Outside Xuchang, at a white tent, dust suddenly billowed on the dirt road as the sound of hooves approached from afar.
The South Xiongnu warriors, hearing the familiar hoofbeats, knew their leader had arrived and exclaimed in solemn awe.
"The Left Worthy King is here! The Left Worthy King is here!"
The Left Worthy King who came for the marriage was named Modu, sharing the same name as the Modu Chanyu who had once defeated Liu Bang at Pingcheng.
He inherited his ancestor's bravery in battle and possessed extensive knowledge, earning him respect and affection from all Xiongnu people.
As they spoke...
The Left Worthy King Modu reined in his horse.
All the Xiongnu soldiers and generals, including General Guli, dismounted and paid him homage.
The Left Worthy King Modu also dismounted. He stood a full eight feet tall, with an exceptionally sturdy physique. A long sword hung at his waist, its scabbard dark and gleaming. He wore leather boots. These elements of the South Xiongnu men's attire gave him an extraordinary aura, a blend of rugged boldness with a subtle hint of the dignified bearing of Han scholars.
"I heard the Prime Minister's eldest daughter is here? Where is she?"
The Left Worthy King Modu looked around.
General Guli knelt on one knee and quickly replied, "Miss Cao Mu is here to comfort the troops on behalf of Prime Minister Cao. We dared not be negligent and have already escorted her to the main tent!"
"Good!"
The Left Worthy King Modu nodded and strode with powerful steps towards the main tent.
Pushing aside the tent flap, a graceful figure met his gaze.
As the figure turned around, their eyes met, and both felt a jolt in their hearts.
She... no, to be precise, it was he... He Yan, that "she." "She" was so "delicate and charming!"
The Left Worthy King Modu, on the other hand, had an honest and upright demeanor.
"Cao Mu greets the Left Worthy King."
He Yan faced the Left Worthy King Modu directly and spoke with composure.
"Thump..."
The Left Worthy King Modu's heart skipped a beat. This was the first time he had encountered such a "woman" who stirred his heart—charming but not seductive, beautiful but not ostentatious!
It wasn't just her "stunning" face, but also her composure and elegance within the Xiongnu camp, giving the impression of a "noble lady" who had seen much of the world!
"The Han have an idiom, 'A worthy father does not have a son without merit.' Having seen you recently, Miss Cao Mu, you are indeed worthy of being Prime Minister Cao's eldest daughter!"
The Left Worthy King praised him.
He Yan smiled faintly, a smile that could topple cities.
Immediately after, a feminine voice emerged...
That's right, He Yan, known as He Lan of the Powdered Jade, was capable of producing a "woman's voice." It wasn't forced, but a cultivated, intellectual female tone!
Furthermore, throughout the Wei and Jin dynasties, He Yan's appearance ranked among the top three!
Even disguised as a woman, few could be more captivating than him!
"My father heard that the Left Worthy King has arrived outside Xuchang. He specifically sent me to attend to the troops. My father said that the Hu people are not bound by etiquette, and to fulfill his role as host, he has also allowed me, his 'daughter,' to be unconstrained for once."
"Hahaha..."
He Yan's words pleased the Left Worthy King Modu immensely. He preferred such "unconventional" and "bold" "women."
However...
After a brief exchange, both fell into silence.
As the Left Worthy King surveyed He Yan, He Yan also surveyed him...
In the Left Worthy King's eyes, the "woman" before him had clear brows, sparkling eyes, moved with the grace of a startled swan, and her every glance was radiant, her ethereal posture akin to a celestial being untouched by earthly matters!
And in He Yan's eyes, the Left Worthy King was also beyond his expectations. Shedding his military attire, he wore an embroidered silk robe adorned with floral patterns, and over it, a decorated vest, appearing entirely as a refined scholar.
Looking around, the furnishings in the Left Worthy King's tent were also extremely elegant. The table was covered with calligraphic works and books, the tent walls were decorated with beautiful stag antlers, and a tiger skin was spread on the ground... Especially the exquisite huqin hung within the tent...
This greatly improved He Yan's impression of him...
He even analyzed in an instant that even with a human skin mask, Zhao Yun could not have replicated his appearance. For these calligraphic works and huqin... Zhao Yun would have needed immense effort to master them.
Of course, these were not the most important factors...
The most fatal was the height. Although Zhao Yun and the Left Worthy King were similar in build, there was a difference in their height. The Left Worthy King was a full eight feet tall, while Zhao Yun was seven and a half feet.
The difference in height was irreconcilable!
