The next morning, Lu Zhi woke up, tidied himself up, and then called Ma Chao, saying, "Ma Chao, go call Dian Wei. I have some things I want to ask him."
After receiving the order, Ma Chao first said to Dian Wei, "When you see the Sir later, you must bow. I'll teach you how to do it." Then he personally demonstrated a standard bowing action, and Dian Wei imitated him.
He didn't bring Dian Wei to Lu Zhi until Dian Wei had learned.
When Dian Wei saw Lu Zhi, he bowed somewhat nervously and stammered, "Sir, you're looking for me... what's up?"
Lu Zhi smiled at Dian Wei and said gently, "Dian Wei, don't be nervous. I just want to show some concern for you. Are you used to it here? Is there anything you're not accustomed to?"
Dian Wei scratched his head and grinned, "Sir, I'm doing well, it's just that sometimes my stomach rumbles."
Lu Zhi burst out laughing and said, "Then you should eat more! Your body is your capital."
Dian Wei's eyes lit up, and he immediately said, "Good, good!"
Ma Chao took the opportunity to recommend Dian Wei to Lu Zhi.
Ma Chao took the opportunity to say to Lu Zhi, "Sir, Dian Wei is highly skilled in martial arts and exceptionally strong. If he could serve as your guard, he would surely keep you safe."
Lu Zhi smiled and waved his hand, saying, "I have lived my life openly and honestly, never fearing anyone. Why would I need a guard?"
Ma Chao quickly persuaded him, "Sir, you are of noble status, and there will inevitably be some ill-intentioned people. Having Dian Wei by your side would also put us more at ease."
Lu Zhi pondered for a moment and said, "Although Dian Wei's martial arts are extraordinary, he is simple-minded. Can he be competent as a guard?"
Ma Chao quickly said, "Sir, don't worry. Dian Wei's simple mind is precisely why he will be more loyal and reliable. And I will assist him from the side, teaching him some rules and etiquette for guards."
Ma Chao asked Dian Wei to be Lu Zhi's guard. Dian Wei scratched his head with a puzzled look, his eyes wide as he said, "Hey, pretty boy, didn't you say before that I should follow you and that you'd feed me? Why aren't you letting me follow you now? Are you not going to feed me anymore!"
Ma Chao didn't know whether to laugh or cry and quickly explained, "Dian Wei, don't misunderstand. I'm getting you a good job! Being Sir Lu's guard is an opportunity many people would beg for!"
Dian Wei frowned and mumbled, "I don't care, I just want to follow you. You promised to feed me."
Ma Chao patted Dian Wei's shoulder and said earnestly, "Dian Wei, think about it. Being the Sir's guard, not only will you have food, but you'll also learn a lot! Sir Lu is a highly respected person. You'll definitely gain a lot by following him."
Dian Wei blinked, seemingly pondering Ma Chao's words. After some thought, he said to Lu Zhi, "But Sir, I have a small request: the food must be plentiful. I can't go hungry."
Lu Zhi smiled and nodded, "That's natural. I will certainly not let you go hungry."
Through their conversation, Lu Zhi learned that Dian Wei was simple-minded, a pure and honest person, and he secretly rejoiced, "Such character is truly rare."
Lu Zhi smiled at Dian Wei and asked gently, "Dian Wei, do you have a courtesy name?"
Dian Wei scratched his head and replied with an honest laugh, "Sir, I don't know what a courtesy name is. I'm just called Dian Wei."
Lu Zhi nodded and said with a smile, "Very well, today I will bestow upon you a courtesy name: Jun Ming. 'Jun' means upright and noble, hoping you will uphold justice and become a virtuous person; 'Ming' means intelligent and reasonable, hoping you can distinguish right from wrong and act with discretion."
Dian Wei listened, then asked with a blank expression, "Sir, what's the use of these two words, 'Jun Ming'?"
Lu Zhi patiently explained, "This is my expectation for you, hoping you can become an upright and intelligent person."
Dian Wei nodded, seemingly understanding, then asked, "Then... how do I do that?"
Lu Zhi laughed heartily, patted Dian Wei's shoulder, and said, "You, just keep your pure and kind heart, and act in a way that you can be proud of, and you'll be moving towards the state of 'Jun Ming'."
Dian Wei scratched his head and said with a smile, "I understand! I will definitely work hard! Thank you, Sir, for the courtesy name!"
Lu Zhi smiled and nodded, saying, "Mm, that's very good. I hope you will live up to this name in the future." The following is enriched content, with added dialogue:
After confirming that Dian Wei would be Lu Zhi's guard, Ma Chao realized that Dian Wei's Steel Fork was damaged, so he discussed with Lu Zhi about forging a weapon for Dian Wei.
Ma Chao said to Lu Zhi, "Master, Dian Wei's Steel Fork is damaged. As a guard, he cannot be without a suitable weapon. I want to forge a new weapon for him, and I ask for your permission."
Lu Zhi nodded and said, "Mm, what you said is true. What do you have in mind?"
Ma Chao replied, "I have observed Dian Wei's fighting style; he is incredibly brave and astonishingly strong. I want to custom-forge a pair of iron halberds for him, and pair them with six hand halberds, which will surely make him even more formidable."
Afterward, Ma Chao found Dian Wei and said, "Dian Wei, I plan to forge a pair of iron halberds and six hand halberds for you. What do you think?"
Dian Wei excitedly said, "That's great! I've wanted new weapons for a long time. But what's the difference between an iron halberd and a hand halberd?"
Ma Chao patiently explained, "Iron halberds are long and heavy, suitable for close-quarters charges, with immense power; hand halberds are short and flexible, and can be thrown for attack, allowing you to strike enemies from a distance."
Dian Wei nodded repeatedly and said, "They sound powerful! I want both!"
Ma Chao then asked, "What kind of iron halberd do you prefer? Do you like a lighter one, or a heavier one?"
Dian Wei thought for a moment and said, "I'm strong, so I want a heavier one. That way, it'll be more satisfying to fight with!"
Ma Chao smiled and said, "Alright, then we'll forge it according to your request."
— — Dividing Line — —
The dignitaries and official ladies who had returned from Zhou Mountain's Treading Snow to Seek Plum Blossoms, brimming with excitement, discussed their experiences animatedly. In a short while, Luoyang City seemed to ignite, and the delightful tales of "When the tune goes wrong, Zhou Lang glances over" and the heroic deeds of "Personally shooting a tiger, watch Sun Lang" spread rapidly, along with the thrilling scenes of Ma Chao bravely fighting the Evil Han, the graceful and elegant dance of Xiao Qiao, the lingering and melodious, enchanting music of Da Qiao and Lu Wan, the nimble and ethereal, uniquely charming Feibai calligraphy of Cai Wenji, the lifelike and vivid, expressive paintings of Lu Su, and the beautiful, richly flavored, endless literary compositions of Xun Yu. For a time, these few individuals became the most prominent figures in Luoyang City. Each possessed unique talents, some with both literary and martial prowess, others with extraordinary artistic skills, covering various fields such as literature, martial arts, and arts. They excelled in poetry, calligraphy, and painting. Regardless of people's differing interests and preferences, they could find something in these individuals that truly captivated them.
Many people associated with these individuals actively submitted meticulously prepared calling cards and eagerly arranged suitable times for visits. And those with a certain ability and status but unfamiliar with these individuals had already begun to inquire through various channels on how they could have the opportunity to meet them, eagerly anticipating the chance to personally witness the captivating demeanor of these people.