Three Kingdoms: The Peerless Strategist of Wei

Chapter 60: The annihilation of the entire Sima family?!

"Sima Yi, is he the second son of the Sima family, a prominent clan in Hanoi?" Xu Chu blurted out.

Gu Cheng looked at him and said, "What, Zhongkang, you've also heard of Sima Yi?"

"The Sima family is a prominent clan in Hanoi. Although their family background is not as prestigious as that of the Yuan, Yang, or Xun families, they are still a powerful clan with a perennial salary of two thousand shi (a unit of grain).

"It is said that Sima Fang once recommended Cao Cao, so he can be considered Cao Cao's recommender." "Sima Fang had eight sons, known as the Eight Talented Sima, who were quite famous. Sima Yi was his second son." Xu Chu was quite knowledgeable, and his words gave a general overview of the Sima family. However, Gu Cheng already knew all of this. Gu Cheng knew more than Xu Chu, and more than anyone else.

Sima Yi, that old tortoise, outlived several generations of Cao family rulers before finally revealing his true colors, transforming from a loyal minister entrusted with the care of the young Cao family into a usurper of power.

However, even if history were to repeat itself, that would be decades from now. Gu Cheng was focused on living in seclusion, and he hadn't bothered with the Sima family's affairs. But now, this brat Sima Yi had inexplicably started trouble for him first. And with one move, he directly tried to take his life. He couldn't tolerate that.

"No matter how powerful Sima Yi's family background is, he can't be allowed to touch you, young master!" "Young master, let me take men to Hanoi County and kill that Sima Yi!" Xu Chu's indignation interrupted Gu Cheng's thoughts. "Killing one Sima Yi is not enough."

A cold glint flashed in Gu Cheng's eyes as he coldly said, "If we're going to kill, we'll kill Sima Yi's entire family!" Xu Chu's expression hardened, and a chill ran down his spine. "Young Master's methods are ruthless, but they suit my taste..." Xu Chu nodded secretly, pleased, and said, "We'll listen to you, Young Master. Tell me, how do we wipe out Sima Yi's entire family?" "No rush, let's go to Ping County to settle down first."

Gu Cheng said in a serious tone, "How can we be so hasty in killing someone's entire family? Let me think of a plan first." Immediately, Gu Cheng ordered Wang Yue to be bound and set off again, heading north to Ping County.

Hanoi County.

In the eastern suburbs of Wen County, at the Sima family manor, Sima Yi and his wife were leisurely fishing by the pond in the garden.

"Zhongda, I've heard that Cao Cao greatly admires you and intends to recruit you and your brother to serve in the government. Are you really not going to consider it?" Sima Fang asked casually.

"Our Sima family has one elder brother going to Xuchang, which is enough to deal with Cao Cao." "If I also go, and if Yuan Shao and Cao Cao fight to the death and Yuan Shao wins, then when the time comes to settle scores, won't our Sima family have no way out?"

Sima Yi's eyes remained fixed on the hook, his tone as calm as still water.

Sima Fang's eyes flickered, and he couldn't help but look at his son: "Judging from Zhongda's words, it seems you don't trust Cao Cao in this decisive battle between Yuan Shao and Cao Cao?"

"Cao Cao was indeed a peerless genius. If it weren't for Yuan Shao, the world would surely belong to the Cao family."

"But it's a pity. Lord Yuan now controls four provinces, commands over 100,000 armored soldiers, and has won the hearts of scholars across the land. If Lord Cao wants to win this decisive battle, the difficulty is unimaginable."

Sima Yi said this. "Zhongda is right." Sima Fang stroked his beard and nodded: "If Lord Yuan wins, you can serve under the Yuan family. This can be considered as leaving a way out for our Sima family."

"Since Lord Yuan has won, everyone is naturally overjoyed."

"After all, Cao Cao was born into a eunuch family. Does Father perhaps wish to see our Sima family and all the gentry of the land bow down to the Cao family?"

Sima Yi's tone revealed a hint of disdain as he retorted with this question. Sima Fang's body stiffened, and he fell into deep thought without speaking.

