The Imperial Palace in Xuchang City, within the Jiaofang Hall.
Empress Fu Shou had specifically invited Madam Ding Xiang, wife of Xiahou Yuan, to the palace.
As for her purpose...
"Madam Ding, the results should be out soon. Please be patient, Madam," Fu Shou said gracefully, holding Madam Ding Xiang's hand.
The results.
Naturally, it was the results of checking Xiao Qiao's physical condition.
The imperial family marrying off daughters and conducting pre-nuptial examinations was a rule. Empress Fu Shou summoning Madam Ding was at the behest of Emperor Liu Xie, and it could be seen as the Han court showing the utmost respect.
Of course, this also reflected Emperor Liu Xie's change in mindset. He had, in essence, begun to regard Lu Yu as an "ally," an ally on the same side!
"Your Majesty, what are you saying? Our General's mansion has no such pre-nuptial examination rule... If this were to spread, people would say Jun'er is overstepping her bounds."
Despite Madam Ding Xiang's usually boisterous demeanor, she spoke with great tact in front of the Empress.
As soon as she finished speaking.
"Your Majesty, Empress!" an old嬷嬷 (auntie, senior palace maid) hurried over. "The examination is done... and we've questioned her thoroughly."
"How was it?"
Empress Fu Shou took a sip of tea, trying her best to remain calm.
Ding Xiang, however, slightly raised her head. This concerned Jun'er's future, and though she said nothing, she was very eager to know.
The old嬷嬷, with her weathered face, seemed accustomed to such matters. The female officials who accompanied her, however, all blushed.
The old嬷嬷 said, "According to my examination, Marquis of Baima possesses great prowess. His body is far more robust than that of ordinary people!"
"And Miss Xiao Qiao also said that Marquis of Baima is exceptionally talented, unlike others."
Phew...
Upon hearing this, both Empress Fu Shou and Ding Xiang let out a sigh of relief.
It wasn't that they had doubted Lu Yu, but rather... until the results were confirmed, they had both been anxious.
Especially Empress Fu Shou...
Ever since she entered the palace and became Empress, she had never known what it meant to have a body stronger than ordinary people, or to be exceptionally talented and unlike others.
With a gulp, Fu Shou swallowed. A slight blush appeared on her face.
"Your Majesty..." Ding Xiang's words startled Fu Shou. "Good. According to the original date, the wedding will be held tomorrow... tomorrow!"
"Yes!" The old嬷嬷 and the palace maids bowed in acknowledgment.
...
...
The wedding was imminent.
Everything was now in place, only awaiting the opportune moment. The arrangements for fetching the bride were being handled by the Minister of Ceremonies and the Grand Astrologer, depending on how much dowry the Xiahou family and the imperial family would provide.
Although the custom of "ten miles of red dowry" was not yet widespread in this era, it was expected to be substantial.
In the Prime Minister's mansion, Cao Cao was dressed in casual attire. His brothers Cao Ren, Cao Chun, Xiahou Yuan, Xiahou Dun, and Cao Hong were all present. Each of these men had an intricate connection with Lu Yu.
In Cao Cao's eyes, these were all "his own people," his and his son's kin.
They chatted casually about various things...
As if they were happier about this wedding than their own.
Never did they expect...
Just then.
"Prime Minister..." Xu Chu entered with a stern expression, holding a letter.
"What is this?" Cao Cao's eyes narrowed slightly... he was curious. At such a time, why would there still be a letter?
He took the letter and opened it.
Upon reading it, he was utterly startled.
This was Yu'er's letter... and its contents.
Cao Cao's gaze suddenly sharpened.
His brothers immediately asked, "Eldest Brother? What is the matter?"
Cao Cao's expression turned serious, and he abruptly stood up.
"Everyone, heed my command!"
Uh... Heed the command!
As these two words were spoken, everyone was taken aback, but after years in the military, their subconscious reaction was to bow.
"Miaocai, Zixiao, Zihui, the three of you immediately gather elite cavalry, travel light, and race against time to attack Liyang City!"
Uh...
Xiahou Yuan, Cao Ren, and Cao Chun were stunned.
Gathering troops was not unfamiliar. A few days ago, Eldest Brother Cao Cao had already gone over it, asking them to select elite cavalry and be ready at any time.
Of course...
That was merely to select them.
At least in their opinion, even if some military action was to be taken, it would be after Lu Yu's wedding. Moreover... Xiahou Yuan was among them?
How could the father of the bride not be present at his daughter's wedding, and instead be sent away?
This...
"Eldest Brother..."
Cao Ren was about to speak, suggesting that Xiahou Yuan stay.
But Cao Cao's words came out first. "This was proposed by Zi Yu. Now that I have handed the military seals to him, his word is law!"
Uh...
This silenced Cao Ren.
Cao Cao then walked quickly to Xiahou Yuan. "Miaocai, as far as I know, your son-in-law has been setting this trap for a long time. At the time of the final sweep, if you do not make a move, Zi Yu will not be at ease!"
