The Three Kingdoms: Home Travel

The news of the agricultural techniques' setback in Xuchang spread throughout the entire region in no time. Some sneered, while others secretly chuckled. Yang Biao, over fifty years old, was taken aback upon hearing this. A look of astonishment crossed his old face as he sat in his study, sighing repeatedly. The reason was simple: Yuan Shu and Yang Biao were related. "Master," a servant from the Grand Commandant's residence hurriedly entered, softly reporting, "Master, Liu Zongzheng has come to visit."

"Liu Ai?" Yang Biao paused, put down his pen, and pondered for a long time before frowning and saying. "Quickly, please!" The servant obeyed and left.

"What's he doing here?" Yang Biao got up and paced around the study. Suddenly, his expression changed slightly, and he murmured, "Could it be..."

"Greetings, Grand Commandant!" Following the servant's bow, Liu Ai, the Imperial Clan Official, entered the study. Seeing Yang Biao standing there looking at a wall hanging, he said softly, "I apologize for disturbing you, Grand Commandant. I am truly humbled." "You flatter me, Imperial Clan Official!" Yang Biao smiled, turned around, and ordered tea to be served. He then said, "Your presence at my humble abode is a great honor! Please, Imperial Clan Official!" He then gestured for Liu Ai to sit down.

"Grand Commandant, please!"

The two men sat facing each other. Liu Ai glanced around and said with a smile, "I've long heard that Grand Commandant is of a tranquil nature and dislikes extravagance. Seeing your study today, I know this is true. Grand Commandant is truly a model for the court, an example for us all!" Yang Biao glanced at Liu Ai indifferently, his brow furrowing slightly. Just as he was about to speak, his servant entered to serve tea, and he fell silent.

After blowing on the hot tea, Liu Ai slowly took a sip and looked at Yang Biao with a smile.

"Hmph! Trying to outsmart me?" Yang Biao sneered inwardly. A slight smile appeared on his face as he spoke, "Actually, if we're talking about a naturally tranquil nature, I'm far inferior to Situ." "Situ?" Liu Ai was slightly taken aback, asking in surprise, "Which Situ?" Yang Biao smiled slightly, staring at Liu Ai, and said, "Naturally, it's... Situ Gongzi Shi. Although Situ Jiang Zhe is also quite remarkable, he's still a few levels below his uncle. Does Your Excellency think I'm referring to Jiang Zhe, Situ Jiang?"

"Uh," Liu Ai's face showed a fleeting hint of embarrassment, then he laughed and said, "Haha, Grand Commandant is absolutely right. Lord Jiang is indeed a rare talent, but he is still inferior to Minister Jiang." Yang Biao smiled and shook his head, saying, "However, I also have high hopes for Minister Jiang. His talent surpasses even that of his uncle. In the future, he will become a pillar of the court and a mainstay of the Han Dynasty..."

What exactly is this old man trying to say? Liu Ai's embarrassment deepened, and he said awkwardly, "Indeed, indeed, I'm sure Lord Jiang is aware of the Grand Commandant's patronage of him." "What does that kid know?" Yang Biao said indignantly.

I invited him to my residence last time. Does Lord Zongzheng know how he replied? "How about it?"

"That brat actually replied that he'd be away from home for two months to stay with his wife. It's infuriating!" Yang Biao said angrily, but his eyes were filled with a deep smile.

"Sir, haha." Liu Ai was very frustrated. He glanced at the sky outside and saw that it was getting dark. He became more and more anxious.

"Lord Taishe"

The Imperial Clan Head was unaware that this young man was truly arrogant, daring to disregard his own words. He had long been a friend of the late Minister Situ, and was also his uncle; how could he treat him like this? "Yes, yes, Lord Jiang, his temperament is unusual," Yang Biao said with a smile. "However, I won't stoop to his level." "When he returns to Xuchang," Yang Biao continued, "Although I won't stoop to his level, I'll give him a couple of whacks with my cane to vent my anger. Does he dare to retaliate?"

