Three Kingdoms: The Peerless Strategist of Wei

Chapter 1 Traveling Through 3 Kingdoms

The year 196 AD.

Later historical records officially recorded this year as the first year of Jian'an.

After enduring countless hardships and relocations, Emperor Liu Xie of Han finally returned to the dilapidated old capital of Luoyang. At the same time, Cao Cao personally led a large army to quell the remnants of the Yellow Turban Rebellion in Yingchuan Commandery, and his army swept through the strategic location of Xuchang.

After this battle, he had become the warlord with the largest territory and the strongest power south of the Yellow River, and finally had enough capital to compete for the world.

The Gu Family Manor is located in the eastern suburbs outside Xuxian County.

Inside a bamboo pavilion, exquisitely carved, elegant in style, and exuding a refined and scholarly air.

"Life is so incredibly boring!"

Gu Cheng leaned against the soft couch covered with fine bamboo mats, and couldn't help but let out a long and helpless sigh.

Several years ago, an unexpected turn of events swept him from modern times to the turbulent late Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms period, where he became the only son of a declining aristocratic family in Xu County by a twist of fate.

He originally believed that, given the chaotic and eventful era, he would surely be able to create his own immortal legend and illustrious achievements in this world of great strife and heroes.

But who would have thought that he would be unexpectedly bound to a "Peerless Hermit System" at the beginning of his transmigration? He could only suppress the burning ambition in his heart and live in seclusion in the countryside, detached from worldly affairs.

Although the days of seclusion are leisurely, peaceful, and unrestrained, far away from the chaos of war, the daily routine and yearly life can inevitably feel extremely dull and boring.

Whenever he was full and had nothing to do, and stared blankly at the green bamboo outside the window, he would always be unable to help but sigh with such helplessness.

"Young Master!"

A slender and beautiful figure strode over, her delicate hands gently lifting the hem of her plain-colored ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), her face filled with undisguised excitement and anticipation, as she entered the bamboo pavilion.

"Young master, you are truly a man of uncanny foresight! Everything you told me before has come true!"

The girl was panting heavily from running, her cheeks flushed with a lovely blush, and her bright, watery eyes were filled with admiration and complete trust in her young master.

"What did I say?"

Gu Cheng remained nonchalant, slowly picking up the bronze wine cup on the table and taking a sip of the newly brewed sake.

"Didn't you tell me last time that the Emperor would definitely issue an edict to summon General Cao to the capital to protect him? You were absolutely right about that."

"The imperial court has officially issued an edict, bestowing upon General Cao the title of General Jiande, and has even dispatched an envoy with a decree summoning him to Luoyang immediately to meet the Emperor. Official notices and announcements have been posted everywhere in the county town!"

Chan'er reached out and gently stroked her heaving heart, trying her best to calm her turbulent emotions.

"oh."

Gu Cheng's expression remained calm and composed, without the slightest fluctuation.

Emperor Liu Xie of Han finally managed to escape the control of Guo Si and Li Jue, two rebel leaders from Liangzhou, and led his officials back to Luoyang after a long and arduous journey filled with hunger and hardship. However, the once prosperous capital had been burned to the ground by Dong Zhuo, and the palace was running out of food. With nowhere else to turn, he had no choice but to send a signal to Cao Cao for help.

It seems that the rolling wheels of history are ultimately moving steadily forward along their predetermined path, neither too fast nor too slow.

"It's a pity that these earth-shattering events have nothing to do with me, a reclusive idler!"

Gu Cheng couldn't help but let out another soft sigh.

"Ding, the host has completed a full year of seclusion in Xu County. This seclusion mission has been a complete success."

"Congratulations, host, you have received the following rewards: [Azure Lotus Sword Technique], [Dragon Spring Sword], [Muscle/Tendon Strengthening Pill], and the complete [Compendium of Materia Medica]."

Gu Cheng's previously calm eyes lit up instantly, flashing with a long-lost gleam.

The successful completion of this mission means that before the next seclusion mission officially begins, he can finally leave this small place and get some fresh air outside.

"Open your personal attributes panel!"

He raised his hand and gently tapped his forehead.

Host: Gu Cheng [Glossary: ​​Li Heng]

Intelligence: 90

Governance: 89

Power: 50

Agility: 45

Talent: Unknown

"Immediately load the Azure Lotus Sword Technique and extract the Tendon-Changing and Bone-Forging Pill!"

The thought had just formed in Gu Cheng's mind.

A set of exquisite and unpredictable sword techniques was instantly and deeply engraved in his mind. Countless sword moves and mental techniques were as clear as if they were innate, and his agility attribute was also greatly improved.

In his palm, a perfectly round, lustrous pill, as smooth as jade, appeared out of thin air, emitting a faint fragrance.

The pill slid down his throat and into his stomach, and a warm current instantly spread to his limbs and bones.

The Strength attribute value surged instantly.

"Snap!"

Gu Cheng slightly clenched his fists, unconsciously making a gentle grip.

The bronze wine cup he was holding shattered instantly, and bronze shards fell onto the bamboo couch.

"After all, this is a chaotic world where war rages and human life is cheap. Having exceptional wisdom and political talent is not enough to protect oneself and those around you."

Gu Cheng looked down at his fist, which had become firm and powerful, his eyes filled with a sense of security and peace of mind.

"Young master has always been frail and weak, even struggling to lift buckets of water. How did you suddenly acquire such great strength?"

Standing to the side, Chan'er couldn't help but gently cover her mouth with her hand, her heart filled with undisguised shock and confusion.

"Go to the county town."

Gu Cheng stood up with a pleased expression and said in a calm tone, "It's almost time to go and propose to the Yang family. I'll take the opportunity to buy you some new silk clothes on the way, as a way of thanking you for serving me so diligently and taking care of my daily life this past year."

The Yang family is a leading business family in Xuxian County, and has been engaged in the silk and grain business for generations. The Gu family and the Yang family have been friends for decades. When Gu Cheng was young, the parents of both families arranged a marriage between their children.

Gu Cheng's father fell ill and died young when Gu Cheng was ten years old.

Gu Cheng's mother also passed away three years ago. She loved Gu Cheng dearly during her lifetime, and before she died, she held his hand and repeatedly told him to abide by the marriage agreement made by the two families and to marry Miss Yang as soon as possible.

Even after the Gu family gradually declined, the Yang family never abandoned them and continued to provide them with assistance, treating them with utmost kindness and generosity.

Both morally and logically, Gu Cheng had to go and fulfill the marriage agreement that had been made long ago.

"If it weren't for your rescue and shelter back then, young master, Diaochan would have been forced by Wang Yun to marry that treacherous and wicked Dong Zhuo!"

"To be able to serve by your side, young master, is the greatest honor of my life; I don't feel it's hard at all!"

Chan'er immediately bent down and performed a proper Han Dynasty-style curtsy, solemnly expressing her feelings.

Back when Gu Cheng was still living in seclusion in Chang'an, Wang Yun was plotting a series of schemes, so Gu Cheng took the opportunity to rescue her from Wang Yun's mansion and take her away from that place of trouble.

To repay this life-saving grace, Diao Chan willingly stayed by his side as a servant, serving him diligently in his daily life for several years.

"Let's go."

Gu Cheng smiled faintly and walked out.