The Imperial Palace, Chongde Hall.
A celestial decree, delivered by a eunuch, was presented to Yang Xiu.
Yang Xiu initially intended to open it, but the eunuch specifically advised him to wait until he returned to his manor and could open it in his father’s presence.
It was now the latter half of the night. Yang Xiu walked with heavy steps away from the imperial palace and boarded his carriage. As he arrived before the Yang manor, gazing at its understated entrance, Yang Xiu found himself lost in thought.
In days gone by…
Because he had aligned himself with Lu Yu, his father, Yang Biao, could not understand him.
His father had whipped him, lash after lash.
Yang Xiu had only said that he was doing this to save the Yang family, to follow the will of heaven, to be worthy of the Yang family’s five generations of service as Three Dukes!
But his father, Yang Biao, had spoken with a stern tone. He had violently thrown down the rattan cane and finally uttered those heartless words.
“Get out, get out! I, Yang Biao, do not have a son like you. I never want to see you again!”
From that day onward…
Yang Xiu left the Yang manor, knelt and kowtowed three times before the manor gates, and then… turned and departed to follow his own path.
Now.
Could he be considered to have “returned home in glory”?
Yang Xiu shook his head. He didn’t know. He looked at the imperial decree in his hand, longing to see its contents…
But in the end, he did not open it.
“Young Master, we have arrived at the Yang manor. Aren’t you going in?”
The coachman, seeing Yang Xiu linger in the carriage, inquired again.
Yang Xiu paused for a moment. “At this hour, Father is likely fast asleep. His health is not good, I shouldn’t disturb him!”
“Then…” the coachman continued to ask.
But before he could finish, Yang Xiu’s voice rang out again. “There are still two hours until dawn. Let’s wait in the carriage for a while. You can rest if you’re tired!”
“Yes… yes…”
The coachman agreed…
And so, the two of them rested in the carriage for two hours.
Perhaps it was due to exhaustion or some other reason, but Yang Xiu slept past the appointed time… he slept all the way until the hour of Si, and it was only the clamor of gongs and drums outside the carriage that woke him!
“Clang, clang, clang…”
The sound of gongs and drums, approaching from afar, reached him. Yang Xiu looked out through the carriage window and saw the Guanglu Xun, responsible for ceremonies, leading a hundred-strong imperial honor guard, striding rapidly towards them.
Sixty imperial gift chests, thirty elite guards, thirty imperial guards, and sixty eunuchs set out from the palace, a bustling procession with music and fanfare, all heading towards the Yang manor.
The heralds at the front, banging their gongs, were shouting, “The Yang family has a son, loyal and reverent in office, who has repeatedly achieved military exploits. The Hongnong Yang clan’s method of educating their children is highly effective. The Emperor’s grace is vast, and he is hereby greatly commended!”
Clang!
Clang!
Clang!
Accompanying the sound of gongs and drums, a highly praiseworthy plaque was raised high, about to be presented before the Yang manor gates, inscribed with four great characters: “Educating Children with Skill”!
Yang Biao had already gathered everyone from the Yang family and knelt outside the gates to receive the imperial decree and the plaque.
From this day forward… the entrance of the Yang manor would bear another imperial golden plaque – Educating Children with Skill!
At this moment, Yang Xiu was stunned. His mouth gaped open wide enough to fit an egg!
Even so, his eyes were filled with continuous astonishment.
Educating Children with Skill?
The Emperor bestowing the "Educating Children with Skill" plaque upon the Yang family, was this… was this referring to him, Yang Xiu? Yang Dezu?
With a gulp!
Yang Xiu instinctively swallowed, and Yang Biao was equally astonished. His “rebellious son,” whom he had driven from home, had now… had now become an “assisting minister” in the Emperor’s eyes, a pillar of talent for the Great Han.
Of course, this was not the most surprising part.
