Xu Du city was not far from Qiao Pei…
Lu Yu changed his name to Cao Yu. With the position of Crown Prince settled, it was only natural for him to acknowledge his lineage.
The morning sun shone brightly. A large entourage was ready to depart, and horns sounded.
Only two magnificent chariots remained empty, awaiting the arrival of Cao Cao and the newly appointed Crown Prince, "Cao Yu"…
At this moment, Lu Yu was walking shoulder to shoulder with Cao Cao.
Cao Cao smiled and said, "After careful consideration, although you were not born in Qiao Pei, Qiao Pei is the ancestral home of the Cao clan. As Crown Prince, you should return to Qiao County to visit the elders and pay respects to the ancestral shrine. I shall accompany you!"
Upon hearing this, a hint of deep meaning flickered in Lu Yu’s eyes.
"King Wei has heard that His Majesty has stopped the redemption of Han government bonds and intends to abolish the recommendation system, promoting the imperial examination system throughout the Han dynasty, hasn't he?" Lu Yu asked softly. "Is Father King waiting to observe the situation?"
This question immediately made Cao Cao’s expression turn serious.
"My son is a wise person. You must understand His Majesty's intentions better than I do. I did not expect the Han Emperor to take this step and ultimately choose to fulfill your wishes. You, no doubt, played a part in this!"
Lu Yu’s expression also grew solemn. "Does Father King intend to usurp the Han dynasty?"
Cao Cao chuckled. "I only said I was going to Qiao Pei to visit the elders. Have I ever mentioned usurping the Han?"
Lu Yu understood implicitly. "This son has spoken out of turn!"
Cao Cao continued, "Since the Han Emperor wishes to fulfill your ambitions, and destiny favors Wei, I am willing to be King Wen of Zhou!"
With that, Cao Cao lightly waved his hand and stepped onto his chariot.
Jia Xu and Xi Zhicai, who were not far from Cao Cao and Lu Yu, both paused in surprise.
Xi Zhicai lowered his voice and deliberately asked Jia Xu, "Old Jia, how should we interpret King Wei's statement, 'I am willing to be King Wen of Zhou'?"
"Heh heh…" Jia Xu chuckled, stroking his beard. "The literal meaning is that King Wei believes he has made significant contributions to the state and has achieved a position of utmost importance. If Heaven bestows its mandate upon King Wei, he is willing to emulate King Wen of Zhou, abolish the corrupt, and eliminate the tyrannical! Heh heh, King Wen of Zhou remained loyal throughout his life, never rebelling!"
Heh…
Jia Xu’s words made Xi Zhicai laugh heartily.
Indeed, Jia Xu, Jia Wenhe, was still the same cunning old fox, leaving no room for criticism.
Xi Zhicai shook his head slightly and then recited, "King Wen, Ji Chang, was renowned for his interpretation of the Book of Changes. However, during his lifetime, he was not called King Wen of Zhou, but rather Marquis of Xi. It was only after his son, King Wu, successfully vanquished Zhou that he established the Zhou dynasty and was posthumously honored as King Wen… Heh heh, King Wen of Zhou indeed remained loyal, but what about his son, King Wu of Zhou… heh heh…"
Xi Zhicai’s final "heh heh" was full of meaning, as if he had seen through everything.
Fulfilling ambitions…
Was it only the Han Emperor who was fulfilling ambitions?
As for King Wei, whether it was called "fulfilling ambitions" or "a parent’s foresight for their child," it was a display of profound paternal affection!
…
…
Chengdu, in the land of Shu.
Today was the day Zhuge Liang took a concubine. The new bridal chamber was decorated with festive splendor. The concubine, holding a silk fan and adorned in elegant robes, sat quietly by the couch, her long red skirt trailing on the ground.
The faint sound of music drifted from the front hall, and the lights flickered. Zhuge Liang arrived at the doorway with a wobbly gait. He had drunk some wine and was also in ceremonial attire, yet there was not a trace of joy on his face.
Historically, Zhuge Liang did take a concubine. This was because Huang Yueying, after marrying Zhuge Liang, had no children for many years.
Ancient people emphasized filial piety, stating that having no heirs was the greatest unfilial act…
The Han dynasty governed by filial piety, let alone a "perfect man" like Zhuge Liang…
Therefore, Huang Yueying suggested that Zhuge Liang take a concubine. However, her wishes were not fulfilled… The concubine’s womb remained barren for several years. Consequently, Zhuge Liang thought of another solution: adopting a son from his elder brother, Zhuge Jin.
This was Zhuge Qiao…
Later, Zhuge Qiao died of illness more than ten years later.
After that… after Zhuge Liang pacified the southern regions, he, for reasons unknown, possibly due to some southern remedy, fathered two sons consecutively!
— The eldest son, Zhuge Zhan;
— The younger son, Zhuge Huai…
Of course, these sons all came from the womb of the concubine present…
Huang Yueying seemed… truly infertile!
