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The news that Guo Wei, accompanied by Su Ning, had personally visited Feng Dao to formally become his apprentice quickly spread throughout the military camp.

When the news reached Wang Jun's ears, he was discussing matters with several trusted generals.

Upon hearing the report, Wang Jun's face immediately darkened, and he slammed his teacup heavily on the table, making a dull thud.

"Take Feng Dao as his master?" Wang Jun's voice was filled with suppressed anger. "What does Lord Guo mean by this? We old brothers have followed him through thick and thin, fighting from Yedu to Bianliang. Which one of us didn't risk our lives? Now that we're in the city, you want the Third Young Master to pay homage to that Feng Dao, a treacherous old scoundrel who has served four emperors and changes his mind with every wind!"

The trusted confidants looked at each other, none of them daring to speak.

Wang Jun grew angrier as he spoke, “Where are we military generals inferior to Feng Dao? In terms of loyalty, we have followed the commander for more than ten years; in terms of ability, we are the ones who conquered Bianliang! If the Third Young Master wants to learn skills, he should learn how to fight and govern an army from us, rather than learning those pretentious and affected words from that old scoundrel.”

Finally, one of his trusted confidants mustered up the courage to advise, "General, please calm down. Lord Guo is only thinking of the Third Young Master. The Third Young Master is young and has just experienced that disaster. Perhaps the Commander-in-Chief doesn't want him to be in danger again..."

"Taking risks?" Wang Jun sneered. "Being with us old brothers is taking risks? Being with that old fox Feng Dao is safe? I see now, Master Guo has a favorite son and looks down on us roughnecks!"

These words were too harsh, and none of his trusted confidants dared to offer any further advice.

Wang Yin wasn't much better off. Although he didn't react as violently as Wang Jun, his expression was just as unpleasant.

He fiddled with the jade pendant at his waist, remaining silent for a long time.

After a long silence, Wang Yin coldly said to his advisors, "Lord Guo is now turning to civil administration. That old fox Feng Dao is always good at reading the winds. With the Third Young Master as his disciple, will we military generals still have any say in the court?"

The advisor cautiously said, "General, Lord Guo is only having the Third Young Master study and advance in his studies; he may not have any other intentions..."

"Not necessarily?" Wang Yin shook his head. "Think about it, the Third Young Master is Guo Gong's only biological son. Who he chooses as his master is who Guo Gong wants to influence him. Choosing Feng Dao instead of us—don't you understand the implications here?"

The staff remained silent.

While lower-ranking officers dared not openly express their dissatisfaction like Wang Jun and Wang Yin, they did discuss it privately.

"When we met the Third Young Master that day, he hugged Chai Du and cried his eyes out. He was so adorable. We thought we could get closer to the Third Young Master in the future, but he turned around and became a disciple of Feng Dao."

"Indeed! Commander, you're right. If the Third Young Master wants to study, don't we have any literate people in our army? Why bother asking that guy surnamed Feng?"

"What is Feng Dao? He's a fence-sitter, he'll be prime minister no matter who's emperor. Does such a person deserve to teach the Third Young Master?"

"Alright, that's enough. The commander-in-chief has his reasons."

"Consideration? Consideration means that we martial artists are too uncouth and not worthy of the Third Young Master."

Similar words circulated intermittently throughout the headquarters and military tents.

Although no one dared to confront Guo Wei directly, a lingering resentment and sense of loss were spreading like a tide among the military officers.

Guo Zhong listened to these discussions, and after much deliberation, he found an opportunity to subtly mention a few words to Guo Wei.

"My lord, I dare to say something, but I'm not sure if I should."

"explain."

“Recently, there has been some discussion in the army, saying that General Guo has made the Third Young Master take Prime Minister Feng as his teacher, which means that he looks down on his old brothers.” Guo Zhong carefully observed Guo Wei’s expression. “Although the generals have not said it, they are probably not feeling well.”

Guo Wei remained silent for a while, without getting angry, but simply sighed.

“I know,” Guo Wei said slowly. “Wang Jun has a temper; he’ll probably be the first to jump up in anger. Wang Yin may not show it on his face, but he’s probably not happy about it either.”

"Then, sir..."

“But I have to do this.” Guo Wei’s voice turned serious. “You’ve been with me for many years, you should understand. Yi Ge’er is my only bloodline, I can’t let him follow in my footsteps. I’ve spent my whole life on the edge of a knife, escaping death countless times, I’ve accepted it. But I don’t want Xin’er to live like that again.”

