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

29

After listening to Guo Yuan's report, Lu Feng smiled and patted him on the shoulder: "I'll leave this matter to Zi Ni! If I go myself, I'm afraid it will backfire."

Guo Yuan helplessly spread his hands and said, "My lord, you are wise. My teacher is stubborn by nature, and after being implicated in the Party Prohibitions in his early years, he became even more afraid of officials. However..." He revealed a slight smile, "Ever since Lord Cai started boasting about his achievements in running schools in front of him, my teacher has often complained to me about this."

Lu Feng nodded knowingly: "It's good that they're competitive. Just remember to promise not to interfere in the academy's internal affairs."

"Understood!" Guo Yuan bowed and accepted the order.

Meanwhile, upon learning of Lu Feng's return to the city, Cai Ying, both expectant and apprehensive, pulled at the Azure Bird Guard and pressed, "Does Marquis Wu truly wish to see me? Or... should I recuperate for a few more days?"

The Bluebird Guard suppressed a smile and reassured her, "Miss Cai, you look radiant. The young master specially rushed back from Yanzhou; if you miss this opportunity..." Before he could finish, Cai Ying hurriedly interrupted, "I'll go prepare right away!" Then, still uneasy, she asked, "Are you sure it won't be impolite?"

"Rest assured," Qingniao Wei said earnestly, "You must trust in the young master's sincerity, and also have confidence in your own abilities."

Qingniao Wei couldn't help but chuckle and offered Cai Ying a few words of comfort.

After carefully dressing up, Cai Ying was led to the flower hall of the Wu Hou Mansion.

When she saw Lu Feng's face clearly, she instantly held her breath.

"Are you Lord Wu?"

The young marquis's handsome appearance made the girl's heart flutter. His extraordinary demeanor, evident in his sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, made her instantly fall for him.

The intelligence she had gathered over the years transformed into tangible affection. Cai Ying's fingertips trembled slightly, and her voice swayed as she said, "Cai Ying of the Jingxiang Cai Clan pays respects to Lord Wu! I..."

Lu Feng chuckled and raised his hand: "No need for formalities. I already know Cai**'s purpose from your father's letter." He paused deliberately for a moment, "Your brother and Mr. Huang Chengyan have also sent letters."

Cai Ying looked up in surprise, the hairpin in her hair trembling slightly: "Father and the others..."

"Of course I know." Lu Feng's eyes gleamed with mischief. "Did you really think you could sneak away on your own without the family's spies? If it weren't for the people secretly protecting you along the way..."

The girl's ears immediately turned red; it turned out that her father and brothers had arranged everything in advance. Remembering the caravan guards she had "encountered" along the way, she finally understood.

"Then..." She peeked at Lu Feng, her voice barely audible, "Does Father approve of me coming to see you?"

---

She showed none of her usual domineering and assertive demeanor.

Standing in front of Lu Feng, she transformed back into a shy young lady.

"This might be giving you some leeway."

Lu Feng sighed softly, "I understand your father and brother's plans. But this is no longer something that can be resolved with a simple meeting; it concerns many matters, including the future choices of the Cai family. You... don't you have anything to say to me?"

"?"

Cai Ying's face flushed red, and she lowered her head, twisting the hem of her clothes. After a long while, she mustered her courage and looked up: "Actually... I heard about General's achievements from my sister long ago, and I've admired him ever since."

"I left home this time precisely to find the general."

"Having seen your true face today, I am even more certain that you are the one destined for me. General... would you accept Ying'er?"

Before she could finish speaking, she buried her head in embarrassment, a blush spreading from the tips of her ears to her neck, making her look like a boiled shrimp.

Lu Feng chuckled and stepped forward, gently lifting her chin with his fingertips: "You've got guts! When Han Sheng mentioned you in his letter half a month ago, I was already wondering what kind of extraordinary woman you would be."

"Today's meeting has been very pleasing to me. From this day forward, you will be my woman."

After saying that, he bent down and planted a kiss on her cheek.

The following morning, Lu Feng, accompanied by Cai Ying, paid a visit to Cai Yan and others.

"From now on, we'll all be like sisters; we must get along harmoniously."

After giving a brief explanation, Lu Feng hurriedly left—he was busy with many matters upon his return and had no time to spend with her for long.

