After Lu Zhi accepted Ma Chao as his disciple, he enthusiastically led him into the inner quarters. Ma Chao, feeling both nervous and excited, followed his Master's footsteps.
Upon entering the inner quarters, Lu Zhi smiled and said to Ma Chao, "Disciple, come, meet your Mistress." Ma Chao respectfully bowed to his Mistress, who smiled and nodded in return, her eyes full of affection.
Then, Lu Zhi pointed to a pair of young people beside him and introduced them, "This is my son, Lu Yu, and this is my daughter, Lu Wan. From now on, you must look out for each other."
Lu Yu, slightly reserved, cupped his hands and said, "Ma Chao brother, please guide me more in the future!" Ma Chao quickly replied, "Senior Brother is too kind, I will need Senior Brother's guidance in the future."
Lu Wan, on the other hand, gave a playful smile and said, "Chao Ge, you must play with me more when you have time, okay?" Ma Chao also smiled and agreed, "Certainly, certainly, Lu Wan sister."
Lu Wan pouted, her bright, watery eyes blinking, her small hands on her hips, a look of unwillingness on her face. She was clearly older than Lu Yu, yet Ma Chao insisted on calling Lu Yu Senior Brother and herself younger sister. This made Lu Wan very unhappy; she felt she should not be treated as a junior sister.
Looking at Ma Chao, Lu Wan said indignantly, "Hmph, why? I don't want to be a junior sister!" Her cute and charming appearance made one Can't help it laugh.
Her voice was sweet, with a hint of complaint, which made Ma Chao smile. Lu Wan put her hands on her hips and stomped her foot, expressing her dissatisfaction. Her innocent appearance was truly endearing.
Lu Wan blinked her big eyes, looking eagerly at Ma Chao, as if expecting him to change the address. Her charming and cute appearance was like a sulking kitten, making it impossible to refuse her request. Ma Chao looked at Lu Wan's adorable expression and couldn't help but laugh, saying, "Haha, Wan sister, don't be unhappy. But why don't you want to be a junior sister?"
Lu Wan pouted, her small hands clutching the hem of her skirt, and stomped her foot, saying, "I am older than Lu Yu! You should call me Senior Sister!"
Ma Chao scratched his head, revealing a helpless smile, and said, "But although Lu Yu is younger, he has studied with Master since childhood, so calling him Senior Brother is perfectly appropriate. You are indeed a charming and cute little sister, how could I call you Senior Sister?"
Lu Wan was relentless, putting her hands on her hips and saying, "That won't do! You have to change it and call me Senior Sister!"
Seeing this, Ma Chao had no choice but to compromise, "Alright, alright, Senior Sister, is that better now?"
Upon hearing this, Lu Wan's face immediately broke into a happy smile, and she said sweetly, "That's more like it. You're not allowed to get it wrong again in the future!"
Ma Chao smiled and nodded, saying, "Got it, my Senior Sister."
The whole scene was filled with laughter and a relaxed, pleasant atmosphere. Ma Chao felt as if he had integrated into this warm family, his heart filled with joy and anticipation.
With the master-disciple relationship established, Ma Chao, in his joy, earnestly said to Lu Zhi, "Master, I have a good friend, Pang De, whose martial arts are superb and who also possesses strategies. He is truly a rare talent. I humbly request Master to test him. If he can receive Master's guidance, he will surely achieve great accomplishments."
Lu Zhi listened, nodded slightly, and thought that since Ma Chao highly recommended him, he must indeed be extraordinary. So he replied, "Very well, since you highly recommend him, I agree to test Pang De."
Ma Chao was overjoyed when he heard this, and quickly bowed in thanks, "Thank you, Master! Pang De will surely not disappoint Master's expectations."
He quickly went to the inn to bring Pang De before Lu Zhi to undergo the test. Lu Zhi set questions to test Pang De's abilities in martial arts, military strategy, and other aspects.
Pang De gave his all, demonstrating his strength and talent. Lu Zhi secretly nodded, quite satisfied with Pang De's performance.
After the examination, Lu Zhi's face showed joy, and he said to Pang De, "Pang De, your strength is outstanding, and you are a rare talent for a fierce general. Today, I wish to accept you as a registered disciple. Are you willing to follow me and learn military strategy?"
