The horse convoy from Yongliang moved north.
Sima Yi didn't know where he was being taken, but he knew it would be a perilous journey, far from easy.
As expected, shortly after entering Yongliang, in the vast expanse of desert, they encountered a sandstorm.
Roaring winds whipped the sand into the sky, only to hurl it back to earth with a shriek. Coarse grains lashed against faces, inflicting sharp pain.
All that could be seen outside was a world of chaos and darkness.
The entire convoy had to be strung together like a single rope, the head of one horse linked to the tail of the next. Everyone understood that losing the tail of the horse in front meant being abandoned in the endless sands.
Even though Sima Yi sat in his carriage, shielded by its canopy, he couldn't withstand the storm's fury.
It seemed the convoy was also at the mercy of the sandstorm, unable to advance.
The group halted in a hollow between sand dunes.
Wang Yue offered Sima Yi a sip of mare's milk wine. "Do you regret coming?"
Sima Yi didn't know how to answer. It was his first time in Yongliang, and he found the conditions in Guanzhong to be incomparably worse than in the Central Plains.
No wonder Dong Zhuo had desperately sought to enter Luoyang all those years ago. Luoyang and Guanzhong were like heaven and hell.
"The warlords surviving in this Guanzhong region, do they not dream of entering Luoyang every night? Just like Dong Zhuo in the past?" Sima Yi retorted.
"Heh... Luoyang, with its decadent splendor?" Wang Yue smiled. "At least here, people wear their unhappiness and their killings on their faces. Unlike in the Central Plains, where it's always hidden in their hearts, and one can be struck by a hidden arrow if not careful!"
Sima Yi gulped down the mare's milk wine. "What exactly are you trying to do? How can I help? I've been here for dozens of days, and no one has told me anything. If you don't trust me, why bother bringing me here?"
Speaking of which, Sima Yi's gaze deepened, and he looked coldly at Wang Yue.
Wang Yue pondered for a moment before revealing the truth. "The general you met earlier was Han Sui. After killing Bian Zhang and Bei Gong Boyu, he was the greatest warlord in Yongliang. However, he repeatedly missed opportunities and failed to take control of Luoyang. This was the case during Dong Zhuo's time, and it was the same during Ma Teng's."
"But... as you've seen, the conditions in Yongliang are far inferior to the Central Plains, to Luoyang, and to Xuchang. How could Han Sui not wish to enter the Central Plains? But his strength is limited. Ma Teng has entered the imperial court as an official, and Ma Teng's daughter, Ma Yunlu, is about to marry Lu Ziyu as a secondary wife. With all this... Ma Chao's forces in Guanzhong are now tightly controlling Han Sui, so how can he enter the Central Plains?"
Wang Yue paused before continuing. "Therefore, Han Sui has a plan..."
"What plan?" Sima Yi asked eagerly.
"The 'Slay Ma' plan on the wedding night of Ma Yunlu and Lu Ziyu!" Wang Yue stated truthfully. "On the night of his daughter's wedding, Ma Teng will surely be at his most relaxed. If I were to assassinate Ma Teng that night, then..."
"Gulp..."
Hearing this, Sima Yi's pupils widened. He looked at Wang Yue with utter disbelief. This scheme was wicked!
If Ma Teng were assassinated, then due to the "Three Horses Feeding the Trough" prophecy and the disappearance of the Sima clan in the Henei region, anyone would suspect Cao Cao. Naturally, this would include Ma Chao of Xiliang.
If Han Sui were to instigate further, then... Ma Chao might very well join forces with Han Sui to attack Chang'an, or even take Wuguan in one go and advance west to Luoyang... tearing the entire Central Plains apart.
If they could capture the Emperor, then... offensively, they could contend for the empire with Cao Mengde and Lu Ziyu using the might of the Xiliang cavalry. Defensively, they could escort the Emperor to Yongliang and, from that base, command all the lords to rebel against Wei.
At that time, the situation would be irreversible. The situation that his mentor had plotted for ten years would be destroyed in an instant. What a poisonous scheme.
"Gulp..." Sima Yi swallowed again, his eyes wide.
"Heh... it seems I've shocked you," Wang Yue said softly.
Sima Yi tried to calm himself. "Is this why you brought me here?"
"Yes!" Wang Yue nodded. "The Yongliang region favors martial prowess, and there is no shortage of brave individuals, but there is a severe lack of wise strategists. Moreover... the opponent this time is Cao Mengde, it is Lu Ziyu. You were once Lu Ziyu's disciple, and you are the one Cao Mengde fears in 'Three Horses Feeding the Trough.' You have also worked in the intelligence department. No one knows the weaknesses of the Great Wei better than you, and no one is more suited to refine this plan."
Wang Yue's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on Sima Yi's face. "Don't you want revenge for your family?"
