In the study of the Ministry of Agriculture.
A desk separated Lu Yu and Dong Cheng, both kneeling on opposite sides.
“How does Minister Lu view the current Emperor?”
Dong Cheng blurted out the question.
“A hidden dragon in the abyss!” Lu Yu smiled faintly, then his eyes darted as he added, “Destined to soar to the nine heavens!”
This exchange was filled with deep meaning, setting the tone for their conversation.
“Then, how does Minister Lu view Chancellor Cao?”
Dong Cheng continued his line of questioning.
“Chancellor Cao needs no judgment from me. The Yue Dan Ping already described him perfectly: a treacherous villain in times of peace, a hero in times of chaos! Now, we are precisely in times of chaos, and Chancellor Cao is indeed a hero!”
Although Lu Yu’s objective was to gain Dong Cheng’s trust as much as possible, he did not blindly agree. Instead, he spoke truthfully, which made him appear more genuine.
Indeed, Dong Cheng was not difficult to handle, but the Han court was not just Dong Cheng. There were many capable individuals and upright scholars within the Han court, making genuine acting exceptionally important.
“Then, Minister Lu, how do you view yourself?”
Dong Cheng asked again…
Though these were seemingly ordinary questions, they probed deeper layer by layer. Dong Cheng sought to determine if Lu Yu harbored ambitions for supremacy and whether Lu Yu was content to remain subordinate. This was crucial for ascertaining whether the Han court could win him over.
“This…”
As expected, when the question of “how do you view yourself” arose, Lu Yu paused. His eyes narrowed, and his expression seemed to become much more complex.
Dong Cheng secretly thought, “This is promising,” and quickly pressed on, “Chancellor Cao is indeed a hero, but doesn’t Minister Lu wish to be like Yi Yin or Yue Yi?”
Yi Yin was recommended from the fields, and Yue Yi was selected from the army!
They were both talented individuals from ancient times…
Similarly, they were both celebrated ministers and loyal subjects. Would a dynasty permit two powerful ministers? Yet, any ruler would gladly support a powerful minister they could control!
Dong Cheng was subtly implying whether Lu Yu wished to replace Cao Cao and become the sole powerful minister of the Han.
Hesitation…
Lu Yu feigned hesitation, blinking repeatedly. Finally, he deflected, “Is not Chancellor Cao your Majesty’s Yi Yin and Yue Yi? What virtue do I, Lu Yu, possess to be compared with these two great sages of antiquity!”
“You do!”
Dong Cheng’s gaze sharpened.
“If it were merely you, perhaps you couldn’t achieve such a status. But what if your Majesty and the Han court’s assistance were added? In my opinion, you are to your Majesty what Jiang Ziya was to the eight-hundred-year Zhou Dynasty, and Zhang Zifang was to the four-hundred-year Han Dynasty! As for Chancellor Cao… heh, forgive my bluntness, but he is merely a Wang Mang, a Huo Guang, or a Dong Zhuo!”
This explanation was quite direct…
From Lu Yu’s eyes and tone, Dong Cheng could discern his unwillingness to remain subordinate, which was precisely what the current Han court needed.
However…
Dong Cheng was unaware that life is like a play, all dependent on acting, and Lu Yu’s acting skills were learned from Cao Cao, making them exceptionally convincing!
“Uncle-in-law Dong overestimates me.”
Lu Yu waved his hand, “Currently, the Dragon Swift Camp has only two thousand men, with less than ten generals. Chancellor Cao, however, holds sway over two hundred thousand troops? Who is his Majesty’s Jiang Ziya, and who is his Majesty’s Zhang Zifang, is not self-evident? Haha, as the saying goes… even the cleverest cook cannot make a meal without ingredients. How dare I aspire, how dare I make a move!”
These words spoken by Lu Yu…
While seemingly a refusal, Dong Cheng could tell that Lu Yu was prompting him to reveal his leverage.
“Minister Lu, these are not problems. Although Chancellor Cao has many troops, his direct subordinates are merely warriors from Qiao and Pei. As for others, such as the talented scholars from Yingchuan, they remain loyal to the Han. And these matters… you do not need to handle them; we have our own ways!”
As these words left his mouth…
Lu Yu’s eyes darted, and he immediately leaned towards Dong Cheng.
“Uncle-in-law Dong, do you intend to…”
As he said this, Lu Yu deliberately scanned the doors and windows to ensure no one was present, then made a slashing motion across his neck with his hand.
