— Westward Expedition!
Nan Shuhou Lu Yu chose to bring Cao Chong on the westward expedition.
This matter was too fatal for Cao Pi.
Cao Pi knew his father, King Cao Cao's current condition like the back of his hand. For several days, his headaches had recurred, so much so that... he had gone mad enough to select a large number of "death row inmates" from various places, having Hua Tuo attempt "scalping with a sharp axe."
This was too risky...
Was this considered "treating a horse as if it were alive, even if it's dead"?
No one knew if Cao Cao could pull through this ordeal!
Yet, at such a sensitive time, Nan Shuhou Lu Ziyu, who held the Dragon Sparrow Camp and had a good rapport with many generals in command of troops, chose to take Cao Chong with him on the westward expedition.
This was a blatant attempt to support Cao Chong for succession!
Upon thinking of this, Cao Pi paced back and forth, his eyes narrowing tightly, his expression exceedingly stern.
"Hoo..."
After a long sigh of breath.
Cao Pi once again raised his gaze, looking at Wu Zhi and Shi A before him with a complex expression.
"You mean, if one wants to contend for the position of heir apparent, then..."
Cao Pi's sentence trailed off.
Wu Zhi glanced at Shi A, then continued, "If the second young master wishes to seize the heir apparent position, then Nan Shuhou must not be allowed to live! With his current influence and the troops under his command, if King Wei has an accident, the prince he supports will undoubtedly become the heir apparent, there is no doubt about it! Therefore..."
This time, it was Shi A's turn to speak, "If the second young master can promise the Master that, regardless of how prosperous Great Wei becomes, he will never replace the Han and declare himself emperor, and will leave a sliver of breathing room for the Great Han, then... the Master can help the second young master ensure that this westward expedition, that Lu Ziyu, will never return!"
Never return?
Cao Pi pondered.
King Wei, the ruler of Great Wei, the ruler of the world... Although he usually appeared to be indifferent, in reality, no one desired this position more than he did.
He married Guo Nuwang, the daughter of Guo Yong, the Administrator of Nan Commandery, wasn't it because of the popular rumor that "she is a queen among women"? This was similar to the popular rumor that an emperor would emerge from the Shu region, and the daughter of the Wu family in the Shu region would become empress.
Cao Pi was "longingly awaiting" this position of ruler of Great Wei!
Hoo...
After repeated deliberation.
Wu Zhi and Shi A stared intently at Cao Pi.
Finally, Cao Pi's hands slowly clenched into fists.
Just then...
"Young Master, your tea has arrived."
An old servant from the mansion brought the tea...
He thought that since the three young masters had been conversing for a long time, their tea had gone cold and needed to be replaced.
This was very ordinary...
Who would have thought that as the old servant entered the room and was about to replace the tea,
"Whoosh"—
Cao Pi grabbed him by the neck.
"Young Master, I... I..."
The old servant whimpered, but his vital point was held... how could he break free?
In just a moment, his eyes rolled back, and he collapsed to the ground, no longer breathing.
This scene... was met with wide eyes from Wu Zhi and Shi A.
Who could have imagined... that the second young master, who usually treated people kindly and was refined and elegant, could now... take the life of a servant with a mere gesture!
Of course, this was to prevent him from overhearing something he shouldn't have and leaking it.
At the same time, Cao Pi's words followed,
"What happened today is known to heaven and earth; only the three of us in this room know it!"
"If even a hint leaks out, he... will be his fate!"
Cao Pi's eyes were as cold and terrifying as if they had been steeped in ice for ten thousand years!
Wu Zhi quickly cupped his hands.
"Yes!"
In truth, the corners of his mouth were upturned. He had been afraid that the second young master would not be able to bring himself to be so ruthless...
As the saying goes, a man must be ruthless to be of consequence.
Shi A also quickly cupped his hands. "Your subordinate will now go and contact the Master. This westward journey... will surely ensure that Nan Shuhou never returns."
As for Cao Pi, he said nothing, merely gesturing... for the two to withdraw, as if in tacit approval!
Wu Zhi and Shi A exchanged glances, nodded, and then departed...
