Three Kingdoms: Start by marrying Cai Yan, then vie for supremacy.

23

Yan Xiang thought to himself, "Does the lord really think this way? Does he want to live forever on the list of achievements of his ancestors?" If he remains obstinate, Yuan Shu's career will probably come to an end.

Facing Yan Xiang's intense gaze, Yuan Shu felt extremely uncomfortable and finally waved his hand in frustration: "Enough! In terms of military strength! Is military strength enough? In other aspects, I am by no means inferior to him, and may even be far superior." Hmph! How could Lu Feng's meager foundation compare to his Yuan family?

"Exactly!"

Yan Xiang nodded: "It is indeed a strong military force! What is particularly lacking is a peerless general under Lord Wu's command!"

"While our General Ji Ling is skilled in commanding troops, his martial arts are not top-notch. But Lü Bu is different! He is a top-tier general on par with Zhao Yun and Dian Wei, and his Bingzhou wolf cavalry and Xiliang elite troops are exceptionally brave, no less so than Wu Hou's iron cavalry!"

"Wouldn't it be wiser to bring them under our control than to resort to arms?"

"Know that our greatest enemy now is Lord Wu, Lu Feng, not Lü Bu!"

"If we can borrow Lü Bu's strength to fight against Wu Hou in the small territory of Nanyang, this deal might not be a bad one."

"I urge Your Majesty to reconsider!"

The key lies in Lü Bu's unparalleled bravery among the three armies.

Yan Xiang feared that if they launched a full-scale attack, even if they won, they would suffer heavy losses. At this critical juncture, such a move would be unwise. Therefore, turning the enemy into an ally was the best strategy.

"Um?"

Yuan Shu's expression was initially displeased, but he became interested by the end, stroking his beard and laughing, "That's quite insightful!"

"Lu Ziyi is indeed extraordinary; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to defeat Hua Xiong so easily and take Liang County and other places."

"I have been troubled by this man recently! Lü Bu and his Bingzhou Wolf Cavalry are indeed the best candidates."

"However, how can we form an alliance with him? And how can we get him under our control?"

If Yuan Shu could exchange Nanyang for Lü Bu, a fierce general, and his tens of thousands of cavalry, he would be happy to do so.

How valiant Lü Bu must have been back then?

If it weren't for the combined efforts of Zhao Yun and Dian Wei under Lu Feng's command, Lü Bu would have almost completely overwhelmed the allied forces.

Who wouldn't be tempted by such a fierce general?

"Clearly explain the advantages and disadvantages, appeal to genuine emotions, and entice with tangible benefits!"

Yan Xiang bowed and offered his advice.

"What do you mean?"

Yuan Shu was completely bewildered.

What kind of riddle is this?

Yan Xiang immediately explained, "Lü Bu suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the Marquis of Wu and knows his power well. We only need to send an eloquent person to persuade him with the threat of the Marquis of Wu, and he will surely be able to convince him."

Even if Lü Bu was unaware of the situation, his strategist Chen Gong would certainly be able to weigh the pros and cons.

"Furthermore, he seized Nanyang from our lord first. If our lord is open and honest in resolving this enmity, the two sides will surely be able to put aside their past grievances and form an alliance!"

"This is to reason with them and appeal to their emotions."

"To jointly destroy the Marquis of Wu and divide his territory was to lure him with benefits."

"I've also heard that Lü Bu has a daughter of marriageable age. My lord, you might consider proposing a marriage alliance. In that case, Lü Bu will surely be of service to you!"

Yuan Shu nodded repeatedly after hearing this: "Yan Xiang's words are excellent! We will proceed according to your plan! This matter is entirely entrusted to you!"

"Yes, sir!"

Yan Xiang's face lit up with joy, and he immediately accepted the order.

It is truly fortunate that our lord is willing to accept advice.

Seeing his mysterious expression, Lu Feng couldn't help but ask, "What are you so happy about? Is there something funny about this intelligence?"

"Hey! You were right!"

Lu Yi grinned and said, "General Huang Zhong wrote to say that a young lady named Cai Ying has come to Lujiang and specifically wants to see you. They're asking General Huang to arrange a meeting!"

"Cai Ying? Looking for me?"

Lu Feng frowned: "I don't recall anyone like that."

"Please let me finish!" Lu Yi continued, "This girl is the eldest daughter of the Cai family in Jingzhou, Cai Mao's second sister, and the younger sister of Huang Chengyan's wife! The secret guards have investigated; her father, Cai Feng, wanted her to marry Liu Biao, but this girl just ran away!"

"General Huang and the guards both realized that this girl is probably after you! Could it be... hehehe!" Lu Yi winked and smiled.

