Wei Ni

The newcomer was about sixteen or seventeen years old, thin and simply dressed. At first glance, he seemed unremarkable; but upon closer inspection, one could tell that he was quite different, possessing a refined air that suggested he was well-read and cultured.

The one who came was Du Yu, Du Yuankai, son of Du Shu, the current governor of Hedong.

The reason he rushed over was that when Xiahou Hui left the thatched cottage, he had a servant from the Xun family call him.

Therefore, after bowing, he remained silent, looking puzzled and adopting a respectful and receptive posture, waiting for Xiahou Hui to speak.

Because he had not yet entered officialdom, and because he had become accustomed to being taciturn under the constant tutelage of his father, Du Shu, he had no reputation among scholars and had never met Xiahou Hui before. He couldn't understand why Xiahou Hui, who disdained sitting with famous scholars, would privately summon him alone.

Even Fu Gu was a little surprised by this.

Although he knew that Xiahou Hui and Du Shu were quite friendly, it was still just a gentleman's friendship, right? They weren't close enough for Du Shu to specifically visit Xiahou Hui's children. For example, after Xiahou Hui returned to Luoyang, Du Shu, who had been serving in the capital, never came to congratulate him on his many promotions, titles, and the birth of his children.

Could it be that Zhiquan intends to improve his relationship with Du Wubo by doing favors for Du Yu?

Xiahou Hui's answer to Fu Gu's conjecture was: No.

Although Du Yu was hailed as a "military arsenal" in later history, being one of only two people simultaneously inscribed in both the Temple of Literature and the Temple of Martial Arts, he was still just a young man at that time. Li Si's saying, "The difference between a wise and foolish person is like that between rats; it depends on where they find themselves," is somewhat absolute, but it is undeniable that the environment has a significant impact on a person's growth.

It's like throwing gold and jade into a latrine and letting them soak for ten or eight years; they won't lose their value, but they'll inevitably stink.
To avoid forcing growth, Xiahou Hui had no intention of recruiting Du Yu to his side and cultivating him slowly; recruiting him was merely a spur-of-the-moment decision.

Just now in the thatched cottage, He Yan, Xiahou Xuan, and others were discussing philosophy, while a group of young scholars listened quietly on the periphery. Du Yu was one of them, and he was even sitting behind the Sima brothers. This suddenly reminded Xiahou Hui that Du Yu was apparently the son-in-law of the Sima family in history, so he felt it was necessary to call him out and intervene a little to prevent him from "going astray" in the future.

"Yes, no need for such formalities."

Xiahou Hui nodded slightly, trying to make her tone more amiable, "Has your master mentioned me?"

Perhaps sensing the casual tone of the conversation, Du Yu's expression softened, no longer as reserved as before, though his words remained respectful: "Reporting to the Protector General, when I was a child, the adults in my family mentioned it."

"That's good. Brother Wubo and I are friends of the highest order, so you don't need to stand on ceremony. From now on, just call me Uncle." Hearing this, Xiahou Hui smiled and asked again, "By the way, it was Brother Wubo who sent you here to help out in his letter, right? Did he mention his recent situation? How is his health?"

"Only. To protect. Uncle."

Du Yu looked slightly embarrassed and explained softly, "When I learned of the funeral arrangements at the Xun residence, it was already the day after Lord Xun's death. So, after writing a letter to Hedong, I came here directly."

Uh, so it was done first and reported later?
But, think about it, it makes sense.

If he were to write a letter to Du Shu in Hedong to ask for instructions, he would probably not be able to come here in time to help, even after taking the time for the message to travel back and forth. This would also give gossip that the Du family no longer remembers the kindness of Xun Lingjun in recommending his ancestor.

She is young but has her own opinions and can manage things at home.

He silently praised Xiahou Hui, stroking his beard and smiling. "Excellent. A family that accumulates good deeds will surely have abundant blessings. Brother Wubo has such a son; this is truly the case. Hmm, did you gain anything from listening to the discussions among the gentlemen in the thatched hut?"

"I dare not accept your words, Uncle."

Du Yu quickly made a humble remark, saying with a smile, "I am but a humble scholar, merely listening to the discussions of renowned scholars to broaden my knowledge; I have no real insights to speak of."

To use things without being used by them, to think without being attached to them.

This kid is truly remarkable!
"good!"

He gave a heartfelt compliment, and Xiahou Hui unconsciously quickened his brush of his beard, explaining why he had summoned him: "I called you here for no urgent matter. Firstly, I have a past connection with your father, but I've never met you before, so I wanted to speak with you. Secondly, seeing you listening in the thatched cottage, I thought I'd presume to remind you that your father and grandfather were both practical and diligent men who took matters into their own hands, not just engaged in idle talk. You should strive to emulate them. However, it seems now that I was worrying unnecessarily and doing something unnecessary."

"No, I wouldn't dare. I wouldn't dare."

Once again speaking humbly, Du Yu bowed sincerely, saying, "Uncle, you have given me invaluable advice, for which I am deeply grateful and will remember it well."

"Alright, I have other matters to attend to, so I won't bother you any longer. You may go now."

"only."

After the brief incident, Xiahou Hui and Fu Gu rode their horses eastward towards Luoyang.

Although visiting Chen Tai was not on his and Fu Gu's itinerary for this trip, since they had already made their plans, they naturally had to go.

Along the way, Fu Gu chatted and laughed, picking out some interesting anecdotes from the Ministry of Personnel.

