After the grand feast at the Lu Residence concluded, life seemed to return to its usual rhythm, but unlike before, the Lu Residence became much livelier.
Lu Zhi gathered his disciples, including Lu Yu, Ma Chao, Sun Ce, Zhou Yu, Yuan Yao, Yuan Xi, Yuan Tan, Cao Ang, and even Pang De, who was far away in the military camp, to the Lu Residence.
At the Lu Residence, Lu Zhi not only meticulously explained a wealth of knowledge, such as classics, history, and various philosophical works, and imparted strategies for troop deployment, but more importantly, he spared no effort in instilling in them the lofty ideals of loyalty to the monarch and love for the country.
With his profound knowledge and deep insights, he guided these young talents, making them understand how important and sacred it was to be loyal to the monarch and devoted to the nation.
Deep down, Lu Zhi highly recognized the talents of these disciples; they were so young, yet possessed limitless potential.
However, each person's disposition varied, and signs of turmoil were subtly emerging in the world.
With their extraordinary talents, these individuals were bound to make a significant impact in the future.
Lu Zhi wholeheartedly wanted to guide these individuals onto the path of loyalty to the monarch and service to the country.
He deeply understood that if these individuals did not possess the idea of loyalty to the monarch and love for the country, even if he nurtured them, they might even bring disaster to the world.
He was worried and determined to spare no effort in cultivating this important concept in their hearts, hoping that they would become the pillars of the nation and contribute to the country's stability and prosperity.
Although Cao Ang, Yuan Tan, Yuan Xi, and Yuan Yao might not be as astonishingly brilliant as Ma Chao, Sun Ce, and Zhou Yu in terms of talent, they each also demonstrated unique and outstanding aspects.
Their excellence was undeniable; each person had their own strengths and potential.
Deep in Lu Zhi's heart, he was full of resistance and aversion towards aristocratic families and eunuch factions.
Aristocratic families often exerted complex influences on society by virtue of their deep backgrounds and power, while eunuch factions could bring instability and unrest.
However, Lu Zhi understood that his views on these forces should not affect his evaluation of individuals.
Although he harbored reservations about aristocratic families and certain factions, he did not treat Cao Ang, Yuan Tan, Yuan Xi, and Yuan Yao differently because of it.
On the contrary, he taught them tirelessly with a fair and selfless heart.
He deeply understood the importance of education and hoped to guide them to establish correct values and outlooks on life through his teachings, making them understand the true meaning of loyalty to the monarch and love for the country.
During the teaching process, Lu Zhi gave his all, imparting his knowledge and wisdom to them without reservation.
He paid attention to each person's growth and progress, encouraging them to leverage their strengths and overcome their weaknesses.
He hoped that these young people would be able to make positive contributions to the country and society in the future, relying on their talents and character, rather than being constrained by identity and background and going down the wrong path.
Apart from being a bit reserved at first, the talents displayed by Cao Ang and the others gradually gained the recognition of Ma Chao, Sun Ce, and the others.
They were all spirited young people who got along very harmoniously and happily.
Through common study and exchange, they all forged deep friendships with each other.
They admired each other and learned from each other, and each person saw the shining points in the other.
This friendship was not just a bond between classmates, but also a friendship of shared aspirations.
In this process, they spent many joyful times together and also experienced many challenges and tests, making their relationship closer and their friendship deeper, as if an indelible bond had been formed overnight.
Since his last spar with Dian Wei, Sun Ce finally profoundly understood the truth that there is always someone better.
At the same time, he also witnessed Ma Chao's extraordinary martial arts, so he asked Ma Chao for guidance.
Ma Chao did not hesitate at all, not only meticulously guiding his techniques but even imparting his family's spear techniques and other skills without reservation.
Sun Ce was extremely moved by this, and their friendship quickly warmed up.
Among his many disciples, besides Ma Chao, Lu Zhi indeed particularly valued Sun Ce and Zhou Yu.
Sun Ce, this brave young man, always displayed fearless courage on the battlefield.
