Last night, after Lu Yu returned from the yamen.
It seemed…
Old Cao had dispatched the Tiger Guards to bring a woman over, and then nothing more happened…
Lu Yu understood this very well; beautiful women were the cause of disaster, and what’s more, it was a married woman of Cao!
What was bound to happen, inevitably happened.
Qin Yilu’s head was instantly adorned with a vast expanse of green, and one could imagine… it would flourish into a towering tree, verdant and lush in the future!
Of course, speaking of which… this Qin Yilu was truly cowardly!
Lu Yu had even sent the Dragon Roar Camp to investigate. His wife had been snatched away by Old Cao, and he hadn’t dared to utter a word. He heard… he had even knelt to see off the Tiger Guard soldiers, nearly shouting — "Duke Cao, please enjoy your meal slowly!"
What kind of behavior was this!
It completely lacked the past grandeur and might of shooting an arrow towards Cao Cao from atop the city wall.
It turned out… before Old Cao entered the city, he was a fierce tiger, but after entering, he instantly transformed into a timid rabbit.
So adorably cowardly, just like some keyboard warriors in his past life who were completely different in reality!
The scene was too beautiful to bear.
Just as he thought of this…
"Knock, knock…"
A crisp knocking sound echoed!
Immediately following was Dian Wei’s voice: "Young Master Lu, Young Master Yang is seeking an audience outside the mansion gates!"
Young Master Yang? Yang Xiu?
Lu Yu was about to tell Dian Wei to bring him in. Calculating the time, today was the day he and Lü Bu were heading north. He had originally planned to see them off, but unexpectedly, Yang Xiu arrived first.
But before Lu Yu could finish speaking.
Dian Wei’s voice continued: "Young Master Yang is accompanied by another person, who looks like General Qin, formerly under Lü Bu!"
General Qin?
Ah… ah…
Lu Yu was stunned. There seemed to be only one General Qin under Lü Bu, right? Wasn’t that the cuckolded Qin Yilu whose head was just green? Why was he here? And with Yang Xiu?
Lu Yu was bewildered.
Speaking of which, he had just thought of him a moment ago…
No, to be precise, he had just thought of the green expanse on his head a moment ago?
So, the question arose: what was he here for?
With a glint in his eye, Lu Yu instructed: "Let them in!"
…
In a luxurious mansion, inside the main hall, Lu Yu sat in the prime seat.
Yang Xiu and Qin Yilu strode in.
As if looking into a mirror, both bowed respectfully to Lu Yu.
"No need for formalities." Lu Yu signaled for them to refrain from bowing, then asked curiously, "Dezu, and who is this general?"
"It’s like this…" Yang Xiu truthfully replied, "General Qin is from Yunzhong, Xinxing. In his early years, he served as a retainer for our Hongnong Yang family. With my father’s arrangements, he served as a city guard in Luoyang, and later as the magistrate of Zhi County!"
Hmm…
Hearing this, Lu Yu finally understood.
This Qin Yilu was actually a former official of the Hongnong Yang clan.
Of course, this was not surprising!
The Hongnong Yang clan and the Runan Yuan clan were the top noble families of this era, with disciples and former officials spread throughout the land. It was only natural that Qin Yilu had the good fortune to be their retainer and become a former official.
It seemed Yang Xiu intended to help this "former official."
This was understandable. Even strangers meeting in a foreign land shed tears, so meeting a former acquaintance, it was natural to offer assistance.
Of course, none of this was important.
Lu Yu was more curious about how Qin Yilu felt psychologically after Old Cao took his wife yesterday.
"This subordinate, Qin Yilu, pays his respects to Grand Secretary Lu…"
Qin Yilu cupped his fists in a salute…
Cough, cough…
Lu Yu coughed lightly and asked curiously, "General Qin, have you had breakfast yet?"
"Ah… ah…"
Qin Yilu was startled and replied truthfully, "Yes… I have?"
"Then… did you eat well?" Lu Yu continued to ask.
"Very… very well!"
Ugh…
The tone of his answer was not right!
Lu Yu’s eyes darted around…
Speaking of which, Old Cao had taken your wife, and you could still eat breakfast and obediently… People say a prime minister’s belly can hold a boat. Lu Yu felt… Qin Yilu’s belly could probably hold a prime minister!
"It’s good that you’re full." Lu Yu nodded. "Then… you wouldn't come here for no reason, General Qin, what is the purpose of your visit?"
Finally, a normal question.
Qin Yilu immediately cupped his fists and said, "This subordinate wishes to join the Dragon Roar Camp…"
Uh…
As the words left his mouth, Lu Yu nearly spat out his tea.
Many people wanted to join the Dragon Roar Camp; who did he think he was?
Besides being able to remain composed and unfazed after his wife was taken, did he have any other special skills?
