Chapter 8 is astonishingly insightful

Jia Renlu was sweating profusely and hurriedly said, "These words are not mine; I am quoting someone else." Such an act of claiming others' achievements as his own was something he could not bring himself to do

Yang Xiu said: "Brother Renlu, you are being overly modest; why don't you join in the discussion?" The crowd also paused their discussions and turned their attention towards him.

Xun Yu said with a trembling voice: "To bow and serve with utmost dedication until death. This is truly well said. In this present time, for the great cause of Lord Cao, it is indeed appropriate."

Upon hearing this, everyone was momentarily stunned, repeatedly murmuring that timeless saying. Jia Renlu almost raised his hand to slap himself, thinking: "Alas, how could I have uttered that phrase? Zhuge, please do not blame me; I truly did not mean it, nor was it intentional. I have just blurted it out, and when you write the later memorial for your expedition, will you not end up quoting my words? This simply cannot be allowed! But now that the words have been spoken, how can they be taken back? I have just blurted it out, and when you write the later memorial for your expedition, will you not end up quoting my words? This simply cannot be allowed! But now that the words have been spoken, how can they be taken back? ... ..."

Xun Yu understood that he was eager to recommend his friends, and it was only natural for him to exaggerate. He did not blame him, saying: "Ren Lu has indeed gone a bit too far, but since Zhuge Kongming can express such sentiments, it is evident that this person is extraordinary." After taking a few steps forward, he sighed: "Xiangyang is under the jurisdiction of Liu Biao. Liu Jing Sheng is like a piece of rotten wood; how can he utilize talent? It is truly a pity that such heroes are hidden away there, unable to serve the country. Zhong De, how about we jointly recommend these two to Lord Cao tomorrow? What do you think?"

Xun Yu then asked, "Ren Lu, it seems you are quite familiar with this Zhuge Kongming. Why don't you share your thoughts on his abilities?"

Jia Renlu thought to himself: "This sounds so familiar, where have I heard it before... Oh right, in 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms,' Cao Cao asked Cheng Yu the same way. This is bad, this is bad. I hope my words won't prompt Xu Yuanzhi and Kongming to come out of retirement ahead of schedule. What should I do now"

Xun Yu said: "Oh, whose words are you quoting"

Jia Renlu had a desire to approach Xun Yu to request that calligraphy, intending to take it home to display. In the future, he could use it to educate his son: "You must study diligently and write like your father, not like Xun Da, whose writing resembles that of a dog crawling."

Xun Yu laughed and said, "Hehe, Ren Lu's ability to dream is indeed remarkable. I have heard that those chess games were also seen by you in your dreams. Is there any truth to this?"

Xun Yu was well aware of Cheng Yu's talents, and upon hearing this, he was quite astonished. He then asked, "Oh, what about Zhuge Liang?"

Cheng Yu said: "Surpass me tenfold"

On that day, he visited the residence of Xun Yu, where Yang Xiu, Liang Xi, Liu Ye, Cheng Yu, and others were present. The group gathered to discuss prominent figures and major events of the time, and ultimately, everyone present was excessively flattering Cao Cao.

After finishing the recitation, I opened my eyes to find the others sitting in a daze, speechless, their mouths agape. I couldn't help but be taken aback, secretly blaming myself for once again appropriating the timeless works of predecessors. If Luo Dada were aware from beyond the grave, he would probably rise from his tomb to sue me for copyright infringement

Cheng Yu said: "I am not very clear, but I have heard Xu Shu mention this person, saying that he possesses the talent to manage the world and govern the universe. However, just from those eight characters mentioned earlier, it is evident that this person is indeed extraordinary"

Jia Renlu imitated Sima Hui's manner of conjuring spirits, shaking his head and swaying, with his eyes slightly closed, and said: "In my view, they should not be compared to these two; I wish to compare them to another two." He had read "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" more than 800 times, and these lines came out effortlessly.

