Chenliu Commandery, Cai Mansion, Study.
Cheng Yu rushed back to Chenliu Commandery, not even having time to change his clothes, and came to Lu Yu's side immediately. Lu Yu led him directly into the study.
“Sima Cheng, how has the Tomb Raiders’ camp been performing recently?”
Lu Yu asked casually.
“Everything is as usual, but… the royal tombs in the eight commanderies of Yan Province and the four commanderies of Xu Province have been dug up quite thoroughly. According to what Young Master Lu said, we don’t dig up those of meritorious officials, but only the palaces and tombs of those who indulged in pleasure and extravagance. At this pace, by next year, there will be nothing left to dig!”
Cheng Yu lamented…
Not digging up meritorious officials was something Lu Yu had specifically instructed.
Firstly, it was out of respect, such as his admiration for Wei Qing and Huo Qubing for their campaigns against the Xiongnu…
How could Lu Yu possibly dig up the tombs of these heroes?
Besides, they had spent their lives campaigning and didn’t have much wealth! It was better to dig up the tombs of the royalty and nobility who were fond of pleasure and extravagance; one was worth ten.
Cheng Yu was right. The tombs of the royalty and nobility who were fond of pleasure and extravagance in Yan and Xu Provinces were only a little over a hundred. Once they were finished, there would be none left, which was quite awkward. Even a skilled cook cannot cook without rice!
However…
“Sima Cheng, do not worry…” Lu Yu smiled slightly. “I asked you here this time to discuss this matter. Soon, we will have new territories to dig…”
There were plenty of royal tombs in the Runan and Sili regions.
Speaking of which, the profession of tomb raiding and grave robbing could not just be about saving expenses; one had to find ways to generate revenue!
“New territories?” Cheng Yu paused slightly. “Are you referring to Runan Commandery, Young Master Lu?”
On the way, he had already heard that Lu Yu and the Dragon Brave Camp had been organized by Duke Cao into the Fifth Camp. Their mission this time was to capture Runan Commandery. When he received Lu Yu’s letter, Cheng Yu guessed that he was called back because of this matter.
“That’s right. Your task in conquering Runan this time is very important!” Lu Yu’s tone became a little more serious.
Cheng Yu quickly cupped his hands and said, “In conquering Runan, I, Cheng, will do my utmost and will not disgrace Young Master Lu’s prestige!”
There was a hint of excitement in his words.
For someone like Cheng Yu, who was both civil and military, and held noble ideals, if he merely fought with carrion beetles and the dead every day, it would eventually become tiresome. Now, Lu Yu had given him an opportunity, and for him, it was an extremely exhilarating matter.
“You work hard, and depart tomorrow!”
“Aren’t the troops departing in ten days?” Cheng Yu asked back…
Lu Yu shook his head and then took a letter from his embrace and handed it to Cheng Yu.
The letter was densely written, and even from the back, a few characters could be seen.
This was the method he had devised for capturing Runan city.
The best strategy is to attack the enemy's plans, and Lu Yu was not very skilled at that. However, when it came to attacking the enemy's heart, he was fully confident.
Currently, in Runan city, besides Xu Chu’s righteous army of two thousand men, there were four larger Yellow Turban rebel forces. The most formidable was He Man, known as “Sky-Cutting Yaksha.” Besides him, there were He Yi, Liu Pi, and Huang Shao, each with over ten thousand troops.
In contrast, Lu Yu’s Dragon Brave Camp had at most six to seven hundred men, so a head-on confrontation was definitely not feasible.
Therefore… one had to attack their minds!
The weather this year was exceptionally cold. According to reports from spies, the entire Runan Commandery had also suffered greatly from the cold. It was for this reason that Lu Yu had something to talk about with these Yellow Turbans and the righteous soldier Xu Chu.
Coincidentally, the daring Cheng Yu was the most suitable person to be the envoy.
“Do not open this letter yet. Wait until you reach Runan city before reading it!”