Yang Biao had served as one of the Three Dukes, and his former students and associates were spread throughout the land. Even though he had now left the center of power, before the plaque of “Educating Children with Skill” was delivered, someone had already reported to him that it was personally bestowed by the Emperor… not forced by Cao Cao, nor by Lu Yu, but by the Emperor’s will!
Despite many questions…
However, when Yang Xiu received the Emperor’s recognition, Yang Biao… and indeed, the entire Yang family, could be considered to have brought glory to their lineage, and everyone was smiling with joy!
After the daytime festivities, Yang Biao, having seen off the Guanglu Xun, once again stood before the gate, gazing up at the four characters “Educating Children with Skill” above him, and could not help but let out a bitter smile.
“Heh heh…”
Yang Biao shook his head. He felt that he could hardly be considered “educating children with skill,” could he?
Just then.
“Father…”
A clear and incredibly familiar voice, one that often echoed in Yang Biao’s ears, came from behind him.
Yang Biao’s entire body trembled violently. He quickly turned around, and who else but his only son, Yang Xiu, appeared before him!
“De… Dezu!”
His legs buckled, and Yang Biao lost his balance. If Yang Xiu had not steadied him, Yang Biao would have fallen to the ground.
After Yang Xiu helped his father stand steady, he stepped back and bowed respectfully.
“The unfilial son Yang Xiu, who is disloyal, unfilial, unbenevolent, and unjust, has returned!”
Uh…
Yang Biao felt a burning pain on his face. At this moment… beneath the imperial plaque of “Educating Children with Skill,” the eight characters he had once uttered – “disloyal, unfilial, unbenevolent, and unjust” – seemed utterly ironic.
“Returned… returned!”
“My… my son has returned!”
With a cry of sorrow, tears welled up in Yang Biao’s eyes.
He vividly remembered the powerful words Yang Xiu had spoken the night he left…
“This is an era that values ambition, courage, and achieving great deeds. Circumstances are destiny, and strength is benevolence!”
Finally…
He… he had, in his own way, led the Hongnong Yang clan back to glory!
Hoo…
Yang Biao let out a long sigh.
Father and son met, and a long silence ensued.
Yang Xiu gazed at his father, at that somewhat weary and weather-beaten face. The night he left, the torrential rain had soaked their clothes, but this time upon his return, the sky was clear and sunny.
“Father…”
Yang Xiu wanted to speak, but Yang Biao raised his hand to stop him. “My son, you have succeeded. The future world belongs to… belongs to you young people! Father is old, so old…”
“No!” Yang Xiu quickly took out the imperial decree from his robe and unrolled it.
Even though he had not read it beforehand, relying on his astuteness and the “Educating Children with Skill” plaque, Yang Xiu could guess the Emperor’s intentions, and Master Lu’s intentions.
“Last night, His Majesty bestowed upon me an imperial decree. Father, why don’t you take a look!”
Hmm…
Yang Biao quickly unrolled it, and saw the prominent characters “Grand Tutor” leaping out!
Grand Tutor, an official position above the Three Dukes, equal in rank to the Grand General. This was the pinnacle of scholarly officialdom. And he, Yang Biao, was able to receive such an honor because of his son!
*Clatter!*
Yang Biao knelt on the ground…
“Thank you, Your Majesty, thank you… thank you, Your Majesty!”
His voice was aged but incredibly firm, and in his tone, there was more of the joy and comfort that came from his son’s success!
…
…
Southern Xiongnu, Left Worthy King’s Court!
In this barbarian land, there were three Xiongnu royal courts: that of Chanyu Hu Chuan, that of the Left Worthy King Modu, and that of the Right Worthy King “Qubei.”
At the Left Worthy King’s court, the Left Worthy King held absolute power.
Inside a barbarian tent.
“Is he healed? Did he reveal anything suspicious?”
He Yan spoke with the Long Xiao Cavalrymen guarding beside him…
“Replying to the Princess Consort!”