Lu Yu originally intended to refuse directly, but fearing he might hit a sore spot, he decided to listen further before speaking again!
Qin Yilu seemed to sense something.
"This subordinate naturally knows that the Dragon Roar Camp is a camp for heroes, and not just any general can join. Therefore… this subordinate implores Grand Secretary Lu to give him an opportunity. Regardless of the mission, this subordinate is willing to go through fire and water, and will not refuse!"
With that said, he looked up at Lu Yu, his eyes filled with earnestness, mixed with a hint of apprehension!
Understood…
Now, Lu Yu completely understood.
No wonder Yang Xiu brought him here so early in the morning. It seemed Qin Yilu must have told Yang Xiu about his tragic "cuckolding" experience!
And with Yang Xiu’s intelligence, how could he not realize Qin Yilu’s current awkward situation?
Overnight, his wife became Cao Cao’s, and his son also became Cao Cao’s. The key was… he himself could never become Cao Cao’s! Moreover… he had offended Cao Cao in the past and worried that Cao Cao would hold a grudge.
Therefore… Yang Xiu intended to help him, planning to take this General Qin to Bing Province as well, considering it as an escape from this place of trouble, and also a way to face himself again.
After all, his wife and child were already someone else’s, and that someone else was Cao Cao. What could he do?
If he didn’t want to die, he had to endure it!
The further away, the better to hide!
Thinking of this, Lu Yu exclaimed inwardly—Yang Xiu truly has a heart!
Of course, looking at Qin Yilu’s demeanor, he didn’t know where Yang Xiu was going or what mission he was undertaking.
Without his consent, Yang Xiu wouldn't dare reveal anything, even with a hundred times his courage.
However…
Lu Yu’s eyes flickered. He was carefully considering the possibility of taking Qin Yilu along to Bing Province.
Yang Xiu, Lü Bu worked behind the scenes, and Lü Bu’s unparalleled martial arts skills were naturally no problem. But Yang Xiu, on the surface, really lacked someone to protect him.
Lu Yu mused that Yang Xiu’s martial prowess was not much higher than his own.
Qin Yilu, on the other hand, might actually be suitable!
Furthermore, this fellow had his own specialty, which was "his belly can hold a boat." He could endure anything, which was magnanimity. Who knows, with this characteristic, he might even be able to contribute.
As for his loyalty, it was even less of a problem.
Historically…
He was a cuckolded man, yet he still served as a general under Old Cao.
Zhang Fei insulted him by saying, "Someone has taken your wife," and advised him to leave Cao Cao. However… Qin Yilu hadn’t taken two steps before regretting it and scurrying back. Zhang Fei, angered, speared him to death.
What a loyal cuckold!
Whether such a person was psychologically distorted, Lu Yu didn't know, but… loyalty was not an issue.
Of course…
Lu Yu still wanted to test him further.
"General Qin? Let me say something unpleasant…"
Lu Yu leaned his head forward and asked with utmost seriousness, "Duke Cao occupied your wife last night. Do you not harbor any resentment?"
This?
"Clatter!"
Qin Yilu immediately knelt down.
He repeatedly said, "I dare not, I dare not… This subordinate had already offended Duke Cao. Duke Cao was magnanimous and did not punish me; this is already a great favor to me."
"My wife likes Duke Cao. As a guilty subordinate, I should offer her as atonement. Moreover… this morning, Duke Cao sent someone to inform me that he has taken my wife as a concubine and adopted my son, Qin Lang, as his godson!"
He spoke confidently, his expression unhurried, without a hint of embarrassment, his words calm and collected. Lu Yu stared, dumbfounded!
Having said this, Qin Yilu paused for a moment.
"My wife, following me, naturally had a worse life than following Duke Cao. My son, following Duke Cao, has a better future than following me! If my wife and son can have a better life, what resentment would I have? I am happy to have it so!"
Gulp…
In summary, Qin Yilu's words boiled down to fourteen characters: "If you want life to go smoothly, you must carry some green on your head!"
What great and fearless spirit of dedication!
Of course… Lu Yu almost choked on his own saliva!
He was impressed!
Lu Yu admired and was thoroughly convinced from the bottom of his heart!
How timid and how utterly fearless did one have to be to say such things.
Speaking of which, Lu Yu had seen many people who had been cuckolded, but Qin Yilu was the first and likely the last to describe being "cuckolded" so refreshingly and elegantly!
Please forgive Lu Yu for speaking frankly; in this regard, everyone else was garbage except Qin Yilu!
Heh heh…
Lu Yu let out a "heh heh," licked his lips, and suddenly felt… Qin Yilu could be useful!
This broadmindedness, capable of containing everything, was a talent worth cultivating! Worth cultivating indeed!
