In Chapter 2, Guan Yu holds great admiration for Liu Bei

Liu Bei turned his head and looked warmly at Guan Yu: "I am satisfied with the results achieved through my continuous efforts. Su Shuang is, after all, a well-known horse dealer in Youzhou. The fact that he comes to me when he encounters difficulties indicates that my reputation has indeed changed from what it once was"

Once Liu Bei officially takes office, relying on the groundwork laid earlier and his interpersonal relationships with Lu Zhi, his life path will be completely different from before. Naturally, his close associates will also be able to rise alongside him, soaring to new heights and altering their own destinies.

Liu Bei, maintaining a calm demeanor, reached out to take the box, extracted a gold ingot, weighed it in his hand, feeling its substantial weight. Without revealing any emotion, he accepted the wooden box, and a smile finally appeared on his face

Elder brother, what are you sighing about? This matter is not difficult, is it?

If it really cannot be helped, one could insist on referring to it as Zhuo County of the Youzhou people, which could still receive a certain degree of acknowledgment

Standing on the other side, Guan Yu walked over to Liu Bei and whispered, "It must be Cheng Dazhi and his group who are behind this matter. Eldest brother, if you send someone to convey a message, would they still dare to act recklessly? This is not the past anymore; Cheng Dazhi has also received your kindness, and he would not dare to act indiscriminately."

Su Shuang looked at Liu Bei with shining eyes, and that eager gaze left Liu Bei feeling quite troubled

Only

Last year, Su was trading horses in Jiangnan. When he arrived at Jiujiang County, he happened to hear that Xuande had once followed Lord Lu in Jiujiang to fight against the barbarian invaders and had even saved the lives of Lord Lu and Tu Shu. This matter is widely discussed locally; is there any truth to it?

When the central authority is weak, the local powers become strong, as if the fragmentation of the world is imminent

Ah, this...

Liu Bei smiled

This statement is by no means an exaggeration

It seems that he is not looking for me to solve his troubles because he lost something, but rather that he lost something in order to find me to solve his troubles

Xuan De truly lives up to being a disciple of the great Confucian, as the saying goes, "things are valuable because they are rare". These five words indeed reveal the essence of our business as merchants! I, Su, have learned a lesson!

The reason he admires Liu Bei so much is that Liu Bei came from an ordinary background, yet through his relentless efforts, he overcame countless difficulties and obstacles, ultimately becoming the son-in-law of the Governor of Zhuo County, Han.

This is essentially an explanation to everyone, as it effectively disbands this group of students

Su Shuang observed Liu Bei's expression and cautiously inquired, "Previously, when I had someone inquire in Zhuo County, I accidentally learned that Xuande is about to be recommended for the position of filial and incorrupt official. Is there any truth to this matter?"

This humble gift of twenty taels of gold is not meant to convey my respect. After the matter is accomplished, I, Su, will certainly provide a generous reward that will surely satisfy Xuande

Is it necessary to build relationships?

Therefore, with such an incident involving Su Shuang's one hundred horses occurring within the boundaries of Zhuo County, who else could be sought if not Liu Bei

Yide, see off the guests

Only, it is not his Luoyang Emperor's Zhuo County

Liu Bei suddenly felt that he had discovered a brilliant point that he had never noticed before.

Four years ago, when he was fifteen years old, he was recommended by his clan uncle Liu Bo Liu Yuanqi to study under the great scholar Lu Zhi from the same county, and he followed Lu Zhi to study on Mount Goushi near the city of Luoyang.

"Casually making a move is equivalent to twenty taels of gold, even the Emperor of Luoyang is no better than this. Has Mr. Su struck a gold mountain or is he holding onto a gold mine?"

No wonder Xuande became famous as a young man, praised by everyone. Given time, Xuande's future is incalculable

I just came of age a month ago and have not achieved any significant accomplishments, so how can I speak of filial piety and integrity? It is merely a rumor circulating among the people of the county and cannot be taken seriously

Thus, when looking at Su Shuang again, one suddenly felt that this smiling, burly man inexplicably had a somewhat dark hue about him

It is unclear when it began, but if an official dispatched by the Luoyang court fails to gain the acceptance of the local people or does not adhere to their rules, it is not uncommon for them to be collectively attacked and directly expelled by the locals

Dear brother, thank you for your hard work

At that time, only Liu Bei, concerned for the situation, led his troops to provide assistance. He discovered that Lu Zhi was in a perilous predicament and, without regard for his own safety, rushed to rescue Lu Zhi, resulting in him being struck by three arrows

I was merely fortunate to follow the teacher and study for a period of time. The teacher, not considering my dullness, generously imparted knowledge to me. All that I have learned has come from this, for which I am immensely grateful

Guan Yu deeply agreed.

