Dian Wei injured?
The scoundrels escaped!
Cao Cao's expression grew grim. Xu Chu's words were pregnant with meaning and required understanding on two levels.
Firstly, who was Dian Wei?
— The ancient, formidable Dian Wei...
In his past confrontation with Lu Bu, he had achieved one victory and one draw... even with the aid of his steel halberd and steel armor at the time.
But... in reality.
Even without these advantages, the ancient Dian Wei was no ordinary warrior.
The number of individuals who could face him without falling into disadvantage could be counted on one's fingers, likely not exceeding five in this era, let alone injuring him...
Even with a surprise attack, at close quarters, it was impossible!
Secondly, the escape of the scoundrels was even more terrifying.
While Cao Cao had not been directly involved, Yu'er was known for his meticulous planning. If it was an ambush, it must have been extremely well-guarded. How could the enemy escape from such a tight trap?
Inconceivable...
Truly inconceivable!
"Investigate and find out who it was!"
Cao Cao instructed Xu Chu.
"Yes!" Xu Chu immediately agreed. Although he had no leads, Xu Chu knew that the identity of this person was of utmost importance and that they might well be involved in Ma Teng's actions.
*Sigh...*
Cao Cao slowly paced to the window. From the exquisite tower, he could survey the entire Wei King's palace below.
"How heavy is this crown... Heh, all sorts of demons and ghosts are appearing!"
As he spoke, Cao Cao's eyes narrowed, a glint of boundless coldness and deep meaning flashing within them.
The campaign into Xiliang...
Seemed far more complicated than he had imagined.
At this sudden thought, a sharp pain seized his forehead again. He involuntarily clutched his head with both hands. Cao Cao's expression was one of unbearable agony.
"Head... head..."
A furious and tragic wail once again echoed through the Wei King's palace.
Cao Ren and Xu Chu rushed to support him.
Their eyes were filled with concern. The King of Wei's headaches were occurring with increasing frequency and severity. This was not good news, neither for the King of Wei nor for the Great Wei!
"Do... do not..."
Cao Cao groaned, "Do not let it spread... that I again... have a headache. Hua Tuo... quickly summon Hua Tuo!"
...
...
At the School of the Imperial Guard, the atmosphere became unusually chilling upon learning that Dian Wei had sustained a minor injury.
"Zi Yu, this is my fault..." Guo Jia cupped his hands in apology. "I was careless and did not equip the ambushing Dragon Cavalry with 'Zhuge Crossbows.' Otherwise... Commander Dian would not have been injured, and the scoundrels would not have escaped!"
Guo Jia lowered his head, but Lu Yu did not show any signs of blame.
After all...
Even he himself would not have expected anyone to be able to injure Dian Wei!
"From today onwards, the Marquis of Southern Hunt's mansion will be under strict guard. The Dragon Cavalry, including everyone in the School of the Imperial Guard, will be equipped with Zhuge Crossbows. If they encounter any experts, they are to be shot and killed directly, without engaging them in close combat!"
"Understood!" Ju Shu agreed and went to make arrangements.
Lu Yu continued, "Furthermore, as I am heading out on campaign tomorrow, I plan to bring along Young Master Cao Chong... The School of the Imperial Guard is to immediately send someone to inform him, and also to notify his mother."
This...
If the "injury to Dian Wei and escape of the scoundrels" was just a minor interlude.
Then, taking Cao Chong on the western expedition, this was somewhat...
"The Marquis of Southern Hunt intends to bring Young Master Cao Chong?"
Xu Shu was the first to voice his question.
Or rather... it was not a question, but a significant doubt.
Currently, everyone in the Great Wei was discussing the issue of the heir apparent.
Whom would the King of Wei designate as the heir?
Undoubtedly... this concerned everyone's hearts, and Lu Yu had not previously expressed a clear stance on supporting any particular prince.
