Chapter 5: Lü Bu Laughs and Talks Between His Brows, the Yuan Brothers Pay Their Respects to the King

Wang Yue was also perceptive, returning to his seat, which was quite ordinary. Just as the atmosphere was becoming dull, a servant came to report to Yuan Wei: "Master, the second young master and the third young master have returned." Yuan Wei said: "Call them to the main hall and tell them there is an important matter to discuss." "Yes, Master." Before long, two young men arrived at the main hall. They both said in unison: "Yuan Shao (Shu) pays his respects to the family head." Yuan Wei said: "Get up. Have you two been out for another outing today?" The Yuan Shao brothers thought to themselves: Could it be that someone has come to report on us? Yuan Shao noticed that there were still two people in the hall, one slightly older and very robust, while the other was of a similar age to himself and quite familiar. Upon closer inspection, Yuan Shao couldn't help but exclaim: "Aren't you Lü Bu?" Hearing this, Yuan Shu also looked over, and it was indeed the young Lü Bu, known for his bold words.

Lü Bu showed no interest in this, leaning against the doorpost, lost in thought. After a while, the person who had entered earlier came out and said, "Wang Yue, my master requests your presence, please come in with me." Wang Yue smiled and replied, "Thank you for your trouble, thank you for your trouble." Wang Yue greeted the idle Lü Bu, signaling him to come in quickly.

The Yuan brothers stepped forward and offered a bow, signifying their greeting.

Isn't that Yuan Kui? Are you, sir, the renowned hero Wang Yue from the northern region known for your *maps* and *books*?

I have instructed someone to prepare hot water for you. After you have finished washing, we will go.

Well said, a matter is in the heart, not in the form; this young man has truly expressed it well

Have you arrived

Yuan Kui invited the two to sit down first. After exchanging a few pleasantries upon meeting, he then got straight to the point and asked, "I wonder what brings the knight Wang to see me, Yuan?"

Because Wang Yue is extremely knowledgeable, it did not take long for him to engage in lively conversation with these few individuals, sharing both words and laughter

Although there was a minor incident, Lü Bu still returned to the inn on time, while Wang Yue had already been enjoying some drinks at the inn, appearing quite content.

Upon entering the residence, one could see the artificial hills and emerald pools within, accompanied by the sounds of birds and the fragrance of flowers, creating an entirely different world. Wang Yue looked at all this with great envy, secretly thinking: If one day I, Wang Yue, were to soar to great heights, I would also want such grandeur. Although it was merely a place of residence, it still took Wang Yue and the others quite some time to reach the main hall, which illustrates the vastness of the Yuan residence

Lu Bu said to the two: "I am Lu Bu from Bingzhou, a pleasure to meet you." Yuan Shao replied: "It is good to see you again; we should have a good conversation this time." Yuan Shu, not wanting to fall behind, chimed in: "In the future, we should verify with Brother Lu; everyone greatly admires your skills."

The person appears to be around thirty to forty years old, but due to excellent maintenance, it is not immediately obvious at first glance

Wang Yue stated: "Although I had some minor reputation in the wilderness earlier, having passed the age of thirty, I understand that these are merely superficial accolades. They pale in comparison to the service one can render to the nation. Therefore, I have come to Luoyang, hoping that in the future, I might have the opportunity to contribute to the Han Dynasty. As for my intention to take Young Master Yuan's disciples as my named students, it can be seen as a way for me to serve the Han Dynasty. After all, these young gentlemen will one day become capable generals in their own right."

Yuan Kui further inquired, "Logically speaking, you, Wang Yue, are renowned throughout the world. There should be many who wish to study under you. Why have you specifically come to Luoyang?"

After Yuan Shao and the other person exchanged a glance, they replied in unison: "Benchu (Gonglu) is willing"

Wang Yue smiled and said: "Wang Yue understands that Lord Yuan serves as a model for the people of the world, and he has high expectations for the descendants of the Yuan family. In both literary and martial pursuits, they must strive for excellence. Wang Yue, lacking in talent, believes that in terms of martial arts, few in the world can be my match. Therefore, I take the liberty of recommending myself to come to Lord Yuan in the hope of being able to instruct a few young masters."