After arriving in the barbarian lands, all the Long Xiao Camp cavalrymen were required to address He Yan as “Princess Consort.”
“General Zhang is unharmed. His injuries appear severe, but they are merely superficial. Furthermore, most of the healers in the barbarian lands are Han people, and we have made prior arrangements with them.”
What the Long Xiao Camp cavalryman said was true…
Most healers in the barbarian lands were Han people, mostly captured and brought there.
Of course… the Xiongnu were not as terrifying to the captured Han people as rumors suggested. They would even help the Han people marry and settle down there. For example, Zhang Qian, who was an envoy to the Western Regions, was captured by the Xiongnu, not only married a Hu maiden but also had a robust son.
Similarly, some Han healers who were captured in the barbarian lands received even better treatment.
However… even after settling down and starting families, these Han people still remembered their Han spirit and integrity at all times!
For this reason, it was not difficult for He Yan and the Long Xiao Camp to secretly win them over.
“After all, we are in the barbarian lands. We must be cautious in all matters, especially for myself and General Zhang. All injuries must be treated by trusted Han medical officers!”
He Yan sighed…
“Yes…” the Long Xiao Camp cavalryman agreed.
He Yan then changed the topic.
“I heard that Chanyu Hu Chuan is furious, is that true?”
“Indeed! Based on the evidence left at the scene, Chanyu Hu Chuan concluded that it was the Yuan clan and the Wuhuan who colluded. Since the Yuan clan and the Wuhuan are related by marriage, their alliance would have a motive!”
“Then…” He Yan continued, “what does Chanyu Hu Chuan intend to do?”
“According to General Zhang, Chanyu Hu Chuan has already sent people to Ye City to discuss the matter of campaigning north against the Wuhuan with Prime Minister Cao. The Southern Xiongnu are willing to serve as vanguards and provide guides and maps to Prime Minister Cao!”
Hearing this, He Yan exhaled heavily, feeling a sense of relief.
“Maps are one thing, but for Prime Minister Cao and Master Lu to go north and eliminate the Wuhuan, guides are of paramount importance. With guides from the Southern Xiongnu, the upcoming task will be much simpler.”
As He Yan said,
In the era of the Later Han, maps were often inaccurate, only providing a general overview. A route might not clearly show the number of gullies or mountains.
Ancient armies did not refrain from battle due to inaccurate maps. The most direct way to compensate was to find guides.
Maps were static, but people were dynamic. Outsiders might not understand the terrain, but locals, born and raised there, would naturally have a more detailed understanding.
However, finding guides was also a matter of skill!
Because people were dynamic, many possibilities existed. If a guide was an enemy spy and deliberately led them into an ambush, they wouldn’t even know they were betrayed!
Therefore…
If the Wuhuan were to be eliminated, guides provided by the Southern Xiongnu were crucial.
After all, both the Southern Xiongnu and the Wuhuan were originally Xiongnu, and many elders were familiar with each other’s terrain.
Thinking of this…
He Yan continued to instruct, “Find a way to inform General Zhang, so that after he recovers, he comes to see me every night…”
Uh…
Speaking of this.
The Long Xiao Cavalryman frowned. “Recently, I heard that Chanyu Hu Chuan wants to hold the wedding ceremony for him and the Princess Consort in the barbarian lands after the Left Worthy King recovers. It seems the barbarians attach great importance to this!”
“I… I understand!” He Yan nodded. He had done his homework before being dispatched to the barbarian lands.
For example, Princess Xijun and Princess Zhaojun in the past both had grand wedding ceremonies. He Yan had long since memorized the rituals involved.
However…
He never imagined that his first wedding ceremony would be with a burly man. It was almost ironic!
With a slight smile…
He Yan nodded. “Do as you must… the immediate priority is stability!”
“Yes!” the Long Xiao Cavalryman agreed and immediately walked out of the barbarian tent.
