"I understand, Father." Lan Yuan nodded in acknowledgment.
Patting Lan Yuan's shoulder, Lan Tian instructed, "I'm going to inspect the other bureaus. Stay here and have a talk with Boyan. To serve as Jiangdong's Grand Viceroy, his intellect and ability must rank among the finest in Jiangdong. There is still much preparation to be done before the campaign—if you don't understand something, ask him for guidance."
"Yes." Lan Yuan solemnly cupped his fists.
"This subordinate is ashamed." Lu Xun lowered his head somewhat awkwardly. So what if my intellect and ability are the best in Jiangdong? Sun Quan kept me crushed beneath his thumb, and before you, I'm even more like transparent air.
Lan Tian gave a light wave of his hand. "Huainan's military affairs are entrusted to you. Remember: do not rush ahead rashly, and do not quibble over the gains and losses of a single city or plot of land. Focus on wiping out the enemy's living strength. Before long, Xiahou Shang will be the one growing anxious."
"Yes." Lu Xun and Lan Yuan answered in unison.
Lan Tian's humility left Lu Xun deeply impressed. Looking at Lan Yuan beside him, he thought, This father and son are both no ordinary lamps. Compared to the former Sun Quan, the difference is as clear as heaven and earth.
Such a formidable man had acted "weak" in Jiangdong's official circles, yielding most of his authority to the great clans while keeping only the core military power in his own hands. At the very least, that breadth of spirit was something the "petty" Sun Quan could never learn.
Lu Xun's vision surpassed that of others in Jiangdong. He knew that the Jiangdong clans' good days would end, at the latest, once the realm was finally united. Yet he could not stop