Xi Zhizai bowed again and said, "I dare not compare myself to the sages of the past; I only seek to contribute my efforts to my lord's grand cause."
At this moment, Xi Zhizai's "First Aid" skill had been activated, increasing his intelligence by 3 points, further advancing his abilities beyond their peak, making him a super strategist with an intelligence score exceeding 100.
At the same time, Xi Zhizai's loyalty to Yuan Shu was locked at 100 points, allowing Yuan Shu to use him with complete confidence.
Yuan Shu sought advice from Xi Zhizai, saying, "Sir, what do you think of the current state of the world?"
Xi Zhizai shook his fan and replied with a smile, "Just as my lord has said, the emperor is muddle-headed, the court is in chaos, and the world is on the brink of turmoil.
However, the Han Dynasty has accumulated strength over hundreds of years. Even though uprisings are breaking out across the land, they are still not enough to completely shake the foundation of Han rule.
In my humble opinion, the court can maintain this chaotic rule for about another ten years.
During this period of turmoil, the conflict between the court and the people will reach an irreconcilable point, and at that time, a great upheaval will erupt. That will be the moment for my lord to rise."
Yuan Shu saw no need to pretend in front of Xi Zhizai and humbly asked, "Then what should I do now? I ask for your guidance, sir."
Xi Zhizai smiled faintly without speaking, waving his fan over the chessboard before them and arranging the pieces to form a few words.
Yuan Shu looked at the chessboard and read aloud, "Seize the opportunity..."
Xi Zhizai nodded and said, "My lord, since we still have a few years before the world descends into chaos, we should use this time to build up our strength and establish an unshakable foundation. First, ensure we are invincible, then await the enemy's weakness."
Yuan Shu pursued further, "Then what exactly should I do?"
Xi Zhizai moved a black chess piece on the board with his finger and, shaking his fan, said with a smile, "As the legitimate heir of the Yuan family, my lord's identity has both advantages and disadvantages.
The advantage is that you can enjoy resources unavailable to ordinary people and rapidly accumulate strength.
The disadvantage is that your every move will attract attention; the court and the powerful families will all be watching the Yuan family's heir closely.
In fact, my lord's strategy of pretending to be a prodigal son is quite brilliant; you should continue with it.
Meanwhile, secretly accumulate wealth and provisions, train elite troops, and recruit capable ministers and generals in preparation for future upheavals."
As he spoke, Xi Zhizai poured a handful of white chess pieces onto the board. With a gentle wave of his fan, the pieces formed the shape of the Han Dynasty's map.
The black pieces on the board coincided with the various commanderies of the Han Dynasty.
Yuan Shu watched Xi Zhizai's casual manipulation of the board, as if he held the fate of the empire in his hands.
Xi Zhizai pointed at one of the black pieces on the map with his fan.
Yuan Shu looked at it and said, "This seems to be my Yuan family's ancestral land, Runan."
Xi Zhizai smiled and said, "My lord has a keen eye; indeed, it is this place.
Before the chaos arrives, my lord should cultivate and develop this land as your foundation.
Runan is the Yuan family's homeland, with loyal followers spread throughout, making it very favorable for my lord to take control.
Furthermore, from this place, you can move south to seize Yangzhou, advance west to take Jingzhou, and march north to contend for the Central Plains. This is the foundation of kingship and hegemony, my lord should strive for it.
When the world falls into chaos and warlords rise, my lord should act in accordance with the times, seize the opportunity, take Jing and Yang provinces, dominate half of the realm, and then march north to claim the throne of the empire."
Xi Zhizai's strategic plan was somewhat similar to Zhuge Liang's "Longzhong Plan" for Liu Bei.
In fact, every top strategist has their own strategic layout; whether or not to follow it is up to the ruler.
Xi Zhizai's plan, given before the chaos had fully erupted and the situation had clarified, was indeed invaluable.
Yuan Shu stood up and bowed to Xi Zhizai, saying, "Sir, your words have enlightened me greatly."
Xi Zhizai nodded silently to himself, thinking, "Act arrogantly when necessary, and show humility when appropriate."
Who would have thought that the courteous man before him was the infamous spendthrift of Luoyang, Yuan Gonglu?
Such acting skills truly befit the title of "Greedy Wolf of Chaos."
He put away his folding fan and bowed to Yuan Shu, saying:
"Receiving the lord's trust is my duty; I dare not take credit and become arrogant."
Yuan Shu held Xi Zhicai's hand and said to him:
"I should have taken you back to my residence, but unfortunately, the Yuan residence is crowded and filled with prying eyes. I have no choice but to ask you to stay here temporarily."
Xi Zhicai smiled and said:
"My lord, do not worry too much. This place is elegant, and I find it quite to my liking.
I will remain here at your disposal, ready to serve at any time. When you leave Luoyang, it will not be too late for me to accompany you then."
These words moved Yuan Shu. A subordinate with such loyalty and devotion—where could he find another like him?
Yuan Shu called out to the door: "Yuan An!"
Hearing his master's call, Yuan An quickly entered the room and asked:
"I am here. What are your orders, young master?"
Yuan Shu said:
"From today onwards, you will be responsible for all of Mr. Xi's food, clothing, and daily needs, all charged to my estate.
Make sure everything is of the highest quality, understood?"
Yuan An sighed internally, thinking, "I knew it! Young master really has taken a liking to this scholar Xi.
Looks like he's even starting to provide for him."
However, whatever hobbies his master had were none of his concern. His only duty was to serve his master well.
Thus, Yuan An nodded repeatedly and said:
"Rest assured, young master, I will take care of everything."
Yuan Shu continued with his instructions:
"Later, go and purchase a batch of fine furniture and have it delivered to Mr. Xi's residence.
Also, buy a few beautiful maidservants and send them over as well.
Don't worry about the money; if it runs out, get more from Madam Wang."
Yuan An quickly responded, "Understood, young master. I will handle it right away."
After replying, Yuan An turned and left Xi Zhicai's house to carry out Yuan Shu's orders.
As he walked away, he couldn't help but mutter to himself, "This scholar Xi is really favored. Our young master has never been this attentive to any beautiful women before."
Xi Zhicai, standing aside, accepted Yuan Shu's kindness with a smile, considering it only natural.
Accepting rewards from the lord was one way to strengthen their bond while also improving his own quality of life—why not?
After Yuan An left, Yuan Shu turned to Xi Zhicai and said:
"Sir, now that evening is approaching, the Luoyang commercial district is at its busiest. Why don't we go for a stroll and find a tavern or theater to enjoy some drinks?"
Xi Zhicai smiled and replied, "I will follow my lord's arrangements."
Both were young men, and going out to drink and have fun could help them bond more quickly.
Besides, Yuan Shu still had his "spendthrift" mission to fulfill.
Luoyang's commercial district was located in the bustling city center, surrounded by numerous taverns and markets, with a thriving business scene—arguably the most prosperous street in the Han Empire.
When Yuan Shu and Xi Zhicai arrived by carriage, the lanterns had just been lit. The hazy lights combined with the beautiful scenery lifted their spirits.