Chapter 983: Top Historical Strategist, Ju Shou
Chapter 983: Top Historical Strategist, Ju Shou
2017-09-25
A person's character, mindset, and even thoughts can undergo significant changes as they go through various experiences in life.
Throughout the long journey of life, no one remains static.
Sometimes, the changes in some people are so subtle that they occur gradually over an extended period, making it difficult for them to notice their own transformation. Some may even firmly believe that they have never changed.
However, Lu HaiKong was not one of them; his transformation was ongoing.
From the playful foodie he was five years ago to the decisive and domineering person he is now, Lu HaiKong's identity and personality have changed rapidly.
In just over five years, Lu HaiKong's transformation has been astonishing, even to himself.
As his identity changed, his power expanded, his personality evolved, and his strength grew, so did his thoughts and mindset.
Without realizing it, Lu HaiKong gradually adapted to the changes brought about by his new position, a process that was invaluable and necessary for him.
A beggar could remain a beggar for life, but Lu HaiKong could not remain a bandit forever, and indeed, he didn't. This was true both in essence and mindset.
Looking back at the past five years, one can see that Lu HaiKong's transformation has been fascinating.
When he needed to be a bandit, he was a bandit, and when he needed to become a warlord, he became one.
As his wings gradually grew stronger, Lu HaiKong's mindset shifted from that of a warlord to a monarch.
Few people could match Lu HaiKong's rapid and stable transformation in such a short time.
This was not only due to Lu HaiKong's innate talent and strong heart but also because of the existence of Xi Zhi Cai, an external aid.
Initially, Xi Zhi Cai seemed to be doing nothing significant, but from the moment he met Lu HaiKong, he began to subtly influence him.
His influence was not a brainwashing one but rather a guiding and enlightening one. Xi Zhi Cai, aware of his impending death, wanted Lu HaiKong to grow into a formidable and independent individual.
To achieve this, Xi Zhi Cai poured his heart and soul into the process.
In his conversations with Lu HaiKong, Xi Zhi Cai's seemingly casual words were carefully chosen to inspire Lu HaiKong while ensuring that his personal biases did not hinder Lu HaiKong's growth.
This was a challenging process, but fortunately, Xi Zhi Cai succeeded.
Looking back on their journey together, Xi Zhi Cai found it increasingly difficult to discern whether he had inspired Lu HaiKong or if Lu HaiKong had influenced him. In the end, they became both teacher and friend to each other.
With Xi Zhi Cai's guidance and support, Lu HaiKong's development was smooth and steady, whether it was in terms of strength, power, or mindset.
When Lu HaiKong confided in Xi Zhi Cai, Xi Zhi Cai was delighted to witness Lu HaiKong's growth.
Although Xi Zhi Cai's subtle influence played a role in Lu HaiKong's transformation, he was pleased to see the change in Lu HaiKong. However, he did not provide Lu HaiKong with an answer to his question.
Xi Zhi Cai might have had an answer, or perhaps he didn't, but regardless, he would not give it to Lu HaiKong. This was a question that Lu HaiKong needed to ponder himself.
Xi Zhi Cai was not concerned about the time it would take for Lu HaiKong to figure it out or whether he might take a wrong turn. It wasn't that he had absolute confidence in Lu HaiKong but rather in Lu HaiKong's current capabilities.
They were like a wealthy and powerful lord, unconcerned about any potential issues that might arise from allowing Lu HaiKong to explore on his own. In Xi Zhi Cai's eyes, Lu HaiKong's growth was more important than the development of their territory.
As long as Xi Zhi Cai was there, he could handle any problems that might arise!
Xi Zhi Cai was never worried that their progress might slow down and allow others to catch up.
With Lu HaiKong's formidable military and economic strength, his luxurious team, and their combined might, no opponent could ever surpass them, regardless of who they were.
So, once again, Xi Zhi Cai took the same approach, inspiring Lu HaiKong without providing a clear direction.
That day, Lu HaiKong and Xi Zhi Cai had a long and extensive conversation.
Afterward, Lu HaiKong engaged in deep contemplation, and from that day forward, he began to change.
Lu Hai Kong did not make any grand gestures right away; instead, he started with small changes.