*Clink...* Sima Yi swallowed for the third time, feeling beads of sweat trickling down his forehead. He wasn't thinking about revenge for his family, but about how to transmit this information to his mentor without a sound. There was a huge difficulty in this.
Sima Yi's perception was extremely sharp. He could tell at a glance that Han Sui didn't truly trust him. Therefore... perhaps this piece of information was true, but it was also a test.
"What... what do you need me to do?"
"Deploy the entire operation more meticulously," Wang Yue said with a serious tone. "Or, with the Great Wei marching south, we might not be able to wait until the wedding of Lu Ziyu and Ma Yunlu. Therefore... before that, as long as we can kill Ma Teng and Ma Yunlu and frame Cao Cao and Lu Ziyu for their deaths, your intelligence should make this not difficult."
"It... it's not difficult!" Sima Yi stammered.
"Heh heh..." Wang Yue smiled. "I trust you. But time is still on our side. Who knows how long this war of the Great Wei marching south will last? It's best if Cao Cao gets bogged down with Jiangdong, or suffers a great defeat. That's what we'd like to see."
Speaking of which, Wang Yue turned to leave.
*Hoo...* Sima Yi let out a sigh. "Wait..." he called out, stopping Wang Yue. "Can you tell me why... why is your stance on this side?"
This was Sima Yi's most pressing question. If the person before him was truly the former Imperial Guard general, the greatest swordsman in the world, Wang Yue... then why did he choose to side with Han Sui? Shouldn't he be guarding the Emperor?
"Heh heh..." Wang Yue smiled again. How could Sima Yi know that he had chosen many people in the past? But now... they had all been defeated by Lu Ziyu. There weren't many choices left for him! Han Sui... was perhaps the last hope. As for why he wasn't guarding the Emperor... Hmph... Wang Yue snorted. "Don't ask what you shouldn't know. Curiosity will kill you!"
With that said, under the cold moon, Wang Yue had already walked far away.
He left Sima Yi standing stunned in place. And... in three locations not far from him, three Xiliang soldiers were quietly observing Sima Yi.
Han Sui was a suspicious man. When he rebelled in the past, he killed his closest comrades, Bian Zhang and Bei Gong Boyu, on a whim. How could he easily trust a Sima Yi?
However... since Wang Yue trusted him so much. Han Sui was willing to give him another chance, to see if he would leak this explosive news! Sima Yi had three eyes on him, not to mention the countless hidden eyes.
Just then... "Report..." In the central military tent, a Xiliang soldier bowed to Han Sui. "Reporting to General, General Wang Yue has told Sima Yi everything. Currently, there are countless eyes on him... ensuring that every move he makes is under control."
"Good!" Han Sui nodded. He squinted... and smiled as he ordered, "If any anomaly is discovered, you can kill them directly. No need to report to me!"
"Yes!" The Xiliang soldier agreed and exited the tent.
As for Han Sui, he slowly stood up and walked to the front of the tent, looking up at the sky. The bright moon was in the sky. The plan had been leaked... Let's see how this Sima Yi would perfect this plan. Whether it was a horse or a donkey, let's see it run. From this, one could also tell... if Sima Zhongda was trustworthy! Outside the door... the sandstorm in Yongliang had passed, but the undercurrents after the new sandstorm had just begun!
...
...
Finally, they rendezvoused with the fleet in Hefei.
Lu Yu met with the navy of the Longxiao Camp. Wen Pin, the commander of the Longxiao Camp's navy, met his unfamiliar subordinates for the first time.
Gan Ning had heard that a naval commander had arrived and was quite displeased. But when he heard it was Wen Pin... he had no further complaints.
Wen Pin was quite famous in Jingzhou, most renowned for his naval battles. Unlike Gan Ning, who excelled at using the Jin Fan ships to defeat the enemy, Wen Pin's strength lay in his overall command.
Of course... he was now different from before. With the book "Qi Jiguang's Art of War," his understanding of naval warfare had risen several levels. However, many of the training methods within it could not yet be put into practice. He would lead them like this for now, to train and test them. Compared to Gan Ning's pirate-like leadership style, Wen Pin's command was more systematic and upright. If anyone disobeyed, he would truly punish them! He completely disregarded the famous Longxiao Camp.
"General Huang is also here?" Lu Yu was surprised to see Huang Zhong. The filial father who valued his son above all else had also appeared here.
"What? Does Marquis Nanshou think I'm old? That I can't draw a bow?" Huang Zhong placed his hands on his hips. "Lian Po was seventy and still able to eat. What's more, I'm only fifty and can still fight tough battles!"
"Haha..." Lu Yu also laughed. "General Huang, that's not what I meant... I was thinking, if even you, an elder, have come out, won't the Jiangdong scurriers surrender without a fight? Is there even a need to fight?"
"Hahaha..." Clearly, Lu Yu's words pleased Huang Zhong.
