Chapter 66

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Mizhu and Lusu did not have a deep friendship, although both were powerful figures, they had never met before. This time, their joint visit was merely a coincidence, as they happened to meet, and both were equally refined and gentlemanly.

Mizhu did not feel inferior because of his merchant status, and Lusu did not view this wealthy merchant with a worldly eye. They conversed pleasantly, but it was only to that extent. Lusu did not contradict Mizhu's views on Mount Tai, and Mizhu did not comment on Lusu's analysis of the national situation. Both only touched on the surface.

Wise men do not make evaluations about things they do not understand, so Lusu did not say much about Mizhu's analysis of the commerce in Mount Tai. Even if he could sense that the matter was not as simple as Mizhu said, he did not speak up, but rather listened quietly and used this information to fill in the gaps in his own understanding, forming a different view of Mount Tai from Mizhu's perspective.

As for Lusu, Mizhu was deeply impressed by him during their conversation. This scholar would surely become a great general and minister. Although he lacked experience and knowledge, his unique insights and sharp judgment amazed even Mizhu, who had traveled extensively. There might be some errors, but his abilities could not be denied.

With the smoothness characteristic of a merchant, Mizhu gradually drew closer to Lusu. Unconsciously, Lusu had already transferred from Liu Bei's envoy's carriage to Mizhu's carriage.

Chen Xi looked at Xu Chu, who stood like a wall beside Liu Bei, and felt somewhat conflicted. He had not yet decided how to arrange Xu Chu. If he were just a bodyguard, Chen Xi felt it would be a waste, but if he were a general, considering Xu Chu's historical behavior, Chen Xi would not feel at ease. So, he put it on hold.

However, it was not a big deal. Xu Chu seemed very dedicated to protecting Liu Bei, and he seemed to enjoy it. He carried the large steel saber that Chen Xi had ordered to be made for him and followed Liu Bei everywhere. At the government hall or Liu Bei's resting place, he stood outside with a fierce expression, scaring away anyone who dared to approach.

For Chen Xi, this was not a big issue. At first, he was a bit troubled by Xu Chu's fierce smile, but over time, whenever he saw Xu Chu's fierce smile, he felt a strange sense of joy. Indeed, he had gotten used to it.

After getting used to Xu Chu's fierce smile, Chen Xi also got used to his astonishing appetite. Chen Xi used a small celadon bowl for his meals. He had wanted a white porcelain bowl, but he could not figure out how to get one, and the craftsmen had not found a professional one yet.

So, a celadon bowl it was. Chen Xi did not have much to say about it. After all, using a celadon bowl for meals was not too excessive. A bowl the size of his palm was enough for Chen Xi to eat two bowls of rice, while the seemingly slender and delicate Zhao Yun could eat five times as much without any problem. As for Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, they could eat even more. As for Xu Chu, Chen Xi had given up counting the bowls.

Although Zhao Yun had said that a warrior's energy comes from food, this seemed to be an exaggeration. At least, after Zhao Yun once competed with Xu Chu, he invited Xu Chu to eat steamed buns. After eating three steamed buns with pork trotters, Xu Chu picked his teeth and said he was only half full. Instantly, Zhao Yun understood why Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Xu Chu would run away after a sparring session.

In this period without Liu Bei and without wages, everyone was living frugally. Competing with a big eater like Xu Chu might mean he would have to go hunt tigers, bears, and other wild game. Sparring would have to wait until they were not short of money and food.

"Lu Zijin from the eastern city, paying respects to Lord Xuande." "Mizhu from Xu Province, paying respects to Lord Xuande."

When Lusu and Mizhu's carriage approached the government hall, the sharp-eyed Lusu saw a group of people standing at the entrance, seemingly waiting for their arrival.

Soon, Mizhu also saw the group of people at the entrance. Unlike Lusu, he had a keen eye and was not as proud as Lusu. The act of a scholar wearing white and treating princes lightly was no longer something Mizhu, who had been honed in the business world for years, would do.

He reached out and pulled Lusu, not giving him a chance to argue or resist. He did not want Lusu, a capable person, to be labeled as arrogant and proud from the start, nor did he want Liu Bei to lose a potentially great minister due to a momentary dissatisfaction.

The scenes along the way, though painful for Mizhu, also revealed great business opportunities. Although the investment was over a hundred million, the profits generated were astonishing. Excellent merchants are never short of adventurous spirit, and now Mizhu saw astonishing profits in the huge investment in Mount Tai, and he was willing to take a bet on it!

Since he had bet on Liu Bei, Mizhu naturally hoped that Lusu would also join Liu Bei's forces. This way, he would have a friend to rely on within Liu Bei's camp, and he saw great potential in this scholar named Lusu. Although he was not well-known, the talent he displayed on the journey made Mizhu feel a thrill. Years of experience told him that this person was worth a significant investment, and if he could be brought into Liu Bei's camp, he could become his greatest ally.

"Please, please, I have heard that the great merchant Mizhu and the renowned scholar Lusu have come to Mount Tai. The gloom caused by the departure of the Zhen family and the absence of scholars has been dispelled. I have prepared a simple meal and light wine, and I humbly request your guidance." Liu Bei extended his hand to help them up, speaking with genuine sincerity.

Chen Xi turned his head away, and sure enough, Mizhu was moved by Liu Bei's words, his cheeks flushed, almost ready to bow.

This was no longer the era of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods when kings would serve as attendants to scholars. For Liu Bei to humble himself to welcome them was already a great honor, let alone his heartfelt and sincere words. Even Lusu seemed a bit excited.

Chen Xi seemed to be immune to such things, but the ancients had no resistance to this. Lusu followed Liu Bei into the government hall, where a simple meal and light wine were already prepared, as Liu Bei had said. Yes, this was originally Chen Xi's group's dinner, now turned into a banquet, with only a small bronze tripod added...

Liu Bei, sitting at the head of the table, introduced the people present to Mizhu and Lusu, causing Lusu and Mizhu to frequently pay attention to Chen Xi and Zhao Yun. Although they had heard that Chen Xi was under twenty and Zhao Yun's strength could rival Lu Bu, he did not have the ferocity of a warrior but rather resembled a civil official. They had not believed it until now, but the rumors turned out to be true.

As they drank, Mizhu changed his address, showing that he had already done his research on Liu Bei before coming. Although he felt some pain about the construction of Mount Tai, he did not show any hesitation after changing his address.

After recognizing Liu Bei as his lord, Mizhu frequently signaled Lusu, hoping that Lusu would also join Liu Bei's forces during this banquet. Mizhu was aware that his actions were not entirely proper, but for Lusu's potential, Liu Bei's influence, and his own future, he hoped Lusu would join Liu Bei's forces during this banquet.

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