[Gongtai, I apologize. I understand your nature, but don't blame me for my ruthlessness beneath the Yellow Springs!] Cheng Yu finally made up his mind to directly help Cao Cao solve all the problems. If this continues, the strength gap between Cao and Liu will only widen. Since Cao Cao can't have it, then Liu Bei shouldn't either!

"Inform Wen Ruo to send the provisions and letters to Wuyuan for handover with Lyu Bu and the Yuan Family!" Cheng Yu decisively gave the order to the housekeeper beside him, for after all, he must handle this matter for Cao Cao's future.

Xun Youi listened quietly to the document assistant's recounts of recent events concerning Cheng Yu, stood up and sighed silently, understanding Cheng Yu's thoughts.

[Alas, I absolutely can't be negligent a second time in this life. Regarding Chen Zichuan's methods of turning the impossible into possible, and Jia Wenhe's flawless planning, deriving everything from impossibility seems far more realistic.]

Xun Youi pondered silently, reflecting on which battle had caused the greatest harm to Cao Cao. Without a doubt, it was the Battle of Xuzhou—a fight not only unnecessary but also mistaken, most importantly lost with nothing left.

"It seems necessary for Yuanchang to go and advise the Ma Clan. Sometimes, what explosive means can't accomplish can be attempted through conciliatory methods. We currently don't possess absolute strength." Xun Youi muttered quietly, looking towards the Northwest. "Compared to Ma Teng and Hann Sui, it's Ma Chao, Yano Xing, and Hann Sui who are more significant. What are their demands?"

While Xun Youi was planning to address the Ma Clan differently, Sunx Ce and Zhou Yu, accompanied by Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao along with Sunx Quan and a group of trusted aides, headed for Eastern Wu. Of course, Sunx Ce carried Sunx Quan with him to expand his knowledge, considering Sunx Quan was already fourteen, having joined battles at that age.

In Sunx Ce's view, with his protection and the current strength, roving on Eastern Wu territories posed no problem, so he wasn't worried about accidents.

Unlike the historical period, Sunx Ce's foundation wasn't in Eastern Wu; South Huai River or Jingbei held more significance than Eastern Wu.

Given such circumstances, Sunx Ce, usually unyielding, naturally wouldn't consider compromising with the aristocratic families. Conversely, his fourteen-year-old younger brother had different ideas, but Sunx Ce said nothing—simply planning to take Sunx Quan to Eastern Wu to witness the so-called Eastern Wu aristocratic families himself.

With Zhang Zhao and Zhang Hong, Zhou Yu was finally liberated from the documents, providing him the time to travel with Sunx Ce to Eastern Wu. Naturally, this trip to Eastern Wu was defined by Zhou Yu as a honeymoon. Now free, Zhou Yu wasn't concerned about resistance from the Eastern Wu aristocratic families.

"Brother Gongjin, is it truly fine going to Eastern Wu this time?" Sunx Quan asked, seeing Sunx Ce pull Da Qiao to the ship's stern to enjoy the view, so he pulled Zhou Yu, who was also gazing with Little Qiao, to inquire.

Zhou Yu glanced at Sunx Quan with some trepidation, then looked towards the ship's stern where Sunx Ce stood—an unfeeling guy dumping this nuisance on him. Everyone was out for a honeymoon, so why must he take care of the kids?

"With strength ensuring everything, problems aren't really an issue. We have absolute initiative." Zhou Yu assured Sunx Quan with a smile, holding the languid Little Qiao, for that response had no issues.

"But there are many Eastern Wu aristocratic families; what if they revolt?" Sunx Quan queried incessantly, causing Zhou Yu some helplessness.

"Eastern Wu aristocratic families are numerous, but precisely because of this, they are scattered sand. The so-called four great families, oh, now three—they each have their own conflicts." Zhou Yu nudged the sun-basking Little Qiao beside him, never hiding such matters from her.

"Then if the three major families lead the rebellion?" Sunx Quan pressed his hypothesis further, oblivious to Zhou Yu's resigned expression.

"How many questions do you have?" Zhou Yu thought it better to understand the situation before responding.

"My first time out with big brother." Sunx Quan glanced back stealthily at Sunx Ce at the ship's stern before speaking softly, "I prepared a lot of questions."

Sunx Quan revered Sunx Ce immensely due to Sunx Ce's relentless struggle after their father died when he was ten, eventually carving out a quarter of the realm, largely thanks to Zhou Yu. Hence, Sunx Quan respected Zhou Yu greatly.

"..." Zhou Yu felt overwhelmed, pondering for a moment before speaking, "Let me explain the previous question first; after that, read some books when you return." Zhou Yu's eyes gleamed as he decisively toned down Sunx Quan's intellect, soon dropping below average.

"Here's the situation: if the three major families lead a rebellion, we'll draw lots — whichever is drawn we'll annihilate in one day, then distribute their belongings to the lower-tier families under the other two." Zhou Yu spoke indifferently, as the disparity in strength between the Eastern Wu aristocratic families and them was too vast.

Sunx Quan was perplexed by Zhou Yu's words, but after the intelligence drop, Zhou Yu's few sentences sent Sunx Quan away.

"Little Qiao, let me play the zither for you~" Zhou Yu expressed joy to Little Qiao after sending Sunx Quan away.

"Certainly." Little Qiao propped her head with both hands, her gaze wandering as she smiled at Zhou Yu, eyes full of joy, for perhaps Zhou Yu was her everything.

On the Yangtze River, the zither's melodies flowed gently until Zhou Yu and Sunx Ce stepped onto Eastern Wu's land.

"It's been a long time since I've returned; this time, I'll resolve all issues. If my opponents remain at this level, it's truly dull!" Sunx Ce declared joyously, spreading his arms wide and laughing heartily.

"Deal with the Eastern Wu aristocratic families first." Zhou Yu glanced at Sunx Ce as they boarded waiting carriages by the riverbank, shielded by soldiers, traveling uneventfully to Wu Commandery.

Everything followed smoothly afterward: although the Eastern Wu aristocratic families were dissatisfied, they had to submit upon Sunx Ce's personal appearance, whether because of Sunx Ce's youthful visage or his unparalleled dominance, seeing him as an exceptional, promising stock.

Naturally, Sunx Quan's anticipated resistance from books didn't unfold, witnessing his older brother receive a pre-prepared document from his sworn brother, then commanding it be handed to the current Wei Family head. After the Eastern Wu aristocratic families' heads perused the document, they silently signed it.

Afterward, it was all smooth sailing—an occurrence of all-around satisfaction, as Sunx Quan understood despite his lack of insight, his elder brother resolved the Eastern Wu aristocratic portfolios immediately. Thus Sunx Quan gazed at Sunx Ce with reverence, knowing his formidable elder brother was indeed invincible. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast recommendation votes, monthly votes; your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users should visit m.qidian.com for reading.)