diymy Chapter 41 You want me to be buried with Lü Bu? Are you kidding me?
Chapter 41 You want me to be buried with Lü Bu? Are you kidding me?
Liu Bei frowned, deep in thought and remaining silent. After a long while, Liu Bei sighed and said, "What you say makes sense, but we can't hold out in Xiaopei forever. The only plan now is for me to go north to Qingzhou and ask Yuan Tan, the eldest son of the Yuan family, for help, and request him to send troops south to rescue us."
Pointing south, he added, "On the other hand, we should send someone to Xiapi immediately to request reinforcements from Lü Bu. This way, we can attack from both the north and south, coordinating from within and without. Perhaps we can not only hold Xiaopei, but also decisively defeat Cao Cao!"
Liu Bei's words invigorated everyone.
Zhang Fei exclaimed excitedly, "Brother, this plan is brilliant! I think it's feasible!"
Liu Bei replied, "However, this plan still requires one person to lead the army to defend Xiaopei and keep Cao Cao trapped under the city walls." He had barely finished speaking when...
Guan Yu said with a sigh, "Brother, no one but me is fit for this task. I am willing to defend Xiaopei to the death for you!" "Me too!" Zhang Fei echoed.
Zhao Yun also cupped his hands and said, "I am also willing to stay and defend the city!" Mi Fang, Sun Qian, Jian Yong and others also expressed their opinions.
After much deliberation, Liu Bei ordered Guan Yu, Zhao Yun, and Mi Fang to defend the city, and sent Jian Yong to Xiapi to seek help from Lü Bu. Liu Bei himself, along with Zhang Fei and Sun Qian, headed north to Qingzhou to seek assistance from Yuan Tan. Meanwhile, in Xuzhou, the flames of war reignited.
Xiapi City, the prefecture capital.
Lu Bu sat high at the head of the table, tapping the table as he listened to his daughter describe the Battle of Hulu. "Guan Yu is quite capable, isn't he? Four thousand troops couldn't even take Hulu City, so he retreated without a fight?" A strange look flashed in Lu Bu's eyes.
Lu Lingqi said, "Guan Yu was almost able to capture Hulu, but at the critical moment, someone impersonated his father and launched a surprise attack on Xiaopei, which frightened Liu Bei into hastily ordering Guan Yu to retreat and return to reinforce the area."
"Impersonating me, launching a surprise attack on Xiaopei?" Lü Bu's eyes widened as he demanded, "Who is so audacious as to impersonate me!" "The Cao army in Hulu County would never have resorted to such a tactic. I suspect it's that boy named Gu Cheng," Lü Lingqi said in a complex tone. "Gu Cheng?" Lü Bu thought for a moment, then asked, "Could it be the boy you mentioned in your previous letter, the one who saved you and Gao Shun, but then stole half a cart of gold from you?"
"It is indeed this person." Lü Lingqi nodded and said, "This person not only robbed us of half a cart of gold, but also ransacked the Mi family and intercepted Liu Bei's fiancée, Lady Mi. It was because of this that Liu Bei was so angry and embarrassed that he sent Guan Yu to attack Hulu City."
"This kid does have some guts and skills. In a small city like Hulu, there are still such people?" Lu Bu's eyes flashed with intense interest.
Lu Lingqi continued, "I have already inquired about it. It is said that the salt from Xudu was also made by this person, and he also has a fierce general named Xu Chu by his side, whose martial arts are comparable to Zhang Fei's."
Lu Bu's expression changed slightly.
Back at Hulao Pass, he had fought against Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei. Although Zhang Fei was no match for him, he knew very well how skilled Zhang Fei was. Looking across the land, there were very few who could rival Zhang Fei.
Gu Cheng, an unknown figure, a young master from a minor clan, it's truly surprising that he has such a formidable man willing to serve as his bodyguard. "This Gu Cheng is indeed extraordinary. If he could be of service to me, that would be wonderful..." Lü Bu nodded slightly, his eyes showing increasing appreciation. Suddenly.
His eyes lit up, and he said happily, "Qi'er, go to Hulu again and persuade Gu Cheng to come to Xiapi to serve me."
