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The next day, Lü Bu personally came to bid farewell to Zhou Ya. Although his expression was calm, there was a hint of barely perceptible coldness in his eyes. He clasped his hands in salute and spoke with a touch of self-mockery, "I am grateful for your generous treatment, my lord. However, I fear that my temperament may not align with that of your younger brothers and the other heroes. If I stay too long, it might only increase misunderstandings. After much consideration, I have decided to seek refuge elsewhere."
Upon hearing this, Liu Bei's expression changed dramatically. He quickly rose to return the gesture, his tone filled with sincerity. "General, why do you say such things? If you leave, I will feel guilty; there is no greater sin than that. Yesterday, Brother Three acted disrespectfully, and I will ensure he personally apologizes to you."
Lü Bu remained impassive but nodded slightly. "Liu Shijun need not force him; it is natural for brothers to have their disagreements."
Liu Bei gazed into Lü Bu's eyes, pondering for a moment before finally speaking. "Since the general wishes to avoid conflict, why not temporarily take shelter in Xiao Pei? That was where I once stationed my troops. Although it is a small place, it should suffice for you to rest for a while. As for provisions and military supplies, I will do my utmost to provide them."
Upon hearing this, Lü Bu's eyes flashed with surprise before he returned the salute with a slightly softened tone. "Your kindness is greatly appreciated, my lord. If I can rest in Xiao Pei, it must be fate."
Liu Bei patted Lü Bu's arm earnestly and said, "Rest easy there. The situation is still uncertain; perhaps one day we may fight side by side again."
Lü Bu nodded slightly and took his leave, leading his troops towards Xiao Pei.
After Lü Bu departed, Liu Bei returned to the Back Hall, his brow furrowed deeply as he sighed heavily. Guan Yu quietly asked from the side, "Elder brother, Lü Bu going to Xiao Pei is likely just a temporary measure. This man is unpredictable; what will we do if there are changes in the future?"
Liu Bei waved his hand with a sense of helplessness. "Given the current situation, there is no place for someone like Lü Bu. For now, we can only treat him with goodwill. Brother Three's actions yesterday truly left me unsettled."
Guan Yu remained silent for a moment before saying softly, "Brother Three is impulsive, but he acts out of concern for your safety. I will go persuade him to prevent any further trouble."
Liu Bei nodded slightly, though his eyes revealed a hint of fatigue as he contemplated the turbulent future that lay ahead.
After pacifying Shandong, Cao Cao's power grew immensely. The court issued an edict appointing him as Jian De General and conferred upon him the title of Fei Ting Hou, elevating his status even further. However, within Luoyang City at this time, another scene unfolded entirely. Li Jue and Guo Si held the emperor hostage to command the lords and divided power among themselves, acting with extreme arrogance. In the court assembly, many ministers dared not voice their anger; everyone walked on eggshells.
One day, the Emperor summoned Grand Commandant Yang Biao and Grand Minister of Agriculture Zhu Jun. The two knelt before the throne, their faces showing concern. Yang Biao spoke first, his tone heavy: "Your Majesty, Li Jue and Guo Si are ambitious and reckless, manipulating the power of the court as they please. The state is in grave danger; if we do not find a way to eliminate these two villains, the realm will struggle to find peace."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Xian's eyes reddened, his voice filled with powerless indignation: "Do you think I am unaware of what you speak? I have been held hostage by these two villains for years, isolated and without support; it is difficult for me to take action!"
Zhu Jun bowed his head and clasped his hands, speaking firmly: "Your Majesty, there are still loyal ministers and righteous men in the world. Cao Cao currently commands an army of two hundred thousand, with wise strategists and valiant generals under his command. He has become the overlord of the Central Plains. If we can gain his assistance to eliminate these two villains and restore order to the court, how can we fear that the realm will not stabilize?"
Emperor Xian raised his head, a glimmer of hope flashing in his eyes: "Though Cao Cao is strong, Li Jue and Guo Si have me under their control. If they join forces against us, how shall we respond?"
