Chapter 827 Recruiting Zhuge Liang
"I’ve often heard it said that among the strategists of the world, the Crouching Dragon and the Young Phoenix are the most revered; possessing one of them is enough to gain the world. And the Crouching Dragon is none other than Zhuge Liang. Meeting him today, I can see the truth in his reputation."
Lu Ming didn’t underestimate Zhuge Liang because of his young age. To be able to so boldly explain the intricacies of the situation at such a young age is truly remarkable for someone his age...
Moreover, his pronunciation was clear, and his thinking was unique.
The ancients certainly couldn’t compare to modern people, firstly in terms of lifespan, and secondly in terms of education.
The ancients began learning to read from a young age, starting elementary school at three. There were no weekends, no miscellaneous subjects, only poetry, classics, and arithmetic.
Studying the classics taught one how to conduct oneself in society. Coupled with the guidance of renowned teachers, this constant exposure and influence meant that Gan Luo becoming prime minister at ten wasn’t a fantasy, but a real event.
Furthermore, becoming a father at twelve or thirteen—without ability and family background, he couldn’t have achieved that either.
"Poor men, let alone twelve or thirteen, can still be unmarried even in their twenties or thirties."
Zhuge Liang’s heart skipped a beat, sensing something amiss. He bowed respectfully to Lu Ming.
"This humble subject is being cared for by my uncle, and I cannot bear to see him in such a state of confusion. The Qin King’s military might is unparalleled among all the feudal lords."
"Although many powerful families dislike him and have repeatedly slandered and attacked him, they cannot conceal the fact that under the Qin King’s rule, people do not pick up lost items on the road, and live in peace and prosperity."
"This humble subject believes that with the Qin King’s benevolence, he would certainly not hold a grudge against a mere child like myself. That is why I have dared to inquire, and I beg the Qin King’s forgiveness!"
He wanted to distance himself from Lu Ming and then flatter him, hoping to make Lu Ming consider his status and thus avoid punishment.
Although Zhuge Liang was young, his intelligence was already evident.
Lu Ming casually picked at the food. There were plenty of river delicacies here; the Yellow River was abundant with aquatic life. The crucian carp here were large and plump, cooked with special tofu into a delicious fish soup. Just the aroma alone made one’s mouth water.
"Zhuge Liang, are you willing to serve me?"
Lu Ming had given the other party a chance, and he wouldn’t let any opportunity slip by. If he couldn’t have it, then he’d destroy it.
At least Cheng Yu didn’t know how to choose, still wanting to serve Cao Cao. He shouldn’t blame Lu Ming for being ruthless.
Talking about benevolence and morality was just putting on a show. Like Master Yue’s endless pronouncements of righteousness and morality, it was useless. Only the Sunflower Manual could save him.
Zhuge Liang was somewhat displeased but didn’t want to offend Lu Ming. He didn’t want to serve Lu Ming, because that would mean no challenge!
For a genius, serving a fallen but reputable ruler could lead to great achievements and fame!
"Liang is of limited talent and learning, still studying and improving. Going there now would likely be of no help to the King of Qin."
A refusal!
A harsh refusal!
A tactful refusal!
Wang Chen raised an eyebrow at this, quickly trying to smooth things over, saying, "Your Highness, my nephew simply loves reading, especially military strategy and classics.
"He’s still young, and I’m truly afraid he’ll hinder Your Highness’s career."
"I won’t ask more than three times. That was the first time, and this is the second."
"Zhuge Kongming, I’ll ask you one more time: are you willing to pledge your loyalty to me?"
Lu Ming didn’t even bother to look up at Zhuge Liang, remaining completely absorbed in eating the entire time.
This is extremely impolite in social interactions, but it’s all relative. Different levels of power and status dictate different ways of speaking. Why should a prince or noble be overly friendly to a commoner?
Unless it’s a show, being friendly to you is a courtesy; being unfriendly is simply their right.
Upon reading this, the atmosphere suddenly became awkward.
Yang Biao, who had been observing the situation, combined this with his daughter’s letter, which also advised him to cooperate unconditionally with Lu Ming and his son-in-law.
Don’t feel ashamed; there’s nothing shameful about it.
Because truly enduring families will certainly exist...
And as long as the family can continue, everything is worthwhile.
Just like the saying that no dynasty lasts forever, relying on the monarchy to try and seize the emperor’s power...
Especially since the emperor has cultivated scholars—a very suitable tool for governance—he no longer needs the help of powerful families to govern the regions.
Therefore, the mindset needs to change.
Yang Biao had made up his mind: from now on, he would obediently follow orders. As long as he did so, the fate of his Yang family wouldn’t be too bad.
Other things, once lost, are lost...
But being close to the emperor would always bring good things in the future.
At this moment, Wang Chen was also apprehensive, hesitating whether to uphold justice and punish his own family. It was clear that Lu Ming admired his nephew for asking such a question.
If Zhuge Liang still refused, then execution was the only outcome.
"This humble subject would like to ask Your Highness, if I am unwilling, how will Your Highness deal with me?"
Zhuge Liang bowed deeply to Lu Ming. Lu Ming could eat and talk without looking at him, but he couldn’t show any temper—this was the tragedy of a subordinate.
And he wasn’t even a subordinate. Did he really think that just because he had some education, he could ride on his lord’s neck? He’d probably read too many novels.
"The Zhuge family will be exterminated! Don’t you like to diversify your investments? Don’t you think you can put all your eggs in one basket? Then I will indulge your selfish behavior and act on behalf of Heaven."
Lu Ming put down his chopsticks, looking out the window. Dark clouds gathered outside; it looked like it was going to rain.
"Those who submit to me prosper, those who defy me perish. Do I have the right to say such a thing?"
Zhuge Liang broke out in a cold sweat upon hearing this. He believed and sensed that Lu Ming truly meant what he said; if he vowed to kill his entire family, he would certainly not spare the children.
"Thump!"
Zhuge Liang knelt down. "This humble subject is willing to serve His Highness the King of Qin. Zhuge Kongming greets my lord!"
Lu Ming suddenly smiled and helped Zhuge Liang up, leading him to the table and pressing his shoulders to sit him down. "Treat enemies with the coldness of winter...
But treat your own people with the warmth of spring."
Placing a piece of meat on Zhuge Liang’s plate, Lu Ming leisurely poured a cup of wine. Though his movements were slow, they exuded an indescribable sense of oppression.
"Follow me to conquer the world, and I will never treat you unfairly."
"This world belongs to me. All under heaven are my subjects, and all land belongs to the king."