Despite the treacherous and turbulent situation outside, the Lu Zhi Mansion gradually returned to tranquility.
This was because Lu Zhi fell ill, and many of his disciples came to visit him.
Yuan Tan, Yuan Xi, Cao Ang, and Yuan Yao came together to pay their respects to Lu Zhi as their teacher.
Lu Zhi did not differentiate them based on the background of the aristocratic families and eunuch factions behind them; he still interacted with them warmly, carefully assessed their recent studies, and comforted them.
These four felt guilty in their hearts, and though they had things to say, they hesitated, offering some opinions.
However, Lu Zhi waved his hand and said it didn't matter, as it was not something they could decide.
Lu Zhi's attitude made the few feel both warm and helpless; they deeply knew the current situation was complex, and they were powerless.
Seeing Lu Zhi's tired expression, Yuan Tan, Yuan Xi, Cao Ang, and Yuan Yao all decided to take their leave.
As for these young people, Lu Zhi's feelings were quite complex; he admired their talent, yet worried whether their family backgrounds would lead them astray, and his heart was filled with a mix of worry and expectation.
After all, Yuan Tan, Yuan Xi, Cao Ang, and Yuan Yao had followed Lu Zhi for a short time and had encountered such an incident, clearly indicating that Lu Zhi was being ostracized by the aristocratic families and eunuch factions.
Although they wished to be close to Lu Zhi, they could no longer be as carefree as before, their minds already disturbed by many things.
Despite Lu Zhi not showing any dissatisfaction, the few still felt a sense of desolation in their hearts.
The class divisions were clearly there, and the boundaries of closeness and distance had already been defined in their young minds.
After the night of the palace coup, the original military camp was completely controlled by the aristocratic scions.
Pang De, due to Lu Zhi's circumstances, could no longer stay there and was ostracized.
Therefore, he simply moved to reside in the guest rooms with Ma Chao, Dian Wei, and others.
However, Sun Ce, Zhou Yu, Xun Yu, Lu Su, and others were not affected; there was no animosity in their hearts, and they continued to visit Lu Zhi as usual.
After inquiring about Lu Zhi's health, these fellow disciples gathered in the garden.
In the garden of the Lu Zhi Mansion, the disciples gathered together.
The turbulence of the times weighed heavily on everyone's hearts, especially regarding the aristocratic families' annexations and the eunuch factions' arrogance, which still left everyone indignant.
Sun Ce angrily said, "During the night of the palace coup, we dedicated ourselves to the Imperial Court, yet we did not receive fair treatment!
Especially towards Lu Shi, their actions were truly disheartening!"
Pang De echoed, "Exactly, if it weren't for our desperate struggle, who knows who the current Emperor would be!"
Zhou Yu lamented, "The Imperial Court is truly unjust!
Loyal and righteous deeds are rarely rewarded, and the Imperial Court is full of tyrannical eunuchs and treacherous petty officials.
I truly wonder if there is still hope for this Han Dynasty."
Xun Yu, with a worried expression, stated, "The aristocratic families are annexing, and powerful clans are rising, making the Imperial Court's control over various factions increasingly weak.
Imperial decrees are difficult to implement, as these aristocratic families control the promotion of officials, and the common people find it hard to rise.
If this continues, this land will surely fall into great chaos!"
Everyone fell into deep worry, feeling immense concern and helplessness about the current situation.
Ma Chao remained silent, though he too had a knot of frustration in his heart.
He stood quietly to the side, listening to everyone's words, his thoughts churning.
After a while, he slowly opened his mouth and said, "Everyone, do not worry too much.
Although times are difficult, we must not lose hope.
We must believe that as long as we work together, one day we can change this situation."
Ma Chao's voice carried a hint of determination; he looked at everyone, a glint in his eyes, "Although there are many difficulties ahead, we must not be defeated by them.
We must continue to strive and fight for the future of the Han Dynasty and for the peace of the common people."
After speaking, Ma Chao sighed slightly, but the knot in his heart had not completely dissipated.
Lu Zhi, learning that they were gathered, dragged his frail and tired body, supported by Lu Wan, and walked over with faltering steps, quietly listening to their conversation.
Subsequently, Lu Zhi, with a benevolent and caring expression, patiently comforted them.
He gently said, "Children, though this Han Dynasty has encountered some setbacks, like a person falling ill, do not lose confidence.
There is always a solution to the world's problems.
The Han Dynasty has weathered many storms, with deep foundations, and cannot be easily overthrown.
Although the new Emperor Liu Bian cannot yet govern personally, and the government is troubled by the aristocratic families and eunuch factions, he is a person who worries about the world and has great ambitions.
He has a sincere heart for the Han Dynasty and care for the common people.
We must believe that in adversity, as long as we work together and strive tirelessly, we will surely be able to help His Majesty restore order and make the Han Dynasty shine again.
You are all talented and ambitious young people; you must not lose heart, but firmly uphold your beliefs and continue to forge ahead for the future of the Han Dynasty."
In Lu Zhi's words, there was deep affection and hope for the Han Dynasty, and everyone present felt his determination and persistence.
Although everyone had different thoughts and opinions, seeing Lu Zhi's current state, they felt an unbearable heartache.
In just over ten days, half of his originally black hair had turned gray, and his once straight back had become somewhat hunched.
Looking at this old man who had toiled for the Han Dynasty his entire life, how could they bear to express differing opinions, to deny his understanding, and cause him further pain?
They deeply knew Lu Zhi's sincere heart for the Han Dynasty, so how could they bear to let him be hurt again?
Lu Zhi's physical condition was not good, and he was somewhat fatigued, unable to sit for long.
He encouraged the young people, expressed his expectations and trust in them, hoping they could contribute to the Han Dynasty, and then slowly left, supported by Lu Wan.
Lu Zhi knew very well that these young people were rare pillars of talent; if properly guided and cultivated, they would surely shine for the Han Dynasty and become the backbone of the nation.
With anticipation for these young people and a glimmer of hope for the future of the Han Dynasty in his heart, he left with faltering steps.
Everyone discussed scholarly matters for a while longer, but at this moment, everyone's hearts were filled with a sense of indignation and worry, making it difficult to delve deeply into academics, so they stopped discussing.
Subsequently, Ma Chao, Sun Ce, and others began to spar.
It is worth mentioning that although Dian Wei suffered more than ten injuries that night, he recovered extremely quickly; his wounds had already scabbed over, and his movements were unaffected.
Sun Ce pulled Dian Wei into a fight, still unable to let go of his defeat at Dian Wei's hands that day, holding a grudge.
Although Sun Ce had been constantly refining his martial arts since his defeat to Dian Wei, when he actually sparred with Dian Wei, he still felt somewhat inadequate.
At this time, Ma Chao was giving pointers from the side, and Ma Chao's martial arts had reached their peak compared to before, even having different insights, which greatly benefited Sun Ce.
Sun Ce greatly admired Ma Chao's generosity in imparting all his knowledge.
When Sun Ce and Dian Wei sparred last time, Ma Chao had keenly noticed that Sun Ce's fighting style was very distinct, characterized by broad and powerful movements, primarily focusing on ferocity.
Therefore, Ma Chao unreservedly taught Sun Ce his family's secret techniques and his profound insights into martial arts.
As Sun Ce's techniques continuously improved, Ma Chao discovered that although Sun Ce had made significant progress in martial arts, he still had some deficiencies in the use of weapons.
After noticing this, Ma Chao had an idea: he decided to meticulously craft a unique weapon for Sun Ce to better unleash his strength.