Speaking of this, Lu Yu patted Cheng Yu’s shoulder and instructed, “Although this conquest of Runan seems to be an opportunity for the Dragon Brave Camp to earn merit, the greatest merit actually belongs to you, Sima Cheng. Act according to the letter. Once Runan Commandery is taken, I will ask Duke Cao for a marquis title for you!”
Ho… a marquis title?
Cheng Yu was stunned. He was so intelligent; he could understand at least two meanings from these words.
Firstly, a marquis title could not be conferred by Duke Cao alone. This meant that in Young Master Lu’s view, Duke Cao’s successful escorting of the Son of Heaven was already a sure thing;
Secondly, the task of going to Runan this time… had earned a merit worthy of a marquis title. This mission did not seem easy at all!
Haha…
Understanding this, Cheng Yu smiled and said, “Young Master Lu, I have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time!”
“Before, I, Cheng Yu, was just a small county magistrate. Thanks to Young Master Lu’s promotion, I have reached this point today. Joining the Dragon Brave Camp and being in charge of the Tomb Raiders’ camp, I, Cheng Yu, am actually very happy! However, I always feel that I can do more for Young Master Lu and Duke Cao. This opportunity, haha, I have been eagerly anticipating it!”
Hearing this, Lu Yu patted Cheng Yu’s shoulder again, and his next words were even more heartfelt.
“Old Cheng, let me tell you something from the bottom of my heart. To have you serve as a tomb raider is truly a waste of your talent. In our Dragon Brave Camp, if there is anyone with the most learning, it is undoubtedly you! Even I cannot compare!”
“Do well this time… I can sense that you yourself may not realize how much potential you have, or what great merit you can achieve. The first person in our Dragon Brave Camp to shake the nine provinces is Commander Dian, and the second name to echo throughout the universe must be you, Sima Cheng!”
This…
Cheng Yu’s eyes became a little blurry.
Meeting Lu Yu allowed him to participate in the military and political affairs of Yan Province, gave him a platform to display his talents, and prevented others from treating him as an outcast!
He was grateful to Lu Yu from the bottom of his heart.
“Young Master Lu, I, Cheng, will certainly do my best. No matter what the mission is, I will not disgrace it! Whether my name echoes throughout the universe is not important; what is important is that the names of Young Master Lu and the Dragon Brave Camp must appear in Duke Cao’s book of merits!”
In this era, people valued gratitude and repaying favors, which made Lu Yu feel a little embarrassed.
“Then, Young Master Lu, I shall take my leave now!”
“No hurry!” Lu Yu waved his hand. “A table of dishes has been prepared for you next door. Leave after you eat… I still have some things to attend to, so I won’t be joining you for the meal.”
With that, Lu Yu shouted, “Commander Dian.”
“Your subordinate is here.” Dian Wei strode into the study.
“Have those notes been sent to my elder brothers yet?”
“Someone has already been dispatched to send them,” Dian Wei replied truthfully…
Lu Yu nodded. Indeed, among the five camps, Lu Yu was most concerned about his elder brother Xiahou Dun’s contingent.
The main general was Xiahou Dun, and the deputy general was Cao Hong. Their combined intelligence did not exceed sixty, yet their mission was extremely important – to clear the checkpoints and roads between Xuxian and Luoyang!
Out of concern, Lu Yu sent someone to give him a note, and also sent notes to “Yu Jin, Yue Jin” and “Xiahou Yuan, Li Dian” respectively.
These notes contained methods for dealing with certain warlords.
This was a strategy formulated by Lu Yu based on the personalities of these warlords. It might not necessarily be encountered, but… it was better to have it than not, and to be prepared!
“General Cao Xiu? Has he arrived yet?” Lu Yu asked again…
Dian Wei replied, “He is already waiting outside the gate.”
“Quickly invite him in…” Lu Yu hastily called…
Seeing that Lu Yu was still busy, Cheng Yu cupped his hands and took his leave. He muttered to himself that the study, a place of great importance, was so busy this night, and perhaps in the future, every corner of Sili would be shaken to its foundations!
