Jiangdong seeking peace?
This was something Cao Cao hadn't expected…
Even more so, according to the reports from the Huben elite guards, it wasn't just a request for peace, but also for marriage!
The Sun family of Jiangdong intended to marry their daughter, Sun Shangxiang, to the Marquis of Nanshou, Lu Ziyu.
While this should have been joyous news, Cao Cao couldn't find any happiness in it… because compared to the settled state of Jiangdong, what truly kept his heart in suspense was his rear, the Xiliang region!
For a moment, Cao Cao's expression was complex, and his mood… incredibly bitter.
“King of Wei…”
Seemingly sensing Cao Cao’s state of mind, Xi Zhicai was the first to remind him. “Since Jiangdong is seeking marriage and surrender, and has sent Zhang Zhao and Zhou Yu as envoys… then King of Wei absolutely cannot show such an expression. If… if Jiangdong learns of the troubles in Xiliang, they might… they might retract their intentions of surrender and marriage!”
“Indeed…” Xun You nodded. “With Uncle in Xudu City, even if there are spies mixed into Xiliang, and even if Han Sui and Ma Teng have already mobilized their cavalry, it is unlikely they can capture it in a short period. However… regarding the Marquis of Nanshou!”
Xun You did not explicitly state his meaning…
But his intention was perfectly clear.
One was his intended wife who had gone missing, and his prospective father-in-law… had been assassinated, his fate unknown…
And then there was the new “wife.” These matters must be made known to Lu Yu!
“I am now utterly bewildered. In that case… all matters concerning Jiangdong will be handled by the Marquis of Nanshou. I will depart today and travel day and night back to Xudu!”
At this point, Cao Cao’s tone became somewhat complex. “The Han capital, the Han Emperor, they must not be harmed!”
Upon hearing this, Xun You and Xi Zhicai exchanged glances…
“We will both return with the King of Wei!”
“Depart immediately!”
Cao Cao looked at the two with relief…
Then he ordered Xu Chu. “Relay my verbal command: Order the Marquis of Nanshou to meet the envoys from Jiangdong. All actions in Jiangdong, and all eighty thousand troops of Great Wei, shall obey the dispatch of the Marquis of Nanshou!”
This…
Hearing this, Xi Zhicai was taken aback.
If all actions in Jiangdong were to be decided by Lu Yu… that was understandable. But now… all eighty thousand troops were to obey Lu Yu’s command.
This order from the King of Wei… was quite profound!
After all, when King of Qin conquered Chu…
He dispatched hundreds of thousands of troops to Wang Jian, who then sought land and assurances of retirement, fearing the King of Qin’s suspicion.
But now, the King of Wei’s trust in Lu Ziyu surpassed even that of the King of Qin towards Wang Jian!
Wait…
Suddenly, Xi Zhicai remembered the past…
During the first battle of Chibi, at a critical moment, Xun You had uttered a phrase… “Young Master…”
Xi Zhicai was exceedingly intelligent, and connecting these two events… was truly profound!
Could it be…
A deep meaning flickered in Xi Zhicai’s eyes.
He had suspected it before, and this time… his suspicion only deepened.
He subtly glanced at Xun You. It seemed that after hearing the King of Wei entrust eighty thousand troops to Lu Yu, Xun You’s expression remained composed…
This… was even more profound.
“Heh heh…” Xi Zhicai chuckled inwardly. He felt… he had seen through something!
…
…
As dawn broke, on a small road connecting Jizhou to Bingzhou, over a dozen individuals disguised as merchants rested beneath a large tree. Leading them were Ma Tie and Ma Yunlu.
Originally, Ma Tie had led a hundred Xiliang escorts…
But to escape back to Xiliang, Ma Tie was forced to break his contingent into smaller groups… all disguised as ordinary civilians, traveling from Jizhou towards Bingzhou… passing through Jieliang in Hedong, and finally to Guanzhong, taking a significant detour.
At this moment…
After several days of relentless flight, both Ma Tie and Ma Yunlu, as well as the Xiliang soldiers, were weary.