He paused, then continued, “Feng Dao may lack integrity, but in terms of learning, insight, and the ability to protect himself and even influence the court in this chaotic world, no one in the army can match him. Yi Ge’er is learning from him the principles of governing the country and ensuring its stability, the wisdom of self-preservation, and the foundation for his future position in the court. These are things that you cannot teach, and I cannot teach either.”

Guo Zhong lowered his head. "This subordinate understands."

"As for those old brothers..." Guo Wei smiled bitterly, "They feel that I have distanced myself from them. But let me ask you, is it okay if I hand Yi Ge'er over to Wang Jun to learn his arrogant and domineering nature? Or hand him over to Wang Yin to learn his shrewdness in dealing with situations? Yi Ge'er is a child of the Guo family, not a pawn of any faction. He needs to walk his own path."

Guo Zhong bowed deeply, "I understand your good intentions, sir."

“Take what you can say and tell them privately,” Guo Wei said. “Tell them that I, Guo Wei, am not the kind of person who abandons those who have helped him. I know in my heart who helped me conquer this country. Yi Ge’er is my son, and also their nephew. There are many days ahead, and plenty of opportunities to get closer. There’s no need to rush.”

Guo Zhong accepted the order and left.

However, although Guo Zhong's reassurance quelled some public discussions, the sense of loss and insecurity rooted in the hearts of the military officers could not be eliminated in just a few words.

Suning was not unaware of these reactions.

I went to Feng Dao’s residence to study every day, and was always accompanied by guards. Occasionally, I would also run into those uncles and elders at the headquarters.

He could sense that some people's gazes towards him had changed. It was no longer just the pity one would feel for a boy who had survived a catastrophe at the Heavenly Assembly, but rather a scrutiny, even a sense of alienation.

He knew this was the price he had to pay for becoming an apprentice.

But Suning has no regrets.

In this era, military generals who wield considerable power and influence are most vulnerable to overshadowing their rulers, ultimately leading to their downfall.

Guo Wei's empire was built with the help of these people, and he will inevitably have to face the challenge of how to get along with them in the future.

As Guo Wei's only biological son, I cannot and should not be labeled as belonging to "a certain faction" too early.

Feng Dao's line is a backup plan, a balance, that Suning has reserved for itself and for the Guo family.

However, I cannot reveal these thoughts to anyone right now.

Su Ning can only study more diligently and treat everyone he meets with greater humility, using time and actions to gradually dispel those doubts and barriers.

In chaotic times, navigating life and making a living is never an easy task.

……

Guo Wei has been in charge of Kaifeng for nearly a month, and the situation is gradually stabilizing, but his official title is still undetermined.

Emperor Yin of the Later Han Dynasty, Liu Chengyou, had died in the chaos of war, and the imperial bloodline was almost extinct. The court officials and the civil and military officials under Guo Wei were discussing who should be chosen from among the Liu clan to succeed to the throne.

Such a major event involves numerous complexities and power struggles from various parties, and cannot be resolved in a single day.

At this critical juncture, a strange thing suddenly happened in Kaifeng.

It was a clear morning in late October when a brand new notice appeared on notice boards in all the wards, city gates, bustling streets, and even in front of teahouses and taverns under the jurisdiction of Kaifeng Prefecture.

The paper was white and the ink was clear, obviously from the same place, and all over the city was covered overnight.

The notice was headed with the words: "Notice on Seeking Study Companions for the Third Son of the Guo Family".

The introduction is concise and to the point: Guo Wei's third son, Guo Xin, is fourteen years old and is currently studying under Feng Dao. Because he is studying alone without friends, he wishes to recruit companions for his studies.

The requirements are very lenient: any student aged 15 to 25, regardless of whether they have an official title or not, or whether they are rich or poor, can register at the designated location without needing a recommendation or introduction, as long as they believe they are literate and of good character.

Excellent benefits: Once selected, room and board will be provided immediately, a monthly allowance will be paid, clothing will be provided for each season, and additional rewards will be given during festivals.

If a family is experiencing financial difficulties, they can receive an advance on money and supplies to settle down.

The last point is particularly noteworthy: the chosen companion will not only accompany the young master in his studies, but will also receive guidance from other renowned teachers invited by Prime Minister Feng and the young master. This will be a valuable qualification for him in the future, whether he takes the imperial examinations or enters officialdom.

The announcement caused an uproar throughout the city.

The constables of the Kaifeng government office were the first to be bewildered.

