binnovel Chapter 1014: Persuading Zhou Lang to Go to Xudu at Night
Chapter 1014: Persuading Zhou Lang to Go to Xudu at Night
Gan Ning's eyes lit up at Ma Yue's uninhibited demeanor. With a smile on his face, he praised him, "Young Master, you are truly bold and unrestrained. You will surely become a great man in the future! It's truly rare for someone so young to be so fearless and unafraid. In the future, when you gallop across the battlefield, you will be like a tiger descending from the mountains, unstoppable!"
After hearing this, Ma Yue was so excited that he danced in Shamoke's arms and said loudly: "Of course! When I grow up, I will be like my father, conquering all over the world and letting everyone know how powerful I am!" After saying this, he glanced at everyone proudly, and he looked so frank and cute.
Seeing this, Taishi Ci smiled and looked at Sun Shao, praising him: "Young Master Sun, despite his youth, is so loyal and devoted to his brothers. He will surely shoulder great responsibilities in the future. He is truly worthy of being General Sun's son." Sun Shao blushed slightly, puffed out his chest, and said calmly: "I will certainly live up to my father's expectations."
Zhou Yu looked at the children, smiled helplessly, and commented: "These two are really too naughty and never quiet for a moment. But it's normal for children to be lively and active. It's just that Xun'er seems too dull." Zhou Xun just smiled lightly after hearing this and didn't say much.
Shamoke laughed heartily and said nonchalantly: "It doesn't matter whether he is naughty or dull, as long as this kid is happy! Children should act like children. Come on, let's continue drinking!" Everyone responded and raised their glasses again.
Ma Yue watched everyone clinking glasses, but it seemed that they, the three brothers, were ignored. He immediately became unhappy, put his hands on his hips, and said loudly: "We three brothers are here, and you are drinking without inviting us, nor clinking glasses with us." He looked like he was going to accuse someone, and after saying that, he wanted to move closer to the adults and join the banquet.
Seeing this, Zhou Yu deliberately put on a stern face and pretended to be serious, testing them: "Tell me, how have your studies been lately? You're so young, and you're still thinking about drinking. This is not allowed."
Upon hearing this, Ma Yue's high spirits instantly faded. He muttered, "What is that teacher teaching? It's all nonsense. I don't understand a word. It's better to follow Uncle Gan. Uncle Taishi Ci is also good. It's fun to practice martial arts with them. He even said he'll take us hunting again in the spring."
Zhou Xun, on the other hand, appeared to be quite well-behaved. He went through the contents of his lessons in an orderly manner, reciting the classics, history, and literature in detail.
Sun Shao listened, but said unyieldingly, "Third brother, you are too honest. You just listen to whatever the teacher says. It's better to follow big brother and have fun. Every day is very interesting."
Zhou Yu frowned slightly at their words and sternly criticized them, "You all, martial arts training is certainly important, but literary skills shouldn't be neglected either. Reading can enlighten us and broaden our horizons, so how can we treat it so lightly? Especially you, Ma Yue, you should stop playing around and study hard. And you, Sun Shao, shouldn't bring Xun'er along for the ride. You all need to understand that the responsibilities you will shoulder in the future are grave, and you must possess both ability and integrity."
Ma Yue secretly curled his lips, making a face while Zhou Yu wasn't paying attention. His lively expression revealed his playfulness and uninhibited nature. Sun Shao, observing Ma Yue's state, saw that Ma Yue didn't take Zhou Yu's criticism to heart. He also laughed carelessly, as if the criticism was just a gust of wind that would blow away. Zhou Xun, on the other hand, remained the obedient child he always was, listening attentively to his father's teachings with his head bowed, nodding softly from time to time.
Looking at the expressions of the children, Shamoke couldn't help but smile and try to smooth things over: "Okay, okay, Grand Commander. This New Year's Eve is supposed to be a time for fun, with everyone gathered together. It's really a bit of a spoiler for you to test their homework at this time. Let's drink together and celebrate the festival." The generals also echoed and persuaded, and the tent was filled with the voices of persuasion.