After a long silence, he couldn't help but sigh, "You're right, Cao Mengde was indeed a man of outstanding talent, but unfortunately, being born into such a family, he was ultimately not suited to rule the world."

As soon as he finished speaking, the fishing float suddenly twitched. "Father, the fish has taken the bait!" Sima Yi's face lit up with joy, and he quickly helped Sima to reel in the line. Father and son pulled together, and a big fish was hooked.

Sima Yi clicked his tongue and said, "This is the third one. It seems that Father's luck is even better than mine today." Sima Fang laughed and unhooked the fish, then rebaited it.

"Zhongda, since you have more confidence in Lord Yuan, why did you secretly befriend Cao Cao's son?" Sima Fang asked while offering bait. Sima Yi replied calmly, "Lord Yuan only has a greater chance of winning, but he is not guaranteed to win. My befriending that second son of Cao Cao is also a precaution against unforeseen circumstances."

"You've thought things through very well."

Sima Fang nodded slightly, but then asked doubtfully, "But if you want to befriend Cao Cao's son, why not befriend Cao Ang, the eldest son of the legitimate wife, instead of Cao Pi, the son of a concubine?"

"Cao Cao advocated meritocracy and did not care about family background or social status when employing people. Even a poor scholar like Guo Jia could be used as a trusted and important minister."

"Although Cao Ang was the eldest son of the legitimate wife, his personality and likes and dislikes were exactly the same as Cao Cao's."

"If such a person were to inherit Cao Cao's legacy in the future, Father, do you think we gentry would still have a good life?"

Sima Yi's eyes held a meaningful look, and he asked with a cold laugh. Sima Fang suddenly realized and understood his son's good intentions.

"However, I remember you once mentioned that Gu Cheng, the extraordinary man behind Cao Cao, seems to have a close relationship with Cao Ang." "This man is said to have unfathomable wisdom. If Cao Ang had this man's guidance, coupled with his status as the eldest son of the legitimate wife, even ten Cao Pis combined might not be able to compete with him."

Sima Fang then expressed his concerns.

Sima Yi grinned slyly: "Father, rest assured, although Gu Cheng is quite cunning, he is just a weak scholar. I have already sent Wang Yue, who should have taken his life by now!"

"You actually dared to assassinate that man?"

Sima Fang was taken aback and hurriedly said, "That is someone Cao Cao values ​​highly. If Cao Cao finds out, he will be furious and will not let our Sima family off easily!"

"Very few in the world know that Wang Yue is a retainer of our Sima family." "Even if Cao Cao learns of Gu Cheng's death, how could he possibly suspect our Sima family?" "Besides, Wang Yue would certainly not leave a single survivor, so who would know that he was the one who killed Gu Cheng?" Sima Yi asked in succession, his brows revealing an air of absolute confidence. Sima Fang suddenly understood and finally felt a great weight lifted from his shoulders.

"Since you dare to take action, you must be confident of victory. Father, don't worry too much, just focus on fishing," Sima Yi said with a smile, trying to comfort him.

Sima Fang was no longer worried, chuckled, and cast the fishhook back into the water. Just then...

A servant rushed over, carrying a long wooden box, his face filled with fear.

"Master, Second Young Master, someone left this item outside the door with a note requesting your inspection," the servant said, trembling as he placed the wooden box before him and his son. The father and son exchanged a suspicious glance. After a moment's hesitation, Sima Yi slowly opened the box. A severed hand, tightly gripping a long sword, came into view. Sima Yi and his son gasped, their bodies stiffening.

That sword belongs to Wang Yue!

That severed hand was naturally Wang Yue's severed hand!

This meant that Wang Yue's assassination attempt had failed, and he had even implicated Sima Yi as the mastermind! In other words, Gu Cheng already knew that Sima Yi was the mastermind and deliberately sent the severed hand to the Sima family as a show of intimidation. "Wang Yue, the number one swordsman in the world, how could he have failed?" Sima Yi muttered to himself, his eyes filled with disbelief. Sima Fang gasped in shock and anger, "Who is this villain who dares to mock my Sima family like this!" "Father!" Sima Yi calmed himself and sighed, "This is Wang Yue's sword and hand. He must have failed in his assassination attempt. This must be... Gu Cheng's masterpiece."

