https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-675-Beast-Warhorse-Breeding-Program/13042069/
Chapter 674: Returning to Bing Province
Chapter 674: Returning to Bing Province
September 25, 2017
Yinchuan Academy, State of Huai.
After the meeting with Xi Zhicai and the Xun family uncle and nephew, although they tried to persuade him to stay, Xi Zhicai still left the academy.
Originally, Xi Zhicai planned to rent a random tavern to stay temporarily, as he wouldn't be staying for long. After visiting his friends, he intended to leave the State of Huai.
However, he didn't expect that his subordinates had already arranged accommodation for him as soon as he left the Yinchuan Academy. What surprised him even more was that the place they arranged for him was his former residence, which he had ordered to be sold before heading north.
Evidently, his people had acted on the instructions of Lu HaiKong.
In reality, Xi Zhicai's former residence was bought back not long after he left for Bing Province. When Lu HaiKong heard Afu, Xi Zhicai's attendant, lament about it, he made a mental note.
Due to unfavorable circumstances at the time, Lu HaiKong didn't take any action until he took control of the Strong Yin. Only then did he send someone to repurchase Xi Zhicai's residence, but he never mentioned it to Xi Zhicai, so Xi Zhicai didn't find out about it until his return this time.
After staying in Bing Province for two years, Xi Zhicai had come to consider it his home.
Returning to Yinchuan, even though he had lived there for over twenty years and was in the familiar surroundings of Yinchuan Academy, Xi Zhicai couldn't shake off the feeling of not belonging.
Therefore, when he received the news after leaving the academy, he couldn't help but return to his former residence, where everything was already prepared for his arrival.
After nearly two years, when Xi Zhicai returned to his ancestral home once more, he couldn't help but smile at the sight of the newly renovated courtyard, which retained its original style in the details, making him feel inexplicably at ease.
Although he had prepared himself not to return, it was undoubtedly good news for Xi Zhicai at this time to be able to come back here again.
However, Xi Zhicai didn't stay long at his former residence. He quickly settled in and set out to visit his friends the next day.
At this point, Xi Zhicai's visit had a more complex purpose than just socializing. Besides helping Lu HaiKong organize the teaching materials, he also wanted to recruit some political talents for him.
In the first aspect, Xi Zhicai accomplished his task flawlessly, but his friend-visiting endeavor didn't go as smoothly.
It wasn't that people looked down on Lu HaiKong or Xi Zhicai; it was just that Xi Zhicai's timing was off. It was soon after the end of the Yellow Turban Rebellion, and numerous outsiders had emerged. Yinchuan already had many outsiders, and they had all made their moves before Xi Zhicai's return, so most of them had already been recruited by others.
Of course, the top talents were mostly untouched, either because they were traveling for further studies or because they were still too young and in the process of learning.
After several days of searching, Xi Zhicai still came up empty-handed, but during this time, a young tail had been following him. Well, it wasn't that young anymore.
The boy looked to be around thirteen or fourteen, with a slender build like Xi Zhicai's. His clothes were a bit shabby, but his eyes were incredibly lively, and what was even more interesting was that Gungun, who only recognized Lu HaiKong and Xi Zhicai, was willing to let this boy hold him.
This situation was quite easy to explain and didn't require a lengthy philosophical explanation. All it needed was to reveal the boy's name, and the two characters 'Guojia' provided the perfect explanation.
Indeed, the boy following Xi Zhicai was none other than the legendary genius Guojia, the brilliant strategist often compared to Zhuge Liang, one of the top minds in the Three Kingdoms, and even in Chinese history.
Currently, this genius was still in the process of maturing. At only fourteen years old, he had already displayed remarkable talent, but he was still in the learning phase. Nonetheless, this boy's political attribute was estimated to be over 80.
This guy was already familiar with Xi Zhicai, as they were both astonishing geniuses from humble backgrounds, both naturally frail and sickly.
With so many similarities, the two were attracted to each other in a mysterious way, and their relationship had always been excellent.
Between the two, the older Xi Zhicai played the role of an elder brother, guiding and helping Guojia in his growth, while Guojia always saw Xi Zhicai as his learning and chasing goal.
In fact, Xi Zhicai had initially paid attention to this boy and wanted to bring him to Bing Province, but in the end, he gave up on the idea, or rather, temporarily abandoned it.
Xi Zhicai was well aware that at this time, compared to Bingzhou, Yinchuan was still a better fit for Guo Jia.
Despite Guo Jia's humble origins, his innate talent allowed him entry into Yinchuan Academy.
