Chapter 46: Conquering Black Mountain (Part 2)

  Cai Yan's recent actions have been somewhat unusual.

  Not only did he often disappear without warning, just like Cai Yong visiting friends, but when he returned, his delicate face was filled with fatigue, and his spirited eyes were bloodshot. Even Lyu Linggui, who was usually closest to him, was left in the dark, unable to figure out where Cai Yun had gone.

  The problem is that Cai Yong is famous all over the world, known as a great Confucian scholar in the country, with a high reputation among the aristocracy, and has many followers in Henan. His journey can be understood; but Cai Yan is also like this, which really puzzles Qin Xu.

  Cai Yan didn't know what to ask, and Cai Yan wasn't anyone special to Qin Xu, so Qin Xu couldn't open his mouth.

  As for Cai Yan, Qin Xu actually couldn't figure out what role he had put Cai Yan in.

  Cai Yan is mature, calm, charming and intelligent, with a slightly dark belly. This kind of perfect woman is almost the natural nemesis of men, being attracted to her is a very normal thing.

  Especially Qin Zhuli who had never been in love for two lifetimes.

  If it's said that Cai Yan has no feelings for Qin Xu, the dense and unresolvable concern in her eyes is obvious to even a fool, and it's completely different from how she treats others; otherwise, why would this stubborn old man Cai be guarding against Qin Xu like he's preventing theft? But if it's said that their relationship isn't ordinary, it can't be said either. When the two are together, Cai Yan always makes Qin Xu feel a sense of distance, as if there's a thin veil between them at all times, so close yet unclear.

  Troubled!

  People who thought they were "successful" in their previous life are actually just self-delusional, otherwise they wouldn't still be single at thirty.

  What makes Qin Xu even more entangled and even feel a little panicked is that every time Cai Yan's figure appears in his mind, the figure of a lovely little girl also always appears in his mind, and can't be driven away.

  My god, adding up to over 40 years old for two lifetimes, there's no reason to be like this. Cai Yan is fine, she just married into the Wei family and her husband Wei Zhongdao passed away soon after. Although nominally still a daughter-in-law of the Wei family, the relationship between the Wei family and Cai Yan has already dropped to freezing point. Having left for so long without seeing any member of the Wei family come looking for her, she doesn't have any psychological pressure at all.

  But every time he saw Lü Linggui's bright and shining eyes, like a deer staring at him, Qin Xu always felt a sense of guilt.

  Alright, to be honest, feelings of guilt and all that are just false, a guilty conscience!

  The key is that this girl's father is too powerful, and even Qin Xu wouldn't dare to provoke him.

  After returning to Hebei, the situation in the north fell into an eerie calm. With Zhang Yang present, Lü Bu and the Hebei military leaders did not dare to make a move, the annihilated Black Mountain bandits disappeared without a trace, and Yuan Shao's side also unexpectedly made no major moves.

  Lü Bu obtained a supplement of military supplies from Yecheng, especially more than 2,000 high-quality war horses. Every day, he led his generals to practice martial arts without stopping.

  Lü Linggui was gone, and Cai Yan accompanied her. The affair in Ye City made the soldiers of the camp love her, except for entangling Qin Xu, she spent her days with them, rarely returning home, often making Yan Shi and Diao Chan complain.

  Yuan Shao's envoy from Ye City, who met with Ji and Xu You, didn't know what evil spirit he had committed, but after several requests to see him were unsuccessful, he finally found Zhang Yang, an old good man who was not highly regarded, to speak on his behalf, and it just so happened that Lü Bu agreed to meet with him.

  Qin Xu is now the most idle one, in Lü Bu's army he is completely in a state of abandonment. Previously, after the great victory at Ye City, all soldiers were rewarded, but Qin Xu was intentionally forgotten, it seems that even his position as chief clerk has become an empty title. Lü Bu doesn't give a reason, and Qin Xu doesn't care much either, anyway, managing finances is not Qin Xu's strong point.

  Lü Bu's army is currently reorganizing and accumulating strength. Qin Xu has already made plans, but knows that he can't rush things. Since he can't help with anything, he might as well enjoy a few days of leisure while getting free meals without having to work.

  Qin Xu never moved into the military camp, and Lü Bu didn't avoid suspicion either, so he let Qin Xu live in his mansion. It wasn't until Yuan Shao's two top strategists came to visit together that Qin Xu, who had nothing to do all day, was dragged over by Lü Bu to keep them company.

  "It's been half a month since the Ye City incident, and these two can really hold their breath!" Qin Xu thought to himself when he learned that Xu You and Feng Ji had arrived.

