Three Kingdoms: I, Yuan Shu, Loyal Officials of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 188 I have heard that your second brother, whose name is Liang and courtesy name is Kongming, is very much loved by me.

"Brother Ziyu, I've finally found you."

Upon seeing Zhuge Jin, Lu Su greeted him with a smile.

"Congratulations, Brother Ziyu! Congratulations on achieving first place in the imperial examination and ranking second on the list of successful candidates. I am truly envious."

Zhuge Jin: "."

"Congratulations! Congratulations! Brother Zijing, you were quiet all along, but you won the top spot in the imperial examination. Your talent is truly enviable."

Lu Su was still smiling happily, as if he had just heard the news, and a look of astonishment appeared on his face.

"I am ignorant and incompetent, and my knowledge is shallow. How can I be worthy of being ranked first above Brother Ziyu? This must be due to luck, or perhaps there was an error in the grading."

Brother Ziyu, please don't misunderstand. I will accompany you to see the chief examiner now, and I will definitely get to the bottom of this matter."

Lu Su reached out to pull him, their intimacy and familiarity just as usual.

That honest and kind smiling face was so familiar that for a moment Zhuge Jin couldn't tell whether he was genuinely kind or just pretending to take the exam.

But now that they've seen the list of successful candidates and realized that Zhuge Jin is second, how could they not know that Lu Zijing is actually first?

Thinking of this, Zhuge Jin also smiled. Unlike in the past, he did not follow his friend Lu Su's lead and go wherever he was dragged. Instead, he pulled him back, and his smile became even more enthusiastic.

"Brother Zijing, you are now the top scholar in the imperial examination. Things are different now. You should stop talking nonsense."

The list of successful candidates has been published and is known throughout the land. The point of seeking rankings now is not to criticize Lord Yuan's talent selection policy, but to condemn the examiner's reputation and official position.
Rankings at this time are insignificant; there's plenty of time ahead. Brother Zijing, don't make a mistake for yourself.

“Brother Ziyu is absolutely right.”

Lu Su feigned sudden realization, then a hint of embarrassment appeared on his face.

"In that case, I am unworthy of the title of the first scholar to be named the top scholar in the imperial examination."

"Between you and me, brothers, why bother with these things? It only makes us more estranged."

Zhuge Jin smiled and took the initiative to pull Lu Su along.

"Brother Zijing, what you just said is true. After the big exam, we should get drunk."

"As the top scholar, you'd better treat me to this drink."

"That's how it should be, that's how it should be."

Lu Su also smiled broadly, and the two walked hand in hand. "I hope that ten years from now, when we are both serving under Lord Yuan, we can still stroll arm in arm and get drunk together like we do today."

"As it should be."

When Yuan Shu's messenger arrived at Zuichunlou, the newly appointed top scholar and second-place scholar were already drunk and gesticulating wildly at the table.

Upon seeing this, the attendant became anxious. "Lord Yuan has decreed that the newly appointed second-place scholar, Zhuge Jin, be summoned to the Shouchun Palace for an audience."

"Oh dear, my second-place scholar, stop drinking! How can you face the Emperor in this state?"

The two people who were drinking and chatting happily at the table were both startled and their drunkenness dissipated.

Zhuge Jin was still somewhat drunk and couldn't believe it. "Lord Yuan summoned me, not Lu Zijing."

The waiter hurriedly smiled and said, "Among all the students' answers, Master Yuan is most fond of the second-place student's work."

Unfortunately, personal preferences differ, the examiners had already determined the rankings, and the top scholar's work was equally excellent; Yuan Gong could not act based on momentary likes or dislikes.

“The Master does not make important decisions based on his likes or dislikes, nor does he arbitrarily change the rules. Master Yuan is a man destined for great things, and I admire him wholeheartedly.”

Upon hearing that Lord Yuan was most fond of his own writings, Zhuge Jin was overjoyed and immediately got up to leave with his attendant.

Lu Su hurriedly handed over a bowl of hangover soup, saying, "Brother Ziyu, wake up before you go. Don't lose your composure in front of Lord Yuan."