The implication was clear: Did the Han court intend to assassinate Cao Cao?
“Haha…” Dong Cheng waved his hand. He did not answer directly but laughed, for he sensed Lu Yu’s eagerness.
Indeed…
The world bustles for profit, and the world rushes for gain. Lu Yu, so young and so talented, how could he be content to remain subordinate?
“Minister Lu, do not panic. You will know when the time comes! Haha, his Majesty asked me to convey a message to you: tomorrow, during the morning court, he will present you with a surprise.”
Hmm…
A surprise?
Lu Yu’s eyes darted. Was this considered a spy within a spy?
Instantly, Lu Yu smiled faintly. “Then I thank his Majesty. However… I do have a suggestion!”
At this point, Lu Yu’s expression turned serious, and his tone lowered once more.
“I plan to petition his Majesty tomorrow to reopen the Yue Dan Ping in one month, inviting talented individuals from all over the realm to discuss the current situation. Based on my understanding of Chancellor Cao, on the day of the Yue Dan Ping… he will likely go in disguise to witness this grand gathering of talents. That is all for today, Uncle-in-law Dong. I shall not see you out.”
Hoo…
Dong Cheng’s eyes darted.
At the moment, he had not yet grasped what Lu Yu’s intentions were with the Yue Dan Ping.
However, he still committed Lu Yu’s words to memory. With such brilliant words preceding him, each of Lu Yu’s statements might hold hidden significance!
“Then… Dong Cheng shall take his leave.”
Step…
Standing up, Dong Cheng prepared to depart.
“Uncle-in-law Dong…” Lu Yu called out again, smiling and emphasizing, “After you return, please ponder carefully on what I just said! Please, ponder very carefully!”
With that, Lu Yu picked up his teacup and took a sip.
His expression was calm and composed, but inwardly, he was delighted!
…
…
In Xuchang City, the Imperial Palace, Chongde Hall.
Dong Cheng had just finished his report.
Fortunately, Consort Dong had not caused a scene. Instead, she had gifted treasures to Lu Yu’s sister and two concubines, which finally eased the emperor Liu Xie’s worried heart.
Even more gratifying was the fact that Lu Yu was not someone willing to remain under Cao Cao’s command!
This was easy to understand. How could such a capable person be willing to remain subordinate for long?
At this moment, Dong Cheng withdrew…
From the rear hall of Chongde Hall, a woman walked out gracefully. Emperor Liu Xie raised his eyes, sweeping across the figure clad in luxurious robes, finally resting on that beautiful face. His heart couldn’t help but tremble involuntarily.
Her empress-like nobility and grace, her captivating aura, made Emperor Liu Xie’s heart flutter every time he saw her.
Who else could this woman be but Empress Fu Shou?
At this moment…
She walked out slowly, having been in the rear hall all along, and had heard every word of Dong Cheng’s report.
As she emerged, although her voice remained low, the smile on her lips was undeniable.
“Congratulations to Your Majesty…”
“Are you congratulating me on successfully winning over the Grand Minister of Agriculture?” Emperor Liu Xie replied. “Based on this conversation alone, we can only confirm that Lu Yu is not an enemy, but not necessarily a friend!”
“No…” Empress Fu Shou gently raised her slender arm. “It can already be confirmed that Lu Yu is on Your Majesty’s side.”
“How can you see that?”
“The Yue Dan Ping!” Facing Emperor Liu Xie’s question, Fu Shou replied with great certainty. “Minister Lu proposed petitioning Your Majesty tomorrow to reopen the Yue Dan Ping in a month, and mentioned that Chancellor Cao would certainly go in disguise to witness the grand occasion!”
“Furthermore, when the Yue Dan Ping commences, talented scholars from all over the realm will be invited, inevitably leading to a surge of people. At that time… it will be an excellent opportunity to assassinate Cao Cao!”
“Even if the assassination fails, their involvement can be disavowed, claiming that Dong Cheng and Yuan Shao conspired, and the assassins were mixed in with the scholars, with no relation to Your Majesty!”
Empress Fu Shou was extremely astute, dissecting Lu Yu’s words in detail.
Initially, Emperor Liu Xie listened with casual indifference, but as each sentence sank in, his eyes narrowed.
Indeed, the security in Xuchang City was tight. How easy would it be for assassins to infiltrate?