When Shouyang Mountain came into view, he put away his smile and changed the subject, asking, "Does Zhiquan value Du Yuankai so much because he is a friend's son? Or do you think this boy will amount to something great in the future?"

Uh?
Why are you suddenly asking this?
Xiahou Hui was taken aback.

Before he could answer, Fu Gu added, “When I have free time, I often visit Chongwen Temple and the Imperial Academy, and I have met Du Yuankai a few times. He is quite like my father, taciturn, resolute, and rarely associates with others. He has never done anything praiseworthy, so everyone concludes that he is just an ordinary person. But today, Zhiquan greatly admires him and regards him as a rare gem.”

Was my admiration for Du Yu so obvious? "I possess both of the qualities that Lan Shi mentioned."

Xiahou Hui was not going to be perfunctory with Fu Gu. “This young man is reserved and acts with propriety. Thinking back to when I was that age, I was still eagerly pursuing my career! In comparison, his future achievements will surely surpass mine. Alas, it is a pity.”

Will he achieve more than you in the future?
Upon hearing this, Fu Gu couldn't help but grit his teeth and inhale secretly.

Given Xiahou Hui's achievements, no young scholar in the entire Wei Kingdom would dare to accept such an evaluation.

However, he quickly realized what was happening and hurriedly asked, "What a pity? What does Zhiquan mean?"

"Ah~"

Xiahou Hui shook his head and sighed, "It's a pity that although I have many brothers, all my daughters of marriageable age have already been betrothed. Otherwise, I would have followed the example of my fourth brother who betrothed my second brother's daughter to the Taishan family. I would have written a letter to Brother Wu in Hedong to invite this son to become the son-in-law of my Xiahou family."

Hey~
It's a pity about this.
What a coincidence! Your family doesn't have any eligible daughters to marry, but mine does!
In a short while, Fu Gu's eyes became lively.

His uncle, the late Minister Fu Xun, happened to have a granddaughter who was eleven years old this year, and she was not yet engaged.

Although he still felt that Xiahou Hui's evaluation of Du Yu was somewhat overstated.

However, if Du Yu were to achieve even half of Xiahou Hui's success in the future, he would still be considered an excellent son-in-law.
Furthermore, the Fu family of Beidi is descended from Fu Jiezi, a famous minister of the Former Han Dynasty, while the Du family of Jingzhao is descended from Du Yannian, a famous minister of the Former Han Dynasty. Regardless of their location or social standing, they are both excellent choices for in-laws!

"Which one."

After silently considering for a moment, Fu Gu finally made up his mind and said in a low voice, "Zhi Quan, do me a favor."

Why should we talk about helping each other?

With a slight tilt of his head and a raised eyebrow, Xiahou Hui replied without hesitation, "If Lan Shi needs anything from me, please feel free to ask. I will never refuse."

"Yes, that's right."

After bowing in thanks, Fu Gu carefully considered his words and slowly said, "As you probably know, Du Wubo is not one to associate with others, and I have never served in the same department as him, so we have only heard of each other by name. My elder brother has a daughter who is eleven years old this year and is still unmarried. Some time ago, my elder brother asked me to help find a suitable husband for her, since I often visit the Imperial Academy. Now that you have praised Du Yuankai so highly, it reminded me of this matter, so..."

You want me to be your matchmaker?

Xiahou Hui immediately understood and readily agreed, “I understand Lan Shi’s intention. Once Lan Shi returns to his residence and obtains his elder brother’s consent, he only needs to send someone to inform me, and I will write a letter to Hedong to facilitate this matter.”

"How could my brother possibly refuse!"

Fu Gu clapped his hands and laughed heartily, "To receive such praise from Zhi Quan, could my brother possibly find anyone comparable? Hahaha~"

"Haha~"

Xiahou Hui smiled happily at this.

Because Du Yu will no longer become the son-in-law of the Sima family as history has dictated!

With the funeral arrangements for the Xun family over, Xiahou Hui's remarks about "judging by actions, not by intentions" became the talk of the town in Luoyang.

Surprisingly, scholars did not have any negative opinions about Xiahou Hui.

At first, the scholars were indignant at his words that mocked famous scholars as "having a name but no substance," and they did not hesitate to criticize him for being arrogant and domineering and lacking in virtue.

But after those present at the thatched cottage took some action that day, the criticism subsided.

If anyone spoke up for them, Xiahou Xuan directly retorted, "My uncle admonished me with his words, and I should humbly accept it. How can I presume to judge him with the malice of a petty person?" Wang Guang sighed, "Xunzi's 'Cultivating Oneself' says, 'Though the path is near, one will not arrive if one does not walk; though the task is small, one will not succeed if one does not do it.' Now, I have not practiced what I preached, and thus I have no understanding." He Yan did not publicly express his opinion, but after returning home, he secluded himself and spent every night burning the midnight oil to expel Laozi's "Tao Te Ching".

The Sima brothers had the most lackluster performance.

Sima Shi, citing the reason of returning to his hometown to manage family affairs, took Sima Zhao away from Luoyang.

However, rumors circulated in the city that Sima Fu, the Minister of Revenue, had accidentally let slip that he had finally persuaded the Grand Commandant to stop blocking Sima Zhao from taking office.

Of course, Xiahou Hui was still criticized.

His maternal uncle, Wang Su, directly criticized him in front of many scholars and literati at Chongwen Temple for his lack of moral character.

Amidst this shifting public opinion, Cao Fu finally went to find his elder brother, Cao Zhen. (End of Chapter)