Three Urgent Dispatches
Three pieces of good news.
To Zhang Qiying’s astonishment, Lu Yu’s lips curled into a long-absent smile.
Of course…
These three matters must be viewed in conjunction.
Liu Bei met his end at Baidi City, and the Shu Han army of two hundred fifty thousand was annihilated.
Undoubtedly, this would trigger consequences like a “tsunami,” severely weakening the Shu Han elder faction and the Eastern Shu faction. Zhuge Liang of the Jing Province faction would be unable to stand alone, and the indigenous Shu forces were bound to rise quietly!
Coincidentally, the Shu faction’s stance could be courted by Great Wei.
Similarly, this would greatly benefit Jiang Wei’s special operations battalion!
As for Ma Su being defeated by Sima Yi, that was both expected and logical. His impact was the final barrier to entering Shu, Jimeng Pass, which was now a mere formality. Zhuge Liang would inevitably leave Jimeng Pass, and even withdraw from Zishui. For Great Wei, the path ahead would become much smoother.
“Your concubine had anticipated Liu Bei would fall into a trap, and also that the Shu army would be defeated, but she never imagined he would truly die at Baidi City.”
Zhang Qiying sighed with emotion.
Lu Yu’s expression was calm. “Perhaps Liu Bei didn’t wish for his two sworn brothers to wait for him at the Naihe Bridge? The Peach Garden oath of brotherhood might very well be renewed in the underworld!”
With a “poof,” Lu Yu’s words made Zhang Qiying burst into laughter.
She nodded gently and continued with emotion, “I never expected His Majesty’s final disciple, Sima Zhongda, to be so formidable. He actually managed to conquer the narrow, strategically advantageous Lizhi Road!”
Amidst her admiration…
Zhang Qiying’s eyes darted about, and her gaze fell upon the *Chu Shi Biao* on the table. In an instant, she thought of something even more preposterous.
“Furthermore, how could His Majesty have written Zhuge Liang’s *Chu Shi Biao*? It seems Liu Bei has just died, and Zhuge Kongming hasn’t even begun his campaign yet. How can there be a *Chu Shi Biao*?” After a series of unconventional mental connections, Zhang Qiying finally came to her senses.
She considered herself clever in the past, but why was it that by His Majesty’s side, she always felt dull and foolish?
Lu Yu did not reply.
He turned, sat back down at the table, and continued writing a few more lines by himself.
— “To embrace worthy ministers and banish petty ones, that was how the former Han flourished.”
— “To embrace petty ones and banish worthy ministers, that was how the later Han declined.”
— “You summoned me thrice from my thatched cottage and consulted me on the affairs of the world; hence I was inspired and pledged to drive for the former Emperor.”
— “Later, when disaster struck, I received my commission amidst defeat and my orders in times of danger!”
Lu Yu wrote the entire *Chu Shi Biao* in one go.
Of course, any parts involving specific years or differing from the current situation were deleted or replaced.
After reading it, Zhang Qiying, though stunned by the words, was even more perplexed.
“Your Majesty still hasn’t answered me. Your Majesty isn’t a worm in Zhuge Kongming’s belly; how could you possibly know he would write it this way!”
“Heh,” Lu Yu chuckled, speaking softly. “I understand him better than any worm in his belly!”
Speaking of which…
Lu Yu shifted his tone. “Weren’t you just asking if Sima Zhongda had indeed captured Lizhi Road? True, my final disciple has some talent, but the real reason for the great victory at Lizhi Road is another.”
“What reason?” Guided by Lu Yu, Zhang Qiying grew even more curious.
Lu Yu pointed to the *Chu Shi Biao* on the table.
“This?” Zhang Qiying was bewildered. She could not, in any way, connect the *Chu Shi Biao* to the great victory at Lizhi Road.
“Read it,” Lu Yu, seemingly in a good mood, playfully engaged with Zhang Qiying.
“Your Majesty,” Zhang Qiying pouted slightly. “Even if it’s well-written, it’s still just a memorial. Even if Zhuge Liang were to write it this way, what difference would it make?”
“This memorial contains Zhuge Kongming’s noble integrity, but also Shu Han’s military secrets. However, Your Consort simply cannot understand it,” Lu Yu smiled.
This…
The more Lu Yu spoke, the more curious Zhang Qiying became.
“It’s merely instructing his son, Liu Shan, to be strict with rewards and punishments, to embrace worthy ministers and avoid petty ones…”
“Anything else?”
“It’s Zhuge Kongming’s meticulousness, arranging everything for his campaign in an orderly fashion…”
“Just that?” Lu Yu continued to ask.
Zhang Qiying became troubled. After looking for a long time, she shook her head.
Lu Yu clasped his hands behind his back and sighed, “It’s difficult for you. If Your Consort were to have a child, perhaps you would truly understand the *Chu Shi Biao* and truly uncover Zhuge Kongming’s significant strategic errors!”
Ah…
Zhang Qiying’s mouth opened. “Your concubine…”
The words “Your concubine” slipped out, and she quickly closed her mouth, appearing somewhat embarrassed.