But…
During the Yue Dan Ping, it would be a heaven-sent opportunity for assassins to infiltrate.
And Cao Cao, going in disguise to the Yue Dan Ping, would surely not bring a large entourage. This was indeed a perfect time to assassinate him.
Hoo…
Upon understanding this point, Emperor Liu Xie’s eyebrows raised. “So that’s how it is, so that’s how it is! If not for the Empress, wouldn’t I have failed Minister Lu’s earnest efforts? Haha, indeed, Minister Lu’s heart is with the Han Dynasty.”
“The immediate priority…” Compared to Emperor Liu Xie’s excitement, Fu Shou appeared exceptionally calm and composed.
She continued to analyze methodically, “Your Majesty must not be overly joyous. The immediate priority is for Your Majesty to generously reward Minister Lu!”
“How should he be rewarded?”
“Did Uncle-in-law Dong not mention that Your Majesty should bestow upon Minister Lu the title of Situ, one of the Three Excellencies?”
Fu Shou lowered her voice and continued gracefully, “In my humble opinion, tomorrow, when Cao Cao petitions for rewards for the soldiers of the three armies, Your Majesty might as well grant Minister Lu the privileges of ‘zan bai bu ming, ru chao bu qu, jian lü shang dian’.”
This…
Hearing this, Emperor Liu Xie paused for a moment, but instantly, he understood. The Empress’s move was brilliant!
Situ and Sikong were both among the Three Excellencies.
In this way, Lu Yu and Cao Cao would be on equal footing in terms of official titles.
And in the current court, the only person previously granted the privileges of ‘zan bai bu ming, ru chao bu qu, jian lü shang dian’ was Cao Cao. Now… Lu Yu would be added.
Heh heh…
Emperor Liu Xie chuckled outright.
Such a bestowal upon Lu Yu would undoubtedly displease Cao Cao, but given Lu Yu’s recent great contribution, he would be powerless. This was like a mute eating bitter gourd, suffering in silence!
And with Lu Yu holding such an official title, enjoying such privileges, and with the support of the Han court, wielding the formidable Dragon Swift Camp, how could he not be arrogant?
He was still a young man not yet twenty years old!
From now on, the friction between him and Cao Cao would certainly increase and become more intense.
This move would force Lu Yu into a corner, with no retreat!
He would be completely bound to the Han court!
Combining Cao Cao and Lu Yu… with one holding military power and the other enjoying considerable prestige in the army and possessing remarkable wisdom, their rivalry would be fierce. As the Son of Heaven, he could then reap the benefits of their conflict.
“The Empress’s plan is indeed brilliant. By using Lu Yu to restrain Cao Cao, and Cao Cao to restrain Lu Yu, thus can the Han Dynasty be revived!”
With this thought, Liu Xie’s gaze towards Fu Shou was filled with admiration.
As expected of his Empress, as expected of the Empress of the Han.
“Your Majesty…” Fu Shou spoke again. “Winning over Lu Yu cannot be accomplished merely by verbal agreement. As I mentioned before, Princess Wanniang, Your Majesty’s elder sister, has passed the age of marriage. Perhaps…”
“Hush…”
As Fu Shou just began, Liu Xie interrupted her. “This matter requires seeking Wanniang’s opinion. Young Princess Wanniang is the eldest daughter of the late Emperor. If she does not agree, it will be in vain. For now, let us proceed according to the plan.”
“Yes!” Fu Shou agreed…
She bit her lip slightly, sensing that the undercurrents in Xuchang City were becoming increasingly turbulent.
…
…
In front of the School Office, guards stood in strict formation. Upon seeing Cao Ren and Cao Hong arrive, they all cupped their hands and bowed, their movements precise but their expressions silent.
Cao Ren and Cao Hong exchanged glances, their smiles gradually fading, their expressions turning sharp and solemn. They strode inside and took their seats in the main hall.
The Imperial Academy was on holiday today, so Cao Ren, having leisure time, had proactively come to the School Office.
The guards outside announced loudly, “Reporting for duty!”
Over ten School Office personnel, dressed in black tight-fitting clothes, who had been queuing outside, entered carrying platters of bamboo slips. They placed the slips one by one on Cao Ren and Cao Hong’s desks. A servant brought water cups, and both Cao Ren and Cao Hong took a sip. Cao Hong, displeased, put down the cup and ordered, “Replace it with wine? Did the School Office not purchase five hundred jars of wine from my winery?”
