the brave declaration: “No land ceded, no indemnity paid, no peace by marriage!”
However, such grand pronouncements would cost many lives and were not suitable for the Han Dynasty…
Lu Yu’s chosen method was to minimize losses as much as possible.
Although…
It was a bit insidious!
One should know that according to historical records, before the Yellow Turban Rebellion, the Han Dynasty had fifty million people. By the Battle of Red Cliffs, there were only over fourteen million left. By the time of the Battle of Yiling, the Han Dynasty had a mere nine million, not to mention the over seven million in the Western Jin Dynasty!
The loss of population was due to illness, plague… and also war losses!
In this regard, Lu Yu could do very little.
But he still wanted to let as many people as possible live. After all, the future Great Wei would also need population for its construction!
Therefore…
Many times, when making arrangements, he did not choose the path of kingship or hegemony, but rather utilized strategies and schemes… to subdue the enemy without fighting!
Perhaps, this was another form of “preservation” mentioned in Sun Tzu’s Art of War!
Of course…
This was unfair to the Left Virtuous King, Modu;
It was even unfair to Zhao Yun, who went south to become “Candle Dragon.” But compared to countless common people, the sacrifice and dedication of one person seemed so insignificant!
“Thump, thump…”
As Lu Yu walked away, Guo Jia also tacitly left the prison.
Leaving this space to He Yan and the Left Virtuous King, Modu.
And this passionate Modu, his eyes went from enraged to gradually calm, to understanding everything.
One should know…
Historically, he had always been a man of deep affection.
If history had followed its course, and Cai Zhaoji had not met Lu Yu, after the death of her first husband, Wei Zhongdao, and her father Cai Yong, on her way back from praying at Baima Temple, she would have been abducted by this Left Virtuous King, Modu!
Subsequently… she became the most honored consort in the court of the Left Virtuous King of the Southern Xiongnu.
Composing the “Hu Jia Shi Ba Pai!” (Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute!), which included lines like, “When I was born, there was stillness; after my birth, the Han rule declined. Heaven is not benevolent, thus bringing chaos; Earth is not benevolent, causing me to meet this time.”
Furthermore… Da Feng Novel
When Cao Cao brought Cai Zhaoji back to the Central Plains, this Left Virtuous King of the Southern Xiongnu, due to his intense longing, fell ill from melancholy and passed away.
He was a rare “lover” among the Hu people!
At this moment…
Facing He Yan, the Left Virtuous King, Modu, now knowing everything, spoke with a tragic tone.
“May I ask you one last question?”
“I know what you want to ask,” He Yan replied immediately. He turned around, closed his eyes… but did not stay to give the last two words of the answer.
—You loved me!
Indeed, he cross-dressed and approached the Left Virtuous King with ulterior motives.
But… there were so many things about this man that attracted him. When He Yan fully immersed himself in the role of “Cao Mu,” he truly experienced three months of uncontrollable affection!
However…
After today, there would be no more “Left Virtuous King” in the Southern Xiongnu!
Step!
Step!
As He Yan walked away, silence descended upon the prison, leaving only the sound of the Left Virtuous King, Modu's, wandering sighs!
“Alas…”
“Alas!”
…
…
The sun had already risen. Cao Cao sat in the yamen of Ye City. Beside him, Xu Chu and the Tiger Guards stood in attendance, seemingly waiting for someone.
Just then…
The sound of approaching footsteps, “thump, thump.”
Shen Pei was brought in, bound tightly by the Tiger Guards.
Along with him arrived Tian Feng, Cui Yan, Xu Yuan, and Xin Pi…
Actually…
After Shen Pei was captured last night, Xin Pi’s anger erupted. He rushed into the prison, grabbed a whip, and lashed Shen Pei fiercely while hurling curses.
Today… seeing Shen Pei again, Xin Pi uttered coldly.
“Today, you are definitely dead!”
One must know that Xin Pi’s family had all met a tragic end at Shen Pei’s hands.
Coupled with the hatred of the “Ru Ying Clan” for the “Talents of Jizhou,” his hatred for Shen Pei had been long-standing.