Sima Fang was stunned, his eyes filled with disbelief.

After a long moment of shock, Sima Fang said in a trembling voice, "Wang Yue is so skilled, yet he failed. Doesn't that mean Gu Cheng knows you are the mastermind? What if he reports this to Cao Gong?"

"Father, don't panic."

"Wang Yue is nothing but a lowly wandering knight. Even if he confesses, how can Lord Cao believe him based solely on his word?" "Besides, I am far away in Hanoi and have no official connection with Gu Cheng. It would be absurd for someone with no grudge to say that I want to kill him."

Sima Yi calmed down and reassured Sima Fang in a measured manner. Sima Fang then breathed a sigh of relief, his emotions gradually subsiding.

"Furthermore, my father was once recommended by Cao Cao, and Cao Cao is a man who values ​​relationships and cherishes old friendships. Based on this alone, he would not harm our Sima family based solely on the testimony of a swordsman."

Sima Yi offered further words of comfort.

Sima Fang was completely relieved and nodded, saying, "That's right, Cao Mengde values ​​old friendships and sentiments. You're absolutely right about that, Zhongda." "Moreover, Sui Gu has already sent someone to befriend Yuan Gong. If we can get Yuan Gong's support, we can at least hold onto our troops and establish a separatist regime in Hanoi."

"Even if we concede that Cao Cao truly intends to punish us, his decrees cannot easily reach Hanoi, so how can he retaliate against us?" Sima Yi retorted with a cold smile. Sima Fang suddenly understood and said, "Zhongda is right. It seems I have been overthinking things." He then changed the subject.

Sima Fang's face showed deep confusion. He said in bewilderment, "But you said that Gu Cheng was weak and powerless. It was already strange enough that Wang Yue's assassination attempt failed, but to be captured alive by Gu Cheng is something I simply cannot understand."

Sima Yi frowned, and doubt gathered again on his face.

"It seems this person is not only exceptionally intelligent, but also far more cunning than I imagined..." A sigh, tinged with apprehension, echoed from the pond.

Northwest of Ping County, on the south bank of the Yellow River.

Inside a courtyard house, Gu Cheng sat idly in the attic, admiring the scenery of the rolling Yellow River. On the opposite bank of the river lay Meng County, which belonged to the Hanoi Prefecture, and Ping County, which was separated by the river.

Looking into the distance, Gu Cheng could vaguely see battle flags fluttering in the wind at the Mengxian ferry crossing on the opposite bank, clearly indicating a large troop concentration. "Young Master, we've found out everything!" Xu Chu said breathlessly as he climbed up to the pavilion. "Tell me," Gu Cheng said.

"Just last night, five thousand Cao troops were stationed at Pingxian Ferry. They are currently collecting boats and rafts, clearly intending to cross the river and seize Hanoi County."

"On the other side, Sui Gu is responding tit-for-tat, having stationed all his troops in Hanoi at Mengxian Ferry, clearly intending to prevent Cao Cao's army from crossing the river." "Everything is exactly as you predicted, young master. I am truly impressed." Xu Chu said with respect, speaking eloquently.

Gu Cheng nodded slightly and asked, "Have you found out where Lü Lingqi and Gao Shun are?" Xu Chu's eyes lit up at this question.

He gave a thumbs-up and said, "Young master, how could you have predicted that girl would be on the other side? I sent people to inquire, and she really is from the Hanoi army at Mengxian Ferry!"

really.

Gu Cheng smiled and said calmly, "Lu Bu didn't have many friends in his life. The only one he had a good relationship with was Zhang Yang, the governor of Hanoi. Lu Lingqi had nowhere else to go. If she didn't come to Hanoi to seek refuge with Zhang Yang, where else could she go?"

Xu Chu suddenly realized and couldn't help but sigh in admiration, "So that's how it is. No one in this world, no matter what, can escape your calculations, young master."

"Stop with the flattery for now." Gu Cheng finished his cup of wine and ordered, "Quickly send someone to Mengxian Ferry to see Lü Lingqi. Tell her I want to see her and ask her to come to Pingxian."