Making money was not shameful…
Having the School Office purchase wine brewed in cooperation between himself, Cao Hong, and the Imperial Academy was even less shameful.
The servant, however, stepped forward and said, “The Commander-in-Chief has issued an order: recently, all officials and soldiers of the Cao camp are forbidden from drinking alcohol!”
Cao Hong’s head snapped up, looking at the attendant. Seeing his flustered expression, he turned his head to Cao Ren again.
“Zixiao? If they’re not even allowed to drink wine, I suspect something big is about to happen?”
Cao Ren nodded. “Our School Office is responsible for monitoring all officials, exercising the powers of the ‘Imperial Censor’s Grand Master.’ This is a grave matter. For the time being, refrain from drinking.”
It seemed… Cao Ren already knew something.
“Reporting for duty!”
With an order… Cao Hong also drained the water before him.
A School Office leader outside reported, “Two hours ago, Noble Consort Dong left the palace for the Ministry of Agriculture.”
Saying this, he placed a scroll on the desk, depicting Noble Consort Dong entering the Ministry of Agriculture, followed by many maids, carrying some jewels and imperial robes!
The second School Office leader reported, “An hour and a half ago, His Majesty and Dong Cheng returned to Chongde Hall. They stayed only briefly, and then Dong Cheng hurried to the Ministry of Agriculture.”
The scroll was unrolled, showing a painting of Dong Cheng rushing to the Ministry of Agriculture and encountering Lu Yu and Cai Zhao Ji outside the ministry.
The third School Office leader reported, “An hour ago, Uncle-in-law Dong and Minister Lu met in the study of the Ministry of Agriculture. They talked for about half a cup of tea’s time, then hurried back to the Imperial Palace and stayed in Chongde Hall for another half a cup of tea’s time.”
The scroll was unrolled, this time showing three paintings: Dong Cheng’s conversation with Lu Yu, Dong Cheng’s conversation with His Majesty, and His Majesty’s conversation with the Empress!
It could be said that all the events concerning the people the School Office was concerned about in Xuchang City over the past two hours were captured in these paintings.
Cao Hong tapped his fingers lightly on the table.
“What, all these matters are related to the Ministry of Agriculture?”
Cao Hong felt as if he had been struck by lightning. Related to the Ministry of Agriculture, wasn’t that related to Lu Yu? Currently, Lu Yu’s significance to Cao Hong was no less than that of a god of wealth!
Whoever dared to touch his god of wealth, Cao Hong would fight them to the death!
Cao Ren waved his hand, quite calmly. “This is not surprising. After all… Minister Lu has already calculated that the Han court will desperately try to win him over?”
“Hmph!” Cao Hong snorted coldly. “The Han court? Does it even deserve to?”
Speaking of this, he didn’t forget to ask, “Should these matters be reported to Big Brother?”
“No need!” Cao Ren smiled faintly. “Do you think that on the way back, Big Brother and Lu Yu shared that five-horse carriage? What do you think they talked about? Haha, this is all part of the plan.”
Hoo…
Hearing about the plan, Cao Hong’s eyes darted.
“What plan?”
Cao Ren patted his shoulder. “You’ll know when the time comes…”
With this thought…
Cao Ren slowly unfurled the map on the table, his finger lightly tracing the border between Yan Province and Ji Province, then the border between Lujiang and Jiangdong, and then Jing Province, Yongliang, and the Guanzhong region. However… in the end, he gently pointed to the dot of Xuchang.
He looked up, recalling his Big Brother Cao Cao’s instructions: Minister Lu has a plan – lie low and lure the enemy out!
It was as if, at this moment, he saw the winds and thunder brewing above the Imperial Palace of Xuchang!
He muttered to himself:
“Heh heh, indeed, Minister Lu!”
“As expected, the first to move are not Yuan Shao, Liu Biao, or Sun Ce, but… within Xuchang City, behind these walls! Truly, disaster strikes from within the household!”
…
…
The next day, morning court!
From afar in the Imperial Palace, one could hear the eunuchs shouting repeatedly – “By Imperial decree, summon all officials to court!”
– “By Imperial decree, summon all officials to court.”
Cao Cao, Lu Yu, Xun Yu, Xi Zhicai, Xun You, Cao Ren, Cao Hong, and others strode towards Changle Palace!
