Chapter 336: Ding Li
Chapter 336: Ding Li
September 25, 2017
In the study of the Jiuyuan Prefectural Governor's Mansion in Wuyuan County, Ding Yuan gazed at the young man before him, his expression complex.
The youth was none other than his son, but he wasn't named Lu Bu; he was called Ding Li.
As an Outsider, Ding Li was initially thrilled with this identity template that shattered his moral compass.
Yes, thrilled!
Who wouldn't be delighted to have such a high starting point, especially when he had no ambitions to conquer the world? Having a powerful and influential father who could grant him authority was more than enough.
However, Ding Li soon realized he had rejoiced too early. Ding Yuan didn't show him any warmth and even seemed to reject him. Their identity template was hard to conceal, and Ding Yuan knew he was an Outsider the moment he appeared.
Outsiders were in an awkward position in this world, but Ding Yuan's main reason for disliking Ding Li was that he had no son of his own.
Imagine a man in his thirties, longing for a child, suddenly waking up one day to find he had an extra son, and that son was an Outsider. What kind of emotions would he feel? It was indeed a complex situation.
Ding Li, with his higher education, felt helpless about this.
He couldn't bring himself to flatter Ding Yuan, so he spent his initial days in seclusion, either practicing martial skills or reading various books.
This went on for half a year until Ding Yuan, for reasons unknown, connected with He Jin, and five months ago, he was transferred to Wuyuan County as the prefect. This became the opportunity for the two to have their first conversation.
Ding Li was perplexed as to why Ding Yuan was appointed as the prefect of Wuyuan County; he had some knowledge of Ding Yuan's historical background, and it seemed he hadn't held such a position.
But this wasn't the focus. The focus was on their conversation during Ding Yuan's distant journey, which became the catalyst for their first dialogue.
Before their conversation, both had already accepted their predetermined roles, but after half a year of almost no interaction, their impressions of each other were purely based on their imaginations.
When they finally stood face to face, both realized they didn't particularly dislike each other, especially Ding Yuan, who felt this most strongly. It was under these circumstances that Ding Yuan, who had originally planned to keep Ding Li in Luoyang, made a significant decision to bring Ding Li to Wuyuan.
Later, Ding Yuan, who had initially left Ding Li to his own devices, started paying attention to Ding Li's life. He noticed Ding Li's interest in martial skills and military strategy books, so Ding Yuan began providing Ding Li with various martial skills and military strategy books. He also often invited Ding Li for tea, even though these tea sessions were just that—tea sessions with little conversation between the two men.
Ding Li could sense Ding Yuan's internal struggle. On the one hand, he rejected Ding Li's Outsider identity, and on the other hand, he was over thirty and childless, and now he had this unexpected son with whom he had lived for over a year, and feelings of paternal affection were gradually developing.
Ding Li saw Ding Yuan's struggle but didn't make any unnecessary moves, maintaining his usual lifestyle.
Unknowingly, Ding Li had lived by Ding Yuan's side for over a year, including five months in Wuyuan. This time, Ding Yuan sought him out once again.
"Get ready. Tomorrow, report to the military camp!"
This was the first sentence they exchanged, devoid of any affectionate terms, and even somewhat deliberately evasive. But Ding Li understood the weight of Ding Yuan's words.
"With these words, Ding Yuan's paternal affection overpowered his initial rejection of Ding Li's outsider identity. He began to accept Ding Li and even contemplated paving the way for Ding Li's future."
As Ding Yuan spoke, his gaze fixed intently on Ding Li's face, his clenched fists hidden beneath the table.
He was nervous, anxious to see Ding Li's reaction to the news. Naturally cautious, Ding Yuan was particularly concerned about Ding Li's response, wondering if his trust was misplaced. He couldn't articulate the reaction he wanted to see, and his emotions remained complex.
Only when Ding Li's momentary surprise turned into a smile did Ding Yuan's tightly clenched hands slowly relax.
It must be said that Ding Li's smile was infectious, warm and comforting, thoroughly soothing Ding Yuan's inner anxiety.
"Tomorrow, when you go to the military camp, I'll assign you to a team with Lu Bu, an incredibly powerful individual. Since you're interested in martial arts, learn from him..."
Ding Yuan had only intended to make an announcement and let Ding Li go, but he ended up keeping Ding Li for over half an hour, sharing various instructions and precautions about the military.
These precautions were things Ding Yuan himself had almost forgotten, but at that moment, they all came flooding back to him.
As Ding Li's smile continued to shine, Ding Yuan spent half an hour imparting these instructions before snapping back to reality. His dark face flushed slightly, and he awkwardly dismissed Ding Li.
---
After Ding Li left, Ding Yuan managed to suppress his emotions, but he couldn't help but laugh out loud. It was evident that he was in high spirits.
As Ding Yuan laughed, the study door was knocked on several times. Ding Yuan immediately composed himself, donning his usual stern demeanor.
"Enter!"
A general walked into the study.
"My lord, the situation in Dingxiang County, which you had us monitor, has taken a significant turn!"
Lu Hai Kong's business dealings with Dingxiang County, especially in recent months, had become extensive, even reaching Wuyuan County. It was hard for Ding Yuan to ignore this development.
So, Ding Yuan had dispatched people to keep an eye on Dingxiang County, not to interfere but to seize an opportunity for himself.
He Jin's plan wasn't just to make Ding Yuan a prefect; they wanted him to become the Governor of Bingzhou, expanding He Jin's influence.
Ding Yuan was chosen for his potential and his ability to rise from humble beginnings. In the novel, he may have appeared briefly before meeting his end, but in reality, he was a formidable figure.
Not everyone could achieve such heights, rising from the lowest social strata. Ding Yuan, unlike He Jin, didn't have a sister who could become an empress.
When Ding Yuan received news from Dingxiang County, a glint flashed in his eyes: "It seems it's time to give that old fellow some trouble."
(End of Chapter)
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