The Xiang family held a position in the State of Chu similar to that of Bai Qi, the Lord of Wu'an.
Xiang Yan was a man who cherished his soldiers and was strict in disciplining his army, earning him a high reputation in the state of Chu. Even the current King You of Chu treated Xiang Yan with great respect.
"So you are the son of General Xiang Yan. I am Lu Li, and I greet you, Young Master Xiang."
Lu Li? Xiang Liang had heard of him.
Since the end of the Qin civil war, Lu Li's name has spread throughout the world, especially since he is a disciple of Guiguzi.
As Xiang Yan's son, Xiang Liang had naturally heard of him.
"Young Master Lu's name is renowned throughout the world, but I wonder why you have come to my Chu Kingdom?" Xiang Liang asked with some wariness.
Lu Li did not hide anything and slowly said, "I visited the State of Qi a few days ago and am now returning. I passed through the State of Chu and thought I would like to see the style of the Chu people."
Although there were spies and traitors in this era, it had not yet developed into the kind of deceit and treachery that existed during the Three Kingdoms period, so Xiang Liang did not doubt the truthfulness of what Lu Li said.
"I see. May I have the pleasure of sharing a drink with Young Master Lu? That would be a good way for me to be a good host," Xiang Liang said with a smile.
Lu Li shook his head and politely declined, saying, "I am merely passing through the State of Chu and must return to the State of Qin to report back immediately! Therefore, I am afraid I will be unable to share a drink with General Xiang!"
Xiang Liang nodded upon hearing this. Since they were going back to report, they should indeed hurry on their way.
"In that case, I will escort Young Master Lu out of the city!" Xiang Liang said politely.
"Thank you, General Xiang!" Lu Li said, bowing with his hands clasped.
As the group approached the city gate, Lu Li suddenly stopped, turned to Xiang Liang, and said, "By the way, does Young Master Xiang know where Mi Yuan is?"
Xiang Liang's expression hardened, and he looked at Lu Li with some surprise.
Why would he suddenly mention Mi Yuan? Because everyone outside knows that Mi Yue is dead, and those who know that he is still alive are extremely rare.
But coincidentally, Xiang Liang knew this. Because of his father, Xiang Yan, Xiang Liang knew many secrets of the Chu state.
Although Xiang Liang had some doubts, he didn't show them. He simply asked, "Why would Young Master Lu suddenly inquire about Mi Yuan?"
"I simply admire you and wish to meet you. I wonder if Young Master Xiang is aware of this?" Lu Li said with a smile.
"How do you know he's still alive?" Xiang Liang continued, his tone warm and gentle.
“My master, Guiguzi, once told me about it, but he did not tell me where I, Mi Yuan, am.”
"I have admired Mi Yuan since I was a child. If I could meet him in my lifetime, I would have no regrets!"
Xiang Liang frowned slightly, then relaxed, his face beaming with a smile, and said cheerfully, "Since Young Master Lu has put it that way, how could I not tell you?"
"Thank you very much, Young Master Xiang." Lu Li's eyes lit up, revealing his excitement.
"He's in Hanbei now. Alas, it's such a pity for Lord Zuo Tu." Xiang Liang sighed.
From a young age, Xiang Liang heard his father, Xiang Yan, often mention Mi Yuan, saying that this man was not afraid of power, was upright and incorruptible, and was a true gentleman.
However, he offended too many people, and he could not disobey the king's orders, so he ended up being exiled to Hanbei.
"If Young Master Lu does indeed meet Lord Zuo Tu, please give my father his regards." With that, Xiang Liang cupped his hands in greeting and turned to leave.
Watching Xiang Liang's departing figure, Lu Li's eyes narrowed slightly.
He remembered later records that King Zheng of Qin sent Li Xin to attack the State of Chu, but Li Xin was defeated by Xiang Yan.
The following year, King Zheng of Qin sent Wang Jian to attack the State of Chu. Xiang Yan was no match for him and committed suicide on the city wall. The last famous general of Chu had fallen, and the State of Chu was destroyed!
Xiang Liang, along with his underage nephew Xiang Yu, began a life of hiding and fleeing.
For a fleeting moment, Lu Li had the thought of killing Xiang Liang.
Since Xiang Yu has not yet been born, would killing Xiang Liang change Xiang Yu's fate?
But in the end, he didn't take action. First, they were already within the territory of Chu, and if he really killed Xiang Liang, he wouldn't be able to leave. Second, Xiang Liang was a generous and righteous man who could help a stranger in his time of need, and Lu Li admired such a person.
"Never mind!" Lu Li sighed and walked towards Hanbei.
..............
Hanbei was located on the border of the State of Chu.
Lu Li rode on his horse, gazing at the surrounding landscape. The mountains rose and fell, the grass was lush and green, and the scenery was indeed beautiful. However, it was not a prosperous place. Apart from the mountains and rivers, there wasn't even a decent city.
Moreover, the number of people living in this area is pitifully small, as most of them have moved to other counties.
After all, resources such as food and livestock are scarce here, so who would want to stay here?
Lu Li entered a dilapidated city. In broad daylight, there wasn't a single street vendor in sight, making it appear extremely desolate.
Lu Li watched this scene with mixed feelings. He had finally found an inn, where the owner was dozing off behind the counter.
"Shopkeeper?" Lu Li knocked on the counter.
The shop owner groggily raised his head, looking at Lu Li with a sleepy expression, "What's wrong?"
"I want to stay at a hotel!" Lu Li said directly.
"Checking in?" The innkeeper stared wide-eyed at Lu Li, looking surprised, as if he had misheard.
Lu Li nodded with a smile. The innkeeper quickly stood up and warmly greeted Lu Li, "Are you staying here? Please come in!"
The shop owner kindly led Lu Li to the second floor.
"Sir, your room is ready. Please come in," the innkeeper said respectfully.
Lu Li nodded and said, "Thank you, shopkeeper."
"It's what I should do, it's what I should do!" the shop owner said with a forced smile.
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