Chapter 22 The Eastern Expedition Against Lü Bu (Part 6) Why are all the women in Xiapi City like this…?

The next morning, taking advantage of the quieter time, Guo Jia and Deng Jie surveyed the city's terrain using the map given to them by Chen Qun, inquired about the flooding from the farmers, and finally found Chen Xuan's residence in the afternoon.

During the journey, Guo Jia and Deng Jie instructed each other: "Next time you see Hou Cheng, tell him to use the signal 'the city is flooded' to find an opportunity to steal horses and defect."

"A flood swept through the city?! Then, wouldn't the city be..." Deng Jie couldn't help but cover his mouth.

"War is never without its cruelty... In the past, the Battle of Yan and Ying was also won by attacking the city by water, which is a common tactic."

Look at the state of the city now, do you think it's better than being flooded?

If you find this unacceptable, then I'll do it.

As Guo Jia spoke, he reached for the bronze plaque from the Marquis's residence in Deng Jie's bosom.

Deng Jie grasped his hand and shook his head. "No, I will tell."

She thought to herself, "I can't escape either way, so why let Guo Jia distrust me?"

Upon hearing about Lü Bu's token, Chen Xuan pondered for a moment and then said, "If you obtain that token, please postpone delivering it to Hou Cheng."

My two elder brothers are being held captive in their home by Lü Bu. If I obtain this item, I can arrange for someone to infiltrate and replace them.

"Now that you, my brother, have escaped, with your prestige among the gentry of Xiapi, you can contact the local powerful families and plan to open the city gates for you at a crucial moment to rescue Lord Cao!"

Guo Jia clapped his hands, "That's right, that's the plan! I'm so glad you told me, Brother Lingde!"

Deng Jie tugged at Guo Jia's sleeve, tilted his head back, and asked softly, "Then... does that mean we don't have to flood anymore?"

Guo Jia glanced at her, then looked away and whispered in her ear, "Only when the floodwaters breach the outer city gates will they help us open the inner city gates..."

He hesitated for a moment, then added, "Besides, given the situation in the city, this water might not have much of an impact. We're just sending a signal."

He knew this was just a way to reassure her, and he only hoped his wife would stop pursuing the matter.

Deng Jie nodded as if he understood, accepting Guo Jia's explanation.

Chen Xuan personally led the two to the Qin residence, but this time Guo Jia was disguised as a medicine boy and followed behind Chen Xuan and Deng Jie.

After the gatekeeper announced their arrival, the three waited in the main hall.

Chen Xuan opened the medicine box and told Deng Jie about Qin Lang, the son of Madam Du. Guo Jia sidled up to the door, peered out at the layout of the house, and then turned back to survey the interior.

Even though Deng Jie was somewhat prepared for Hou Cheng's so-called "beauty that could topple kingdoms," her eyes still lit up when the beauty gracefully approached.

The woman before him had her hair half-side up, loosely tied in a bun, with a simple jade hairpin inserted at an angle.

She wore a pale yellow, curved-hemmed deep robe, covered with a semi-transparent light gauze, her robes fluttering as she walked.

Her skin was as white as snow, and her features were exquisite.

Her eyebrows were perfectly proportioned, and her bright eyes sparkled with every glance. The slightly upturned corners of her eyes added a unique charm.

She looked up and smiled, which made Deng Jie so embarrassed that she took two steps back to cover her face.

Deng Jie thought to himself: No wonder General Guan is so attached to her and Lü Bu lingers over her every night. She is indeed a great beauty, even more charming than Miss Zhen from the Yuan family.

Guo Jia pretended to organize medicinal herbs next to Deng Jie, only glancing at Du Shi's face for a moment when she entered, before continuing to examine the details of the room, as if trying to find some trace left by Lü Bu.

Chen Xuan stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Madam, this is my junior sister, Deng Shi, the only female disciple under our master, and she is highly skilled in medicine."

She entered the city yesterday. I told her that it was inconvenient for a man to frequently visit the lady's residence, so I introduced her to me.

Then he pointed to Guo Jia behind him, "He's the medicine boy..." He glanced at the absent-minded Guo Jia and coughed, "He's there to help carry things."

Upon hearing this, Guo Jia hurriedly grabbed some medicinal herbs from his medicine box and nodded in agreement.

Du's languid gaze swept over the three of them, finally settling on Deng Jie, and she nodded slightly: "Thank you for your trouble, Mr. Chen. Lang'er is feeling better today, and since Mr. Deng has come to our residence, he can take a look at my health."

She then gestured for Deng Jie to follow her into the inner room.

Guo Jia watched as Deng Jie was led away alone. He put down his things and wanted to chase after him, but Du Shi turned around and noticed him, raising her hand to stop him outside the door.

With a click, Madam Du gently closed the lattice door, invited Deng Jie to sit on the low couch, and placed her hand on the table to wait for her.

While Deng Jie was busy getting the pulse-taking pad, Madam Du spoke up quietly: "Mr. Deng, are you an envoy from Cao Cao's camp?"

Deng Jie was terrified, and the thing in his hand almost fell to the ground.

She steadied herself and forced herself to remain calm, saying, "Madam, why do you say that? I am indeed a physician."

Du gently raised her hand to stop her from arguing, "There's no need to panic. I'm actually hoping that Cao Cao's army will break through the city soon."