"Uh, Lord Jiang certainly wouldn't dare, certainly wouldn't!" Liu Ai chuckled. "Hehe, Lord Zongzheng, please don't think I'm deliberately making things difficult for him. As people get older, they can't keep things to themselves. If I happen to do something that displeases me, I'll definitely give him a good whack with my cane. Oh, I was talking about that kid, Lord Zongzheng, please don't misunderstand." Liu Ai's face stiffened, forcing a smile as he said, "The Grand Commandant seems strict with Lord Jiang, but in reality, he's promoting him. Today, Ai..." Yang Biao interrupted Liu Ai, angrily saying, "I'm a close friend of that young man's uncle. Now that the Grand Commandant has passed away, I must at least look after him..."

"Grand Commandant!" Liu Ai couldn't hold back any longer. With darkness approaching, where would he find the time to chatter with Yang Biao? He finally understood that this old man clearly didn't want him to say what he wanted to say!

"Huh?" Yang Biao was interrupted by Liu Ai, his face showing a look of surprise, but inwardly he was sneering.

"Forgive my rudeness!" Liu Ai didn't want to waste time arguing with Yang Biao, so he spoke frankly, "Grand Commandant, there's no need for further jesting. I'll be frank. Are you aware of recent events, sir?"

"Oh? What is it?" Although Liu Ai had seen through him, Yang Biao showed no embarrassment whatsoever. He remained as composed as ever. In terms of self-cultivation and composure, Liu Ai was far inferior to Yang Biao!

"What is it?" Liu Ai asked with a hint of sarcasm, "Grand Commandant's nephew-in-law, Yuan Gonglu, led his archers to invade Xuchang. They suffered a defeat this afternoon, and the news has spread like wildfire throughout the city. It's not just Grand Commandant who is unaware of it."

"Oh, is that what you're talking about, Master Zongzheng? Yes, I know, I know. But Master Zongzheng, please don't misunderstand. He is my nephew-in-law, not my son-in-law, and certainly not my son. Do you want me to persuade him to withdraw his troops?"

Once a person has ambition, it is very difficult for them to turn back.

"Whom is the Grand Commandant referring to?" Liu Ai asked abruptly, his eyes turning cold.

"Of course it's Yuan Gonglu!"

However, Ai thought the Grand Commandant had other intentions!

Yang Biao smiled slightly and said, "Does Lord Zongzheng think I am talking about Cao Mengde?" Liu Ai stared coldly at Yang Biao, who squinted and looked back.

"Haha!" Liu Ai suddenly burst into laughter, saying, "To be honest, Grand Commandant, I really thought you were referring to Cao Mengde." "Alright, alright. Let's not talk about other things. It's night, and I have matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave!"

"No need to see me off": Liu Ai stood up, looked at Yang Biao, and said calmly. "Judging from your appearance, Grand Commandant, you look quite unwell. Perhaps you should rest early and not concern yourself with other matters!"

"Oh? What is it that you're referring to, Lord Zongzheng?"

"Oh, by the way, although Yuan Gonglu married the Grand Commandant's niece, it would be best for the Grand Commandant to avoid suspicion." In Ai's opinion, even if the Grand Commandant doesn't consider his own interests, he should also consider the interests of his clan. "Yuan Gonglu is indeed a worthy son-in-law." "Farewell!" Yang Biao glanced at Liu Ai indifferently, gave a slight bow, and said, "No need to see me off!"

Yang Biao watched coldly as Liu Ai walked out of the study and disappeared into the distance. He snorted coldly and said indifferently, "Come out!"

A young man emerged from behind the bookshelf; he was Yang Xiu, Yang Dezhu, the son of Yang Biao!

"Father!" Yang Xiu bowed respectfully.

"Little Dezu, what's your opinion on this matter?" Yang Xiu smiled slightly and said calmly, "It seems that some people in the city are dissatisfied with Cao Cao and have come to persuade Father."