"Sigh…"
With a low sigh, Zhuge Liang walked step by step closer to the concubine. The concubine slowly raised her fan to cover her face. Zhuge Liang stepped forward and gently pressed the fan down. The concubine, initially shy, saw the sorrow in Zhuge Liang’s eyes and whispered,
"Please do not worry, Master. Madam treats me well. Although I am a concubine, I was formally wedded with three matchmakers and six ceremonies… Moreover, Master is the universally respected Strategist Zhuge! Madam has instructed… this concubine will surely serve Master well! And serve Madam!"
At this juncture, the phrase "serve well" took on a profound meaning.
"Cough…"
Zhuge Liang coughed lightly and prepared to perform his duty…
Lacking affection did not hinder the production of offspring.
"Being my concubine, I fear it will be difficult for you!" Zhuge Liang said softly.
"It is Master who is the one who is wronged by marrying me, isn't it?" The concubine lowered her head…
For some inexplicable reason, after such words, the atmosphere became much more intimate.
Who would have thought…
At this moment, a loyal guard’s voice came from outside the door: "Strategist, urgent report…"
Zhuge Liang had given instructions that for any military matters, regardless of his location, actions, or the time, they must be reported immediately, or face military discipline.
Therefore, even during the bridal chamber ceremonies, the guards dared not slacken.
Zhuge Liang opened the door to receive the urgent dispatch. By the red candlelight of the bridal chamber, he quickly unrolled the bamboo slips.
Upon unrolling them, his brows immediately knitted.
This…
This…
This urgent report was different from any other. Every word within it struck him to the core.
"Cough cough…"
Zhuge Liang coughed violently, and then he hastily asked the guard outside, "Has the Lord received this urgent dispatch?"
"It has already been delivered!"
"Prepare the carriage and take me to see the Lord immediately!" Zhuge Liang's tone was undeniable…
To such an extent that his steps as he walked out of the bridal chamber showed no lingering attachment, as if… this wedding night was just another ordinary day for him.
Conversely… the concubine was instantly stunned.
Once she recovered her senses, she slowly stood up and gazed out the window…
Looking at the retreating figure of Zhuge Liang.
Immediately… a ripple appeared in her eyes.
"No wonder Madam said… it is too difficult… too difficult to conceive Master's child!"
Yes…
If the wedding night was like this, could one find him on ordinary nights?
Was there truly anyone in this world who could achieve such complete dedication to public duty?
…
…
Chengdu, in the commandery of Chengdu, Western Shu, at a characteristic stilt house.
Liu Bei's mother-in-law, the mother of Lady Gan, entered with a food basket and said to her husband, who was meditating with his eyes closed, "It's time to eat."
Madam Gan, holding the food basket in one hand and a small embroidered cloak in the other, was delivering the cloak for Adou. Her movements were somewhat slow and appeared a little strenuous.
Adou was already three years old this year, almost old enough to understand things!
Madam Gan slowly raised her head. "You put these down first. I have something to discuss with you!"
Saying this, Madam Gan dismissed the servants, seemingly to leave some space for the couple.
"Why is your face so serious today!" Madam Gan asked curiously. "Are you feeling wronged for our daughter?"
Here, Madam Gan and her husband were among each other's few relatives, so Madam Gan could clearly notice the subtle changes in Madam Gan's expression.
"Zilong came today and brought some news!"
"Is it about Mei'er?" Gan Mei asked instinctively…
Indeed, even though she was in Shu, her heart remained in Wei, and she could never forget her daughter.
"Yes and no!" Madam Gan's answer was ambiguous…
Gan Mei, however, became curious. "Don't play coy. Tell me quickly!"
"Do you remember Lu Ziyu, who rescued our daughter?"
"The Marquis of Nan Shou? Lu Yu? Lu Ziyu?"
"That's him." Madam Gan lowered her voice. "There has been a drastic internal change in Great Wei these past few days. King Wei, Cao Cao, staged a grand drama through feigned death. And at the end of this drama, a truth has been revealed."
"Truth?"
"That Lu Yu is not surnamed 'Lu.' His surname is 'Cao,' and his name is Cao Yu… He is Cao Cao's illegitimate son, and Cao Cao's eldest son! He is now the Crown Prince of Great Wei!"
Boom…
Rumble!
The sudden pronouncement rendered Madam Gan stunned. She felt as if she had been struck by lightning.
Lu Yu? Cao Yu?
It could be said that no one in the entire world was unfamiliar with the name "Lu Yu," nor would anyone doubt that Lu Yu had made immense contributions to Great Wei's current state. But… but…
Madam Gan was speechless for a moment; she couldn't utter a single word.
And she was not the only one with such an expression.
When Zhao Yun received the urgent dispatch from the intelligence bureau, and when Madam Gan heard this intelligence from Zhao Yun's lips, they were, without exception… all stunned, dumbfounded…
To the point of being so astonished that they couldn't breathe.
This news was truly explosive.
Of course, Zhao Yun and Madam Gan had also doubted the authenticity of this intelligence, but… other channels had already conveyed similar news. It was true. This was now… a hard fact that everyone in Great Wei was discussing animatedly!