Thinking of this, He Yan's expression darkened.
The atmosphere became somewhat somber. Seeing that "Cao Mu" remained composed, the Left Worthy King smiled and personally served him fruits and milk wine.
He spoke first, "Miss Mu's father is Prime Minister Cao. I heard that Prime Minister Cao was a student of Mr. Cai Yong. Even though I am in the land of the Hu, I have heard of Mr. Cai Yong's great name. Out of respect for him, I, Modu, have always admired Han culture. It is a rich treasure trove that can never be fully explored! Today, to meet Miss Mu is also my honor."
The Left Worthy King presented himself with great humility.
"Of course, I, Modu, do not like to force others. This marriage was arranged by Prime Minister Cao and Chanyu Hu Chuchian. If Miss Mu is not satisfied with me, I can persuade my Chanyu! And you, Miss, can persuade your father!"
"I've never liked to boast. If Miss Cao is unwilling to adapt to the vast desert and solitary smoke, I will never force you."
The Left Worthy King's words made He Yan feel somewhat embarrassed...
Of course, the Left Worthy King's words were not insincere.
From the moment he first saw He Yan, he felt a genuine liking for "her." It wasn't solely due to her identity, but more so because of the unique temperament she possessed!
Although the Hu people were bold, when they genuinely liked a woman, they wished to capture her heart!
At this moment...
He Yan's clear, autumn-water-like eyes were fixed on the Left Worthy King. After a long while, he calmly replied, "Cao Mu has followed her father through this chaotic world since childhood, and has long cultivated an extraordinary ability to adapt to all environments. I am not as frail as you might imagine!"
"Moreover, do Han women understand what righteousness is? If my father asked me to do something, I would do it well, just like Princess Zhaojun, Princess Xijun, and Princess Jieyou in the past, entering the desolate deserts and the lands of nomadic tribes to achieve the plan of peaceful alliance!"
Wow...
If, earlier, the Left Worthy King's feelings for "Cao Mu" were merely fondness.
Then now, upon hearing these words, the Left Worthy King could almost feel the resilience of "her" heart, like a resilient grass standing tall in a strong wind. His admiration for "her" grew even more.
With the conversation reaching this point.
The Left Worthy King no longer wished to beat around the bush. "You and I both know the value of life. As the Prime Minister's daughter, you have shown me the loyalty and steadfastness of Han women, which is vastly different. I respect your choice, but there is no need for such a heroic act for now. Let me be straightforward: I am very willing to protect you!"
"Protect me? How will you protect me?" He Yan interrupted the Left Worthy King. He felt he was nearing victory; he had successfully touched the heart of the Left Worthy King Modu with the identity of 'Cao Mu'!
Only by interacting with him more, by interacting with care, could he uncover all his habits.
"Haha, please believe me, this protection means I will take you to the South Xiongnu and make you my queen!" The Left Worthy King finally spoke his heart.
Immediately, he fixed his gaze on He Yan's face, watching for "her" reaction.
"..." He Yan feigned astonishment and remained silent.
This was playing hard to get.
The Left Worthy King Modu said no more. He knew that this marital alliance was now a foregone conclusion.
He turned around and murmured to himself, "My homeland, you Han people call it the great desert. It is a beautiful place, picturesque throughout the four seasons. In summer, the endless grasslands are full of vitality; in winter, the silvery wilderness makes anyone's heart feel expansive. Everywhere, there are cattle and sheep, herds of camels, and my subjects live in peace and contentment."
"We have no maternal relatives or eunuchs like you Han people, nor do we have warlords who carve up territory. We have no power struggles or disregard for human life. Perhaps you will come to like it there!"
Having said this, the Left Worthy King paused, then continued, "We Xiongnu, like you Han people, also value the deference of status. Our emperor is the supreme Chanyu, and below the Chanyu is I, the Left Worthy King. When you get there, I will give you whatever you like, and I will let you live however you wish! If you don't like mutton or milk wine, I will prepare Han cuisine for you and build Han-style houses!"
Hearing the Left Worthy King's sincerity.
He Yan's heart was truly moved.
With a gulp, he swallowed and then spoke, "That is not necessary. How should I put it? Your Highness's great kindness, Cao Mu has experienced. But since I have decided to marry and go to the frontiers, my heart is prepared to live according to Hu customs. However, this will require some time for adaptation. In the future, Your Highness will see how a Han woman lives on horseback!"
"Good, excellent!"
The Left Worthy King Modu was overjoyed and looked at He Yan with great excitement.