“Have you truly decided?” Ma Tie handed the water skin to Ma Yunlu…
Ma Yunlu took the water skin, took a hearty drink, and then her gaze fixed on the “Zhuge Crossbow” bound to her wrist. If not for Sister Da Qiao gifting her this for self-defense, she, Ma Yunlu, would likely have met a gruesome end.
Biting her red lips, Ma Yunlu murmured, “No matter what, I want to investigate the truth!”
“Investigate where… If… if all of this was orchestrated by the King of Wei, then the moment you show yourself, you won’t survive!” Ma Tie advised. “The priority is for us to return to Xiliang together, and then… we can make further plans.”
“No…” Ma Yunlu’s answer was resolute. “I want to go south, I want to meet that Lu Ziyu…”
“He is allied with the King of Wei,” Ma Tie continued to persuade.
Ma Yunlu’s teeth bit down harder on her lip. “I have met him, I know his character. He… he wouldn’t do this, and… he… he has no need to do this.”
“You never know what’s in a person’s heart!” Ma Tie was unable to convince his sister…
“Brother, believe me, this matter is not that simple!” Ma Yunlu spoke again. “Perhaps someone is deliberately framing the King of Wei, it’s not impossible…”
“But no matter what, according to the investigation… Father, he… he…”
Ma Tie trailed off, choked by his own words. Even after many days, he still couldn’t accept… the fact of his father’s death.
*Hoo…*
Ma Yunlu let out a sigh. “Brother, you return to Xiliang first. But you must believe me, until you receive my letter, do not trust anyone easily… Your sister will definitely… definitely uncover the truth!”
“…Alright, alright!” Seeing that she couldn’t persuade Ma Yunlu, Ma Tie could only nod. “Then you must be extremely careful on your journey. Although there is no warrant for your arrest or mine within Great Wei, this is precisely more dangerous. Perhaps those assassins are still… still tracking your and my movements!”
“I know,” Ma Yunlu nodded…
With that, she mounted her horse… and turned south!
This path of “seeking the truth”…
Was it not thousands of miles long?
…
…
Jiangdong, Chibi.
At this moment, in the Dragon Conqueror Camp’s large tent… Lu Yu sat in the main seat, chin in his hands… his brow furrowed.
Yang Xiu sat beside him…
Despite the punishment he had suffered, he had seemingly recovered quite well, his spirit and energy were good…
Perhaps he was overjoyed by the great merit of conquering Chibi and persuading Zhou Yu to surrender.
However…
This joy vanished without a trace after a series of reports from the 校事 (Xiaoshi - official in charge of intelligence/reports).
And the 校事 before him was reporting several matters…
Firstly, Jiangdong had sent Zhou Yu and Zhang Zhao as emissaries, with the purpose of seeking surrender and marriage.
Surrender was within expectations…
As for the marriage, it was somewhat beyond Lu Yu’s expectations.
Of course, this was also normal. Jiangdong, following Xiliang’s example, would marry a daughter of the Sun family into the Marquis of Nanshou’s mansion… in exchange for the Sun family’s peace. This action was understandable.
However…
The subsequent reports from the 校事 concerned the “Xiliang Princess Ma Yunlu” and even “Wei Wei” Ma Teng.
– “Wei Wei Ma Teng was also invited to the Bronze Bird Terrace in Ye City. Unexpectedly, a fire suddenly broke out at the Shangshu Department outside the imperial palace. Wei Wei Ma Teng, fearing for the safety of the imperial palace, returned. However, while preparing dowry for his daughter in Xudu City, he was ambushed and pursued to Rangshan, ultimately leaping off a cliff! The prefect of the capital searched for eyewitnesses and finally confirmed… when Wei Wei Ma Teng leaped from the cliff, his left arm was already severely injured! The man who pursued him had exquisite swordsmanship… and Wei Wei Ma Teng’s martial arts were far inferior to his!”
