plumnovel Chapter 47 I've Got Gu Cheng
Chapter 47 I've Got Gu Cheng
Xiaopei is destroyed? Guan Yu is dead?
Liu Bei sat frozen, his face blank, his eyes glazed over, utterly stunned. "Yun Chang, Yun Chang—" After a moment of disorientation, Liu Bei suddenly snapped out of it, collapsed to the ground, and burst into tears. Yuan Tan frowned, advising, "Lord Xuande, please restrain your grief; don't ruin your health by crying." Sun Qian, also in tears, wanted to help Liu Bei up but didn't know how to comfort him. "Yun Chang, we swore brotherhood, vowing to live and die together, how can you abandon your brother and go first!" "If you leave like this, how can I face Yide!" "Yun Chang, Yun Chang—"
Liu Bei prostrated himself on the ground, weeping uncontrollably, moving everyone present. Even Yuan Tan couldn't help but think, "Lord Xuande, you are truly a man of deep affection and righteousness... Suddenly..."
Liu Bei suddenly sat up, drew his sword from his waist, and was about to slit his own throat. "My lord, no!" Sun Qian was horrified and rushed forward before Liu Bei could commit suicide, grabbing Liu Bei's arm tightly.
Yuan Tan was also taken aback. He quickly leaped forward, trying to snatch the sword while pleading, "Lord Xuande, what are you doing? Calm down! You mustn't take your own life!"
"I swore an oath of brotherhood with Yun Chang in the Peach Garden, vowing to die in the same year and month. Now that Yun Chang is gone, how can I, Liu Bei, live alone! I want to fulfill my oath and go to the Yellow Springs to follow Yun Chang!" "Let me go, all of you, let me die!" Liu Bei was filled with grief and indignation, struggling desperately, determined to commit suicide.
Yuan Tan pleaded, "Xuande, I know you value loyalty, but the more so, the more you must live to avenge Guan Yu!"
"Yes, my lord!"
Sun Qian also pleaded, "If our lord dies in vain, no one will avenge General Yun Chang, and he will not be able to rest in peace!"
When the two tried to persuade him, they forcibly took the sword from Liu Bei's hand and threw it aside. Liu Bei seemed to have been awakened and stopped being hysterical.
"You're right, I must avenge Yun Chang, otherwise how can I face him in the afterlife..." Liu Bei muttered to himself, the sorrow on his face gradually replaced by fiery rage. Suddenly.
Liu Bei leaped to his feet, gritting his teeth, and said, "Cao Cao, you treacherous villain! You usurped the Han dynasty's throne and killed my sworn brother! Such a national and familial vendetta! I, Liu Bei, swear I will not rest until I have annihilated your entire clan!"
Seeing Liu Bei like this, Yuan Tan and Sun Qian finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Yuan Tan couldn't help but ask in surprise, "This is strange indeed. Lord Xuande, didn't you say that Xiaopei could hold out for at least half a month? How come it was breached by that traitor Cao Cao in less than twenty days?"
Liu Bei calmed down, grabbed the guard, and demanded, "How exactly did Cao Cao break through Xiaopei? Tell me quickly!" "Reporting to Lord Liu, according to my spies, it seems that the young lady from the Mi family in Xuzhou persuaded her brother Mi Fang to surrender, seized the city gate, and only through this coordinated attack from within and without was Cao Cao's army allowed to enter the city."
The guards reported nervously. "Miss Mi? It's actually Mi Huan, trying to persuade Mi Fang to surrender?"
Liu Bei stumbled backward, took a few steps back, and sat down, once again lost in bewilderment and astonishment.
"Lord Xuande, I heard that Miss Mi was your fiancée. It seems she was kidnapped by bandits before your wedding?" "Logically speaking, she was your person. How could she turn around and persuade Mi Fang to surrender, causing the fall of Xiaopei and the death of Guan Yu?" Yuan Tan was equally puzzled and couldn't help but ask.
Every word he uttered was like salt rubbed into Liu Bei's wounds, causing him excruciating pain. "This must be that wicked scheme of Gu Cheng!" "That vile woman, she actually betrayed me!"
"That brat, what methods did he use to make that vile woman Mi betray me and help Cao Cao kill my Yun Chang?" Liu Bei gritted his teeth, his face filled with rage, his eyes burning with extreme anger and confusion.
"Gu Cheng? Who is that? I've never heard of him before. How could he help Cao Cao conquer Xiaopei?" Yuan Tan was taken aback, his eyes filled with curiosity and confusion. Sun Qian sighed, "Young Master, this Gu Cheng is a son of a low-ranking gentry family in Xu County. He is quite intelligent, and the Gu family's salt was his doing."
"So that salt was created by this man," Yuan Tan said, seemingly realizing something.