Once this step was taken, the city of Xudu would no longer be peaceful!
...
...
South of Xudu City, at the training ground of the Dragon Sparrow Camp.
Zhang He was sparring with a young general in spear techniques. Zhang He wielded the Tiger Head Fine Steel Spear, his movements nimble yet each strike extremely perilous.
The young general was not to be outdone. He used an ordinary spear, his movements flowing and his aura sharp, surprisingly not inferior to Zhang He.
With two hours left before the expedition, Lu Yu arrived and saw the two sparring.
This young general was naturally Xiahou Dun's son, Xiahou Mao.
Speaking of which, Xiahou Mao's growth over the years had been remarkable. Who could have imagined that the "Thirty-Six Forms of the Yang Family Spear," a copy of "Jin Ping Mei,"... coupled with the mantra "With no woman in the heart, one's spear naturally becomes divine," could have transformed Xiahou Mao into a spear god.
To the point where now... he could contend with Zhang He without being at a disadvantage.
As if noticing Lu Yu, both men tacitly withdrew their spears.
They both bowed to Lu Yu...
Lu Yu remarked with emotion, "I never expected Xiahou Zilin to be able to spar with General Zhang He in spear techniques nowadays. However, I am not skilled in martial arts, so I don't know how much strength General Zhang He used just now?"
This...
Zhang He shook his head bitterly. "Nan Shuhou, you jest. Over the years, I have sparred with Xiahou Zilin very frequently in spear techniques. This young man improves greatly every time. It's not that I'm exerting myself now, but that this young man is holding back. I fear he is fighting me to a draw, and he is using at most seventy percent of his strength. In my opinion..."
As he spoke towards the end, Zhang He hesitated.
Lu Yu gestured, "General Zhang, please speak your mind."
"Haha..." Zhang He said with emotion, "In my opinion, this young man's spear techniques are already comparable to Zhao Yun Zhao Zilong!"
The reason for saying this...
Was because Zhang He had indeed clashed with Zhao Yun before.
That was when Zhao Yun had returned from his studies and had just descended the mountain. After attending his "brother" Zhao Kong's wedding, he intended to seek out a lord to establish his career and bring welfare to the common people.
Who would have thought... that while passing through Jizhou, he was stopped by Yuan Shao's subordinates...
These people, seeing Zhao Yun carrying weapons, mistook him for a member of the Black Mountain Army.
Zhao Yun merely said, "In times of war and chaos, carrying weapons is only for self-defense. If one is convicted solely based on their weapons, wouldn't that be a violation of the law..."
Who would have thought that a man emerged from these Yuan family soldiers, mocking Zhao Yun.
He said that in Jizhou, "the Yuan family" was the law.
When words failed to align, Zhao Yun began to fight with these Yuan family soldiers. With his Dragon Gallant Bright Silver Spear, who could match him? But at this moment... a young man carrying a "Tiger Head Fine Steel Spear" and clad in "Chain Mail Silver Armor" charged forward.
This person was none other than the young Zhang He.
One was Zhao Yun, who had just finished his studies and descended the mountain, and the other was Zhang He, who had already become a general. The two fought for over thirty rounds with no clear winner...
They felt a mutual appreciation, inquired about each other, and only then did they realize...
Zhao Yun was a disciple of the Spear God Tong Yuan of Penglai, and Zhang He's master was the "Spear King of Hejian," Han Rong.
Zhao Yun used the Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix Spear Technique, while Zhang He used the "Wind, Flower, Snow, Moon Plum Blossom Spear." They felt a mutual appreciation, and Zhang He informed Zhao Yun that he had caused trouble.
The young man he had just repelled was Yuan Tan, Yuan Shao's eldest son.
Having incurred such animosity, it was feared that the Hebei region would not tolerate Zhao Yun... Zhang He suggested that if he could not join Lord Yuan, his only recourse was to head north and join Gongsun Zan, who was then forming the White Horse Virtuous Camp.
Zhang He was a scholar-general, and he also felt a sense of mutual appreciation, unwilling to let talent go to waste.
Even though they might become adversaries in the future, Zhang He still chose to guide Zhao Yun on his path forward...