"Young master, what do you want with that girl?" Xu Chu asked, puzzled.

Gu Cheng sneered, "Have you forgotten? She promised me in Xuzhou that she would go through fire and water for me if I gave the order. Young Master, I want to wipe out Sima Yi's entire family, and I'll need her then."

Xu Chu realized his mistake, but then said, "But so much time has passed. What if that girl doesn't want to keep her promise and refuses to come?" "This Lü Lingqi is different from her father Lü Bu. She is a woman of her word and a heroine. Trust me, I'm not mistaken." Gu Cheng's eyes were full of certainty. Xu Chu dared not ask any more questions and immediately followed the order.

He hurried down from the attic, while Gu Cheng leisurely sipped his wine and continued to admire the Yellow River scenery. Footsteps sounded, and a moment later, Xu Chu climbed back up. "Finished so quickly? Light speed?"

Gu Cheng looked at him curiously. "Light speed?" Xu Chu looked blank, but quickly said, "Young Master, a distinguished guest has arrived. It's General Wei, no, it's the eldest son of the Cao family who has come to visit!"

"Cao Ang?" Gu Cheng frowned, puzzled. "I just hid in Ping County, and he came right after me. He's really like a persistent ghost."

"Young Master, shall we see him or not?" Xu Chu asked, panting. Gu Cheng smiled wryly and waved his hand, saying, "We make our living on the Cao family's territory. How can we not give face to the eldest son of the Cao family who has come to visit? Let's see him."

Xu Chu turned and left.

Helpless, Gu Cheng had no choice but to leave the building.

As soon as he entered the courtyard, Cao Ang walked in, smiling broadly, and said, "Brother Gu, I never expected to meet you again in Ping County. What a coincidence!"

"Fate, it really is fate." Gu Cheng bowed and smiled wryly, "Young Master, you wouldn't have sent someone to monitor my Gu family, afraid I would run away, so you chased me all the way to Ping County, would you? Otherwise, how could it be such a coincidence that we always run into each other?"

"No, Brother Gu, you're overthinking it." Cao Ang quickly denied it, but said, "I was ordered by my father to lead the army to recapture Hanoi County. I just entered Ping County and accidentally found out that Brother Gu was nearby, so I came to visit you."

His explanation was reasonable enough that Gu Cheng could no longer question it.

"I didn't expect that Lord Cao would send his eldest son to attack Hanoi. He seems to want to train his eldest son here." Gu Cheng invited Cao Ang to sit down and poured him a cup of fragrant tea.

Cao Ang took the cup and looked at Gu Cheng with curiosity: "Brother Gu, have you calculated that Father is going to wage war against Hanoi?" "Hanoi is connected to Hedong County to the west, separated from Luoyang to the south only by the Yellow River, borders Jizhou to the east, and leads directly to Huguan to the north. It can be said to be the center of the world."

"Zhang Yang originally intended to surrender to Cao Cao, but was killed by his own generals. Now, Sui Gu clearly wants to surrender to Yuan Shao." "How could Cao Cao simply hand over such an important place to Yuan Shao? Naturally, he must take advantage of Yuan Shao's slow reaction to swiftly defeat Sui Gu and seize Hanoi Commandery!"

Gu Cheng sipped his tea and launched into a casual discussion.

"What Brother Gu said is exactly the same as the pros and cons that Father and Guo Fengxiao discussed. Brother Gu truly deserves to be called a strategist reborn!" Cao Ang said with admiration, bowing his hands in respect.

"Strategist! They've even come up with a nickname for me, and it's so intimidating!" "Damn it, I really have a big mouth, I've said so much again. Keep a low profile, I need to..."

Gu Cheng inwardly blamed himself. Then he chuckled and said self-deprecatingly, "What strategist? I was just talking nonsense. Young Master, don't take it seriously. Come, come, have some tea."

"Brother Gu, please don't be modest."

