My brothers are all warriors capable of taking on ten thousand men; I'll roam freely in the Thr

Spring of the first year of Guanghe (178 AD).

Jingzhou, Shuijing Villa.

Ten-year-old Ji Xuanyuan stood in front of the manor gate, looking up at the plaque.

The characters were in ancient seal script, which he couldn't recognize completely, but he knew they were the two characters "水镜" (water mirror), meaning water reflects all things and a mirror reflects one's true nature.

This was the place where Sima Hui, a great Confucian scholar of our time, lived in seclusion, and it was also the cradle of wise men who would stir up the winds and waves of the world in the decades to come.

"Wenlie, what are you daydreaming about?" A gentle voice came from behind.

Ji Xuanyuan turned around and saw Sima Hui in a blue robe.

This scholar, later revered as "Mr. Water Mirror," was about thirty years old at the time. He had a lean face, a long beard, and eyes that were gentle yet revealed a wise insight into the world. However, there were some bruises on his face, which were from when his younger brothers beat him a few days earlier...

What surprised Ji Xuanyuan the most was the way Sima Hui looked at him. It wasn't the way he looked at a ten-year-old child, but rather as if he were examining a rare treasure.

"Master." Ji Xuanyuan bowed respectfully. After all, he had been beaten up by his younger brothers before, but the master not only didn't hold it against him, but also said he would take him as his disciple.

But in his heart he was thinking: Why does this guy insist on taking me as his apprentice? What can I learn with my sickly body?

But then he thought about it again and laughed. In the future, when he went out to make a living, he could just say, "I am a disciple of Master Shui Jing." Wouldn't all the feudal lords be eager to welcome him?

Moreover, if he remembered correctly, Zhou Yu, Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong, Guo Jia, Xu Shu, and Sima Yi would all become Sima Hui's disciples in the future. Although some were still young and some hadn't even been born yet, by becoming his disciple, he would directly become the senior disciple. P.S.: Adapted from the setting of "The Ravages of Time".

Just thinking about it is awesome.

Ji Xuanyuan couldn't help but smile.

"What good thing are you thinking about?" Sima Hui asked with a half-smile.

"N-nothing." Ji Xuanyuan quickly composed himself.

"Sir, my younger brothers..."

"They are not suitable to study under me," Sima Hui shook his head.

"If one's ambition lies elsewhere, forcing it will only mislead one. However..." He paused, "I do know a few martial arts masters, so we can have them become my disciples."

"A martial arts master?" Ji Xuanyuan's eyes lit up.

"Tong Yuan, the spear master of Penglai, and Li Yan, the number one halberd master under heaven," Sima Hui said casually.

"These two have some connections with me, so it wouldn't be difficult to get them to take me as a disciple."

Ji Xuanyuan was shocked.

Tong Yuan was the master of Zhang Xiu, the spear king of the North, Zhang Ren, the spear king of the far north, and Zhao Yun, who was brave enough to charge in and out of Changbanpo seven times.

Li Yan was the teacher of Lü Bu, the future greatest warrior of the late Han Dynasty!

Mr. Shui Jing's network of connections is indeed frighteningly extensive.

"Then... thank you very much, sir!" He bowed respectfully.

Three days later, at the back of the mountain villa.

Tong Yuan and Li Yan arrived as agreed.

Tong Yuan was about thirty years old, tall, with a resolute face, and carried a long, jet-black spear on his back.

Li Yan was slightly younger, with a square face, thick eyebrows, a pair of short halberds hanging at his waist, and eyes as sharp as a hawk's.

"Brother Sima, are these the children?" Tong Yuan looked at the five boys standing behind Ji Xuanyuan. The oldest, Xiang Yu, was ten years old, and the youngest, Yang Zaixing, was only seven.

But the five of them were tall and straight with bright eyes, clearly showing they were promising talents for martial arts.

"That's right." Sima Hui smiled.

"Thank you both."

Li Yan walked up to Ran Min, reached out and pinched his arm bone, then looked at his hand shape and nodded: "This boy has an exceptionally good bone structure, suitable for practicing halberd fighting."