If, before, he had merely intended to marry a "Que Shi," then now, he genuinely wished to capture the heart of the "woman" before him!
He ordered wine to be brought...
In the Xiongnu way, they dipped their fingers in the wine, flicked it towards the sky, and then drank it all!
This was considered an unbreakable vow!
Afterward, He Yan slowly withdrew and headed back towards Xuchang, while the Left Worthy King Modu escorted "her" a great distance!
Learning Hu customs seemed like forcing the issue...
But at this moment, it was not just forcing the issue, but forcing the man!
At least, He Yan had taken the first, extremely important step!
...
...
October, Xuchang, Imperial Academy.
"Cangshu, recite this piece of astronomical common knowledge for me?"
Lu Yu's voice could be heard from the classroom. In the time spent in Xuchang, Lu Yu had been teaching the imperial students more frequently.
Of course, only those of extraordinary backgrounds could attend Lu Yu's classes.
Cangshu was Cao Chong's courtesy name. Lu Yu was very fond of this young master, and even... Lu Yu tried to guess Old Cao's intentions. Since Cao Ang had been removed from the first echelon of heirs, then... the future heir would likely be Cao Chong?
As an imperial student, Lu Yu paid close attention to Cao Chong.
"October is the beginning of spring," Cao Chong recited loudly. "It is also called 'Little Spring.' Therefore, every year in October, in the north, when it is cold, there will definitely be about three days where it turns warm. Although not as warm as spring, the temperature change is extremely noticeable. Moreover, in winter, the northwest wind blows, but in October, the 'Little Spring' can bring about a change to the southeast wind for these three days. When the southeast wind blows, the climate turns warm."
"Well done!" Lu Yu nodded. "Continue reciting, and also recite the characteristics of the river surface."
"The river surface is similar," Cao Chong continued reciting. "In the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, the northwest wind prevails in winter. However, during these three days of 'Little Spring,' after a few days of warm sunshine, the southeast wind will blow. If two armies engage in battle on the Yangtze River, the most crucial thing to pay attention to is the change in wind direction, which can reverse the course of the battle."
This lesson, Lu Yu was teaching nothing else but the "Little Spring" phenomenon in climate.
Whether it was Zhuge Liang borrowing the east wind in the narrative or Huang Gai's prediction of the east wind based on his rich experience living by the river in the Records of the Three Kingdoms!
These were all related to the wind direction changes during the "Little Spring."
In fact, it was recorded as early as the Twelve Piguas in the Book of Changes.
Lu Yu specifically taught this to the imperial students present.
Cao Ang, Cao Pi, Cao Zhi... along with Dian Man, Xu Yi, and others, all nodded repeatedly, as if their impressions had been deepened.
It was Cao Pi who took the initiative to ask, "Master Lu has already taught three lessons on the common knowledge of 'Little Spring'... I often wonder, now that it is also October, and the 'Little Spring' is approaching? Is Master Lu teaching this in relation to the siege of Ye City? Does Master Lu intend to use this 'east wind'?"
Cao Pi's mind was the most active. Based on the content taught by Lu Yu, he had already made far-reaching connections.
As he said...
Half a year had passed, and the situation north of the Yellow River was that Yuan Shang had mobilized his troops from Nanpi to attack his elder brother Yuan Tan. Cao Cao, following Lu Yu's suggestion, had excavated the Suiyang Canal, diverting water to completely surround Ye City, which had been besieged for three months.
Yuan Shang feared a diversionary attack on Wei and dared not return to rescue them!
However, precisely because of the defender Shen Pei, Ye City was held as firm as a golden fortress. Of course, this "golden fortress" had much exaggeration. After all, the canal water had surrounded Ye City; how long could Ye City's grain last? How long could the morale of the Ye City defenders last? These... were all unknowns.
It seemed...
Only one opportunity was needed for the Cao army to conquer Ye City and completely destroy the foundation of the Yuan clan!
But what would this opportunity be?
Cao Pi pondered for a long time, but upon hearing Lu Yu mention "Little Spring" and the southeast wind, he couldn't help but connect them.
However...
"Master Lu, Pi has one matter that is unclear."
Cao Pi was always the one who liked to ask questions... It seemed he was good at using questions to narrow the distance with his teachers.
"If you have a question, feel free to ask."
Lu Yu gestured.
