Outside the city of Ye, fifty li away, a village.
In a humble thatched cottage, deep in the night.
"Zhongda…"
A clear call, from Xu Yuan, Xu You's nephew. He walked quickly to Sima Yi's quarters. "Tian Feng is still the same. He eats only a little each day, and afterwards… he remains silent."
"I know."
Sima Yi folded a sheet of paper on the desk.
His eyes narrowed…
Following General Lu's orders, he had infiltrated Ye City, cleverly forcing Shen Pei to impose heavy penalties on the Xu family, indirectly leading to Xu You's defection to Cao. He had, in essence, made a great contribution to the Battle of Guandu.
Afterwards…
He had even brought Tian Feng, Xu Yuan…
Along with Tian Feng's seven family members and Xu Yuan's nineteen family members, to a nearby village, where they lived incognito… to escape the Yuan family's wrath!
Recently, Ji Province had been in turmoil, with rumors flying. The newly enthroned Yuan Shang naturally had no time to concern himself with such matters.
Coupled with the appearance of correspondence, this facilitated Sima Yi's letter exchanges with Lu Yu.
As for Tian Feng…
He remained stubborn. Initially, he had tried to starve himself to death, but later, his family's safety was threatened, which finally compelled him to eat a little.
Of course… Tian Feng was someone General Lu had specifically instructed Sima Yi to save, so Sima Yi dared not neglect him.
Huuu…
Sighing softly, Sima Yi turned his gaze back to the folded paper before him.
"Zhongda?" Xu Yuan sighed, "I wonder when this life of hiding will ever end!"
His implication was that Xu Yuan hoped Cao's army would arrive soon, that he might see his uncle again and return to a life of comfort.
Sima Yi looked back at Xu Yuan.
After a moment of contemplation, he said softly, "Soon, very soon!"
As he spoke…
The fingers holding the folded paper tightened.
This action sparked Xu Yuan's curiosity.
"Zhongda? Is this letter from Commander Lu? Does Commander Lu have new orders?"
"There are indeed orders," Sima Yi replied softly.
As he said this, he slowly stood up, positioning himself by the window in the moonlight. "As expected of my esteemed teacher, to think of utilizing such a family member…"
"Such? A? Person?"
Xu Yuan was a bit bewildered…
Sima Yi chuckled, "I will go into the city tomorrow. If my esteemed teacher's prediction is correct, within a month, the defenses along the Liyang line north of the Yellow River will completely collapse!"
"Cao's army will face no further obstruction as they advance north…"
As he spoke…
Sima Yi's eyes sharpened, his gaze radiating a brilliant light!
After all…
Utilizing… such a person!
It wasn't just sending charcoal in the snow; it would undoubtedly add fuel to the fire of the northern situation!
…
…
In the late autumn, the green mountains outside Xudu City resembled painted brows, and the towering city walls of the Delyang Hall in the imperial palace could be seen in the distance.
A cavalry troop was galloping, with countless knights in black armor, imposing and majestic. The black banners held high bore the characters "Long Xiao" and "Lu" with striking clarity.
Anyone could tell that this was the Long Xiao Camp returning triumphantly!
Inside the five-horse carriage at this moment, Lu Yu unfolded a letter. This was a dispatch from Guo Jia, sent from the Imperial Secretariat, generally reporting on the recent movements of officials, the situation in the north, and the Emperor's whereabouts.
Lu Yu rested his chin on his hand, smacking his lips slightly.
Among these matters, he was most concerned about the situation in the north…
Upon reading that Yuan Shao had passed the position of heir apparent to his youngest son, Yuan Shang, yet, out of guilt, had entrusted seventy thousand troops to his eldest son, Yuan Tan…
This utterly absurd maneuver had Lu Yu's lips curling into a delighted smile.
Solid…
The northern situation was now as stable as a dog!
Indeed, there was a saying that held true – one fears not a god-like opponent, but a pig-like teammate!
Of course…
Besides the situation in the north, Lu Yu noticed another point: Princess Wannian had left the palace and was heading to a royal garden, a place that the returning Long Xiao Camp would pass by.
"Interesting."
Lu Yu's eyes narrowed, and he let out a faint chuckle.
Just then…
"Dada da…"
The sound of hooves approached, followed by Cao Xiu's voice.
"Commander, there's a troop of Imperial Guards ahead, with a carriage prepared. They say their master invites the young master to meet."
Hmm…
Lu Yu looked up.
"Order the Long Xiao Camp to make camp here. Inform the Imperial Guards that I am coming!"
"Yes!" Cao Xiu acknowledged, galloping off to relay the message.
