Third Quarter of the Shen Hour (around 4:45 PM), Yan Province
Wuyan, Taiping Prefecture, Dongping Kingdom
After Zhang Jing had issued the official documents establishing the new bureau and department, only he and Cheng Yu remained in the main hall.
“Zhongde.”
Taking a sip of tea, Zhang Jing asked with a smile, “What do you think? How likely is Fengxiao’s plan to succeed?”
“My lord.”
Cheng Yu nodded.
“In my opinion, the plan is feasible. However, three thousand troops may be insufficient. It would be best to deploy an entire battalion.”
“Lu Bu is a ferocious tiger among men.”
“Even when cornered, he cannot be underestimated.”
Guo Jia’s method was indeed excellent.
At the very least, it provided a practical solution.
Not only could it secure a swift victory, but it would also avoid interference from Yuan Shao’s forces.
The only remaining question was whether the victory would be overwhelming or merely modest.
“Your reasoning is sound, Zhongde.”
Zhang Jing nodded.
“Therefore, I intend to personally take the field in this campaign. I will lead one division of the Central Army, the Vanguard Battalion, and an additional five hundred cavalry.”
“My lord, absolutely not!”
Cheng Yu immediately objected.
“You now bear the weight of the state, the hopes of the Qihuo Army, and the lives of millions of common people who depend upon you.”
“Although this battle appears certain of victory, it is not entirely without risk.”
“If Your Lordship personally takes the field, then I absolutely cannot agree. I beg you to reconsider.”
After speaking, Cheng Yu bowed deeply, his expression resolute.
“…”
Zhang Jing frowned slightly.
Rising from his seat, he stepped forward and helped Cheng Yu up.
“Very well.”
“I will not cross the river during this campaign. I shall remain at the ferry crossing and await news.”
“My lord is wise!”
Cheng Yu finally breathed a sigh of relief.
As long as Zhang Jing did not cross the river, he was satisfied.
He genuinely feared that something unexpected might happen.
“My lord.”
As if suddenly remembering something, Cheng Yu continued:
“Since your victory over Yuan Shu, many officials beneath you have become concerned about your lifelong affairs.”
“I also believe that Your Lordship should leave behind an heir to reassure the people.”
“…”
The corners of Zhang Jing’s mouth twitched.
Somewhat annoyed, he replied:
“Zhongde, I already agreed not to cross the river. There’s no need to go this far, is there?”
“I, Zhang Jing, am no sage.”
“If I wish to build a great enterprise, heirs are naturally necessary to reassure both officials and subjects.”
“If there were exceptionally gifted women such as the talented Cai Yan, or the famous Elder and Younger Qiao sisters of Jiangdong, I suppose I could reluctantly accept the role of a man.”
“But there is no hurry.”
“I am only eighteen years old this year.”
“I can easily wait a few more years.”
As for the matter of heirs, he had no intention of avoiding it.
It was simply one of the responsibilities of a ruler.
Just as Cheng Yu advised him not to take unnecessary risks.
Although Zhang Jing greatly wished to personally capture Lu Bu, he could only restrain himself.
After all, he was not invincible.
“This subordinate obeys!”
At those words, Cheng Yu’s eyes suddenly lit up.
He respectfully bowed and accepted the order before departing the hall.
“Hmm???”
Zhang Jing was left utterly bewildered.
He had no idea what command Cheng Yu thought he had just received.
“Gongda.”
After returning to his side chamber, Cheng Yu summoned Xun You and asked:
“After the passing of Cai Zhonglang, where did his descendants go?”
“The descendants of Cai Zhonglang?”
Xun You thought for a moment.
“Cai Zhonglang had two daughters.”
“The elder daughter, Cai Zhenji, married Yang Dao years ago. He is currently the magistrate of Shouzhang.”
“The younger daughter, Cai Yan, is renowned for her literary talent.”
“Three years ago she married into the Wei family of Hedong.”
“Her husband died of illness two years ago.”
“I heard she returned home to observe mourning rites, though I am not entirely certain of the details.”
Xun You did not understand why Cheng Yu had suddenly become interested in this matter.
Nevertheless, he recounted everything he knew.
“I understand now.”
A glimmer flashed through Cheng Yu’s eyes.