Of course, there was also Liu Bei… he was also a meritorious official in the campaign against the rebels!
As Cao Cao ascended the stone steps.
The eunuch Leng Shouguang shouted loudly – “Commander-in-Chief Cao Cao, present yourself!”
When Cao Cao presented himself, the eunuch’s announcement was loud and clear – this was customary and always done this way.
However… as Lu Yu walked past, Leng Shouguang deliberately also called out, “Grand Minister of Agriculture Lu Yu, present yourself!”
This time…
Cao Cao’s steps halted. At first, he felt nothing, but then he recalled that Yu’er seemed to have instructed him to show displeasure!
Immediately, Cao Cao deliberately narrowed his eyes, turned around, and glared at Leng Shouguang, then cast a deep gaze at Lu Yu before stepping into the grand hall.
When external officials presented themselves to the Son of Heaven, they were required to remove their swords and footwear. However, Cao Cao, enjoying the privileges of “zan bai bu ming, ru chao bu qu, jian lü shang dian,” strode in directly!
Lu Yu, along with the other court officials, respectfully removed their shoes outside the hall!
Unexpectedly, at this moment, Leng Shouguang reminded him, “Minister Lu, you need not remove your shoes.”
“Why is that?” Lu Yu asked softly.
Leng Shouguang glanced towards the grand hall. “Minister Lu will know once he enters the hall…”
This…
Lu Yu’s eyes darted. By his nature, he would definitely have removed his shoes, considering Old Cao’s feelings…
But now, with a faint smile, he indeed stepped in wearing his shoes!
All the court officials were stunned…
Especially Xun Yu, his brow furrowed. This did not align with Minister Lu’s usual cautious and prudent nature. How could he openly enjoy the same treatment as Chancellor Cao?
Wasn’t this asking for trouble… and inviting Chancellor Cao’s suspicion?
No…
Xun Yu’s eyes fixed. He muttered to himself, “There’s a trick!”
Among the many officials present, only Xun Yu saw through the deception.
However, he could not pinpoint where the deception lay.
Not long after, the officials entered Changle Palace.
Cao Cao cupped his hands in salute.
– “Your subject Cao Cao pays respects to the Son of Heaven!”
– “My dear minister, rise.” Liu Xie quickly stood up… Now, seeing Cao Cao, he felt very uneasy, unsure if it was due to fear or guilt.
– “Your subject, by decree, marched into Xuzhou, captured and killed the rebel general Lü Bu, pacified the cities of Xuzhou and Guangling, captured over two hundred thousand enemy soldiers, and beheaded over one hundred and thirty thousand! Furthermore, we seized countless warhorses and weapons!”
Uh…
Hearing this, Lu Yu was stunned. Good heavens, Old Cao’s bragging skills were getting better and better.
What? Captured over two hundred thousand enemies? Beheaded over one hundred and thirty thousand? This was likely an exaggeration by more than five times!
Unexpectedly, Emperor Liu Xie was completely unfazed.
– “My dear minister, for your outstanding achievements, I am extremely pleased!”
– “Everything your subject has done is to uphold heavenly authority, repay the common people, and revitalize the Han Dynasty. Your subject dares not claim credit. However, the soldiers under my command, having just captured Shouchun, with their armor still on and horses not unsaddled, then captured Xiapi City. Your subject requests Your Majesty to reward them.”
Speaking of this, Cao Cao turned his head, his gaze sweeping towards Lu Yu.
– “Especially Minister Lu’s ingenious strategies. Without his contributions, neither the rebel Yuan Shu nor the traitor Lü Bu would have been so swiftly pacified! I implore Your Majesty to first reward this individual for his primary merit!”
Hoo…
As these words were spoken, Emperor Liu Xie’s heart gave a jolt.
Indeed, Cao Cao was also trying to win over Lu Yu with this?
However, his mood quickly stabilized, as this was something he had anticipated.
– “Minister Cao, rest assured, I have already heard of Minister Lu’s merits… I have decided to enfeoff him as Grand Minister of Agriculture of the Great Han, to oversee the education of the populace and manage the financial powers of the Great Han as usual. In addition, I specially grant… Minister Lu the privileges of ‘zan bai bu ming, ru chao bu qu, jian lü shang dian’!”
Whoa…
As this latter half of the sentence was uttered.
The entire court erupted in astonishment!
…
…