Strictly speaking, the eldest son Cao Ang, who had withdrawn from the succession, the fourth son Cao Zhi, and the most intelligent prince Cao Chong were all disciples of Lu Yu. To express a preference would inevitably be seen as favoritism!
But...
This time, bringing Cao Chong on the western expedition was different.
This was almost a declaration to the world that the Marquis of Southern Hunt supported Cao Chong. This move was deeply significant.
It was no wonder Xu Shu raised his doubts.
"Yuan Zhi," Lu Yu patiently explained, "I just heard that the King of Wei's headache has recurred..."
This...
Xu Shu suddenly understood something.
Lu Yu continued, "Even if Divine Physician Hua's surgery to open the skull is successful, after such an operation, the future King of Wei will inevitably be weakened and will not be able to dedicate himself to every matter as he did before. The construction of the Bronze Sparrow Terrace was intended for the King of Wei to announce his choice of heir, but it was temporarily postponed due to the assassination attempt on Ma Teng."
"So..." Xu Shu continued Lu Yu's words, "So Zi Yu intends to declare his support for Young Master Cao Chong?"
"In a way!" Lu Yu nodded. "The Great Wei now encompasses Sili, Xuzhou, Yanzhou, Yuzhou, Qingzhou, Youzhou, Bingzhou, Jizhou, as well as Jiangdong and Xiliang. Within a few years... the entire Great Wei will achieve a new unification. When expanding territories, military might is needed, but to guard the empire requires more in the way of civil administration!"
"From this perspective, Cao Chong's benevolence, kindness, intelligence, and agility undoubtedly make him more suitable to be the next King of Wei... and even the next ruler of the world! Yuan Zhi, did you not once make a grand vow to tread the path of hardship, to live up to your studies, and to let the common people of this chaotic world see some hope, some light? Now... that light may appear because of Cao Chong."
*Hoo...*
*Hoo...*
Xu Shu fell silent... even biting his lip.
Even Lu Yu did not know that Cao Chong's teacher at the Imperial Academy was precisely Xu Shu, Xu Yuan Zhi.
Xu Shu knew Cao Chong's character and indeed believed him to be the most suitable ruler for "guarding the nation."
He raised his eyes and said with emotion, "Zi Yu's vision is truly far-reaching!"
"Alright!" Lu Yu patted his shoulder. "Get some rest early. Tomorrow's expedition... you probably won't sleep soundly!"
Saying this, Lu Yu gave Xu Shu a brilliant smile and then left the School of the Imperial Guard.
He still needed to visit Dian Wei...
He also wanted to see what exactly could have caused Dian Wei to suffer such a surprise defeat in close combat!
...
...
In Luoyang City, in Cao Pi's study.
"What?" Cao Pi's eyes widened in anger, his gaze almost shooting sparks. "What are you talking about? You recognize the assassin who injured Dian Wei?"
The news of the ancient Dian Wei's injury, a matter of immense gravity, quickly reached many ears, including the Second Prince Cao Pi.
"Yes..." Before him stood two people. One, dressed in scholar's robes, was named Wu Zhi, Cao Pi's chief "strategist"...
In history, he had offered many brilliant plans, giving Cao Pi a significant advantage in the struggle for the heir apparent against Cao Zhi!
During that time, Cao Pi, in order to meet with Wu Zhi in secret, would have Wu Zhi stuffed into a "basket" and quietly transported into his residence to strategize. Even... under Yang Xiu's stratagem, they turned the tables, making Cao Cao believe that Yang Xiu was slandering Cao Pi, thus laying the groundwork for Yang Xiu's eventual execution!
Of course, in the historical novel, his role was not extensive.
Some of his achievements were even attributed to Sima Yi.
At this moment, Wu Zhi's expression was extremely solemn.
His gaze shifted to the other person beside him, a martial artist, and more accurately, Cao Pi's sword-fighting master.
Cao Pi mentioned in "Dian Lun: Autobiography":
— "I also studied sword fighting and have seen many masters. The methods from all directions are different, but those of the capital are the best. During the reigns of Emperors Huan and Ling, there was a Tiger Guard General, Wang Yue, who was skilled in this art and renowned in the capital."