Pang De was overjoyed upon hearing this. He immediately knelt and kowtowed, respectfully saying, "Disciple Pang De, greets Master! Thank you for Master's kindness. Disciple is willing to devote all his efforts to follow Master and learn military strategy!"
Lu Zhi looked at Ma Chao and Pang De, and slowly said, "Ma Chao, Pang De, you must not misunderstand the meaning of a registered disciple. My disciples, your Senior Brother Gongsun Zan, is skilled in martial arts and has achieved great military feats. He guards the frontier for the country and is praised by the world as General Ma. And the registered disciple Liu Bei is also famous throughout the world and highly respected. The reason for being a registered disciple is that Liu Bei enjoys luxury and fine clothes, and is slightly frivolous, which might be criticized by others.
A registered disciple does not mean that I do not value them. Although Gongsun Zan and Liu Bei have different titles, my expectations and teachings for them are no different.
When I accept disciples, I focus on their character, talent, and effort. Whether they are official disciples or registered disciples, as long as they are dedicated to learning, I will diligently teach them and impart all my knowledge.
Gongsun Zan and Liu Bei were both appreciated by me because of their outstanding talents. They achieved fame through their own efforts and opportunities. You should also take them as examples and strive forward.
I believe that as long as you work diligently, you will surely achieve something in the future and live up to my expectations."
(Don't think Lu Zhi is arrogant; he has the capital for it. Lu Zhi studied under Grand Commandant Chen Qiu and the great scholar Ma Rong, becoming a fellow disciple of Zheng Xuan, Guan Ning, and Hua Xin. He successively served as the Prefect of Jiujiang Commandery and Lujiang Commandery, quelling barbarian rebellions. Later, he, along with Ma Rigui, Cai Yong, and others, proofread Confucian classics at the Eastern Pavilion and participated in the continuation of the "Dongguan Hanji." During the Yellow Turban Rebellion, while various Marquis were still seeking military merits and gaining experience, he was one of the pacifiers. He was truly a great figure who could bring peace to the world with his pen and stabilize the nation on horseback.)
Ma Chao was also happy for Pang De and said with a smile, "Pang De, congratulations on becoming Master's disciple. From now on, we must work together and not disappoint Master's expectations."
Lu Zhi smiled and nodded, saying to Pang De, "Pang De, your bravery is certainly commendable, but the art of war places more emphasis on strategy and wisdom. You need to study diligently to become a general with both wisdom and courage."
Pang De respectfully replied, "Master's teachings, disciple will keep in mind. I will study diligently and not disgrace the Master's sect."
Lu Zhi then looked at Ma Chao and said earnestly, "Ma Chao, you and Pang De are both young and promising individuals. From now on, you must support each other and make progress together."
Ma Chao cupped his hands and said, "Disciple understands. I will certainly encourage Pang De and bring glory to Master."
Pang De also said firmly, "Master, rest assured, Ma Chao brother and I will advance hand in hand and not disappoint Master's expectations."
Lu Zhi's face showed joy, and his eyes sparkled with excitement. He gently stroked his beard, looking at Ma Chao and Pang De with a beaming smile.
He secretly rejoiced in his heart, "Today, I am already satisfied to have accepted Ma Chao, who can inherit my mantle. Unexpectedly, I also accepted Pang De, such a loyal and brave disciple. This is truly my good fortune. If these two can uphold loyalty and patriotism, the restoration of the Han Dynasty is hopeful."
Ma Chao and Pang De respectfully knelt and kowtowed, saying in unison, "Disciples greet Master!"
Lu Zhi laughed heartily, quickly helped them up, and said kindly, "Please rise quickly. From now on, the three of us, Master and disciples, shall discuss and improve together."
At this moment, Lu Zhi's heart was filled with joy and anticipation. He seemed to see these two disciples growing up under his guidance and becoming outstanding talents.
After the discipleship ceremony, Lu Zhi enthusiastically chatted with Ma Chao and Pang De. He told them about his life experiences and imparted his wisdom.
Ma Chao and Pang De listened attentively, deeply admiring their Master's profound knowledge and noble character.
On this day, Lu Zhi was exceptionally pleased. He knew that if these two disciples were well taught, they would surely become pillars of the Han Dynasty in the future.