Zhuge Jin took the hangover soup, and the pent-up frustration in his heart vanished instantly. He drank it down with gusto.

"Zijing, when I return, let's have another good drink together."

Seeing that the attendant was about to lead Zhuge Jin away, Lu Su hurriedly stepped forward, grabbed the attendant's sleeve, and secretly offered him gold and silver.

"My brother is drunk. If he behaves improperly, I hope you will help and forgive him."

The waiter accepted the gift with a smile, and not forgetting to say to Lu Su:

"Don't worry, top scholar. Lord Yuan has plans for you. Just wait patiently."

After Lu Su thanked them and they left, he looked at the mess of cups and plates, and saw that the room was completely empty.

"Because he does not contend, no one in the world can contend with him."

Brother Ziyu, we have a long future ahead of us.

He picked up the wine cup, tilted his head back, and drank it all in one gulp.

"Mother, have you seen the good news?"
"My child has now achieved the highest rank in the imperial examination, his name resounding throughout the Jianghuai region. The honor of the Lu family should be brought to the world."

Amidst the swirling smoke and the ringing of bronze chimes from the servants at Shouchun Palace, Zhuge Jin slowly ascended the long steps. As he straightened his clothes, pushed open the palace gate, and bowed down, all that could be seen was the hem of his Taoist robe and dragon cap.

"Student Zhuge Jin greets the Great General."

"Get up, come forward, there's no need to be awkward when you see me."

"only."

Zhuge Jin looked up and saw only a Taoist crown and magnificent robes, amidst wisps of clouds and smoke. The peerless general before him seemed to truly believe the folk legend that he was the Yellow Heaven Responding Origin Manifesting Sage Daoist Lord.

He sat languidly on the futon, a strange smile playing on his lips, as if casually observing himself.

But Zhuge Jin knew better than anyone else that the seemingly presumptuous, ambitious, and Taoist-minded general in front of him was actually a true dragon.

Occasionally, the dragon will glance at you with its bewitching eyes, a faint smile playing on its lips.

Behind its seemingly approachable facade lies a masterful manipulation of imperial power, holding the hearts and minds of officials, powerful families, and even ordinary people in the hands of the emperor.

Only those who have personally experienced Huainan can truly understand how terrifying this Lord Yuan was.

In the eyes of the people, he was the Lord of Great Peace who rewarded farming, distributed land for rent, and promoted the curved plow and the waterwheel.

In the eyes of the aristocratic families, he was the head of the Yuan family who promoted new paper and printing, and opened the imperial examination system to give aristocratic families more opportunities to enter officialdom.

In the eyes of his ministers, he was a king who sat high above the clouds, whose face was not clearly seen, yet who held absolute power in the military and political spheres and ruled with absolute authority.

To outsiders, he was a rebellious and treacherous general of the Han Dynasty, with an unstoppable and powerful nature!

In the eyes of his different adopted sons, in the eyes of his old ministers in Huainan, and in the eyes of his newly promoted relatives and nobles, the Lord Yuan in front of him seemed to have completely different faces.

One person has a thousand faces, varying from person to person.

This is what is meant by the dragon being able to be large or small, to rise or to hide. When large, it stirs up clouds and mists; when small, it conceals its form. When rising, it soars through the universe; when hiding, it lurks within the waves. It changes with the times, adapting to people, events, and circumstances, remaining unfathomable, born in accordance with Heaven, destiny, and fortune.

This is what is called the true dragon emperor!

Zhuge Jin came to Shouchun with the aim of restoring the Zhuge family's prestige to the world, and the method he used was: to support the dragon!
Zhuge Jin guessed that Yuan Gong's current amiable and kind attitude towards him must be because of the policy essay he had written in the examination hall.

He stepped forward, intending to speak on behalf of Lord Yuan.

"I am intimately familiar with all matters concerning Jingzhou. Now is the time for you, my lord, to advance into Jingzhou and seize the nine prefectures."

