"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 hadn't 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 wasn't entirely due to a lack of communication between them.
Given Guan Yu's 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 Fang's 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. It's 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.
It's 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 lightly—a far cry from Guan Yu's usual harshness. From this, it's clear that Guan Yu valued old ties. The problem was that Guan Yu's 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 reformed—perhaps 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 wasn't 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 didn't look down on anyone, and even earned the respect of nobility despite his humble origins—a rare feat.
"So Zichuan already has a plan for him?" Mi Zhu felt much more relieved.
"Zichuan's 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. He's 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 mind—a 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. I'll inform my brother and have him report to Gan Ning's navy. He's 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 Zhu's father had been just a regular merchant, but under Mi Zhu's leadership, the family had quickly become one of the top five wealthiest families. Mi Zhu had three siblings—himself, Mi Fang, and their sister Mi Zhen. If Mi Fang joined the navy, that would leave only Mi Zhen at home.
"I'll send Zhen'er to Madame Cai. She can learn music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, needlework, and tea ceremony with Cai's daughters. I hear the Zhen family's two girls are also learning from Madame Cai, so it would be good for Zhen'er to have some company," Mi Zhu said, clearly having already thought through how to handle his sister's education.
"Oh, then I'll leave that to you," Lu Su replied, avoiding further involvement. Arranging for someone to join Cai Wenji's circle wasn't something just anyone could do.
"This won't trouble you, Zijing. My sister is already close friends with Miss Cai, and with Zifang and me gone, she'll definitely want to stay with the Cai family," Mi Zhu replied, well aware of his sister's 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 hadn't 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 girls' class, with Cai Wenji helping to teach. Though it's 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, it's 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 wasn't just for appearances—he 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 Xi's troublesome task to Mi Zhu. He had little interest in getting more involved with Cai Wenji. "By the way, I've noticed that Madame Chen has been spending a lot of time with Cai Wenji lately. Any idea why?"