— "Shi A from Henan said that he once traveled with Yue and learned all his techniques. I learned them from Ah and became proficient. I once drank with General Pinglu Liu Xun, General Fenwei Deng Zhan, and others. I heard that Zhan had strong arms, understood various weapons, and was also skilled in unarmed combat."
— "We discussed swordsmanship for a long time, and I told the general that his method was not correct. I have always enjoyed it and obtained a good technique, so I asked to spar with him."
This translates to:
— The master who taught Cao Pi swordsmanship was named "Shi A." During the reigns of Emperors Huan and Ling, there was a "Tiger Guard General" named Wang Yue in Luoyang, who was skilled in swordsmanship. Shi A had the opportunity to learn sword techniques from Wang Yue, and Cao Pi greatly enjoyed discussing swords with him!
It can be said that both Wu Zhi and Shi A were people Cao Pi trusted implicitly.
And precisely because of this...
Cao Pi's question, "You recognize the assassin who injured Dian Wei?" carried even deeper significance.
"Young Master," Shi A opened his mouth and said, "Under heaven, apart from my master, there are no two others who can surpass the ancient Dian Wei in swordsmanship... Furthermore, I heard that the location where Dian Wei was injured, and the size of the wound, both allow me to ascertain that it was my master who injured him."
This...
After hearing Shi A's words, Cao Pi's eyes narrowed tightly. He gasped for air.
Good heavens...
He had naturally heard of "Wang Yue's" great reputation from Shi A. In fact, Cao Pi had long held Wang Yue in high regard!
But... what was Wang Yue trying to do?
Why did he injure Dian Wei? Why did he abduct Cai Zhao Ji? What was his objective?
Cao Pi fell into contemplation.
He had heard of Wang Yue's deeds...
During Emperor Ling's reign, he was a confidant of the Emperor. But after Emperor Ling's death, he disappeared. Where had he been all these years?
Why did he appear now? What did he want?
Cao Pi's brow furrowed, and he became extremely anxious!
Shi A, seeing this, seemed to understand Cao Pi's state of mind and quickly explained, "Second Young Master, my master has been missing in the Jianghu for these years for a reason!"
"What reason?" Cao Pi asked urgently.
"Master has been investigating something!"
Hmm...
"Master has been investigating the death of Emperor Ling back then!" Shi A truthfully stated...
Wang Yue had indeed been investigating over the years, not just Emperor Ling's death, but also the assassination of He Jin by the Ten Eunuchs, and Dong Zhuo's entry into the capital.
Emperor Ling's death was not accidental...
Nor was it the Ten Eunuchs who killed He Jin...
And Dong Zhuo's entry into the capital; these series of plots were all driven by an unseen hand!
Some aristocratic clans intended to advance further and desired to seize the imperial throne!
Wang Yue, like Jian Shuo, the head of the Western Garden Eight Colonels, was a staunch loyalist of Emperor Ling.
And the reason he did not intervene when Dong Zhuo forced the young Emperor Liu Bian to abdicate was because, like Jian Shuo, he had received Emperor Ling's dying instruction to enthrone the second son, "Liu Xie."
In Wang Yue's view, his opponent was never Dong Zhuo, but the aristocratic clans who had altered the succession to enthrone "Liu Bian"!
To a certain extent, Wang Yue was pleased that Dong Zhuo massacred these aristocratic clans.
Moreover, Wang Yue also supported Dong Zhuo's enthronement of Liu Xie.
Even later, when Cao Cao held the emperor hostage to command the feudal lords and annihilated Yuan Shao, Wang Yue applauded!
This was considered revenge for the late emperor and for He Jin, and it also brought an end to the Yuan clan of Runan, who had brought chaos to the world.
Wang Yue's loyalty was solely to the late emperor and he followed the late emperor's dying instruction. As long as the Han dynasty existed, and as long as Liu Xie remained on the throne, he could account for himself to the late emperor.