  Although Lü Bu did not see the two men several times, he also took into account that Zhang Yang was under Yuan Shao's protection, so it was not good to give too little face, so the treatment of the two men was still quite high.

  In the reception hall of Zhang Yang's mansion, Lü Bu and Zhang Yang sat side by side in the main seat, while Gao Shun, Zhang Liao, Song Xian, Hou Cheng, and other generals still expressionless took their seats according to military rank. Qin Xu was still sitting at the lowest position near the door, making a face at Cheng Lian, causing his brother's face to turn slightly green.

  Across from them were the generals of Hebei, led by Yang Chou. The lineup was basically the same as that day in the military tent, with the only difference being that apart from Xu You, who looked gloomy, there was an additional person named Gong Ji below Zhang Yang.

  "Feng Xian, this is a high-ranking official under General Yuan's command, a renowned scholar from Ji Province, Gong Yu and Gong Yuan are his brothers. He has been busy with official duties and didn't have the chance to meet you until today, so please make an effort to get close to him." Zhang Yang seemed oblivious to the strange atmosphere in the hall as he introduced Lü Bu.

  "General Lü, I have long admired your military reputation. Today, I finally meet you in person and indeed your name is not in vain! I heard from Xu Ziyuan that General Lü led the army to help our lord hold off the Black Mountain bandits for three days, and was rewarded with a noble title!" Gong Ji adjusted his high hat and broad belt, bowed slightly to Lü Bu, and said loudly.

  Is there something behind his words? This Gong Ji is being so pretentious, he must be plotting something. Qin Xu's heart tightened as soon as he saw Gong Ji's actions.

  "My young uncle and I are brothers, after all. Although he is arrogant, he also knows the meaning of friendship. Mr. Yuan does not need to be like this." Lü Bu was once a nobleman who had been to court, seen the emperor, killed high-ranking officials, and dared to challenge the eighteen vassals. Moreover, the side of Chang'an was intimidated by Lü Bu's reputation, and he still held the title of General of the Martial Guard, with treatment equal to that of the Three Dukes. Naturally, he looked down on this trivial flattery from a scholar from Hebei, and said indifferently.

  "This..." Lü Bu's lack of courtesy made Gong Ji's face darken, but he had to pretend not to mind. Qin Xu found it amusing and also put down his worries. Who would dare say that Lü Bu is the world's number one foolish brute? Such political diplomatic skills are absolutely not something a simple general can come up with. Lü Bu just relies on his military strength and disdains using these insincere tactics.

  It was only at this time that Qin Xu had the opportunity to take a good look at Yuan Tu, who had "sent" Ji Zhou to Yuan Shao and dared to forge an imperial edict to pass on the throne to Yuan Shang after Yuan Shao's death, and was eventually beheaded by Yuan Tan.

  Xun Yu, who was known as "the talent of Wang Zuo" under Cao Cao's command, once said that Tian Feng was stubborn and offended his superiors, Xu You was greedy and ignorant, Shi Huan was narrow-minded and lacked strategy, and Peng Yue was decisive but useless.

  All in vain!

  Excluding the context in which Xun Yu said this at that time, now O Ji gives Qin Xu an impression. Combining with Qin Xu's understanding of O Ji, it is inevitable that Qin Xu has a very admiring view of Xun Yu.

  Yuan Shao's four great strategists, Qin Xu has already seen two. Xu You was infuriated by Qin Xu and vomited blood, now looking at Qin Xu with a gaze still full of hatred, but because Lü Bu is present, he dares not to act rashly. Looking again at Feng Ji's "encounter", it was also being choked by Lü Bu, if Feng Ji can still endure, then he must have some plan in mind.

  "General Lü's words are indeed correct!" As expected, Zhang Yang did not go beyond Qin Hu's expectations. With a forced smile, he thanked Zhang Yang and turned to Lü Bu, saying: "Perhaps General Lü has already learned that although this time in Ye City, thanks to General Lü's assistance, the damage was relatively minor, but the Black Mountain bandits have been causing trouble in Hebei, and Henan has also suffered from their calamities. It is not a blessing for the people. To completely eliminate future troubles, my lord Yuan Gong has heard that General Lü has the bravery of a hegemon and unmatched righteousness. He specially sent me to come to Hebei with the greatest sincerity to seek General Lü's assistance in jointly attacking Black Mountain and relieving the suffering of the people."

  "Hmm, after hearing Guo's words, Qin Xu's mouth corner revealed a hint of cold smile. Guo's attitude was very humble, the reason was also acceptable, and the words implied that this time Yuan Shao would not let Lü Bu go in vain."

