Chapter 64: The Willow is Dark and the Flower is Bright

  Lu Min returned to Peach Valley and told Lu Zhi about the discussion with the wealthy families of Zhuo County. Lu Zhi did not blame him, but said that this time they were only suggesting that Zhuo County strengthen its defenses, and it was not their main responsibility. Since the governor and the prefect were not interested, it would be inappropriate to insist further, lest they be suspected of overstepping their bounds.

  Lu Min heard Lu Zhi's displeasure from his tone and knew that his father thought his actions were a bit too strong, already exceeding the original plan. If he continued to insist, it would probably backfire. However, he always felt that being remiss in preparing for war was not a good thing. The Xianbei people were getting arrogant, the Wuhuan people were also stirring, and the situation in Youzhou was actually very dangerous. If they didn't make preparations early, they would regret it sooner or later. Now, neither the Governor nor the Prefect had realized this point, so since he saw it, of course, he couldn't just sit back and do nothing.

  So, although he heard Lu Zhi's dissatisfaction, he still returned to Zhuo County to make a last-ditch effort. His confidence was not enough, and he had already made some efforts, just wanting to be clear in his heart, now seeing the materials sorted out by Liu Xiu, he finally felt some comfort.

  He didn't tell Liu Xiu about Lu Zhi's opinion in detail, not because he didn't trust him, but because he was afraid of hurting Liu Xiu's enthusiasm. Liu Xiu just smiled when he heard it and didn't take it seriously.

  "Elder brother, although there are many materials here, upon closer inspection, they still lack a lot." Liu Xiu flipped through the records and said: "We have some understanding of the situations of the Xianbei, Wuhuan, even including the Mo people and the Fuyu people. We also have some rough knowledge of the geography of the grasslands. However, it is precisely our own Han territory that we are not very familiar with. All we know is that to the north is the Yan Mountains, and to the west is the Taihang Mountains, both of which are strategic locations that military leaders must contend for. But as for how treacherous they are, if the Xianbei were to come and attack, where would be the most suitable place for us to defend... we have no idea at all. I think the governor's office should have relevant maps and documents, but now..."

  Lu Min closed his eyes, not speaking for a long time, but in his heart he was thinking of many things. He had always followed his father Lu Zhi to read classics and thought that his learning was good, and it was expected that he would become a high-ranking official or governor of a region in the future. However, this time when he actually took action, he found himself far from being as capable as he thought. Not only did he lack experience in receiving guests and handling matters, but even his knowledge was not comprehensive enough. If he were to be the Taishou of Gaoyang County and take charge of border defense affairs, the most likely outcome would be that he would be overwhelmed with work.

  He was a native of Zhuo County, but he knew little about the geography around Zhuo County. Later, when he became an official in other states and counties, could he really understand it thoroughly? Maybe at that time he had the power to call up those maps, but how could he get a clear picture just by looking at the map?

  After reading so many books for so many years, what's the use of it all? Lu Min had her first doubt about herself.

  Liu Xiu and others saw Lu Min sunk in thought, her face filled with worry, clearly troubled by something. They didn't dare disturb her and retreated first. Mao Qiang stood in the adjacent room, seeing this also let out a sigh. Having traveled together with Lu Min all along, she had already sensed that Lu Min's mood was heavy, but constrained by her status, she didn't know how to comfort Lu Min. Originally, she had hoped that once they arrived at Zhuo County, Liu Xiu and the others would be able to help dispel her worries, but now it seemed like there was still no way.

  Zhang Fei briefly described the situation to her and then invited her and Lu Min to move into his home. Mao Jie heard that Liu Xiu had mobilized those young men from Zhuo County to take action together, thinking that there might be some turning point, so she agreed. Zhang Fei was overjoyed and immediately sent someone to move their luggage, standing in the courtyard directing them.

  Perhaps Zhang Fei was too excited and his voice was a bit loud, Liu Bei who was reading in the house heard it, went out to take a look, and burst out laughing: "Yide, what are you doing?"

  Zhang Fei burst out laughing: "So you're here too! Is Governor Zhou around? I hope I didn't disturb him?"

  "My father is not at home." Liu He slapped his forehead and suddenly remembered something important: "Right, when will Mr. Lu be back?"

  "Isn't he back yet?" Zhang Fei pointed to the house. Liu He heard this and hastily went out, came to Lu Min's door, and politely paid his respects. Lu Min had already heard his conversation with Zhang Fei, got up to greet him, forced a smile on his face, and asked a few questions. Liu He was not in the mood to say those polite words, directly told Lu Min about Liu Yu agreeing to let them go to Shanggu, and finally said: "I will also travel with Master Lu, please give me more guidance at that time."

