Chapter Thirty-Three: Reactions from All Sides

  Liu Bei also heard the news. He said to Zhuge Liang: "Your brother is a master of collecting wealth, he has donated a large amount of grain and supplies to us before, it is said that he has developed very well in Eastern Wu and paid a lot of taxes to Eastern Wu. Mi Zhu is a capable person in collecting wealth, compared to your brother, he seems to be much worse. Our financial situation is not good, if there is an opportunity, ask him to help us too."

  Zhuge Liang heard him say this and didn't know how to respond either. He just didn't pick up on that conversation thread.

  Liu Bei continued: "Look at this matter, how should it be handled? Many merchants have applied to go to Eastern Wu to participate in this auction, whether or not to let them go?"

  "He replied, 'We should let them go. Enhancing business circulation is an important means of revitalizing the economy. Not only do we need to communicate with Eastern Wu, but also encourage them to have good commercial exchanges with other controlled areas, including Cao Cao's place. This is also an important means for us to gather intelligence. Since Eastern Wu has issued an invitation, we can be generous and send officials to organize businessmen to go.'"

  He paused, took a sip of tea, and continued with his fan: "At present, our two families must unite. Cao Cao was defeated, but his strength still exists. Only by strengthening the alliance and consolidating the union can we reject Cao Cao and survive. And to strengthen ties, not only in military and political terms, but also in business and culture."

  Liu Bei nodded and said, "Since it's a business activity, let's get down to business. You write a letter and see if your brother can help us get a project going to improve our financial situation. I heard that his inventions of soap, tea leaves, furniture, and glass have all made a lot of money."

  "There was a question that had been bottled up in his heart for a long time, he was worried about causing Zhuge Liang to misunderstand, and hadn't asked him until now. He said: 'Military Advisor, your brother is so capable, why were you willing to live such a simple life before?'"

  Zhuge Liang couldn't figure out what was going on with his younger brother. In the past, when they were at home, he didn't seem to have any special talents. But as soon as he left home, he became incredibly capable. He even managed to get Huang Yueying, who never praised anyone, to sing his praises nonstop. His older brother Zhuge Jin also greatly admired third brother. Especially this time, if it weren't for his help, whether or not he could return to Jingzhou was a question. He said he had met a Taoist priest who taught him some skills, but it was clear that he was just making excuses.

  "He said to Liu Bei with a puzzled expression: 'My lord, I want to say that I don't know what's going on, do you believe me? But I really don't know where he learned his skills. This time when I escaped from Jiangdong, it was him who helped me.' After finishing speaking, he told Liu Bei about how Zhuge Jun had rescued him."

  Liu Bei was extremely surprised, this Zhuge Jun is also too formidable, unexpectedly able to anticipate that Zhuge Liang would be in danger and lend a helping hand at the critical moment. He cherished talent like his life, and tentatively asked: "Is it possible to invite him to come and assist?"

  He shook his head and said: "His foundation is now in Jiangdong, and he will soon become the son-in-law of Jiangdong. It's impossible."

  Sun Shangxiang's name Liu Bei had also heard, didn't expect Zhuge Jun to become the son-in-law of Jiangdong so quickly. Thinking about it, this Zhuge Jun is not possible to come and help himself. Thinking of this, he comforted Zhuge Liang by saying: "It doesn't matter, I have one military advisor, that's enough."

  Xuchang Chancellor's Mansion.

  Cao Cao lay on the sofa, his daughter Cao Jing gently massaging his head. He closed his eyes in enjoyment.

  Cao Jing is sixteen years old this year, with a beautiful face and a gentle disposition. She is the daughter of Cao Cao and his wife Lady Liu. She has a warm and clever personality, with a bit of spirit, and is good at understanding others' intentions. Her small mouth is as sweet as honey, and she is especially good at coaxing people, which makes her very dear to Cao Cao. When he is free, he often comes here to chat and laugh with her, relieving his stress.