Just then. "Marquis Nanshou," Wen Pin's voice came. He was very familiar with the river network here. "We are about to enter the Yangtze River and reach the Jianghuai region. It's a tailwind now. Once we enter the Yangtze River, we won't be able to stop. Do we need to stop for supplies?"
"We won't stop!" Lu Yu immediately ordered. "Speed is of the essence. Moreover, if we stop for supplies, we might be discovered, and we won't be able to launch a surprise attack."
Speaking of which, Lu Yu calculated the speed of the Great Wei's main navy. They should also be on the Yangtze River today. The land route to Yunmengze was difficult, but the water route via the Yangtze River was easy. They would likely reach Chibi in the next two days.
"How long until we reach the Chibi and Wulin line?" Lu Yu asked with interest.
"At most two days," Wen Pin inferred, looking at the map and relying on his experience.
"Can we be faster?" Lu Yu inquired.
Wen Pin paused. "If we set all sails at maximum speed, we can reach Chibi by tomorrow evening. However, if we set all sails, our target will be too large, and we might be discovered by the enemy at Ruxukou."
"Even if discovered, we won't be afraid," Lu Yu said with a slight smile. "They are running, and we are sailing. Our ships might not be as fast as theirs!"
Speaking of which, Lu Yu continued to ask, "General Gan, are all the provisions on the ships ready?"
"Ballistae, whale oil, and small boats are all prepared!" Gan Ning reported truthfully. "We can launch an attack at any time."
"Good!" Lu Yu nodded. "Have the brothers make ready for battle at any time... Once we enter the Yangtze River, we might have to face the enemy at any moment!"
"Don't worry!" Gan Ning patted his chest with a confident look.
Not long after, a hundred large ships sailed into the Yangtze River...
In the surging river waters, the surging killing intent quickly spread!
...
...
In Luoyang City, at Songtao Pavilion.
This was the pavilion where Cai Wenji had gone into seclusion under the guise of compiling the "Sequel to the Book of Han"...
The large courtyard had a unique landscape. The pavilion had a hall specifically for receiving guests, but it had no opulence. Everything was arranged with elegance and tranquility.
At this moment, Cai Wenji, beautiful and graceful, stood in the courtyard. In one hand, she held a bamboo slip, and with the other, she gently caressed her slightly bulging belly. Her bright, deep eyes held a hint of melancholy, but her infinite anticipation was undeniable...
The dawn was strong, and birds chirped...
In the courtyard were placed several tables. On each table was a sheet of white paper, on which were written some drafts in vigorous, free-flowing cursive calligraphy. This was what Cai Wenji did when she was feeling restless.
"Sister Zhaoji..."
Xiahou Yuan's voice called from outside the gate.
From a distance, the fragrant scent of orchids could be detected...
"Is it orchids?" Cai Wenji murmured... Xiahou Yuan had already run over, holding a pot of orchids. "Knowing that Sister Zhaoji likes orchids, I had someone procure some. Do you like this orchid pot, Sister Zhaoji?"
Cai Wenji nodded. "Emerald green, with flower stems emerging from the leaf clusters, bearing pure white, elegant flowers that emit a fresh, subtle fragrance... How could I not like it?"
Cai Wenji embraced the orchid, as if it and the child in her belly had some connection.
Her belly seemed to kick!
This made Cai Wenji like the orchid even more.
Xiahou Yuan, however, said, "Flowers are like people. Orchids do not pander to the vulgar, nor do they compete with other flowers for favor. They reside in humble dwellings, yet remain unswayed by poverty. They can be called the true gentlemen among flowers! Just like Sister Zhaoji..."
*Pfft...*
Amused by Xiahou Yuan's sudden words, Cai Wenji smiled faintly. "Alright, don't bring these anymore in the future. It won't be good if someone notices. You and I must be careful!"
"Sister Zhaoji, don't worry, I know!" Xiahou Yuan smiled slightly, then turned to go into the room to fetch some of Cai Wenji's clothes...
Being pregnant, she naturally needed to change clothes frequently. And there would always be some subtle differences in the clothes... so Xiahou Yuan personally helped Cai Wenji wash them. Of course, she would choose to do it late at night when no one was paying attention.
But... always like this, it was inevitable to be careless.
For example... a piece of clothing fell out.
It happened to be picked up by a maid of Lady Liu Xue, another wife of Marquis Nanshou's mansion.
At this time... in another courtyard, Liu Xue led the maid into the room and closed all the doors before asking, "Can you confirm that these... these clothes... are worn by someone who is pregnant?"
At this moment... Princess Wanning, Liu Xue, her pupils widened so much that she almost couldn't believe what the maid had just reported.
But... she was too familiar with these clothes. It was the one Sister Zhaoji often wore. So the question arose, how did her clothes appear outside Yuan'er's door? And how could... how could they carry some scent unique to pregnant women.
At this time, the maid pursed her lips.
"Madam, there's one more thing... I didn't dare to report it before... but now... now I have to say it..."
...
...