Zhou Yu wanted to lighten the mood, but Ma Yue was the son entrusted to him by his eldest brother, Ma Chao, and Sun Shao was the orphan left behind by his second brother, Sun Ce. They both carried the blood and hopes of their older brothers. Zhou Yu knew the weight of his responsibility. If he didn't educate them well, how could he live up to the trust and entrustment of his two brothers? But in this joyful atmosphere, he couldn't remain serious. After a moment of silent reflection, he finally smiled and said, "Okay, then, let's listen to everyone and drink together." Everyone raised their glasses upon hearing this, and for a moment, the tent was filled with laughter again. The aroma of wine and laughter intertwined, permeating the night of New Year's Eve, allowing everyone to temporarily forget their many worries and immerse themselves in this rare reunion and joy.
The drinking continued until midnight. Outside the tent, darkness deepened, and a cold wind howled. As the generals departed, the vast tent gradually quieted down. Shamoke, however, staggered slightly, feeling seven-tenths tipsy, yet still three-tenths sober. He reached out and took Zhou Yu's arm, slowly saying, "General, I have something I've been holding in my heart for a long time. Today, while I'm still drunk, I want to offer some advice."
Zhou Yu raised his eyebrows slightly, with a questioning look in his eyes, and listened quietly to Shamoke continue.
Shamoke paused, then continued, "I understand your good intentions for these children. But have you ever thought about Ma Yue, for example? Although he is Ma Chao's biological son, Ma Chao is now the King of Liang. If he really competes for the Central Plains and unifies the world in the future, with his status, who knows how many descendants he will have in the future. Ma Yue is far away in Jiangdong. All we can do is to ensure that he grows up safely and lives a happy life. Do we really expect him to return and inherit his father's throne? Just think about it, there are countless swords and swords hidden behind the scenes, and there are countless open and secret struggles."
Zhou Yu frowned slightly and his expression became serious. What Shamoke said was not without reason.
Shamoke glanced at Zhou Yu and continued, "Besides, you have too high expectations for this kid Sun Shao. Do you really want him to inherit his father's legacy? Have you ever thought about what kind of difficulties and dangers it would be if he really ruled the land of Jiangdong and fought for hegemony against the princes in this chaotic world? Let me tell you, since Ma Chao is still alive, he will definitely avenge General Sun Ce. So, you don't have to restrict Sun Shao too much. Just let him and Ma Yue grow up carefree."
These words struck Zhou Yu's heart like a hammer, making his expression even more solemn. Shamoke seemed to realize he'd said too much. He reached out and gently patted Zhou Yu's shoulder, saying with a smile, "Alright, alright, Grand Commander. I'm just a rough man with little experience. I'm just expressing my thoughts briefly. Don't take them to heart. With your wisdom, you're surely much more thorough than I've thought. It's getting late, so I'll return to my territory."
With that, Shamoke turned and, supported by his attendants, staggered out of the tent. Zhou Yu stood there, watching Shamoke's departing figure, lost in deep thought. The flickering candlelight in the tent stretched his figure out, making him seem somewhat lonely in the quiet night.
Meanwhile, on New Year's Eve, Ma Yunlu and Cao Ang, along with their cavalry, had arrived outside the city of Xudu, accompanied by Lü Bu's family. A bitter cold wind howled, seemingly engulfing everything in it. While the city should have been bustling with lights and festive decorations, Xudu seemed exceptionally bleak. In this war-torn city, whose hands have changed several times, the people, battered by years of turmoil, had long lost any desire to celebrate.
