Chapter 100

Zhuge Jin did not expect that Yuan Fang would actually want to recruit him, not only him, but also his younger brother Zhuge Liang, who was only eleven or twelve years old.

Surprised and puzzled, Zhuge Jin stood there in a daze.

Yuan Fang, however, spurred his horse and returned to the main camp.

Upon returning to the camp, Yuan Fang immediately issued orders to spread the rumor, based on Zhuge Jin's suggestion, that the Cao and Chen families were dissatisfied with Tao Qian and would abandon him to support Yuan Fang as their new lord.

The next morning, the soldiers began to pack up, preparing to break camp.

At this time, Zhuge Jin, still full of doubt, finally came to the main tent with his young brother Zhuge Liang to report to Yuan Fang.

He did not dare not to come.

Yuan Fang had already conquered most of Langya, and Zhuge's hometown, Yangdu, was now under Yuan Fang's control. Zhuge Jin, fearing Yuan Fang's military might, dared not defy his summons.

However, upon meeting, Zhuge Jin humbly said, "I am deeply honored by your regard, General, but I am truly unworthy and fear I may be of no use to you."

Yuan Fang knew that as a newcomer, Zhuge Jin was still suspicious and unwilling to serve him easily.

He smiled faintly and said, "You have already given me a brilliant strategy. How can you still say you are unworthy? Zhuge Jin, I am now appointing you as the magistrate of Yangdu. If you do well, I will certainly promote you."

Zhuge Jin, though talented, was still young and inexperienced. Yuan Fang first appointed him as a magistrate to test his abilities and provide him with training.

Zhuge Jin was taken aback, not expecting that Yuan Fang would not only recruit him but also immediately appoint him as a magistrate.

After all, the Zhuge family had already declined, and even his late father had only reached the position of vice-governor. For him, at the age of twenty, to be appointed as a magistrate was already quite an achievement.

Zhuge Jin was both surprised and delighted, unsure of what to do.

Seeing his hesitation, Yuan Fang said, "Zhuge Ziyu, I know your family has declined, and as the eldest son, you have a great opportunity to revive your family. I can assure you that in this vast world, no one will give you such an important role within ten years except me. The opportunity is here, and it's up to you to seize it."

Yuan Fang, well-versed in history, knew that historically, Zhuge Jin was only heavily favored after Sun Quan took control of Jiangdong, which was nearly a decade away.

Zhuge Jin's body trembled, his eyes flashing with complex emotions, clearly touched by Yuan Fang's words.

After a long silence, Zhuge Jin's expression became resolute, and he bowed, saying, "Thank you for your trust, my lord. Though I am unworthy, I am willing to serve you."

With these words, he accepted Yuan Fang's recruitment.

Recruiting another talent, Yuan Fang felt greatly relieved, patted his shoulder, and laughed, "Ziyu, it seems you are a man who understands the times and knows how to choose a wise lord. Very good. Work hard as a magistrate, and if you do well, there will be opportunities for promotion."

Zhuge Jin was greatly encouraged, repeatedly thanking him, but then thought of something and hurriedly said, "My younger brother Zhuge Liang is only eleven years old. My lord, isn't it a bit... to recruit him?"

He meant to say that his younger brother was too young, and it seemed unreasonable for Yuan Fang to recruit him.

"Your brother is a promising talent. Staying at home is a waste. I want him to stay by my side and be well-trained," Yuan Fang said seriously.

Zhuge Liang was indeed talented. Although history had been altered by Yuan Fang, Zhuge Liang might not become the Prime Minister of Shu, but his potential was still there.

Moreover, Zhuge Liang was still young. If Yuan Fang took him under his wing and trained him, he could certainly become a loyal and capable aide.

Zhuge Jin, however, was highly suspicious and could not understand why Yuan Fang placed such importance on his younger brother.

Yuan Fang, knowing his concern for his brother, did not force the issue and said, "Why don't we call your brother in and let him make his own choice?"

With that, Yuan Fang called for Zhuge Liang, who was waiting outside, to be brought in.

The young Zhuge Liang entered calmly and bowed in greeting.