Diao Chan gazed at his departing figure until he disappeared at the end of the corridor. Since the day she was rescued, her feelings had remained unspoken. Seeing Lu Feng surrounded by more and more women, she became increasingly certain that her love was deep, yet she didn't know how to take it further.

Cai Yan, who had witnessed everything, gently comforted Diao Chan by holding her hand, "Chan'er, don't worry. Your husband is truly devoted to you. Next time, you just need to be a little more proactive..."

Since Diaochan entered the household, Cai Yan had long seen through her feelings for Lu Feng. Instead of interfering, she was considerate in every way. After all... having another sister wouldn't hurt.

Diao Chan nodded solemnly upon hearing this, her eyes filled with gratitude: "Thank you, Sister Yan."

"No need for thanks among sisters," Cai Yan smiled gently, then turned to the newcomer, Cai Ying: "We share the same surname, Cai, perhaps we share the same ancestry. From now on, we should get along well with our sisters." She gently stroked her skirt, her tone soft yet authoritative: "My husband dislikes any unrest in the household. Since we cannot share his burdens with state affairs, we should at least manage the household well and prevent him from being troubled by trivial matters."

Cai Ying nodded quickly. Strangely enough, this seemingly gentle Cai Yan always inspired a sense of awe in her.

"Do you have any special skills?" Cai Yan suddenly asked. "My husband has always encouraged his sisters to use their talents. Jiang'er manages the merchant guild, I run a girls' school, and Chan'er and the others teach there."

"Really?" Cai Ying's eyes flickered slightly. "Your husband doesn't object?"

"Of course." Cai Yan nodded. "It's just about finding something meaningful to do, which will not only pass the time but also help my husband." Remembering Lu Feng's words that women should also have something to achieve, a smile appeared on her lips.

Cai Ying hesitated. She wasn't particularly skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, or painting, but her dancing was passable... She hesitated, then said, "Then I..."

"It's alright," Cai Yan considerately continued, "It wasn't something that absolutely had to be done. These things should always be done with mutual consent."

People shouldn't be too idle, otherwise they're prone to causing trouble out of nothing.

"Okay, I understand."

Cai Ying nodded in agreement.

As Lu Feng stepped out of the backyard, before he had even left the Marquis's residence, Lu Jiu, the commander of the Azure Bird Guard, came up to him and reported on the recent progress.

"Young Master, there is one more matter. General Sun Ce's younger sister, Sun Shangxiang, has joined the Azure Bird Guard. This girl has exceptional talent and has already risen to the ranks of third-rate martial artists. However, due to her special status, I am somewhat hesitant about whether we should let her continue to stay."

Lu Jiu asked for instructions.

She actually admired Sun Shangxiang very much. Not only was she exceptionally talented and had a lively and likable personality, but what was even more remarkable was her extraordinary diligence in cultivation.

"Oh?"

Lu Feng's eyebrows twitched slightly: "I remember you mentioned this in your previous letter."

"Yes." Lu Jiu nodded. "At that time, the young master was far away in Yanzhou and not at home."

"Let her stay with the Azure Bird Guard for now, but don't treat her like an ordinary member. I will discuss this matter with Sun Ce personally another day."

"But I suspect Sun Ce probably already knows, after all, he still has his mother, Lady Wu, at home."

Lu Jiu sighed, "If it weren't for her status, she could have become a core member of the Azure Bird Guard. What a pity."

Women who practice martial arts are rare in this era, and those who are both talented and willing to endure hardship are even rarer, so Lu Jiu couldn't help but feel regret.

"Not necessarily." Lu Feng smiled meaningfully. "Who can say for sure what the future holds? Let's leave it at that for now."

Lu Jiu blinked, wondering – could there be some unforeseen changes in Sun Shangxiang's future?

If we could really let her stay in the Bluebird Guard to take over, that would be the best outcome.

After chatting with Lu Jiu for a while, inquiring in detail about the recent situation of the Azure Bird Guards, and giving a few instructions, Lu Feng left the Marquis's residence and went straight to Donglai Academy.

It was still Cai Yong's courtyard, and it was still that pavilion.

Upon entering, one sees Cai Yong playing chess with Zheng Xuan, while Tong Yuan and Li Yan stand quietly watching.

Upon seeing Lu Feng enter, none of the four stood up, not even bothering to greet him.

His old acquaintances had long since figured out his personality, so they naturally didn't stand on ceremony.

"You're finally back! What brings you here this time?" Cai Yong asked, glancing at him sideways as he placed a chess piece on the board.