In later unofficial historical records, it is recorded—
— Heroes' battles, hearts bonded; Dragon Gallant and Tiger Head, no victor declared!
Of course...
These were merely minor episodes.
But now... with Xiahou Mao being so outstanding, it was inevitable that Zhang He would recall the past, recalling the scene of his sparring with Zhao Yun when he had just descended the Taihang Mountains.
The past events were vivid in his memory...
Lu Yu could naturally see Zhang He's admiration for Xiahou Mao.
However, Xiahou Mao's "Thirty-Six Forms of the Yang Family Spear" integrated the strengths of six schools, but it lacked the spear techniques of Zhang He's master, the "Spear King of Hejian," Han Rong...
Immediately, Lu Yu suggested, "Xiahou Zilin has sparred with General Zhang many times. Even though his spear techniques have reached great accomplishment now, he must not forget his master's kindness. How about I act as a witness here, and Xiahou Zilin becomes Zhang He's disciple?"
This...
Upon hearing this, Zhang He was stunned.
Xiahou Mao, however, was obedient to Lu Yu's words and immediately cupped his hands.
"Master above, your disciple Xiahou Mao pays respects to his esteemed master!"
Such pleasing words...
Lu Yu was startled. He hadn't expected Xiahou Mao to be so obedient.
Zhang He felt a little embarrassed. "Nan Shuhou's intentions are so gracious. If I were to refuse again, it would seem rather impolite. However... I have observed Zilin's spear techniques just now, and they bear the shadow of Changshan Zhao Zilong's Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix Spear Technique. There are a few places where obvious flaws have appeared. If an opponent's martial skill is exceptionally high, they might be able to discern them, putting you at a disadvantage on the battlefield. However, this 'Wind, Flower, Snow, Moon Plum Blossom Spear' that my master passed down to me can complement it!"
As he spoke, Zhang He realized Lu Yu's intention...
Was Nan Shuhou asking him to mentor this junior?
Immediately, Zhang He said, "Zilin, now that you and I have a master-disciple relationship, your master will teach you the 'Wind, Flower, Snow, Moon Plum Blossom Spear.' This time, on the westward expedition, you will be responsible for ensuring Nan Shuhou's safety, and you will have more confidence!"
With that said...
Zhang He held his spear level, his hand moved, and the spear pierced the swift wind. Pear blossoms bloomed like scattered stars in the vast firmament, fleetingly appearing and disappearing. Suddenly, the spear's momentum changed dramatically. "Thrust, parry, flick, press, sweep, collapse, chop, twist"—all were perfectly condensed within it.
Wind, flower, snow, moon, the plum blossom tenacious... the spear was as its name suggested!
Zhang He deliberately slowed down to make it clear for Xiahou Mao. After the spear forms were completed and the phoenix wings were formed, Xiahou Mao watched, mesmerized...
After the sparring and the demonstration, even Zhang He, in his prime, was panting and sweating profusely.
"Zilin, I will only demonstrate this spear technique once. Have you memorized it?"
"Your disciple has remembered it!"
Xiahou Mao picked up his spear and, relying on his memory, performed a set of movements. After all, his fundamental skills were profound. With the spear rising and falling, although not as skillful as Zhang He's demonstration, he could still complete it.
As for Lu Yu... he shook his head. He felt the rhythm was wrong.
It shouldn't be that Zhang He asked if he remembered, and Xiahou Mao replied that he had already forgotten half of it! Zhang He asked again, "What about now?" Xiahou Mao replied... he had forgotten everything!
Then Zhang He sighed, "Forgetting is good!"
Uh... in Lu Yu's opinion, all those flashy, lightning-fast martial arts should be learned through "intent" rather than specific moves, but now...
Patting his forehead, Lu Yu pulled his thoughts back.
He had read too many wuxia novels. The real battles in history were completely different from wuxia novels!
Just as Lu Yu was still in surprise.
Zhang He suddenly spread his hands, holding his beloved spear, and solemnly shouted to Xiahou Mao, "My disciple Xiahou Zilin, kneel and receive the spear!"