Lu Feng was taken aback: "The Cai family of Jingzhou? Cai Mao's second sister? Isn't that...?" He swallowed the words back, thinking to himself, "Isn't that Liu Biao's future second wife, Liu Cong's stepmother?"

He remembered that Liu Cong was not Cai's biological daughter, but he had indeed acknowledged this stepmother. But now this girl had actually run away from her arranged marriage? And even come looking for him?

Lu Feng was certain he had never seen this girl before. Could she be another one like Zou Qian?

"Sure enough, being too good-looking can be a burden!" Lu Feng muttered to himself, stroking his chin.

Lu Yi: "......"

Xun You: "......"

Xi Zhicai: "......"

"Ahem... My lord is indeed handsome, but is it really appropriate to boast like this..." Xun You teased, suppressing a laugh.

"That's right! That's right!" Lu Yi and Xi Zhicai nodded repeatedly.

"Tch!" Lu Feng scoffed dismissively. "Did I say something wrong? This is simply the truth."

Here

Lu Feng's joking expression vanished. He carefully examined the intelligence in his hand and instructed Lu Yi, "Since she has come from afar, after the war is over, arrange for Taishi Ci to send warships to escort her to Donglai! Let her stay at her sister's house temporarily. I will meet with her again when I return to Donglai to ascertain her true intentions."

Lu Yi cupped his hands in response, "Your subordinate understands. In my opinion, she most likely wishes to marry Your Highness. Your Highness might consider granting her request."

Xun You echoed, "I also agree with this view."

"Oh?" Lu Feng stopped flipping through the intelligence, looked up at Xun You, then lowered his gaze to continue browsing, and asked, "What's the reason?"

Xun You solemnly cupped his hands: "Your humble servant believes that Cai's smooth departure from home and safe arrival in Lujiang must have been facilitated and escorted by Cai Mao and his father, Cai Feng. Not only did they not obstruct her, but they actually facilitated the matter, clearly indicating that they chose the latter between Liu Biao and our lord, intending to advance and retreat in harmony through this marriage alliance."

Xi Zhicai smiled and replied, "Cai Feng is indeed far-sighted. Perhaps through Mr. Huang Chengyan's connections, they have some understanding of our lord's governing strategies, unlike other aristocratic families who harbor prejudices. I suggest we take this opportunity to win over the Cai family."

Xun You stroked his beard and nodded: "This is a positive sign, indicating that discerning individuals have recognized our lord's strengths and are willing to serve under us. This move will also attract more talented individuals, alleviating our shortage of high-level personnel."

Cai Yong was crucial to Lu Feng; his presence was irreplaceable.

Without the presence of this great Confucian scholar, Donglai Academy would not have been able to be established, let alone achieve its current prosperity.

Without Cai Yong, Lu Feng's shortage of high-end talent will become increasingly severe, and even the establishment of a school system, county school, and prefecture school system will be extremely difficult.

After all, many of the teachers in these institutions were trained by Donglai Academy or came because of Cai Yong's reputation.

"That's absolutely right!"

Lu Feng nodded in agreement.

He was not opposed to the marriage alliance.

As long as a woman is beautiful and gentle, it is not a problem to marry one more.

"That's why I sent Lu Yi to inform Taishi Ci to ensure the safe delivery of the person to Donglai. I had already planned to form a marriage alliance with the Cai family!"

"This move will not only set an example, but also pave the way for taking Jingzhou in the future."

"However, this matter still needs to be carefully discussed and planned with Lady Cai, otherwise Liu Biao will certainly not stand idly by."

No feudal lord could tolerate his subjects secretly colluding with other powers, or even forming marriage alliances.

"really!"

Xun You and Xi Zhicai nodded in unison.

"Um?"

Suddenly, Lu Feng's gaze fell on the second intelligence report, from the Runan secret guards. After reading it, he let out a soft exclamation: "Yuan Shu actually intends to form an alliance and marriage alliance with Lü Bu?"

"What?"

Xun You and Xi Zhicai were also shocked upon hearing this: "Yuan Shu actually has such audacity? Lü Bu seized Nanyang from him!"

"good."

Lu Feng handed over the intelligence report: "It's all written here, take a look. If it weren't for the fact that someone from the secret guards had already infiltrated Yuan Shu's inner circle, this news wouldn't have been obtained so quickly."

"Yuan Shu initially lacked the courage and determination; it was entirely due to the strong advocacy of his strategist Yan Xiang."

"This Yan Xiang is a rare talent, but unfortunately, he cannot be used by me."

He had already ascertained that Yan Xiang had been favored by the Yuan family for generations and was sworn to be loyal to them to the death, so there was absolutely no way he could recruit him.