  Lu Min was extremely surprised, and if he hadn't cultivated his skills to perfection, he would have almost burst out laughing. He and Liu Xiu exchanged a glance, and both saw the joy in each other's eyes. Liu Bei and Mao Jie had already been unable to contain themselves, their faces beaming with delight. Zhang Fei, who was directing the porters below, heard their laughter and curiously rushed up to ask what was going on. As soon as he heard the good news, his eyes widened in surprise, and then he put on a "I-knew-it-all-along" expression, patted his chest and said: "I told you so! The young master wouldn't disagree with such a good thing. This time, all the young men from my hometown will go out and see the world, gain some experience. Even if only one or two of them succeed, it's still a good thing for the young master."

  He hadn't finished speaking when he suddenly slapped his own head and shouted, "Such good news can't be enjoyed alone! I'll tell those kids right away and let them get excited too!" Right, sir, don't you think it's time to pack now?

  "Don't ask me, ask my senior brother and Liu." Liu gave him a white eye, thinking that this kid doesn't have the right to speak, are you trying to humiliate me? Zhang Fei suddenly realized and hastily asked for instructions from Lu Min and Liu He. Liu He smiled: "Everything is up to Master Lu, I'm just an ordinary follower, as long as you don't treat me like an outsider."

  Lu Min was in a great mood, but he didn't show it on his face. He discussed with Mao Jie and Liu He, deciding that they should set out as soon as possible. They would spend two days preparing and then depart the day after tomorrow. As soon as the date was set, everyone began to bustle about. Just as Zhang Fei's men were delivering the news one by one, Wen Hui and Li Cheng arrived together, saying they also wanted to join them. Since there were matters that required official documents from the governor's office, they would have him take care of it.

  Lu Min hastily thanked him.

  Everything went smoothly, and the Zhang family began to bustle with activity. Dozens of young people around the same age as their son came in and out of the house, including the sons of the governor and the prefect. Lu Zhi's son even stayed at their home, which was unprecedented for the Zhang family. Zhang Butou was overjoyed, his eyebrows dancing with excitement, and he greeted everyone with a smile. He spent his days arranging for pigs to be slaughtered and sheep to be butchered, preparing wine and food, all in preparation for his son's grand sendoff.

  ……

  Li Ding lowered his head, admiring the Peach Blossom Poetry handscroll on the table that he had snatched from Zhang Jiaming. He nodded repeatedly. Li Cheng carried a package and came in to bid farewell, but he only raised his head and glanced at him briefly before focusing his attention back on the handscroll, occasionally gesturing with his fingers in the air.

  "Ah Wong, you've been staring at this poem for two days now." Li Cheng said with a hint of jealousy: "Isn't it just some nursery rhyme-like dialect phrases? Is it worth looking at so much?"

  "What do you know!" Li Ding's eyes rolled, and he scolded harshly: "This poem is in vernacular language, but can you even write these characters? Don't mention you, even if it were your old man, I would be ashamed to be inferior. You don't even know what's important. Let me tell you, this time on the trip, don't still think you're so great like before. None of these people are easy to get along with. Just behave yourself, tuck in your tail, and be careful not to cause any trouble. If you stir up trouble, see how I'll deal with you."

  Li Cheng nodded slightly, responded vaguely and turned to leave. His father was a scholar, but he himself was an ordinary person, just like other mischievous youngsters who had no interest in studying. This made his situation somewhat awkward. In terms of status, as the son of a scholar, it wasn't suitable for him to play with someone like Zhang Fei, a butcher's son, lest he lose face. But if he were to be with Wen Huan and others like him, the little knowledge he had would only allow him to smile along, not enough to participate in discussions. This time, being able to go out with a large group of peers was a rare opportunity for him after many years, and he couldn't wait to leave, having no mind to listen to Li Ding's nagging.

  "Halt!" Li Ding called out to him, and Li Cheng had no choice but to return to Li Ding's presence with a scowl on his face. "Father, what further instructions do you have?"

  Li Ding stroked his beard, and his eyes flashed as he asked in a low voice: "That... how has Liu Xiu been the past two days?"

  Li Cheng spread his hands and said with a big smile: "What's the matter? Isn't it just like that?"

  "Good grief! No sense at all." Li Ding shook his head helplessly, thought for a moment, and then said: "If you see his father Liu Yuanqi, tell him I've invited him to come home and sit down."

  Li Cheng's eyes rolled, thinking that his old man was a bit abnormal today. Was Liu Yuanqi, that country bumpkin, worthy of his old man inviting him over with a written invitation? Usually, when his old man wanted to see someone, he would just send someone to call them over, no different from summoning a servant.