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

Previously, they had learned about Lu Feng's main forces—the East China Sea Fleet, the Vermilion Bird Battalion, and the Beiwei Army. They hadn't expected to be appointed as deputy generals so soon after joining the army, demonstrating Lu Feng's high regard for them. Their previous ulterior motives now made them feel ashamed.

I had the audacity to judge a gentleman by the standards of a petty person.

Lu Feng nodded slightly: "Once you arrive at the military, you must adapt as quickly as possible. Our army is very different from ordinary armies. Whether it is military discipline, training methods, or command system, it is unique and rigorous."

"With war approaching, if you fail to meet the standards, you will not be able to join the army."

As for Sun Ce learning military training methods, Lu Feng was not worried.

Even if they tried to learn it, it would be difficult to replicate. Under different conditions, policies, and environments, some things cannot be simply copied. Moreover, Lu Feng's army has special advantages.

"Yes!" Sun Ce and the others replied solemnly, though they were puzzled.

Lu Feng nodded in satisfaction and then talked with them in detail, inquiring about the details of the battle.

Mentioning this matter, Sun Ce's eyes reddened again...

Lu Feng patiently comforted him, gradually soothing his inner pain and igniting his fighting spirit.

Sun Ce secretly vowed that one day he would personally kill Yuan Shu and Liu Biao to avenge his deceased father.

At this moment, Cheng Pu gave Sun Ce a wink.

Sun Ce nodded, took the bundle from his younger brother Sun Quan, and presented the sandalwood box to Lu Feng with both hands: "Lord Wu! This is the Imperial Seal of the State, as a token of my gratitude for your shelter!"

"Um?"

Lu Feng glanced at Huang Gai and the others, casually took out the jade seal, played with it for a moment, then put it back in the box, closed the lid, and declined, saying, "Put it away. This thing is a burden to me; I cannot accept it."

"but..."

Sun Ce wanted to persuade him again.

Lu Feng raised his hand to stop him: "Back in Luoyang, I advised Brother Wentai that this jade seal was nothing but an object that would bring disaster. Unfortunately, he didn't listen to my advice and it ultimately led to a great calamity—although the root of the disaster may not lie entirely with the jade seal, it is still an ominous object. You should keep it safe and not show it to anyone else, lest it bring misfortune upon your family."

"Moreover..." Lu Feng stared into Sun Ce's eyes, "This was obtained at the cost of your father's life; how can you so easily give it away? Keep it as a reminder to yourself."

This jade seal was utterly useless to him. It was too early to declare himself emperor, and forcibly seizing it would only give the other feudal lords ammunition for criticism and increase the risk of war. Once he truly unified the country, he could create a new seal—this ancient artifact was not necessarily required.

Of course...maybe we really will get some kind of mysterious opportunity? But that's a story for another time.

This was clearly a test by Sun Ce and Cheng Pu.

It was so boring that Lu Feng was getting impatient.

"Someone, take them to be settled first."

Before Sun Ce and the others could speak, Lu Feng raised his hand and called out loudly, "Lu Yi!"

Upon hearing the commotion, a guard entered. Lu Feng instructed, "Take General Bo Fu and the others to their quarters. Treat them the same as Dian Wei and the others, and prepare all their daily necessities."

"Yes, sir!" Lu Yi clasped his hands in response, then turned and gestured to Sun Ce and the others, saying, "Generals, please follow me."

Sun Ce carefully put away the imperial seal and nodded, saying, "Thank you for your trouble."

After everyone had left, Guo Jia stepped out from behind the screen.

Lu Feng glanced at him sideways: "What are you hiding for? Playing spying game now?"

Guo Jia smiled and said, "We had to see if Sun Bofu was truly loyal. Sure enough, they were just looking for a temporary refuge."

"Isn't that obvious?" Lu Feng scoffed. "Once they join our army, they'll be assimilated sooner or later. Unable to enjoy the miraculous effects of training, the soldiers will naturally notice the difference. Not to mention those generous benefits—"

"Since my lord has such a plan, I am relieved." Guo Jia said, and then turned to leave.

"Stop!" Lu Feng grabbed him. "You were supposed to be assisting Zhicai with official business today, how dare you slack off?"

Guo Jia quickly retorted, "Official business is finished; it's time to rest! Ask Zhicai if you don't believe me!"

Before he could finish speaking, Xi Zhicai's languid voice came from behind him: "Oh? Really?"

Guo Jia paused, slowly turned around, and met Xi Zhicai's amused gaze.

Guo Jia shook his head dejectedly: "Forget it! I really did slack off! There's just too much official work piling up! My lord, the administrative office and the general staff really need to send more people! We're all exhausted!"

This time, Xi Zhicai didn't object. Instead, he addressed the young man in the main seat, saying, "I dare to suggest that we perhaps draw upon outstanding students from Donglai Academy to assist with those trivial tasks?"