He Yan also went to the entrance…
He raised his head and gazed at the sky. Stars adorned the heavens, and the desert moon and stars seemed to shine exceptionally bright!
…
…
Ji Province, Ye City, in the Government Office.
At this moment, Cao Cao sat upright, with Xi Zhicai, Xun You, Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Cao Ren, Cao Hong, and others kneeling on either side…
Of course, this also included Long Xiao Camp generals such as Zhang Liao and Gao Shun!
Having captured Ye City, taken Nanpi, and with Yuan Tan’s death, You Province surrendered…
This marked the complete conquest of the four northern provinces!
Today, they were to discuss matters concerning the upcoming… campaign north against the Wuhuan.
At this moment, Xi Zhicai stood in the center of the government office, meticulously detailing the origins of the Wuhuan.
“The Wuhuan tribes originated from the Donghu tribes. Over three hundred years ago, after being defeated by the Xiongnu, one branch fled to Wuhuan Mountain, taking the place name and calling their tribe Wuhuan. Another branch settled in Xianbei Mountain and was known as the Xianbei people!”
“The Wuhuan’s most elite force is their cavalry. Eighteen years ago, in the fourth year of the Zhongping era, Zhang Ju, Zhang Chun, and others rebelled and had indeed recruited Wuhuan cavalry to harass the populace in Qingzhou, Xuzhou, Youzhou, and Jizhou. The leaders of the Wuhuan tribes were called ‘Daren’ (Great Men). Generally, whoever could fight, whoever could lead the people to a full stomach, and whoever had high prestige, was the Wuhuan ‘Daren’!”
“During the reign of Emperor Ling, the ‘Daren’ who rebelled with Zhang Ju and Zhang Chun was named ‘Qiuliju.’ In the first year of Chuping, Qiuliju died, and his nephew Tadun succeeded him. Tadun unified the three commanderies of Liaodong, Liaoxi, and Youbeiping, hence the Wuhuan tribes were also known as the Three Commandery Wuhuan!”
At this point, Xi Zhicai paused and continued.
“As for why the Yuan brothers, Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang, fled here, it is because Yuan Shao, after eliminating Gongsun Zan, adopted a policy of appeasing the Wuhuan, including granting official titles and intermarriage. He, under the Emperor’s name, enfeoffed Tadun as Chanyu and then implemented a policy of intermarriage. It is for this reason that even after Yuan Shao’s death, the Wuhuan and the Yuan family are still as closely connected as flesh and bone. Many daughters of the Yuan family are serving as princess consorts among the Wuhuan… According to reliable intelligence, Tadun is already mobilizing the tribes and intends to support the Yuan brothers!”
At this point, Xi Zhicai’s eyes turned towards Cao Cao.
He had said all that needed to be said. Next, it was time for discussion!
According to Cao Cao’s usual practice, a military conference was to be held before any major campaign…
Gathering the generals who were to be dispatched, anyone with a good suggestion could voice it directly.
Even if Cao Cao made a mistake or had a strategic oversight, his subordinates and advisors could speak freely.
Of course…
Before discussing the extermination of the Wuhuan, Cao Cao had already dispatched Dong Zhao to employ a large number of laborers to excavate the Pinglu Canal and Quanzhou Canal. This way, food supplies could be transported to the front lines via waterways.
This ensured the logistics.
He originally thought that everything was ready…
The northern campaign against the Wuhuan was imperative, but… as soon as this meeting began, it completely deviated. All the advisors and generals were uniformly opposed to the northern campaign against the Wuhuan!
“The Wuhuan are merely a barbarian tribe, dwelling in a barren land. Even if Yuan Shang and Yuan Xi defect to the Wuhuan, they are unlikely to achieve much.” Cao Ren immediately spoke.
“Furthermore, no matter how good the relationship or deep the feelings between the Yuan brothers and the Wuhuan, they cannot persuade the Wuhuan to truly help them counterattack. It is merely a show of force! Therefore, in my opinion, campaigning far to attack the Wuhuan is an unnecessary undertaking.”