Xiahou Mao heard this and was stunned...
Lu Yu quickly reminded him, "Why don't you kneel quickly!"
Only then did Xiahou Mao kneel on both knees.
— "This spear is called the 'Tiger Head Fine Steel Spear.' This is the spearhead that your master commissioned the blacksmiths to forge using fine steel, modeled after Ma Chao of Xiliang's 'Tiger Head Zhan Jin Spear.' Its sharp edge can pierce heavy armor! The spear shaft was made from deep-sea black wood found by my master, which has extremely high toughness, fears neither water nor fire, and cannot be damaged by ordinary swords and sabers. Today, since you have learned the complete 'Wind, Flower, Snow, Moon Plum Blossom Spear,' I will also pass this spear to you! This westward expedition will help you achieve great merits!"
Zhang He's words carried a hint of sadness. After all, he had been as young as Xiahou Mao once, receiving that spear from his master Han Rong. Time flies, and the years pass like a shuttle. The young generals used by the Nan Shuhou on this westward expedition perhaps indicated that the future of the world belonged to the youth!
"Alright..."
After saying this, Xiahou Mao turned to look at Lu Yu.
"Does Nan Shuhou have any further instructions?"
"No," Lu Yu said with emotion, "Let me congratulate General Zhang... who knows, your disciple might become the next spear god, it's not impossible!"
"Hahahaha..." Zhang He laughed heartily.
Just then.
"Nan Shuhou..." a brave warrior in armor rushed over, "Young Master Cao Chong has arrived... Young Master Zhuge has also arrived, and what's more, Young Master Zhuge has brought someone, saying he wants Nan Shuhou to grant him merit!"
Hmm...
They are asking for merit before the battle has even begun?
Who could it be?
Lu Yu became curious for a moment.
"Lead the way ahead..."
Glancing back at Xiahou Mao one last time and patting his shoulder, Lu Yu softly murmured and strode towards the camp gate.
...
...
On the other side... thousands of miles away in the Shu region.
Chengdu City... in the main hall of the official yamen.
The original plaque had been replaced with a "ten-character" inscription—The King's undertaking is not to be confined to one region; the Han and the traitors cannot coexist!
Below the plaque, Liu Bei knelt in the main seat, Zhuge Liang in the secondary seat, and a group of civil and military officials were arranged on both sides...
It is worth mentioning that these civil and military officials...
Were not just Liu Bei's original troops.
More of them were... local clans of Yi Province and clans residing in Yi Province.
Clearly, everything indicated that Yi Province now had a new owner.
And just last night...
Liu Bei, in collusion with various clans of Yi Province, used hot air balloons... allowing Zhao Yun, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei to secretly infiltrate this official yamen and capture Liu Zhang, who was then dreaming of the Spring and Autumn period.
Liu Zhang never expected that the Liu Bei he had invited... to help him resist the rice bandits, had now... become the bandit!
This was no longer a case of driving out tigers from the front gate only to let wolves in through the back...
This was... this was simply swallowing the foundation that Liu Zhang had built over two generations in one night.
Even more terrifyingly, when Liu Zhang was captured... a large number of clans defected, the city gates were opened wide... joyfully welcoming Liu Bei's royal army into Yi Province.
It could be said...
Because of the hot air balloons, and because of capturing the leader of the bandits, Liu Bei had taken Yi Province without shedding a drop of blood.
Hoo...
At this moment, Zhuge Liang, in the yamen, could not help but sigh a few times.
It was in this very Shu region that he had used the 'hot air balloon' researched by his younger brother to complete this brilliant comeback...
Ironic...
So ironic!
Just then.
Liu Bei, who had been contemplating for a long time, spoke, "I, Liu Bei, have taken my elder brother's Yi Province, which is indeed unrighteous. However... the Cao rebel grows increasingly powerful, and my brother sits idly in Yi Province without seeking progress. I am consumed by worry."
"...Even if I bear this infamy, I must still take this unrighteous action. I have decided—to abandon benevolence and uphold righteousness! The Han and the traitors cannot coexist, and the King's undertaking is not to be confined to one region!"
...
...