Not long after…
Lu Yu alighted from his four-horse carriage and, with Dian Wei, boarded the Imperial Guards' carriage ahead…
Most of these Imperial Guards were loyal to Old Cao, so Lu Yu had no worries about them posing a threat. Moreover, with Dian Wei escorting him… it was absolutely foolproof.
Of course, as for the destination? And the person to meet?
Thanks to the early report from the Imperial Secretariat, Lu Yu had a clear idea. Their purpose? It was none other than to win him over!
"Giddy up…"
The towering walls of Xudu City could be seen in the distance, but the carriage turned, heading towards the countryside.
Dian Wei poked his head out, noting the incorrect direction with surprise, and inquired of the carriage driver.
"Are you Imperial Guards? Shouldn't you be heading to the palace? This isn't the way into the city!"
The driver flicked his whip and said loudly, "I am under the orders of a distinguished guest to escort the Grand Master of the Censorate, the Marquis of White Horse. There is no mistake… Upon arrival, General Xu will naturally know."
This…
Dian Wei was still bewildered. He turned to look at Lu Yu, who merely waved his hand, signaling him to remain calm…
Everything was as expected.
The driver whipped the horses faster, their hooves pounding rapidly, making the carriage itself jolt.
Finally…
The carriage stopped before a picturesque water pavilion amidst the fields. The driver jumped down first to assist Lu Yu, who looked around. Outside, water flowed murmuringly, tall trees cast a dense shade, and the clear sound of springs flowing was more pleasing than music.
This water pavilion, with its red walls and green tiles, its eaves adorned with morning glories and wisteria, was a place of great tranquility and charm!
The driver led Lu Yu directly to the door and knocked.
"Grand Master of the Censorate, Marquis of White Horse, Young Master Lu has arrived!"
At this moment… the door suddenly opened. Two neatly dressed young attendants stood there, bowing respectfully to Lu Yu. "On the orders of our master, we are here to welcome the Marquis of White Horse!"
"Your master?" Lu Yu asked, "Is it Princess Wannian?"
The young attendant did not reply but simply smiled.
"The path leads to seclusion, Marquis of White Horse, please…"
Led by the attendant, Lu Yu and Dian Wei entered the courtyard.
Here, flowers and trees were abundant, waterwheels creaked, and winding corridors led deeper within. Faintly, the sound of a zither could be heard…
Of course…
Lu Yu was not surprised by such a royal estate. Xudu City was very close to Luoyang. During the reigns of Emperors Huan and Ling, there were many imperial gardens in the vicinity, and the Han Emperor had always had a penchant for "building gardens"!
Of course… it was understandable.
With state affairs in chaos and the empire declining, if being an emperor was already this difficult, creating a garden for amusement was a common occurrence.
Emperor Wu of the Western Han, Liu Che, had built the Shanglin Park and Rabbit Park, spending lavishly.
Emperor Ming of the Eastern Han had built Guangcheng Park and Zhuolong Garden, grand and magnificent.
Emperor Huan had even demolished private residences to build the Xianyang Park…
And during the reign of the current Emperor's father… Emperor Ling, Liu Hong, with his disposition, how could he build only one or two gardens like other emperors?
That would be too stingy.
For this reason, he built the Xidong Bi Gui Garden and the Ling Kun Garden. Additionally, in the Sili region near Luoyang and the Xudu region, wherever there were imperial estates, large gardens were built.
Princess Wannian, as Emperor Ling's favorite legitimate eldest daughter, being granted several gardens did not seem surprising!
"Pa…"
Suddenly, the large door of the water pavilion closed.
Dian Wei became vigilant and was about to draw his weapon…
Previously, Lu Yu had specifically instructed him to always carry his weapon. Man and weapon together!
Thus, his twin halberds were always hidden behind him.
But…
This time, before the twin halberds could be drawn, Lu Yu waved his hand, signaling him not to be tense.
"Commander Dian, the other party has no ill intentions!"
Lu Yu smiled slightly…
He instructed Dian Wei to guard the door while he alone followed the sound of the music into the house.
Within the pavilion, in the grand hall, amidst soft jade and warm fragrance… it was opulent yet retained its elegance. Dozens of beautiful maids, some arranging wine, some burning incense, some arranging flowers, all moved with silent grace, like paintings.
Upon seeing Lu Yu, they silently curtsied, then returned to their tasks.
Lu Yu felt as if he were in a dream…
As if he had arrived in an otherworldly paradise, a celestial realm.
Tap tap…
His footsteps continued forward, following the sound of the music, and Lu Yu entered the inner chamber.
Dimly visible, a beautiful woman was playing the zither. Pushing aside the black beaded curtain, Lu Yu gazed at the ethereal figure before the guqin…
Suddenly, the beauty looked up and smiled at Lu Yu. For a moment, Lu Yu was stunned.