“It is because of people like you that Jizhou has been ruined!” Shen Pei, enduring the pain, added fiercely as he approached Xin Pi.
“As for… do you think you alone can decide my fate?”
Shen Pei turned his gaze towards Cao Cao.
Seeing Shen Pei, Cao Cao had initially risen, but he seemed to recall something and sat back down… appearing calm and collected.
One should know…
Before coming to Ye City, Cao Cao had specifically discussed Shen Pei with Lu Yu.
And Yu’er had highly praised him, with a very positive evaluation, except for one point: Shen Pei would never surrender! No matter what!
Cao Cao placed absolute trust in Yu’er’s words, and thus… he did not personally untie him like other surrendered generals, but simply remained seated.
“Shen Zhengnan, it has been a long time since we last met, hasn’t it?”
Cao Cao spoke…
He and Shen Pei were old acquaintances.
“Hmph!” Shen Pei snorted and remained silent.
Cao Cao continued, “Zhengnan? Do you know who opened the city gates today?”
“Who?” A flicker of sharpness appeared in Shen Pei’s eyes.
“Your nephew, Shen Rong!” Cao Cao clapped his hands. Shen Rong, Shen Pei’s nephew, quickly emerged from the back hall and bowed respectfully to Cao Cao. “Chancellor Cao.”
“So it was… you, you brat!” Shen Pei’s face turned deathly pale. “A mere child is useless, and it is because of him that I… that I have arrived at this predicament! You vile child deserves to die!”
“Uncle…” Facing Shen Pei’s accusations, Shen Rong puffed out his chest without a hint of fear. “Uncle only thinks of your loyalty, have you ever thought of the continuation of our family? Have you ever thought of the lives of tens of thousands of civilians and soldiers! Blind loyalty is not to be upheld!”
“Hahaha…”
Taking advantage of Shen Rong’s words, Cao Cao abruptly stood up and approached Shen Pei. “Zhengnan, your temperament is still the same as before—resolute, stubborn, extreme, and hating evil like an enemy!
“With such a disposition, even in a well-ordered age, you would not escape becoming a schemer, manipulating power with every turn of your hand! Of course, in matters of great right and wrong, your mind remains somewhat clear… You abhorred Guo Tu, Feng Ji, and others, for causing the vast foundation of the Yuan clan to fall into disarray. Upon hearing that Xin Pi had surrendered to me, you were filled with righteous indignation and killed his entire family! What a pity, what a pity… you and I are destined not to be on the same path!
“Hahaha…”
Hearing this, Xin Pi let out a wistful laugh. “Cao Aman, when I attacked the city a few days ago, I only wished I could have shot you dead then! Come, give me a quick end.
“This entire gathering consists of surrendered captives, yet I, Shen Pei, am the only loyal minister who died with integrity. Even if I enter the underworld, it will be better than surviving among you. Come, chop off my head!
Speaking of which…
Cao Cao’s gaze lowered, and with a wave of his hand…
“Kill him!”
Immediately, some Tiger Guards escorted Shen Pei to the execution ground!
“My lord is in the north, I seek only to die facing north!”
Shen Pei still shouted. He turned around and knelt towards the north…
“Whoosh…”
The saber swung, and blood splattered on the ground!
Indeed, Shen Pei was not a successful man, perhaps… not even a hero in the Three Kingdoms period, but… he still commanded respect from later generations.
However… Xi Zhicai seemed somewhat surprised.
“Chancellor? Why kill him?”
“This question, I discussed with Zi Yu,” Cao Cao narrowed his eyes. “Perhaps to some, dying for a principle is a small matter, but upholding integrity is paramount.”
Speaking of which…
Cao Cao opened his eyes again.
“Let’s go…”
“Where is the Chancellor going?” Xi Zhicai quickly asked…
Cao Cao paused, “To pay respects to my good elder brother. Everything is over…”
Actually…
Before Cao Cao went on campaign, Lu Yu had repeatedly emphasized one thing: after entering Ye City, he should first visit his old friend Yuan Shao…
Speaking of which, this old friend was angered to death by their Cao father and son!
Now… their father and son had occupied his territory, and in the future, they would also covish his wife and daughters, and absorb his generals. No matter what… shedding a few tears was a necessary performance and a means of winning hearts!
