Chapter 3, Playing the Flute

We, the State of Wu, find it somewhat amusing

Third Brother? Lou Chu was taken aback again. Third Brother Lou is the legitimate eldest son of the family, currently serving as the general of the central army, holding a high and powerful position. However, he is addicted to alcohol, lacks military knowledge, and does not manage affairs well.

This person has always been elusive. Once everything is in order, I will naturally introduce you to Brother Chu, so you will know that there truly exists someone who can take the enemy general's head amidst a sea of soldiers. " Ma Wei said with great confidence

Occasionally? To this day, there are still 100,000 troops stationed in Jiangdong Wuzhou. The emperor's cancellation of this trip to Jizhou is not primarily due to the bandits of Qin and Bing provinces, but rather the instability of the hearts of the people of Wu.

The wine is exquisite, and the host wishes to entertain guests. As evening approaches, he recalls the rarity of having company, noting that even his close friend Ma Wei seldom visits. Thus, he instructs the old servant to heat the dishes and consumes an entire pot of wine, feeling unsatisfied. He then takes a knife and dances in the courtyard, and after stopping, he gazes up at the bright moon. Faintly, he hears the sound of silk and bamboo instruments coming from the general's residence across the alley, which evokes a deep sense of reflection.

I guess that Chu Di must be at home said Ma Wei with a smile while cupping his hands outside the door bringing wine and meat along with a guest

The Great Liang fell after thirty-three years, and at that time, the emperor was my grandfather. Fairly speaking, he was a foolish ruler, and the fall of the nation was inevitable; however, the Great Liang should not have perished at the hands of the Zhang family

Ma Wei laughed heartily, "So the origin of 'Black-haired Dog' is from you. Yes, among those who hit you, there is one of them."

Guo Shifeng listened attentively for a moment, "When things reach their extreme, they will reverse; when affairs flourish, they will decline. This is the nature of great generals. The emperor is suspicious; how long can he tolerate the Lou family? Your elder brother is merely delaying the inevitable. To speak frankly, the Lou family produces treacherous ministers, but if you can achieve extraordinary merit in the present, you will surely gain the new emperor's favor, and in the future, you can ensure the safety of your entire family.

The old servant brought things home, and the building's foundation went to the front yard, waiting for arrangements as in previous years

Really? Lou Chu is somewhat skeptical, as San Ge Lou is indeed a debauched individual, lacking both literary and martial accomplishments. At an age sufficient to be the father of an emperor, he does not resemble a favored minister at all

Louchu waved his hand, unwilling to discuss his mother with outsiders, and asked: "Who is the traitor in the eyes of King Guangling?"

To be precise, it is your esteemed brother, the commander of the building.

Ma Wei held a pair of chopsticks in each hand, tapping them rhythmically on the wine glass, "I will also make a gesture; since my younger brother is not skilled in musical instruments, may I dance with a sword to liven things up?"

The sounds of music in the General's residence were incessant, yet they could not overshadow the sobbing notes of the flute coming from the small house in the back alley

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. The old servant had taken leave to meet with his drinking companions, leaving no one else at home. The master went to open the door himself.

Guo Shifeng's smile froze on his face, but he quickly returned to normal and awkwardly said, "I misspoke."

If we were to change the emperor, it would be unthinkable for the three of us to attempt such a thing. However, the current emperor is different; he occupies the supreme position yet harbors a humble heart. There are rumors in the streets—" Guo Shifeng lowered his voice, "Since the previous year, the emperor has taken a liking to traveling incognito, and he has been doing so more frequently, often not returning to the palace for three to five days, spending nights in commoners' homes. To kill this foolish ruler, one sword per person is sufficient.

I cannot guarantee that I will be able to obtain information from the general of the central army

Lou Chu sheathed his knife and smiled, saying, "The flower knife techniques are merely for practice and amusement."

Lou Chu had heard the rumors and guessed that Ma Wei's plan must be based on this. He then said: "It is not that easy. Although His Majesty often leaves the palace in private, his movements are mysterious, and outsiders cannot know them. How could it be so coincidental that we encounter him both inside and outside the capital? Even if we were to meet, there would surely be imperial guards by the Emperor's side, and one person with one sword would hardly be a match."

