"The son of Minister Lu?" Chen Xi curiously observed the young boy who was about the same age as Lu Xun. This boy might not be famous in this era, but in the era of the Nine-Rank System, he would be very well-known. He was one of the founders of the clan system and a master of political struggle.
"Yes, Zigan, Ciming, and I were classmates, and we've known each other for a long time. When Zigan passed away, Ciming's grandson, Xun Gongda, was still in Chang'an, so he entrusted his son to Ciming for education," the old man said, shaking his head.
Chen Xi thought for a moment and quickly realized who this elder was referring to—Chen Shi, his granduncle. However, with so many disciples, it was hard to say who this elder really was.
"Naturally, when I visited Ciming in Liaodong, he asked me to bring him to Taishan," the old man continued, looking a bit helpless as he mentioned the boy beside him. "Originally, I was supposed to take him to visit General of the Eastern Command, but in my opinion, Zijia still needs some more guidance. Otherwise, he might displease the General of the Eastern Command."
By now, Chen Xi had already guessed the old man's identity and understood why Xun Shuang had asked Wang Lie to bring Lu Zhi's son to Taishan. Since Liu Bei was now considered Lu Zhi's most outstanding disciple, and in ancient times, disciples revered their masters as they would their fathers, entrusting his son to Liu Bei seemed like the most logical decision.
"I see that this child is clever and full of potential. How about entrusting him to me for guidance?" Chen Xi said, eyeing the sharp-witted Lu Yu. This boy would eventually rise from nothing and navigate through five Wei emperors, becoming a master political strategist and one of the pillars of the five great families of the era.
Wang Lie hesitated visibly. The reason he had kept Lu Yu by his side and left the rest of the Lu family in Taishan was that Lu Yu had a bit of a mischievous streak. Although he was filial and principled, his temperament had been somewhat affected by some significant trauma during his childhood. He appeared sunny on the surface, but there was a shadow beneath it.
Wang Lie, driven by his sense of responsibility toward Lu Zhi, hoped to steer Lu Yu back onto the right path. At the very least, he wanted to curb Lu Yu's tendencies to manipulate others, use power to suppress people, and employ strategies like "driving tigers to swallow wolves" and "removing the ladder after ascending." Wang Lie couldn't help but feel frustrated, wondering if this was how Xun Shuang had taught Lu Zhi's son.
In short, Lu Yu wasn't quite normal. Wang Lie's plan was to keep him close and guide him carefully, ensuring that his temperament didn't become too dark. Right now, Lu Yu's actions could still be seen as self-preservation, and his nature hadn't fully turned bad. But considering everything he had gone through as a child...
After all, it made sense. A boy who lost both parents at seven or eight, then lost two brothers before he was ten, and had to take care of his sister-in-law and nephews—it's remarkable that he could grow up relatively normal, let alone revive the Lu family.
"Elder, if there's anything you're worried about, feel free to tell me. Perhaps I can help solve it," Chen Xi said with a smile. Lu Yu was indeed impressive, but it depended on whom he was compared with. When it came to scheming, Jia Xu was the real master. His famous line, "Did you not see Yuan Benchu and Liu Jingsheng?" had sealed Cao Zhi's fate. Such a talented child should be nurtured in the art of strategy, not wasted on moral cultivation.
Wang Lie frowned. He couldn't explain Lu Yu's issues to Chen Xi, but seeing Chen Xi's interest, he also felt it difficult to refuse. After a long pause, he finally asked, "If I entrust this child to you, Chen Hou, what do you plan to teach him? Will you prioritize moral cultivation or practical skills?"
"Teach him strategy, self-preservation in office, and how to mediate between factions," Chen Xi replied without hesitation. Lu Yu was the perfect candidate for such training. History had proven that he was a master of political struggle, surviving from Cao Cao's time all the way to Sima Zhao's era without falling from power.
Chen Xi wasn't speaking carelessly. Factionalism was inevitable. It might not be visible in the short term, but as Liu Bei's power grew, the emergence of factions was almost certain.
In the next ten years, the faction led by martial generals like Guan, Zhang, and Zhao, along with the veteran civil officials led by Chen Xi, would have a clear advantage. However, as the twelve prefectures were gradually conquered, suppressing all factions would become a joke.
This was unavoidable. Initially, Chen Xi had planned to have Zhuge Liang mediate between factions and resolve future conflicts, but it seemed like a waste and a distraction for Zhuge Liang. After meeting Lu Yu, Chen Xi realized that Lu Yu was even better suited for the role. He was one of the few historical figures who had risen from the beginning to the end of a dynasty, a political genius.
It should be noted that when Lu Yu first entered office, aside from the connections his father had left behind from a decade earlier, he had nothing else to rely on. Yet, within a few decades, he managed to build a foundation comparable to the great families. His political acumen was undeniable!
"That... might not be appropriate," Wang Lie hesitated, then looked at the kneeling Lu Yu beside him. He didn't want Lu Yu to become a ruthless figure, but he had to admit that Chen Xi's approach made sense. Strategy, self-preservation in office, and faction mediation were indeed well-suited for Lu Yu.
"Whether it's appropriate or not, it's not entirely up to you, elder. With your temperament, you wouldn't stop him from leaving if he wished, right?" Chen Xi smiled. "Why not ask him directly? With your virtue, you should understand that only by choosing his own path can it truly be meaningful. Sheltering under your wings—is that really the best for him?"
Wang Lie sighed deeply and turned to Lu Yu. "Zijia, the choice is yours. Will you stay with me to cultivate virtue and rid yourself of your inner demons, or will you follow Chen Hou and learn the art of strategy, advancing further down that path?"
"Thank you, Uncle, for your care in recent days. I am willing to follow Chen Hou and learn the art of strategy. As for virtue, I believe that as long as I remain true to my conscience, it will suffice. Even if one day my hands are stained, I trust I won't lose my way," Lu Yu said solemnly, kowtowing to Wang Lie.
"Well said! You are best suited to wielding strategy, controlling it within your grasp, rather than being blinded by it like others," Chen Xi said with a smile. "Lu Zijia, upon our return to Taishan, I'll find the most suitable teacher for you. Within eight years, you must be ready."
Jia Xu was skilled in strategy, but he focused more on self-preservation, whereas Lu Yu was different. He needed to fight. Only by continually defeating others could he grow stronger and avoid the hardships of his childhood. In eight years, when the various factions begin to rise, Chen Xi would have prepared the stage for Lu Yu.
"Understood," Lu Yu said calmly, a harmless smile appearing on his face. He then stood up, bowed to Wang Lie again, and finally walked over to Chen Xi.
"Elder, rest assured. Lu Zijia will undoubtedly walk a grand path. For him, strategy is a tool, not the most important thing in life. He won't lose himself in it," Chen Xi said, noticing Wang Lie's slight unease.