They went out to patrol early in the morning, and when they looked up and saw notices all over the street, they thought some business had gone mad.

Upon closer inspection, they all looked at each other in bewilderment.

"The third young master of the Guo family? Is he the son of Lord Guo who escaped death?"

"A disciple of Prime Minister Feng Dao? That's incredible!"

"These conditions...aren't they practically free?"

The news spread like wildfire throughout Kaifeng.

The first to cause an uproar were several low-rent housing units in the south of the city, where a large number of impoverished scholars who had failed the imperial examinations in Beijing or were stranded in Kaifeng due to the war lived.

They were penniless, had no hope of achieving fame or success, and were worried about making a living.

Hearing this news was like receiving a windfall.

"Free room and board? And a monthly allowance? Is this studying or receiving a salary?"

"Prime Minister Feng personally instructs me in my studies? My goodness! So many people want to become Prime Minister Feng's students but have no way of doing so!"

"What are you waiting for? Let's go! Sign up!"

A large group of people rushed out of the building and headed straight for the registration location listed on the notice...

A secluded courtyard in the east of the city, originally owned by Guo Wei, has now been vacated specifically to handle this matter.

When we arrived, we found that a long queue had already formed.

There were poor scholars wearing faded long gowns, outsiders carrying book boxes who had traveled a long way, and even a few wealthy young men in silk robes who were clearly from good families, all craning their necks to look ahead.

"Who is this Third Young Master? How can he be so generous?"

"You don't know? He's Guo Linggong's only son! He was just found recently. Legend has it that he survived a great calamity and will surely be blessed with good fortune."

"To become a disciple of Prime Minister Feng is already an immense blessing, and now they're recruiting study companions? Are they planning to open an academy?"

"Who cares what kind of gate it is? Getting in is a blessing!" The news continued to spread, reaching all directions from the gates of Kaifeng.

The news spread north to the ferry crossings on the Yellow River, south to Xuzhou and Caizhou, west to Luoyang and Shanzhou, and east to Caozhou and Yanzhou.

At every post station, teahouse, and inn along the way, people were talking about this strange event.

"That young master Guo from Kaifeng is recruiting study companions! He'll take anyone without academic qualifications, even penniless people, and he'll give you money as soon as you get in!"

"Really? Is that for real? There's no way something like that can happen."

"The notices are posted all over the city, they can't be fake! I'm even thinking of packing my bags and going to try it out."

"You're already in your thirties, they want someone under twenty-five!"

"I want to go too! Shall I try changing my age?"

The rumors spread wider and wider, and became increasingly outrageous.

Some say that Guo Wei is secretly selecting talented individuals to entrust with important responsibilities in the future; others say it is Feng Dao's strategy to cultivate talented individuals from humble backgrounds for the court; still others say that Guo Wei is building a power base for his son so that he can take over the throne in the future...

Various speculations flew around, but one thing was in common: the entire city of Kaifeng, and even the entire Central Plains, was shaken by this strange proclamation.

Of course, it wasn't just poor scholars and ordinary people who were shocked.

……

At Feng Dao's residence.

After hearing the steward's report, the old man's teacup froze in mid-air, and he didn't move it for a long time.

He slowly put down his teacup, a complex expression on his face...

It was somewhat unexpected, yet also somewhat understandable.

“This child…” Feng Dao murmured, “actually thinks he can get ahead of his teacher.”

He originally thought that Su Ning's apprenticeship was just a way to seek stability and learn some classics and history.

I never expected this child to have such a big appetite and such a far-reaching vision.

We recruit study companions without being bound by convention, and welcome impoverished students from all over the world...

This is about building connections; this is about weaving your own web.

Moreover, this network does not curry favor with the powerful and wealthy; it is rooted in the grassroots, among the vast majority of scholars.

Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!

"Master, should we...stop it a bit?" The old steward asked uneasily. "This is too conspicuous. Those people in the court and those generals in the army will probably start gossiping."

Feng Dao shook his head. "Why stop him? He paid for it himself, posted the notice, and asked for a study companion. It's perfectly legitimate, there's nothing wrong with that."

He paused, then added, "Besides, can we stop Kaifeng, can we stop the gossip from all over the world? The notices have already been posted, the news has spread, and if we try to stop them now, it will only make us look guilty."

The old butler bowed his head and replied, "Yes."

Feng Dao picked up his teacup, took a sip, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.

This child is smarter than he thought.

Guo Wei, on the other hand, received the news immediately.

