The Three Kingdoms: I, Yuan Tan, intercepted Guo Jia's...

Chapter 99 The Lu Family of Lujiang

Lu Jun's face turned pale instantly, and his hand holding the cup trembled slightly, almost spilling the tea.

He opened his mouth, his eyes flickering, and for a moment he didn't know how to respond.

Zhou Yu's messenger had just secretly left, but Yuan Tan saw through his movements at a glance!

Yuan Xiansi has such a sharp eye!

The atmosphere in the hall froze instantly.

All the elders of the Lu family held their breath and lowered their heads.

Yuan Tan had only intended to bluff casually, but seeing the Lu family's reaction, he instantly realized something was amiss.

Is the Lu family planning to betray us?

So who was it that came to the Lu family just now?

Was Lü Bu a follower of Sun Ce?

Just as sweat beaded on Lu Jun's forehead, a slightly childish voice rang out from below the hall:

"Lord Yuan, you are wise. There was indeed a persuader who came to visit just now."

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw a boy of about twelve or thirteen years old stepping out from the crowd.

He stood tall and straight, with delicate features and bright, dark eyes, meeting Yuan Tan's gaze without fear.

"Boyan! Stop talking nonsense!"

Lu Jun shouted to stop him, his face turning pale.

The young man seemed oblivious to the clan leader's reprimand, calmly bowed to Yuan Tan, and said loudly:

"The visitor is none other than Zhou Yu, the persuader from Jiangdong, who wishes to persuade my Lu family to become their inside agent and jointly plot against... the Huainan region under your command, my lord."

These words shocked everyone in the room!

Lu Jun almost fainted. This conspiracy had been exposed to his face, and the Lu family was in deep trouble!

Yuan Tan's personal guards held their swords, waiting for their lord's order to uproot the entire Lu residence.

How dare Zhou Yu come to Huainan?

If I catch you, I'll castrate you too.

A hint of surprise flashed in Yuan Tan's eyes. The Lu family members were all timid and hesitant, but this young man dared to stand up. Could it be him?

He raised his hand to stop the guards behind him, and looked at the young man in front of him with great interest:

"Oh? Young master, you are quite frank. In that case, why not tell me?"

The boy's expression turned solemn, and he said in a clear voice:

"Sun Bofu is the blood feud of my Lu family! During the siege of Wancheng years ago, my uncle (Lu Kang) died of grief and indignation, and more than half of our clan perished. This feud is irreconcilable! To cooperate with our enemy is tantamount to seeking a tiger's skin. Even if we gain temporary benefits, it will ultimately backfire! Although my Lu family is not illustrious, we know loyalty, righteousness, integrity, and a sense of shame. How could we serve our enemy?"

His words were powerful and resounding, not only stating his position but also making public the blood feud between the Lu family and Sun Ce, instantly seizing the moral high ground.

Yuan Tan was deeply shocked. This young man, so young, possessed such insight, courage, and decisiveness! He no longer looked at the ashen-faced Lu Jun, but stared intently at Lu Xun:

"Excellent! What a fine 'How could I possibly harbor resentment!' Young Master Lu may be young, but his insight is extraordinary, and his loyalty and righteousness are commendable! May I ask your name, young master?"

"This young man is Lu Xun, courtesy name Boyan."

"Lu Boyan... I'll remember that."

Yuan Tan nodded with a smile.

Then, he turned his head and whispered something to Zhao Yun behind him.

Zhao Yun clasped his hands in a fist salute and said in a deep voice, "This subordinate obeys!"

He turned and strode out with his sword in hand to search for the Jiangdong spies who had gone far away.

With Zhao Yun out of the way, Yuan Tan's smile softened as he turned to the still-shaken Lu Jun:

"Lord Lu, there is no need to panic. Young Master Boyan's words demonstrate the Lu family's loyalty and righteousness. Yuan Tan is not a narrow-minded person; not only will he not blame you, but he will also reward you handsomely!"

He stood up, walked to the center of the hall, and spoke in a clear, resonant voice:

"Lord Lu, Lujiang has just been pacified, and it is in dire need of a respected elder to oversee the situation. I suggest recommending Lord Lu to be the Prefectural Magistrate of Hefei, to take charge of Hefei's military and political affairs, and to pacify the refugees. What do you think?"

Hmph, you should be grateful!

Otherwise, the day I start a war with Jiangdong will be the day I use you as a sacrifice for my flag.

