Chapter 14: Some Histories Are Hard to Change

Wang Yan was overjoyed. With this position, his motley crew could now be officially attached to the central Han army.

Lu Zhi then issued orders. "Xuande, the rebels are surrounded. I assign you 1,000 troops. Lead your men to Yǐngchuān to gather intelligence and coordinate with Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun for an encirclement."

After the orders, he dismissed the crowd, keeping Wang Yan alone.

Liu Bei accepted the command and left with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. As he exited the tent, he glanced back at Wang Yan with a complicated expression.

"Once, I was merely a nominal disciple of the Master, never truly gaining his favor. Now, even after leading troops, I'm only just recognized. Yet this Wang Yan arrives and easily earns the Master's praise. Who exactly is he?"

Once the others had left, Lu Zhi, seeing Wang Yan's respect and knowing his noble lineage, felt a surge of affection for the talented youth.

"Ziwen, as a scholar, what classics have you studied?"

Wang Yan was delighted. This was an opportunity to learn from Lu Zhi! However, he quickly grew worried, remembering that Lu Zhi's current strategy of surrounding without attacking would soon lead to his downfall due to slander from the eunuch Zuo Feng.

Wang Yan bowed deeply. "General, there is an urgent matter I must report!"

"This strategy of surrounding to lure reinforcements is sound for quelling the rebellion but extremely difficult for you. Malicious individuals may use it to their advantage and slander you!"

Exuding a righteous aura, Lu Zhi replied, "Justice lies in the hearts of men."

Wang Yan was anxious. "General, you must be wary of the eunuch sent by His Majesty!"

Lu Zhi, seeing Wang Yan's concern, asked, "You mean Zuo Feng? He asked for a bribe yesterday."

Wang Yan was alarmed. "Zuo Feng has already been here?"

He asked urgently, "How did you handle it?"

With a hint of anger, Lu Zhi replied, "With the army lacking provisions, how could I spare any money to appease him? I sent him away."

Wang Yan felt a sinking feeling. He was too late! Lu Zhi was about to face a significant turning point in his life. Harboring resentment, Zuo Feng would slander Lu Zhi to Emperor Ling, accusing him of building fortifications and being sluggish in battle, undermining morale. Soon, Lu Zhi would be recalled and replaced by Dong Zhuo, who would ruin the strategic advantage Lu Zhi had painstakingly built.

Faced with such a critical moment, Wang Yan felt an overwhelming sense of urgency.

"General, though we've just met, I must speak my mind. Please forgive my boldness!"

Lu Zhi, slightly surprised but seeing Wang Yan's seriousness, said, "Ziwen, speak freely!"

Wang Yan, exuding a sharp intensity, bowed and said, "General, you are in grave danger. I beg you to allow me to eliminate the eunuch Zuo Feng secretly!"

Lu Zhi was shocked, re-evaluating Wang Yan.

"Coming from a noble family, he knows the risks of speaking so candidly. His willingness to speak this way shows his sincerity."

"Brilliant and decisive, how does he compare to Xuande?"

Lu Zhi walked to the tent entrance, looking at the gloomy sky, and sighed, "Ziwen, I appreciate your concern."

"I am well aware of the dangers. Whether or not I bribed Zuo Feng, he would still slander me."

Wang Yan was puzzled, "General, do you have a personal grudge with him?"

"No, it's all due to the power struggle between General He Jin and the Ten Eunuchs."

"His Majesty holds me in high regard, and I command substantial forces. After quelling the rebellion, I would rise to prominence, making me a target for both factions. Zuo Feng's bribery attempt was a test by Zhang Rang to determine where my loyalties lie."

Wang Yan was struck by the political intrigue reaching even this far.

"So, Lu Zhi understands everything but refuses to take sides."

One faction was led by He Jin and supported by the imperial family, while the other was the powerful eunuchs under Emperor Ling. Neither side aligned with Lu Zhi's principles.

"They see only my high rank and power, but my only desire is to bring peace, quell the rebellion, write history, and study the classics."

Lu Zhi's words filled Wang Yan with deep respect.

Driven by his principles, Lu Zhi could have easily dominated the political arena, overshadowing Dong Zhuo, Yuan Shao, and Cao Cao.

However, his integrity made him the "only perfect man of the Three Kingdoms."

Accepting that some parts of history were immutable, Wang Yan realized he needed to prepare for the downfall of Zhang Jiao on his own. He would bide his time for now, knowing that Dong Zhuo's mismanagement would soon create another opportunity.

What should he do next? Recruit soldiers, train them, stockpile provisions, and develop his forces. Meanwhile, he also sought out prominent talents in Jizhou, starting with Zhao Yun. Additionally, he would pave his way into the Luoyang court.

With resolve, Wang Yan respectfully said to Lu Zhi, "General, your character and knowledge have always inspired me. If you don't mind, I wish to become your disciple, to learn military strategy, the classics, and the art of governance."

Lu Zhi's eyes shone with approval. He helped Wang Yan up and said, "Ziwen, with your noble background and intelligence, having you as my student is indeed fortunate. But becoming a disciple is a serious commitment. Have you truly considered this?"

Wang Yan's eyes reflected his determination.

Lu Zhi smiled, "In that case, I accept you as my disciple. I hope you will study diligently and live up to the expectations."

Wang Yan was overjoyed and bowed deeply once more.

In the Han Dynasty, lineage and background were crucial. Being born to a noble family significantly determined one's fate. However, becoming a disciple of a renowned scholar was a shortcut to success. Many yearned to study under Lu Zhi but were not given the opportunity.

Having Lu Zhi as a mentor provided knowledge and elevated one's status, enhancing reputation and prospects. With Lu Zhi's mentorship, Wang Yan's future in the Luoyang court seemed promising.

"Teacher, I have a request."

"Speak."

"I wish to continue persuading the misguided commoners and training soldiers to assist you better."

Lu Zhi, surprised by Wang Yan's desire to act independently, pondered for a moment and nodded.

"A disciple who dares to chart his path and not rely solely on his teacher's influence shows great ambition and courage. In this, he surpasses Xuande."