In the secret chamber of the Red Sleeve Pavilion in Luoyang.
"Master, Lu Li has already left Jizhou," the madam said respectfully, kneeling on the ground.
"Oh? He left Jizhou?" The mysterious man's tone revealed surprise.
The madam nodded and said, "Master, yes, master, he saw Zhang Jiao."
Upon hearing the madam say that Lu Li had met Zhang Jiao and left Jingzhou, the mysterious man seemed somewhat agitated, even his breathing became rapid.
"They met? What did they talk about?" the mysterious man pressed.
The madam lowered her head and slowly said, "I don't know the specifics, but it seems that Lu Li has reached some kind of agreement with Zhang Jiao!"
The mysterious man remained silent for a while, then waved his hand and said, "You may leave."
"Here you go!"
After the madam left, the mysterious man slowly stood up, his eyes gleaming with a sharp light.
"Lu Li, Lu Li, I guessed right, we really are kindred spirits!" the mysterious man murmured, his voice trembling slightly, as if he were extremely excited.
He then sat down, his eyes gleaming with a strange light, a smile playing on his lips, and said, "Since we are kindred spirits, we will meet soon!"
"Ha ha ha ha!"
The mysterious man suddenly burst into unrestrained laughter, but this was followed by a violent coughing fit, and he eventually slumped weakly into his chair.
......
Several days later, Lu Li led his generals to Lujiang County, where Cao Cao's army had already amassed 150,000 troops.
For the past few months, since the imperial court issued the order, Cao Cao has been recruiting soldiers and expanding his power.
In just a few months, Cao Cao almost wiped out the Yellow Turban army in the entire Yangzhou region.
He was not the governor of Yangzhou, so Cao Cao was in a very awkward position at this time.
When Cao Cao learned of Lu Li's arrival, he was overjoyed and even forgot to put on his shoes, running out barefoot.
"Sir! Sir! You're finally back!" Cao Cao was as happy as a child.
Lu Li smiled slightly, reached out and grasped Cao Cao's right hand, and said with a smile, "Mengde, how have you been? You must have had a hard time these past few days."
"It's no hardship, no hardship. It is my honor, Cao Cao, to serve the people of the world."
Cao Cao's face beamed with a bright smile. He gripped Lu Li's hand tightly and said excitedly, "Sir, the world is in chaos, and the people are displaced. Please help me quell the Yellow Turban Rebellion!"
Lu Li comforted him, "Mengde, don't worry. We will do our best to rid the world of the Yellow Turban rebels."
Cao Cao was overjoyed upon hearing this and excitedly pulled Lu Li towards the mansion, saying as they walked, "Sir, you must be exhausted from your long journey. I have prepared a banquet to welcome you and wash away the dust of your journey."
Lu Li smiled faintly and did not refuse.
At this moment, Guo Jia and Xun Yu also came out. Upon seeing Lu Li, they quickly stepped forward to pay their respects.
"Student greets teacher!"
Lu Li nodded slightly, his gaze falling on Guo Jia, and said with a smile, "Fengxiao, it's been a long time. You've become even more composed!"
Guo Jia quickly replied modestly, "Not at all, sir, you flatter me. Back then, I was young and impetuous, ignorant of the immensity of heaven and earth, and acted rashly and impulsively. It is thanks to your guidance that I have come to understand the principles of being a person. Otherwise... I'm afraid I would still be that unruly and incorrigible person!"
When Lu Li first arrived at Yingchuan Academy, Guo Jia arrogantly challenged him to a game, only to be astonished by the chess game Lu Li had created.
From then on, Lu Li stayed at Yingchuan Academy for a full year, and Guo Jia would go to Lu Li for advice almost every day.
Lu Li smiled faintly and said, "Let's not bring up the past anymore. You've matured a lot since then!"
At this moment, Xun Yu stepped forward and said, "Sir, you have just arrived in Yangzhou and must be tired from your journey. Why don't you rest early and we can talk in detail at the dinner party!"
Lu Li nodded and smiled, "That's excellent!"
Cao Cao laughed and said, "Indeed, Wenruo cares for you the most, sir!"
Afterwards, everyone left, and Xun Yu led Lu Li to his residence.
"Sir..." Xun Yu looked as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.
Lu Li raised his head, looked at Xun Yu with a puzzled expression, and said, "Wenruo, just say what you have to say!"
Xun Yu hesitated for a moment, sighed, and said, "Sir, forgive my impertinence, but what exactly did you say to my grandfather when you first met him?"
"Oh? What happened?" Lu Li asked, puzzled.
"Alas, he was feigning illness to avoid the court's summons, but now he's voluntarily going to Luoyang to serve as an official." Xun Yu shook his head, looking worried.
Lu Li suddenly realized that it was because of this matter. It seemed that the old man Xun Shuang had come to his senses.
"This is a good thing!" Lu Li said with a smile.
“Sir, my grandfather is getting old, and I’m really worried that he won’t be able to hold on!” Xun Yu said with a worried expression.
Lu Li smiled and said, "Although Dean Xun is seventy years old, he is still in good health."
Xun Yu shook his head and said, "My grandfather's health is indeed quite good, but this corrupt court is beset by internal and external troubles. I'm worried that my grandfather is too obsessed and will do things he knows are impossible."
Lu Li nodded, indicating his understanding.
As a junior, Xun Yu naturally wanted Xun Shuang to live out his days in peace and comfort; each generation has its own affairs.
"Dean Xun also has his own convictions. Don't worry about him, just let things take their course!"
Lu Li patted Xun Yu on the shoulder and said.
Hearing this, Xun Yu sighed, feeling that Lu Li's words were somewhat far-fetched.
However, Xun Yu had no choice but to suppress his anxiety for the time being.
After chatting for a while, Cao Cao sent someone to invite Lu Li to a banquet and to introduce him to a few people.
The banquet hall was packed with guests.
Cao Cao was very happy and pulled Lu Li along, introducing him: "Sir, this is Cao Ren, courtesy name Zixiao, who is my cousin!"
"Greetings, Mr. Lu!" Cao Ren bowed respectfully.
Lu Li sized up the young man in front of him, who was about the same age as Cao Cao. He looked somewhat like Cao Cao, but was much stronger.
"Your son is filial and brave!" Lu Li praised.
"Mr. Lu, this is my cousin Cao Hong, courtesy name Zilian!"
Cao Cao then introduced the man to a tall, burly figure standing beside him.
"Greetings, Mr. Lu!" Cao Hong cupped his hands in a respectful gesture.
He exuded a fierce and ruthless aura, was burly, and had a resolute face; he was clearly a man of steel.
Lu Li nodded secretly, gave Cao Cao a thumbs up, and praised, "Mengde, your two brothers are truly heroes among men! They are in no way inferior to Gao Shun!"
Lu Li's praise made Cao Cao even happier.
Cao Cao laughed heartily and said, "Sir, you are joking. How dare my two good-for-nothing brothers be compared with Gao Shun?"
Lu Li shook his head and smiled, "Mengde is too modest. Your two brothers are both brave warriors who are the best in the army. Given time, they will surely become top generals."
Upon hearing this, Cao Ren and Cao Hong exchanged a glance, their expressions turning solemn. They then bowed to Lu Li and said, "Thank you for your praise, Mr. Lu!"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
