"Zizhong, don't think I'm just humoring you. This is truly Zichuan's evaluation. If you don't believe me, you can ask Zichuan when he returns," Lu Su laughed heartily, quickly noticing Mi Zhu's awkwardness.
"Well said, well said," Mi Zhu responded, feeling quite pleased. If his younger brother could receive such high praise from Chen Xi, perhaps there were things he didn't know about him.
Chen Xi hadnât been speaking randomly. Mi Fang, despite being neither particularly skilled in literature nor martial arts, had shown remarkable loyalty. He had followed Liu Bei during his most difficult times, and even when Cao Cao appreciated him and offered him the position of Governor of Pengcheng, Mi Fang had remained steadfast, continuing to follow Liu Bei, who was then in a dire situation. From this perspective, Mi Fang demonstrated that he was more loyal and dedicated than many others.
Moreover, for over a decade, as Liu Bei wandered from place to place without a stable home, Mi Fang never abandoned him. From this angle, describing Mi Fang as resilient and steadfast isn't an exaggeration.
However, the incident in Jingzhou significantly tarnished Mi Fang's reputation. Historical records suggest that Mi Fang and Guan Yu had a strained relationship, but looking at how Guan Yu treated Mi Fang, it becomes clear that this wasnât entirely due to a lack of communication between them.
Given Guan Yuâs sense of loyalty, he treated the old comrades who had stuck with Liu Bei from the beginning with brotherly affection. Historical records indicate that Mi Fangâs offense at the time was failing to prepare military supplies. In most other situations, this would have been a capital offense. "The army marches on its stomach" is no joke, yet historical accounts suggest that Guan Yu merely reprimanded Mi Fang and sent him back to continue gathering supplies.
It's important to remember that Mi Fang was both the Quartermaster General and the Governor of Nanjun. For those familiar with the map, they know that Nanjun was a key rear position. Itâs likely that Guan Yu placed Mi Fang there to protect him, as no one could have predicted that Jiangxia Commandery would fall so suddenly, leaving Nanjun surrounded.
Itâs also worth noting that being Quartermaster General was a lucrative position, especially when one had powerful backing. Guan Yu entrusted this position to Mi Fang, and even after a major mistake, he only scolded him lightlyâa far cry from Guan Yuâs usual harshness. From this, itâs clear that Guan Yu valued old ties. The problem was that Guan Yuâs stern demeanor and serious face intimidated Mi Fang, who already feared Guan Yu and rarely communicated with him. Naturally, when Guan Yu rebuked him, Mi Fang was terrified. Later, when Fan Zeng defected and Mi Fang found himself besieged and outmatched, he ultimately surrendered.
In summary, this was a tragedy of misunderstandings, compounded by a series of unfortunate events.
Because of this complex situation, Chen Xi believed that Mi Fang could be reformedâperhaps by assigning him a new leader. For instance, Gan Ning would be a good match. Despite his tendency to engage in risky and unconventional activities, Gan Ning wasnât intimidating or overbearing. He often acted foolishly and would likely get along well with someone like Mi Fang, a wealthy second-generation heir. After all, Gan Ning didnât look down on anyone, and even earned the respect of nobility despite his humble originsâa rare feat.
"So Zichuan already has a plan for him?" Mi Zhu felt much more relieved.
"Zichuanâs idea is for Zifang to report to Gan Ning. After all, Gan Ning needs to do business with the natives, and Zifang, though not skilled in business according to you, has absorbed enough knowledge over the years to handle trade with the locals easily. Heâs also literate and knows some martial arts, which makes him a good fit for the navy," Lu Su said with a smile. As Chen Xi had suggested, Mi Fang wouldn't be needed in naval battles.
"Gan Ning," Mi Zhu pondered. The robust figure of Gan Ning came to mindâa formidable general who commanded the navy, was easy-going, and got along well with others. Indeed, as Lu Su said, this seemed like a good arrangement. "That sounds good. Iâll inform my brother and have him report to Gan Ningâs navy. Heâs been causing trouble at home, and it would be good for him to start his career and settle down."
"But what about your household?" Lu Su asked. Unlike other noble families, the Mi family had only risen in the past three generations. Mi Zhuâs father had been just a regular merchant, but under Mi Zhuâs leadership, the family had quickly become one of the top five wealthiest families. Mi Zhu had three siblingsâhimself, Mi Fang, and their sister Mi Zhen. If Mi Fang joined the navy, that would leave only Mi Zhen at home.
"Iâll send Zhenâer to Madame Cai. She can learn music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, needlework, and tea ceremony with Caiâs daughters. I hear the Zhen familyâs two girls are also learning from Madame Cai, so it would be good for Zhenâer to have some company," Mi Zhu said, clearly having already thought through how to handle his sisterâs education.
"Oh, then Iâll leave that to you," Lu Su replied, avoiding further involvement. Arranging for someone to join Cai Wenjiâs circle wasnât something just anyone could do.
"This wonât trouble you, Zijing. My sister is already close friends with Miss Cai, and with Zifang and me gone, sheâll definitely want to stay with the Cai family," Mi Zhu replied, well aware of his sisterâs personality. Outwardly, she was the perfect lady, but behind closed doors, she was a completely different person. Having lost their parents at a young age, Mi Zhen had been doted on by her older brother. It was a miracle she hadnât turned out spoiled.
"You should also keep an eye on Yang Hu. He has a reputation," Lu Su cautioned, referring to Yang Hu, who had previously eloped with Cai Wenji.
"No way!" Mi Zhu's eyes blazed with protective fury. It was clear he adored his sister, though it was equally clear that his earlier parenting methods had been less than ideal.
"Do as you see fit. I seem to recall Zichuan mentioning starting a girlsâ class, with Cai Wenji helping to teach. Though itâs still in the planning stages, as you know, other girls can go to Manxiang Tower to learn music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but our daughters and sisters certainly cannot. So Zichuan suggested this alternative," Lu Su said, glancing at the ceiling.
"No problem, itâs just a little money," Mi Zhu replied, unfazed by the cost. As long as his sister could be educated to the same standard as Cai Wenji, mastering poetry, etiquette, music, and the arts, he was more than willing to invest. Despite her age, Mi Zhen still behaved like a child, and Mi Zhu often worried about how she would ever get married.
When he had tried to position Mi Zhen as a lady-in-waiting during the New Year, it wasnât just for appearancesâhe had been looking for a suitable match. But when he saw Liu Bei treating her like a niece, he realized she still needed a few more years. Most girls her age were already of marriageable age, but Mi Zhen still had a ways to go, leaving Mi Zhu with no small amount of concern.
"Well, that depends on your sister then," Lu Su said, quickly handing off Chen Xiâs troublesome task to Mi Zhu. He had little interest in getting more involved with Cai Wenji. "By the way, Iâve noticed that Madame Chen has been spending a lot of time with Cai Wenji lately. Any idea why?"