Cao Pi immediately said, "Actually, if Master Lu wanted to conquer Ye City, how easy would it be? One only needs to completely excavate the water from the Zhang River. Ye City's walls, although high, are not as high as Xiapi City in Xuzhou. Just as the Si River could flood Xiapi, the Zhang River water could also flood Ye City. Wouldn't this achieve the subjugation of the northern territories in one go? Why only surround the city with water for three months and not release it?"
Compared to "Little Spring" and "east wind," Cao Pi was undoubtedly more concerned about diverting water to flood Ye City. This was a situation where victory would be achieved in one fell swoop, a sure thing... but...
"Zi Huan's question? Can any of you answer it?"
Lu Yu looked around at the imperial students before him...
Everyone shook their heads repeatedly. Even Cao Chong didn't understand why, if the city could be taken so easily, it was being held back.
"Alright... then next, I will explain to you why I have always insisted that we cannot truly flood the city!"
Lu Yu slowly stood up, his hands behind his back, and spoke with a clear voice.
"Yes, as long as the water from the Zhang River is completely released, the entire Xiapi City will be inundated by floods, and all defenders, soldiers, and citizens will instantly become fish and turtles in the water! Within a day, Ye City can also be captured!"
"But, from Prime Minister Cao's perspective, he cannot do this! While flooding the city with water would be a great achievement, and he would immediately receive praise from countless people, what about five years from now? Ten years from now? And in the writings of the historians? They will record that Prime Minister Cao Cao flooded the city with water, causing widespread devastation to Ye City!"
"Cao Cao's northern expedition is for the justice of the court, and for the hearts of the northern people. The hearts of the people cannot be deceived, nor can they be abandoned! Therefore, even though Ye City can be broken at any moment, we must not truly divert the water to flood it, as this would make Prime Minister Cao the target of public criticism in five or ten years! The hearts of the northern people would be even harder to win back!"
Mentioning diverting water to flood the city...
Lu Yu subconsciously thought of Zhou Peigong from the Qing Dynasty.
He had brought out the red-clothed cannons and wreaked havoc. If he had simply ordered the bombardment, Pingliang City, heavily guarded by Wang Fuchen, would have been leveled.
But even so...
He had abandoned the red-clothed cannons and personally gone to persuade Wang Fuchen to surrender.
His words to Tu Hai were deeply ingrained in Lu Yu's memory.
"If we continue to bombard like this, I'm afraid it will not be annihilating the enemy, but a massacre!"
"After the city is breached, if there is widespread devastation to life and property, leaving no man or beast alive, though you and I may have won and gained fame, the censors in the court will not let you and me off! The historical records will not let you and me off! In the future, there will be villains who will slander, saying that you and I indulged our troops and harmed the common people!"
"At that time, the world will already be peaceful, and people will have long forgotten how we bled today, only remembering that we wiped out 300,000 civilians in Pingliang with a bombardment! At that time, even the Emperor will have no choice but to make us scapegoats!"
Lu Yu greatly admired Zhou Peigong for his sober understanding of humanity.
And what Lu Yu did best in Cao's camp was to help Cao Cao avoid many instances of unnecessary slaughter and killing surrendering troops!
Similarly, Ye City was the most populous and prosperous city in the current era. Unless absolutely necessary, it should not be flooded.
Lu Yu conveyed this meaning to the many imperial students.
Cao Chong was the first to understand.
His big eyes blinked.
"Then, Master? If we don't divert the water to flood the city, what other way is there to take Ye City?"
"As for that!" Lu Yu's eyes twinkled...
In fact, he had already made arrangements for Ye City.
Imagine...
Cao Cao besieged the city for three months, cutting down the grain outside the city under the watchful eyes of the Ye City defenders and civilians, and digging canals to divert the Zhang River water, turning Ye City into a completely isolated fortress.
It could be said that these three months were an ordeal for the Ye City defenders every single day...
If not for Shen Pei's "strict laws and harsh punishments," they would have surrendered long ago.
But even so, this edge-of-collapse emotion would continue to spread. Shen Pei could suppress it for a while, but when this emotion accumulated to a certain extent, a more terrifying backlash would come.
And this "backlash," Lu Yu predicted, would occur on the hundredth day.
That is, Lu Yu's actions were still ten days away.
The veteran siege expert, Shen Zhengnan, who was born to face the north, would never have imagined that the first to collapse would be someone close to him!
"This is a very typical military case. Ten days from now, you can witness how Ye City will open its gates, and how Prime Minister Cao will take Ye City without shedding a drop of blood!"
"Don't forget, more terrifying than flooding the city with water is the emotion of fear, the defection of hearts, and the despair of hopelessness!"