Xi Zhicai had always been confident in his own abilities, but he never let it go to his head. He knew he could guide Guo Jia's growth, but compared to having him by his side, it was better for Guo Jia to remain at Yinchuan Academy to achieve better development.
If Xi Zhicai had an eighteen or even sixteen-year-old Guo Jia by his side at this time, he would have taken him away without a second thought. However, it was still a bit early to take Guo Jia away.
So, despite this young fellow's subtle display of slight arrogance, indicating his desire to visit Bingzhou, Xi Zhicai ultimately refused.
Of course, Xi Zhicai's refusal was skillfully executed. He politely and clearly expressed his opinion, hoping that Guo Jia would stay at Yinchuan Academy for a year or two to ensure that this young fellow wouldn't have any misunderstandings.
Xi Zhicai then stayed in Yinchuan for a few more days. After failing to gain any insights during his visit, Xi Zhicai finally prepared to leave and return to Bingzhou from Yinchuan.
Unlike two years ago when Xi Zhicai left with a single servant and a carriage, this time he led a team of over a hundred people. Just the preparations for the return trip required two to three days.
While Xi Zhicai came empty-handed, he returned with a full load. With the financial resources provided by Lu HaiKong and Xi Zhicai's connections in Yinchuan, he managed to purchase a large number of books.
In the caravan heading back to Bingzhou, there were over ten carriages dedicated solely to transporting books, creating an impressive spectacle!
Despite the grand display, only one additional person came to see him off, unlike two years ago when Xun Yu and Guo Jia bid him farewell. This time, Xun Yu was the only one to see him off, apart from his uncle, Xun Yu.
"I thought you wouldn't come to see me off," Xi Zhicai said, looking at his old friend who hadn't been seen for over ten days since leaving Yinchuan Academy, a gentle smile on his lips.
Xun Yu's face darkened: "I didn't want to come, but Gongda dragged me here."
One 6, one 9, one book, one look, one version!
Xun Yu, however, didn't reveal his uncle's secrets. He smiled calmly and bowed to Xi Zhicai: "Brother Zhicai, the journey to Bingzhou is thousands of miles long and filled with wind and frost. Please take good care of yourself."
Xi Zhicai nodded: "If Brother Gongda is interested, you're welcome to visit Bingzhou. I'll definitely make room for you."
"You know, Gongda and I were actually thinking of doing that. If nothing unexpected happens, we should be going to Bingzhou in a few months!" Xun Yu said, standing beside Xun Yu.
As he spoke of Bingzhou, his eyes flashed with a sharp light, and his gaze grew distant.
Xi Zhicai, seeing this, smiled softly in his heart. He, of course, understood what his friend was going to Bingzhou for. Although his suspicions about Lu HaiKong had eased somewhat, he still wanted to see for himself, what kind of person Lu HaiKong was.
Xi Zhicai's eyes crinkled with a smile: "You're welcome! However, Bingzhou will probably be quite busy for a while. If Wenruo comes, he must be prepared to be drafted by me."
Xun Yu's gaze returned to Xi Zhicai: "I'm not worried about that. I'm afraid that when the time comes, your state governor might not dare to use me."
"Rest assured, that person won't disappoint you."
Xun Yu's face did reveal a hint of anticipation: "Alright, then. We've decided. At the latest, in three months, Gongda and I will visit Bingzhou!"
As Xun Yu spoke these words, the youth Guo Jia beside him struggled to keep from saying, "I want to go too."
Ever since he learned of Xi Zhicai's departure yesterday, Guo Jia's mood had been low. Today, during the farewell, Guo Jia barely spoke a word, standing silently to the side.
Despite this being the second time seeing Xi Zhicai off, Guo Jia still felt a bit reluctant to part with him.
After bidding farewell to Xun Yu and his nephew, Xi Zhicai approached the young fellow. After a brief pause, he patted Guo Jia's shoulder: "I'll be waiting for you in Bingzhou!"
Guo Jia was taken aback, raising his head to look at Xi Zhicai's sincere gaze. His eyes reddened, but this fellow quickly turned his face away: "Hmph, I didn't agree to go to Bingzhou."
Guo Jia's display of slight arrogance elicited a burst of hearty laughter from Xi Zhicai and the others.
"Alright, it's getting late. You've seen us off. We'll be on our way to Bingzhou," Xi Zhicai bowed to the group before turning and climbing into his carriage.
The caravan, consisting of over twenty carriages, began its journey back to Bingzhou under the escort of over a hundred mountain bandit guards...
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