– “Ma Yunlu and Ma Tie in Ye City were also targeted in an assassination attempt, but fortunately, they escaped. However, the two of them, along with Xiliang troops, fled overnight… disappearing into the Central Plains! Young Master Pi dared not issue a warrant, but Lord Xun has already sent an urgent dispatch, stating that Han Sui and Ma Chao have joined forces and are marching west of Tongguan, intending to capture Luoyang and Xudu in one fell swoop!”
*Hoo…* After hearing these two points…
Yang Xiu gasped.
He cast a sidelong glance at his mentor in the main seat, only to see his gaze was solemn, his expression… as dark as still water. From this expression, he knew… the situation had taken a sharp turn.
This was a desperate move…
Indeed, Lu Yu’s mood was now complex… so complex it was beyond measure.
It could be said… the victory at the Battle of Chibi had completely altered the trajectory of history. Therefore… this incident in Xiliang offered no historical reference points whatsoever!
What Lu Yu could be certain of was… Ma Chao was a completely unreliable, completely unreliable fellow, someone with very low intelligence and emotional quotient, easily swayed. Beyond that… he gained nothing.
So then…
Who was the unseen hand behind this rebellion in Xiliang?
“Guanzhong is very close to Sanfu and Sili. Even if the troops from Chibi were to return immediately, it would be too late. Fortunately, Xudu City has over ten thousand troops stationed, and Lord Xun is in command…”
At this point, Lu Yu urgently asked, “Where is the King of Wei?”
Dian Wei immediately replied, “The Huben Army just relayed the King of Wei’s verbal command. The King of Wei has already departed for Xudu… The King of Wei has ordered that the eighty thousand troops here shall all be under the command of the Marquis of Nanshou!”
Hearing this, Lu Yu nodded gently…
With the King of Wei returning, the matters in Guanzhong could be put aside for now.
As for Jiangdong…
Lu Yu continued to ask, “Where are the envoys from Jiangdong?”
“They are right here in Chibi, being well looked after.”
“I will meet him!” Lu Yu said… and prepared to walk out of the tent.
Unexpectedly, at this moment…
“Mentor!” Yang Xiu quickly called out.
Lu Yu paused, looking at him with suspicion…
Yang Xiu gave him a knowing look. Lu Yu understood and immediately ordered everyone to leave.
In an instant, only he and Yang Xiu remained in the large tent.
Only then did Yang Xiu lower his voice and say, “Mentor, do you remember what your disciple mentioned to you about Sima Zhongda in the past…”
*Hmm…*
This sudden reminder made Lu Yu recall something.
Indeed, at the time, the Sima family had been misunderstood. Sima Yi had come to inquire with Yang Xiu, and among other things, he had mentioned that a special force had been in contact with him, Sima Yi, during this period!
Sima Yi did not know where this force came from; he wanted to investigate the matter.
Thus…
Lu Yu’s eyes flickered. “Dezu…”
“Your disciple is here…”
“You also return to Xudu immediately, mobilize all resources of the Xiaoshi Fu, and investigate this matter thoroughly.”
“Understood!” Yang Xiu promised… and quickly withdrew.
Lu Yu, meanwhile, narrowed his eyes…
His mood became even more complex. It was truly… one wave after another!
“Captain Dian.”
“Your subordinate is here.”
“Lead the way ahead, I will go and meet the envoys from Jiangdong.”
“Understood!”
…
…
On the grand road from Tongguan to Xudu City.
Countless Xiliang soldiers sharpened their blades…
At the center of the army, escorted by numerous personal guards, rode two figures: Han Sui and Ma Chao.
At this moment, Han Sui appeared furious, while Ma Chao clenched his silver spear again and again… wishing he could crush the silver spear with his wrist.
– “Cao thief! Treacherous thief! Evil thief! Rebel!”
– “You harmed my father, I swear to eat your flesh and drink your blood!”
After a barrage of insults, Ma Chao continued to roar like a “keyboard warrior,” thoroughly cursing Cao Cao.
Han Sui’s lips curved slightly, revealing a faint smile.
Well cursed, well cursed!