Lu Jun could hardly believe his ears; the journey from hell to heaven had happened in the blink of an eye!

Hefei is an important town in Huainan, and the position of Prefectural Assistant is extremely important!

He was so excited that his beard trembled slightly, and he was about to get up and bow in gratitude.

Yuan Tan raised his hand in a gesture of support and continued:

"Furthermore, our newly established state-run textile factory in Qingzhou produces 'Qingzhou Jianbu,' which is sold throughout the country and generates substantial profits. Tan is willing to offer one-tenth of his shares to the Lu family. Lord Lu can send capable members of his clan to participate in the management and share in the profits. What does Lord Lu think?"

One-tenth of the shares are pure profit! The exorbitant profits of the Qingzhou Textile Bureau are known throughout the land!

Yuan Tan's words clearly demonstrated his sincerity.

If it were merely a perfunctory matter, a prefect of Hefei would suffice.

But by revealing the benefits behind it, it's clear that the intention is to support the Lu family.

Lu Jun was so moved that tears streamed down his face, and he knelt down with a thud:

"Your Excellency's kindness is boundless! Lu Jun... On behalf of the entire Lu clan, I kowtow in gratitude to Your Excellency! The Lu family is willing to serve Your Excellency to the death!"

"Please rise, Lord Lu."

Yuan Tan personally helped Lu Jun up, but his gaze returned to Lu Xun, his admiration growing stronger.

He pondered for a moment:

"Lord Lu, Tan has a request that I would like to make, and I hope you will grant it."

"Please speak freely, my lord!"

"I find Boyan to be exceptionally intelligent and composed, and he is very much to my liking."

Yuan Tan looked at Lu Xun with a sincere tone.

"Tan wishes to adopt Boyan as his godson and treat him as his own son. When he completes his studies, he will surely become a pillar of the nation! I wonder if Lord Lu is willing to do so?"

He adopted Lu Xun as his godson!

The hall fell silent once more!

In ancient times, adopted sons had the right of inheritance.

This means that Yuan Tan is grooming Lu Xun as one of his successors, and the future of the Lu family will be completely tied to the Yuan Tan Group!

Lu Jun was shaken to his core. He looked at his young great-grandson and then at Yuan Tan, whose eyes were burning with anticipation. This was an unprecedented opportunity for the Lu family!

He knelt down again, his voice choked with emotion:

"My lord... My lord's favor is a great honor for Boyan, and a source of pride for the entire Lu family! How could Jun... possibly refuse? Boyan, quickly, quickly pay your respects to your godfather!"

Urged by the clan chief, Lu Xun took a deep breath, stepped forward, straightened his clothes, and performed the grand ceremony of three kneelings and nine kowtows before Yuan Tan, his voice clear and melodious:

"My godfather, please accept my bow!"

"Good! Good child, get up quickly!"

Yuan Tan laughed loudly, personally helped Lu Xun up, and patted him on the shoulder.

"To have this extraordinary child is better than having a hundred thousand soldiers!"

He felt incredibly happy.

This trip not only averted a potential crisis, but also successfully brought the Lu family onto its side.

Especially after obtaining Lu Xun, this precious gem!

Although young, his potential is limitless! With the support of the Lu family, Hefei can be secure, and the hearts of the Huainan gentry can be calmed.

After that, Huainan will be much more stable. In the future, we will support other powerful clans and form a bond of interests with them. Then no one will be able to take Huainan.

As for the Qiao family… a chill flashed in Yuan Tan’s eyes.

If the Qiao family knows what's good for them, I wouldn't mind taking the two Qiao sisters as concubines. But if they remain stubborn, then they shouldn't blame me for not sparing them any time.

"Lord Lu, Boyan, I will host a banquet at the government office in three days, and we will discuss this further then," Yuan Tan said with a smile. He then stood up. "I still need to go to the Qiao residence, so I will take my leave now."

Yuan Tan's carriage drove away, and the gates of the Lu residence slowly closed.

Lu Jun was still immersed in immense joy, holding Lu Xun's hand:

"Boyan, the revival of the Lu family depends entirely on you!"

Lu Xun gazed in the direction Yuan Tan had left, but his young face showed little excitement.

He said softly:

"Grandfather, my adoptive father is no ordinary man. Sun Ce is an enemy, Yuan Tan is a benefactor, and even more so, an opportunity. The Lu family should be mindful of its duties and serve him wholeheartedly, otherwise, the consequences will be dire."