Lu Yu recognized Xun Yu at a glance because of his "fragrance."
Xun Yu wore a sachet at his waist.
Although in the Han Dynasty's upper society, men also had the habit of burning incense to fumigate their clothes, carrying a sachet constantly, emitting a scent similar to "Six Gods Flower Water" from several meters away, only two people did.
One was the future Xun Ling, who had a lasting fragrance—Xun Yu.
The other was his eunuch father-in-law, Tang Heng, who had once ranked among the 'Five Marquees.' Historical records stated that this fellow's "Six Gods Flower Water" scent was even stronger than Xun Yu's!
As for the person before him, he was handsome, exuded a seductive fragrance, was male, and had a follower older than him!
Looking through the history of the Later Han Dynasty, only Xun Yu fit all these conditions.
Before his transmigration, whenever Lu Yu read about the peculiar fragrance on Tang Heng and Xun Yu, he inexplicably suspected that Xun Yu married the daughter of the eunuch Tang Heng because they shared some similar special preferences, perhaps even some unspeakable secret dealings!
Otherwise, as a scion of a prominent family, a pure scholar among scholars, he wouldn't have married a eunuch's daughter, damaging his reputation.
While Lu Yu was lost in his thoughts…
"Ahem…"
Xun Yu coughed lightly and continued his inquiry. "Young Master Lu Yu, if you have something to say, please speak directly. Xun and my nephew are mere nobodies, how did Young Master Lu Yu recognize us?"
"Mr. Xun is too modest!" Lu Yu returned a bow with his hands clasped, appearing very humble. "The former Prime Minister's Chief Clerk, the renowned scholar He Yong, once said—Mr. Xun possesses the talent of a king's advisor…"
"The renowned scholar He Yong never praises people lightly. The last person he praised was Lord Cao, saying Cao was capable of bringing peace to the realm. Being ranked alongside Lord Cao as a 'king's advisor,' how can Mr. Xun be considered a nobody?"
"As for how I recognized Mr. Xun, it was because of the sachet. As the saying goes, 'Clouds fly, phoenix terraces sing; wind stirs, Lord Ling's fragrance drifts,' and 'Past the bridge south, Xun Ling passes, ten miles bearing scent.' Though I didn't know Mr. Xun, I had long admired this subtle fragrance, thus I dared to be certain!"
His delivery was well-timed and logical. Lu Yu's tone was gentle, yet every word was exceptionally clear, even giving a refreshing impression.
Fragrance, subtle fragrance?
*Hiss…*
Lu Yu's words startled Xun Yu, and also Xun You, Cao Ren, and Xiahou Yuan.
Such meticulous analysis, such rigorous deduction, recognizing someone solely by their scent. Indeed, a most intelligent and astute young man.
Initially, Xun Yu and Xun You would never have believed that this young man, at such a tender age, could have read a thousand scrolls and understood military strategy. But now… their doubts were inexplicably fading.
For a moment, a bold thought arose, perhaps… he could truly achieve it…
Surprised, Xun Yu's face broke into a smile. "Young Master Lu paints too vivid a picture of me, especially the title 'Xun Ling.' I am truly unworthy!"
Xun Yu had entered officialdom early by recommending filial piety and integrity, serving as "Shou Gong Ling." When Dong Zhuo took power, he resigned and returned home, so being called 'Xun Ling' was not entirely unreasonable.
But who could have imagined that the "Xun Ling" in Lu Yu's mouth was not the "Xun Ling" Xun Yu understood? "Shou Gong Ling" was a world apart in rank from "Shang Shu Ling."
"I hear Young Master Lu has read a thousand scrolls and is skilled in military strategy. Coincidentally, my nephew is also quite proficient in military strategy. May I ask for Young Master Lu's guidance?"
Xun Yu stroked his beard. He quickly realized the purpose of their visit and spoke gracefully.
However, he harbored some doubts. Why was Lord Wei Hong silent after seeing this young man?
