Chapter 10

Lu Yu was able to recognize Xun Yu at first glance because of the "incense" he carried.

Xun Yu wore a sachet at his waist.

Although it was a custom in the upper class of the Han Dynasty for men to use incense to perfume their clothes, there were only two people who never parted with their sachets and whose scent could be detected from several meters away, similar to the fragrance of "Six Gods Flower Water."

One of them was Xun Yu, who would later be known as the Fragrant Xun Ling.

The other was his eunuch father-in-law, Tang Heng, who was once one of the "Five Marquises." Historical records state that the scent of "Six Gods Flower Water" on Tang Heng was even stronger than that of Xun Yu!

Looking at the person in front of him, he was handsome, exuding a bewitching fragrance, and was accompanied by a man older than himself!

Throughout the history of the Later Han, there was no one else who met all these conditions except Xun Yu.

Before his穿越 (time travel), whenever Lu Yu read about the unusual fragrance of Tang Heng and Xun Yu, he would always suspect that the reason Xun Yu married the daughter of the eunuch Tang Heng was because they shared some kind of similar special preference, and perhaps even had some unsavory business transactions!

Otherwise, it wouldn't make sense for a man of noble lineage, a paragon of the elite, to marry the daughter of a eunuch and risk tarnishing his reputation.

Lu Yu's mind was filled with wild speculations...

"Cough, cough..."

Xun Yu cleared his throat and continued, "Sir Lu Yu, if you have something to say, please speak directly. How did you recognize Xun and his nephew, who are both obscure figures?"

"Mr. Xun is too modest!" Lu Yu bowed in respect, showing great humility. "The former Chancellor's Chief Secretary, the scholar He Yong, once said that Mr. Xun has the talent of a king's advisor..."

"Scholar He Yong never praises people lightly. The last person he praised was Lord Cao, saying he was the one who could bring peace to the world. To be mentioned alongside Lord Cao as a 'king's advisor,' how could Mr. Xun be an obscure figure?"

"As for how I recognized Mr. Xun, it was because of the sachet. As the saying goes, 'Clouds fly over Phoenix Terrace, the wind carries the fragrance of Ling Jun,' and 'When Xun Ling of the South Bridge passes, the fragrance of his clothes can be smelled for ten miles.' I may not know Mr. Xun, but I have long admired this subtle fragrance, so I was confident in my recognition!"

His tone was measured and reasonable, each word clear and distinct, giving a refreshing feeling.

Incense, subtle fragrance?

Hiss...

Lu Yu's words made Xun Yu, Xun Yu, Cao Ren, and Xiahou Yuan all pause in surprise.

What a meticulous analysis, what rigorous reasoning! To be able to recognize someone just by their scent, indeed, what a wise and perceptive young man.

Originally, Xun Yu and Xun Yu were skeptical that this young man, despite his youth, could have read thousands of books and be well-versed in military strategy. But now... their doubts were gradually fading.

For a moment, a bold thought crossed their minds: perhaps... he really could do it.

Surprised, Xun Yu smiled. "Sir Lu Yu, you have described Xun too vividly, especially the title 'Xun Ling,' which I am not worthy of!"

Xun Yu was originally a filial and clean official, serving as the "Keeper of the Palace," and after Dong Zhuo took power, he resigned and returned home. Thus, calling him 'Xun Ling' was not entirely inappropriate.

However, who would have thought that the 'Xun Ling' in Lu Yu's mouth was not the 'Xun Ling' in Xun Yu's mind. Compared to the "Keeper of the Palace," the "Minister of Works" was a much higher position.

"Sir Lu Yu, I have heard that you have read thousands of books and are well-versed in military strategy. Coincidentally, my nephew is also proficient in military strategy. Could you please enlighten us?"

Xun Yu stroked his beard, quickly realizing the purpose of his visit, and spoke calmly.

However, he was somewhat puzzled as to why Wei Hong, who had been the most skeptical before, was now silent after meeting this young man.

"Enlighten us, I dare not. Mr. Xun, please ask your questions... I will answer to the best of my ability."

Lu Yu spoke clearly, always giving an impression of calmness and composure, as if the outside world's changes did not affect the stillness of his eyes, a maturity and composure far beyond his years.

"Good..." Xun Yu stepped forward, following Lu Yu's words. "I have heard that Sir Lu Yu has unique insights into 'The Art of War.' I am also well-versed in this book but have not fully grasped many of its aspects. Today, I have the honor of seeking your guidance."

Due to Lu Yu's previous performance, Xun Yu also deliberately lowered his stance...

After all, he was a man of strategy, usually full of confidence, and the word "seek guidance" was not often used by him!

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone sat up straight... they knew that the test of Lu Yu's talent was about to begin.

"Mr. Xun, please!" Lu Yu understood the etiquette, bowing and inviting him to speak.

Who wouldn't like such a wise and perceptive young man?

"Cough, cough... Sir Lu Yu, the question I will ask is quite difficult. If you know the answer, please tell me; if not, it's fine!" Xun Yu cleared his throat and loudly asked the first question: "What is the 'Dao'?"

...

Sigh, what is the 'Dao'?

A deep breath!

As soon as this question was asked, Cao Ren and Xiahou Yuan were stunned. Was this even a question?

Wasn't 'Dao' supposed to be the "Tao" in the "Tao Te Ching," which says "The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao"? Or the concept of "non-action" in the philosophy of Laozi, the founder of Daoism? How did this relate to 'The Art of War'?

Seemingly afraid that Lu Yu might not understand the question, Xun Yu added, "Sun Wu lists 'Dao,' 'Heaven,' 'Earth,' 'Commander,' and 'Method' as the five dimensions for military success, with 'Dao' at the top. So... Sir Lu Yu, do you know what the 'Dao' is?"

Hiss... This question had layers!

Lu Yu's eyes flickered. If he simply interpreted 'Dao' in the context of 'The Art of War,' it would mean "the unity of purpose between the ruler and the people, the willingness of the soldiers to sacrifice themselves, and the determination to fight the enemy without retreating!"

However, it was clear that Xun Yu was asking for a deeper understanding...

This was a powerful opening move!

Fortunately, Lu Yu, the "Brain King," had read many books and attended many lectures. Before his time travel, many scholars and military strategists had discussed this point in their analyses of 'The Art of War.'

With this in mind, Lu Yu spoke. "On the surface, the 'Dao' in 'The Art of War' primarily refers to human ethics, meaning that through just actions, one can gain the support of heaven, the emperor, and the people, ensuring the victory of a righteous army!"

"However, these are the so-called external 'Dao.' More important and decisive is the internal 'Dao'!"

As soon as these words were spoken, Cao Ren, Xiahou Yuan, and the other generals were deep in thought.

Xun Yu's eyes also lit up, and he listened intently.

The most dramatic reaction came from Xun Yu, whose eyes sparkled. The external 'Dao' and the internal 'Dao' were concepts he had recently grasped but had not fully understood!

Immediately, his eyes focused on Lu Yu, and he eagerly awaited his further explanation of the 'Dao.'

In fact, in Lu Yu's view, interpreting the 'Dao' was not difficult.

The so-called internal 'Dao' in the military, in simple terms, was the corporate culture and core values of a company in the modern world.

For example, companies like Tencent and Alipay...

Whether it's the 996 work schedule or the 007 work schedule, there needs to be a slogan, a deeply ingrained value... to unite the team, face complex and heavy tasks without hesitation, and strive to overcome difficulties to complete tasks on time!

At the very least, it wouldn't be like a certain company that reacts slowly to issues, or even becomes the target of public criticism due to its indifference...

...