The music was lingering and sorrowful, with alternating tempos and clear notes. After a long while… the woman finally stopped, stood up gracefully, and saw Lu Yu's gaze fixed upon her.
She asked with a smile, "Is the Marquis of White Horse staring at me?"
The woman's intention was that Lu Yu's gaze made her a little shy, and she wanted him to restrain himself. Who would have thought that Lu Yu's reply would be so direct.
"Why? Is Princess Wannian so beautiful that one cannot look at her more?"
This…
Princess Wannian, Liu Xue, her beautiful eyes widened unintentionally, her face flushing with embarrassment.
Was she… being flirted with?
Being flirted with by her future husband on the night before their wedding?
…
…
The Prime Minister's Residence.
Xun Yu stood beside Cao Cao, as if this pair of "bosom friends" had just finished discussing some matters.
In the middle, Xu Chu, the commander of the Tiger Guards, delivered an urgent report. Cao Cao unfolded the bamboo slip, read it, and then let out a cold smile.
Xun Yu asked, "Prime Minister Cao's expression is rather peculiar. It's likely related to the eldest son, isn't it?"
In the study of the Prime Minister's residence at this moment, only Cao Cao and Xun Yu were present.
In private, Xun Yu referred to Lu Yu as "eldest son."
"Somewhat…"
Cao Cao replied, but without going into too much detail.
Xun Yu asked curiously, "Isn't today the triumphant return of the Long Xiao Camp?"
His implication was… that something untoward should not be happening today.
"Haha…"
Upon hearing this, Cao Cao laughed heartily, "The Long Xiao Camp's cavalry did reach the borders of Xudu, but they did not enter the city."
Xun Yu was slightly startled. "Then… where is the eldest son?"
Cao Cao replied with a smile, "In the bosom of a beauty! Yu'er is far more comfortable than us now. The Emperor arranged for Princess Wannian to welcome him in advance. And this welcoming reception is at a royal garden previously bestowed by the late Emperor upon Princess Wannian! Looking at it this way, it's not just a welcome, but also a cleansing!"
As he said this…
"Hahaha…" Cao Cao laughed heartily, "Yu'er must be drunk in the lap of a beauty by now, wouldn't you say?"
Hiss…
Xun Yu was somewhat puzzled.
It seemed… that His Majesty's actions were completely unnecessary, wasn't it?
Lu Yu and Princess Wannian were not yet married; at most, it was an imperial marriage arrangement. However… if the news of her leaving the city to welcome her husband spread, it would become a sensational rumor throughout Xudu.
It was even possible that it would spread that the eldest princess of the Han Dynasty was impatient and was meeting her lover before the wedding… or that Princess Wannian was sexually frustrated and forcefully… whatever!
This…
Xun Yu's eyes narrowed. "Prime Minister? Was this truly arranged by His Majesty?"
Cao Cao shook his head. "You underestimate His Majesty. Such matters concern the dignity of the imperial family. How could His Majesty arrange it? Princess Wannian's actions here seem to serve as a form of cover for His Majesty!"
As he said this, Cao Cao paused.
"Compared to the face of the imperial family, it appears His Majesty wishes to have an open and frank conversation with Yu'er!"
Heh…
With Cao Cao's explanation, Xun Yu understood. No wonder… when he went to pay his respects at the Chongde Hall this morning, His Majesty refused, citing a slight cold. It turned out… His Majesty was no longer in the imperial palace…
Upon realizing this, Xun Yu looked back at Cao Cao…
Whether His Majesty was in the imperial palace or not seemed… less important!
Because… no matter where His Majesty was, he could not escape Cao Cao's control. Perhaps… Cao Cao viewed His Majesty's private meeting with Lu Yu as something he would gladly witness.
"Prime Minister, aren't you afraid that His Majesty…" Xun Yu trailed off mid-sentence.
"Haha…" Cao Cao laughed heartily, "Lord Xun, His Majesty, like you and I, is a wise person. There are things we should not overstep!"
"Furthermore, this great undertaking, I, Cao Cao, will eventually pass it to Yu'er. Yu'er and the Son of Heaven – one is the future of the Cao camp, and the other is the ruler in the experienced world of the aristocratic clans. This early conversation between them, in my view… is something to be welcomed!"
Whoa…
What a domineering statement!
What a confident statement!
Between the lines, Cao Cao's complete confidence in his eldest son was evident!
Huuu…
Xun Yu let out a long sigh. Cao Cao was right… One side was the imperial court, and the other was the Cao camp. Lu Yu's conversation with the Son of Heaven held deep meaning… and far-reaching influence!
"Lord Xun…" At this moment, Cao Cao spoke again. "We have finished discussing official matters. Next, I wish to discuss a private matter with you!"
