Chapter Eight: A Legacy Surpassing Zhuge—The Foremost Figure

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A mountain does not need to be high; it becomes renowned if a deity dwells there. Water does not need to be deep; it becomes sacred if a dragon resides within it. This humble abode is simple, yet my virtue makes it fragrant. Moss stains the steps green, and the grass’s hue seeps through the curtains. Within, learned scholars converse and laugh; no commoners come and go. Here, one can play the plain zither and read golden scriptures. There is no discordant music to disturb the ears, nor tedious paperwork to weary the body.

Li Xiang did not know what the cottages of Zhuge Liang in Nanyang or Ziyun Pavilion in Western Shu looked like, but before arriving at Wang Meng’s residence, this poem by Liu Yuxi naturally welled up in his heart. This was an ordinary, modest room, yet it was destined to give birth to an extraordinary man.

Li Xiang carefully straightened his clothes, then slowly approached and knocked on the door of Wang Meng’s home.

In a gentle voice, he said, “Student Li Xiang comes to pay respects to the teacher.”

Not long after, the door opened quietly, revealing a young scholar of graceful bearing and refined demeanor. Although he appeared to be only in his twenties, he bore none of the recklessness or arrogance typical of youth. Instead, he exuded a solemnity as steady as a mountain, inspiring immediate trust and calm.

When Li Xiang truly saw Wang Meng, he secretly cursed the system within his heart. Wang Meng was indeed only in his twenties, yet the implanted identity was that of his teacher. For a moment, he forgot that he himself was no longer an adult from his former life; now, he was but a twelve-year-old boy. It was not uncommon in this era for some students to be older than their teachers, let alone Wang Meng being a decade older.

“Student pays respects to the teacher. Today, the student harbors a doubt and has therefore come specially to seek the teacher’s guidance.”

Wang Meng smiled faintly and gestured toward the interior, “Young master, please come inside. Whatever your doubts may be, let us discuss them within.”

Without waiting for a reply, he went in first, and Li Xiang followed closely behind.

After a cup of tea, before Li Xiang could speak, Wang Meng said thoughtfully, “Young master, I suspect your doubt today is not so simple.”

Li Xiang smiled bitterly in his heart. Dealing with such wise men was troublesome. He had done nothing since entering, yet Wang Meng seemed to have divined his concerns. Li Xiang now understood that he was still far from the caliber of these historical sages famed in the annals of time. Reflecting on this, he decided to speak frankly.

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Li Xiang rose with a serious expression, walked slowly before Wang Meng, bowed slightly, and then spoke his intention clearly.

“To be completely honest, my visit today is to invite you, sir, to come out of seclusion.”

“The Xiongnu have mobilized eighty thousand troops for a large-scale invasion. Yanmen Pass stands like a fragile egg, vulnerable to disaster. Should anything happen there, Bingzhou will lose all natural defenses and be fully exposed to the iron hooves of the Xiongnu. If the Xiongnu cavalry were to break through, it is feared that not even a tenth of Bingzhou’s people would survive. Sir, you possess great talent; it should not be wasted hidden away in these mountains. Moreover, when Bingzhou faces such peril, you should strive to turn the tide. Hence, though I am but a humble student, I sincerely hope to enlist your aid to repel the Xiongnu.”

Wang Meng smiled lightly and replied, “Young master wishes me to come out of seclusion to drive out the Xiongnu? I am naturally willing to serve. But may I ask you a question first?”

“Please ask, sir. I shall answer without reservation,” Li Xiang responded.

“As far as I know, you are only a junior officer, correct? Even if troops are sent to reinforce Yanmen, you would at most be a commander within the army. Though your position grants some influence, it hardly seems significant. If that is so, why should I assist you rather than the provincial governor or your father’s chief attendant?”

Li Xiang was momentarily stunned. Wang Meng had indeed struck upon his greatest concern. With his current rank, he could not hope to attract a talent like Wang Meng.

The two fell silent for a long time.

After the pause, Li Xiang suddenly asked, “May I inquire about your views on the recently emerging Yellow Turban Sect?”

Wang Meng did not answer directly. “The Taiping Sect today treats the sick and saves lives, benefiting the world. What is your opinion on this?”

“You truly believe that, sir? To me, the Taiping Sect seems to heal the sick, but in truth, it secretly gathers followers. At this rate, in a few years, their numbers might reach millions, even tens of millions. What do you think the Yellow Turban leader will do with such power? And what of the world then? Indeed, why does the Yellow Turban leader amass such strength?”

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Upon hearing this, admiration finally shone in Wang Meng’s eyes. He had long foreseen the situation with the Yellow Turbans, yet their recent rapid growth greatly exceeded his expectations. Such a vast force had formed unnoticed—or rather, deliberately ignored—by the court. Wang Meng harbored a bold suspicion, albeit somewhat far-fetched, which he believed to be true.

He met Li Xiang’s gaze and saw within it a resolute spirit and a deeply hidden ambition. Though modest now, its potential to ignite a conflagration was undeniable. Wang Meng felt perhaps the time had truly come for him to emerge.

Yet outwardly, he remained composed. “Even if what you say is true, why should I serve you? Or if I refuse, what recourse do you have?”

Li Xiang did not answer directly but made a subtle gesture to the guard Xing Tian at the door, conveying an unspoken message: If Wang Meng would not serve him, he would be eliminated. Today, refusal meant death.

Wang Meng was a wise man and understood Li Xiang’s intent. Yet he showed no displeasure; instead, he knelt on one knee and said, “Wang Meng pays respects to the lord.”

Li Xiang was stunned. “Lord”? Wang Meng actually called him lord. Even his steadfast guards, Xing Tian and Xiong Kuo Hai, only addressed him as “young master” or “Captain.” Their loyalty was more to his future self—his father, Li Yang. Now, Wang Meng’s words signified that from this day, he truly had a loyal team. Until now, Li Xiang had not imagined he could win over Wang Meng outright; he had planned to first recruit him into the army and then gradually win his trust.

Li Xiang hastened to help Wang Meng to his feet. “Sir, this is improper. You are my teacher; even if you call me lord, such ceremony is unnecessary.”

“To be lord and subject is a sacred distinction. Since I have sworn allegiance today, I must observe proper rites,” Wang Meng replied.

Li Xiang smiled warmly. “Having your support today is like Gaozu gaining Zi Fang. From now on, I shall rely greatly on your assistance.”