Chapter 561: The Lu Clan of Fanyang Arrives at Chang'an

Mid to late March.

At the end of the Chen hour, the sun had already risen over the horizon, its warm light spilling over the Guanzhong Plain.

The spring breeze, carrying fine dust, brushed over the endless procession of carriages.

Dozens of blue‑curtained horse‑drawn carriages rumbled forward, the wheels' steady, rhythmic clatter on the dirt road, and the Lu clan's subtly embroidered family crest on the carriage bodies flickered in and out of the sunlight.

Inside the carriage, the Fanyang Lu clan members sat upright, some gazing intently into the distance, others speaking softly, their brows bearing a mix of expectation and apprehension toward the unknown.

Around the horse‑carriage, the Left Martial Guard troops who had just linked up with Yinzhou soldiers wore Xuan Armor, a Horizontal Blade at their waists, and moved with tiger‑like vigor.

The clanging of armor collided with the sound of hooves, weaving together to keep the entire formation tightly sealed.

At the front of the formation, the embroidered‑clad envoy Li Guanyue held the reins, and his Zaojia Horse snorted loudly.

He wore dark‑embroidered robes, a jade belt at his waist, his face resolute, his eyes blazing as he stared at the gradually clearer city walls ahead.

The continuous city walls rose majestically, the Blue Bricks and dark tiles shimmering with a heavy luster in the sunlight.

The outline of Zhuque Avenue could be faintly made out, the passing pedestrians, carts and horses wriggling like ants, yet exuding vibrant life.

Li Guanyue felt an indescribable surge of heroism in his chest, and he thrust his hand up, shouting loudly toward the rear, "Ahead is Chang'an!"

"Our Great Zhou capital!"

His voice rang clear, piercing the spring breeze and echoing through the whole formation.

In one of the slightly elegantly decorated carriages, Lu Mianzhi lifted the Cheli and leapt down.

He wore a moon‑white long robe, a black‑jade belt at his waist, was in his thirties, his face clear and handsome, a short whisker under his chin, his gaze deep.

After steadying himself, he lifted his eyes toward distant Chang'an, his gaze sweeping from the towering walls to the faintly visible palace, his lips moving slightly as he murmured, "Is this… Chang'an?"

The wind brushed his sleeves, rustling, and Lu Mianzhi stood still for a long while, scrutinizing the majestic city.

The walls rose several zhang high, unending, the city gates teemed with a flow of carts and horses, voices clamoring; even from several miles away one could feel the unique splendor and weight.

After a while, he inhaled deeply and couldn't help exclaiming, "Truly magnificent and grand!"

"No less than Jinyang and Yecheng!"

He recalled that back in Qi State, Jinyang's fortified city and Yecheng's wealth had once left him in awe.

Now seeing Chang'an, he finally understood what a myriad of grandeur truly means.

This aura that embraces the four seas and swallows the heavens is far beyond any other city.

From a carriage nearby, Lu Yun slowly stepped down.

He was about forty, dressed in a dark Brothel, his face scholarly, the corners of his eyes bearing traces of time's wear.

In his hand he held a folding fan, its surface bearing a few brushstrokes of landscape.

As the elder of the Lu clan proficient in the art of gazing Qi, he lifted his eyes to the sky over Chang'an, focused for a moment, a flash of astonishment crossing his eyes before turning into deep admiration: "Chang'an truly lives up to being the capital since the Former Han, its royal Qi swirling endlessly!"

While others only see Chang'an's splendor, he can perceive the faint violet Qi hovering over the city, coiling like a dragon and crouching like a tiger, extending for miles.

The violet Qi exudes a steady, weighty aura, clearly a propitious sign befitting an imperial capital.

"Great Zhou has established its capital here; it is truly the mandate of Heaven,"

Lu Yun brushed his beard, and the doubts in his heart about this clan‑wide relocation instantly faded by far.