The guest brought by Ma Wei is surnamed Guo, with the given name Shifeng. He is somewhat older, around twenty-eight or twenty-nine years of age. He also studied at the Yuxue Institute and graduated a few years ago. Unable to secure a position in Luoyang, he has since traveled the world, and there has been no news from him for many years

"Exactly." Ma Wei placed several dishes and drinks on the table, pointing at Guo Shifeng and said: "He is the person I mentioned. I originally planned to gather after some time, but Brother Guo said, 'A chosen day is not as good as the day that arrives, and it is better to meet early than late,' so we came. I hope you do not mind our uninvited visit."

I was quite surprised by the foundation of the building

Although Lou Chu was aware that his swordsmanship was mediocre, his ambition soared within him. Therefore, he did not decline, rose to take his sword, pushed open the door, and began to practice his swordplay in the courtyard

One can only fear having the will but lacking the strength

Because it is truly the most appropriate. Therefore, you see, this is the reason I invited my younger brother to participate in this important matter

I have never seen a person from the State of Wu, I have only occasionally heard that there are people from Wu causing disturbances

General Lou Wen seems to have forgotten about this son again, which is a common occurrence for him

"Success depends on human effort, while the outcome is determined by fate; it is sufficient for my younger brothers to do their best." Guo Shifeng took out a short flute from his sleeve and said with a smile, "With the bright moon hanging high, I shall play a tune for my two esteemed younger brothers."

This matter is quite difficult; it cannot be accomplished without Brother Chu. " Ma Wei leaned in and said, "Your brother in the building is quite favored; every time the emperor leaves the palace, he follows closely.

Guo Shifeng patted his chest and said: "With three people making the decision, I still have some usefulness. Brother Chu, rest assured, the foolish monarch may die suddenly, and the one who ascends the throne may not necessarily be the crown prince"

I have many brothers, and I do not know when another one will be born. We do not interact much with each other, and the two of them are hoping that I can gather information from the general in the central army... Lou Chu shut his mouth, pondering whether it is possible for him to gain the trust of the third brother

As the enthusiasm faded, they silently drank, and Ma Wei said little, quietly keeping company. The two of them shared drinks, gradually becoming tipsy and warm. Lou Chu asked, "Brother Ma, do you have any plans?"

Louchu recalled a scene from many years ago, in which a woman who was said to be his biological mother claimed that he was from the State of Wu, her tone both proud and sorrowful. The longer the time that passed, the more vivid the impression became.

The three took their seats and toasted each other. Without mentioning the matter of the imperial summons, Guo Shifeng spoke first: "Are you still hesitating, Brother Shu? With the foolish ruler in power and treacherous ministers in control, our efforts to eliminate the tyrant are not merely for our own fame, but also to rid the world of a great menace."

For captives like us, there is only one path left in the Tiancheng Dynasty, whether it be sooner or later. Today, Ma Wei must persuade Lou Chu, opening his arms and pointing to the sparsely furnished room, saying, "What does it matter even if one is a descendant of the Great Liang Emperor? In such decline, the younger brother is merely the son of a great general, trapped in the pond."

He has drinking buddies and will not be here tonight

Every year on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Lou family arranges a grand family banquet, but not everyone is qualified to attend, especially the adult children and grandchildren. The Grand General does not easily permit them to interact with the inner family members, not even allowing them to catch a distant glimpse.

Ma Wei and Guo Shifeng both did not bring servants, instead bringing their own food and drink into the house, while the lights were lit for illumination.

Ma Wei smiled and said: "If you want to keep it a secret, then don't mention Jiangdong. Who in the world doesn't know that the Prince of Guangling is stationed in Shitou City, leading an army of 100,000 to guard the entire Wu Kingdom? Since you have returned from that side, it is only natural that you serve as an advisor to the Prince of Guangling."

Louchu thought for a moment, "Alright, even if I can inquire about the Emperor's whereabouts, and Brother Ma recognizes the highly skilled assassin, everything goes smoothly, and then what? The Crown Prince ascends the throne and will undoubtedly pursue the murderer; it seems we cannot escape death."

Guo Shifeng has gained a little weight compared to before, his face beaming with joy, and he clasped his hands together, saying: "It has been several hurried years since we last parted in the Eastern Capital. That handsome young man has now become a fine young gentleman. Brother Cu, are you practicing swordplay at home while admiring the moon?"

Louchu could not help but laugh; he remembered the scene at that time and was surprised that others would remember it as well. "Then I got beaten up and was called 'Louzhenzhi' for half a year."

Ma Wei inherited his father's title. Although his family wealth is not substantial, it is still better than that of Lou Chu, who has a family but no occupation. Therefore, he brings his own food and drink, and never imposes on others.