The days of hard work left him physically and mentally exhausted.

Those trivial yet time-consuming and mentally taxing paperwork were simply wasting his intelligence.

He preferred to use that time to study more important military and national plans.

"That's a good idea."

Lu Feng stroked his smooth chin and pondered, "How about this: we'll post the assessment tasks at the academy, and those who rank highly can come to the two government offices for internships. This way, they can become familiar with the operation of the prefecture and gain practical experience."

"Once they have completed their apprenticeships, this experience will serve as an important reference for their official appointments. What do you all think?"

Isn't this just recruiting free labor?

He was all too familiar with this tactic.

Those companies in the past had already mastered this trick.

"wonderful!"

Xi Zhicai and Guo Jia clapped their hands in amazement at the same time.

Guo Jia exclaimed sincerely, "My lord, this plan is brilliant! The students will surely study diligently, hoping to be selected for apprenticeship; once they arrive at the government office, they will serve wholeheartedly and dare not utter a single complaint. It is truly ingenious!"

Xi Zhicai immediately added, "This solves the manpower shortage, motivates students to study, and cultivates future officials. It's a win-win-win situation! Shall I go to the academy to issue a notice?"

"Granted."

Lu Feng casually tossed the bamboo slips onto the table: "I'll leave the assessment and selection process entirely to you; I won't interfere any further."

In the blink of an eye, they threw away the hot potato.

Guo Jia clicked his tongue in disbelief.

He also wanted to shirk his duties as gracefully as his lord!

pity......

Who told him he was born to be a hard worker?

Ten days later, the travel-worn Lu Kang and his wife arrived in Donglai with Lu Ji, who was now a child.

Under Lu Feng's arrangement, the family moved into the best house in Huang County.

---

They did not choose to live in the Wu Hou Mansion.

The main reason was that Lu Kang and others felt that living together was inconvenient—since their children were already married, it was really impolite to squeeze them together. To put it bluntly, the elders simply preferred to live alone and were more comfortable.

Lu Ji was sent to the academy's elementary school class to begin his studies, and his classmates included Lu Xun, Lu Jun's nephew.

Several days passed, and Lu Feng held a wedding ceremony with Cai Yan, Du Yan, and Zou Qian. Cai Yan was the principal wife, while Du Yan and Zou Qian were concubines. Because Cai Yan was the legally wedded wife, the wedding was extremely grand.

The entire Huang County and even Donglai Prefecture were in an uproar. The people spontaneously decorated the streets with colorful banners and lanterns to celebrate Lu Feng's good fortune, hoping that he would soon have a son and that this peaceful and prosperous world would continue forever.

"My lord, we are finally united," Cai Yan whispered, nestled in Lu Feng's arms. He stroked his wife's hair and softly replied, "Yes."

At this moment, in Dongye City, Cao Cao sighed as he sat at his desk, "Ziyi is getting married, but I cannot personally attend to offer my congratulations." He turned to Xun Yu and smiled bitterly, "However, I have already sent Cao Ren to convey my regards. The most urgent task at present is to reorganize the military—Yuan Shao's envoy, Xu You, came to urge us three days ago."

It turned out that Yuan Shao not only offered generous terms but also promised to provide a large amount of grain. Cao Cao was naturally happy to see this win-win situation, where he could both achieve his goal and extort money from Yuan Shao. Xu You, this opportunist, exceeded expectations, even shamelessly asking Cao Cao for a reward in private.

Cao Cao gifted Xu You another million coins.

Success or failure hinges on this one move, and in the future, we will still need to rely on this person to restrain Yuan Shao. Naturally, Prime Minister Cao will not hesitate to spend this expense.

This person's principle is simple and clear: as long as the money is there, everything will be agreed to.

Its services are so extensive that they even include activities like betraying the Lord for personal gain.

This kind of work-for-money approach is a model of excellence in the employment industry.

"good!"

Cao Cao clapped his hands in a gesture of respect: "The time to set off has come. Order the three armies to march to Taiyuan tomorrow to assume their posts. I will use the blood of the barbarians to build the foundation of my grand ambitions and hegemony." Before he finished speaking, his killing intent was already palpable.

"promise!"

Xun Yu and Cheng Yu immediately accepted the order and withdrew.

Cao Cao stood with his hands behind his back before the steps, his gaze fixed on Donglai County in the southeast. A meaningful smile played on his lips. "My dear brother Ziyi," he said, "when we discussed the threat of foreign tribes in the past, I did not take it seriously. Only after hearing your analysis of the advantages and disadvantages did I realize the gravity of the situation."

"Recent encounters with the Xiongnu cavalry under Yufuluo's command have further confirmed your words—such barbarians deserve to be killed by everyone! A mere few thousand Hu cavalry have caused immense suffering to the counties of Dongjun, let alone the people of the northern frontier who have endured years of oppression?"