Cheng Yu nodded and said, "I share the same sentiment. As for Zhuge Kongming, I am uncertain whether he will come or not. Regarding Xu Yuanzhi, I already have a ready-made plan in mind, which will ensure that he cannot refuse to come."

Xun Yu hurriedly stepped forward, helping him up, and said excitedly: "Ren Lu, please rise quickly; you have no crime. Just a few brief words from you have conveyed the vicissitudes of the world and the changes of fortune; you are truly a great talent"

Jia Renlu said: "This person is indeed a great talent, often comparing himself to Guan Zhong and Le Yi, his abilities are immeasurable." He thought: "You quote the Three Kingdoms, I will also quote the Three Kingdoms, Sima the Elder, forgive me, I am about to steal your lines."

Jia Renlu coughed twice, extended two fingers, and said mysteriously: "It can be compared to Jiang Ziya of the Western Zhou Dynasty for eight hundred years and Zhang Zifang of the Han Dynasty for four hundred years"

Jia Renlu nodded repeatedly upon hearing this and said: "What you say is very reasonable, as the saying goes: 'To dedicate oneself wholeheartedly until death.' As long as we put in the effort, it does not matter what the outcome is"

As Diao Chan had anticipated, in the following days, the number of distinguished guests gradually decreased, and the bustling scene of carriages and horses at the entrance slowly vanished, returning the once lively Jia residence to a state of tranquility. Although each prominent family had prepared mahjong and chess, they still did not forget the originator of these games—Jia Renlu. While their visits became less frequent, they would not miss a single occasion to go, often seeking him out for a game of chess or to fill in when they were short a player.

Jia Renlu said: "I am merely a student seeking guidance; how could I speak recklessly in front of you esteemed gentlemen"

Xun Yu was even more astonished and said, "What! Is there such a formidable person? May I ask how old this esteemed sage is this year?"

Suddenly, I recalled the well-known poem "Linjiangxian" from "Romance of the Three Kingdoms". For a moment, I was so caught up in my emotions that I forgot I was quoting someone else's work, and without restraint, I blurted out: "The mighty Yangtze River flows eastward, washing away the heroes in its waves. Right and wrong, success and failure, all turn to emptiness. The green mountains remain, how many sunsets have turned red. The white-haired fisherman and woodcutter by the riverbank, accustomed to watching the autumn moon and spring breeze. A pot of turbid wine brings joy in our meeting. How many matters from ancient to modern times are all left to laughter and conversation." In a moment of excitement, I lost awareness of my surroundings, like a pedant, with my eyes slightly closed, nodding my head, and reciting it all in one breath.

Jia Renlu hurriedly said: "The previous poem is called 'Linjiang Xian', which I heard a celestial being recite in my dream. I never expected to remember it upon waking. The latter part of the statement was made by a reclusive master, who is currently hidden in Longzhong, Xiangyang. His full surname is Zhuge, with the given name Liang, courtesy name Kongming, and his Daoist title is 'Wolong'." He thought to himself: "Since the words have been spoken, I suppose I must invoke the great Zhuge. This can be considered as helping him with some publicity and creating some momentum. I am essentially advertising for him in front of Xun, which should be no less effective than advertising during prime time on CCTV. I believe he shouldn't hold it against me."

Jia Renlu certainly did not dare to steal Cao Cao's future lines: "Among the heroes of the world, only you and Cao are worthy." He estimated that he would be immediately executed by the great Cao if he did so. He was well aware of everyone's fate, yet he did not dare to utter a word. He could not say to Xun Yu: "Do not follow the great Cao, for in the future, when Cao becomes the Duke of Wei, if you oppose him, you will be forced to death by him." Nor could he say to Yang Xiu: "Do not appear too clever; it is better to feign ignorance. You must learn to be occasionally muddled, otherwise, in the future battle of Hanzhong, you will lose your life over the words 'chicken rib.'" If he had spoken like that, he would likely not be regarded as a figure like Guan Lu, but rather as a demon, bound to the stake and burned alive. To prevent disaster from his own words, he decided to remain silent, adopting a humble and inquiring demeanor, quietly listening to the discussions of others, continuously nodding in agreement, saying: "Indeed, indeed, this statement is reasonable; listening to your words is better than studying for ten years."