"Alright, since you wish to join the Dragon Roar Camp so much, I will give you an opportunity."
"Dezu is about to depart for Bing Province on a secret mission. Originally, I intended for you to protect him, but… now I’ve changed my mind. You will go to You Province alone. There is also a secret mission there, and you are very suitable for it!"
Lu Yu decided to have Qin Yilu execute the plan to "help Gongsun Zan," breaking through Yuan Shao’s encirclement and delivering some intelligence he already knew to Gongsun Zan.
This would prolong the war in the north and buy time for Cao Cao.
Of course, Qin Yilu had a natural advantage in going.
Even if he were intercepted by Yuan Shao, he could easily bluff his way through.
In this regard, he was more suitable than Cheng Yu, whom Lu Yu had originally planned.
After all…
How could Yuan Shao believe that a man whose wife was snatched by Cao Cao was coming to You Province to deliver a letter for the Cao camp? That was absurd!
Even Lu Yu found it absurd.
"Of course, if this mission is completed well, then…"
Lu Yu wanted to dangle a carrot, but… he really didn’t know what Qin Yilu wanted!
Someone who would hand over his wife and children, and even be happy about it…
Such a man, who was "desireless and without demands," what else could he want?
"You said it yourself, if the mission is completed, what do you want?" Lu Yu tossed this difficult question to him.
"This subordinate…" Qin Yilu paused, hesitating to speak, but after much deliberation, he finally uttered his thoughts, "I only wish to join the Dragon Roar Camp, to achieve merit in the future, and to marry… to marry Cao Cao’s daughter!"
Uh…
As these words left his mouth, Lu Yu was completely stunned, as if struck by lightning! He felt shaken.
Qin Yilu… My goodness, Lu Yu felt he had truly underestimated him.
He was a man with ideas and dreams!
Old Cao had taken his wife, and so… he wanted to marry Cao Cao’s daughter. Amazing… this couldn't even be called amazing; it was like a small cow going to the South Pole—utterly amazing!
Qin Yilu was playing a very big game!
Suddenly, Lu Yu felt… sending him to You Province for a mission was feasible! It was doable!
This was a talent with dreams, and one who could be of great use!
"Your idea is excellent, but whether you can achieve great things depends on you." Lu Yu gestured for Qin Yilu to come closer, and then Lu Yu quietly revealed his mission!
To Lu Yu’s surprise, Qin Yilu’s expression was very calm, showing no signs of tension or confusion as one would expect when heading into danger.
Indeed, this was a man with a tranquil heart, capable of great use!
…
…
Outside Xiapi City, by the Si River, Lu Yu came to see off Yang Xiu and Lü Bu.
At this moment, the two of them had already packed their belongings.
They were departing today for Yanmen Commandery in Bing Province. They would travel from Xiapi City, pass through Langya Commandery, detour through Yan Province, then from Yan Province through Sili, cross Hebei, and head north to Bing Province to finally reach Yanmen!
The journey was at least fifteen hundred li.
This was a long expedition.
Of course.
Lü Bu was also returning to half of his hometown, the place where he began, trying to find his former self there.
Besides Lü Bu and Yang Xiu, about a dozen Dragon Roar Cavalry knights also accompanied them. They formed a cavalcade, all disguised as merchants from Xuzhou.
Galloping along, they would deploy in advance in Bing Province, awaiting the arrival of Qu Yi and the Vanguard Camp!
At this moment…
Lü Bu, parting ways with Lu Yu, showed no particular emotion. He remained silent, only exchanging a look with Lu Yu.
Actually, Lu Yu understood. Although Lü Bu had become Lü Ying, he still cared about his family!
It was nothing more than wanting to give final instructions, asking Lu Yu to take extra care of Ling Qi… and to be wary of Ling Qi, ensuring she didn’t murder her husband!
In addition to this, he wanted Lu Yu to take good care of Diao Chan and Ling Ju.
Lu Yu readily agreed to all of this!
Without Lü Bu…
No, without Lü Ying saying it, Lu Yu would have done so anyway. The beautiful Diao Chan was his little lady!
As for parting ways with the Grand Secretary, Yang Xiu was somewhat teary-eyed.
Traveling thousands of miles to reach Yuan Shao’s territory—Bing Province. Although Grand Secretary Lu had spoken with certainty and detailed the plan, this was still a mission with a nine-death chance!
Of course, Yang Xiu was not afraid. In fact, he felt… this time, he must complete the mission perfectly and not make mistakes like in Xiapi City.
One must know…
His fellow Grand Students, "Zhuge Liang," "Cao Ang," "Huang Xu," "Dian Man," and "Xu Yi."
They had developed the wooden ox and flowing horse under extremely unfavorable circumstances… and used the wooden ox and flowing horse to transport grain from Chen County to the frontline of Shouchun City without error, receiving commendations from Duke Cao and also from Grand Secretary Lu!
