The Road I Chose

In the front hall of the general's residence, Luo Yu met the distinguished second son of the Jun family. Jun Muzhu had summoned only him.

Not quite twenty years old, about the same age as Luo Yu, he stood tall and straight, his face as fair as jade, with a maturity in his eyes that belied his years.

He wore a black robe of fine workmanship and superior material, embroidered with elegant green bamboo patterns that matched his name perfectly. His mere presence exuded nobility - he was truly a scion of a noble family. Compared to him, Xiao Shaoyou's family background was like a drop in the ocean.

According to Xiao Shaoyou and Han Shuo, Jun Muzhu was Jun family's second son - a prodigy who had read extensively, possessed remarkable intelligence, and had plotted Jun family's expansion, eliminating many rivals. Despite his youth, he was a formidable figure throughout Longxi.

Luo Yu was full of questions. Why would such an important person summon him alone? And why did the Jun family from Dingzhou arrive before the Li family from Quezhou?

Jun Muzhu casually flipped through military reports, saying nonchalantly:

"You're probably wondering why I summoned you alone when you're neither from the Jun family nor the highest-ranking official in the city. And why I arrived before the Li family. Right?"

Luo Yu was startled, feeling uneasy. Could this guy read minds?

"Don't worry, I mean you no harm."

Jun Muzhu smiled and explained:

"Recently, I received a military report from Jun Yi. He mentioned your name several times - killing a hundred enemies at Jiming Fort, another hundred at Heigou Fort, boosting morale with two arrows on the city walls, and exposing the traitor Li Chengxiao. Your performance was impressive.

After reading the report, I became interested in you, so I rushed from Dingzhou to see you.

I didn't expect Kong Xian to betray the country, nearly losing Yunyang Pass, and for Jun General to fall in battle. But then you stepped up, leading a surprise attack on the Qiang camp, killing Wanyan Chang, and saving Yunyang Pass.

Turning the tide.

I'm genuinely curious how a new recruit can act like a seasoned general."

Luo Yu understood now. No wonder the Jun family arrived so quickly - they were already on their way before the battle even started. Their original purpose wasn't to support the front lines but to find him.

In response to Jun Muzhu's praise, Luo Yu politely said:

"Prince, you flatter me. I dare not accept such praise. I wonder why you summoned me alone?"

"Ah ah."

Jun Muzhu's lips curled upward:

"You're a smart person, you should know why I summoned you alone."

"Prince, are you inviting me to join the Jun family?"

"Talking to smart people is easy, I like it. In these chaotic times, war rages everywhere, and military might is the foundation of power.

But our Jun family is a scholarly clan, with many scholars but few military talents. I hope a rising star like you will join our family.

Would you consider it?"

Luo Yu straightened his posture and met Jun Muzhu's gaze:

"Prince, are you giving me an order or asking?"

"Let's say it's giving you a choice."

"Does that mean there are other choices? I'd like to hear them."

"Of course."

Jun Muzhu explained:

"The first choice is to stay as Kong Xian's subordinate, which means you're still a government army. You can wait here for the court's rewards after the Yunyang Pass battle.

As for what rank and how much silver the court will give you, I can't say.

The second choice is to join our Jun family, which means becoming a private army.

I'll give you a thousand cavalry. You know Yunyang Pass can't even muster a thousand elite cavalry. I'll provide all the horses, food, and weapons you need.

Your future depends on how much merit you earn for the Jun family."

Luo Yu's eyes gleamed - it was a very generous offer.

To accumulate a thousand cavalry on his own would take who knows how long, not to mention the ample military supplies and the backing of the Jun family.

The room fell into a brief silence. Luo Yu had no particular feelings toward these noble families and couldn't rely on the court. He didn't think either side was worth his loyalty.

After a long silence, Luo Yu asked:

"Is there a third choice?"

"Of course."

Jun Muzhu smiled:

"Your performance in the Yunyang Pass battle saved our Jun family army from total destruction. We owe you a favor. I can give you a small city as a token of gratitude.

Be a city lord, recruit your own troops, and expand your power. Don't worry about the court - I'll handle it for you.

The Jun family has some influence in Longxi; this small matter is within my power."

"Be a city lord?"

Luo Yu was puzzled: "What's the relationship between me and the Jun family? Subordinate?"

"No."

Jun Muzhu shook his head: "You have no relationship with the Jun family or any other family.

In your city, you're the master. As for whether you follow court orders... well, that's your business."

Jun Muzhu chuckled, showing no particular respect for the court.

"I see."

Luo Yu fell into deep thought. So saving the Jun family's people meant Jun Muzhu was giving him a city. No strings attached, no future obligations.

"I have one more question. What rank would a city lord be?"

Luo Yu still remembered his five-year agreement - he needed to be a fifth-rank general to return to the Wu family. A city lord, who controlled a city, should be a significant official, right?

"Rank?"

Jun Muzhu shook his head: "No official rank. If you must compare, it's even lower than a minor datus in the army. But if your city grows and attracts the court's attention, they'll grant you an official rank. That's when you'll have a legitimate position."

"I see."

Jun Muzhu leaned back in his chair:

"Take your time to think about it. I'll wait for your answer."

"No need. I can give you my answer now."

Luo Yu's gaze was firm:

"I choose the third path - to be a city lord."

Luo Yu's heart tightened. Refusing the Jun family's recruitment so directly, wouldn't that cause trouble?

"Fine."

To his surprise, Jun Muzhu was straightforward and showed no signs of displeasure. He quickly had his attendants spread out a map and pointed with his pale hand:

"About two hundred miles northeast of Yunyang Pass is a mountain range called Sanqi Mountain by the locals, located at the border between Quezhou and Dingzhou. In other words, this place belongs to neither Quezhou nor Dingzhou.

At the foot of the mountain is Qi City, nominally under our Jun family's administration, but in reality, it's an unclaimed city. From now on, Qi City is yours."

Jun Muzhu briefly explained the situation, and Luo Yu listened attentively. When he heard it wasn't under any state's jurisdiction, he felt relieved. Without the pressure of the Jun family or Li family, things would be easier to manage.

"That's basically the situation."

Jun Muzhu smiled:

"I've sent scouts to investigate. The Qiang have retreated, and there won't be any border conflicts for some time. You can go to Qi City whenever you want."

"Is that all? Prince, don't you have anything else to say?"

Luo Yu finally couldn't help but ask. After refusing the Jun family's recruitment, wasn't Jun Muzhu angry? Li Chengxiao had made things difficult for him.

"I know what you're thinking."

Jun Muzhu was calm: "The road is chosen by oneself. Why force it?"

"Thank you."

Luo Yu said no more. Whether Jun Muzhu was sincere or not, at least this matter was settled.

"Wait, don't leave yet."

Jun Muzhu smiled:

"Now you're the new city lord of Qi City. Give this place a new name. A new beginning, you know."

"A new name?"

Luo Yu thought for a moment: "Let's call it Cangqi."

"Cangqi?"

Jun Muzhu looked at him strangely:

"From the word 'cang' meaning 'aged'? You're so young, that name sounds too old."