"I know this news… you can't accept it right away, but this is the reality…" Madam Gan's tone was firm. "This also proves that we have chosen the right path. Great Wei's biggest hidden danger has been removed. Now… Xiliang and Jiangdong have surrendered. The vast world only has this corner of Shu left… We… we people of the Gan family will have good days ahead of us!"
Gulp… gulp…
Madam Gan subconsciously swallowed, her teeth firmly biting her lips, still appearing as if she were so astonished she couldn't breathe.
"Then… then what should we do?"
"Raise Adou and guide him, tell him the truth…" Madam Gan said meticulously. "Now, for Great Wei, Adou's hidden identity is of utmost importance… Moreover, with the Crown Prince of Wei advising us… Persevere a little longer, and in just a few years… the clouds will clear, and we will… we will see our daughter again!"
As Madam Gan spoke, tears began to fall, "plop, plop."
For the unification of Great Wei, how much had their Gan family, an ordinary family from Xuzhou, endured?
"Don't worry, after so long… I… I know what to do!"
Madam Gan gently pursed her lips…
She would, as always, persevere without hesitation.
Until… the darkness dispersed, and the dawn arrived!
…
…
Within the sternly standing government office study…
A huge map was spread out before Liu Bei, Zhuge Liang, and Fa Zheng.
On it, the location of Xu Du city was marked with a red circle.
Jiangdong and Xiliang were given special markings…
"I never imagined…" Liu Bei's mood was not good. He sighed, "Lu Yu has become Cao Yu. Great Wei's biggest hidden danger… has in an instant become its strongest support. This is not a good thing for us…"
Zhuge Liang and Fa Zheng also had solemn expressions.
It seemed that today, the day Zhuge Liang took a concubine, was destined to be extraordinary.
And the three of them tacitly avoided speaking… about the matter of his taking a concubine!
Fa Zheng, meanwhile, listened to Liu Bei's words, his gaze moving from Xu Du city on the map, tracing the official and water routes, and then to Shu. He was weighing the options.
"What is Xiaozhi pondering?" Zhuge Liang, seeing Fa Zheng's contemplation, immediately asked.
Fa Zheng declared loudly, "Cao Wei has resolved its internal hidden dangers, so the next step will inevitably be to enter Shu… Cao Wei has only two paths to enter Shu. The first is to march troops from Chang'an city, cross Xiliang, attack Yangping Pass… and enter Shu from Hanzhong in the east, gradually encroaching upon the land of Shu. The second path is through Yiling, passing through the four southern commanderies of Jing, and entering Shu!"
Fa Zheng’s words caused Zhuge Liang to nod heavily.
"What Xiaozhi said is not false. Although the roads to Shu are difficult, as long as these two points fall, Great Wei's million-strong army will still be unable to resist Shu, and it will sooner or later become a vast, flat land! Therefore…"
Before Zhuge Liang could finish speaking…
Fa Zheng, without politeness, interjected, "I have already proposed that the Lord send General Guan Yu to guard Yiling with a strong force… As for Hanzhong in the east, at least… Zhang Lu is still at Yangping Pass. With him there, our pressure will be greatly reduced!"
This statement… Liu Bei expressed some doubt.
"Zhang Lu's troops number no more than a hundred thousand, and he lacks skilled generals capable of fighting wars… and Cao Wei… with Xiliang behind them, and with continuous supplies, can Zhang Lu hold on?"
"If it were just the troops in Hanzhong, naturally, they could not hold on!" Fa Zheng's words were affirmative, but his tone was filled with coldness. He immediately changed the subject. "But Zhang Lu's strength does not lie in the troops of Hanzhong, but in the hearts of the people?"
"Hearts of the people?" Liu Bei retorted…
Fa Zheng explained in detail, "In the past, why was it that Liu Zhang, despite having troops several times greater than Zhang Lu's in Shu, was constantly controlled by Zhang Lu, and even had to request the Lord to enter Shu to resist him? Was it because the Hanzhong troops were exceptionally brave? Zhang Lu's strength lies in the Five Pecks of Rice sect… in his control of people's hearts. Zhang Lu may only have a hundred thousand troops, but his followers of the Five Pecks of Rice sect number in the millions! They are spread throughout the central plains… Heh heh, in the northern Hanzhong… My Lord, rest assured, with Zhang Lu there, with the Five Pecks of Rice sect there, Cao Cao will not so easily break through Yangping Pass!"
Listening to the conversation between Fa Zheng and Liu Bei.
For a moment, Zhuge Liang fell silent. He realized that…
He was no longer the only one capable of strategizing for the Lord.
And the Dongzhou faction in Shu, compared to their Jingzhou faction, and the veteran faction around the Lord, it was not merely comparable, but very formidable!
Hoo…
Gently exhaling, Zhuge Liang swallowed back the words he had intended to say.
The Dongzhou faction was more familiar with the local terrain!
And Fa Zheng was indeed a talented individual, capable of both strategy and decisive action!
These were… a great benefit, but also a significant hidden danger for the Lord!
…
…
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