"If you can cure me, whatever you want, just say the word. I will give you whatever I can, without hesitation." Lord Zhao was quite straightforward; those who achieve great things don't concern themselves with trifles, and money can be earned back.
But if he lost his life, then everything was lost.
Moreover, he was still planning, and at least until his plans were complete, he couldn't die.
Unfortunately, his five sons were all rather unremarkable, even fighting amongst themselves. They were all his flesh and blood, which gave him a headache. And to make matters worse, he had contracted tuberculosis—truly, misfortune never comes singly!
"I will do my best to cure you, my lord, but I only ask that you help me out. I wish to be transferred to the position of Prefect of Longxi Commandery." Lu Ming didn't hesitate to state his request directly.
"Oh?" Lord Zhao was somewhat surprised, and not only him, but even Zhang Wen and Madam Zhang were astonished.
"Why is that?" Lord Zhao felt there must be something fishy going on and needed to investigate further.
"My father was once the magistrate of Tao County. When the rebel army attacked, he died a heroic death. Though I am unworthy, I remember my enemies. A gentleman's revenge is never too late, even after ten years. I don't consider myself a gentleman; to avenge them, I must climb the ranks. Only by becoming the Prefect of Longxi Commandery can I annihilate them one by one." Lu Ming was quite frank. Filial piety came first, so fine, I'll just say it's to avenge my father, even if it's somewhat pragmatic, so what?
How should you, sir, respond?
These words surprised Zhao Hou, who was both alarmed and impressed.
A person who would avenge his father and not forget for ten years was indeed terrifying.
But such a person also had one advantage: he repaid kindness with kindness and revenge with revenge.
Furthermore, this young man was said to possess unparalleled bravery on the battlefield. Therefore, using him as a pawn was a very good move.
Madam Zhang suddenly felt some sympathy for her lover. This was due to their physical relationship, so she instinctively leaned towards him. Previously, I found the other party's radicalism strange, but now that I see there's a reason, it's not surprising.
"It must have been tough for you, child. These past years must have been difficult, haven't they?"
Difficult?
It wasn't exactly difficult, just having to swallow my pride and curry favor with Dong Zhuo.
While being a sycophant isn't good, it's a family relationship; not taking advantage of it would be foolish!
Having a head start over others, only a fool would start on equal footing!
Zhao Hou stroked his beard, remaining silent. His portly figure, seated kneeling on the cushion, resembled a statue. If an incense burner were placed before him with three sticks of incense, the scene would be even more evocative.
"Very well, I can also send caravans to Longxi to open up trade routes to Chang'an."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Lu Ming was overjoyed. In truth, given his status, even being a county magistrate would be difficult; he'd probably end up with some miscellaneous title, like a lieutenant general or colonel.
He had no real power, only a title.
A prefect, on the other hand, was a figurehead with pure power, controlling a prefecture. This area could be large or small, unlike a county magistrate who was merely the administrator of a town or county.
Most importantly, a prefect had the power to mobilize troops.
The reason Longxi Prefecture was chosen was because its geographical environment was relatively peaceful compared to other regions.
Although Longxi Prefecture was rife with rebels, its population was dwindling, and it had bred many bandits and outlaws.
Yet, such a place had been without a prefect for years!
Why?
Because it was too poor and there was no money to be made!
Plus, it was extremely dangerous; one wrong move and you'd lose your life!
In Emperor Ling's atmosphere of buying and selling official positions, becoming an official was all about making money; otherwise, who would buy their way in?
Blame Emperor Ling and the Ten Attendants for their reckless actions!
The best positions were already reserved; there was no way to snatch them. Besides, Longxi Commandery was still considered his own territory, making development relatively easy.
"Hmm, remember, if you cure my chronic illness, I will help you ascend to the position of commandery governor." Zhao Hou paused after speaking, seemingly considering something. "Do a good job; the commandery governorship is not your final destination."
"Thank you, Your Excellency!" Lu Ming exclaimed excitedly, almost without pretense.
He didn't need to pretend, because he wanted to portray an impetuous young man. Such a young man was energetic and lacked cunning, naturally making him likable.
Many seasoned veterans preferred to use this type of person because they were easy to use and obedient.
The acupuncture treatment for Zhao Hou took an hour.
During this time, Zhao Hou had been discussing matters with Zhang Wen, regarding the job change and upcoming arrangements, almost without hiding anything from Lu Ming, clearly telling him what would happen next.
In a sense, he was treating him as one of his own.
"Liu Quan, come in." Just as Zhao Hou finished speaking, a round, middle-aged man walked in.
Liu Quan cupped his hands in a humble tone and replied, "This old servant is here."
"This is Lu Ming, Doctor Lu. From now on, he doesn't need to wait when he comes to the manor; he can come in directly. Also, the storeroom is open to him; he can have whatever he wants without questioning, just record it. Understand?" Zhao Hou was fully supporting Lu Ming, allowing him to take materials from his storeroom to prepare medicine.
The most urgent task was still to prepare the medicine. "Yes, Your Excellency," the steward said, bowing slightly to Lu Ming. "Doctor Lu, this old servant is Liu Quan. Please don't hesitate to give me any orders in the future."
"This is the prescription. First, prepare and decoct the medicine according to the instructions. Not a single step can be wrong. Three bowls of water is exactly three bowls—not more, not less. Decoction on time, three times a day, after meals, while it's still hot. Do not let it cool." Lu Ming wrote out a prescription, using a unique charcoal pencil.
The Marquis Zhao found it somewhat novel, even though it didn't resemble calligraphy.
Moreover, the paper was also striking. "Anmin, the quality of your paper is truly excellent. It's far superior to coarse paper. Scholars would truly cherish such paper!"
Indeed, pure white paper, suitable for writing and painting, was like diamonds to a woman for a scholar!
Zhao Hou immediately saw the business opportunity and enormous profits involved. He truly hadn't expected the other party to have such a delightful surprise waiting for him.
Madam Zhang, standing beside him, looked at Lu Ming with growing fondness. Protecting her brother was tantamount to protecting her own wealth and status; otherwise, a fallen phoenix was no better than a chicken!