…
After Cheng Yu left, Cao Xiu quickly entered the study.
In fact, when he learned that their Dragon Brave Camp’s mission this time was to conquer Runan, he was stunned.
How could he not know that the situation in Runan was complex? With four Yellow Turban factions and one righteous army faction, their combined strength was estimated to be no less than fifty thousand men!
Their Dragon Brave Camp only had 645 knights. No matter how you looked at it… this battle would not be easy.
But it happened that…
Duke Cao had dispatched five camps of troops to target Luoyang, and there were no troops available to support them here!
Conquer Runan Commandery? With just them… could they succeed?
However…
When he saw Lu Yu so calm and composed, his heart felt a little more settled. With Young Master Lu as a role model, he had never fought a battle without certainty. If Lu Yu said that Runan could be conquered, then it would definitely be conquered.
Furthermore, when Duke Cao’s several thousand official soldiers fought against 300,000 rebels, it was precisely because of Young Master Lu’s strategy that they turned defeat into victory, and even incorporated these millions of Yellow Turbans in one go!
The current situation did not seem so dire as to be discouraging.
Thinking of this, Cao Xiu gritted his teeth, cupped his hands, and said, “Young Master Lu, I have already notified them. We can depart for Runan at any time.”
“No hurry…” Lu Yu waved his hand. “Let Zi Ran’s… ah, no, let Cheng Yu’s swift horse run a bit further!”
With a slight smile, Lu Yu continued, “General Cao, please sit down. I have something to tell you.”
Lu Yu began to analyze the battle situation in Runan for Cao Xiu.
“This battle, on the surface, is seven hundred against fifty thousand, and it seems difficult to fight, but in reality, we are almost certain to win!”
Lu Yu’s expression became serious.
“On the surface, there are two armies in Runan city, the righteous army and the Yellow Turban remnants. But in reality, the reason why the tens of thousands of Yellow Turban remnants have not been able to conquer the mere two thousand righteous soldiers is due to two reasons…”
This…
Cao Xiu’s spirits were raised. He realized that Young Master Lu was imparting his wisdom to him.
“The first reason is that the righteous soldiers are exceptionally brave, and the leader of the righteous soldiers, Xu Chu, is a divine general no weaker than Commander Dian! He is as strong as an ox. It is rumored that he once dragged an ox by its tail for hundreds of steps without showing any signs of fatigue!”
“The second reason is that the Yellow Turban remnants, despite appearing to be fifty thousand strong, are actually a disorganized mess. He Man, the ‘Sky-Cutting Yaksha,’ He Yi, Liu Pi, and Huang Shao all fight independently. When you calculate it this way, they are not one force, but four forces! And they are four forces with ulterior motives…”
Speaking of this, Cao Xiu’s eyes flickered. Relying on his understanding of Lu Yu, he immediately said loudly, “Young Master Lu intends to disintegrate them from within, right?”
When this question was asked, Lu Yu felt quite surprised…
Cao Xiu has improved!
He was very pleased!
“That’s right!” Lu Yu nodded. “Everyone has a weakness. Huang Shao is greedy for wealth, He Yi is timid, He Man is reckless, and Liu Pi is opportunistic… In contrast, the righteous army leader Xu Chu is righteous and treats his soldiers like his own brothers.”
“Come closer and whisper, and I will teach you how to disintegrate them?”
Mm…
Cao Xiu quickly extended his ear, and Lu Yu whispered his plans to him.
Because his voice was too low and soft, no one could hear what he said except Cao Xiu…
However, from Cao Xiu’s gradually widening eyes and the flickering colors within them, it could be seen that Lu Yu’s deployment had convinced him.
“Do you understand?”
Lu Yu asked in the end…
Cao Xiu nodded heavily. “I understand! But… General Huang Zhong? Is he really… only a mounted archer?”
Heh heh…
Hearing this, Lu Yu chuckled.
