"Who still dares to question the late King's decree?"
Evidently, Cao Zhang intended to use his most formidable authority to force Cao Zhi's succession.
The hall erupted in uproar, but only Jia Xu stepped forward.
Cao Zhang pointed his bloodstained sword at Jia Xu and asked coldly, "Elder Jia, do you also intend to provoke this general?"
Jia Xu calmly replied, "General Cao, allow this subordinate to speak a word of presumption today. I am ten years older than the late King, and even when the King was alive, he never pointed his weapon at me!"
Having said this, Jia Xu looked up. He, who had always been known for his discretion and skill in self-preservation, now stood defiantly against the edge of a sword.
Cao Zhang snorted.
Jia Xu continued, "Furthermore, there is Commander Cheng. He is fifteen years older than the late King. When the Marquis of Nan Shou first introduced him to the late King, he was not yet called Cheng Yu, but 'Cheng Li'. It was because he once 'dreamt of ascending Mount Tai and holding the sun with both hands.' Therefore, the late King, following the omen of the dream, added the character '日' (sun) to his name '立' (to establish), thus giving him the name Cheng Yu. The meaning was for Cheng Yu to hold high the sun, the Marquis of Nan Shou! Yet today, such a meritorious official is imprisoned and brutally interrogated by young master Ziwen. Hmph, you have swayed all the officials present, but surely someone must speak a word of justice! Do young master Ziwen's actions honor the late King?"
Upon hearing this...
Ding Yi quickly interjected, "General Ziwen is establishing an heir for the late King, not establishing himself. How does that dishonor the late King?"
Jia Xu calmly rebuffed Ding Yi, "In this vast court, it is not your place to speak. The late King's intention for appointing an heir is known to all the ministers. When the late King was on the throne, young master Ziwen did not contend. But now that the late King has just passed away, you choose to make trouble. Are you not afraid of the late King's spirit? Are you not afraid of the hard-won situation of Great Wei being ruined! Jiangdong is not yet pacified, Xiliang is not yet quelled! Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang are still in Bashu!"
"I truly cannot bear to see Wei fall into the same fate as Yuan Shao, being torn apart... If young master Ziwen insists on continuing this, then kill me. I have lived seventy years, and everyone thinks I am merely preserving myself, but there are things more important than this old life! I have lived seventy years and do not wish to see the world fractured again. I am tired, my heart is weary!"
Cao Zhi was shaken by Jia Xu's words, his expression filled with sorrow.
Cao Pi, with a knowing smile, revealed a faint smile...
The confrontation between two tigers was something he gladly witnessed... and it was also a part of his plan. The rest would be easier.
Cao Zhang flew into a rage, "Old man, do you think I dare not?"
With that, he brandished his sword, intending to advance. Jia Xu calmly closed his eyes... Xiahou Yuan grabbed Cao Zhang, "Ziwen, no!"
Cao Zhi also rushed in front of Jia Xu, "Third Brother, stop killing people!"
Ding Yi, with a grim face, whispered into Cao Zhang's ear, "Jia Xu has immense prestige in both the court and the army... Killing him will cause a mutiny among the three armies!"
Cao Zhang furiously lowered his sword. "I will spare your dog's life today, but tomorrow at noon, I shall execute Xu Shu and Cheng Yu. With the blood of these two traitors, I will help Zi Jian ascend the throne. Whoever dares to obstruct me again, this general knows him, but my sword does not!"
—Clang…
Cao Zhang strode away, his sword still quivering on the desk, causing the entire desk to tremble.
…
…
Small units were already forming ranks, over thirty teams, each with a hundred men. The centurions were Huang Zhong, Xiahou Mao, and Xiahou Ba.
Lu Yu stood upon a ceremonial chariot, a rare sight in his military attire. The black tassels on his helmet were particularly striking…
"Commander Lu, another day has passed. Why are we secretly advancing towards Xudu at this hour?"
Dian Wei was perplexed.
Yesterday, Lu Yu was incredibly calm, but today he had become urgent.
"An army has no constant formation, water has no constant shape!"
"Have you received any news from Runan?"
Lu Yu countered.
Xiahou Ba immediately replied, "Over a hundred teams, each with a hundred men, are secretly heading towards Xudu City along eleven routes."
Having received a positive answer, Lu Yu nodded and then raised his command flag.
He said lightly, "Tonight, we enter the city!"
With these words, his tone was utterly certain, utterly confident…
It was as if a game of chess had been set, with countless foreshadowing moves, all waiting for this night… for the final resolution!
In contrast, the Dragon Riders, sharpening their blades, their previously dim eyes suddenly gleamed with intense light. Finally… they had waited!
…
…
Cao Zhang was wiping the blood from his sword.
On the table were prepared leeks and a plate of fresh crisp dates… seemingly tribute from the south, each one crystal clear.
"Crench…"
As the door behind him opened, he, who had been in a state of constant vigilance, quickly turned, his sword tip pointing directly at Cao Zhi. Cao Zhi looked at him calmly.