Yang Biao smiled slightly and whispered: "Your Majesty need not worry; I have a plan that will cause these two villains to turn against each other. At that time, Your Majesty can issue an edict summoning Cao Cao to march forth, allowing us to sweep away the treacherous faction in one fell swoop."
Emperor Xian quickly asked, "What is this plan?"
Yang Biao's eyes gleamed with intelligence as he stepped closer and spoke softly: "I have heard that Guo Si's wife is naturally suspicious and possesses a strong sense of jealousy. If we can use a scheme of deception to instill doubts in her mind about Li Jue, then these two villains will surely begin to distrust each other and ultimately harm one another. Once they are both weakened, it will be an opportune moment for Your Majesty to enlist Cao Cao's help in eliminating the remaining faction."
After listening, Emperor Xian pondered for a long time before finally nodding heavily, tears glistening in his eyes: "If we can eliminate these two villains, even if I must shatter my own body in the process, I would die without regret!"
Yang Biao and Zhu Jun exchanged glances, both secretly relieved that their plan was set into motion. They further discussed how to arrange their strategy as the flickering candlelight in the palace cast eerie shadows on their scheming faces.
Late that night, Emperor Xian penned a secret edict and handed it to Yang Biao. In the dim candlelight, Yang Biao received the edict with reverence, bowing deeply: "Your Majesty can rest assured; if this plan succeeds, we will surely rid the nation of its calamities."
The next day, Yang Biao summoned his wife at home and explained the plan in detail with a low and urgent tone: "Li Jue and Guo Si are colluding together to bring chaos to the court. The success or failure of today rests entirely on your actions. Guo Si's wife is inherently jealous and narrow-minded; you can exploit this weakness to sow discord between her and Li Jue. If these two villains turn against each other, success will be within reach."
His wife nodded slightly upon hearing this, determination shining in her eyes: "I will not fail in my mission."
Days later, Madam Yang visited Guo Si Mansion under the pretense of a social call. Guo Shi's Wife, having heard of Madam Taiwei's arrival, hurriedly instructed her maid to welcome her into the inner hall, her face beaming with smiles as she said, "Madam, your presence is an honor; I would never dare to neglect you."
Madam Yang stepped in gracefully, exchanged a few pleasantries, and took her seat in the hall. Her gaze casually swept around the room. After sipping her tea lightly, she suddenly shifted her tone and seemingly innocently brought up, "Recently, there have been whispers in court, and there have been many changes at Li Sima's Residence. Have you heard any news, Madam?"
Guo Shi's Wife was taken aback by her words and asked with a hint of caution, "What do you mean by that, Madam Taiwei?"
Madam Yang set down her teacup, lowered her voice, and spoke with concern, "You are a wise woman, Madam; I shouldn't speak out of turn. However, there have been rumors in the palace lately that General Guo has been getting quite close to Lady Li Sima, even... entangled in affection."
Upon hearing this, Guo Shi's Wife's eyes filled with surprise and suspicion, and her expression changed slightly. "This... can't be possible! Although I am not talented, how could he dare to do such a thing?"
Madam Yang sighed softly, her tone heavy. "Have you noticed where General Guo has been staying lately? I only know that if Li Sima learns of this matter, he will not hesitate to cause trouble. If the two of them come into conflict, where will you stand?"
Guo Shi's Wife felt a jolt in her heart; her brows furrowed tightly as she murmured softly to herself, "No wonder he has been frequently absent from home lately... I had no idea! If it weren't for your warning, I would have remained oblivious."
Madam Yang gently reached out and held her hand sincerely. "Madam, I only share this with you out of goodwill. Remember, it is best to distance yourself from Li Sima's Residence at this time to avoid bringing disaster upon yourself."
With tears welling in her eyes, Guo Shi's Wife nodded repeatedly. "Your reminder is invaluable; I am deeply grateful and will be cautious. Thank you so much."
Madam Yang smiled faintly and stood to take her leave. Guo Shi's Wife hurriedly rose to see her off, her demeanor increasingly respectful as she watched Madam Yang depart. Yet within her heart, tumultuous waves were already surging.
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