He smiled and said, “This mounted archer, Huang Zhong, is even more formidable than the mounted archers during the eighteen lords’ campaign against Dong! Haha!”
As he spoke, Lu Yu took out a brocade pouch from his embrace and handed it to Cao Xiu.
“Take this…”
“What is this?”
“Open it after conquering Runan Commandery,” Lu Yu instructed…
“Yes!” Cao Xiu did not hesitate and carefully put it away.
Only then did Cao Xiu snap back to his senses. “Are you not going to this campaign to conquer Runan Commandery, Young Master Lu?”
“No!” Lu Yu replied decisively. He spread his hands. “General Cao, you know I am quite a coward, and I am afraid of pain!”
“What if an arrow flies without eyes and kills me? After much consideration, it is better for you all to go, and I will stay in Chenliu Commandery to cheer you on… ah no, to cheer you on from afar. You will definitely feel it!”
Uh… quite a coward? Afraid of pain?
Cheering from afar?
Cao Xiu was stunned. He mused that Young Master Lu was no ordinary person… He was the first person to describe “cowardice” and “timidity” so refreshingly and without any reservation…
“Then… your subordinate will take his leave.”
Cao Xiu cupped his hands.
Lu Yu squatted down and finally patted the dust off his clothes… His clothes were still dirty from riding the Dragon Brave Camp’s fast horses.
“Go, General Cao. I have always been optimistic about you. Duke Cao calls you a ‘swift steed,’ implying ‘a thousand miles a day.’ I predict that your future achievements will surely surpass those of your uncles. Do not disappoint me, and do not bring shame to our Dragon Brave Camp!”
With these words, Cao Xiu inexplicably felt the burden on his shoulders grow much heavier.
“Young Master Lu…” Cao Xiu took a deep breath.
He thought about the changes around him over the past year!
Before joining the Dragon Brave Camp, he was just a centurion. But after joining the Dragon Brave Camp, he had achieved countless merits, earning him respect from his uncle Cao Cao and his Xiahou uncles and Cao uncles. His mother was also proud of him.
Thinking of this, subconsciously, tears welled up in Cao Xiu’s eyes.
“Young Master Lu, rest assured, your subordinate will shatter his bones and will never disgrace the name of Young Master Lu or the Dragon Brave Camp!”
With these words, he turned and walked towards the end of the street.
Looking at Cao Xiu through the window, Lu Yu couldn’t help but sigh…
If this battle went well, Cao Xiu’s reputation would also shake the Central Plains.
The so-called great generals all needed to grow from famous battles.
There is the saying: “The success of one general is built upon the bones of thousands.”
And there is also the saying: “If you do not succeed, you will die a martyr!”
Taking a deep breath, Lu Yu forced a smile. “Where is Kongming?”
“After you gave your instructions, Kongming has been waiting for you in the backyard!” Dian Wei replied truthfully…
“Let’s go! Let’s go see Kongming…”
Lu Yu had other arrangements, of course. These arrangements were unrelated to the war. In fact… this time, Lu Yu was thinking very far ahead. He was already considering what to do after this battle to conquer Runan, and even after successfully escorting the Son of Heaven!
This matter was no less difficult than escorting the Son of Heaven!
…
…
The Second and Fourth Camps had already set out today, heading west!
The Fifth Camp was expected to depart in ten days…
As for Duke Cao’s First Camp, and the Third Camp led by Xiahou Dun and Cao Chun, they were departing tomorrow!
That night… Cao Cao could not sleep. He felt that there were still some things that needed to be done.
That’s right… boosting morale!
Before departing, as usual, a commander was supposed to go and comfort the three armies of soldiers. To put it plainly, it was to motivate them, paint a rosy picture, and promise rewards if they won the battle, thereby increasing the morale of the three armies.
However, Cao Cao was not an ordinary commander. He planned to visit the soldiers suffering from severe illness.