"The defeat of Zhang Xiu at Wancheng, the victory over Cai Mao at Xinye, the annihilation of Yuan Shu at Shouchun, and the destruction of Lü Bu at Xiapi—each victory was a testament to Brother Gu's brilliant strategies." Cao Ang, however, was full of admiration, recounting Gu Cheng's many masterpieces. Gu Cheng, however, felt helpless, thinking to himself, "If I had known you were the eldest son of the Cao family, I wouldn't have given you those strategies, allowing the Cao family to target me."

"I don't deserve it, I really don't deserve it," Gu Cheng could only shake his head repeatedly. "Brother Gu."

Cao Ang cupped his hands in greeting and said solemnly, "I have come today for two reasons: first, to visit Brother Gu; and second, to ask for your advice on how to defeat Sui Gu on the other side of the river, quickly cross the river, and pacify Hanoi County, in order to prevent Yuan Shao from interfering!"

He wanted to ask for advice again. Gu Cheng originally wanted to keep a low profile and didn't want to show off his wisdom in front of this young master Cao, otherwise it would only strengthen the father and son's idea of ​​asking him to come out of retirement.

Just as he was about to make an excuse, a thought suddenly popped into his mind.

The Sima family was a powerful clan in Wen County, and Lü Lingqi alone might not be able to shake them. To destroy the Sima family and avenge Sima Yi's assassination attempt, it would probably be necessary to rely on Cao Ang. "Fine, even if it's just to destroy the Sima family, I'll help him one more time." Gu Cheng's mind raced, and the troubled look on his face disappeared.

He then said, "Young Master wishes to break through Sui Gu's defenses quickly, and I do have some methods. However, I also have some personal matters to attend to, and I would like to ask Young Master for a small favor."

Cao Ang was overjoyed and said without hesitation, "Brother Gu's matter is my matter, Cao Ang's matter. Please give your instructions, Brother Gu." Gu Cheng coughed a few times and smiled, "Actually, it's a small matter. I just want to ask the eldest son to help me wipe out the entire Sima family after he enters Hanoi County."

He spoke casually, but Cao Ang was taken aback upon hearing it.

"How did the Sima family offend Brother Gu, that Brother Gu would want to exterminate their entire family?" Cao Ang asked in astonishment.

Before Gu Cheng could speak, Xu Chu said indignantly, "Young Master, you may not know this, but that scoundrel Sima Yi actually sent assassins to try and kill my young master. Of course, you must exterminate his entire family!"

"Sima Yi actually dared to assassinate Brother Gu?" Cao Ang exclaimed in shock, his face suddenly changing color.

Xu Chu then recounted the events to Cao Ang with an indignant tone. "Is that so?" Cao Ang frowned, still doubtful. Gu Cheng said calmly, "That Wang Yue is currently imprisoned here with me. If you don't believe me, Young Master, you can go and ask him yourself." "No need!" Cao Ang's doubt vanished, and he said seriously, "Since Brother Gu has spoken, how could I not believe him? There's no need to interrogate the assassin." Gu Cheng's heart skipped a beat; Cao Ang's trust pleased him greatly. "However, Brother Gu lives in seclusion in Xuchang and has no dealings with Sima Yi. Why would he want to harm you?" Cao Ang's face showed confusion again. "I won't bother guessing." A cold glint flashed in Gu Cheng's eyes as he said coldly, "In short, it's a fact that he wanted to harm me, and I will naturally repay him tenfold by annihilating his entire clan!" "Sima Yi dared to harm Brother Gu; he truly deserves to die!"

Cao Ang nodded emphatically, but then said, "Isn't it a bit too much to implicate Sima Yi's entire clan based solely on this matter?"

He clearly had reservations about the extermination of the entire Sima clan.

"Young Master, this matter is not only about you helping me settle a personal score, but also about eliminating a major hidden danger for your Cao family," Gu Cheng said meaningfully.

"A hidden danger for my Cao family?" Cao Ang was slightly taken aback, his eyes filled with doubt. "Brother Gu, are you perhaps implying that the Sima Yi clan will become the Cao family's enemy in the future?"

Gu Cheng sneered.

The Sima clan was not only the enemy of the Cao family, but also the sinners of all Han people. If the Sima clan had not usurped the throne and obtained the country illegitimately, how could they have so lavishly enfeoffed princes and won over the gentry of the land?