Then he continued:
“Have you ever heard of the Elder and Younger Qiao sisters of Jiangdong?”
“I have not.”
Xun You’s expression became rather peculiar.
At last, he understood what was happening.
The man was looking for women.
“Xue Fang.”
After Xun You departed, Cheng Yu summoned Xue Fang and instructed him:
“Immediately make a trip to Shouzhang…”
Then he paused.
“Forget it. No need.”
“Come with me instead. We’re going to the southern district of the city.”
With that, Cheng Yu briskly strode out of the chamber.
Xue Fang stood there, completely confused.
“Military Adviser, wait for me!”
He hurried after him.
“I’ve truly become muddle-headed from anxiety.”
As Cheng Yu left the government offices, his steps were light.
He silently blamed himself for his oversight.
Since Cai Yan had returned home, that meant she was in Chenliu.
And if she was in Chenliu, then she was certainly somewhere within the Four Commanderies under Taiping Prefecture’s control.
Furthermore, Yang Dao was Cai Yan’s brother-in-law.
Yang Dao’s family resided on the Long Street in the southern district of the city.
There was no need whatsoever to make a trip to Shouzhang.
If his guess was correct, Cai Yan was currently staying among Yang Dao’s household members.
“We pay our respects to the Military Adviser!”
When Cheng Yu arrived at the residence where Yang Dao’s family was staying, five soldiers immediately clasped their fists in salute.
“No need for formalities.”
Cheng Yu said calmly, “Knock on the door.”
“Yes, sir!”
The squad leader promptly obeyed.
“Military Adviser, what are we doing here?”
Xue Fang asked in confusion.
“Did Yang Dao commit some offense? That shouldn’t be the case. He has a large family, and several of his younger brothers are currently county magistrates.”
“Quiet!”
Cheng Yu lowered his voice.
“I have come here to find a concubine for our lord.”
“…”
Xue Fang’s mouth fell open so wide it looked as though an egg could fit inside.
After carefully looking Cheng Yu up and down, he slowly uttered two words:
“Reasonable.”
“Greetings, Master Zhongde.”
A short while later, the courtyard gate opened gently from within.
A graceful woman with delicate features emerged.
Dressed in a blue flowing gown, she approached nervously and curtsied to Cheng Yu.
“Greetings, Madam.”
Cheng Yu returned the courtesy.
“I have come on important business. Might I enter and speak with you?”
“Please come in, sir.”
The woman immediately stepped aside and invited him in.
She knew full well how formidable this man was and had no intention of opposing him.
“Is your younger sister currently residing here?”
After entering the courtyard, Cheng Yu got straight to the point.
“She… she is.”
The woman’s heart tightened as though struck by a heavy hammer.
Nevertheless, she did not conceal the truth.
“Excellent.”
A spring-like smile appeared on Cheng Yu’s face.
“In that case, would you please invite your younger sister to meet me?”
“Our lord has admired her for a long time and wishes to take her as a concubine.”
“…”
The woman felt as though she had been struck by lightning.
She instantly fell silent.
Even Xue Fang stood there dumbfounded.
“Are you speaking the truth, sir?”
Gathering her courage, the woman looked at Cheng Yu.
Since arriving in Wuyan, she had been struggling just to survive and had no time to concern herself with her younger sister’s marriage prospects.
After all, none of them truly controlled their own fate.
However, if the prospective husband was the Lord Governor…
Perhaps it was not such a bad match.
At the very least, even her husband had spoken highly of the Lord Governor’s deeds during his last visit home.
As evening approached, Cheng Yu walked in front.
Behind him followed the guards and Xue Fang.
There was also a young woman.
She wore a blue-and-white flowing gown.
A blue silk sash lightly encircled her slender waist.
Her face was as fair and round as a polished jade disk, her eyes bright and gentle like apricot blossoms.
She seemed like an immortal maiden stepping out of a painting.
As she passed through the streets, countless townspeople could not help but turn and stare.
That night, at the Central Army Training Ground.
“My lord.”
After Zhang Jing finished his instruction session, Cheng Yu hurried over and spoke in a low voice:
“Following your instructions, I have escorted Cai Zhonglang’s daughter, Cai Yan, into the residence.”
“She is currently waiting in your bedchamber for Your Lordship’s favor.”
— The end of the Chapter–
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