"Teacher, what are you saying? Can't I just come to visit you?" Lu Feng grinned and moved behind Cai Yong, massaging his shoulders. "I haven't seen you for a month or two."

"Don't give me that!" Cai Yong shook his head with a smile. He knew his apprentice's character all too well. "How's things going in Yanzhou? I heard you're planning to build a state school comparable to Donglai Academy?"

As expected of an elder who is both a teacher and a father, he steered the conversation to the main topic in just a few words.

Lu Feng nodded and said, "That is indeed the case. The management model will be modeled after Donglai Academy, with the government only acting as a supervisor, and the dean in charge of specific affairs."

"This system has proven highly effective with teachers and is worth promoting. We are currently facing a severe shortage of high-caliber talent, making the expansion of state schools an urgent matter."

"Furthermore, this concerns the future construction of the entire education and government system."

Although Zheng Xuan, who was sitting opposite him, was still staring at the chessboard, his ears were already perked up.

Over the years, he had heard Cai Yong boast a lot, and seeing the outstanding talents emerging from Donglai Academy and Cai Yong's growing reputation, it would be self-deception to say that he was not tempted at all.

Having been deeply implicated in the persecution of the partisans, he was extremely opposed to entering officialdom.

I'm still shaken!

However, a position like the headmaster of Donglai Academy would suit him perfectly.

He had long since become indifferent to power; what he cared about most was reputation.

Otherwise, he would not have taken on so many disciples just to gain a greater reputation and make a name for himself in history.

"Um!"

Cai Yong nodded and said, "It is indeed necessary! Relying solely on Donglai Academy is somewhat insufficient. Adding another academy will greatly benefit both student recruitment and fostering healthy competition between the two academies. Several competitions can be arranged each year to further motivate students."

He wholeheartedly supports anything that benefits students' academic progress.

"good!"

Lu Feng wholeheartedly agreed: "This is an excellent idea! Once Yanzhou Academy is completed, this matter can be implemented. However, the selection of the dean still needs careful consideration. Even if he is not as good as you, teacher, he should not be too far behind."

Although Zheng Xuan was eager to try and wished he could recommend himself, he had to restrain himself because he had been disrespectful to Lu Feng in the past and he was afraid that expressing his opinion now would be seen as currying favor.

Cai Yong took in Zheng Xuan's subtle expression, stroked his beard, and smiled, "That's true! But such a person is hard to find. There are only a handful of people in the world whose reputation and ability can rival mine, and most of them may not be willing to grant your request."

Zheng Xuan scoffed inwardly: "Hmph! Cai Yong, don't be so arrogant! Do you think I, Zheng Xuan, am inferior to you?"

Lu Feng seemed oblivious, and pondered, "Teacher, your knowledge spans ancient and modern times; those who can match you are naturally few and far between. No wonder you were able to cultivate such an outstanding student as me."

"Hahaha! That's exactly right!"

Cai Yong clapped his hands and laughed heartily, his face beaming with pride.

Tong Yuan: "..."

Li Yan: "..."

Zheng Xuan: "..."

(

These two, master and apprentice, are really shameless! Bragging like this in front of others?

But others can't really refute it.

Because Lu Feng is indeed exceptionally talented, he can always quickly turn his talents into tangible results.

"Cai Yong is incredibly lucky! He's managed to take on such an outstanding disciple!"

"No! It should be said that he was found!"

Zheng Xuan and the other two secretly grumbled to themselves.

They all knew what happened back then—Cai Yong was in danger and almost lost his life at the hands of bandits, but young Lu Feng was like a divine soldier who came down from the sky and saved Cai Yong's whole family.

Otherwise, this old fellow would have reported to the ** Palace long ago.

That's incredibly lucky!

After chatting for a while, Lu Feng got up to say goodbye.

After he had walked away, Cai Yong raised an eyebrow at Zheng Xuan and said, "Brother Kangcheng always envied me for having an academy, saying that if it were you, you would definitely do better? Now that the opportunity is right in front of you, why are you backing down?"

Zheng Xuan smiled wryly, "As expected, you were plotting against me all along!"

"It's not that I'm unwilling, it's just that I don't know how to bring it up."

"Because of my prejudice, I've never given Lu a kind look before, but now I don't know how to ease the tension."

"Oh!"

Cai Yong glanced at him sideways: "Clearly, he's just suffering for the sake of saving face!"