Moreover, he increasingly felt that the decision to join Zhou was undeniably correct…

This royal Qi far surpasses that of the two capitals of Qi State.

It is completely different from the decay hidden within Qi's prosperity!

At this moment, the Cheli of another carriage was gently lifted, revealing a delicate face.

Cui Yuanti wore a light pink dress, a pearl hairpin slanted at her side, in her early forties, her skin still fair and delicate.

Her brows and eyes carried a hint of gentleness, yet concealed a barely perceptible sorrow.

She leaned on the carriage pole, peered toward Chang'an, her gaze full of mixed emotions, murmuring, "Is this… our future home?"

Her voice was soft, tinged with uncertainty.

The Fanyang Lu clan's whole tribe joining Great Zhou and moving to Chang'an, for her, was both a new beginning and a departure from her native land.

Cui Yuanti pressed her lips together, her fingertips tightening slightly, a flash of longing in her eyes: "I wonder when I'll be able to see my sister…"

The liveliest part of the convoy was the carriage carrying three young women.

When the Cheli was lifted, three girls dressed in various silk skirts hopped down, each as beautiful as a flower and moon.

At sixteen or seventeen, they were in their Doukou years, their brows and eyes full of lively spirit.

Lu Siyue wore a goose‑yellow dress, her hair styled in twin buns, her beautiful watery eyes blinking as she looked toward Chang'an, her tone full of anticipation: "I heard Chang'an has many delicacies!"

"Things like Hu biscuits, meat soup, flaky cheese, and the Grape Brew from the Western Regions—we must all try them later!"

She said this while swallowing saliva, looking adorably cute.

Next to her, Lu Yin Zhu wore a light green dress, her hair in a cascading bun, and she nodded repeatedly at the words, her face blooming with a radiant smile, echoing, "Yes, yes! I want to taste all the foods of Chang'an!"

"I heard Xi Shi also has many novel curiosities; we should go explore there too!"

She was lively, curious about everything in Chang'an.

When talking about food and outings, her eyes sparkled with longing.

Lu Yufu, the oldest of the three, wore a light blue dress, her hair in a high bun adorned with a jade hairpin, her temperament gentle and serene.

She raised her hand, using delicate fingers to lightly tap the two on the forehead, giggling, "You two only think about eating!"

Her voice was crisp and pleasant, with a hint of playful scold.

Then, looking toward Chang'an, her eyes full of yearning, she sighed lightly, "Chang'an still has many literary talents that astonish the world!"

Lu Yufu had loved reading since childhood, and had long yearned for Chang'an's cultural depth.

Now finally having the chance to come to Chang'an, the excitement in her heart was beyond words.

Lu Siyue's eyes flicked as she heard that, as if recalling something, and she quickly said, "Speaking of talented scholars, our Chen Zhuguo is none other than the First Scholar of Chang'an!"

Her words were filled with admiration.

"Back then, at the poetry gathering by Qujiang, I crushed the Wang and Xie scions and at once earned the title of Great Zhou Poet Immortal!"

"What a magnificent bearing that was!"

Speaking, he couldn't help but clench his fist, as if he had seen the grandeur with his own eyes.

When Lu Yin Zhu heard the name Chen Zhuguo, her eyes instantly lit up, a blush spread across her face, her smile blossomed, with a hint of a lovesick look, she said, "Chen Zhuguo not only writes poetry well, his literary talent is brilliant, but he also excels in warfare, with illustrious achievements!"

"He was appointed Pillar of the State at only nineteen!"

"The key is that he's also extremely handsome, face like a crowned jade, eyes like bright stars; I once saw him from afar, and I still remember him clearly…"

Lu Yufu, seeing her look, couldn't help but pinch her cheek and teased, "Look at you!"

"My soul is about to be taken away by Chen Zhuguo!"