Their desire to kill that beast Lü Bu is far greater than yours.”

Deng Jie cautiously examined the calm depths in her eyes, unable to discern the truth, and dared not answer easily.

"That young apprentice medicine boy outside the door, must be your husband?"

Deng Jie was startled again; how could all the women in Xiapi City be so terrifying?

Seeing that she remained silent, Madam Du chuckled softly, "But you can't hide this from me."

"I've met quite a few men."

She beckoned to Deng Jie, inviting her to sit down, and withdrew the hand that had been feigning to ask her to take her pulse. "Most people, upon first meeting, cannot help but let their gaze linger on my face for a moment."

Even when it was Dr. Chen's first visit, he was momentarily stunned.

But that 'medicine boy' outside the door…

She carefully examined Deng Jie's appearance, which was inferior to hers, and a hint of envy appeared in her eyes. "Besides looking at the house, he stares at you."

Such focus on one person is truly rare.

Deng Jie felt somewhat embarrassed by what he was being said, but dared not give in easily. He replied timidly, "Someone as beautiful as you, Madam, has many desires and worries, which are different from ours."

But Madam Du shook her head in disappointment, "What does it matter how much one asks?"

I am but a weak woman, drifting aimlessly in this world, seeking only a peaceful life.

When Qin Lang was alive, he was also deeply affectionate. He went to Shouchun to seek help, but he never returned.

Everyone says he's already remarried a member of the Han imperial family, completely forgetting about his 'beauty that could topple kingdoms' and 'deep love between husband and wife,' leaving me, a widow and orphan, alone in the city to suffer endless torment from that scoundrel Lü Bu..."

As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes. Deng Jie couldn't help but feel sorry for her. He frantically searched for a clean cloth to wipe her tears, but then hesitated, fearing that the linen was not good enough for her, and put it away in his hand.

Madam Du noticed her action, smiled gently, wiped away a tear, and poured Deng Jie a cup of tea. "Your husband is probably a civil official and strategist, isn't he? He looks frail, but he's very thoughtful."

Even in such perilous situations, they still keep you by their side; it makes me envious.

"Madam's insight is truly remarkable, just like that of a female strategist," Deng Jie couldn't help but exclaim. He raised his cup, about to drink, but was slightly startled by the aroma and took a closer sniff.

"Now that I know your identities, sir, there's no need to hide anymore. What do you seek here? It must be related to Lü Bu." Madam Du did not force Deng Jie to drink the tea. Seeing that she had put it down, she still asked calmly.

Deng Jie composed himself. "Madam, is this tea... meant for me, or is it just a test for me?"

Madam Du smiled and said, "Since you have already recognized it, then this is a test for you. I can help you."

Her words put Deng Jie at ease, and he then revealed that he needed to steal Lü Bu's personal token.

"Stealing the token is not difficult. He often stays here overnight, and the token is hidden in his inner pocket."

That fool is single-mindedly focused on defending Xiapi, but in reality, he's indulging in wine and women and has long since lost interest in investigating military affairs. The affairs of the city are almost entirely handled by Chen Gongtai.

He only glanced at the token briefly before putting it away; if a counterfeit was made to be roughly similar, he probably wouldn't notice.

"Similar in general?" Deng Jie frowned. "But we don't even know what it looks like..."

Du seemed thoughtful. "I once heard him boast that the token was made by a wealthy merchant from Xuzhou when he was guarding Xiaopei. He was quite proud of the materials and patterns used. That wealthy merchant... I think his surname was Mi?"

"Mi?!" Deng Jie was shocked. "Madam, please wait a moment!"

She rushed out of the house and bumped into Guo Jia, who was waiting at the door.

“Fengxiao! Mr. Mi’s wooden plaque!” she said, breaking free from Guo Jia’s hand that was supporting her and groping around in Guo Jia’s arms.

"Here it is! Here it is!" Guo Jia was tickled and, seeing her so anxious, couldn't help but chuckle as he pulled it out from his sleeve.

Deng Jie handed the wooden plaque to Madam Du, who had come out, and asked, "Madam, do you see any similarity to this...?"

Du took the wooden plaque and examined it carefully. "The appearance and shape are pretty much the same, but Lu Bu's is made of bronze and the patterns are more complex. The embedded bronze talisman is about here, about two inches in size." She gestured to a spot on the back of the wooden plaque.

Deng Jie and Guo Jia exchanged a glance, each having made their own plans.

"Then...shall we go find the Mi family's blueprints first today?" Deng Jie asked, looking at Du Shi.

"It's alright. He's been bothered by Madam Yan about his daughter these past two days, so he should be able to calm down for a couple of days."

Before leaving, Deng Jie's eyes revealed a hint of sympathy. "Madam... the medicine in that tea... the formula is wrong, it won't work."

Du was taken aback, then sighed sadly, "Even if it has no effect, so what... I can't escape it anyway."

Deng Jie pursed his lips, steeling his resolve. "Madam, take me to the storeroom. Maybe... I can make you some 'sleep-aiding and calming tea'!"

Du's expression brightened at her words, revealing a look of joy. She took her hand and snatched her away from Guo Jia.

The door slammed shut, leaving Guo Jia looking bewildered.