After all, although Yuan Shao was on a northern expedition to Youzhou, he was also paying close attention to the actions of the various provinces in Henan, and had heard about the salt shortage that Cao Cao was experiencing.
Immediately, Yuan Tan's face showed disdain: "So he's just a scion of a minor clan. What extraordinary qualities could he possibly possess?" His Yuan family was a top-tier aristocratic clan, naturally arrogant and contemptuous. Upon hearing that Gu Cheng was from a minor clan, he naturally felt contempt. "Young Master, don't underestimate this man. This lad is extremely cunning. When my lord sent General Yun Chang to attack Hu Lu, he fell for his trick..."
Sun Qian then told Yuan Tan how Gu Cheng had sent someone to impersonate Lü Bu to attack, deceiving their judgment and causing Guan Yu's army to be recalled.
"A mere scion of a minor clan possesses such wisdom and strategy?" Yuan Tan's eyes shifted slightly, finally showing signs of taking it seriously. Sun Qian nodded emphatically and said in a deep voice, "We even suspect that the legendary reclusive mastermind who offered Cao Cao ingenious strategies behind the scenes is very likely this person."
Yuan Tan's expression changed, and fear finally surfaced in his eyes.
"Guo Tu and others mentioned that Cao Cao seemed to have indeed received the assistance of a strategist of extraordinary ability. His killing of Zhang Xiu and the execution of Yuan Shu may have been the work of that extraordinary person."
"I didn't quite believe it at first, but after hearing what you all said today, could it be that the extraordinary person really exists, and is actually this Gu Cheng?" Yuan Tan's eyes and tone had become serious.
"If Gu Cheng is indeed that extraordinary person, keeping him in the world will surely be a great threat to Lord Yuan!"
"Gu Cheng must be in Xuzhou right now. I urge the eldest son to quickly raise a large army and march south. Firstly, to stop Cao Cao from seizing Xuzhou, and secondly, to kill Gu Cheng, thus eliminating a major threat to Lord Yuan!"
Liu Bei rose up in determination and offered advice to Yuan Tan once more...
Yuan Tan was taken aback, but sneered, "Lord Xuande, you say it's for the Yuan family, but I'm afraid you just want to use my family to avenge Guan Yu!"
A hint of embarrassment flashed across Liu Bei's eyes after his thoughts had been exposed. Then...
Liu Bei replied solemnly, "I admit that I do want to avenge Yun Chang, but wouldn't eliminating Gu Cheng for Yuan Shao also benefit Yuan Gong's great cause?"
Yuan Tan pondered silently, slightly tempted.
After weighing the options for a long time, Yuan Tan said, "Whether Gu Cheng is that extraordinary person or not, there is still no conclusive evidence. Moreover, without my father's orders, I dare not send troops lightly."
"Young Master—" Liu Bei cried out anxiously. Yuan Tan waved his hand to interrupt him, his face contorted with worry, "I also have my difficulties. Please understand, Lord Xuande. Otherwise, I will send you to Yijing to see my father. If you can persuade my father, I will immediately lead my troops south to Xuzhou to avenge you!"
Helpless, Liu Bei could only say, "In that case, I have no choice but to go see Lord Yuan." That very day, filled with anger, Liu Bei headed north to Hebei, heading straight for Yijing.
South of Xiaopei lies Pengcheng. Inside the county government building, Lü Bu holds a grand assembly of his generals, the atmosphere relaxed.
"Gongtai, in your opinion, how long will it take Cao Cao to conquer Xiaopei?" Lü Bu asked, sipping his wine. Chen Gong quickly calculated and replied, "Given Guan Yu's abilities, Cao Cao will definitely not be able to take Xiaopei in less than two or three months. Even if he does, he will pay a heavy price!"
"Yes, I hope so."
Lu Bu nodded in satisfaction and sneered, "Then I will plan the timing carefully. Just before Xiaopei falls, when they are exhausted and both sides are weakened, our army will march north and reap the benefits."
"That's exactly right, Lord Wen is wise." Chen Gong raised his cup in a toast with a smile. Lü Bu, not hiding his pride, tilted his head back and drank the cup down in one gulp.
"Father, under normal circumstances, this calculation would be fine, but now, that Gu Cheng is in Hulu City." "What if this person gives Cao Cao a plan to quickly break through Xiaopei? Father, you can't ignore his existence." Lü Lingqi couldn't help but remind him.
Lu Bu's expression tightened slightly, and a hint of worry flashed in his eyes.
Chen Gong smiled and said, "Judging from Miss's previous description, this Gu Cheng is indeed quite resourceful, but it is also true that Xiaopei is a strong city and Guan Yu is a skilled warrior. Even if Zhang Liang were to be resurrected, he wouldn't be able to help Cao Cao quickly conquer Xiaopei in just a few days."