Of course…
Even without Yu’er’s reminder, Cao Cao would have come.
His paying respects to Yuan Shao was a heartfelt act…
As early as the reign of Emperor Ling of Han, Cao Cao and Yuan Shao were youthful friends. In their youth, they rebelled together, struggled against fate together, and as they grew older, they became “angry youths” together!
When Cao Cao served as Imperial Clerk, he repeatedly memorialized Emperor Ling, directly admonishing the eunuchs for ruining the country. Yuan Shao directly conspired with He Jin to eliminate the eunuchs!
Later, due to Dong Zhuo’s chaos, the two jointly raised armies…
And after Cao Cao was defeated by Xu Rong, when he went to Yang Province to recruit soldiers and encountered a rebellion by new recruits, and was in a state of isolation, it was Yuan Shao who lent him assistance… allowing him, Cao Cao, to grow slowly under Yuan Shao’s wing.
However…
Later, as Cao Cao defeated Yuan Shu, Tao Qian, and Lu Bu, his power grew increasingly stronger;
Yuan Shao also pacified the four northern prefectures. On the surface, although they remained supportive friends, their ideologies had completely diverged… and the people they represented were entirely different!
The two grew increasingly distant, like strangers.
Until finally…
These childhood friends had to choose between friendship and power, and both of them coincidentally chose the latter!
The four battles of Guandu, Cangting, Liyang, and Ye City!
Cao Cao unmercifully devoured the entire foundation of his childhood companion.
Now, as the victor, Cao Cao stood on the fertile land of Jizhou.
On one side, there was joy, and on the other, there was worry. Joy that he no longer had a strong enemy in the north.
Worry that, although he had achieved his hegemonic ambition, he had stepped over the corpse of his childhood friend!
“Alas…”
Cao Cao gazed at Yuan Shao’s tombstone outside the city, his gaze growing more weary… but without a trace of evasion. He personally rose to help Yuan Shao wipe the tombstone.
“Benchu, you contended for the world with me during your lifetime, but after death, you merely occupy six feet of land!”
“Ultimately, all our hard work is to ensure our children can live better lives!”
Speaking of which…
Cao Cao’s eyes narrowed.
He thought of Yu’er, of Yu’er’s mother in Dunqiu, of the river that passed through Dunqiu, of playing by the river with Yu’er’s mother when he served as the Magistrate of Dunqiu!
He also thought of Qiao Pei, of his hometown… of the ants that accompanied his lonely childhood when his mother passed away…
The only thing he didn't think of was the world…
No matter how vast the world was, his final resting place, like Yuan Shao’s, was merely six feet of land. It only depended on… what he could leave behind for this world!
“The old general approaches slowly! When will I return to my homeland!”
“The divine dragon hides in the clear spring, the fierce beast treads the high ridge!”
“The fox dies and returns to its den, how can one forget their hometown… how can one forget?”
Inspired by poetry, after reciting a poem, Cao Cao caressed Yuan Shao’s grave and began to weep, weeping earth-shatteringly… weeping with profound sorrow and desolation!
Finally…
Cao Cao wiped his tears with his sleeve, bid farewell to his dear friend multiple times, and then slowly stood up… as if about to leave!
Xu Chu quickly followed.
Cao Cao added, “Is Lady Liu, the widow of Brother Benchu, still in Ye City?”
Uh… Xu Chu was stunned for a moment, then nodded.
Cao Cao’s words continued, “Tonight, make arrangements!”
Speaking of which, Cao Cao glanced at Xu Chu, then strode away with his imposing gait…
Leaving Xu Chu bewildered in the wind!
Of course, this was not the first time he had been bewildered. In Xu Chu’s opinion, his lord… the tears he shed just now were real, and the enjoyment tonight was also real!
Immediately, Xu Chu shook his head.
He added a small mound of earth to Yuan Shao’s grave. “Yuan Shao, rest assured, our Chancellor will take care of your wife. Living with our Chancellor is much more comfortable than living with you!”
Suddenly…
It seemed as if moss grew on Yuan Shao’s grave, as the saying goes… softly, the grass on the plain!
…
…