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

March, Zhuojun.

As the ice and snow begin to melt, the rushing waters of the Zhuoshui and Juma Rivers seem even more joyful and powerful than in previous years.

Shortly after Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Li Cunxiao led three thousand cavalry north to rescue Gongsun Zan, two inconspicuous carriages, one after the other, entered the city gate of Zhuojun a few days apart.

The first to arrive was Xun Yu.

Holding Ji Xuanyuan's earnest letter of refusal, he went straight to the gate of the Zhuohou Mansion.

Shortly after the gatekeeper announced the arrival, the gates of the mansion opened, and Ji Xuanyuan personally came out to greet him.

"Wenruo! It has been four years since we last met!" Ji Xuanyuan smiled warmly, his complexion was much healthier and rosier than when he was by the Yingchuan River. The sickly look between his brows had long been replaced by the composure of a regional lord, and only the wisdom in his eyes, which had seen through the ways of the world, had become even more profound.

He was extremely respectful and showed no arrogance as a marquis.

Xun Yu returned the greeting solemnly, and the last trace of doubt in his heart vanished.

What he saw was not only the courteous attitude towards scholars, but also the genuine joy and expectation in the other person's eyes.

"Brother Wenlie... no, my lord," Xun Yu corrected himself, his voice clear and firm.

"Yu has come in response to the call, and is willing to follow in the footsteps of a steed and do his humble best."

"To have Wenruo is like Emperor Gaozu having Zhang Liang!" Ji Xuanyuan laughed and personally led Xun Yu into the mansion. There were no formalities or pleasantries in their conversation. They went straight to discussing the situation in Youzhou, the benefits and drawbacks for the people's livelihood, and future plans.

Xun Yu answered fluently and offered insightful opinions; the two talked for a whole day in the study.

Xun Yu sighed inwardly. After four years of observation, although Ji Xuanyuan's actions had some shocking aspects, his strategies for strengthening the army, enriching the people, gathering talents, and establishing trust were clear and well-planned, and were by no means a fluke.

This person is indeed a wise ruler to whom one can entrust one's aspirations.

On the third day after Xun Yu arrived, another carriage stopped in front of the mansion.

But it was a boy who came down, only fourteen years old.

He carefully held a silk scroll in his hands and said to the gatekeeper, "Please inform him that Zhou Yu of Lujiang, on the orders of Master Shui Jing, requests an audience with my senior brother, Marquis Ji."

Upon hearing the report, Ji Xuanyuan was first taken aback, then suddenly realized what was happening and hurriedly said, "Please come in quickly!"

Zhou Yu entered the hall with dignified bearing and bowed deeply to Ji Xuanyuan: "Yu greets Senior Brother Wenlie. I have come uninvited, and I hope you will forgive my intrusion."

Ji Xuanyuan quickly stepped forward to help him up, examining him closely. He couldn't help but exclaim, "Gongjin! The boy who used to play the zither at the manor has now grown into a handsome young man! How presumptuous of me! I'm overjoyed that you've come!"

Zhou Yu's arrival at this moment was truly unexpected.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yu's eyes also flashed with warmth, and he presented the silk scroll with both hands: "This was instructed by my master to be given to my senior brother. My master said that you will understand after reading it."

Ji Xuanyuan took it and unfolded the letter written by Sima Hui.

The handwriting was elegant and graceful, but the content stirred a slight ripple in Ji Xuanyuan's heart:

"My dear disciple Wenlie, it is with you that I am pleased to hear of your achievements in the northern frontier, your establishment of your government, and your good health. Gongjin is exceptionally intelligent and has lofty aspirations, but even a young phoenix needs to be tempered by trials and tribulations. He admires your reputation and is determined to go north to observe politics and pursue knowledge. I see that his will is unwavering, so I have sent him. The world will be in turmoil, not just in the northern frontier. The stars are complex, and the situation is far more complex than just the Purple Palace. Gongjin's talent may be best suited for the south, but people can choose their path when the times change. I hope you will guide him well so that his talent can be fully displayed and his unpolished gem will not be wasted. Also, please take care of yourself and avoid a relapse of your old illness. Your teacher Hui writes this."

The letter is short, but it contains a wealth of information.

Sima Hui explicitly pointed out that "the world will be in turmoil," implying that the Han Dynasty was about to collapse, which was a confirmation of his previous conclusions based on star observation.

He tacitly approved and even encouraged Zhou Yu's northward journey. Although he mentioned "Jiangzuo," he emphasized that "people can also choose their own path."

This almost implies that Zhou Yu's future might not necessarily be in Jiangdong, but could also be in Youzhou, under the command of Ji Xuanyuan!

This is undoubtedly a great recognition and support for Ji Xuanyuan.

Finally, he reminded his student to take care of himself, revealing the deep affection between teacher and student.