"Hmm, Gongtai is right." Lü Bu's worries dissipated, and he coldly snorted, "That scoundrel Gu Cheng, I only recruited him because I thought highly of him, yet he dares to despise me! If he has the guts, he should stay in Hulu and not leave. After I defeat Cao Cao, I will definitely settle accounts with him!"
The words had barely left his mouth.
Zhang Liao rushed in, cupped his hands, and said, "Reporting to Marquis Wen, an urgent report comes from the north: Cao Cao has captured Xiaopei and killed Guan Yu!" "What?" Lü Bu jumped up, his face turning pale with shock.
"Reporting to Marquis Wen, Xiaopei has fallen, and Guan Yu has been killed!" Zhang Liao repeated in a deep voice.
Only then did Lü Bu realize he hadn't misheard. His face froze in astonishment for a moment before he slowly sat down. Chen Gong's expression also changed drastically, as if he had been struck on the head with a blunt object. Just moments ago, he had confidently judged that Cao Cao wouldn't be able to take Xiaopei in a short time. He never expected that in the blink of an eye, Cao Cao would deliver such an unbelievable victory, slapping him hard in the face.
"General Zhang, Guan Yu is no ordinary man. How could Cao Cao have captured Xiaopei in just a few days?" Chen Gong, having regained his senses, questioned Zhang Liao.
Zhang Liao then explained why Mi Fang surrendered his family to Cao Cao, helping Cao Cao capture the city. "Mi Fang surrendered to Cao Cao?" "His family were Liu Bei's confidants, supporting Liu Bei with all their wealth. Why would Mi Fang turn against him?" Chen Gong was full of confusion and could not understand.
Lu Bu's expression shifted from shock to bewilderment. He gritted his teeth and cursed, "That Mi Fang, has he lost his mind? Why did he betray Liu Bei!" "Could it be him again?" Lu Lingqi, snapping out of her daze, exclaimed in surprise. "Him? Which him?"
Lu Bu glared at his daughter.
Lu Lingqi took a deep breath before saying, "On my way back from the lake, I heard something. It is said that Liu Bei's fiancée, Mi Shi, was kidnapped, and his intention to marry into the Mi family was ruined. I vaguely heard that the person who kidnapped Mi Shi seems to be Gu Cheng!" "Gu Cheng? How come it's him again?" Lu Bu frowned, his eyes filled with surprise.
Lu Lingqi continued, "If this rumor is true, then the Mi family has fallen into Gu Cheng's hands. I suspect that Mi Fang's defection to Cao Cao might also be Gu Cheng's doing?"
Inside the lobby, a flurry of surprised discussions ensued.
Song Xian, Hou Cheng, Cao Xing, and other generals were all whispering about Gu Cheng's name. Lü Bu sneered, "It seems that this kid is stirring things up behind the scenes again. If Mi Fang's rebellion was indeed his doing, it's truly a brilliant plan. This kid's intelligence has exceeded my expectations."
His annoyed tone was tinged with a hint of admiration.
"However, Gu Cheng is determined to live in seclusion, and my daughter can't understand why he would offer advice to Cao Cao. Perhaps this matter has nothing to do with him, and my daughter is just making wild guesses?"
Lü Lingqi began to doubt herself again. *Bang!*
Lu Bu slammed his hand on the table and said in a deep voice, "Whether it's him or not, I must recruit him into my ranks. Lingqi, find a way to go find him again. No matter what means you use, you must bring him back for your father!"
Lü Lingqi stiffened slightly.
This father of his is going to completely break ties; if persuasion doesn't work, he'll resort to force, even if it means kidnapping Gu Cheng.
"Daughter...daughter obeys." After hesitating for a moment, Lü Lingqi still agreed.
Seeing Lü Bu's high regard for Gu Cheng, Chen Gong frowned, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes. "Ahem." He coughed a few times, cupped his hands, and said, "Lord Wen, regardless of whether this matter has anything to do with Gu Cheng, it is a fact that Cao Cao has captured Xiaopei, and it is also a fact that the gateway to Xuzhou has fallen. We must take action."
Lü Bu nodded slightly and said, "It seems that a decisive battle with Cao Cao is unavoidable. What do you all think we should do?" "Lord Wen, Xiaopei cannot be lost. This humble general believes we should quickly lead a large army north and recapture Xiaopei!"
Zhang Liao angrily offered his advice.
The remaining generals, including Song Xian and Hou Cheng, all advocated heading north to recapture Xiaopei. "Father, Commander!"
Lu Lingqi cupped her hands and said, "It is only right to take back Xiaopei, but Cao Cao has already occupied Xiaopei. If our army marches north to fight, Cao Cao will be waiting in ambush. We should be cautious in this battle."