Inside the imperial palace in Xudu, Emperor Liu Xie forced himself to cheer up, setting a banquet and drinking with Lü Bu and Wang Yun. The flickering candlelight illuminated the faces of the three men, each preoccupied with their own thoughts. Liu Xie looked slightly forlorn. Though he held the throne, his power was fleeting in these turbulent times. Lü Bu, on the other hand, wore a haughty expression. Commanding a large army, his eyes betrayed his ambition for the entire world. Wang Yun sat nearby, his brow furrowed, as if lost in thought.
At that moment, a soldier hurried into the hall, knelt on one knee, and urgently reported, "Your Majesty, General Lü Bu, Cao Ang has led his cavalry outside the city walls, inviting General Lü Bu to the top for a response." Liu Xie's heart sank. The situation was becoming increasingly complicated. Who knew what kind of trouble Cao Ang's arrival would stir up? Honestly, the emperor was in a truly awkward position. Otherwise, how could he have allowed the messenger to enter the palace so easily?
Back when Liu Xie was proclaimed emperor by Cao Cao in Xudu, the hastily built imperial palace was modest to begin with. Later, with power firmly in Cao Cao's hands, Cao Cao naturally had no desire to expand the palace. While Wang Yun and Lü Bu's occupation of Xudu now gave Liu Xie some peace of mind, he knew that Cao Cao had yet to return, and how the situation would unfold was uncertain, with countless battles still to come.
Upon hearing Cao Ang's arrival, Lü Bu's lips curled up slightly, revealing a hint of disdain. He stood up and said to Liu Xie, "Your Majesty, please be patient. I will go and meet Cao Ang and see what he has to say." With that, he strode out of the hall. Wang Yun, seeing this, also quickly stood up and followed Lü Bu. Liu Xie watched the two men depart, feeling a mixture of emotions, silently praying that this would not lead to greater disaster.
Outside the city, Cao Ang rode tall and majestic, his posture erect, his gaze fixed firmly on the gates of Xudu. Ma Yunlu stood quietly beside him, his hand on the hilt of his sword, his eyes gleaming with heroism. Ma Chao's family, stationed at the rear of the troops, sat in the cold night, their hearts pounding with anxiety, unsure of what awaited them.
Torches blazed brightly on the towers, illuminating the surroundings like daylight. Clad in heavy armor, Lü Bu emerged into view, imposing and imposing. Arms folded across his chest, he gazed down at Cao Ang and the neatly arrayed army behind him with a look of profound contempt. He then shouted, "Cao Ang, my son, your father, Cao Cao, used the emperor to control the other states, his actions betraying the character of a traitor. Now, we have raised an army of justice, restored order, and seized Xu City. Yet, you have chosen this New Year's Eve to come here? What brings you here?"
Cao Ang's face remained calm. He raised his head fearlessly, gazing directly at the arrogant Lü Bu on the tower. He spoke loudly, "General Lü, I haven't come here to argue with you about the right or wrong of my father's actions. You took advantage of my father's absence and led your troops to seize Xu Du. This action is truly dishonorable. However, my father will make the final decision on this matter when he returns. I have come here today to discuss a deal with you. This deal concerns the survival of our families. I hope General Lü will calm down and listen carefully."
Lü Bu was stunned for a moment, then threw back his head and burst into laughter, his laughter echoing in the night sky, full of mockery. He pointed at Cao Ang and shouted sarcastically, "Cao Ang, you are so delusional! Your capital, Xu, has been captured by me. Now you are surrounded by enemies and have no safe home. You are like a stray dog, and yet you dare to bark at me here? It's ridiculous!"
Cao Ang remained unperturbed by Lü Bu's humiliation. He remained calm and composed, saying, "General Lü, although the situation is currently unfavorable to my Cao family, I have come here with sufficient sincerity and leverage. If you don't listen to me, you will surely regret it later." Lü Bu frowned slightly, a thought flashing in his eyes as he secretly speculated about Cao Ang's intentions. However, he remained unyielding, saying, "Hmph, then tell me what deal you have to negotiate. If you can't explain it, you won't leave alive today!"