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Breakfast had just been served when Sun Thirteen rushed in. The few friends who knew the owner were informed that there was no need to announce their arrival as long as it was one of them. So, it felt just like home for the group, coming and going freely. Fortunately, Luzi did not have a family, or it would have been quite inconvenient.
Thirteen wasted no time and sat down to eat heartily. Noticing that Luzi had no intention of eating, he reached over and cleared the plate completely. After filling his stomach and comfortably rubbing his belly, he said, "My lord! Your complexion has been looking pale lately!"
"Really?" Luzi touched his cheek and asked, "But I looked fine this morning?"
Thirteen poured himself a bowl of tea and wiped his mouth. "Eating wild vegetables all day, it's no wonder you look pale!"
Luzi burst into laughter and signaled for the family to clear the dishes. Once they were alone in the room, he asked, "Why are you back so soon? Is she... is she doing well?"
Speaking of Chuchu was actually a secret. In ancient traditions, women were expected to be supportive wives, and it was impossible for them to step into official roles. Let alone becoming an official; just passing the examination was a challenge. Fortunately, her Disguise Technique and height made her identity unquestionable when she stood there. Only a few people knew she was a woman; even the high-ranking King Zhao of Qin thought she was a man.
Wang Jian, Sun Thirteen, and Li Xin only learned later that she had taken on the role of Artificer, and by then it was too late to stop her. Unless they went to explain her identity to King Qin, but that was out of the question. That could lead to death penalties and even implicate Luzi and others.
Qin Law was strict, with clear regulations regarding recommenders. If someone recommended an unfit person for a position, both would be held equally responsible under the law. This meant that if the recommended person performed well, the recommender would receive generous rewards; if not, they would face punishment together.
Although Chuchu had recommended herself, she had come to Qin State with Luzi. If her identity were exposed, Luzi, Li Xin, and Sun Thirteen would all bear responsibility for failing to notice it. Even Wang Jian could face trouble despite not being the one who recommended her. This illustrates that the rise of Qin State was not merely fate but also human intention.
Regardless of the circumstances, Chuchu was fully capable of fulfilling her role as Artificer; it was truly a case of utilizing talent effectively. For this reason, everyone chose to tacitly accept it. It was this willingness among them that ultimately propelled the Qin Army's weaponry to unprecedented heights.
Hearing Luzi mention Chuchu, Sun Thirteen looked at him helplessly with his hands in his pockets. Others at this age would have already married and started families! Sighing, he said, "Chuchu is so good; she shared hardships with you in that broken house on the mountain and never left your side. If you let her go like this, she might never come back."
Luzi knew this well enough; what Thirteen meant by "never coming back" actually referred to never being able to marry Chuchu again. She was now a legitimate official of Qin State with a standard male identity. Even with King Qin's protection, allowing a woman to hold an official position would be a huge joke! Just thinking about it made his head ache. But now that things had come this far, what could he do?
"Forget it! Let's never mention this again, just pretend it never happened."
Hearing Luzi say this, Sun Thirteen felt a pang in his heart. He quickly cleared his throat and changed the subject. "We're about to enter Late December's door; with the heavy snow, we can't go back. If you don't mind, Scoundrel can stay here for the New Year."
Luzi's background is quite pitiful. When he was two years old, his parents went missing due to the Qin-Chu War. Alone in the streets during a heavy snowfall, he scavenged for leftovers. Just as he was about to freeze or starve to death, he was taken in by a passing master. From then on, he served by his master's side. The two relied on each other, making for what could be considered the happiest time of his childhood.
At such a young age, he had no impression of his parents, only the smiling face of his master remained in his mind. It wasn't until he arrived at Qin Capital Xianyang that he learned of his master's true identity. With careful nurturing from those who recognized his potential, he quickly became a prominent figure within the organization.
Luzi's rise was not due to connections but rather genuine talent. Over the years, the various departments he managed thrived under his leadership. His motto was simple: "I only recognize your talent, not your background; as long as you have ability, you can be valued." The rise and fall of an organization depend solely on this principle.
No matter how prosperous a family may be, there are only a few talented individuals; not everyone can be exceptional. Favoring relatives over merit is an entirely different concept and will directly determine your future trajectory. This applies to families as well as nations.
When his master decided to hand over management to Luzi, Luzi was extremely anxious. He believed he lacked the capability since there were countless outstanding talents around him. His master simply asked one question: did he think it was due to his own inadequacy or that the pressure was too great?
Upon hearing this question, Luzi immediately admitted it was pressure.
With this answer, his master smiled with relief. He walked over and patted Luzi's shoulder, saying meaningfully, "The fact that you recognize the weight of this position proves you have the ability to bear it. If you are afraid to try, it only shows you lack capability. You see this as pressure because you value it. Now! Trust me! Believe in yourself!"
Thirteen did not know Luzi's true background; however, throughout these years, others had brought their parents home while he never heard Luzi mention such things. After spending so much time together, he and Li Xin along with their group of brothers began to pay attention to their words. Visiting their parents was merely framed as taking leave for work; it was rare for them to show such thoughtfulness.
Luzi seemed indifferent about being referred to in that way and secretly chuckled at Thirteen's lie. You traveled all the way to the capital but couldn't make it back home? However, he understood the bond of brotherhood and said, "A month is enough time for you to return; if you leave now, you'll definitely make it home before New Year's Eve. We rarely go home anyway; New Year's Eve is when families reunite—so you should go back."
Thirteen was clearly resolute and jumped up saying, "Sir! Please don’t send me away! If you refuse to take me in, I’ll have no choice but to spend New Year’s at Li Xin’s house instead. But I heard that guy is on duty and can't go back either! Haha!" Just then, Li Xin and Wang Jian walked in carrying large bags and packages.
This matter was clearly discussed in advance by them! As for Li Xin being on duty on New Year's Eve, that's just nonsense! Luzi looked at these three brothers and suddenly understood that this is my Comrade! The closest family member in this life!
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