"With Wenru absent, and you also not around, who's left to explain the reports to me? I can only grasp a rough idea of more than half of the work, and unlike you and Wenru, who have plenty of free time, Zijing's workload is extremely heavy..." Liu Bei sighed, tugging at his lips as he spoke.
Chen Xi couldn't help but grin sheepishly. Liu Bei's words made sense, after all. Without Chen Xi and Li You to assist, explaining everything clearly to Liu Bei was a significant challenge for Lu Su. It would take a lot of time, and for someone as busy as Lu Su, that time could be better spent getting more work done.
"Oh, look, Kongming is here," Chen Xi quickly diverted attention as he saw Zhuge Liang approaching, glad for the distraction.
"Greetings, Lord Xuande," Zhuge Liang said calmly as he walked over and respectfully bowed to Liu Bei. "May I ask what Lord Chen requires of me?"
"There's a lot of political work lately. I recommend you go assist Zijing and accumulate some experience. I believe you've studied enough by now," Chen Xi suggested, his tone as calm and thoughtful as usual, looking out for Zhuge Liang's development.
"Lord Xuande, don't you want to test him first?" Chen Xi turned to Liu Bei. "Kongming is practically ready to govern a region."
"No need for that. Kongming isn't like Xiaozhi. When Xiaozhi took office, I needed to assess him. But Kongming is different; he's of prime ministerial caliber. I'll give you a handwritten appointment letter later—let's make you the Assistant to the Chief Clerk under my command," Liu Bei replied, waving off the suggestion, trusting Zhuge Liang without the need for a test.
Compared to the somewhat impulsive Fazheng, Liu Bei had complete confidence in the refined and composed Zhuge Liang. However, when it came to assigning positions, Liu Bei gave Zhuge Liang a modest rank, a six hundred dan salary position, despite his strong faith in him. Zhuge Liang was certainly more reliable than Fazheng had been at the start, yet Liu Bei refrained from giving him a high office right away.
"Thank you, Lord Xuande," Zhuge Liang responded calmly, his expression neither thrilled nor disappointed, maintaining his usual composed demeanor.
"Starting tomorrow, you can take up your position with Zijing. Learn from his experience, but don't adopt his workaholic habits. And avoid Zichuan's lazy tendencies," Liu Bei joked as he signaled Xu Chu. A servant soon approached, carrying a tray with a jug and several small cups, each cup emitting a faint glow.
Liu Bei personally poured a cup of wine for Zhuge Liang and then for Chen Xi and himself. "Kongming, I toast to you. Li Wenru has praised you as prime ministerial material, and Zichuan has said the same. My officials and ministers all speak highly of you, and I share their view. This cup is my expression of hope for your future. Do well!"
Liu Bei's straightforward words moved Zhuge Liang, causing him to show a rare expression of excitement as he raised his cup and drank it all in one go.
Chen Xi took the jug from Liu Bei, refilled Zhuge Liang's cup, and then raised his own. "I also toast to you. Kongming, remember, you will be the pride of this era. I can only guide you; some things are beyond me. From now on, it's up to you—may you hold high office and serve the people."
Chen Xi drained his cup, and Zhuge Liang followed suit, smiling warmly. "The strength of the people is boundless, and virtue will guide them—this you taught me early on. I know what to do, Lord Xuande. I understand."
"Zhongkang, bring it here," Liu Bei called out to Xu Chu.
"Here it is," Xu Chu replied, carrying a large chest with ease, as if it were weightless. He placed it down gently, demonstrating his remarkable strength.
"These are gifts I prepared for you, including the wealth you'll need for your upcoming marriage. Since you're now in office, it's not appropriate to continue living at Zichuan's place. Inside this chest are two land deeds—take them," Liu Bei said, pointing to the chest. He had prepared these gifts in advance.
"Thank you, Lord Xuande. In that case, I won't decline," Zhuge Liang replied, not even looking at the chest. He knew anything Liu Bei gifted would be of high quality.
Liu Bei didn't know who Zhuge Liang's fiancée was, nor did he care much. To Liu Bei, Zhuge Liang's talent was what mattered most. Even if Zhuge Liang led a life of indulgence like Guo Jia, Liu Bei wouldn't mind as long as his intellect remained sharp.
Liu Bei had given similar gifts to all his officials, though many still remained bachelors. In Taishan, these gifts were jokingly referred to as "wedding funds," yet few had actually gotten married.
"Later, I'll write your marriage contract. It's rare for us to have a formal wedding here," Chen Xi said with a sigh, while Liu Bei chuckled at the thought of his own marital status still awaiting resolution.
"Let's discuss it later," Zhuge Liang said calmly, not too eager to wed just yet.
"Whatever you prefer," Chen Xi replied nonchalantly. Since Zhuge Liang wasn't interested, he wouldn't push. "Before you go, could you bring Lu Zijia here? There are some things I need to inform him about."
"Lu Zijia?" Liu Bei raised an eyebrow as Zhuge Liang gracefully excused himself. "My mentor's son, whom Lord Wang took away. So, you've brought him back? That's good. I'll take care of him from now on."
"No, Lord Xuande, you shouldn't take on Lu Zijia's education. He's a genius, no less brilliant than Fazheng. If you take him in, your connection to his father will make you go easy on him, and he'll end up being spoiled. Do you want to see Lord Lu's son become mediocre?" Chen Xi quickly stopped Liu Bei.
While Liu Bei was undoubtedly a great leader, his approach wasn't suited for someone like Lu Yu. Liu Bei's path was one of benevolence, meant to shine as a beacon for others. But Lu Yu needed a darker, more rigorous path to realize his potential. Handing him over to Liu Bei would be a disservice, and Chen Xi wasn't about to let that happen.