"Father wants to use Gu Cheng?" Lü Lingqi was quite surprised.
Lu Bu nodded slightly: "I have no shortage of fierce generals under my command, but I lack strategists. Since this man is quite intelligent, why can't I use him?"
"My father has Chen Gong and Chen Deng under his command, both of whom are exceptionally intelligent. How can you say that he has no strategists to assist him?" Lu Lingqi asked in bewilderment.
"Chen Gongtai was merely someone who used me to seize Yanzhou and drive out Cao Cao. After the failure, he had no choice but to follow me to Xuzhou."
"As for Chen Yuanlong, he had served Tao Qian and Liu Bei before, and he has only recently submitted to my father. It is still unknown how loyal he is."
"Both of these men come from prominent families. They may not say it out loud, but they certainly look down on my background. They might not be of one mind with me."
Lu Bu sighed, revealing his predicament. Lu Lingqi suddenly understood and said, "I understand now. Gu Cheng comes from a humble, declining family, unlike the likes of Chen Deng who come from prominent backgrounds. If Father is willing to recruit him as a strategist, he will be overwhelmed with gratitude and will certainly serve Father wholeheartedly!"
"As expected of my daughter, Lü Bu, she truly deserves the title of 'intelligent and clever'!" Lü Bu praised with a smile.
Lu Lingqi then cupped her hands in greeting: "Your daughter understands. Your daughter will set off north immediately and will certainly bring Gu Cheng back for Father." Thereupon, she took her leave.
No sooner had Lü Lingqi left than Chen Gong arrived with a grave expression.
He cupped his hands in greeting and said in a deep voice, "Lord Wen, Cao Cao is finally going to make a move against our Xu Province!" Lü Bu's brows furrowed, and he waved for him to continue. "Cao Cao's 30,000-strong army is marching swiftly and is now at the gates of Xiaopei."
"Liu Bei dared not hold out to the death, leaving only Guan Yu to guard the city while he himself headed north to Qingzhou to seek reinforcements from Yuan Tan." "He also sent Jian Yong to request that Marquis Wen (Liu Bei) send troops north, so that the three armies could attack from the north and south, coordinating from within and without, and annihilate Cao Cao's army beneath the walls of Xiaopei!"
Chen Gong explained the situation to the public.
"That Liu Bei, he really does escape faster than any rabbit," Lü Bu said with a mocking expression, yet he also praised, "However, his plan to annihilate them from three directions sounds quite ingenious. What do you think, Gongtai?"
"Liu Bei appears benevolent on the surface, but is actually treacherous and cunning." "His plan seems clever, but he merely wants to use us to relieve his siege of Xiaopei." Chen Gong exposed Liu Bei's intentions. Lü Bu frowned and said, "Then, according to Gongtai's plan, I will not go to rescue Xiaopei?"
"No, Xiaopei is the gateway to Xuzhou. If it falls, Cao Cao's army can drive straight in and invade Xiapi!" "Therefore, I think that Marquis Wen should lead his army north, but also observe and not fight. When Cao Cao and Liu Bei are fighting fiercely at the city gates and both are exhausted, Marquis Wen can then reap the benefits."
Chen Gong, a cold smile on his face, offered a plan. "Hmm, Gongtai's plan suits my taste perfectly." Lü Bu's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he slammed his hand on the table: "We'll proceed according to your plan! The army will march north immediately. I want to see how Cao Cao and Liu Bei fight like dogs!"
A sarcastic laugh rang out in the lobby.
Lakeside City, Gu Residence.
As dawn broke, Gu Cheng finally woke up. Pushing open the door, he found Mi Huan already standing outside. "Young Master is awake. Huan'er will help you wash up," Mi Huan said, having seemed to have been waiting for him for some time. Seeing Gu Cheng emerge, she hurried forward with a copper basin. Gu Cheng was slightly taken aback.
He hadn't expected Mi Huan to get into character so quickly; the bet had only been made a few days ago, and she was already so proactive. Gu Cheng smiled and didn't refuse, accepting readily. After washing his face and changing his clothes, he stepped outside the courtyard, and the sun was already high in the sky. "Young master, breakfast is ready. Please enjoy it," Mi Huan immediately presented Gu Cheng with delicious porridge and fruit.
