"Tomorrow, you will accompany your father to visit the National Preceptor's residence. She brings blessings to the populace and also saved your old man's life. A word of thanks is certainly in order," Old Master Lu's injuries had already healed, and he looked rosy-cheeked.
"Ah, this..." Lu Li was somewhat hesitant.
"What's wrong? You're stammering. Are you even my son, Lu Tie!" As soon as Old Master Lu finished speaking, his ear was grabbed.
"Ouch, child's mother, show some mercy. I was wrong!" His ear twisted by Mother Lu, Old Master Lu quickly surrendered.
Only then did Lu Li smile, "Father, the National Preceptor isn't very fond of associating closely with ministers in court. If you visit tomorrow, you'll likely be turned away. I'm just reminding you in advance, so you don't get angry then."
"Am I, your father, that petty?" Old Master Lu, after rescuing his reddened ear, said nonchalantly, "It's truly commendable that the National Preceptor has such awareness at such a young age. Excellent, excellent."
Lu Rong, standing by, also chuckled.
The next day, Lu Li dressed up nicely, looking as handsome as jade, with a tall and straight posture and an outstanding demeanor.
Lu Rong was astonished: "Ah Li, are you going to see a young lady? You usually roll around like a mud monkey, why are you paying so much attention to your appearance today?"
Lu Li gave him a meaningful glance, "What does a rough guy like you understand?"
This was his first meeting with Qiao Ci after confirming their mutual affection. Moreover, his father and brother might also be meeting her. Of course, he had to be impeccably dressed.
Looking at the unkempt Lu Rong, Lu Li frowned, grabbed him, and pulled him towards his room. "Brother, what if you scare the National Preceptor with your unshaven face? Quickly, quickly, I'll trim your beard. You're my brother, how can you be so sloppy? And your clothes, you wore these yesterday, didn't you? Don't offend the National Preceptor with your smell..."
???
Lu Rong was pulled away by Lu Li with a look of despair.
He kept suppressing his grievances, telling himself, this is my only brother, my own brother!
He allowed Lu Li to groom him from head to toe.
When Lu Rong was tidied up and Lu Li was admiring the result, he was stunned.
Was his brother this handsome and stylish?
Suddenly, he regretted making such a fuss over him.
"Ahem, Brother, I think you looked better with your unshaven face just now. Perhaps you shouldn't go to the National Preceptor's residence today?"
Mother Lu watched her two sons' playful banter with a smile and said, "Alright, you two, hurry and leave. Your father is already waiting. If you're late, I'll deal with you."
Lu Li and Lu Rong laughed and joked as they went to find Old Master Lu.
Just as they arrived at the National Preceptor's gate, the Left Assistant Minister of the court was speaking with the guards at the entrance.
Behind the Left Assistant Minister was his son, carrying gifts, clearly also there for a visit.
Since Old Master Lu knew that the Left Assistant Minister's son was working under him and had returned safely, he assumed the minister had the same intention.
Thus, he led Lu Li and Lu Rong forward, intending to wait behind them to see the National Preceptor.
"Our National Preceptor is not receiving guests. Left Assistant Minister, we accept your kind intentions on behalf of the National Preceptor. Please take your gifts back." The butler of the National Preceptor's residence was at the gate, adept at refusing visitors.
The Left Assistant Minister looked troubled, "This... when will the National Preceptor have time to see guests? I will bring my son to visit then."
Did he not know that the National Preceptor was difficult to meet?
However, his son, who had returned from battle, insisted on coming to express his gratitude. He said that if it hadn't been for that rain, he might not have returned whole and unharmed, and he had to bring a generous gift. The minister, doting on his son, could only brace himself and come.
Seeing this, Old Master Lu's heart sank.
As Lu Li had said, the National Preceptor was an otherworldly master and might not appreciate such worldly customs.
He hesitated, wondering whether he should still proceed with the visit.
Not going felt wrong, as they had already come.
But going meant asking again after hearing the butler say the National Preceptor was not receiving guests. Wouldn't that be presumptuous?
While he was deliberating, his footsteps had already brought him to the gate of the National Preceptor's residence.
Upon seeing Lu Li, the butler quickly approached, "Young Master Lu, you've arrived? This must be General Lu and the Young General?"
Old Master Lu was a bit bewildered. Did this butler seem rather enthusiastic towards his family?
"Please, come in quickly, quickly." The butler quickly cleared the way. The National Preceptor had already instructed him to wait here for the Lu family's visit.
Old Master Lu was even more perplexed. Did the National Preceptor prioritize martial artists over scholars?
He was pushed into the National Preceptor's residence in a daze. As his thoughts cleared, he immediately straightened his chest. The treatment of military officials had finally surpassed that of civil officials!
Seeing this, the Left Assistant Minister's mind raced. He quickly pushed his son forward and called out to Old Master Lu, "Old General Lu, wait! Brother Lu, just a moment."
Old Master Lu stopped and looked at him quizzically, "What is it?"
These scholars were always so pretentious, usually looking down on them, the martial men, and never initiating greetings. What was happening today?
"Brother Lu, long time no see. I haven't congratulated you on your victorious return, haha. I have a humble request, I wonder if it's convenient?" The Left Assistant Minister's face was all smiles, and he looked at Old Master Lu with particular warmth.
"What?" Old Master Lu didn't know what he was up to. Was he trying to take a shortcut and have him promote his son?
"You see, can you bring my son along to meet the National Preceptor? He is also your subordinate, so it would be acceptable for him to enter with you, wouldn't it?" To fulfill his son's wish, the Left Assistant Minister was going all out.
"Is that alright?" Old Master Lu looked at the butler.
He thought to himself, this probably isn't allowed.
However, the butler politely replied, "It is acceptable if you agree."
Old Master Lu went from being dazed to shocked. When did he gain such influence?
Since the butler had agreed, he couldn't refuse. After all, the Left Assistant Minister's son was indeed his subordinate. He coughed lightly and said, "Then follow us."
The Left Assistant Minister's son excitedly followed.
The Left Assistant Minister's eyes flickered for a moment. He pretended to casually walk in with his son. To his surprise, the guards at the gate didn't stop him.
He happily hitched a ride and entered the National Preceptor's residence as well.
After all, among the current ministers, none could enter the National Preceptor's residence. He had managed to tag along!
He would definitely boast about this to his colleagues later.
Seeing him follow, Old Master Lu coughed and gestured with his eyes, indicating that he should only accompany them this far. However, he acted as if nothing was wrong, calling him "Brother" repeatedly and constantly praising him.
He felt a bit uneasy. Would the National Preceptor be angry that he brought so many people in?
Lu Li was unexpectedly pleased that Qiao Ci had bestowed such honor upon his father. He was sure it had something to do with him!