Wang Yue hurriedly stood up and smiled, "I did not expect that Lord Yuan has heard of my humble reputation." Yuan Kui replied with a smile, "At the age of eighteen, you rode alone into Helan Mountain and returned with the head of the Qiang tribe leader, unmatched by anyone; at thirty, you traveled across various states, almost defeating all opponents in the world. If such deeds can still be considered a humble reputation, then I, Yuan Kui, would fear I am merely an unknown junior." Wang Yue repeatedly expressed his unworthiness. Yuan Kui's words not only flattered Wang Yue but also subtly revealed that his own reputation in the world was quite significant.

Yuan Kui squinted his eyes, and a plan formed in his mind. He smiled and said, "This indeed requires asking my children. If they are unwilling, I will not force them."

Yes

Yes

Lü Bu let out a sigh and followed suit

Although Wang Yue did not know why the Yuan brothers were acquainted with that fellow Lü Bu, he thought that since they knew each other, it could not be anything bad, and he felt a bit of secret joy in his heart. Yuan Wei directly asked, "Ben Chu, Gong Lu, do you two know Lü Bu?" Yuan Shao intended to tell Yuan Wei about today's events, but fearing Yuan Wei's reprimand, he simply said, "I met him outside today. Because Lü Xiaoge has a strong physique and is somewhat different from the people of Luoyang, I paid attention to him." Yuan Shu, who was beside him, also said, "I wanted to befriend Lü Bu, but I missed the opportunity. I didn't expect to encounter him at home; our fate is indeed not shallow." Yuan Wei smiled and said, "Come, come, come, let me introduce you. This is Lü Bu's master, the renowned hero and swordsman from the northern region, Master Wang Yue."

Wang Yue and Lü Bu sat separately, and beautiful maidens served fragrant tea and sweet pastries for their enjoyment. Lü Bu took a sip of the tea and realized it was not like the green or black teas of later generations; it was merely made with some unknown flower petals, yet it had its own unique flavor. As for Wang Yue, he savored it delicately, as if it were some exquisite nectar. Lü Bu shot Wang Yue a glance, thinking to himself that he was pretending to be refined, while he himself took a hearty gulp. Seeing this, Wang Yue, annoyed at his lack of decorum, said, "Lü Bu, this is Yuan's residence. The Yuan family has held the position of three dukes for four generations and places great importance on etiquette. How can you be so rude?" Lü Bu replied, "It is the heart that matters, not the appearance. If the Yuan family were to look down on me for this, they would hardly be virtuous people."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the senior Yuan Kui smiled and said, "I am considering having both of you study martial arts under Master Wang Yue. What do you both think about that?"

Wang Yue was overjoyed upon hearing this

Yuan Kui smiled and began to drink tea, not responding to the conversation

However, it seemed that Lü Bu himself did not recognize Yuan Wei's status as a Grand Minister. He calmly said: "I am Lü Bu from Bingzhou. Due to an agreement with Wang Yue, I have come to Luoyang together with him. Upon meeting Lord Yuan, his demeanor is impressive; he truly is a pillar of the Han Dynasty." Yuan Wei laughed heartily and replied: "Little Brother Lü is joking." Wang Yue, who was nearby, was greatly astonished and thought to himself: I originally believed that Lü Bu was a taciturn person, yet he can make such a resounding sound when patting his horse. But why can't he come and pat mine instead?

This is nature, and even Wang Yue would not dare to do so

Upon hearing this, Lü Bu suddenly felt that Yuan Wei was quite... calculating. Yuan Wei asked Wang Yue, "Who is this young man?" Wang Yue actually only knew about Lü Bu's life, but was unaware of anything else, and for a moment did not know how to introduce him.

Lü Bu responded a few times and then went upstairs. Wang Yue was already accustomed to this and continued to sip his drink. After waiting for a quarter of an hour, Lü Bu finally prepared everything. At this point, Wang Yue did not say much, leading the way, and it took about another half an hour to arrive at the Yuan residence. It was still the same person from yesterday, but this time he did not collect the entrance fee again. Upon seeing Wang Yue, he nodded and let him in. With nothing else to do, Wang Yue began to converse with several other guards.