As soon as Cao Ren finished speaking…
Xiahou Yuan also stood up and said loudly, “From Ye City to the Wuhuan is over a thousand li. A long journey, regardless of whether we can win? Just considering the terrain, we are too unfamiliar with it. Campaigning far to attack the Wuhuan is extremely risky.”
This…
Cao Cao’s eyes narrowed. He turned his gaze towards Xun You.
“Gongda? What is your opinion?”
Xun You’s expression also appeared somewhat solemn. How could he not see that Cao Cao wanted to fight?
But… compared to the routes and terrain, Xun You was more concerned about the south.
“General Miaocai just said that the Wuhuan are a thousand li away from Ye City. If the Prime Minister dispatches too many troops, they will surely be discovered. At that time, if the Wuhuan block key positions, our army will be in a difficult situation, unable to advance or retreat, and will be in extreme hardship. If fewer troops are dispatched, in plain warfare, we might not be a match for the Wuhuan cavalry. In addition…”
Xun You paused, his eyes glancing towards the south. “If, during the Prime Minister’s northern campaign against the Wuhuan, Liu Bei of Jingzhou incites Liu Biao to attack Xudu at an opportune moment? What then?”
“While the Wuhuan and the remnants of the Yuan clan are indeed troublesome, we cannot guard against Liu Bei and Liu Biao to the south, Ma Teng and Han Sui to the west, and the strong families in Guanzhong!”
Xun You’s words all hit the mark and pointed out the key issues, but…
Cao Cao’s face turned as dark as water…
They say a centipede dies but never falls apart. The Yuan clan, with their four generations of service as Three Dukes, and Yuan Shao having been entrenched in the north for many years, Cao Cao would not feel at ease if the Yuan remnants were not thoroughly eradicated.
“Very well, the discussion ends here for today! I will carefully consider the matter of the northern campaign against the Wuhuan before making a final decision.”
“Yes!” Everyone clasped their hands in farewell…
Others were fine, but only Zhang Liao frowned…
Evidently, he was somewhat disappointed with this meeting.
On the other hand, Xi Zhicai deliberately stayed until the end. After everyone had left the government office, he approached Cao Cao.
A faint voice followed.
“Prime Minister still wants to fight the Wuhuan?”
With this sudden question, Cao Cao raised his eyes. “Zhicai, do you think we shouldn’t fight?”
“We should!” Xi Zhicai nodded. “Actually, this is not a Wuhuan problem, but a strategic problem. The Yuan family is too deeply rooted in the north. If we hesitate and give up the northern campaign, perhaps the Yuan brothers can truly organize themselves again with the help of the Wuhuan, and Qingzhou, Jizhou, and Youzhou might once again become their territory!”
“But…” This time, it was Cao Cao who questioned. “What Gongda and Miaocai said earlier also makes sense…”
“Just one perspective!” Xi Zhicai smiled slightly. “When it comes to strategy, perhaps Gongda and I can offer advice to the Prime Minister. When it comes to attacking and fighting, perhaps Generals Zixiao, Miaocai, and Yuanrang can fight on the battlefield for the Prime Minister. But… when it comes to formulating strategy, the Prime Minister should not be discussing it with us!”
Hmm…
Upon hearing this…
Cao Cao’s eyes suddenly widened. “What Zhicai means is…”
Xi Zhicai immediately uttered two names.
“Xun Wenruo!”
“Lu Ziyu!”
“Whether to campaign north against the Wuhuan or not, the Prime Minister should ask Wenruo and Ziyu. In terms of strategy, those two are more than ten times superior to all the officials present!”
Heh…
Cao Cao’s eyes rolled.
With Xi Zhicai’s reminder, it was true, he was indeed thinking of Yu’er.
This brat? Isn’t he coming to Ye City yet?
…
…