But now...
Precisely because of Liu Xie's lack of ambition, and because of the rise of the Great Wei, he had to draw his sword!
He could accept the decline of the Han dynasty, but he could not accept its demise. He could not account for himself to the late emperor in the netherworld.
Shi A recounted all the details concerning Wang Yue to Cao Pi.
Cao Pi broke out in a cold sweat!
Even when he heard that Emperor Ling was poisoned by the Yuan clan, that the imperial edict to depose the elder and enthrone the younger was destroyed by the Yuan clan, that He Empress's son Liu Bian was enthroned, and then that He Jin entered the palace... how could the Ten Eunuchs mobilize the imperial guards? Precisely at that time, Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu, who were responsible for guarding the imperial palace, were from the Western Garden Eight Colonels!
This was deeply significant...
Who killed He Jin?
Why did the imperial palace catch fire?
Was someone destroying evidence!
Unexpectedly...
Unexpectedly...
As all the truth became clear, Cao Pi felt only shock... a deafening tremor, an earth-shattering vibration!
After a long period of contemplation, Cao Pi asked, "Then... what does this Wang Yue want to do? The current emperor has given up on reviving the Han dynasty, so what is Wang Yue clinging to?"
"Master..." Shi A hesitated, then pondered for a moment before saying, "Master is very stubborn. He recognized Emperor Ling as his lord, and he will remain loyal his entire life. He is determined by Emperor Ling's dying wish, and he will certainly persevere to the end!"
"The Great Wei can coexist with the Han dynasty, but Master will absolutely not allow the Great Wei to annex the Han... And now, the King of Wei's palace is built more grandly than the Han palaces. The King of Wei has palaces in five places: 'Luoyang,' 'Chang'an,' 'Xiangyang,' 'Yecheng,' and 'Xudu.' Even if the King of Wei does not take the step of replacing the Han, the replacement of the Han by Wei is already inevitable. Therefore... therefore, Master..."
As Shi A reached this point...
Cao Pi directly interrupted, "So he assassinated Ma Teng, framed my father, and incited the rebellion of Xiliang? And he intends to abduct Cai Yan? To force the Marquis of Southern Hunt to comply? Good... what a vicious scheme!"
Saying this, Cao Pi turned and headed for the door.
"Where is the Second Young Master going?" Wu Zhi blocked the door, obstructing Cao Pi's path.
"I am going to inform my father. As my father's son, as a prince of the Great Wei, how can I conceal such a matter!" Cao Pi's voice was loud, shaking the tiles.
Unexpectedly...
Wu Zhi grabbed Cao Pi's arm.
"Second Young Master, no!"
"If you inform the King of Wei, then... although the Great Wei is as strong as rock, can... can the Second Young Master still have hope of becoming the heir?"
At this, Wu Zhi's expression changed completely, becoming solemn, cold, and resolute, like the decisiveness and firmness before a desperate gamble. "Second Young Master, I, Wu Zhi, will... will ask you one last question!"
"Does Second Young Master still... intend to become the heir of the Great Wei, to become the future King of the Great Wei?"
This...
Cao Pi stopped in his tracks. He had not expected Wu Zhi to say such a thing.
"Does informing my father of the truth have any relation to whether I can become the heir of the Great Wei, whether I can become the King of the Great Wei in the future?"
"Yes..." Wu Zhi's words became increasingly firm. "Second Young Master probably doesn't know yet, but the Marquis of Southern Hunt is bringing Young Master Cao Chong along for the western expedition tomorrow morning."
"Second Young Master, ponder this action of the Marquis of Southern Hunt, and ponder it carefully!"
...
...
(ps: Whether you like Wang Yue or not, he was decided from the early outline. Through him, Cao Pi and the struggle for the heir apparent are introduced. This is the second-to-last plot point, please be lenient... Niu Nai Tang Tang Tang has no resistance left, no explanation, truly tired...)