Ji Xuanyuan slowly put away the letter, feeling grateful. His gaze towards Zhou Yu became even gentler: "I understand your instructions, sir. Gongjin, now that you have come to Zhuojun, make yourself at home. Whether you are observing politics, seeking knowledge, or practicing military skills, you are free to do so."

At this moment, Guo Jia, who had rushed over upon hearing the news, swept into the hall like a whirlwind. Upon seeing Xun Yu and Zhou Yu, his peach blossom eyes immediately crinkled into crescent moons with laughter: "Wenruo! Gongjin! Hahaha, what a wonderful day it is today! Come, come, come! Don't just sit here idly. Our lord has just opened a new restaurant with exquisite wines and novel delicacies. Let's have a feast to welcome Wenruo and to wash away the dust of Gongjin's journey, and to reminisce about our parting!"

Seeing that Guo Jia was in high spirits and that Xun Yu and Zhou Yu were also tired from their long journey and needed to relax, Ji Xuanyuan readily agreed: "What Fengxiao said is absolutely right. Wenruo, Gongjin, let's go and try the local flavors of Zhuojun."

The restaurant is located in the most bustling street of Zhuojun. It is a three-story wooden building with flying eaves and brackets, and it is very impressive. The signboard has three gilded characters: Zui Mi Lou!

The lobby on the first floor was bustling with activity, filled with guests. The unique spicy and savory aroma mixed with the rich scent of alcohol permeated the air, making one's mouth water.

Guo Jia was clearly a regular customer, and he led everyone directly to the quiet and elegant private room by the window on the third floor.

Soon, the waiter brought out a hot pot with bubbling red oil and a fragrant aroma, along with several jars of wine.

"This is 'Yuantai,' a name personally chosen by our lord. It is as fierce as fire, as sharp as a knife when it goes down, yet it has a sweet aftertaste. Only heroes can drink it in large quantities." Guo Jia slapped open a jar sealed with clay, and the strong aroma of the wine immediately filled the air.

He then pointed to several earthenware jars wrapped in thick cotton and emitting wisps of cold air: "This is even more wonderful, called 'beer.' It is said to be brewed using a secret method from the Western Regions, flavored with flowers and fruits, and then chilled with saltpeter. It's refreshingly cool and, when paired with this hot pot, is absolutely divine!"

Everyone did as instructed.

Xun Yu was cautious. He first took a small sip of the chilled beer. He felt a refreshing, slightly bitter liquid with a faint floral and fruity aroma slide down his throat, instantly washing away the dust and heat of the journey. He couldn't help but nod: "Indeed wonderful. It's refreshing and helps cut through the greasiness. It has a unique flavor."

When Zhou Yu was young, he was curious about the strong liquor "Yuantai". He took a sip and immediately choked, turning his face red and coughing repeatedly, which made everyone laugh.

Once he caught his breath, he felt a warm current rising from his abdomen, making him feel more comfortable throughout his body. He couldn't help but exclaim, "What strong liquor! It certainly takes a bold spirit to handle!"

After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became increasingly lively.

The four reminisced about their time at Water Mirror Manor: Guo Jia and Ji Xuanyuan were punished for stealing wine and were forced to copy books; Xun Yu's composure and etiquette; Zhou Yu's zither music; Ji Xuanyuan's amazing talent... all these past events seemed like yesterday.

Xun Yu put down his wine cup and said solemnly, "My lord, I have been in Yingchuan for four years, observing Zhuojun from afar. In the past, I may have had some questions, but today, seeing the prosperity of Zhuojun's streets and the peace of the displaced people, I understand your profound intentions. In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures must be taken. Now that I have come, I am willing to do my best to help you sort out the internal affairs, clarify the laws and regulations, and lay a foundation for long-term stability."

These words constitute a formal statement.

Ji Xuanyuan raised his cup: "I am very relieved to hear Wenruo's words. In the future, I will have to put in a lot of effort in the administration of the government, the allocation of money and grain, the selection of talents, and even the correspondence with the state and the court. The position of chief secretary is rightfully yours."

Xun Yu raised his cup in response, drank it all in one gulp, and everything was understood without words.

Zhou Yu listened quietly, then spoke up, "Senior Brother, I am young and inexperienced. In the manor, I often heard Senior Brothers Fengxiao and Wenruo mention your abilities. When news of the victory in the northern frontier reached Jingzhou, I longed to go there. On this journey north, I saw that other parts of Youzhou were desolate, but Zhuojun was full of vitality. Refugees had a place to return to, soldiers were cared for, and artisans were employed. This cannot be achieved by force alone. Just now, Senior Brother Wenruo said 'strengthen the foundation and cultivate the source,' and I deeply agree. But now that the foundation is strengthened and the source is cultivated, what should be the next step? I am afraid to ask if there is still a place for me in Zhuojun, where I can learn and gain experience, and do my best to contribute?"

The boy spoke sincerely, his gaze clear and firm, without any affectation.