He then looked at Lü Bu: "This one is not bad either, there's a ruthless look in his eyes."

Tong Yuan was more interested in Li Cunxiao and Yang Zaixing: "These two kids are good material for practicing shooting."

As for Xiang Yu... both of them were stunned.

"Double pupils?" Tong Yuan asked in surprise.

Ancient texts record that those with double pupils are either saints or tyrants...

"And his physique..." Li Yan gestured.

"A ten-year-old child already possesses the stature of a fourteen or fifteen-year-old boy; this is a born general!"

Seeing that the time was ripe, Ji Xuanyuan took out several rolls of blueprints from his robes: "Seniors, could you forge these weapons for my brothers?"

Tong Yuan took it, unfolded it and looked at it. At first, he didn't take it seriously. What could a ten-year-old child draw?

But soon, his expression changed.

The blueprints show complex weapon structures, precise dimensions, and numerous forging details: where to use refined steel, where to use cold forging, where to use sandwich steel treatment... Some of these methods were completely unheard of even by this "gun god"!

"Yu the Great's spear that splits mountains... a steel spear that rolls with gold..." Tong Yuan murmured.

How did you learn these names?

Li Yan was also shocked: "Heavenly Dragon City-Breaking Halberd, Double-Edged Spear, Hook Halberd, Fangtian Halberd... Kid, did you really come up with these?"

Ji Xuanyuan remained silent.

What could he say?

Are you saying these are the signature weapons of your future apprentices?

These forging methods are said to incorporate the metallurgical wisdom of the next thousand years?

He simply bowed deeply and said, "Please grant my request, senior. Once I have mastered my skills, I will repay you in full the money spent on forging the weapons."

Tong Yuan and Li Yan exchanged glances, both seeing the shock in each other's eyes. Finally, Tong Yuan sighed, "So be it. Brother Sima has taken a good disciple. These weapons... we'll do our best."

Ji Xuanyuan felt a great weight lifted from his heart.

He knew that with Tong Yuan and Li Yan's abilities, plus these blueprints that were ahead of their time, they would definitely be able to create an unparalleled divine weapon.

Before parting, he pulled Yang Zaixing and Li Cunxiao aside and whispered, "Your master should have another disciple named Zhao Yun. If he doesn't have one now, he will in a year or two. Remember, you must befriend this man."

"Brother, how did you know?" Li Cunxiao asked curiously.

"Don't ask, just remember." Ji Xuanyuan patted their shoulders. "Study hard, and in the future... we brothers will do great things."

His five younger brothers said goodbye with tears in their eyes.

Ji Xuanyuan wasn't particularly saddened—with chaos looming, the sooner they learned their skills, the better.

Summer of the first year of Guanghe, at Shuijing Villa.

After seeing his younger brothers off, Ji Xuanyuan officially began studying under Sima Hui.

For the first six months, Sima Hui only taught him ancient classics: the Book of Poetry, the Book of Documents, the Book of Rites, the Book of Changes, the Spring and Autumn Annals... In his previous life, Ji Xuanyuan had already read these so many times that his ears were calloused.

He listened patiently for several days, but finally couldn't help himself: "Sir, I already know all of that. Could you teach me something more useful?"

Sima Hui raised an eyebrow: "You know it all? Then let me test you. What is the meaning of 'The Great Learning consists in manifesting one's bright virtue, in loving the people, and in abiding in perfect goodness'?"

Ji Xuanyuan spoke fluently, not only explaining the literal meaning of the words, but also extending the principles of governing the country and bringing peace to the world, and even combining them with later political philosophy, speaking eloquently and logically.

Sima Hui's eyes flashed with surprise, then he smiled and said, "Alright, then I will teach you 'On Morale'."

This is the real deal!

Ji Xuanyuan's spirits lifted.

Sima Hui's "On Morale" is the culmination of his life's work, exploring the mysteries of "momentum" and "spirit": how to accumulate momentum, how to create momentum, how to leverage momentum; how to cultivate the morale of soldiers, how to seize the morale of enemy generals, and how to gather the morale of the world.

