That evening, Lu Ming dined with all his concubines. Today's dish was pepper and pork tripe soup. The addition of kava peppers removed the gamey smell, and the pork tripe was then simmered until tender—it was incredibly delicious.
Before cooking, simply pounding the tripe with a hammer to soften it made it much simpler.
Even Cai Wenji, who was usually very refined at mealtimes, ate with gusto, her mouth watering. Diao Chan, too, seemed reluctant to leave, savoring the delicious food.
Each person received a bowl, not much, and the maids certainly didn't have any more.
The pepper and pork tripe soup warmed the body, making it very comfortable, as if the afternoon's energy had been replenished.
"Yu'er, Wenji, you two entertain the other sisters well. I have other matters to attend to. Tonight, you all need to get ready. I'll randomly choose a concubine! Haha!" Lu Ming looked at the beautiful women before him, some pure and charming young girls, just beginning to develop.
There were mature women who had already given birth, their children older than him, and women past their prime, as well as elegant beauties in their early twenties like Cai Wenji and Princess Wannian. It could be said that his preferred type ranged from young girls to mature women—everything was there!
"Yes, Master," Princess Wannian and Cai Wenji replied. As the principal wives, with their husbands absent, they naturally held the highest positions.
The other concubines were somewhat envious and blushed slightly.
Compared to the palace intrigues of the grand mansion, this place seemed quite harmonious.
Palace intrigues were forbidden—this was something Lu Ming had said. As for the consequences of disobeying, one could imagine.
Upon entering the central military tent, Lu Ming was greeted by Xu Shu, Shi Tao, and the other two, who all rose to bow to him.
"Come, everyone, sit down." Lu Ming had prepared a large round table and several chairs; kneeling wasn't suitable for him. Besides, a table was essential for eating hot pot.
The hot pot on the table was bubbling, with a small brazier underneath slowly heating the broth.
Lu Ming picked up some vegetables and filled a bowl for each of the four people. "Come on, eat first. This is good stuff, a recipe from the Western Regions. I've improved it and added some things; now it's called hot pot."
Shi Tao and the other two were eager to pledge their loyalty but hadn't found a suitable opportunity to speak. They were also drawn in by the aroma, their mouths rumbling with anticipation. "Thank you, sir."
Lu Ming didn't stand on ceremony and began to slurp down his food, even taking large bites of the roasted lamb leg. "Food is essential; you'll get hungry if you skip a meal. Eat first, we can talk afterward."
The delicious food and wine, the novel hot pot, were surprisingly tasty.
Especially after dipping it in the sauce, it was so satisfying they couldn't stop eating.
The lamb skewers and beef skewers were also incredibly delicious.
Lu Ming, without any hesitation, ate heartily, raising his glass in friendly conversation; for a moment, the host and guest were perfectly in sync.
After the meal, Lu Ming picked up his wine glass and took a sip.
"Gentlemen," Lu Ming said, "I wish to request your assistance in governing Liangzhou. As you know, Liangzhou is a harsh and cold land, a link between the northern frontier and the Western Regions. The people here are fierce and unruly, and ordinary families are unwilling to serve as officials here. In truth, Liangzhou is a treasure trove. It is rich in coal and ore, and possesses the geographical advantage of a commercial route. With proper governance, it could very well become a granary."
"I was appointed Governor of Liangzhou in a time of crisis. Besides the rampant plague, the more important reason is that Ma Teng and Han Sui still harbor rebellious intentions. Furthermore, Jiuquan and other places have not yet been recovered, and the people there are suffering from drug trafficking and neglect. We are paid by the emperor, and we are loyal to him. We have learned both literature and martial arts, and are serving the emperor. Unlike those aristocratic families, who have superior backgrounds and control all avenues for advancement, we are different. If it weren't for the constant warfare and unbearable hardship here, they wouldn't have appointed me Governor of Liangzhou."
Lu Ming extended his invitation while simultaneously lamenting his plight and outlining his plans.
How to gradually bring Liangzhou under his control?
Utilizing commerce to bring prosperity, cultivating farmland, building roads, and training troops for war, etc.
Although not in great detail, if Lu Ming's plan were followed, the local powerful clans would be eliminated and incorporated into his forces, the government would be efficient and the people harmonious, and everything would flourish.
This situation would be the perfect place for them to realize their ambitions.
Shi Tao stood up, his expression solemn, clasped his hands, and bowed deeply to Lu Ming, "My lord, you have a broad mind and a grand ambition; I admire you. Guangyuan is unworthy, but I am willing to serve you, my lord!"
"Haha! Having Guangyuan is a great fortune in my life. The future governance of Liangzhou will depend on Guangyuan's assistance. Come, drink this cup to the full. On behalf of the people of Liangzhou, I thank you, my magistrate." Lu Ming laughed heartily; this meant he intended to give Shi Tao an important position.
"Thank you, my lord! Guangyuan will serve you with utmost loyalty and devotion!" Shi Tao said solemnly to Lu Ming, his eyes resolute.
"Gentlemen, would you also be so kind as to lend me a hand?" Lu Ming extended an invitation to the other two.
Meng Jian and Cui Jun also stood up, their expressions respectful, and said, "We are willing to serve you, my lord, and do our utmost!"
"Ding! Meng Jian, Shi Tao, and Cui Jun have become your followers."
"Good! Tonight, we'll drink until we drop. Tomorrow, we'll discuss our future plans." Lu Ming excitedly picked up his wine cup. Gaining the loyalty of these three meant he could gradually break through the Yuan family's blockade. He didn't want any of the scions of noble families.
The sons of powerful clans, however, could be of use.
In the end, the three men passed out drunk and were escorted back to their tent by Lu Ming's personal guards.
Xu Shu, also tipsy, stayed behind, and Lu Ming began to speak to him.
Regarding Ma Teng's letter proposing a marriage alliance, he also received Han Sui's letter seeking peace and asked Xu Shu how to handle it.
He actually had a plan, but a strategist who doesn't offer advice is useless.
As a lord, one must have a clear understanding and rely on strategists for advice and to identify and address any shortcomings.
Unlike Yuan Shao, who changed his mind easily with a glance or a few words, that would be foolish.
Xu Shu's eyes lit up with excitement. After a moment's thought, he offered a solution very much in line with Lu Ming's style:
Win over Ma Teng and suppress Han Sui.
Of the two, Ma Teng could be won over, but Han Sui was less so.
This man was cunning and ruthless; once he gained power, he would become too powerful. Therefore, the best approach was to eliminate him completely.
Once you become the boss, it's difficult to remain a subordinate—that's the principle!