His fighting style was unconventional, like an unbridled wild horse, full of drive and decisiveness, which made Lu Zhi see his potential and passion.
And Zhou Yu, on the other hand, had a different demeanor.
He was calm and reserved, possessing deep wisdom and keen insight.
In a battle, he could always grasp the overall situation, demonstrating extraordinary strategy and ingenious military ideas.
His calmness and rationality made Lu Zhi place high hopes on him.
At the end of each day's studies, Lu Zhi would give them additional ideological guidance.
Lu Zhi sat there, his face kind yet solemn, patiently and systematically explaining the ways of being an official, governing, and being a general to Sun Ce, Zhou Yu, and Ma Chao.
His voice was steady and powerful, every word filled with his expectations and efforts.
"The way of an official lies in being upright and incorruptible, with the people in mind; the way of governing requires insight into worldly affairs and planning for the long term; the way of a general demands bravery and decisiveness, yet without lacking in wisdom."
Lu Zhi elaborated in detail, "One must be able to govern on horseback and bring peace to the people off horseback; always remember that national interests are above all else, and at all times and in all places, the nation and family must be put first."
His gaze was fixed on the three, hoping that these ideas would take deep root in their hearts.
He constantly instilled these concepts in them, hoping that they would become pillars of the nation and be able to contribute their strength to the prosperity and stability of the country in the days to come.
Sun Ce, Zhou Yu, and Ma Chao listened attentively, their eyes gleaming with determination, secretly vowing to engrave Lu Zhi's teachings in their hearts and strive to become the outstanding individuals he wished them to be.
During that period of study, Ma Chao would always send messages of his well-being home through merchant caravans.
And Ma Teng would also use merchant caravans to bring Ma Chao the latest news from home.
The comings and goings of the merchant caravans became the link between Ma Chao and Ma Teng.
Every time Ma Chao received news from home, he would feel at ease and warm; and when Ma Teng learned that Ma Chao was well, he could also relax.
On the last day of the year, New Year's Eve, a merchant caravan from Western Liang, after much hardship, finally arrived in Luoyang as night fell.
The caravan brought Ma Teng's deep expectations for Ma Chao, sincere gifts of gratitude for Lu Zhi, gifts for Ma Chao, and heartfelt instructions.
This day was a time for family reunion, and Lu Zhi, uncharacteristically, gave all his disciples a holiday.
However, among the many disciples, only Ma Chao was at the Lu Residence; the other disciples were able to reunite with their families.
Ma Chao stood in the courtyard, looking at everything the caravan had brought, his heart filled with longing for his father and yearning for home.
He knew that although he could not celebrate the festival with his family, his father's care and expectations had always accompanied him.
At this moment, Luoyang city was brightly lit, full of the atmosphere of the New Year, but in Ma Chao's heart, there was an added sense of loneliness and determination.
Lu Wan keenly noticed the change in Ma Chao's emotions; she walked forward, gently gazed at Ma Chao, and offered him silent comfort and care.
Ma Chao felt Lu Wan's concern, and a deep sense of emotion welled up in his heart, his eyes involuntarily moistening slightly.
Amidst the joyous gathering, laughter and cheers rose and fell, making this New Year's Eve particularly lively and full of warmth.
Although Ma Chao still felt a hint of melancholy from missing his family, at this moment, he was surrounded by everyone's warmth, and that trace of loneliness gradually dissipated.
Just in this lively and harmonious atmosphere, everyone was immersed in joy, thinking that this year would end perfectly.
However, suddenly, a rapid hoofbeat broke the tranquility.
A Palace Attendant from the palace arrived, escorted by the Feathered Forest Guards.
He brought surprising news—Emperor Ling of Han Liu Hong wanted to summon Lu Zhi.
This sudden news shocked everyone present, and the previously joyful atmosphere instantly became tense.
Everyone speculated about the reason, and various doubts and anxieties arose in their hearts.
And Ma Chao and the other disciples were about to face an unknown test of fate…
