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As Lu Zigang had anticipated, upon hearing that the Chu Army was planning a major operation, Huang Xie could no longer sit still at home. After sending off his guests, he immediately ordered preparations for the Official Robes and notified the Prime Minister's Residence Guard to have the carriage ready for departure. Meanwhile, waiting outside, Sun Thirteen helped Luzi into the carriage, but just as they were about to leave, Luzi waved his hand to stop them.
Having made up his mind, Luzi told Sun Thirteen not to return to the inn but to accompany the Chancellor Guard of Chu to protect Chunshen Jun as they headed to the capital of Chu. Hearing such words from the Big Shopkeeper, Sun Thirteen couldn't help but glance at Li Xin. Ultimately, he held back his questions and kept his doubts to himself.
In fact, it wasn't just Sun Thirteen who was curious; even Li Xin found it puzzling. It was well-known that as one of the Warring States Four Young Masters, Chunshen Jun had three thousand retainers. The number of his Retainers was so great that it clearly placed him at the top among the four young masters!
According to reliable sources, among Chunshen Jun's retainers were twenty-four exceptional experts who could scale walls as if walking on flat ground. Since their master was going out, it was expected that these experts would provide close protection. If that were the case, why should they follow along?
Luzi certainly understood these precedents! Yet he still believed that personally escorting Huang Xie to the capital of Chu was the safest option. At this moment, how important was Huang Xie? Just look at the current situation! If anything were to happen to Huang Xie on the way, it would lead to changes in those who could influence the selection of the Chu Army. Ultimately, it would be the Qin State that would suffer; it was crucial to distinguish between what was light and what was heavy!
Sun Thirteen's thoughts were somewhat justified and aligned with those of Li Xin. The retainers of Chunshen Jun differed in form from those of the other three young masters; their salaries were funded by the treasury of Chu. One could argue that these retainers were akin to public servants receiving state salaries, yet they were only accountable to Huang Xie. In contrast, the retainers of Meng Changjun, Xingling Jun, and Plain King were supported by those three young masters themselves, at least on the surface.
In comparison, when it came to real power among the four young masters, it was clear that Chunshen Jun held a dominant position. Not only did he support the largest number of retainers, but he also wielded significant military and political authority in Chu. While on the surface it appeared that the king of Chu was King Kao-Lie of Chu Xiong Wan, in reality, the true king of Chu should be considered to be him—Huang Xie. This is precisely why upon hastily arriving in Chu, the first person that Luzi wanted to meet was not the king residing in the capital but rather Huang Xie.
This stood in stark contrast to when Luzi went to handle matters in Qi State. In his view, both the Queen Dowager and the Prime Minister of Qi Housheng were allies; following protocol would not lead to misunderstandings. Meeting with King Jian of Qi first adhered to etiquette.
The situation in Chu was different from that in Qi State, which was also a fact. Even though there had been secret arrangements involving the current king of Chu escaping from the Qin State back to Chu for his ascension, after all, Xiong Wan remained unaware of this.
For the current king of Chu, it was actually Huang Xie, who was always ready to sacrifice himself for righteousness, that had orchestrated his successful escape from the Qin State!
Even if one were to think from another perspective, it was natural for someone like Huang Xie, who held a fief and served as the Chancellor of Chu, not to disclose the true facts to anyone. Moreover, he would seek ways to claim all credit for himself. If not so, how could he ensure that the king of Chu felt grateful towards anyone!?
As for those who truly exerted effort for this cause, you only need to believe that over time they will be completely forgotten by history.
Huang Xie recognized Luzi as a friend because this young man never felt the need to prove anything to anyone. Even when misunderstood or slandered by the world, Luzi simply smiled it off. As he put it, history has always been the history of the victors.
Do victors record history objectively? The answer is certainly no! Victors consider how to record history in a way that benefits themselves, and then they review and approve the records of historians. If the accounts contradict official theories, the authorities will use various means to alter them to fit their desired narrative.
Since this has become the so-called official truth, why should we still argue about who is right or wrong? Such disputes become insignificant, and as for how to face this reality? The exploration of outcomes is not meant for future generations to evaluate and debate. It is sufficient to live in the light and ask oneself if one has acted without shame before heaven and earth.
Luzi had also heard of the Twenty-Four Swordsmen under Chunshen Jun, but he had also heard tales of these officials living in luxury and extravagance while receiving state salaries. Years ago, Plain King Zhao Sheng visited Chunshen Jun.
Accompanying Plain King was not Zhao State's Elite Cavalry but rather Zhao Sheng's retainers. Already esteemed as Chancellor of Chu, Chunshen Jun aimed to showcase his power by negotiating with Plain King using an official reception plan. The luxurious accommodations were designed to meet the standards for hosting feudal lords, leaving Zhao Sheng from afar deeply moved.
At that time, Zhao Sheng appeared more genuine than Huang Xie because he did not realize this was a deliberate display of comparison. Not only did Huang Xie provide a high-standard reception for Zhao Sheng, but he also intentionally had his retainers adorned in gold and silver to interact with Zhao Sheng's retainers during their visit.
The outcome was predictable; the gem-encrusted swords of Chunshen Jun's retainers contrasted sharply with the extremely modest appearance of Plain King's retainers. This led to Zhao Sheng's retainers feeling embarrassed and reluctant to compare themselves with such ostentatious individuals.
This incident soon became widely known among the common people, who criticized Chunshen Jun for being so unprincipled. Those who received state salaries had secure positions, yet even the superficial retainers were similarly extravagant. For those nameless retainers, not being favored by their master could mean losing their livelihood at any moment.
Whether these two groups are comparable was clear as day to the common folk!
As Chunshen Jun hurriedly exited his residence and saw Luzi still there, he approached him to inquire if there was anything else. Luzi then informed Huang Xie that he wished to accompany him to the capital of Chu to inspect the finances of their branch office.
Upon hearing this, Huang Xie's heart warmed. Luzi's words were merely an excuse; his true intention was to ensure his own safety on the journey to the capital. However, this understanding could only be felt but not expressed, so Huang Xie decided to go along with it!
Huang Xie did not dare take things lightly; even knowing they were in Chu, he arranged for guards from the Prime Minister's Residence to accompany them while also ordering the Twenty-Four Swordsmen to gather at the entrance of the Prime Minister's Residence.
Since we are all on the same journey, a brief introduction is necessary. If something happens on the road, it wouldn't be fun if we ended up fighting among ourselves.
Huang Xie called over Retainer Chief Huang Yong to introduce him to Luzi, stating that the subsequent safety would be entrusted to General Huang.
For Huang Yong, Luzi was merely a merchant. What was so special about Prosperity Record? After all, it was just a business that couldn't survive without befriending the powerful figures of various Feudal States. Thus, he clasped his fists and said to Luzi, "The safety of Lu Daren will be taken care of by me! This is in my Chu State! Anyone who dares to harm Lu Daren is disregarding my Chancellor!"
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