She actually wanted to say that His Majesty’s statement was absurd, what did he mean by “if Your Consort were to have a child”?
She… he… Zhang Qiying herself wanted to have one, but without His Majesty? How could she? Did it spring from a rock?
For a moment, Zhang Qiying’s expression turned resentful.
Lu Yu chuckled. “Triple joyous news, I am in high spirits tonight, seeming to have inexhaustible energy…”
As these words left his mouth…
Zhang Qiying seemed to understand something.
“These are Your Majesty’s words, not a plea from Your concubine…”
Lu Yu’s resentful voice rose again.
The eunuch, with great foresight, closed the window. The battlefield was vast, a rare moment of intimacy.
…
…
Zhuge Liang stood on the city wall of Ji Meng Pass. A swift horse arrived from Zitong below. A soldier, his clothes tattered by fire, collapsed to the ground before reaching the city wall, weeping loudly, “Prime Minister, Lizhi Road has been lost, Lizhi Road has been lost!”
Zhuge Liang’s face turned deathly pale, and his body swayed, nearly fainting.
Yang Yi supported him with heartache. Zhuge Liang said mournfully, “This is my sin…”
Yang Yi immediately said, “Prime Minister, with Lizhi Road lost, Ji Meng Pass and Zitong will soon be attacked from both sides. His Majesty’s report from Yiling has not returned, and our army cannot remain here for long. Please make a swift decision.”
Zhuge Liang slowly opened his eyes. His gaze once again revealed determination and wisdom. Yang Yi saw with admiration that Zhuge Liang had quickly pulled himself together.
“Where is Wei Yan?”
Wei Yan stepped forward and responded, “Your subordinate is here!”
“You immediately muster troops and proceed to Zitong to escort the people of Zitong to retreat to Fushui Pass.”
“Prime Minister, this retreat!”
Before Wei Yan could raise any objections, Zhuge Liang said urgently, “Do as I say. If you don’t, Shu Han will perish!”
“As you command!” Wei Yan cupped his hands.
Zhuge Liang continued, “Yang Yi, order the entire army to abandon Ji Meng Pass and retreat into Fushui Pass. Furthermore, dispatch troops from Chengdu, Yong’an, and Jiangzhou to reinforce Fushui Pass! That will be the last line of defense for Bashu against Cao Wei!”
From Hanzhong to Chengdu…
The famous passes are Yangping Pass, Jianmen Pass, Ji Meng Pass, Fushui Pass, and Mianzhu Pass. Yangping Pass and Jianmen Pass had long been breached.
Due to the loss of Lizhi Road, Ji Meng Pass would soon face attacks from both sides and could no longer be defended. Shu Han’s foundation was left with only Fushui Pass and Mianzhu Pass, these last two passes.
And Mianzhu Pass… if it came to that, it would mean surrendering all of Bashu, except for Chengdu, to Cao Wei.
“Prime Minister, please depart quickly as well! Lizhi Road has been lost, and I fear the Wei army is already on its way to Zitong,” Yang Yi urged.
Zhuge Liang was heartbroken…
“It is my fault for the defeat at Lizhi Road, the blame lies entirely with me!”
Yang Yi immediately retorted, “The loss of Lizhi Road is Ma Su’s fault. How can the Prime Minister be blamed?”
“It was only after Ma Su’s defeat that I realized the flaws in my deployment. Ma Su’s character is high-minded and arrogant, yet I repeatedly instructed him to camp in strategic locations… If I hadn’t instructed him, he might have calmly faced the enemy. But I… I both instructed him and sent letters. Moreover, Wang Ping always admired me and would surely have blamed Ma Su, making Ma Su feel his honor was wounded and act in defiance. This, this is the beginning of great chaos!”
Speaking to this point, Zhuge Liang lamented, “The fault lies with me; I misjudged my subordinates, the blame is mine!”
…
…
The next morning.
As the first rays of sunlight shone on Lu Yu’s face through the window, he rubbed his eyes and stretched.
When he opened his eyes, he saw Zhang Qiying doing her hair.
It seemed the events of the previous night had not brought her any fatigue, but rather filled her with vigor and radiance.
Noticing Lu Yu had woken up, Zhang Qiying asked, “After a night’s sleep, Your Majesty still hasn’t told me? What is the connection between the great victory at Lizhi Road and that *Chu Shi Biao*?”
Her Consort remembers? Lu Yu was astonished by Zhang Qiying’s persistence.
Zhang Qiying nodded. She picked up a robe and prepared to help Lu Yu dress.
Lu Yu extended his arms, allowing Zhang Qiying to help him put on the robe, while he said, “That *Chu Shi Biao* represents Zhuge Liang’s character. Zhuge Liang still has no children. For years, he has taught Liu Shan and Ma Su, treating them like his own sons, earnestly instructing them, much like a loving father to his young child. The detailed instructions for Liu Shan in the *Chu Shi Biao* are filled with paternal love. This shows how much he would have instructed Ma Su, wouldn’t he?”
This…
Zhang Qiying retorted, “Does Your Majesty mean that Lizhi Road was lost because of Ma Su? With Zhuge Kongming being so meticulous and repetitive in his instructions, Ma Su should have held firm as a mountain!”
