Marquis Zhao's plan was to bring all eight of his sons with him, regardless of whether they were born of the principal wife or a concubine, as long as they were capable.
Furthermore, he wanted to cultivate a good relationship with Emperor Xian. Lu Ming was the military strategy and martial arts instructor for two princes. Although not a Grand Tutor, he was still considered a tutor to the Crown Prince. Even without an official title, his contributions ensured his future success. Therefore, he wanted his sons to get to know Lu Ming well, build a good relationship, and lay the groundwork for the future.
Marquis Zhao's ability to enjoy favor with two emperors was not due to mere flattery, but rather to his unique vision and strategic planning.
In addition, he managed the Imperial Household Department, raising funds for the emperor.
Managing the emperor's finances was crucial.
However, none of his sons were currently outstanding, so he had to choose from among them—the tallest among the short—a reluctant but necessary measure.
"This is my unworthy son, lacking in talent and learning. Therefore, I wish to have them learn from Anmin whenever they have the time," Zhao Hou said, narrowing his eyes and picking up his wine cup. "In the future, even minor official duties will require assistance. Anmin, as His Majesty's trusted advisor, would you need any talented individuals to assist him?"
Lu Ming, upon hearing this, realized that Zhao Hou wanted him to strengthen his relationship with him. He stroked his chin, his expression somewhat amused, and asked, "Whom does Zhao Hou wish to have work for me?"
This effectively threw the question back at him. Since he wanted to come, whether it was to actually work or to gain experience, he was willing to accept either. He could find an unimportant position and throw him there, or treat him like a mascot.
As for the candidate, he certainly wouldn't choose him himself.
If they were capable, they could be tools.
If they weren't capable, then sorry, they'd be useless. The time for reckoning would come when Zhao Hou died.
"Haha, let them all work for Anmin, whatever they do. Anmin doesn't need to be polite; they'll do whatever he tells them. If they disobey, I'll break their legs!" Zhao Hou glared at his eight sons. "You must all obey the General's orders above all else. If you disobey, then go to the ancestral temple to worship Buddha!"
The eight young men shuddered at the thought. Even the slowest-witted among them should understand.
Go to worship Buddha? For young people to go to worship Buddha—wasn't that a sign of a hopeless future?
Their gazes towards Lu Ming changed instantly. They were to work under this young man?
Even Zhao Hou's youngest son was several years older than Lu Ming, the son of a marquis, and a member of the Han imperial family. To have him work under a mere General was somewhat laughable.
"Since Lord Zhao thinks so highly of me, I won't refuse. However, I must make it clear beforehand that if they prove unruly, I will have no choice but to send them back. My daily duties and treating His Majesty already consume most of my time; I also need to tutor the two princes. I simply don't have the capacity." Lu Ming had laid it all out beforehand. Since he was sending his sons over, that made things easy; he could simply assign them all the dirty work.
"Of course," Lord Zhao replied, "if they are dull-witted, then it's fine not to teach them. Come, Anmin, I'll toast you." Lord Zhao finished speaking, raised his wine cup to Lu Ming, and then downed it in one gulp.
"Please, Lord Zhao!" Lu Ming's mind raced, calculating how to best utilize Lord Zhao's eight sons.
Especially Liu Bi, who dared to call him a servant! Humph, he wasn't one to be lenient. Now that he was in his hands, he wouldn't hold back!
After several rounds of drinks, dancers began to perform, accompanied by melodious music.
Lu Ming simply lowered his head to eat and drink, clearing the food clean without even glancing at it.
He suddenly remembered that Diao Chan was still at his residence. Heh, tonight he could finally deflower her!
Why wait until she's grown up when a young girl can be taken advantage of!
He was never a gentleman. Having gotten his hands on her at Wang Yun's residence, he certainly wouldn't be polite.
"Anmin, I heard you're returning to Longxi County on business. I'll be returning to Chang'an then. How about we travel together?" Zhao Hou started a conversation. The dancer's alluring figure was indeed pleasing to the eye, but he was currently unable to fulfill his desires.
"I'd be honored," Lu Ming replied, not refusing. That's how social etiquette works.
"Does Anmin need any dancers? If you fancy one, feel free to take her home. Drinking and entertainment would be a delightful affair." Zhao Hou waved his hand, preparing to offer a woman.
How could Lu Ming, this lecherous rogue, possibly refuse!
In his eyes, the other party was nothing but a beast who couldn't live without women; this move should have played right into his hands!
To Zhao Hou's surprise, Lu Ming actually refused outright!
"My household has no shortage of women. I appreciate your kindness, Your Excellency. It's getting late, so I'll take my leave. Gentlemen, please wait at the mansion gate at dawn tomorrow. Those who are late will not be waited for." Lu Ming rose to take his leave. While these women were not bad, they were far inferior to his beautiful wives and concubines at home. He had women to play with at home; why bother with philandering outside?
Watching Lu Ming leave, Zhao Hou rose to see him off, only sitting down again after the other's figure disappeared.
Seeing Lu Ming's attitude, the eldest son, Liu Bi, was furious. He mustered his courage and said, "Father, this Lu Ming is so disrespectful! How can he be so arrogant!"
The Marquis glanced at his eldest son, a hint of disappointment flashing in his eyes. He then looked at his other sons and waved for the dancers to leave.
He picked up his wine cup, looking at its contents. "Why? Because of his medical skills? Do you really think he's just a prince consort? Fools! Someone with talent can be appreciated by His Majesty. And you? You've achieved nothing, you're utterly useless! Starting tomorrow, whoever is sent back will be assigned to a position at the Jiangdong Trading Company."
Jiangdong later became the Kingdom of Wu, but Jiangdong wasn't doing well then. Going there was practically the same as being exiled.
Assigning a position at the trading company, if you do well, you might become a manager.
If you don't do well, you'll be a marginal figure, no different from a commoner.
The eldest son took the majority of the family fortune and inherited the title; those who didn't inherit were left to fend for themselves.
It sounds cruel, but that's the reality.
Princes fared slightly better; at least they were guaranteed a comfortable life.
The other children of marquises, however, had to fend for themselves.
So it's not impossible that Liu Bei sold straw sandals; he had no time to care anymore. Whether you had Han imperial blood or not, every family's genealogy traced back to an emperor as an ancestor!