Jia Renlu, in order to implement the diplomatic policies from the Three Kingdoms game, frequently visited the residences of various noble families, seeking their guidance on the knowledge of governing the world and commanding the heavens. Occasionally, he would utter a phrase or two that seemed to reveal secrets from over a thousand years later, astonishing all present

Yang Xiu continued to shake his head and recite, and after a while, he said: "What you say is truly profound. Even today's heroes will eventually pass away. The events of today will likely become mere topics of conversation for others a hundred years from now. However, if we follow what Brother Renlu has said, does that mean we need not do anything at all, since the outcome will be the same regardless?"

Jia Renlu calculated Zhuge's age and thought to himself: "Oh no! In my eagerness to boast about Zhuge, I forgot that he is only around eighteen years old, not yet twenty! But now that the moment has come, it is no longer feasible to speak untruthfully." With his head lowered, blushing, he said softly: "Eighteen."

Jia Renlu felt a chill in his heart, knowing there was no escape. He lowered his head in contemplation on how to respond, thinking: "Sigh, what good is there to praise? What heroes or great figures? In the end, aren't they all just a pile of dust? Lu Da is formidable, isn't he? The three heroes at Hulao Pass fought against Lü Bu, yet they couldn't match him, and in the end, they all met the same fate. It seems that there isn't much difference between a person's greatness and insignificance; sometimes, being too great can even be a curse. Of course, I can't say this outright; how should I phrase it?"

Jia Renlu's old face flushed with embarrassment, and he chuckled twice: "Hehe!"

Xun Yu said: "The words of the virtuous ancestor are incorrect. Nowadays, Lord Cao is wise and has the talent bestowed by heaven, with the intention to pacify the chaotic world and relieve the suffering of the people. We should earnestly assist him and diligently attend to every matter at hand. As for the outcome, such as what is recorded in hetushu.com, and how future generations will speak of it, that is beyond our control, so why concern ourselves with it"

Xun Yu observed him and inquired, "Ren Lu, you often have astonishing words to share; why is it that today you have not spoken a single word?"

Xun Yu expressed his astonishment: "What, does he compare himself to Guan Yu?"

The surroundings were silent and still, when suddenly Xun Yu shouted: "Someone! Bring me paper and pen."

Xun Yu inquired: "Oh, which two individuals?"

Jia Renlu observed that those adults, disregarding their status, were shaking their heads and acting irrationally. Terrified and drenched in sweat, he knelt on the ground and said: "I was momentarily agitated and spoke nonsense, alarming all the esteemed adults. I hope for your forgiveness"

After Xun Yu finished writing, he ignored everyone and lowered his head to read, softly reciting. The crowd gathered around, intent on understanding. After a moment, they returned from their reverie, turning in unison to cast admiring glances at Jia Renlu.

Yang Xiu exclaimed, "What! At only eighteen years old, you possess such remarkable abilities. Brother Renlu, you must be boasting."

Cheng Yu pondered for a moment, nodded, and said: "I have heard a little about it. I have a young friend named Xu Shu. He once avenged a murder during the late Zhongping era, later changed his name and fled, dedicating himself to learning. He often discussed matters with the renowned scholar Sima Hui, and I have heard that one of his close friends is named Zhuge Liang."

Xun Yu understood that he was unwilling to take credit for achievements, and valued his character even more. He said: "As for that Zhuge Liang, I have never heard of him. Zhongde, have you ever heard of him?"

Xun Yu inquired: "Oh, how does Xu Shu's talent compare to yours?"

The servant hurriedly rushed out, presenting paper and brush, then turned and withdrew. Xun Yu unfolded the paper, picked up the brush, and with a flourish, his strokes danced like dragons and phoenixes, swiftly completing the poem "Linjiang Xian" in an instant. Each character was vigorous and powerful, penetrating the paper, truly a masterpiece of calligraphy.