"Warfare is all about morale; when morale is high, victory is assured; when morale is low, defeat is inevitable." Sima Hui said, fiddling with pebbles on the sand table.

"However, energy does not arise from nothing; it requires a foundation of momentum, which includes favorable timing, advantageous location, and harmonious human relations..."

Ji Xuanyuan listened with rapt attention.

These theories may not seem unusual in later generations, but they were absolutely revolutionary military philosophies at the end of the Han Dynasty, 1,800 years ago.

Afterwards, Sima Hui taught him strategy, judgment, character assessment, astronomical observation, and geomancy... He imparted all the knowledge he could to him.

Ji Xuanyuan was exceptionally gifted; no matter how profound the principle, he could grasp it instantly and apply it to other situations.

Sima Hui grew increasingly satisfied with him. Once, after drinking, he remarked to a visiting friend, "My disciple Wenlie possesses extraordinary talent; whoever obtains him can bring peace to the world."

These words later spread and became Ji Xuanyuan's earliest reputation.

Spring of the second year of Guanghe (179 AD).

Two new disciples have arrived at Shuijing Villa.

One was Xun Yu, courtesy name Wenruo, who was sixteen years old and a member of the Xun family of Yingchuan.

He was the oldest, steady in his actions, and knowledgeable. He quickly became the "senior brother" among the disciples of the manor. Of course, Ji Xuanyuan, the "real senior brother," was too lazy to get involved and was happy to be idle.

The other was nine-year-old Guo Jia, courtesy name Fengxiao. This little fellow immediately hit it off with Ji Xuanyuan.

"Senior brother, I heard you dared to steal the master's wine even though you're still sick?" Guo Jia leaned closer, his peach blossom eyes gleaming with cunning.

Ji Xuanyuan was lying in the shade of a tree, basking in the sun, and said lazily, "What, you want to try some too?"

"think!"

And so, the two "troublemakers" came together.

They would daydream in class, skip get out of class, and occasionally even drag the honest Xun Yu into doing bad things.

Summer of the second year of Guanghe.

That day was scorching hot, and the three jars of "Han Tan Xiang" treasured by Sima Hui had just been delivered to the mountain villa.

Ji Xuanyuan and Guo Jia were so hungry that they sneaked into the wine cellar in the middle of the night and each carried out a jar.

Xun Yu was dragged along by them to "keep watch," and his palms were sweating with nervousness.

"Wenruo, would you like a sip?" Ji Xuanyuan handed over the wine bowl.

"No, no..." Xun Yu waved his hands repeatedly.

Guo Jia took a big gulp and laughed, "Good wine! Senior brother, what's the use of us reading those scriptures every day? When the world is in chaos, we'll still need this."

He patted the sword that wasn't actually at his waist.

The three were enjoying their drinks when a cough suddenly came from behind them.

Sima Hui stood in the moonlight, his face ashen.

Xun Yu knelt down with a "plop": "Teacher, I know I was wrong!"

Ji Xuanyuan raised his bowl: "Sir, would you like a bowl too? This wine... is indeed quite good."

Sima Hui was so angry that his beard trembled, but in the end he laughed: "Enough, enough... Wenruo, get up. As for the two of you—"

He pointed at Ji Xuanyuan and Guo Jia: "Copy the Book of Rites ten times!"

After that night, Xun Yu dared not fool around with those two "demon kings" again.

Meanwhile, the "revolutionary friendship" between Ji Xuanyuan and Guo Jia grew ever stronger.

Summer of the third year of Guanghe (180 AD).

A special child arrived at the mountain villa: six-year-old Zhou Yu, courtesy name Gongjin.

Young Zhou Yu was handsome, with exquisite features.

What's even more remarkable is that he has exceptional musical talent, is self-taught in playing the piano, and can play any piece he has heard after just one listen.

"If the music is wrong, Zhou Yu will notice."

Ji Xuanyuan looked at Zhou Yu playing the zither in the pavilion and smiled at Guo Jia, saying, "This lad will surely charm countless girls in the future."