"Qi'er is right."
Lu Bu agreed wholeheartedly: "We must take back Xiaopei, but we need to discuss how to do so." The generals fell silent, none of them having a plan.
Chen Gong, who had remained silent, suddenly revealed a strange smile.
"Lord Wen, I have a plan that will surely defeat Cao Cao and easily reclaim Xiaopei!" Chen Gong slowly stood up, cupped his hands, and smiled.
A glint flashed in Lü Bu's eyes, and he hurriedly asked, "Gongtai, what brilliant plan do you have?" Chen Gong then slowly stroked his short beard and explained his plan.
Lü Bu was overjoyed and praised, "Gongtai, this is a brilliant plan! That Cao traitor will surely be complacent after easily capturing Xiaopei. If I deliberately feign weakness, he will definitely underestimate me. Excellent, this plan is superb!"
Immediately, Lü Bu used Chen Gong's plan and ordered his generals to act accordingly. "Father, my spies have sent word that Gu Cheng has gone to Xiaopei City."
"If our army wins this battle, our Lü family army will march into Xiaopei and there will surely be a massacre. I'm afraid we might accidentally kill Gu Cheng." "Therefore, I want to go north to Xiaopei now and take Gu Cheng away first." Lü Lingqi was worried about Gu Cheng's safety, so she asked for permission.
Lü Bu waved his hand and said, "Qi'er is right. I want Xiao Pei, and I also want Gu Cheng. Go quickly." "Yes, sir!"
Lu Lingqi gladly accepted the order and that very night disguised herself as a merchant and headed north from Pengcheng to Xiaopei.
A few days later, at Xiaopei, at the Mi residence.
Because of Mi Fang's contributions, Cao Cao did not punish the Mi family after capturing the city, and the Mi family's property and residences remained theirs.
With Mi Zhu in Xudu and Mi Fang murdered, the entire Mi family business is now under the control of Mi Huan. "Since you intend to stay in Xiaopei for a while, young master, please stay at my Mi family's residence," Mi Huan said with a smile, inviting Gu Cheng in and showing him around the various courtyards and houses.
Gu Cheng then said, "With so many of us, it's not really appropriate for us to stay at your house. Perhaps I should just buy another house." Before he finished speaking, a servant of the Mi family presented a thick stack of silk scrolls to Mi Huan. Mi Huan bowed and presented the scrolls to Gu Cheng with both hands. "What do you mean by this?" Gu Cheng helped her up, his eyes full of suspicion.
"These are the deeds to the houses and shops of my Mi family. Since Huan'er has already served you, these things should naturally belong to you. She wants to offer the entire Mi family to Gu Cheng."
Gu Cheng's heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, he didn't know how to respond.
"Although my Mi family has suffered repeated blows and lost more than a tenth of its wealth, it is insignificant compared to your wealth, young master. However, it is Huan'er's token of appreciation. I hope you will not find it offensive and will accept it."
Mi Huan looked at Gu Cheng with an almost pleading gaze.
Seeing this, Zhou Tai couldn't help but lean in and say, "Liheng, just listen to yourself. Haven't you realized that Miss Mi is bringing the Mi family's assets into the Gu family as part of her dowry?"
These words seemed to strike at Mi Huan's heart, causing her face to flush red. She lowered her head, not daring to look Gu Cheng in the eye. "What dowry, Youping? Don't talk nonsense," Gu Cheng glared at him, annoyed. Zhou Tai didn't say anything, only chuckled.
"Young master, Huan'er can't support all of the Mi family's businesses on her own. They'll all be gone sooner or later. Please help Huan'er out by accepting this."
Mi Huan was afraid that Gu Cheng would be in a difficult position, so she had no choice but to ask for the Dao again.
"Very well, if we're being serious, she's still my maidservant, and it's only natural that I want to forcibly take back everything from the Mi family."
"Since she's so insistent that I accept it, it would seem hypocritical of me to refuse." With that in mind, Gu Cheng readily agreed, "Alright, then I'll accept it. I, Gu Cheng, won't let you down. I'll give you 10% of the profits from these businesses every year. What do you think?"
Mi Huan breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly said, "Young master is already extremely grateful for your willingness to help our Mi family business continue. Even if you don't give me a single penny, I won't complain."
Gu Cheng smiled, put away the brocade ring, and began to look through the contracts.
"Yes, having the Mi family's business connections has saved me a lot of trouble. It's made it much easier for my Gu family's business to enter Xuzhou..."
Gu Cheng thought to himself.
"Oh, Mr. Gu, I've finally found you! So this is where you are." Just then, a familiar voice rang out from behind.