Lu Hai Kong began to spend extended periods at the Northern Defense Tower, a place he had previously neglected. He immersed himself in administrative work, a significant shift for someone who had always been a hands-off leader.
Lu Hai Kong was now truly stepping into the role of a provincial governor, handling the responsibilities that came with the position.
This was no easy task for Lu Hai Kong, and it was far from a leisurely endeavor.
In the past, he had preferred to delegate authority, entrusting his power to trusted individuals, which could be seen as a sign of magnanimity. However, viewed critically, it was a form of irresponsibility.
Now that Lu Hai Kong had become a prominent figure, he had to shoulder the corresponding responsibilities and pressures that came with his status. Regardless of his personal ambitions, ensuring he fulfilled his duties was always the right course of action.
For several consecutive days, Lu Hai Kong was seen diligently working from morning to night at the Northern Defense Tower, tackling the tasks that were rightfully his responsibility.
To everyone's surprise, many were left in awe, as no one had expected Lu Hai Kong, known for his leisurely ways and preference for being a hands-off leader, to suddenly embrace such a drastic change and become so dedicated to his work.
Amidst his busy schedule, Wang Jun found time to drop by and witness Lu Hai Kong's newfound immersion in administrative affairs. He couldn't help but leave with a wide grin on his face.
It wasn't just Wang Jun; all the civil officials under Lu Hai Kong, including Xun You, Xin Ping, and Xin Pi, were relieved to see Lu Hai Kong's newfound motivation and dedication. They felt that Lu Hai Kong was gradually embodying the qualities of a true monarch.
However, due to Lu Hai Kong's previous behavior being so different from his current attitude, these civil officials couldn't help but worry if this newfound dedication would last.
To ensure Lu Hai Kong's enthusiasm persisted, they voluntarily reduced his workload.
In a 1619 book, they found no errors in their efforts!
But to their surprise, Lu Hai Kong was not pleased. He summoned them and gave them a stern lecture. Seeing this, Xun You and the others realized that Lu Hai Kong was serious this time, and they couldn't help but smile.
After all, no one wanted their lord to be a hands-off leader, idling away his time, focusing solely on battles and wars, and neglecting his responsibilities at home.
...
In Chang'an City!
While Lu Hai Kong was immersing himself in administrative affairs in Bingzhou, a small but elite group arrived from Bohai.
This group was not large, but each member was exceptionally skilled and well-disguised.
It was evident that they had traveled secretly, concerned about being discovered. Their covert arrival indicated that their purpose was not something they could openly declare.
Upon their arrival, they were immediately met and escorted directly into the Grand Tutor's Mansion in Chang'an City.
The Grand Tutor's Mansion was the residence of Dong Zhuo, the Grand Tutor of the current dynasty.
To the officials of Chang'an, this place was like a dragon's den, a place they would not dare visit without Dong Zhuo's invitation. The bold entry of this foreign group into the mansion carried a significant implication.
In a side hall of the Grand Tutor's Mansion, a middle-aged scholar sat alone.
The hall was empty except for him, creating an eerie silence that was almost terrifying. When one imagined this place as the lair of a powerful figure, the atmosphere became even more chilling.
However, the middle-aged scholar seemed unaffected by his surroundings, maintaining a calm demeanor with a straight posture and unwavering gaze. His presence exuded an extraordinary aura.
This middle-aged scholar was none other than the person close to Yuan Hong and the one who had drafted the "Proclamation Against Dong Zhuo" for him.
Yuan Hong's decision to send this person, even daring to dispatch him to Dong Zhuo, showcased his boldness. If it had been Lu Hai Kong, he would never have sent Xi Zhi Cai on such a mission.
Moreover, Lu Hai Kong's current situation was not comparable to Yuan Hong's.
The middle-aged scholar waited in the side hall for about ten minutes. After this time, a young scholar entered.
As the young scholar entered, the middle-aged scholar's calm expression momentarily intensified, while the young scholar's eyes gleamed with a hint of surprise. He introduced himself.
"Li Ru, Li Xiyu!"
"Ju Shou, Ju Gongyu!"
At that moment, in a side hall of Dong Zhuo's mansion, two top strategists who had never met in history faced each other.
Whether this encounter held historical significance was uncertain, but it was clear that it might not bode well for Lu Hai Kong...
(End of Chapter)
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