I did it all for the Han Dynasty!

Chapter 64 There are tall trees in the south
Zhou Yu returned to Huainan by boat once again, and Chen Yu once again came out to greet him.

Because Zhou Yu's offering of the imperial seal was such a big commotion, Chen Yu now knew what Zhou Yu had done on his trip to the north.

On the south bank of the Huai River, Chen Yu heard the copper bells on the bow of the boat making a soft, tinkling sound in the evening breeze. He lifted the reed curtain of the makeshift thatched hut and looked at Zhou Yu, who was approaching by boat, with a complicated expression.

"Gongjin has accomplished something great on this trip."

When Chen Yu saw the wealth transported from the north bank behind Zhou Yu, he couldn't help but chuckle, clearly recalling the scene where Liu Miao had gotten money and supplies from Chen Wen and Yuan Yi without any investment.

"Was it his idea again this time?"

However, Chen Yu quickly answered his own question: "If he could hand over the Imperial Seal of the State to someone else so easily, no one else would do it."

"Is this wealth all he's after?"

Zhou Yu shook his head: "General Liu should also recommend Liu Shijun as Governor of Yangzhou and General Who Conquers the East."

"I see."

Chen Yu led Zhou Yu to sit down in the thatched hut and personally poured him a cup of warm wine: "When Zhongshan first met me that day, he said he was a disciple of the Yuan family. Has he really become a disciple of the Yuan family now?"

Although it was a question, Chen Yu clearly didn't come to ask Zhou Yu anything today, but rather to tell Zhou Yu something so that Zhou Yu could go back and tell Liu Miao.

“Zhongshan exchanged the imperial seal for the position of Governor of Yangzhou, and then embarked on a large-scale construction project at Ruxukou, building fortified villages and ships. He must know that he can no longer compete with the General of the Rear, so he deliberately led his troops south to seek refuge in Jiangdong.”

Zhou Yu's mind went blank; he couldn't understand why Chen Yu would say such a thing.

Chen Yu waved his sleeves and said, "Anyone who knows Zhongshan knows that he is not the kind of person who will stay in a subordinate position for long. How could he possibly continue to serve the General of the Rear? So it's not hard for me to guess."

At this moment, Zhou Yu suddenly couldn't understand Chen Yu. He wondered what Chen Yu, the governor of Yangzhou personally appointed by Yuan Shu, was thinking.

Chen Yu stroked his beard, looked at the surging Huai River in front of him, and continued to speak to himself: "My father, Chen Qiu, was always ready to speak out and defend what he heard. His integrity was as pure as the bright sun, and his loyalty and uprightness were truly admirable."

“Although my Chen family of Xiapi is a prominent clan in the prefecture and county, my father always taught me to be kind to the people and treat others with benevolence and righteousness. We should not look down on the common people just because we are a wealthy and powerful family.”

Chen Yu took out a bronze talisman from his pocket and placed it in Zhou Yu's hand: "Huainan is no longer a place where people can live and work in peace. Since Zhongshan wants to lead the people to Jiangdong, I will lend him a hand!"

"Therefore, Governor Chen Wen, in order to prevent the General from crossing the river, stockpiled a large number of ships at the Hefei ferry crossing."

"Gongjin, on your journey, you may take these boats with you to Jiangdong to fulfill my humble wish."

Only then did Zhou Yu realize that Chen Yu had already considered betraying Yuan Shu!
He was quite pleasantly surprised and quickly advised, "Since the governor is willing to abandon darkness and embrace light, why not come with me?"

"Since we have Yuan Yi and Zhou Ang to hold off Yuan Shu, why don't you come with us to Jiangdong?"

Despite Zhou Yu's invitation, Chen Yu shook his head and declined.

"Gongjin, don't you understand? I gave those ships to you for the sake of the people, and I'm staying here for the same reason!"

"It would be easy for me to leave, but how could Yuan Yi and Zhou Ang possibly protect the people?"

"Besides... it was I who told Zhongshan we were to sever our ties back then, and now I'm going to find him again, wouldn't that make him laugh at me?"

Zhou Yu, however, had a different opinion on this—

"Since the governor and Prefect Liu are acquainted, do you really think that someone like Prefect Liu would care about the previous severing of ties?"

"And even if you stay here, can you really protect the people of Huainan from harm?"

Chen Yu remained silent.

After a long pause... "My father was already one of the Three Dukes back then, but seeing how rampant the eunuchs were, even though he knew that Cao Jie and Zhao Zhong were very powerful, he still secretly plotted to eliminate them, which led to his death."

“I, Chen Yu, have no other skills, but thanks to my father’s teachings, I at least know the principle of fulfilling one’s duties in one’s position.”

"If it really comes to that, it won't be considered a disgrace to my father's name!"

Then, Chen Yu laughed easily again.

“In the past, I always thought that the road ahead was long and arduous, and that we needed to explore it step by step.”

"But after understanding some of the truths, I realized that I am not alone on my path!"

"With Lu Zhongyi and Liu Zhongshan before, and now you, Zhou Gongjin, how could I not feel happy?"

"Not only you, but I've also heard that in Dongcheng County of Linhuai, there's a wealthy family surnamed Lu who sold off their land, distributed their wealth to relieve the poor, and took in displaced people."

"There are still benevolent people in the world, and the world will not always be difficult. I believe that one day the world will be united and the people will live in peace and prosperity. Just thinking about this gives me the courage to do what I need to do!"

Zhou Yu stood solemnly and bowed respectfully to Chen Yu.

"I had heard that Lord Liu was saddened by your departure, but now I realize that even a gentleman like you loses his spirit when you are not by his side for a day."

"Please rest assured, Governor, we will do our utmost to transport the people across the river and will never fail your benevolent heart!"

Zhou Yu, who rarely performed in front of others, sat cross-legged at this moment, playing the guqin and singing "Lambskin Robe"—

"His lambskin robe was soaked through; truly upright and righteous; that son of his; he would give his life without hesitation."

"Wearing a lambskin coat and adorned with leopard feathers, strong and powerful, his son, the chief justice of the state."

"The lambskin robe is worn and the three heroes are radiant; those young men are the finest talents of the state."

Wearing a smooth, warm lambskin coat, he was an upright and kind person. He was such a person, unafraid to sacrifice himself for his lord.

He wore a leopard-patterned lambskin coat, was tall and strong, and was known for his pride. Such was the man who acted with integrity and cared deeply for the people.

The lambskin coat is truly gleaming, and the plain silk embellishments add even more brilliance. It is precisely this kind of person who is a pillar of the nation!

Chen Yu listened with rapt attention, and after Zhou Yu finished his performance, he responded by singing "The Tall Tree":

"In the south grows a tall tree, its branches intertwined with kudzu vines; only the virtuous man finds joy, and is blessed with good fortune and happiness."

"In the south, there are tall trees and wild vines growing rampant; only the virtuous man finds joy; good fortune will surely come his way."

"In the south grows a tall tree, entwined with kudzu vines; only the virtuous man finds joy, and his blessings are fulfilled."

On the southern mountain stands a bent tree, entwined by wild kudzu. With this joyful gentleman, happiness arrives and settles him.

On the southern mountain stands a bent tree, sheltered by wild kudzu. And there is this joyful gentleman, blessed with happiness.

On Nanshan Mountain stands a bent tree, entwined by wild kudzu. With this joyful gentleman, happiness comes to him.

Chen Yu's eyes were filled with tears.

My dear friend from afar, happiness will one day transform from expectation into reality, and from reality into eternity.

If that day ever comes, you must cherish this hard-won happiness for me!
(End of this chapter)