He also put on a more furious expression. “Brother Shoucheng personally went to the Central Plains, and even married his daughter to that Lu Yu. I never expected this Cao thief to be so two-faced… it is truly infuriating!”
“It enrages me, it enrages me!”
“Hmph!” Ma Chao snorted, his gaze turning towards Han Sui. At this moment, his eyes showed a hint of relief. “Fortunately, Uncle is here… otherwise, otherwise, this child truly doesn’t know what to do!”
“Mengqi, rest assured!” Han Sui placed a hand on Ma Chao’s shoulder on horseback. “With your uncle here, Shoucheng’s revenge cannot be left unavenged. You and I will capture Xudu City together, abduct the Emperor, and let Cao Cao… let his damn Great Wei collapse completely!”
“Everything relies on Uncle!” Ma Chao cupped his hands in salute…
“Report…”
Just then, a scout arrived. “From the direction of Wuguan ahead, Cao’s army seems to be prepared. Wuguan is heavily garrisoned with countless armored soldiers, and below Wuguan, the dust is flying, suspected to be cavalry!”
Hearing this, Ma Chao frowned. “Relay my military order, the entire army advances…”
Before the word “advances” could fully escape his lips, Han Sui quickly stopped him. “Mengqi, do not panic. I have already sent Xiliang spies to infiltrate Xudu. It is expected that Cao Cao, upon inquiry, will surely return. I have ordered the spies to assassinate him the moment he enters the city!”
“When that happens, Wuguan will hear the bad news, and morale will be low… Our army can then attack and capture this Xudu City, and bring the Emperor to Guanzhong!”
Hearing this, Ma Chao cupped his hands in salute again… “Uncle, your insight is truly remarkable!”
“A small matter!” Han Sui waved his hand, signaling the soldiers of the three armies to make camp!
That night…
Inside Han Sui’s large tent, the lights were bright.
A clear voice echoed… “Father-in-law, stationing outside Wuguan, was also Sima Zhongda’s suggestion, wasn’t it?”
The speaker was Han Sui’s son-in-law, Yan Xing…
Han Sui nodded. “Precisely.”
Yan Xing’s eyes flickered, but only for a moment, before he quickly regained his usual demeanor.
Han Sui could naturally see his thoughts.
“My dear son-in-law, do not doubt Sima Zhongda any further. Sima Zhongda deserves great credit for the successful assassination of Ma Teng this time. Feigning the assassination of Ma Yunlu and Ma Tie was an even more brilliant move. I heard that Ma Tie has led his contingent to Bingzhou. When he arrives, Ma Mengqi will undoubtedly be even more enraged! Heh heh, capturing Xudu is imminent!”
Yan Xing hesitated for a moment. “Father-in-law, what I suspected just now was that Sima Zhongda’s suggestion for Father-in-law to make camp was a delaying tactic. But thinking about it, Xudu City is currently on high alert, and Cao Cao will undoubtedly return immediately, and that will be the opportune moment for assassination!”
“Hahaha…”
Hearing this, Han Sui burst into laughter. “I knew it, Wang Yue was truly a treasure for us. Sima Zhongda is a treasure indeed!”
Yan Xing also joined in with laughter, but soon, his laughter abruptly ceased.
“Esteemed Father-in-law, your son-in-law has also sent out secret messengers.”
“It has been discovered that Ma Tie is active in Bingzhou… he only has over a dozen attendants with him!”
When saying these words, Yan Xing deliberately emphasized his tone, as if hinting at something else.
Han Sui narrowed his eyes.
“You mean, we might as well kill that Ma Tie?”
“A man must be ruthless to achieve great things.” Yan Xing narrowed his eyes. “Is there anything that could make Ma Mengqi more enraged to the point of losing his mind than his father and younger brother both dying tragically on the land of Great Wei?”
*Hiss…*
Han Sui’s eyes widened.
But soon, he burst into a “hahaha” laughter. “Sima Zhongda’s strategies are indeed meticulous, but my dear son-in-law is no less capable, ah, hahaha!”
The sound of hearty laughter resounded once more.
…
…