Without all of this, there would have been no War of the Eight Princes, nor the Five Barbarian Invasions. The instigators were Sima Yi and his seven brothers. Of course, how could Gu Cheng possibly tell Cao Ang these secrets? Even if he did, Cao Ang would consider it a fantasy and would never believe it.

Gu Cheng then said seriously, "Young Master, you don't need to ask why. Just trust me. Destroying the Sima clan will be absolutely beneficial to your Cao family."

Cao Ang's expression hardened, and he fell silent.

"My brother-in-law is a brilliant strategist. Since he says the Sima family is a scourge to our Cao family, he must have his reasons. Even if I don't understand them, I should do as he says..."

After a moment's hesitation, Cao Ang's eyes betrayed his doubt.

He stood up abruptly, and said solemnly, "Whatever Brother Gu says, I, Cao Ang, will believe. I will wipe out the Sima clan on Brother Gu's behalf!"

"Very well!" Gu Cheng smiled and said happily, "Then Young Master, you should quickly return to the army and make preparations. Within three days, I will send someone to inform you how to cross the Yellow River and defeat Sui Gu!"

Cao Ang's eyes lit up with surprise, and he couldn't help but ask, "Brother Gu, do you already have a brilliant plan?" "I wouldn't call it a brilliant plan, but it's enough to break the illusion. Young Master, just wait for good news." Gu Cheng smiled faintly, his handsome face radiating confidence as if he were in complete control.

Although Cao Ang was curious about Gu Cheng's ingenious plan, a great weight was lifted from his heart. He immediately took his leave and returned to Ping County.

On the north bank of the Yellow River, at the Mengxian ferry crossing, stands the Hanoi military camp. In a small camp, a large banner bearing the character "吕" (Lü) flutters in the wind.

Lü Lingqi stood on the command platform in the training ground, training her three hundred soldiers.

These three hundred men were recruited by her over several months after she joined Zhang Yang's forces, essentially rebuilding the Lü family army. Now that Zhang Yang has been killed and Sui Gu is in power, Lü Lingqi is weak and alone, and can only continue to be under Sui Gu's command. "Young Miss," Gao Shunxing said, rushing onto the platform, and whispered in her ear, "That young master Gu has sent someone to deliver a message, inviting you to meet in Ping County on the south bank."

Upon hearing Gu Cheng's name, Lü Lingqi's body trembled, and a look of surprise flashed in her eyes. "Gu Cheng, that Gu Liheng, he's actually on the other side?" Although Lü Lingqi tried her best to restrain herself, she couldn't hide the excitement in her heart. Gao Shun nodded and said, "He's in Ping County on the other side. It seems he and Miss have quite a bit of fate, to actually run into each other again." He casually remarked, but the phrase "quite a bit of fate" touched Lü Lingqi's heartstrings, and her face flushed slightly.

"What is he doing in Ping County? And why does he want me to see him?"

Lu Lingqi pretended not to understand.

Gao Shun shook his head: "This humble general does not know either, but this young master Gu has done a favor for the young lady. He has summoned you this time. I wonder if the young lady will go or not?"

"Of course I'll go."

Lu Lingqi said solemnly, "I promised him that as long as he needs anything, I, Lu Lingqi, will go through fire and water without hesitation. How could I break my promise?"

So, Lü Lingqi ordered Gao Shun to command the troops in the camp, while she changed into civilian clothes and secretly crossed the river to see Gu Cheng.

As night fell, at the Gu residence, Gu Cheng sat idly in the pavilion, gazing across the Yellow River at the brightly lit military camp on the opposite bank. "Young Master, Miss Lü has arrived!" Xu Chu reported from the pavilion.

Gu Cheng smiled and said, "She's here really fast. Please invite her up." Xu Chu then shouted down to the pavilion.

Footsteps sounded, and a bright and beautiful young woman gracefully ascended the pavilion. Gu Cheng turned around and saw that familiar, aloof face once again.

Today, instead of dressing as a man, she wore a purple-red ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), and under the moonlight, she was as beautiful as a rose blooming in the night.

"How strange, Miss Lü didn't dress up as a man today. I'm a little surprised," Gu Cheng said jokingly.