He, Yang Xiu, also wanted to perform as excellently.
For this reason, Yang Xiu was filled with anticipation for this journey.
As a Grand Student and a disciple of Grand Secretary Lu, there was pressure. One had to learn from shame and strive for progress!
He gazed deeply at Lu Yu, bowed, then with a flick of the sword at his waist, he mounted his horse!
The Dragon Roar Cavalry soldiers also paid their respects to Lu Yu before mounting their horses.
Only Yang Xiu, however, kept looking back.
"This student will not be able to return this year. Grand Secretary Lu, please take good care of yourself!"
"Rest assured." Lu Yu nodded. "I will be returning to Xudu soon. Once I get there, someone will naturally take care of my health, and they will be much more attentive than you."
Of course, they would be more attentive, after all… the functions of men and women are different, and their effects are also different.
This sentence…
Seemed to cause a slight sting in Yang Xiu’s heart. "This student will always miss the Grand Secretary. I hope the Grand Secretary will also remember this student occasionally. If, if… if something were to happen to this student, I hope the Grand Secretary, for the sake of this student’s affection, will take care of the Hongnong Yang clan and my father!"
"I have noted that down." Lu Yu finally patted Yang Xiu on the shoulder. "Do a good job, Dezu. I have high hopes for you!"
Immediately…
Yang Xiu turned his head, and the entire cavalcade moved forward.
Watching Lü Bu and Yang Xiu ride away, Lu Yu felt a bit melancholic… their mission was likely not easy.
And…
Privately, Qin Yilu, who had also left with a mission, also had a difficult task ahead.
They were almost equivalent to Zhang Qian’s mission to the Western Regions, venturing deep into enemy territory!
Alas…
Lu Yu sighed. This was unavoidable. It was the same for all things in the world; great risks often came with great rewards!
—Without entering the tiger's den, how can one catch the tiger’s cub!
At the very least, by sending them out, Lu Yu could settle his mind and free himself up to deal with Zhang Xiu in Wancheng, Sun Ce in Jiangdong, Liu Bei by his side, and the Han court, which was bound to take action.
In these times… with war imminent and the fate of the realm undecided, and with undercurrents stirring in Xudu City, no one had an easy time.
With a sigh, Lu Yu turned around and headed back, escorted by Dian Wei.
According to Old Cao’s instructions…
Tomorrow, the army would return to the capital.
He would be able to see his sister again.
Oh, and also Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao, who had been brought into the Grand Secretary’s mansion but he hadn’t had the time to meet or touch yet…
He would be able to see them again soon, which was a matter of immense pleasure, both physically and mentally!
…
…
Xiapi City, a dilapidated wine shop.
It was noon, the perfect time for a nap, yet Liu Bei entered alone.
After looking around to ensure he was not followed, he cautiously stepped into the only private room!
Inside the private room… on a table, a spread of wine and dishes was laid out, seemingly to avoid suspicion.
"I am Liu Bei, Liu Xuande. I pay my respects to the envoy!"
Liu Bei checked the doors and windows again, ensuring they were perfectly sealed, and then finally cupped his fists and bowed to the man before him… or rather, to the eunuch disguised as a man.
—"Are you indeed His Royal Highness Liu?"
The eunuch also cupped his fists in return, and then spoke the words, his tone light but raised.
Royal Highness? His Royal Highness Liu?
This…
Liu Bei’s eyes narrowed. When had he become a Royal Highness? Moreover… was this envoy sent by His Majesty? If he called himself a Royal Highness, then…
Hiss…
Liu Bei gasped.
He hurriedly asked, "Envoy, on what basis do you say this?"
—"The fifth son of King Jing of Zhongshan, Liu Zhen, the great-grandson of Emperor Xiaojing, is indeed you, Liu Xuande, is that not so?"
The eunuch’s eyes were cold, and he did not seem to be joking at all.
His words were increasingly precise.
—"His Majesty has examined the genealogy. If we are to speak of it, our Emperor should indeed call you Royal Highness! However, does His Royal Highness Liu know the current situation of His Majesty, and His Majesty’s intentions?"
Boom…
Rumble!
At this moment, Liu Bei felt as if he had been struck by lightning. It wasn't that he was surprised by the Emperor calling him "Royal Highness," but rather by the mention of "His Majesty's situation" and "His Majesty's intentions" by the envoy!
Those who are skilled at hiding their thoughts are often skilled at reading minds. Liu Bei immediately understood something from these words.
Coupled with the fact that His Majesty had personally sent someone to meet him from afar!
This…
It must be that His Majesty… or rather, the Han court, was about to take action against the increasingly powerful Cao Cao!
…
…