  At this time, the servant came to report that Xun Yu had arrived. Cao Jing said to Cao Cao: "Father, you have something to deal with, so I'll withdraw first." Cao Cao waved his hand to indicate it was all right. Cao Jing continued to massage him.

  After the formalities, Cao Jing personally brought a chair for Xun Yu. Xun Yu hastily expressed his gratitude.

  Cao Jing smiled and said, "It's only right. Xun Shu is someone I admire for his wisdom, so it's my honor to do something for you." After finishing speaking, she returned to Cao Cao's side.

  Cao Cao half-opened his eyes and asked him: "Xun Yu, what's going on?"

  He said, "Prime Minister, it's not a big deal. Some merchants have asked the government to attend a glass auction in Eastern Wu. Many merchants received invitations, and the county officials didn't dare make a decision, so they asked me to ask for your instructions." He then handed over an exquisite glass plate, saying, "This is what glassware looks like."

  Cao Cao's narrowed eyes widened, and he saw that the plate was crystal clear, carved with three plum blossoms, shining brightly under the lamp light, highlighting its nobility.

  Cao Jing was also attracted by it, holding the plate with her jade hands and admiring it from left to right, saying: "This glass is really beautiful." She couldn't bear to put it down.

  Xun Yu said, "This plate was bought by a merchant from a merchant in Eastern Wu for ten taels of gold. According to the merchants who have seen the exhibit, this is just an ordinary utensil. There are many more exquisite handicrafts with bright colors and beautiful shapes that are much more valuable than this one. I came to you because I thought of a question from this matter."

  He glanced at Cao Cao's reaction, and Cao Cao nodded for him to continue. He went on: "My plan is to let the merchants participate, on the one hand to increase taxes, on the other hand, we can send our spies in. However, this time the target is not military or political, but commercial."

  Cao Cao became interested in what he said and asked: "What is worth our attention in business?"

  Xun Yu pointed to the glass plate and said, "A single plate like this is worth 10 taels of gold. If we can master this technology, it will be a huge fortune. How much help would that bring to our country?"

  Cao Cao's eyes lit up, and he nodded in agreement. "What you said is right," he said. "We can't let such technology fall into Sun Quan's hands." He asked with some curiosity, "Who invented this thing?"

  Xun Yu said, "I've made inquiries and it's clear that it was Zhuge Liang's brother Zhuge Jun who invented it. Even soap and the popular furniture of today were also his inventions."

  Since Zhuge Liang came out of the mountain, Cao Cao has been suffering in front of him. As soon as he mentions him, he hates to itch his teeth. He said with hatred: "Zhuge Village Husband, repeatedly ruined my good things, sooner or later I will destroy him." After a while, he sincerely said: "These three brothers Zhuge are more powerful than one another, and they are really talented people. Unfortunately, they cannot be used by me."

  Xun Yu took out a bamboo slip and read: "Zhuge Jun, 18 years old, eight feet tall, with a handsome appearance. Currently in Eastern Wu, Wu County, engaged in business, and has a close relationship with Sun Quan's sister, Sun Shangxiang. It is said that he will marry Sun Shangxiang soon. He currently resides at the Yao Yue Mountain Villa near Wu County.

  This person not only has a business mind, but also excels in swordsmanship. Despite being injured, he captured and killed the assassin who stabbed Sun Shangxiang. His writing is elegant and refined. He once wrote several poems that made me feel ashamed. Chancellor, listen to this one.

  Xun Yu passionately recited the plagiarized "Water Tune Song Head" by Su Dongpo, "But let us wish for a long life, to share the beauty of the moon together, thousands of miles apart."

  Cao Cao, a master of poetry, was stunned and thought to himself: "Can humans really achieve this? At such a young age, Zhuge Liang has already made such great accomplishments in poetry. Truly impressive."

  Cao Jing's blood was boiling with excitement, her heart racing like a deer: "There is actually such an extraordinary man in the world!" The spring-like girl was full of curiosity about him.