Lu Lingqi blushed slightly and hummed softly, "I am a woman by nature. If it weren't for the convenience of doing things, do you think I would willingly dress up as a man?"

"I see. So Miss Lü is treating me as one of her own by presenting herself as a woman." Gu Cheng feigned surprise and delight.

Lu Lingqi blushed again, then lifted her skirt and stepped forward, sitting down opposite Gu Cheng without waiting for his invitation. "Speak, Young Master Gu, what do you need me to do?"

As she asked, she casually poured herself a glass of wine and downed it in one gulp. "She's really not being polite; does she really consider me one of her own..." Gu Cheng muttered to himself. Afterwards.

He smiled and said, "It seems Miss Lü still remembers her promise. Very well, I'll get straight to the point. I need you to coordinate from within and without to help Cao Cao's army defeat Sui Gu and march into Hanoi!"

Upon hearing this, Lü Lingqi's expression subtly changed.

"You want me to help Cao Cao?" Lü Lingqi frowned.

"Your father, Lü Bu, was killed by Chen Gong, who in turn was beheaded by Cao Cao. In that sense, Cao Cao avenged your father's death. Why can't you help him?"

Gu Cheng countered with a question.

Lu Lingqi's eyes widened in shock, and she was immediately speechless.

"Zhang Yang was your father's friend and took you in, but he was killed by Yang Chou. Sui Gu was also involved. You must also hate Sui Gu, but you have to endure it for the time being because you are outnumbered and outmatched."

"Now that the opportunity has come, don't you want to kill Sui Gu and avenge Zhang Yang?" Gu Cheng's few words exposed Lü Lingqi's thoughts. Lü Lingqi's heart skipped a beat, and she looked up at Gu Cheng, wondering how he could see through her thoughts so clearly. It was as if she had no secrets in front of him, and even her every thought was under his control. "What, after all I've said, you still won't agree?" "Back in Xuzhou, you spoke so passionately, were you all just fools?" Gu Cheng's brows furrowed slightly, a hint of sarcasm flashing in his eyes. "Whoosh!" Lü Lingqi sat up abruptly, saying arrogantly, "I, Lü Lingqi, always keep my word. How could I go back on my promise? If you want to help Cao Cao's army, I will."

Gu Cheng smiled and praised, "Miss Lü is indeed a heroine among women, a woman of her word, worthy of our utmost respect." "You don't need to ridicule me," Lü Lingqi said, sitting down again, but asked in confusion, "Then can you tell me why you're helping Cao Cao's army? Have you truly decided to leave your seclusion and assist Cao Cao?"

"Of course not." Gu Cheng shook his head in denial, a cold glint flashing in his eyes: "It's because Sima Yi of Hanoi once sent assassins to kill me, so I made a deal with the eldest son of the Cao family: I would help him take Hanoi, and he would help me wipe out Sima Yi's entire clan!"

He didn't bother to hide it and frankly explained the reason.

"Since Sima Yi actually tried to assassinate you, were you injured? How badly were you injured?" Lü Lingqi's face changed color as she anxiously inquired, her hands instinctively pressing against Gu Cheng's body. Her concern caused her to momentarily lose her composure.

Gu Cheng was also taken aback for a moment before smiling and saying, "I...I'm fine, thank you for your concern." Lü Lingqi finally breathed a sigh of relief, as if a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

As she relaxed, she realized that her hand was resting on the back of Gu Cheng's hand. Her face flushed, and she quickly withdrew her hand, coughing a few times to cover her embarrassment. "Sima Yi wanted to kill me, so I annihilated his entire clan as revenge. That's not excessive, is it?" Gu Cheng countered.

"A man must avenge his wrongs, that's the way to do it!" Lü Lingqi nodded emphatically, slammed her fist on the table, and gritted her teeth, saying, "Since Sima Yi dared to harm you, I'm determined to help him. I won't let him get away with this!"

Given her attitude, Gu Cheng was momentarily at a loss for words. Xu Chu, however, saw through her ruse and couldn't help but laugh, "I must say, Miss Lü, you're really quite kind to our young master." Lü Lingqi shuddered, suddenly realizing that her words seemed to have a hidden meaning.