Liu Bei shook his head and smiled, saying: "For the aspirations in my heart and the pursuit of knowledge, no matter how much I sacrifice, it is worth it"

As one of Liu Bei's closest companions, Guan Yu is certainly aware of how difficult Liu Bei's journey has been

Regarding the matter of the horse team, Su Jun can rest assured. Accepting money and resolving disasters for others, I will certainly resolve it within five days. After five days, by the small river three miles east of the county town, I will send someone to return all the horses. This small favor will still be granted by the people of Zhuo County.

This Su Shuang seems to be rushing over, as if she considers herself a stunning beauty radiating deadly charm

Liu Bei merely smiled

Guan Yu, who was forced to flee to Youzhou due to being implicated in a murder case, held this belief with profound conviction

I certainly know that Cheng Dazhi does not dare to confront me head-on, so I am not sighing for that reason

Su Shuang arranged his attire and once again bowed respectfully to Liu Bei

What an inspiring and powerful man

Watching Su Shuang's departing figure, memories surged in Liu Bei's mind, prompting him to let out a faint sigh

Liu Bei was not surprised by this at all

The tall young man, Zhang Fei, who was originally standing outside the hall, followed Liu Bei's orders and led Su Shuang away from Liu Bei's residence

Now, it is evident that one is about to be appointed as an official through the recommendation of virtuous conduct, thereby changing one's destiny and soaring to great heights

Later, Lu Zhi led his troops to engage in battle with the rebel forces in Jiujiang. During this time, he personally conducted reconnaissance on the situation of the rebels with a small number of guards. He was discovered by the rebels, who pursued him fiercely, leaving him nearly cornered.

Xuan De is being overly modest; a great Confucian like Lord Lu would only consider taking in disciples under very specific circumstances, and it is unlikely that he would casually accept someone as a disciple

Upon hearing this, Su Shuang paused slightly, his face revealing a look of reverence

Lu Zhi placed even greater importance on Liu Bei, teaching him the classics and military texts he had studied. He also allowed Liu Bei to copy them to take home for careful study, formally accepting him as a disciple rather than merely a student.

It can also be referred to as Zhuoxian of the people of Zhuojun

For oneself, for the future, what is the hardship worth? If one is unwilling to endure hardship even for oneself, what meaning does life hold for such a person?

Not long after, a rebellion broke out in Jiujiang County. The court appointed Lu Zhi as the governor of Jiujiang to quell the uprising. Lu Zhi, feeling helpless, had no choice but to suspend his lectures and allow his students to study independently. After all, they had already gained the reputation of being Lu's disciples, and it would not be inappropriate for them to rely on this in the future.

Su Shuang was deeply grateful and bowed again, expressing that once the matter was accomplished, he would certainly offer a generous gift.

In contrast, the current students on Mount Gōu can only be considered as apprentices, as they have not received direct education from Lu Zhi. Only Liu Bei became a true disciple of Lu Zhi, and his status immediately became different from that of ordinary people

Only by following him can we change the future

Upon seeing Liu Bei accept the gold ingot, a beaming smile appeared on his face, while Su Shuang, with his face full of excess flesh, also revealed a somewhat eerie smile—perhaps this was simply how he smiled, without any malice.

The price of horses in several northern provinces is just like this; the further south one goes, the higher the price of horses becomes. After crossing the great river and reaching Jiangdong and Jingchu, the price of horses and books doubles, no longer resembling horses, but rather like running gold.

He nodded slightly and said slowly: "Different places have different prices for goods; rarity makes things valuable. Anything is least valuable at its place of origin, and the farther it is from there, the more valuable it becomes. For example, a peach from Hebei would definitely have a different price if it were placed in Jiangnan"

Hearing Su Shuang say this, Liu Bei suddenly remembered that Su Shuang was involved in horse trading in Jiangnan

Thus, Su Shuang smiled slightly and did not respond.

Liu Bei was momentarily taken aback, but soon realized something and smiled, not taking it to heart

Su Shuang, however, was not easily deceived by Liu Bei, and she smiled softly.

The Luoyang court often responds to this situation with a lack of effective countermeasures, merely watching helplessly.

The matter was settled, and Liu Bei did not escort Su Shuang to the front door of the residence, but only to the entrance of the living room

This matter later circulated only among Lu Zhi's circle of friends and in the local area of Jiujiang, and it could not have spread so widely. However, if Su Shuang had visited Jiujiang County, he would certainly have known about this matter

Thus, Liu Bei could only smile and nod in acknowledgment

Zhuo County is the Zhuo County of the people of Zhuo County

Twenty taels of gold? The profits from horse trading are indeed substantial

Indeed, this matter is true. At that time, the situation was urgent, leaving me no room to act according to his wishes

Liu Bei learned that Lu Zhi was going to Jiujiang to quell a rebellion, and immediately expressed his willingness to follow his teacher closely. Initially, Lu Zhi did not agree, feeling it was dangerous. However, after Liu Bei knelt down and earnestly pleaded several times, Lu Zhi eventually relented and agreed to take him along, allowing him to be by his side and listen to his commands