Guo Jia scoffed: "What's the use of being good-looking? A real man should use his talent and learning to govern the country and stabilize the nation."

Are you jealous of us handsome guys?

"Who's jealous!"

While the two were bickering, Zhou Yu took the initiative to approach Ji Xuanyuan.

"Senior brother." Little Zhou Yu looked up at him, his eyes clear.

"The master says you are the most intelligent. Yu has a question: Why does the moon have its phases of waxing and waning?"

Ji Xuanyuan was taken aback, then squatted down and picked up a twig to draw on the ground: "Look, this is the sun, this is the earth, which is where we live, this is the moon. The moon itself does not emit light; its light comes from the sun. When it rotates..."

He explained astronomical knowledge in the simplest language.

Zhou Yu's eyes lit up as he listened. Although he couldn't understand many of the words, his desire to explore the unknown filled him with admiration for his sickly and beautiful senior brother.

Unfortunately, the time together was too short.

Three months later, Ji Xuanyuan fell ill.

Actually, he had been sick all along.

Congenital deficiencies, coupled with a turbulent childhood, have left his body riddled with wounds.

I've been holding on by sheer willpower all these years, and now I've reached my limit.

He had a high fever for seven days and coughed up blood incessantly.

Sima Hui consulted many famous doctors, all of whom said, "His life is like a lamp running out of oil; he cannot be saved by medicine."

When he woke up, Sima Hui was sitting by the bed, looking exhausted.

"Wenlie," the old man said, holding his hand.

"You can't stay at the resort any longer. It's too damp here, which is bad for your health."

"Then...where do I go?"

"Since you come from Youzhou, go back to Youzhou," Sima Hui said.

"The dryness in the north might alleviate your cough. And..."

He paused for a moment, then said, "Your destiny lies in the North."

Ji Xuanyuan remained silent for a long time before nodding: "Okay."

In the autumn of the third year of Guanghe, outside the city of Zhuojun.

Sima Hui personally escorted him here, bought a courtyard, hired maids and guards, and arranged everything properly.

"Keep this money," Sima Hui said, handing over a brocade pouch. "If it's not enough, just send someone to deliver a message."

Ji Xuanyuan accepted it; it was heavy, a gold ingot.

He suddenly felt a lump in his throat. In the year since he fell ill, Sima Hui had treated him like his own son.

"Master..." He knelt down and solemnly kowtowed three times.

"Disciple... will live on, to wait for my brothers to return after completing their studies, and to wait for... peace to return to the world."

Sima Hui helped him up, his eyes glistening with tears: "Go. Remember, no matter what, Water Mirror Manor will always be your home."

The carriage gradually disappeared into the distance.

He knew that this parting might be their last.

But he cannot die.

His brothers need him, and this chaotic world... also needs him.

In the fourth year of the Guanghe era, he was fourteen years old.

There were still three years until the Yellow Turban Rebellion.

Everything has just begun.

Shuijing Villa, Qin Room.

Zhou Yu, now a young man, was playing the zither, while Guo Jia leaned against the door listening.

"Gongjin, your zither skills have improved again," Guo Jia exclaimed.

Zhou Yu stopped: "Senior Brother Fengxiao, what do you think... how is Senior Brother Wenlie now?"

"Him..." Guo Jia looked north, "He's probably stirring up trouble somewhere."

"I want to go find him."

"You can't go," Guo Jia shook his head. "You belong in Jiangdong. My senior brother said your world is there."

Zhou Yu remained silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "And what about you, Senior Brother Fengxiao? Where do you belong?"

Guo Jia smiled, his peach blossom eyes curving into crescents: "Me? Of course I'm going to Youzhou. My senior brother promised to treat me to the best wine in the world."

He looked out the window and seemed to see the sickly but always sly-smiling boy in white.

Senior brother, wait for me.

Once I've finished my studies, I'll come find you.

Then we'll steal some wine together.

Even if I'm punished by having to copy the Book of Rites a hundred times, it'll be worth it.