Ji Xuanyuan was overjoyed and laughed loudly, "Gongjin, why do you say such things! It is truly a blessing for Xuanyuan to have you! Although you are young, you are quick-witted and insightful. I intend to set up a military advisory position in my residence to advise on military affairs and assist in matters such as maps, intelligence, and weapons research and development. Gongjin, you can first go there to learn, and once you are familiar with the situation, I will entrust you with important responsibilities!"

Zhou Yu's eyes lit up, and he rose and bowed deeply: "Yu thanks you, Senior Brother! I will certainly do my utmost and live up to your expectations!"

Guo Jia clapped his hands and laughed, "Excellent! With Wenruo managing the administration and Gongjin providing advisory services, I can finally take a break and enjoy a few more cups of the lord's fine wine!"

Everyone burst into laughter again.

The following day, Ji Xuanyuan personally led Xun Yu and Zhou Yu out of the city to visit the "foundation" that he had valued most from the past year to the present.

Hydraulic engineering.

The convoy traveled north along the Zhuoshui River. Before they had gone twenty li, they heard a mixture of rumbling water and rhythmic, muffled crashing sounds.

After turning a bend in the river, the scenery suddenly opened up.

The Zhuoshui River was cleverly channeled, and several huge waterwheels slowly turned in the water. Each one was more than two zhang tall and made of sturdy hardwood with a precise structure.

The water flow impacts the impeller blades, driving the main shaft, and through a complex gear and linkage mechanism, continuously transmits the power of the river.

A waterwheel drives a huge stone millstone, which rotates day and night. Dust flies in the mill, and bags of wheat grains are poured in, while snow-white flour flows out like a waterfall from the other end.

The foreman in charge excitedly introduced, "My lord, this water-powered mill can grind over 30,000 catties of fine rice and flour a day! Enough to supply the needs of ten thousand people!"

Another place presents an even more breathtaking scene.

The enormous water-powered forging hammer, relying on a more powerful waterwheel, lifts the cast iron hammerhead, weighing hundreds of kilograms, high into the air, and then crashes down with a deafening roar as the mechanism operates, striking the red-hot iron billet below, sending sparks flying.

The craftsmen only need to control the position and angle of the iron billet to achieve the forging effect that would otherwise require dozens of strong men to repeatedly hammer.

In the nearby workshop, the clanging sounds were incessant as craftsmen were using water-powered grinding wheels, broaching machines, and other tools to process the partially formed armor.

Xun Yu and Zhou Yu were mesmerized by what they saw.

They had seen government watermills and water pumps, but they had never heard of anything of this scale, such a system, or such application of water power to food processing and military manufacturing!

As Ji Xuanyuan walked, he explained, "The number of refugees from Youji has exceeded 100,000. If we simply distribute grain, they will run out of resources and become lazy. So I have adopted water conservancy projects to absorb strong laborers, providing them with food, lodging, and wages."

"Currently, there are seventeen similar projects along the main tributaries of the Zhuoshui and Juma Rivers. The rice and flour produced by these water-powered mills are enough to stabilize grain prices in Zhuojun and even the surrounding areas. Some of the surplus can be stored or traded. And the water-powered forgings produce..."

He pointed to the finished products displayed to the side.

There hung several suits of armor, gleaming with a cold metallic luster. They were exquisitely crafted with beautiful curves, and their defensive capabilities clearly far exceeded those of ordinary lamellar armor.

There were also several long swords, their blades straight and gleaming coldly; those were Tang Hengdao swords.

There is another kind of awe-inspiring long-handled broadsword, with an astonishingly long blade and a handle like an iron rod—that is the Tang Mo Dao!

"Plate armor is lightweight and provides better protection, the horizontal sword is advantageous for both infantry and cavalry in slashing, and the long sword... is specifically designed to counter cavalry charges." Ji Xuanyuan said calmly.

To forge these items, Ji Xuanyuan also created a series of other things, such as graphite crucibles.

The steel is made by refining it in a graphite crucible to produce purer molten steel, using coke as fuel to raise the furnace temperature, and combining this with water-powered cold forging to achieve its toughness and sharpness.

Although current production is limited, given time, with elite equipment, it can be worth ten men.

Xun Yu took a deep breath, and he finally understood the source of Ji Xuanyuan's confidence.

This is not just about political harmony and social stability; it fundamentally enhances productivity and military strength!

Transforming abundant labor into a driving force for construction, and turning the natural power of rivers into food and weapons, this approach can be described as turning decay into magic.

"My lord... this is the foundation of a strong nation and the beginning of a great empire!" He rarely used such strong words.

Zhou Yu was even more excited. He stroked the cold plate armor and looked at the roaring forging hammer. The young man's blood was boiling.

He saw a power that was different from the classics and military strategies, but more tangible.

Here, he sensed the possibility of creation and change.

"Senior brother." He turned around, his gaze intense.

"I wish to join the military council as soon as possible to learn the principles of these weapons and their application in military formations!"