  It's just that if this were said before Lü Bu heard Qin Xu's words, he might have agreed out of consideration for Zhang Yang's face. After all, the 50,000-strong Black Mountain army was trapped by Lü Bu's 3,000 cavalry for three days without losing a single soldier, which made Lü Bu look down on them as if they were nothing. Moreover, under Yuan Shao's praise, Lü Bu is an extremely proud person, so it would be reasonable for him to agree.

  Now, the military rations of Ye City are piled up in Lü Bu's barracks, and two thousand fine war horses are ridden by elite soldiers. Does Lü Bu have the leisure to take care of these?

  "What do you all think?" As expected, after hearing Guo Jie's words, Lü Bu flashed a hint of ridicule in his eyes, but on the surface he still asked Gao Shun and Zhang Liao as usual.

  "I will obey your orders, my lord! However, after the previous battle against the Black Mountain bandits, our troops are exhausted. To dispatch them again might be..." Gao Shun and Zhang Liao, among others, had all participated in the siege of Ye City, and they knew exactly what was on Lü Bu's mind.

  "This... Yuan Gongzi, you see..." Lü Bu's face pretended to be difficult, and he was about to casually find a reason to decline Yuan Shu's unreasonable invitation.

  "My lord, I think Mr. Yuan Tu's words make sense!" Just as all the generals of Lü Bu's army were following Lü Bu's intention to express their refusal, a somewhat discordant voice suddenly rang out.

  "What's the meaning of this?" Lü Bu's eyes narrowed, his face slowly darkening as he asked, "Just now all the generals have already said that our military strength is exhausted and it's hard to fight again, how do you have a different opinion?"

  "We dare not!" Song Xian hastily bowed to Lü Bu and said: "The Black Mountain bandits are rampant, and the people of Hebei have suffered many times. Even if it's just for the sake of Zhang Taishou's face, we guest troops should repay him for taking us in. Moreover, the Black Mountain bandits are afraid of our lord's prestige, so they're not worth worrying about! I heard that Yuan Gong sent Mr. Yuantu to seek help, saying it was to punish the people and avenge the crime, but actually it was to ask our lord to rescue Yuan Sanshengzi, is this true, Mr. Song?"

  "Ah! This this!" Gong Ji pretended to be embarrassed and covered his face with his sleeve, stuttering and not knowing how to respond.

  "Is that so?" Lü Bu's mouth twitched slightly, his eyes gazed at Song Xian with a complex expression, and he made an incredulous face, asking.

  "This is indeed so!" Gong Ji nodded and said.

  "The safety of Young Master Yuan is a matter that concerns the relationship between our master and Lord Yuan, so our master must be cautious!" Song Xian said with an air of implication.

  "Hmm?" Lü Bu noticed Song Xian's hint, narrowed his eyes and pondered the pros and cons. Song Xian's words were clear: thanks to Qin Xu, almost everyone in Lü Bu's army knew about Lü Lingqi capturing three generals single-handedly. With so many people talking, this matter couldn't be hidden for long. If Yuan Shao found out, he would definitely take action against Lü Bu's army. It was better to seize this opportunity and let Yuan Chang "disappear" among the Black Mountain bandits. Even if Yuan Shao learned the truth later, there would still be a way to explain it.

  It has to be said that Song Xian's proposal happened to coincide with Lü Bu's thoughts. Although Lü Bu's army had obtained the military supplies and warhorses from Ye City, they were still based in Hebei, and although their combat strength was slightly stronger than Yuan Shao's, their ability to sustain a prolonged campaign was completely no match for his.

  "It's just that the soldiers in the army are exhausted..." Lü Bu said, not wanting to take back his words and invite ridicule, speaking with difficulty.

  "It is said that when Yuan Shu came to Hebei, he was valued by Yuan Gong and had 200 brave warriors following him. The lord can borrow this force, adding the thousand-strong personal guard led by the general-in-chief, which can be used as the vanguard. Zhang Taigong's Hebei soldiers also have three or four thousand people, who can be used as the rear army. How about sending troops to attack Heishan together?" Song Xian seemed to have anticipated Lü Bu's words and had already prepared a solution for him.

  "Alright! Lü Bu had long wanted to see the famous camp of Yuan Gong, since that's the case, let's settle it like this." Lü Bu said with a seemingly careless smile.

  Song Xian! Song Xian! Damn it, how could I forget him. Qin Xu looked at Lü Bu, who was raising his cup to drink with Zhang Yang, and felt like slapping himself in the face.