"However, this time, I, your brother, must get there first. Let's see how I, Cao, deal with these barbarians!" With that, he burst into loud laughter.

Cao Cao thought to himself: Even if I don't achieve complete victory in the struggle for the Central Plains, if I can establish unparalleled merit in this campaign against the foreign tribes, it will be enough to secure my place in history and make me famous for generations to come. However—

How could we so easily abandon our ambitions for hegemony? The fate of the Nine Provinces remains to be seen!

Dongnae County.

"Dear teacher, my elder brother was unable to attend in person due to unforeseen circumstances, but specially sent ** to offer his congratulations. He has prepared a small gift as a token of his appreciation."

"Furthermore, I am about to embark on a long journey today. The mountains are high and the rivers are long; I do not know when I will be able to receive your teachings again. Therefore, I have come to bid you farewell."

It was the day after Lu Feng's wedding when Cao Ren came to say goodbye.

Lu Feng nodded calmly: "The journey through the martial world is long, but we will meet again someday. I hope you will diligently hone your martial arts skills and not betray your lifelong ambition."

Lu Feng nodded slightly, took out a book of martial arts essentials from his sleeve and handed it to Cao Ren: "Take these insights and study them carefully. They may be helpful for you in your attempt to break through to the peerless realm."

This can be considered as repaying the kindness of being called "teacher".

Cao Ren accepted the booklet with both hands, his eyes brimming with excitement: "Thank you so much, Master, for this treasure! I shall take my leave now."

"I send you."

The two walked to the gate of the mansion and watched Cao Ren's figure disappear at the end of the long street before Lu Feng turned around and went back to the mansion.

Before he could even enter, Lu Yi rushed over, carrying a secret letter: "Young Master! Urgent report from our spies in Dongjun!" Still catching his breath, he added, "I just encountered Cao Ren..."

"Um."

Lu Feng read the letter carefully, his eyebrows suddenly rising: "Interesting! Quickly summon Gongda, Zhicai, and Fengxiao to discuss matters!"

"Yes, sir!"

Lu Yi left in a hurry, and soon returned with Xun You, Xi Zhicai, and Guo Jia.

"My lord has summoned me urgently, I do not know..."

Before the three could finish their question, Lu Feng smiled and handed them a secret letter: "Take a look at this; the world's格局 (geju, a term referring to the overall situation or landscape) is about to change."

The three gathered to read the letter, and after a moment, they all showed surprise.

The secret report details how Cao Cao was appointed Prefect of Taiyuan and General of Anbei, and how he mobilized a newly recruited army of 100,000 to march north and fight against the Hu.

"Cao Mengde's move..." Xun You clapped his hands in admiration, "Using a strategic retreat to escape the predicament in Yanzhou and seize control of Bingzhou, a truly brilliant move..."

"A brilliant touch." Xi Zhicai replied, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes.

The Strategist's Plot

Xi Zhicai stroked his beard and nodded: "This plan is brilliant! Even Liu Dai and Yuan Shao have fallen into the trap. Yuan Shao gave them money and grain, and bestowed upon them official seals—wasn't he a swindler? In my view, this situation is clearly a scheme orchestrated by Cao Cao and Xu Ziyuan."

Cao Cao reaped all the benefits from this deal, while Yuan Shao only eliminated the threat from Dongjun, but had to expend a huge amount of grain and even lose the entire territory of Bingzhou.

It's truly a complete loss.

"ha!"

Guo Jia scoffed upon hearing this: "Why speculate? The two of them are simply toying with Yuan Shao! Xu Ziyuan must have already accepted bribes from Cao Cao, deliberately instigating Yuan Shao to lure the tiger away from the mountain!"

Guo Fengxiao spoke with absolute certainty.

"Oh?"

Xun You and Xi Zhicai, unaware of the situation, asked, "Could there be another hidden story? Fengxiao, tell us quickly."

Guo Jia immediately beamed and recounted the old story of Yuan Shao seeking advice and Xu You demanding bribes during the campaign against Dong Zhuo. This secret was something Xu You had boasted about to him when he was feeling smug.

"Is this really true?"

Upon hearing this, the two felt as if they had witnessed a whole new world. This Xu Ziyuan had truly mastered the art of unorthodox methods.

"How could it not be true? Didn't Yuan Shao and Cao Cao fall for it repeatedly? In my opinion, this scoundrel should abandon politics and go into business; he'll surely become a cunning merchant who hoards and speculates!"

Guo Jia clapped his hands and teased.

"Yuan Shao was indeed severely tricked this time."

Xun You sighed and shook his head. He recalled Xu You's unconventional and spirited character back then, and how he had fallen so low. Truly, life is unpredictable.

"Has our lord summoned us here to adjust our strategy?"

Xi Zhicai bowed to Lu Feng and asked him a question.

Xun You and Guo Jia both turned their gazes toward him.