Yuan Fang then told Zhuge Liang that he had recruited his brother as a magistrate and intended to recruit him as well, to stay by his side.

Zhuge Liang's youthful face showed surprise, clearly not expecting that the legendary Yuan Fang, who had defeated Gongsun Zan and Tao Qian, would value him so highly.

Yuan Fang then said seriously, "Zhuge Liang, you have great potential. Would you like to learn both military and civil strategies from me?"

Zhuge Liang stood still, his large, dark eyes darting back and forth, looking at his brother and then at Yuan Fang.

His young heart was filled with conflicting emotions, weighing the pros and cons.

Should he continue to study quietly at home, or follow Yuan Fang to broaden his horizons and fight in battles? The path ahead was in his hands.

After much contemplation, Zhuge Liang's face showed determination, and he bowed, saying, "I am willing to serve my lord, ready to follow you wherever you go."

As expected.

At such a young age, he had the courage to leave home, truly showing the potential of a great talent.

Yuan Fang praised him, "You have courage, I like that. Rest assured, you will learn more by following me than by studying at home."

Zhuge Liang was also excited, his eyes shining with enthusiasm.

"Ziyu, your brother has made his choice. What do you think?" Yuan Fang turned to Zhuge Jin.

Zhuge Jin, with a troubled expression, sighed and smiled bitterly, "If that's the case, let him be. It is also an honor for Alang to serve my lord."

Yuan Fang laughed heartily, feeling very pleased, and immediately wrote an appointment letter, ordering Zhuge Jin to take up his position as magistrate of Yangdu that day.

The Zhuge family had been in decline for a long time. Now, at a young age, Zhuge Jin could become the magistrate of his hometown, which would help restore the family's prestige.

Zhuge Liang, on the other hand, stayed by Yuan Fang's side, temporarily serving as his young attendant.

Yuan Fang then asked Zhuge Liang what he usually studied.

Zhuge Liang replied, "I usually follow my brother's arrangements and read books every day."

"Do you only read books and not practice martial arts?" Yuan Fang asked.

"I do not practice martial arts," Zhuge Liang shook his head. "My late father and my brother both said that our family has always been a scholarly one, and practicing martial arts is not suitable for a scholar."

Hearing this, Yuan Fang suddenly understood why, in history, Zhuge Liang, who was about the same age as Sima Yi, died young while Sima Yi lived to a ripe old age.

Zhuge Liang was always worried and had a poor mindset, which was certainly a major reason, but another important reason was likely his physical condition.

Sima Yi, on the other hand, was both a strategist and a warrior, capable of leading troops into battle, clearly showing his well-rounded abilities and good health.

In contrast, Zhuge Liang spent all his time buried in books and even needed to be carried on a wheelchair during battles, clearly indicating a lack of physical exercise and poor health. It was no wonder he was worn out by Sima Yi.

Thinking of this, Yuan Fang said seriously, "In today's chaotic world, being both a scholar and a warrior is the way to go. Looking at your thin frame, you need to practice martial arts to build your strength. How about this, I will be your teacher and teach you martial arts from now on."

Zhuge Liang was stunned for a moment, his young mind turning over Yuan Fang's words, which seemed to make sense.

After some thought, Zhuge Liang bowed to Yuan Fang and said, "I am willing to be your disciple. Please teach me martial arts."

Yuan Fang was satisfied and nodded, "You are a promising student. Very good. I have a set of Tiger Step Fist, an excellent martial art for building a foundation. I will teach it to you gradually."

Zhu Ling had taught Yuan Fang the Tiger Step Fist, which he no longer needed. Now, he could pass it on to Zhuge Liang.

Zhuge Liang was overjoyed, repeatedly thanking Yuan Fang and showing great interest in martial arts, eager to start.

However, Yuan Fang said coldly, "Don't get too excited. Practicing martial arts is not as easy as reading books. To achieve something, you will have to endure hardships beyond your imagination."

"I can endure hardships!" Zhuge Liang said confidently, patting his chest.

"Good," Yuan Fang slapped the table and ordered, "Then start by holding a horse stance for half an hour. If you can't complete it, you won't have lunch today."

"Ah?" Zhuge Liang was immediately taken aback.