Gu Cheng couldn't help but praise, "You, a young lady from a wealthy family, are surprisingly considerate when it comes to taking care of people." Mi Huan blushed slightly, but didn't say anything, only serving Gu Cheng rice and dishes.
Before the chopsticks were even touched, Xu Chu came over and said, "Young master, that pretty boy is here. He says he wants to visit you." "Pretty boy? Which pretty boy?" Gu Cheng looked blank.
"That's the fellow who gave us half a cart of gold that day," Xu Chu added. Gu Cheng then remembered that he must be referring to Lu Bu's subordinate, whose martial arts were not weak. What was he doing here? Could it be that he was dissatisfied and wanted to come and cause trouble, to get back the half cart of gold? Gu Cheng was not afraid of him, so he waved his hand: "Guests are guests, please invite him in." A moment later, a young man in white stepped into the courtyard.
Xu Chu, knowing the man possessed some skill, quickly positioned himself behind Gu Cheng on guard. "Brother Gu, how have you been?" Lü Lingqi greeted him with a smile, her attitude much more amiable than before. Gu Cheng returned the greeting, "It seems your arm injury has almost healed. What brings you here today?"
As he spoke, Gu Cheng asked someone to bring him a seat and some tea.
Lu Lingqi sat down and smiled, saying, "Brother Gu has been kind to us. Now that my injury has healed, how could I not come to express my gratitude?" "No need for thanks," Gu Cheng waved his hand. "Brother, you are so generous, giving me half a cartload of gold as a token of your gratitude. That's more than enough." Lu Lingqi sneered inwardly, thinking, "What do you mean by generous? I was clearly threatened and forced into this situation." Despite her inner complaints, Lu Lingqi could only offer a forced smile.
"I thought you went to Hanoi to buy horses, but I didn't expect you to still be in Lake Lu City," Gu Cheng said casually, pouring her a cup of tea.
Lu Lingqi's expression changed slightly, and she asked in surprise, "Brother Gu, how did you know that we were going to Hanoi to buy horses?" "Your Marquis Wen is an old friend of Zhang Yang, the governor of Hanoi. If he wants to go to the north to buy horses, where else can he go but Hanoi?" Gu Cheng took a sip of tea and said casually.
Lu Lingqi was shocked and asked in surprise, "Brother Gu, how did you know we were Marquis Wen's subordinates?" "Oh dear, the tea is getting cold, brother, have some tea." Gu Cheng didn't want to talk any more and changed the subject. Lu Lingqi, however, had no interest in drinking tea and said seriously, "Brother Gu, please tell me the truth about how you knew our identities!"
Seeing her so anxious, Gu Cheng felt helpless.
"In the entire Xuzhou, apart from the Mi family, there are very few people who can afford to take out a cartload of gold to do business." "Your team is composed of elite soldiers, well-trained, and far superior to ordinary powerful families' troops." "Moreover, most of you have northern accents." "All these details combined mean that I can't think of any other explanation besides that you are subordinates of Marquis Wen." Gu Cheng calmly and unhurriedly revealed the reason.
Lu Lingqi suddenly realized, and couldn't help but ask again, "Even so, how do you know that we're going north to buy horses?" "That's even simpler."
Gu Cheng smiled dismissively.
"Lu Bu was invincible, relying on the Bingzhou Iron Cavalry. Cavalry was his magic weapon for victory!" "Xuzhou does not produce horses. He has fought many battles, and he must have lost a lot of warhorses, so he urgently needs to replenish them." "So you took so much gold north. If you weren't going to buy horses, were you going to buy silk and satin?" Gu Cheng asked with a cold smile.
Lu Lingqi fell silent, her bright eyes re-examining Gu Cheng, a look of shock surging within them.
"He only met us by chance, yet he was able to easily see through our origins and clearly understand the true nature of our father."