Cao Zhang impatiently said, "It's you. Why didn't you make a sound?"
Cao Zhi smiled faintly, "I suddenly remembered that when I was a child, I went to ask my second brother for sword lessons, and third brother pointed his sword at me like this, saying second brother's swordplay was nothing special, and third brother's was invincible under heaven… Indeed, after all these years, third brother's swordplay is still so invincible."
"Haha…" Cao Zhang laughed. "You are too scholarly. Those Four Books and Five Classics have made people foolish. Otherwise… Father wouldn't have preferred Cao Chong!"
Cao Zhi bowed. "Third Brother teaches wisely. If not for Third Brother, how would I have had the chance to touch upon the position of heir of Great Wei… However, I still cannot give up my poetry. In the future of Great Wei, it will mostly rely on Third Brother to manage the overall situation."
"Hahaha…" Cao Zhang patted Cao Zhi's shoulder, as if commending him for finally understanding the situation. "It's good that you understand. Over the years… Lu Yu and the Dragon Riders have made considerable contributions, but he is dead. The world of Great Wei should be returned to us Cao family. You continue to indulge in your poetry, and Brother will manage state affairs for you. Wei will not be in chaos!"
Speaking of which, seeing Cao Zhi still looked worried, Cao Zhang continued, "Don't worry, third brother. We occupy Luoyang now. Tomorrow, you will succeed as the King of Wei. After performing the 'weeping funeral rites,' 'minor embalming,' and 'major embalming' for Father, no one can snatch your throne! As for Cao Chong in Chang'an? Hmph, would he dare to succeed? Without welcoming the late King? He'll succeed nothing!"
After hearing Cao Zhang's words…
It was clear that Cao Zhi's tone softened slightly, "Brother does not understand these state and military affairs. Third Brother should manage them…"
Hahaha!
Cao Zhang laughed. "Rest assured, we are of the same mother and have always been close. How could Third Brother bear to see you bullied?"
Cao Zhi produced wine from somewhere. "Tomorrow is a joyous occasion. Third Brother, please have a drink with me. Ever since Fu Wan died, my mind has been chaotic… I haven't had wine in a long time. May this wine celebrate our successful endeavor tomorrow!"
Cao Zhang laughed heartily. "You truly cannot do without wine for a day's pleasure. Very well… Today, let's toast to our brotherhood and my congratulating you on ascending the throne tomorrow!"
Having said this, Cao Zhang waited for Cao Zhi to drink a cup before he himself downed the wine.
The wine was pungent, and the brewing technique of the Imperial Academy's winery seemed to have improved.
"Zi Jian, come, bottoms up!"
Night had deepened, and the remaining lamp flickered. The wine on the table was nearly gone…
Cao Zhi enjoyed wine, and so did Cao Zhang. Especially Cao Zhang, who, after saying he would drink one pot, called for several more. It seemed both were drunk, slumped over the table, snoring loudly, but Cao Zhi slowly propped himself up with his hand…
In terms of drinking capacity, in Great Wei, besides Guo Fengxiao… Cao Zhi conceded to no one.
After repeatedly confirming that Cao Zhang was fast asleep, Cao Zhi took a token from his embrace and then bowed to Cao Zhang.
"Third Brother, I have failed you. I cannot be the King of Wei, nor can I see Great Wei torn apart and Father's efforts wasted!"
He forcefully dragged Cao Zhang to the bed, laid him down, and then turned to leave.
…
…
Not long after, at the east gate of Xudu City.
Cao Zhi arrived.
The guards here were Cao Zhang's soldiers. Cao Zhi, accompanied by a few confidants, approached. The guards tried to stop him, but Cao Zhi showed the token. The guards, startled, quickly made way.
Cao Zhi instructed, "At the third watch, our reinforcements will arrive. The password is 'Dawn,' 'Bonfire.' After verifying the password, allow them to enter the city to assist with defense."
The guards hesitated. "Such an important matter, why hasn't General Cao Zhang come himself?"
Cao Zhi said coldly, "Tomorrow, many important matters will rely on Third Brother. How can he spare the energy for such trivial matters? Third Brother's token is here. If you don't believe me, then after tomorrow I will be the King of Wei. If I deceive you, wouldn't that be harming myself?"
Upon hearing this, the guards immediately clasped their fists.
"King of Wei above, your subordinate dares not!"
Orders were immediately given…
Cao Zhi left behind a confidant and then hurried towards the west gate… The same rhetoric was used. After passing through all four city gates, he finally let out a long sigh of relief.
He proceeded towards the prison direction… showing the token again, ordering the prison to bring Cheng Yu and Xu Shu.
"You may all withdraw. I will interrogate these two personally."
Seeing Xu Shu and Cheng Yu covered in wounds, Cao Zhi ordered.
The nearby jailers hesitated, looking at them with extreme caution.
Cao Zhi smiled faintly, "They are already so injured? Do you still worry they will harm me?"
The jailers clasped their fists. "We dare not!"