“Wrong!” Lu Yu countered Zhang Qiying. “You are the Saintess of the Five Pecks of Rice sect, and the Heavenly Master of Zheng Yi Dao. I imagine he must have constantly guided and instructed you, fearing you would make mistakes. Are you tired of listening!”
“I was long tired of it!” Zhang Qiying replied without hesitation. “Years ago, I stopped listening to him.”
Lu Yu continued, “Is this not the case? The hearts of parents are in their children. Parents try to protect their children, but children always eagerly try to break free from their parents’ restraints. Zhuge Liang is the same. He regards Ma Su as his son. The more he tries to force-feed him, the more rebellious and resistant Ma Su becomes. If Zhuge Liang points east, he will certainly go west. In this way, how could Lizhi Road not be lost?”
Ah… this…
Zhang Qiying thought, and suddenly realized she seemed to have understood.
Indeed, by His Majesty’s side, she seemed to have no connection with the word “wisdom.” Meanwhile, Lu Yu, reminded by Zhang Qiying, suddenly thought of something. “Where is Commander Dian?”
“Your subordinate is here!”
“Immediately dispatch a swift horse to send a message to Sima Yi, ordering him to release Ma Su!”
“Understood!” Dian Wei agreed and went to make arrangements.
Zhang Qiying was stunned again.
“This is?”
Lu Yu smiled faintly and asked her, “If you were Zhuge Kongming, faced with such a Ma Su returning, would you kill him or not?”
Uh…
Zhang Qiying seemed to understand.
At this time of talent scarcity in Shu Han, every talent was incredibly important. But Ma Su had committed such a grave error. Not killing him would fail to uphold military discipline. These were two cups of poisoned wine!
No…
This was His Majesty’s strategy to attack Zhuge Kongming’s mind!
…
…
During the day, for reasons unknown, the gates of Chengdu city were heavily guarded, and the light was dim.
A group of two hundred people, divided into ten units, some disguised as merchants, some as farmers, some as Shu soldiers, entered Chengdu one by one.
Jiang Wei was utterly bewildered.
At Motian Ridge, he had envisioned ten thousand scenarios of how he and the special operations battalion would enter Chengdu.
Was it with grappling hooks?
Or through tunnels?
Or perhaps by gunpowder explosions!
But no matter which it was, Jiang Wei never expected their entry into Chengdu to be so peaceful.
After meeting Zhao Yun’s contingent at Motian Ridge…
These armored soldiers handed Jiang Wei and the special operations battalion over to an old man.
A sixty-year-old man led them over Motian Ridge, and then guided them into Chengdu. Not only did the old man bring them in, he even settled them and solved their most pressing issues regarding their identities.
Once everything was settled, Jiang Wei cupped his hands and bowed to the old man.
“Thank you, Senior.”
“No need to thank me!” The old man’s eyes were sharp. “Currently, General Zilong is unable to meet with you. If you have any actions, you can inform me! I will cooperate with you to the best of my ability.”
This…
Although Jiang Wei trusted the old man before him implicitly, “Senior,” Jiang Wei bowed again. “Around here, there are rumors that the special operations battalion can only trust two people in Chengdu. One is Zhulong, and the other…”
“Jingzhe.” Before Jiang Wei could finish, the old man blurted out his codename. “I am Jingzhe…”
Jiang Wei was startled.
The old man then opened his mouth and recited the password, “At midnight, a ghost knocks at the door!”
Jiang Wei quickly replied, “The traveler on the road is about to lose his soul!”
The old man continued, “The Heavenly King covers the Earth Tiger—”
“—Stewed chicken with mushrooms!”
— “The poor, mind their own virtue!”
— “The rich, have many wives and concubines!”
When Jiang Wei completed the last line, he looked at the old man with great excitement. “So, Senior is Jingzhe! I, I always thought Jingzhe was… was…”
“A young man!” The old man stroked his beard and chuckled. “This is to prevent intelligence leaks. For self-protection, I deliberately spread such rumors!”
Speaking to this point, the old man straightened his back. “My true identity is the father of Consort Gan of your Great Wei. As for my name, you should still call me ‘Jingzhe’!”
Good heavens…
In the Great Wei’s intelligence division, more mysterious than Zhulong, even the intelligence division’s scribe Yang Xiu did not know the identity of Jingzhe…
Jingzhe, whom Zhulong praised as the man most capable of changing the situation in Bashu, was actually the father of Consort Gan of the Supreme Emperor Cao Cao.
At this moment…
Jiang Wei’s jaw was about to drop.
“Alright,” Consort Gan’s father said calmly. “In the next few days, I will lead you to the various gates of Chengdu. Zhulong intentionally left some loopholes in the defenses of Chengdu’s gates, which will be sufficient for you to complete the infiltration of Yiping and directly capture Shu Han.”
“Thank you, Senior Jingzhe!” Jiang Wei bowed.
“Heh heh…” Consort Gan’s father stroked his beard. “The world is about to be unified. However, young man, do not be too hasty. Take things one step at a time!”
…
…