Hmm…
A private matter?
Xun Yu had a strong premonition that this private matter would be related to Lu Yu.
Indeed…
Cao Cao's words followed in succession. "Now that Yuan Shao is dead and the internal situation is largely stable, then… the top priority for me, Cao Cao, is how to reveal Yu'er's identity! How to smoothly hand over the position of heir apparent to him!"
"Lord Xun, you are always thoughtful and meticulous. This matter must be handled entirely by you! There will undoubtedly be a series of obstacles, but with Yu'er's meritorious deeds, my resolve as Cao Cao, and your strong support as Lord Xun, the three of us working together will sweep away all obstructions!"
Huuu…
Huuu…
Although he had been prepared, upon hearing Cao Cao's words, Xun Yu's heart was still greatly stirred, and he took two deep breaths.
Finally…
Finally, Cao Cao was going to take the step towards acknowledging his father-son relationship? Cao Cao was going to take the step… towards handing over the position of heir apparent to his illegitimate eldest son?
And all of this…
The primary obstacle would be…
"Prime Minister…"
Xun Yu's expression suddenly became serious. "It is simple for the Prime Minister to acknowledge his father-son relationship with Zi Yu, but the matter of the heir apparent is far more significant!"
"And first and foremost, the Prime Minister needs to persuade one son, one madam, and the entire clan!"
As expected of Xun Yu…
Concise and to the point, he had hit the crux of the issue!
Appointing an illegitimate son as the heir apparent was an act against the world's common sense. If even the slightest error occurred, the struggle for the heir apparent within the Yuan clan of the northern regions would serve as a cautionary tale!
And the crucial point lay with one son, one madam, and the clan members!
Whoosh…
Cao Cao gasped for air. Lord Xun was right!
But…
Despite the immense difficulty, it was time… time to take this step.
—For Yu'er!
—And for the麒麟儿 of the Cao family!
—And even more so for the common people, for the future overlord of the world!
…
…
Outside Xudu City, at the water pavilion.
"My Lord has listened for a long time, do you recognize this melody?"
Princess Wannian, Liu Xue, gracefully rose and personally poured a cup of tea for Lu Yu, handing it to him with a smiling expression and asking.
"It seems to be "Qin Cao," written by my sister Zhaoji's father, Master Cai Yong!"
Lu Yu took a sip of tea and replied softly.
He had been raised in the Cai residence since childhood. Cai Yong was particularly fond of playing the zither, and the pinnacle of zither music was this "Qin Cao."
Of course…
"Qin Cao" was not something that anyone could play; it was extremely difficult!
What surprised Lu Yu was that, besides sister Zhaoji, Princess Wannian could actually play it.
Cai Yong's "Qin Cao" contained a total of forty-seven pieces. In addition to recording the musical scores, it also documented the composer of the musical pieces, their intent, the background of their creation, and related stories.
The vast majority were of the pre-Qin period, with only two or three pieces being stories from the Western Han, which was most rare.
And…
The piece Princess Wannian, Liu Xue, had just played was the second most difficult one.
In terms of difficulty, it was second only to the "Nie Zheng Assassination of Qin King" piece!
Of course…
Sister Zhaoji would gently strum the "Jiaowei" zither every day, playing such pieces. Lu Yu, listening daily, naturally knew them all by heart.
"Boyu met Zhong Ziqi with affection and composed this piece! I never imagined that the Princess could play such a difficult piece!"
Lu Yu sighed softly.
Princess Liu Xue opened her eyes and immediately asked, "A zither needs a kindred spirit to bring forth emotion. Does my music possess emotion in the eyes of my Lord?"
Ha…
Upon hearing this, Lu Yu laughed.
He stood up abruptly.
"The so-called emotion is a matter between two people. However… there are three people in this water pavilion? For this reason, I have not yet heard the Princess's emotions, but I do feel a sense of urgency from His Majesty who wishes to see me…"
As he spoke, Lu Yu looked around.
Suddenly he opened his mouth and said, "Your Majesty, since you have come, why not come out and meet?"
Upon these words…
The Princess Wannian, who had been smiling, instantly froze…
She subconsciously looked up towards the second floor…
Of course, she did not know that a mere painting from the Imperial Secretariat, coupled with Ju Shou's keen observation, had exposed her brother's whereabouts!
She knew even less that from the moment she entered the door, Lu Yu had been searching for this Son of Heaven!
Boyu, Zhong Ziqi!
The piece Princess Wannian, Liu Xue, had played earlier was not so much expressing the Princess's intended mood as it was directly conveying… His Majesty's earnest wish!
—His Majesty and Lu Yu…
—Boyu and Zhong Ziqi!
Heh heh…
It was merely a wish!
…
…