"Yuanzhi, what I need is a strategist, someone who can help me plan and strategize. In terms of bravery, I can take the head of an enemy general from among ten thousand troops as easily as taking something from a bag." Lu Ming first made a Versailles gesture, subtly revealing his glorious past, then continued, "This is not omnipotent. Xiang Yu, the Hegemon-King of Western Chu, also possessed unparalleled bravery, yet what was his fate? He still ended up committing suicide at the Wujiang River. Throughout history, those with abundant bravery but lacking wisdom cannot achieve great things."
"Then what does Your Excellency need Yuanzhi for?" Xu Shu asked, somewhat puzzled. Although he possessed some talent, he had not received formal training, and there were still things he didn't know.
Talent needs to be cultivated, not simply figured out on its own.
"I need you to go to Yingchuan to study. I will provide you with funds during this time. I don't care who you study with or how you study. Three years later, you will return, having completed your studies, and lend me a helping hand." Lu Ming clearly didn't want to waste Xu Shu's talent; a strategist could help him analyze many things.
Jia Xu is still on his way, and Lu Ming needs a strategist-type civil official.
Jia Xu's strength lies in his interpersonal skills; his military expertise may not be as good as other strategists.
He can achieve remarkable results in manipulating people's hearts and minds, and in troop deployment.
However, these are just that—remarkable results, not to be taken literally.
This is to send Xu Shu to study, to learn more.
"This is a good thing! Yuanzhi has always wanted to study, hasn't he? This time, his wish has come true," Zhou Tai chimed in, clearly thinking of his brother's best interests.
Lu Ming looked at Zhou Tai and Jiang Qin and smiled. "If you two are interested in studying, you can go together. If you wish to serve on the battlefield, I am currently lacking heroes to assist you. You don't need to give me an answer now; once you've decided, you can come to me anytime."
Talented individuals are always welcome.
The more generals he has, the more time he can free up.
This way, he only needs to decide on important battles; the rest—conquering cities and seizing territories—can be left to his generals.
Human energy is finite; it's most worthwhile to focus that energy on more meaningful things.
"Thank you, sir." Zhou Tai and Jiang Qin were somewhat excited; joining the army was a very good path.
They weren't qualified to be civil officials; in this era, the distinction between civil and military officials wasn't so stark.
Civil officials weren't necessarily weak, and military generals weren't necessarily dim-witted.
Lu Ming glanced outside; it was already late. He then instructed, "Wang Huan, arrange a room for the three guests. I apologize for the simplicity of my humble abode."
"No, no, no, sir, we've already booked rooms at the inn. It would be a waste if we didn't stay. We'll come back to bother you again tomorrow. Sir, it's getting late; we'll take our leave now." Xu Shu knew this was a way of asking them to leave, and besides, the matter was resolved, and the general direction was set. Any problems could be addressed tomorrow.
"Alright, Wang Huan, please see these guests off for me." Lu Ming nodded. Wang Lang's residence wasn't large; it was just right for them.
After seeing Xu Shu and the other two off, Lu Ming asked Xu's mother, "Does Madam have a name?"
Xu's mother seemed to think for a while before remembering her name. "It's been a long time; I can't quite remember it anymore. My sir, my surname is Du, and my given name is Zhen."
"Good, Madam Du. I'll arrange for you to stay in a guest room first. Your condition won't improve anytime soon; you'll need long-term recuperation. I'll come to your room to examine you in a moment. Please prepare yourself; you'll need acupuncture." Lu Ming certainly wouldn't let Xu Shu's mother off the hook, but he wasn't that desperate. He just wanted to heal her first and then use her to win over Xu Shu.
It wasn't that he was despicable; it was that he lacked fame, and no one had returned to him to serve.
This was the truth, and a desperate measure.
If he had a multitude of powerful generals and strategists under his command, he wouldn't have resorted to such underhanded methods.
It's all because of poverty. We have to find ways to be flexible in order to attract talent; it's a helpless situation.
Mother Xu bowed slightly, unaware of the scheme she'd been put in, and still said with gratitude, "Then I'll trouble you, sir."
This was a transaction: Lu Ming would help Mother Xu.
Xu Shu, in turn, would serve him. Being honest added a layer of friendship, making it more than just a transaction.
With Xu Shu and two military generals, this deal was a sure win!
Later that evening, Lu Ming brought his medical kit to the guest room. Mother Xu was sitting in a chair and was about to bow to him when he entered.
Lu Ming waved his hand, indicating she didn't need to bow. "Madam, please go to bed. I've already instructed the servants to prepare some food. After the treatment, you can eat and bathe, then have a good night's sleep. You'll be better tomorrow."
Mother Xu was somewhat confused. Treatment in bed?
Seeing Xu's mother hesitate, Lu Ming explained earnestly, "Madam, acupuncture requires you to undress before it can be performed. You need not worry; I am merely treating and saving lives. Yuanzhi has already toiled tirelessly for you; it would be a pity to abandon this for a mere matter of propriety between men and women. Moreover, I have cured many women, including those from noble families, so you need not worry; physical contact is unavoidable."
Xu's mother was a very traditional woman; how could she accept such a thing? She shook her head vigorously, "How can this be, my lord? I have remained chaste for ten years; please forgive me, I cannot do this."
Lu Ming sighed slightly. Indeed, not everyone can accept such a thing.
The propriety between men and women, seemingly simple, is actually an insurmountable barrier.
"Alright, Madam, please forgive my rudeness."
"You!" Xu's mother had barely finished speaking when Lu Ming pressed her onto the bed, gagging her with a cloth to silence her.
Then he roughly tore off her plain clothes, exposing her naked before him.
She was somewhat weak and thin due to her health condition, but surprisingly, her lower body was completely bald.
"They say a white tiger brings bad luck to her husband, Madam is indeed fair-skinned." Lu Ming was ruthless. This woman didn't know what was good for her; he charged for his treatment, and now she was making excuses for free treatment—he wouldn't let her have her way.
"Mmm…mmm…mmm!" Xu's mother never expected that the previously polite man would become like this.
This wasn't treatment; this was clearly an attempt to rape her!
The thought of losing her virginity made her twist and struggle even more violently.
She couldn't accept, and would never accept, being raped by a young man!