He remained silent for a long time, neither angry nor laughing. He simply waved away the person who came to report and sat alone at his desk, gazing at the gray sky outside the window.

He remembered what his son had said to him that day: "I don't want to spend my days idly and waste my time."

It turned out to be the case.

Studying books is futile, seeking teachers is futile, but recruiting these poor scholars from all over the world is what truly matters.

Guo Wei sighed softly.

For a fourteen-year-old, his thoughts have already reached such a profound level.

He didn't know whether to feel relieved or heartbroken.

But he neither stopped him nor questioned it.

This is Xin'er's own path; let him walk it.

As for the generals, it was a completely different story.

Wang Jun slammed his fist on the table and stood up. "Recruiting study companions? Inviting scholars from all over the land? What is this all about! Before Master Guo has even said anything, this mere child is already cultivating his own faction?"

The aide quickly tried to dissuade him, "General, please calm down. The young master is merely recruiting a few companions for studying, not cultivating a faction..."

"A companion?" Wang Jun sneered. "Have you ever seen a young master post notices all over the city to recruit companions, to this extent? And he even provides a monthly stipend and a settling-in allowance! Is this recruiting companions or keeping retainers?"

Things weren't peaceful on Wang Yin's side either. He didn't slam his fist on the table, but his face was ashen.

“Recruiting poor scholars…a good method.” He said slowly, “Not currying favor with the powerful and wealthy, not associating with court officials, but recruiting those impoverished and down-on-their-luck scholars. These people have no foundation or background. Having received your favor, they will become your loyal followers, your eyes and ears, and your mouthpiece.”

The advisor cautiously said, "The young master is still young; he may not have thought that far ahead..."

"Not necessarily?" Wang Yin glanced at him. "I thought his becoming Feng Dao's disciple was Guo Wei's arrangement. Now, is this notice also Guo Wei's arrangement? Do you believe it?"

The staff member was speechless.

Wang Yin didn't speak again, but just played with the jade pendant in his hand, his gaze becoming increasingly deep.

……

Regardless of the reactions from all sides, registration continues in full swing.

Every day before dawn, a long queue forms in front of that mansion in the east of the city.

The registration staff were so busy they didn't even have time to drink water; the table was piled high with rosters...

In just three days, nearly 500 people have registered.

While there were certainly some charlatans among them, there were also truly learned scholars who were impoverished due to poverty or war.

Their clothes were tattered and their faces were haggard, but there was a light in their eyes.

"My name is Wang Pu, I am twenty-four years old, from Qingzhou. I have some schooling, can do accounting, and have a basic understanding of classics and history..."

"My name is Zhao Pu, I'm from Jizhou, I'm twenty-three years old, I used to teach elementary education in my hometown, and I can write official documents..."

"My name is……"

The person in charge of registration was a seasoned veteran personally selected by Guo Zhong. He was neither humble nor arrogant, and he recorded the names, hometowns, ages, appearances, and special skills of each person.

They don't ask about one's background, don't investigate three generations, and don't care about one's achievements; they simply record things.

Then he told them, “The young master said that registration is only the first step, and there will be a selection process later. But even if you are not selected in the end, all those who have registered can go to the designated rice shop with this name card to receive a peck of rice and two catties of meat – this is a small token of the young master’s appreciation.”

Upon hearing this, many impoverished scholars had tears in their eyes.

"Young master, you have shown me such great kindness!"

"We've never met before, yet I've received such a generous gift..."

"Young Master Guo is truly benevolent!"

As the news spread, even more people signed up.

From Kaifeng to the Central Plains, and from the Central Plains to even more distant places.

A recruitment drive under the guise of "study companionship" is quietly unfolding on this land that has just experienced the ravages of war.

Meanwhile, Su Ning, the instigator, was sitting quietly in the study of the Feng family mansion, reading a copy of the "Classic of Filial Piety".

The noise and discussions outside the window seemed to have nothing to do with him.

He held the pen very steadily.

They knew what they had done and what the consequences would be.

The generals will be suspicious, the courtiers will look askance, and even the father may be somewhat surprised.

But it's okay.

The need for a reading companion is real—I genuinely need someone to accompany me in my reading.

The favor was real—those poor scholars needed opportunities.

As for other schemes...

Su Ning lowered his eyes, flicked his wrist, and another line of neat clerical script appeared on the paper.

In chaotic times, everyone is scheming for themselves, and Su Ning is no exception.

However, his own chessboard was a little larger than what others saw.

...(End of this chapter)