However, Zhuge Jin, who thought he had everything under control, saw a figure with flowing sleeves, whose features were indistinct amidst the clouds, wave to him with a smile.

"This matter is not urgent, Zhuge Qing. I have heard that you have a younger brother named Liang, courtesy name Kongming, who often compares himself to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi, and underestimates the heroes of the world."

Why didn't I come with you to Shouchun to take the exam? Do you think Shouchun is not as prosperous as the Central Plains, or do you look down on me and think that my rule in Huainan won't last long?
"What a pity! I greatly admire his talent. If he were to come to Shouchun, I would adopt him as my godson."

One sentence was enough to terrify Zhuge Jin to death; his back was already soaked with sweat.

Previously, I had only heard about it, made guesses, and felt it, until this moment, when I face the real dragon directly!
Zhuge Jincai deeply understood how Yuan Gong managed to suppress the officials of Huainan and control so many virtuous ministers and generals with different thoughts and interests.

With just one sentence upon meeting, Zhuge Ziyu, who was arrogant about his talent, was thrown into a panic.

Since Langya fled to Nanyang, it is possible that Zhuge Jin was active in Jingzhou and could be used to gather intelligence.

But his younger brother had always lived in seclusion in a thatched hut, studying, and had not yet come into the world to show his name. His talent was known only to a few close friends and his own brother.

Yuan Gongyuan was far away in Huainan, and had even been in the midst of the chaotic battles of the Northern Expedition against Cao Cao and Liu Bei. How could he know his second brother's name, or even his arrogant words comparing himself to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi?
The thought was terrifying, and Zhuge Jin felt a chill run down his spine.

Could it be that Yuan Shao was able to always suppress the general trend of the world, anticipate the enemy's moves, and win every battle, not because of the unpredictable strategist Fengxiao, but because of the spies and agents who were spread throughout the thirteen provinces of the Han Dynasty and whose influence far surpassed that of the Embroidered Uniform Guard?
When Yuan Gong asked why his second brother hadn't come to the imperial examination, his words about the "prosperity of the Central Plains," his belief that "Huainan wouldn't last long," and his desire to "adopt him as his son," left him in a state of turmoil, and he dared not answer easily.

Zhuge Jin never expected that his arrogant presentation of the nine prefectures of Jingzhou would be enough to sway Lord Yuan's mind. He was confident that his writing would please Lord Yuan, and he came to Shouchun Palace to pay his respects with a smug look on his face.

The first words he heard were like a wake-up call, shattering his dream!
With his mind racing and feeling flustered, Zhuge Jin could only speak cautiously.

"My younger brother is still young and studying diligently in seclusion, so he was unable to participate in the competition. I hope Lord Yuan will not take offense."

Amidst the clanging of the bronze chime, a voice drifted gently from the clouds.

"If that is the case, then you should come to Shouchun Confucian Academy to study."

In Shouchun, we have new paper and a daily supply of printed books.

I recently printed 10,000 copies of my teachings on new paper, intending to pass them down to future generations. I have also sent someone to invite Zheng Jingshen to lecture at the academy, and I expect he will arrive soon.

"With such a good academic environment, Kongming doesn't come to study, but instead stays at home working in isolation. As his elder brother, you should persuade him to come."

Zhuge Jin: "."

Did I not try to persuade them? No, I couldn't persuade them!

Wait a minute, I came here to advise Lord Yuan on the strategy of bloodshed in Jingzhou and swallowing up nine counties, so why am I only talking about my second brother?

Zhuge Jin bowed respectfully and readily accepted.

"What you say is very true, sir. After I returned home, I wrote a letter to persuade him, but Kongming has been very opinionated since childhood, and even my words as his elder brother may not be enough."

"It's alright, Ziyu has already offered his strategy for taking Jingzhou and Xiangyang, hasn't he?"

If your younger brother refuses, we will take all nine prefectures, head north to Nanyang, and I will personally go to Wolonggang to plead with him.”

Zhuge Jin: "!!!"