Wasn't he the one who had the most questions before they came? Now, he was the one who was silent…
"I dare not accept the title of seeking guidance. Gentlemen Xun, please propose your questions… Lu Yu will say whatever he knows, and will not hide anything."
Lu Yu replied loudly. He always gave an impression of being unruffled, as if no matter how unpredictable the outside world was, his eyes remained as calm as lake water, undisturbed. This maturity and composure far exceeded his age.
"Very well…" Xun You stepped forward and followed Lu Yu's lead. "I hear Young Master Lu has unique insights into 'The Art of War.' I, too, have studied this book extensively, but I have not grasped many of its passages. I am fortunate to seek your guidance today."
Because of Lu Yu's previous performance, Xun You had deliberately lowered his posture…
After all, he was strategically minded and usually full of confidence. The word "guidance" was not used lightly!
As these words were spoken, everyone sat up straight… They knew that the test of Lu Yu's talent was officially beginning.
"Mr. Xun, please!" Lu Yu was well-mannered, speaking as he bowed in greeting.
Who wouldn't like such an understanding, intelligent, and astute young man?
"Ahem… Young Master Lu, my question is somewhat difficult. If you know the answer, tell me. It's fine if you don't know!" With a cough, Xun You asked his first question loudly: "What is the Dao?"
…
*Phew, what is the Dao?*
A deep breath!
Cao Ren and Xiahou Yuan were both bewildered by this question. Was this even a question?
Shouldn't 'Dao' be 'The Dao that can be spoken of is not the eternal Dao' from the 'Tao Te Ching'? Or the Taoist founder Lao Tzu's thought of 'wu wei' (non-action)? What does this have to do with 'The Art of War'?
As if fearing Lu Yu might not understand the question, Xun You added, "Sun Wu considered Dao, Heaven, Earth, the Commander, and the Discipline as the five dimensions for winning battles. 'Dao' ranks first. So… Young Master Lu Yu, do you know what Dao is?"
*Hiss…* This question had a hidden meaning!
Lu Yu's eyes flickered. If interpreted purely within the context of 'The Art of War,' Dao referred to "the people and the ruler share the same purpose, the soldiers are not afraid to fight and bravely face the enemy, and will never retreat!"
However, it was clear that Xun You was asking for a deeper understanding…
This was a move to unleash his ultimate weapon from the moment of his appearance!
Fortunately, Lu Yu, the "Brain King," had read many books and attended many lectures. How could the analyses of 'The Art of War' by many scholars and strategists before his transmigration not have mentioned this point?
With this thought, Lu Yu spoke. "On the most superficial level, in 'The Art of War,' 'Dao' more often implies humaneness. That is, by acting righteously, one gains the support of Heaven, the Son of Heaven, and the common people. A righteous army is bound to win!"
"But these are so-called external 'Dao.' Compared to these external 'Dao,' internal 'Dao' is more important, and can better determine success or failure!"
As these words left his mouth, Cao Ren, Xiahou Yuan, and the attendant generals pondered.
Xun Yu's eyes also flickered, and he perked up his ears, listening attentively.
The most striking was Xun You, a spark flashing in his eyes. External 'Dao,' internal 'Dao'—this was precisely what he had recently realized but had not yet fully grasped!
Instantly, his gaze fixed on Lu Yu, and for a moment, he intensely desired Lu Yu's subsequent explanation of 'Dao.'
In fact, in Lu Yu's opinion, explaining the character 'Dao' was not difficult.
The so-called internal 'Dao' in the army, in plain terms, was the corporate culture and core values of a company before his transmigration!
Like Penguin or Alibaba…
Whether it was 996 or 007, there always needed to be a slogan, a deeply ingrained value… to unite the internal team, to face complex and arduous tasks without delay, to strive to overcome difficulties, and to complete tasks on time!
At the very least, not to be like a certain company that reacted sluggishly to incidents, or even became a target of public criticism due to indifference…