Jian Yong never imagined that his mission this time would be completed so easily. All his rushing with Wu Anguo, galloping horses to Jingzhou, going straight to the Mi family's trading point, presenting Mi Zhu's letter of introduction, changing into formal attire, and carrying the betrothal gifts—all of it turned out to be unnecessary, as things were settled so simply.
Jian Yong had been eager to relocate the entire Huang family, but the process of moving such a large household wasn't something that could be accomplished in a day or two. However, during this time, Huang Chengyan didn't sit idle. He visited friends left and right, and successfully convinced Sima Hui to join them on the journey to Taishan.
Huang Chengyan also managed to bring along Pang Degong's top disciple, Jiang Wan. Compared to the fourteen or fifteen-year-old Zhuge Liang, Jiang Wan was already twenty, but he was the type to mature later. Only now was he beginning to show his brilliance. Across the land, fewer than five people, aside from Chen Xi the time traveler, could recognize Jiang Wan's potential.
"Shangzhang, where is your second disciple? How about letting me have him too?" Huang Chengyan, realizing he couldn't persuade Pang Degong or move the entire Lumen Academy, began targeting Pang Degong's disciples. His first choice, Pang Tong, had already left home, his second choice, Jiang Wan, was already in his grasp, and now his sights were set on the eleven or twelve-year-old Fei Yi, whom Pang Degong had just taken in a few months prior.
Huang Chengyan didn't think much of the reserved young Fei Yi, but he had great faith in Pang Degong's judgment. After all, when everyone else thought Pang Tong was a fool, Pang Degong saw his potential. The outcome? Needless to say, there were fewer than a handful of people in the world more capable than Pang Tong.
When Xu Shu first arrived, everyone saw him as a rogue, yet Pang Degong befriended him. Within just a few years, Xu Shu had already become a rising star that Huang Chengyan had to acknowledge.
Then there was Jiang Wan—now Huang Chengyan had to admit that Jiang Wan was truly a late bloomer. From a seemingly dull stone, he was gradually revealing his brilliance, showing the potential to become a polished gem.
Because of all this, although Huang Chengyan couldn't yet see what made Fei Yi special, he didn't underestimate him either. On the contrary, he planned to bring Fei Yi along and teach him well. While Huang Chengyan might not be the best judge of talent, his teaching skills were undeniable.
"No, I can't let you have my second disciple. If Gongyan willingly follows you, I have no objections, and I agree that he's ready for the challenge. But my second disciple is too young. He could be easily ruined," Pang Degong firmly refused Huang Chengyan's request.
"How about this? You come to Taishan as well. Haven't you always wanted to enlighten the common people? Taishan is the perfect place for that!" Huang Chengyan suggested, puzzled as to why Pang Degong, whose ideals aligned so closely with Liu Bei's, was so determined to stay in Jingzhou. In Pang Degong's response, Huang Chengyan sensed a hint of resolute determination.
"I would love to, but I can't go. Instead, I ask you to observe Taishan on my behalf. Use your eyes to record Liu Xuande's words and deeds, and the changes among the people of Taishan. As for me, I won't go," Pang Degong said with a bitter smile. He had no intention of leaving Jingzhou and would remain at Lumen until death. The reason for this, however, he chose not to disclose.
Despite Huang Chengyan's repeated attempts to persuade him, Pang Degong remained unwavering in his decision not to leave Lumen.
Meanwhile, Jian Yong had already met with Xu Shu. When Jian Yong saw Xu Shu again, it was clear that Xu Shu had become more refined since their last encounter. A newfound wisdom shone in his eyes.
"Yuan Zhi, aren't you going to Taishan?" Jian Yong asked as he sat across from Xu Shu. "The position of Chief Clerk under the General Who Conquers the East is still open for you."
"Not yet. I feel like I'm close to returning, but the time isn't right," Xu Shu sighed. He could already sense the presence of his spiritual talent but had yet to awaken it. He was only a small step away from joining the ranks of the most elite strategists.
"What are you waiting for?" Jian Yong asked, puzzled.
"I'm waiting for my spiritual talent to awaken. I can sense it, but I'm not quite there yet. Once I awaken my spiritual talent, I will be ready to fulfill the promise I made," Xu Shu said with a gentle smile.
Jian Yong inhaled sharply. He had never imagined that Xu Shu could be so formidable. Liu Bei had spoken of Xu Shu before, and a few years ago, Xu Shu was still considered a rogue. Now, he had reached such a level of proficiency.
"But I'm still a bit short, and my knowledge of military tactics, strategy, formations, and leadership could use more work," Xu Shu admitted with a touch of frustration. He simply hadn't had enough time. If he had a few more years, he wouldn't feel so rushed.
"Then wait a little longer. Don't force the awakening of your spiritual talent. When Kongming forced his awakening, it led to serious side effects. There's no need to rush. Even if the northern conflict begins, it won't be over quickly. You still have plenty of time," Jian Yong advised, worried that Xu Shu might become impatient and make the same mistake Zhuge Liang had.
Jian Yong didn't doubt Xu Shu's words. After all, he had occasionally felt the same kind of pressure around Xu Shu that he had experienced from Jia Xu and others who had awakened their spiritual talents. It was a sign—a sign that Xu Shu's mind had reached the brink of a breakthrough, ready to ascend to the next level of spiritual power.
"I agree," Xu Shu said calmly. He wasn't in a hurry. He understood the situation in Taishan and Jizhou very well. The conflict between Yuan Shao and Liu Bei wouldn't be resolved in a year or two. Both sides were too powerful for a few losses to be decisive. Before the war reached its climax, Xu Shu estimated he still had two years to study, and he believed that would be enough.
"Then stay in Jingzhou for now. Do you need me to assign some soldiers to protect you?" Jian Yong offered.
"No need. Lumen Academy is very safe, especially now that Liao Gongyuan is the governor of Xiangyang," Xu Shu said with a sigh. He saw things even more clearly than Jian Yong. Xiangyang had already fallen into Sun Ce's hands, and Pang Tong, Pang Degong's nephew, was serving under Sun Ce and held a high position.
Jian Yong didn't linger with Xu Shu, not wanting to bring any trouble to him. Right now, Xu Shu was relatively unknown at Lumen Academy. Drawing attention to him could lead to significant problems.
For this reason, Jian Yong couldn't understand why Xu Shu didn't want to go to Taishan to study. Compared to other places, Taishan undoubtedly had the most extensive collection of books in the land. With Xu Shu's status, he would have access to an incredibly high level of knowledge, far beyond what Jingzhou could offer.
Returning to the residence that Huang Chengyan had prepared for him and Wu Anguo, Jian Yong decided not to venture out again. He made himself a cup of tea and pulled out a copy of Strategies of the Warring States to read. Before he could finish the first chapter, he heard a soft knock at the door, causing him to pause.
"Who's there?" Jian Yong asked as he put down his book and stood up.