They then withdrew…
As the jailers left, Cao Zhi quickly took out ointment and was about to apply it to Xu Shu and Cheng Yu…
The two waved their hands, "Young Master Zi Jian is not here to bring medicine, is he?"
Cao Zhi nodded but remained silent.
Xu Shu and Cheng Yu were both exceptionally intelligent. They had seen Cao Zhi display the token earlier and knew… he must have found a way to steal Cao Zhang's token. Then…
"Is everything outside settled?" Cheng Yu asked softly.
Cao Zhi nodded, "Everything is arranged!"
"Young Master Zi Jian is hesitating whether to use the token to rescue us, aren't you?" Xu Shu countered.
Cao Zhi bit his lip, his head bowed, remaining silent…
Xu Shu smiled, "The succession of dynasties, the inheritance of thrones, always requires sacrifice. As your former teacher at the Imperial Academy, if you were to take us out, then your teacher would be disappointed, and your Master Lu would likely be disappointed too!"
"But Master Lu, he already…" Cao Zhi could no longer suppress his thoughts…
"Didn't your Master Lu teach you? If you haven't seen something with your own eyes, don't jump to conclusions. The saying 'three people make a tiger' is precisely this." Xu Shu was still imparting wisdom.
Having said this, Xu Shu gazed deeply at Cao Zhi, "Zi Jian, you have already done wonderfully! Continue as you intended… After dawn, everything will be over!"
"Have you applied medicine to the two of you, and do you feel any better?" Cao Zhi tried to change the subject.
Cheng Yu smiled, "At this point, rather than discussing injuries, let's talk about you, Cao Zi Jian…"
"Me?"
"That's right!" Xu Shu added, "To be in power without being captured by it, to know and cherish your brothers, yet to balance them… maintaining a brotherhood that is about to be lost! You are also Zi Yu's final disciple. Besides Prince Ang and Prince Chong, he has taught another good student!"
Cheng Yu did not spare his praise for Cao Zhi, "Your poetry is like the human relationships of Confucius, the dragon and phoenix of Lin Yu, and even after a thousand years, it will still be radiant and illuminate future generations. This is more meaningful than power! It is also worthy of the inscription on the Imperial Academy's stone tablet: 'Pillar of the Emperor, Backbone of the Nation'!"
Cao Zhi drank another cup and smiled, "Time is still long. Who knows whether tomorrow… we will live or die?"
…
The moon was high. With a "bang," the door to Cao Zhang's residence was pushed open.
Ding Yi, with several personal guards, strode in. Cao Zhang was still sprawled on the bed, snoring loudly…
Ding Yi forcefully shook Cao Zhang, "My Lord, my Lord…"
The sleeping Cao Zhang was like a dead pig. Ding Yi dared not hesitate and poured the remaining half jar of wine from the table onto Cao Zhang.
"Who?"
Cao Zhang roared.
Ding Yi quickly asked, "Did young master Zi Jian go to see Cheng Yu and Xu Shu at your command?"
Cao Zhang looked confused, "Why would I send him to see those two!"
"Ai Ya!" Ding Yi clapped his hands, "This is bad! Young Master Zi Jian must have stolen your token and intends to release these two tonight!"
Stolen?
Token?
Cao Zhang was stunned to find the token missing from his embrace and immediately roared, "Cao Zi Jian, you are useless at succeeding and only good at failing!"
With that, Cao Zhang, staggering drunk, burst out of the room and headed towards the prison.
Ding Yi's mood was also extremely heavy…
With Cao Zhang's token, it was enough to get Cheng Yu and Xu Shu out of the city… Lu Yu is gone, these two are the soul of the Dragon Riders. They cannot be allowed to escape!
Immediately, Ding Yi chased after him…
At the same time, an armored soldier hurried over, seemingly with urgent news to report. Seeing Cao Zhang rush away, he dared not stop him. Seeing Ding Yi, he quickly said, "Mr. Ding… East Gate…"
"What gate, what gate!" Ding Yi waved his hand. "Don't you see my lord is busy? Report any matters tomorrow!"
The words slipped out…
The soldier, having received a rebuff, lowered his head, not daring to breathe loudly.
He thought of what Cao Zhi had said earlier: Tomorrow, many important matters will rely on Third Brother. How can he spare the energy for such trivial matters!
Yes!
Reinforcements entering the city was a most ordinary trivial matter!
Just like the caution of the guards at the east gate…
The guards at the west gate also sensed something was amiss…
A young soldier asked, "My lord guards the border, and most of his troops are from the border regions. The appearance of these soldiers… does not resemble those from the border!"
Let alone their appearance, just their height alone. Those from the northeast are taller than those from the central plains and the south.
This young soldier had keenly noticed this.
Who would have thought…
The old soldier beside him immediately rebuked, "Stand at your post and don't worry about things you shouldn't be worrying about!"
"But…" the new recruit was still questioning.
The old soldier's face was serious, and he said earnestly.
—"Remember, we are loyal not to a specific person, but to Great Wei!"
…
…