This...
Xiahou Yuan's expression immediately turned solemn.
"Eldest Brother, rest assured. This younger brother will not fail the mission..."
"Let this Liyang City be my dowry for Jun'er!"
With that said, Xiahou Yuan turned and strode away quickly. Cao Ren and Cao Chun glanced at Cao Cao again. Seeing his firm resolve, they also followed Xiahou Yuan.
Traveling light and racing against time, Lu Zi Yu intended to play a big hand this time!
Liyang?
Was he aiming to open the gates of the Northern Expedition on his wedding day?
Upon this thought, a glint flashed in the eyes of Cao Ren and Cao Chun.
...
...
On the north bank of the Yellow River, at Liyang City, the guards on the city walls were complaining about the dreadful weather. The sudden torrential rain had caused a misty layer of water on the ground, soaking their shoes and socks, causing them to shiver involuntarily.
After finally enduring until the late hours of the night, they all found places to shelter from the rain to rest a bit, and to take a nap. The night was long, and some were struggling to stay awake.
Just then... a few guards' eyes lit up. While no one was on the city wall, they quickly opened the drawbridge... Someone had shot a flare arrow into the darkness.
At that moment.
"Swish..."
Countless soldiers suddenly emerged from the nearby bushes. Taking advantage of the pitch-black night and the sound of raindrops, they charged forward madly.
The one stationed in Liyang City was Yuan Shang's confidant, Shen Pei. With his years of keen intuition, even in the heavy rain, he sensed someone below the city.
He immediately stood up, ignoring the pouring rain, and drew his long sword with a "swoosh."
"Enemy attack, repel the enemy..."
As this command was given...
Countless guards on the city wall roused themselves. When they returned to their posts on the ramparts, they were astonished to discover that the attacking enemies were none other than their own Yuan faction.
That's right, it was Yuan Tan's troops, who were originally stationed outside the city!
They... why?
Before the questions could be uttered...
"Kill, kill, kill..."
The shouts of killing were deafening. Yuan Tan personally led his fifteen thousand troops in a full assault on Liyang City.
Ah... Ah...
Cries of agony echoed incessantly. In an instant, swords flashed and blood flowed like a river!
...
...
"Dada da!"
"Drip drip drip..."
Under the moonlight, the torrential rain poured down. Suddenly, the sound of cavalry hooves mingled with the patter of the rain, resounding near Cangting Port.
A legion that was secretly resting in the area suddenly lit up. However, the firelight flashed and vanished, as if extinguished by the rain.
The knights quickly headed in the direction of the firelight.
"General, something has happened in Liyang City!"
"The Yuan brothers are fighting, turning on each other!"
"Just now, Yuan Tan led over ten thousand troops to Liyang City. Now... Yuan Tan's forces have entered the city, all the city gates are open, and fierce street fighting is underway."
Hoo...
After a long exhale.
The burly man who had been sitting on the ground suddenly stood up and laughed heartily, "Hahahaha... Hahahaha!" He tilted his head back and laughed uproariously.
He was Zang Ba, and beside him were his Taishan troops!
In the past, Lu Yu, through Lü Bu's introduction, had taken in thirty thousand Taishan troops.
However...
Lu Yu did not bring them back to Xuchang immediately. Instead, he had them secretly infiltrate the area, and when the time was ripe, Lu Yu would issue them a secret mission!
And that mission was precisely to surprise Liyang City.
One must know...
The Yuan brothers had no idea that the Taishan army had pledged allegiance to Lu Yu...
The gaze of these two brothers remained fixed on Guandu and the Cao army's direction.
According to Lu Yu's prediction.
After Cao Cao and his generals and troops withdrew from Guandu, the brothers, who had once shared a common enemy, would instantly turn on each other. This was an old habit of the Yuan family, was it not?
"When it comes to accurate calculations, I, Zang Ba, only admire Lu Zi Yu. Indeed, the Yuan brothers have turned on each other! Hahaha, hahaha!"
Upon this thought...
Zang Ba waved his hand decisively. "Brothers, today we break Liyang and take this 'letter of submission.' Then, we brothers will be able to hold our heads high in the Dragon Cavalry Camp."
"Big Brother, my great saber has long been thirsty."
"Big Brother, let's go get 'em!"
"Big Brother, is it true that the Dragon Cavalry Camp eats three catties of meat per person every day? Is it true?"
Heh heh...
Hearing his brothers' words, Zang Ba smiled. "If we capture Liyang City today, Big Brother guarantees you five catties of meat per person every day!"
Awooo...
In an instant, countless soldiers were completely fired up.
The happiness of ancient soldiers was so pure and simple.
At this moment...
The ready Taishan army at Cangting Port, like phantoms, charged towards Liyang City!
This battle...
It was destined to open the gateway to the northern territories.
...
...
(ps: After writing this, my unit notified me to go back and get a nucleic acid test overnight! It's possible it's over, totally screwed. I'll send what I've finished early.)