Please note the following

Yuan Shu was often ridiculed, but in reality, he was disappointed in Yuan Shu for not living up to his potential.

After reading the secret report, Xun You and Xi Zhicai both frowned. Xun You stepped forward and advised, "My lord, this alliance must not be formed! If the two sides join forces, aided by the wisdom of Chen Gong and Yan Xiang, they will likely become a major threat."

Xi Zhicai clapped his hands in agreement: "We should prevent their marriage alliance."

Lu Feng nodded and summoned Lu Yi: "Instruct Lu Shiyi of Runan to act according to the plan. Also prepare a letter for Sun Ce." The attendant accepted the order and quickly withdrew.

The two men, puzzled, pressed for an explanation: "What ingenious plan is it?"

Lu Feng chuckled: "Surprising phenomena will soon appear in Runan—a piece of green dragon wood inscribed with 'The one who will replace the Han dynasty is Gao of Dangtu' and the Imperial Seal of the State will appear in the world, and a children's rhyme will also be circulating."

Xun You was horrified: "Our lord sent someone to forge a divine mandate? How could Yuan Shu fall for such a trap and bring about his own demise?"

"You underestimate the arrogance of the highway." Lu Feng was confident.

Lu Feng chuckled softly, "Other warlords might not do this, but Yuan Shu has always been arrogant and conceited, he'll definitely fall for the trap! Especially now, after his defeat at my hands, he needs this method to regain face and show Yuan Shao and the world that he, Yuan Shu, is the true chosen one!"

"This person is truly extraordinary!"

Xun You and Xi Zhicai remained skeptical: "Can't he see the drawbacks?"

Lu Feng spread his hands: "Perhaps he understands, perhaps he's confused; but I'm certain he will do it!"

"Do you think Lü Bu would still dare to form an alliance with him after he declares himself emperor?"

This was originally a series of elaborate schemes orchestrated by Lu Feng.

Not only should Yuan Shu be defeated, but his alliance with Lü Bu should also be broken up, and Yuan Shu should be made the target of public criticism, cursed by the world, and besieged by various warlords.

"Lu Bu might agree on his own, but he has Chen Gong by his side. This man is meticulous and will surely dissuade Lu Bu! My lord's plan is truly brilliant!" Xun You exclaimed.

"Now we'll see if this plan works, and whether Yuan Shu is really that foolish!" Xi Zhicai said with anticipation.

He also wanted to see just how muddled Yuan Shu could be.

"It's a pity about that imperial seal. We must find an opportunity to retrieve it in the future. It will surely be of great use to our lord," Xi Zhicai added.

Upon hearing this, Lu Feng burst into laughter: "Zhi Cai, do you really think I possess the Imperial Seal of the State? That treasure is still in Sun Ce's hands! When he offered it to me, I refused to accept it."

"What?" Xi Zhicai asked, his face full of surprise. "Then what did our lord present to Yuan Shu?"

"A fake?" Xun You suddenly realized. "With your expertise in mechanical arts and woodworking, my lord, replicating a lifelike imperial seal should be a piece of cake, right?"

Xi Zhicai immediately understood.

"That's right!" Lu Feng confirmed with a smile.

Lu Feng smiled and nodded, saying, "When Sun Ce presented the imperial seal to me back then, I memorized every detail of it and secretly made a replica. Now, this fake has finally proven its worth!"

Xi Zhicai suddenly realized what was going on and joked, "If Yuan Shu knew that our lord had tricked him with a fake imperial seal, he'd probably be so angry he'd vomit blood!"

"Who cares?" Lu Feng shrugged dismissively.

At this time, the battlefield in Ji Province was engulfed in flames. Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan learned that Yuan Shu, in alliance with Liu Biao and Tao Qian, was besieging Lu Feng's two commanderies of Lujiang and Jiujiang. They immediately seized the opportunity to launch a decisive battle. Gongsun Zan, relying on the 30,000 elite troops he had redeemed from Lu Feng, initially gained the upper hand and even captured Anping Commandery and other places at one point.

Yuan Shao quickly regained his footing and, with the covert support of the gentry of Ji Province, gradually reversed the tide of war, eventually recapturing Anping Commandery. The two sides were evenly matched, and the battle reached a stalemate.

Meanwhile, Cao Cao's fierce battle against Li Jue and Guo Si entered its decisive stage. After suffering thousands of casualties, Cao Cao's army successively captured key locations such as Weinan, Hangu Pass, and Huayin, and its advance was aimed directly at the walls of Chang'an.

Upon learning of the war between Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan, Cao Cao clapped his hands and laughed, "Excellent! This time they will have no time to attend to our army."