Chapter 723: Visiting the wise men at Jixia, Kong Ming and Gong Jin

This time, the Sun family did not bring the Twelve Tiger Ministers of Eastern Wu and the Four Governors of Eastern Wu with them. Except for the four family generals Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, Han Dang and Zu Mao, no one else was brought with them.

Without these members, the Sun family alone, to be honest, would be too weak to even be cannon fodder facing the incredible lineup under Wu Qi.

Although Sun Jian and Sun Ce were indeed not weak in terms of martial arts, they were still no match for the war god-level battles in Wuzhou today.

Su Ye sat in his magnificently decorated study. The sunlight outside the window shone through the intricately carved window lattices and onto the carpet covered with precious cashmere, adding a touch of gentle warmth to this solemn space.

The walls of the study are covered with famous paintings and calligraphy, and the bookshelves are piled with all kinds of classics, covering everything from military strategies to poetry and songs.

On the desk, a priceless Duan inkstone lay quietly, next to it were several fine wolf-hair brushes.

"Zhongkang, prepare the carriages and horses. I am going to the Jixia Academy to visit the wise today."

Su Ye's voice sounded, and he gently put down the book in his hand that recorded the information about this balancing figure.

"As you command, Your Highness!"

Xu Chu, who had been waiting outside the door, straightened up immediately upon hearing this.

"Your Highness, do you need to bring more guards with you on this trip? After all..."

He turned around and was about to leave, but seemed to think of something. After hesitating for a moment, he still opened his mouth to ask.

"No need for that. Jixia Academy is the cultural holy land of Hengzhou and even Daqian today. I am going there to seek talents, not to fight on the battlefield."

"Just bring a guard of honor as a sign of respect."

Su Ye waved his hand gently, interrupting Xu Chu's words.

Although Hengzhou has just been initially settled, the underworld forces and some resistance forces within it have been plowed over and over again by Luowang and Shenwu Hall under Su Ye.

If even the most basic travel safety cannot be guaranteed, then Luowang and Shenwutang can replace a group of people.

Not long after, the front of Su Ye’s Zhenguo Mansion in Hengzhou became lively.

A ceremonial guard composed of carefully selected horses slowly assembled. Each horse had shiny coat and a strong body. The saddles and bridles were inlaid with gold and silver, shining brightly in the sun.

At the front of the team, a flag embroidered with the emblem of the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion was flying high, fluttering in the wind, announcing the identity and honor of its owner.

The accompanying musicians, holding various instruments, were ready to play melodious music along the way, adding a touch of solemnity and festivity to the trip.

Su Ye changed into a formal court dress, which was a long robe decorated with gold-woven dragon patterns. He wore a jade belt around his waist that symbolized his status, and a crown inlaid with gems on his head. He looked both majestic and elegant.

He walked out of the mansion slowly, glanced at the ceremonial procession in front of him, and nodded with satisfaction.

Then he raised his hand slightly, signaling the team to set off. All of a sudden, drums and music sounded, and the sound of horses' hooves could be heard, and the whole team slowly moved towards the Jixia Academy.

The Jixia Academy, which Su Ye built specifically for Guan Zhong, is located in the beautiful mountains and rivers of Hengzhou. It is far away from the hustle and bustle of the world, but it gathers the world's talents.

The buildings of the academy are built against the mountains and beside the water. There are quaint and elegant academies, magnificent lecture halls, and libraries with rich collections of books. Each one reveals a strong academic atmosphere.

Ever since Guan Zhong was invited by Su Ye to establish the academy here, it has been promoted tirelessly by many forces such as the Luowang organization and the Tianyun Chamber of Commerce under Shen Wansan.

Today, the Jixia Academy can barely be considered a holy place in the hearts of countless scholars in the Daqian Dynasty.

The academy has famous teachers like Guan Zhong from hundreds of schools of thought, and is close to the forces under the command of the Duke of Zhenguo. If one can make a name for himself in the academy, he can join the Duke of Zhenguo's army.

Therefore, nowadays many students from the Daqian Dynasty and even from the neighboring dynasties such as Dayong and Daxuan are eager to study here, and then join the Duke of Zhenguo to realize their ambitions.

When Su Ye's procession slowly arrived at the Jixia Academy, the entire academy was in an uproar.

The students came out of their own residences, curiously looking at the demeanor of the Duke of Zhenguo. The school stewards had already come to greet them and led them all the way to the main hall of the school.

In the main hall, Guan Zhong sat in the center. Although he was old, he was in good spirits, and his eyes revealed the vicissitudes of life.

On both sides are Zhuge Liang and Zhou Yu, one on the left and one on the right, each with his own style.

Zhuge Liang was gentle and elegant, his brows revealing the calmness of a wise man, while Zhou Yu was heroic and dashing, his eyes flashing with a stubbornness that showed he was unwilling to be outdone.

"Haha, the Duke of Zhenguo has come to visit us, and the academy is so honored!"

Guan Zhong stood up to greet him and joked to Su Ye in a gentle voice.

"Mr. Guan, you are too kind. Jin Yu came here because he admired your reputation. He wanted to invite the two of you to come out and discuss the great plan together."

Su Ye returned the greeting with a smile, his eyes lingering on Zhuge Liang and Zhou Yu for a moment, secretly applauding them in his heart.

"Your Excellency the Duke is the pillar of Daqian. It is our honor to be able to serve you."

"But, I don't know what plans the Duke has for the future."

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Liang smiled slightly, with a hint of deep meaning flashing in his eyes.

"Although Daqian is strong, there are still many unstable factors within the four seas."

"I want to use your talents to stabilize the government, develop the economy, strengthen the army and enrich the country, so as to achieve great things."

Su Ye sat down slowly, his eyes deep, as if he could see into the future.

"Your Excellency, the Duke, has great ambitions. Although I am not talented, I am willing to serve you and lend a helping hand."

"It's just that Yu and Kong Ming have always been competitive, so I hope you can give us a fair competition."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yu raised his eyebrows slightly, and a hint of fighting spirit flashed in his eyes.

"This is a good thing. Competition leads to progress."

"I promise that as long as you can show your strengths and put your knowledge to good use under my command, I will not bury anyone's talent."

Su Ye laughed, and the atmosphere suddenly became much more relaxed.

Guan Zhong watched this scene from the side, his eyes full of relief.

Although the two young men around him now have very different personalities, they are both ambitious and talented.

With a wise leader like Su Ye inviting them, their future will surely be limitless.

"This time, in addition to visiting Lord Guan, I also have something to ask you."

"My army encountered a strong enemy in Wuzhou, namely Zhu Jiuyin and Sun Bin. I wonder if Lord Guan has ever heard of these two people?"

After some greetings, Su Ye's expression gradually became serious and he spoke slowly.

"Zhu Jiuyin... Although I have never seen this person in person, his name is well-known among all the families."

"It is said that before he came out of seclusion, he defeated many elders from various schools of thought. He is extremely intelligent and skilled in martial arts. He is an extremely difficult character to deal with."

"As for Sun Bin, I do know a little bit about him. He is the best among the four forces of this generation of military strategists, and his knowledge is extraordinary."

Upon hearing this, Guan Zhong frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then spoke slowly.

(End of this chapter)