As dawn broke, Cao Cao called for the commander of the Third Camp, Xiahou Dun and Cao Chun, as well as Cao Ren and Li Dian, who were stationed in Yan Province, to go to the military camp to comfort the sick soldiers…
This could be considered a show, to let the soldiers feel the care from their commander Cao Cao.
It was as if he was telling them that even if they were seriously ill, Cao Cao would remember them. In this way… if this spread, it might indirectly influence the departing soldiers and give each of them a shot of adrenaline!
Of course, the effect was subjective.
It was better than nothing!
At the very least, Cao Cao had to ensure that the soldiers were not afraid of severe illness and to slightly boost their morale.
The army was to depart in two hours. At this time, Cao Cao and his entourage arrived at the military camp of the Third Camp. This place was mainly where Xiahou Dun and Cao Hong’s troops were stationed. Last time… Cao Hong led the vanguard to advance towards Luoyang, but was repelled by the severe illness and returned defeated. Now… his camp had the most soldiers suffering from severe illness…
And it was the most suitable place for comfort… After two hours, the news would spread and somewhat boost the morale of the three armies.
“Zi Lian, dawn has just broken? Why are all the soldiers awake? It’s still half an hour before the rooster crows?” Cao Cao asked…
This… Cao Hong scratched his head. He didn’t know either!
Logically, normally, the soldiers would wake up after the rooster crowed, start a fire to cook and eat, and then begin training!
Why was it today…
“You! Come here!”
Cao Hong casually called over a small soldier.
“General!” The small soldier cupped his hands in salute.
Cao Hong waved his hand. “I ask you, why are you all up so early today?”
“Yes… yes, the medical office sent someone.” The small soldier replied truthfully. “Two hours ago, Officer Lu sent over fifty physicians from the medical office to treat the sick soldiers?”
Mm…
As soon as he said this, Cao Hong was slightly stunned. What was going on? The medical office… sent physicians to treat the sick? Hadn’t they already treated those who could be treated?
The remaining ones were all severely ill, and it was already good if their lives could be saved with temporary medication. There seemed to be no possibility of recovery in the short term!
Why was Officer Lu mobilizing so many physicians to come? What was the meaning of this?
Cao Hong waved his hand, signaling the small soldier to leave.
Cao Cao, however, added a question. “Treating the sick? That’s nothing new? Why are you all getting up so early to watch?”
Yes…
Cao Hong’s eyes flickered. “Elder brother is right, why are you all getting up so early to watch?”
He repeated Cao Cao’s words…
It was as if in his own barracks, his own soldiers, when asked questions, it had to be him who asked them.
“Oh… the medical officer who came this time is different. He… he can cure patients with severe illness! In just two hours, six or seven soldiers who were originally in critical condition have already recovered and are completely fine!”
“The chief medical officer this time is extremely precise with his medication. No matter how difficult the illness, it cannot withstand his benevolent heart and marvelous hands… I heard that his name is ‘Zhang Zhongjing,’ and he is Officer Lu’s chief disciple!”
“However… people in the medical office have different titles for him. They all call him ‘Martial Uncle,’ as if Officer Lu had instructed the medical office that Zhang Zhongjing is his junior brother!”
…What? This…
The small soldier’s disjointed words instantly made Cao Cao and Cao Hong a little bewildered?
How could it be chief disciple one moment and junior brother the next?
Wait a moment…
Cao Cao suddenly realized. His focus should not be on the titles, but on… Good heavens, this chief medical officer is… is Zhang Zhongjing?
Zhang Zhongjing, the “Sage of Medicine” of this era, when did he come to Yan Province?
When did he join the medical office?
Coincidentally, such shocking news was not the most, most, most… important. Because… there was even more exhilarating news than Zhang Zhongjing’s arrival, which was that severe illnesses could also be… cured!
This…
This…
Cao Cao’s eyes widened abruptly. At this moment, he almost couldn’t believe his ears!
He knew better how much of a morale boost such exhilarating news could bring to the three armies.
…
…