"Hmph!" Yang Biao sneered, his voice filled with anger. "If Yuan Shu were even half as capable as Cao Cao, and had a wise minister like Jiang Shouyi to assist him, what harm would there be in me lending him a hand? You wretched child! Father, please calm down..." Yang Xiu quickly tried to appease him, then asked doubtfully, "This man clearly wants us not to be hindered by him. In my opinion, his words make sense. Our Yang family is related to Yuan Shu, and if Yuan Shu succeeds, he will certainly treat us well."

"But what if it doesn't work out?" Yang Biao shook his head. Looking at his own son with disappointment, he sighed and said, "Dezu, you underestimate the talents of the governor's mansion! Not to mention Jiang Shouyi, a man of national talent; Gou Wenruo, in my opinion, also has the talent of a king's advisor; Cheng Zhongde, ruthless and cruel, in charge of criminal justice in Xuchang. A cruel official! Li Xianzhang, who once suggested to Jiang Shouyi to dig the Ying River to defeat Lü Bu, a poisonous strategist!"

Cao Mengde entrusted Xuchang to Jiang Shouyi's administration. Now that Jiang Shouyi has gone north to Yizhou, he has entrusted this to Gou Wenruo. You should think about this: the people of Xuchang are unsettled, and many have ulterior motives. Even I, an old man, can see this. How could I not see these four? If my Yang family dares to act rashly, by sunrise tomorrow, my Yang family will be gone!

"Huh?" Yang Song was shocked.

"Furthermore," Yang Biao said in a deep voice, "I have long served in the court and have known Lord Situ for a long time. Even that arrogant young man Jiang Shouyi has to call me Uncle. Observing Jiang Shouyi, he seems gentle, but he is actually fierce. Moreover, he values ​​loyalty and righteousness and treats the people well. Even I have to admire him. Cao Mengde values ​​him highly. My Yang family has a history with the Wang family of Situ, and now we have a past with the Jiang family of Situ. No matter what Cao Mengde does in the future, he will not touch my family in the slightest!"

But if Yuan Shu gains power, how could he possibly possess the abilities of Cao Cao? How could he have the assistance of virtuous men like Jiang Zhe and Gou Huo? I have long observed that this man harbors great ambition; his own future is uncertain, how could he possibly care for the Yang family? "Father's words have awakened me," Yang Xiu said, his face turning pale. He hesitated before asking, "What about my cousin?"

"Alas! Now that I am married, I am no longer a member of the Yang family. I must put the family first in everything." Yang Xiu looked sad. He had always considered himself to be insightful and wise. He admired his father’s foresight. The father and son talked late into the night.

During this time, Yang Biao recounted the deeds of Jiang Zhe, Gou Huo, and others, and severely criticized Yang Xiu for his arrogance.

Suddenly, Yang Xiu heard a shout from outside the mansion: "Fire! Fire!"

Yang Xiu, who had just stood up in a daze, was pulled back by his father. "Father?"

What do you want to do?

"Since Father says Yuan Shu can't succeed, why don't we go and lend Cao Mengde a hand? That way, if we're ever bullied later, we can easily defend ourselves!" "Foolish!" Yang Biao roared. "Not only do we not know tonight's outcome, but even if Cao Mengde's side wins, we cannot rashly leave the mansion to put out a fire. If others think we're only pretending to save lives and are actually colluding with the enemy, the Yang family will be finished tomorrow!"

"Huh?" Yang Xiu was taken aback, and hesitated before saying, "Then... shall we just watch like this?"

"Yes!" Yang Biao smiled slightly, stroking his beard, and said, "Just watch like this, and order the servants to keep the gates tightly shut, no matter who comes! We'll wait for dawn! If anyone asks later, just say we went to bed early and don't know what's happening in the city! That way, neither the Emperor nor Cao Mengde will blame us!"

Father, you have a deep plan!

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