"Such insight and wisdom far surpass that of Chen Gong; he is indeed a rare talent." "Yes, I must recruit him for my father!" Lü Lingqi clicked her tongue in amazement, secretly making up her mind. "Brother Gu is truly exceptional in wisdom; I admire him." Lü Lingqi cupped her hands in praise, then said seriously, "Since Brother Gu has seen through it, then I will not hide it. Indeed, I am a subordinate of Marquis Wen, and I was indeed ordered by Marquis Wen to go to Hanoi County to buy horses that day."
She introduced herself, but Gu Cheng remained unfazed, showing no surprise whatsoever.
He took a sip of tea and said calmly, "Brother, you've come here not to intimidate me with Lu Bu's reputation and try to get the half-cart of gold back, have you? Let me make it clear beforehand, I will never return this gold."
"How could that be?" Lü Lingqi quickly shook her head, but smiled and said, "That half cart of gold is both a thank you to Brother Gu for saving me and a betrothal gift. Brother Gu, please accept it without worry."
"Dowry?" Gu Cheng looked up at her blankly.
Lu Lingqi stood up, straightened her clothes, and solemnly bowed, saying, "Today, I am here on the orders of Marquis Wen to invite Brother Gu to Xiapi to lend Marquis Wen a helping hand."
Gu Cheng's eyes lit up. What's going on?
Was he trying to recruit him on behalf of Lü Bu? Having slightly lost his composure, Gu Cheng couldn't help but burst into laughter.
Lu Lingqi frowned and said unhappily, "I kindly invited Brother Gu to take up an official post and to seek a future for you. What is so laughable about this?" "A bright future?" Gu Cheng put away his smile and said, "Brother, you want me to give up this life of wealth and leisure to go to Xiapi to be buried with Lü Bu, and you say it's to seek a bright future for me. How can I not find it laughable?"
The words "to be buried with him" were like a knife, piercing Lü Lingqi's nerves. Her face immediately darkened, and she gripped her sword tightly. Behind Gu Cheng, Xu Chu's tiger-like eyes glared, his hand already on the hilt of his sword.
Lu Lingqi suddenly remembered that Xu Chu's martial arts were comparable to Zhang Fei's, and she couldn't help but feel apprehensive, daring not to act rashly. "Brother, don't be agitated. My words may have been harsh, but they were the truth. Please don't take offense," Gu Cheng said with a slight apology. Lu Lingqi's anger subsided somewhat, but she frowned and said, "Lord Lu Wenhou's martial arts are unparalleled, and now he dominates Xuzhou, his power shaking the world. Yet you say you want to go and be buried with him? I don't understand what you mean."
"So what?"
"Yuan Shu was no more powerful than Lü Bu back then, and he was so glorious, but in the end, he was destroyed by Cao Cao in the blink of an eye."
Gu Cheng said with a disdainful look in his eyes.
Lu Lingqi's heart skipped a beat, lost in thought. Then, she coldly scoffed, "Yuan Shu is incompetent; how can he be compared to Marquis Wen? Do you truly believe that Cao Cao, who destroyed Yuan Shu, can also destroy Marquis Wen?"
"Lu Bu is indeed stronger than Yuan Shu, much stronger."
"If he had only been content to be a military general, he would surely have become a renowned general, celebrated by posterity!" Gu Cheng said solemnly, praising Lü Bu highly. Lü Lingqi's expression brightened, a hint of pride flashing in her eyes. "What a pity," Gu Cheng said, changing the subject.
"He's not content with being a military general; he's overestimating himself and wants to become a regional warlord, vying for the world with warlords like Yuan Shao and Cao Cao." "His ambition doesn't match his ability; if he doesn't perish, what justice is there!" Lü Lingqi's expression suddenly changed; she could no longer tolerate it.
She slammed her hand on the table, pointed at Gu Cheng, and angrily said, "Gu Cheng, how dare you show such contempt for my father... my Marquis Wen!" Gu Cheng's brows furrowed. Behind him...
Xu Chu's tiger-like eyes widened in fury as he drew his sword and roared, "Pretty boy, how dare you yell at my young master! Believe me, I'll chop you down right now!"
The atmosphere in the courtyard became tense, as if swords were about to be drawn.