The sun was setting over Puyang,casting long shadows across the empty streets.Xun Yu's eyes sparkled as a thought suddenly dawned on him."Do you mean that mysterious strategist we suspect?""Precisely!"Guo Jia nodded with vigor."But the existence of this person is merely our speculation.What if we're mistaken?"Xi Zhicai couldn't help voicing his doubts."Puyang and Dongjun are the very bedrock of our lord's domain.Would he take such a risk so recklessly?"Guo Jia said with a self-assured smile."This occasion presents a splendid opportunity to verify the veracity of our conjecture!"He turned to Xun Yu beside him."Brother Wenruo,during this expedition to suppress the Heishan bandits,both Zhicai and I will accompany the lord.You will remain in Puyang.This is an ideal chance for you to uncover the truth about that person!""Very well!"Xun Yu nodded in agreement.

...

After Cao Cao led his troops away on the expedition,the county town and the Prefect's Mansion seemed desolate and empty.In the main hall of the Prefect's Mansion,Dian Wei,now in charge of all the city's affairs,sat gingerly on the principal seat.At that moment,Lin Yu sauntered in with Zhao Yun.Witnessing the scene,Lin Yu couldn't resist jesting,"Your humble servant pays respects to General Dian Wei!"Zhao Yun,following closely behind,stifled a laugh,put on a solemn countenance,and saluted with cupped hands.Dian Wei looked up and,seeing his two sworn brothers,quickly rose to his feet and greeted them with an ingratiating expression."Big Brother,Third Brother,you're just teasing me!""How are we teasing you?"Lin Yu said earnestly."You are now the highest-ranking official in the city.Naturally,we should show our respect.""Big Brother,you're being too much!"Dian Wei protested."Before the lord's departure,he explicitly stated that I should follow all your directions!"Then he winked at Zhao Yun.The two of them then playfully carried Lin Yu to the seat on the dais."Alright,alright,I'll stop joking,"Lin Yu said,waving his hand,his tone turning serious."I've come today to give you some guidance."All jesting aside,they couldn't afford to be lax when it came to the matter of defending the city.Lin Yu motioned to Dian Wei and whispered something in his ear.Dian Wei nodded repeatedly."Do you remember,Second Brother?""Don't worry,Big Brother.Leave it all to me.I'll surely follow your instructions to the letter,"Dian Wei said,thumping his chest."Good.As long as you adhere to my plan,defending Puyang won't be an arduous task,"Lin Yu said with a smile.Just as the three of them were conversing,a servant entered the main hall and announced respectfully,"General,Mr.Wenruo awaits outside the door."Dian Wei was startled and looked at Lin Yu.Lin Yu gave a slight nod."Quickly,invite Mr.Wenruo in.""Yes,"the servant replied and hastened away."We'll take our leave.Be cautious later.Don't let anything slip in front of Xun Yu,"Lin Yu instructed."Rest assured,Big Brother!"Dian Wei nodded vigorously.Only then did Lin Yu feel at ease and left with Zhao Yun.Before they exited the Prefect's Mansion,they encountered Xun Yu.To avoid rousing Xun Yu's suspicion,Lin Yu halted and took the initiative to salute."Greetings,County Magistrate!"Xun Yu returned the salute.Just as he was about to continue on his way,he seemed to recall something and turned back."Forgive me,but what was your name again?""Reporting to the County Magistrate,I'm Lin Yu,"Lin Yu replied calmly,yet in his heart,he wondered if he had somehow given himself away.In truth,there was no cause for concern.It was simply that after his conversation with Guo Jia,Xun Yu suspected that anyone he encountered might be the mastermind they had discussed.He thought Lin Yu looked familiar and thus couldn't resist stopping him to inquire."Oh,it's you.I remember now.You're General Dian Wei's sworn elder brother and are in charge of provision transportation,"Xun Yu said,slapping his forehead as he recollected Lin Yu's background."The County Magistrate has an excellent memory,"Lin Yu said with a smile."Very well.You may go,"Xun Yu nodded at him and proceeded inside.Lin Yu heaved a sigh of relief and quickly left the Prefect's Mansion with Zhao Yun.Xun Yu entered the main hall and saluted Dian Wei,who was seated on the dais."Greetings,General!""The County Magistrate is too kind,"Dian Wei said quickly,rising to his feet with a smile."I'm hardly a general.I'm merely defending Puyang on the lord's behalf for the time being.""The lord has entrusted you with such a weighty responsibility.You mustn't be negligent,General,"Xun Yu said gravely."I understand,"Dian Wei replied."The Heishan bandits are advancing with great force.Do you have a plan to counter them,General?""Of course.But I require the County Magistrate's cooperation.""General,simply tell me what needs to be done.I'll do my utmost to assist!"Under Lin Yu's guidance,Dian Wei now spoke with confidence."Please assist me in recruiting four thousand laborers within the city.I need them to aid in the city's defense.""Certainly,"Xun Yu nodded in assent."Furthermore,I also need your help in collecting the people's excrement within the city,"Dian Wei added."What?"Xun Yu could scarcely believe his ears.In those times,during wars,it was common practice to recruit laborers for tasks such as provision transportation and tending to the wounded to conserve manpower.It was understandable for Dian Wei to request Xun Yu to enlist four thousand laborers.However,collecting the city's excrement was truly beyond Xun Yu's comprehension!"What do you need those for,General?""I have my own use for them.You needn't concern yourself,sir,"Dian Wei said,grinning as he remembered Lin Yu's instructions.Seeing his mysterious demeanor,Xun Yu had no choice but to suppress his curiosity and nodded."Very well.I'll do as you ask,General!"...

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Several days passed in this manner.Xun Yu collected the excrement of all the city's inhabitants as per Dian Wei's instructions.The once-empty storehouse was now filled with jars brimming with excrement.The stench was so overpowering that Xun Yu nearly swooned.He hastily ordered the doors to be shut and felt a tinge of dissatisfaction with Dian Wei in his heart.After all,he was a learned scholar.How could he be made to do such a thing!Xun Yu took a deep breath and asked a retainer beside him,"What has General Dian been occupied with these days?""Reporting to the County Magistrate,General Dian's troops have encircled the four city gates of the county town,allowing no one to approach.""Hmm?And what of those four thousand laborers?""They have also been dispatched to the four city gates respectively."What on earth is Dian Wei planning?Xun Yu furrowed his brow deeply.He was now in no mood to search for the so-called mastermind.His primary concern was whether Puyang could withstand the Heishan bandits'assault.Just as Xun Yu was hesitating whether to visit Dian Wei,a messenger on horseback came galloping from a distance.When the messenger reached Xun Yu,he dismounted and announced in a solemn tone,"Reporting to the County Magistrate,the Heishan bandit army has approached within ten miles of the city.General Dian has sent me specifically to request your presence at the city gates!"Xun Yu's heart sank.He hadn't expected the Heishan bandits to arrive so swiftly!He dared not delay and quickly said,"I'll go at once!"He beckoned to a retainer to bring a horse and then followed the messenger towards the city gates.