Good heavens! How did Master Yuan even know about Wolonggang?
Did his two brothers live under his nose the whole time?

Before Zhuge Jin could react, the voice from the clouds continued.

"As for the method of taking over Jingzhou and Xiangyang, your strategy is quite good. I feel at ease appointing you as my envoy."

"Then I can carry my Grand General's order and proceed to Changsha."

Zhuge Jin had no idea that the important matter of Jingzhou that he was really going to discuss with Yuan Gong would be decided by these casual words.

This caused his elaborate plan, which contained far more details than those in his policy essay, to fail in its attempt to persuade Yuan Gong and convince him that Zhang Xian would rebel and that the three counties of Jingnan would side with him.

Upon seeing Zhuge Jin's expression—as if he had prepared for a long time but had punched cotton—Yuan Shu chuckled and remarked.

"You need not say more about Zhang Xian's rebellion. I also predicted that he would rebel, but I do not know when."

With your talent, you should be able to accomplish this task in Jingzhou and Xiangyang, and I will have no worries.

Now, there is only one person and one faith to teach you.

If Zhang Xian were to rebel, he would surely consult Huan Jie, who was an old subordinate of Wentai.

This is a letter from Madam Wu. When you arrive in Changsha, take this letter with you and seek out Huan Jie. Then your great undertaking will surely succeed.

Furthermore, Brother Wentai has a second son named Quan, who is young, steady, and capable of handling important matters. He can accompany you to Changsha. At that time, the Sun family, with its old influence in Changsha, will surely provide full assistance.”

Huan Jie?

Would Zhang Xian, who plotted a rebellion, definitely consult him?

Zhuge Jin, who had been struggling in Jingzhou for many years, could only guess that Zhang Xian would rebel. On the other hand, Yuan Gong, though far away in Huainan, could predict even the details of Zhang Xian's rebellion.

He would never believe it if it weren't for an intelligence agency far superior to the Embroidered Robe and the Net of Heaven.

Is this the legacy left by the Yuan family, which has produced four generations of high-ranking officials?
Furthermore, regarding the matter in Changsha, although Yuan Gong delegated authority to him, the instructions he gave regarding the Sun family were far more meticulous than his original plan.

Second brother, you really should come to Huainan and see for yourself. A single sentence can subdue a minister, and a single event can settle people's hearts. If this is not a wise ruler, then I ask all the feudal lords in the world, where is there a wise ruler?
But what about Sun Jian's right as the second son?

Zhuge Jin frowned slightly upon realizing this. This young man was not well-known and was quite young. She wondered if he could help her accomplish such an important task. She was afraid that he might end up being a hindrance instead of a help.

Therefore, Zhuge Jin couldn't help but probe, "I dare not doubt Lord Yuan's arrangements, but I wonder if Young Master Bofu might accompany him?"

"Young Master Bofu is Yuan Gong's most adopted son, and his name is renowned throughout the land. If he could accompany us to Changsha, it would not only demonstrate Yuan Gong's sincerity to Zhang Xian, but the old subordinates of the Sun family in Changsha would certainly gladly go."

In Zhuge Jin's opinion, Sun Ce had fought many battles under Yuan Shao and had become famous throughout the world. Having him as an accomplice was obviously more reliable than having him do things himself.

However, Yuan Shu's face darkened upon hearing this.

Sun Ce, that rebellious son of his, if we let him go back to Changsha, wouldn't it be like a fish returning to the sea or a bird soaring to the sky, free from all constraints?

It's impossible for Sun Ce to declare independence with the three southern commanderies of Jingzhou. Let alone his feigned compliance and lack of effort, even if he always obeys orders, just hiding outside and refusing to return would still be a problem.

On the contrary, Sun Quan was different. If he sent him there and he really dared to defect and become the enemy's commander, then he would be Yuan Gong's true general, "Sun the Ten Thousand"!

With him in command, the enemy army of 100,000 will surely be defeated.

If he were to focus on his work, with his political acumen, he could easily help Zhuge Jin accomplish the task in Jingnan.

(End of this chapter)