Three Kingdoms: Start by buying a governor.

As Feng Yu listened to his words, the scales in her heart began to tip.

She didn't want to go to Yangzhou in the first place, but she was forced to.

Now that Luoyang has been pacified, I have a home to return to, and with the Prince of Yan's army escorting me, I am perfectly safe.

Compared to living under someone else's roof in Yangzhou, it's a world of difference.

She hesitated for a long time before finally speaking up.

He bowed again to Cheng Yaojin and said softly:

"In that case, I'll have to trouble General Cheng. I'm willing to accompany you back to Luoyang. Thank you for your help."

"Hey! No trouble at all! Not trouble at all!"

Cheng Yaojin was so happy he could hardly stop smiling, and he almost jumped off his horse.

He quickly made arrangements:

"Men! Arrange two guards to lead the way for Miss Feng's carriage, and ten more to protect it on both sides! Drive slowly, don't jolt the young lady! We're turning around and heading back to Luoyang!"

With everything arranged, Cheng Yaojin rode his horse and followed happily beside the carriage.

He was secretly overjoyed:

Hehe, that kid Lu Bing went to great lengths to find Yin Ying for our lord.

I, Lao Cheng, went out for a stroll and brought back this beautiful girl for my lord!

When I get back to my lord, he'll definitely praise me for being so capable!

Let's see how that brat Lu Bing will show off to me then!

On the official road, the procession turned around and headed towards Luoyang.

Feng Yu, inside the carriage, looked out at the scenery, her heart filled with anticipation for returning home.

... ... ...

On the way, Cheng Yaojin was not idle.

He rode his horse and occasionally approached the carriage to chat with Feng Yu.

At first, Feng Yu was a little reserved, but Cheng Yaojin was so outgoing that he made her relax after just three sentences.

They started by chatting about everyday things, asking about the Feng family and their old house in Luoyang.

Feng Yu answered all her questions, finding the general, though rough, to be a rather honest person...

Later, Cheng Yaojin began to steer the conversation toward the main topic.

"Miss Feng, let me tell you, my lord is truly an extraordinary figure! You have no idea, back when we were in Zhuojun, my lord led eight hundred Xuanjia Iron Cavalry and dared to charge against one hundred thousand Yellow Turbans! The scene was... wow..."

"And then there was the battle against the Xianbei. Our lord personally led the troops, stormed straight to the royal court, and even beheaded the Xianbei Chanyu! He sealed the wolf's lair! That was a true sealing of the wolf's lair! Something no one had accomplished in centuries since Huo Qubing!"

"Now, Dong Zhuo has been beheaded, all the warlords have been subdued, and most of the world is in your hands! You have never bullied the people; you treat them very well. In Youzhou, every family has surplus grain, and even the children have access to education!"

"Now that Luoyang is pacified, our lord is implementing new policies in the city, and the people are all applauding. Don't you think such a lord is rare in the world?"

Feng Yu listened intently, nodding occasionally.

Although she had never met Liu Ce, she had heard about his deeds long ago.

Now, after hearing Cheng Yaojin say this, I feel even more that this Prince Yan is indeed a heroic figure.

Cheng Yaojin got even more excited and continued:

"Then do you know what kind of person my lord is?"

Feng Yu shook her head.

Cheng Yaojin then began to speak at length:

"My lord is truly the best man in the world! Not only is he a formidable warrior, but most importantly, he's kind and compassionate! He's good to the common people, good to his subordinates, and good to everyone around him!"

...... ...... ......

"Our lord truly treats his subordinates like brothers! He shares both good times and bad, and never mistreats anyone who follows him!"

He paused, then lowered his voice and said:

"And our lord treats women so well! Look at all his wives, aren't they all pampered to the skies? The Princess Consort of Yan is virtuous, Lady Zhen is capable, Lady Zhang is a skilled physician... Our lord is genuinely good to them!"

Feng Yu was stunned.

As Cheng Yaojin was speaking, he suddenly changed the subject:

"Miss Feng, I have a question for you, please don't think I'm being nosy. After you returned to Luoyang, who else was in your family?"

Feng Yu shook her head and said, "After my father passed away, the other relatives... dispersed long ago."

Cheng Yaojin continued:

"It's not safe for a young woman like you to be all alone in this big house. What if some bad guy comes along? Who will protect you?"

Feng Yu opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but found herself speechless.

Cheng Yaojin pressed his advantage, saying, "If you ask me, you need to find a powerful backer. Someone who can protect you, take care of you, and ensure your peaceful life for the rest of your days... What do you think of my lord, Prince Liu Ce of Yan?"

Feng Yu blushed slightly and lowered her head without saying a word.

Seeing this, Cheng Yaojin felt even more confident.

He lowered his voice and spoke in a tone of "having been there, done that":

"Miss Feng, let me tell you something from the bottom of my heart. My lord is a rare hero in this world. He's handsome, has a good temper, is capable, and dotes on his wives. Look at all his wives, aren't they all living very comfortably?"

"Most importantly, our lord is extremely protective of his own! Anyone who bullies his people is considered to be going against him! Think about it, if you follow our lord, who in Luoyang would dare to give you a hard time?"

Feng Yu's face turned even redder, her fingers twisting the handkerchief, unable to speak.

Cheng Yaojin continued his efforts:

"If you could..."

"Become my lord's concubine? That would give you a powerful backer! My lord is very protective of his own people; no one would dare to bully you!"

Feng Yu's face was already red to the roots of her ears, and she lowered her head without saying a word.

Cheng Yaojin wasn't in a hurry and continued his "brainwashing":

"Think about it. If you go back to Luoyang, you'll have a home, but you'll be all alone. If you become the lord's concubine, then you'll be family! With the lord's protection and the Prince's mansion backing you up, you won't have to worry about anything. Your father would be at ease even in the afterlife, wouldn't he?"

Feng Yu had already wavered in her heart.

As a frail woman in this chaotic world, she certainly needed someone to rely on.

Liu Ce, the Prince of Yan, was renowned for his prestige, was young and promising, and had excellent character... It didn't seem so bad to be a concubine to such a man.

She said softly, "General Cheng, please don't say anymore... I... I know what I'm doing."

Cheng Yaojin chuckled and said no more.

He knew the time was right.

In the following days, Cheng Yaojin would chat with Feng Yu for a few minutes every day.

Sometimes we talked about Liu Ce's deeds, sometimes about the situation in Luoyang, and sometimes about girls' affairs.

Feng Yu went from being reserved at first to being able to chat and laugh with him later on.

Finally, on this day, Cheng Yaojin laid his cards on the table and said:

"Miss Feng, I won't beat around the bush. I'd like to introduce you to the lord. If you're willing, you'll be his woman from now on. The lord is kind to his people, so you're sure to benefit from following him. If you're not willing, I won't force you. I'll escort you safely back to Luoyang, and you can go wherever you want. What do you say?"

Feng Yu remained silent for a long time.

She recalled Cheng Yaojin's words, the stories about Liu Ce, and the days she spent alone after returning to Luoyang...