Her face flushed again, and she quickly coughed lightly, saying, "What I mean is, Brother Gu is also my friend. If someone wants to harm my friend, how can I, Lü Lingqi, stand idly by?"

"Friend, Miss Lü, do you only consider our young master as a friend?" Xu Chu asked with a chuckle.

Lu Lingqi grew increasingly flustered by the questioning, so she pretended not to understand and asked Gu Cheng, "Brother Gu, tell me, how can I help Cao Cao's army?"

"It's very simple. In three days, I will order Cao's army to cross the river and attack. At that time, Sui Gu's troops will definitely gather at the ferry to resist." "What you need to do is take the opportunity to betray them, set fire to the enemy camp, and throw Sui Gu's army into chaos." "The rest can be left to that young master Cao." Gu Cheng revealed the plan.

"Indeed a brilliant plan, it's your doing!" Lü Lingqi nodded in approval, stood up, and cupped her hands in a gesture of respect. "I understand what to do. I'll head back to the North Shore to make preparations now. Farewell."

"You're leaving so soon? Why don't you stay for dinner? You're already here," Gu Cheng said, getting up to persuade her to stay.

"No, no, no, I've already eaten before I came. Brother Gu, please wait." Lü Lingqi waved her hand repeatedly and hurriedly left the pavilion without looking back. Gu Cheng watched her back and murmured, "Was there a need to be in such a hurry? It's just the time it takes to eat a meal..." "Young Master."

Xu Chu leaned closer and said with a smile, "This Miss Lü became so anxious when she heard that someone wanted to assassinate you, young master. In my experience, this girl probably has feelings for you."

Gu Cheng was taken aback, then sneered, "You talk as if you have a lot of experience. If you weren't still unmarried, I would actually believe you."

"So what if I'm not married? I may not have eaten pork, but I've certainly seen pigs run!" Xu Chu said seriously.

"Alright, stop talking nonsense."

Gu Cheng slapped him and ordered, "Go get paper and pen. I'm going to write a letter to that young master Cao. Send someone to Cao's camp in Ping County as soon as possible."

Xu Chu could only grumble and go to get paper and pen. Outside the Gu residence.

The moment Lü Lingqi stepped out the door, she let out a long sigh of relief, as if a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She looked back at the pavilion and could still vaguely see Gu Cheng's figure. A subtle look flickered in her eyes, and her cheeks flushed again.

"Lü Lingqi, what nonsense are you thinking!" She stomped her foot angrily, banishing the distracting thoughts from her mind. With a soft sigh, she mounted her horse and disappeared into the night in the blink of an eye.

Pingxian County.

Cao Cao's army camp, central command tent.

"Sui Gu's troops are all gathered at the Mengxian ferry, clearly intending to prevent our army from crossing the river. Our army may not be able to take it by force." "Jia's idea is for the eldest son to lead the army in Pingxian, feigning a frontal attack, while Zilong leads an army forty li upstream to secretly cross the river."

"Then, by attacking from both the north and south, we will surely be able to defeat Sui Gu in one fell swoop and capture Meng County!" Guo Jia pointed to the map and explained his plan to defeat the enemy.

Zhao Yun said, "Guo Jijiu's plan is indeed a brilliant one, but it seems to be going to take some time and effort. It will take at least ten days to get back and forth."

Guo Jia sighed, "I know that, of course, but this is the fastest plan I can think of to defeat Sui Gu and cross the Yellow River." Zhao Yun nodded slightly and then cupped his hands to Cao Ang, "Young Master, this humble general believes that Chief Advisor Guo's plan is feasible. Please give the order, Young Master."

First place.

Cao Ang remained silent, hesitant to make a decision, seemingly waiting for something. "My lord, the key to conquering Hanoi is a swift victory," Guo Jia advised.

As soon as he finished speaking, a guard rushed in and presented Cao Ang with a letter. Cao Ang opened the letter, glanced at it a few times, and suddenly burst into laughter. Guo Jia and Zhao Yun exchanged a look, and a strange expression appeared on their faces.