Guo Shifeng smiled and said: "Does the Lou family not value brotherly affection? It seems that the younger brother has little understanding of matters concerning his elder brother."

Guo Shifeng smiled and said: "Brother Su is a scholar, oblivious to the affairs outside his window, and he does not even care about his own family's situation. Your brother is quite remarkable. I have heard of his great name in Jiangdong, and it is said that the emperor listens to him without question. Throughout history, there has been no minister favored by emperors more than the military in the tower."

Louchu glanced at Ma Wei, who said: "It is not only the Prince of Guangling who has been misled by the court"

That depends on who the person is and what sword they wield. Ma Wei interjected, his expression very serious, "I happen to know someone who possesses the courage to stand against a thousand men, who often harbors a generous spirit, willing to eliminate harm for the world, and would not hesitate to die for it."

It has been six years, hasn't it

What about the emperor's whereabouts? asked Lou Chu.

The two were not familiar with each other before, but at this moment, Guo Shifeng addressed him as "Brother Shu" without any sense of formality

Prince of Guangling, what is your guess about the foundation of the building?

Lou Chu looked towards Guo Shifeng, who hurriedly waved his hand, saying, "It's not me, I can't even wield a flower knife."

Guo Shifeng immediately understood, "The Prince of Guangling has long been stationed in Jiangdong and is deeply loved by the officials and the people. After ascending the throne, he will still need to rely on the support of the Wu people, so naturally there will be no more orders of confinement. The talented individuals from the five states can fully showcase their abilities in the new dynasty. Moreover, my brother has never thought of his biological mother..."

I also did not expect that this nickname would continue to be used until today

The next day was the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the school was closed for the holiday. Early in the morning, Lou Chu took his old servant to the General's residence to receive the festival's "allocation," which consisted mainly of daily necessities and a small amount of silver. This was his primary source of livelihood

Guo Shifeng clasped his hands and smiled, saying: "I hope you two esteemed brothers will keep this a secret. If this news gets out, I will lose face in front of the Prince of Guangling. Indeed, once this matter is accomplished here, the Prince of Guangling will immediately raise an army in Shitou City to march into the capital and clear the court of corrupt officials. The Crown Prince is still young; who in the world does not wish for an elder to be the ruler? The Prince of Guangling is renowned throughout the world and has the support of the people. The late emperor once intended to pass the throne to him, but unfortunately, he was misled by the ministers."

At this moment, the sound of silk and bamboo instruments suddenly filled the general's residence, mingled with faint laughter

As of today, it has been five years, nine months, and seven days. Ma Wei remembers very clearly, "At that time, Chu Di was only twelve or thirteen years old, just entering the academy, and was ridiculed by others. You replied, 'Wealth and honor are contested by some, preserved by others, and lost by yet others. You all are merely struggling to maintain what you have inherited; I wish to strive for it, rather than just hold on to the family legacy.' From that moment on, I knew that Chu Di was certainly not an ordinary person.

Today, it is inconvenient to say much. In a couple of days, I will introduce someone to Chu Di, and we can discuss it in detail then. At the very least, I hope to convince Chu Di that my plan, while not perfect, is certainly not a mere whim.

Ma Wei solemnly said: "Doesn't the younger brother consider himself a citizen of Wu?"

The floor was just right, and the excitement for wine was not yet exhausted. After a round of dancing with the sword, I felt a dryness in my throat. Seeing the wine, I quickly sheathed my sword and invited the guests inside, "Brother Ma, what brings you such leisure tonight? When did Brother Guo return?"

Indeed, Lou Chu was not selected this year, just like the other brothers. He received a pot of wine, drank a cup in public, and could take the rest with him, which can be considered as having fulfilled the father-son bond

Ma Wei looked around and asked, "Where is your old fool at home?"

Louchu smiled without speaking. Ma Wei pressed him repeatedly, and only then did he say: "I gave Zhou Lu a nickname, which everyone found amusing, and thus the name 'Louzhenzhi' was forgotten."

Today, the emperor's surname is Zhang. Ma Wei gritted his teeth at the mention of this surname, "Zhang Xi was originally the general of Daliang... Hey, you already know all this, so why bring it up? Now, not many people remember Daliang, yet your Wu state is overflowing with loyal ministers and righteous heroes..."

Did Brother Ma invite me just because my biological mother is from Wu?

This matter will have to rely on Brother Chu. " Ma Wei said with a smile

"That's right, Su Di would rather take a beating than apologize. How did you manage to silence those people later?"

Haha, of course not. Brother Chu, how long have we known each other?