She then withdrew her smile and said seriously, "Don't linger on Chen Zhuguo; he has already taken the He Dong Pei Clan as his primary wife. The Pei Clan is a renowned family of Guanzhong; the couple lives in harmonious concord, their affection is deep, there's no place for you!"

Lu Yin Zhu's cheeks flushed red from the remark, coquettishly brushing away Lu Yufu's hand, "I was just teasing!"

Though she said so outwardly, she couldn't help feeling a bit disappointed inside.

A spring breeze whistled, lifting the edges of the Cheli, and Lu Huichun's figure slowly stepped out from the most solemn black lacquered horse carriage at the front of the procession.

He wore a dark Xuan-colored Brothel with subtle patterns, a jade belt at his waist, and exuded a steady demeanor.

Both hands on the carriage pole, he steadied himself, his gaze passing over the surging crowd and carriage shadows ahead, fixed directly on the towering Chang'an citadel that spanned the horizon.

In his deep eyes, a swirl of indistinguishable complex emotions rose…

There was reverence for the millennial ancient capital, caution regarding his clan's migration, and a hidden hint of anxiety.

He raised his hand to smooth the folds at his robe's corner, his fingertips slightly tightening, and murmured to himself while looking at the Great Zhou banner fluttering over the city walls, "Finally arrived at Chang'an…"

His voice was low, carrying a hint of relief.

Yet it also concealed endless doubts.

Since the Wei and Jin eras, the Fan Yang Lu Clan has been a prestigious family, its roots deep in the north; now, turning away from the Qi State, the whole clan aligns with Great Zhou…

Although it is a carefully considered decision, the road ahead is uncertain; within Chang'an, factions abound, and the emperor's intentions are hard to gauge…

Is this move meant to elevate the family to greater heights, or to step into an unknown peril?

He truly had no certainty in his heart.

His gaze swept over the bustling crowds below the city, sensing the capital's vigor yet hidden sharpness, his brows subtly furrowed, heavy with thoughts.

At that moment, from another carriage beside him, Lu Zhaoqun also pulled back the Cheli and stepped out.

His eyes just landed on the direction of Chang'an's North Gate when he noticed something amiss.

Flags lined both sides of the gate, and Xuan Armor soldiers formed ranks.

Moreover, many officials dressed in Purple Robes and Scarlet Robes stood solemnly awaiting.

His heart stirred, he turned toward the embroidered‑clad envoy Li Guanyue nearby and shouted, "Envoy Li, why is there such a grand display at the city gate ahead?"

Before the words finished, recalling that Chang'an often hosts literary gatherings and market festivals, he added irritably, "But what events have been held in Chang'an lately?"

Li Guanyue heard this, a slight smile lifted his lips, a hint of self‑satisfaction and solemnity flashed in his eyes.

He tightened the Horse Rein, his gaze fixed on the conspicuous line of officials at the gate, and said in a resonant clear voice, "It's not a festival; it's the Grand Preceptor, Grand Tutor, Grand Protector and a host of Pillar of the State senior officials, coming out of the city to greet you!"

These words rang out like sudden thunder, instantly spreading around.

Lu Huichun, deep in thought, shivered at the words, abruptly turned his head toward Li Guanyue, the complexity in his eyes instantly replaced by shock.

Lu Zhaoqun's puzzled expression froze instantly, his mouth slightly open, clearly unable to believe.

Not far away, Lu Mianzhi, just after speaking a few words with Lu Yun, heard this and staggered a step; the three of them almost simultaneously widened their eyes and exclaimed in unison, "What?! Who did you mention?!"

Their voices were full of astonishment, and as their gazes met, each wore an expression of disbelief.

Grand Preceptor?

Isn't that Yuwen Hu?

The actual ruler of Great Zhou!

A sovereign in name only!

Add to that a host of Pillar of the State senior officials with glorious battle merits and power that tilts the court, such a reception of this caliber might not even be granted to royal relatives.

Li Guanyue, seeing their reactions, once again solemnly reiterated, "Indeed it is the Grand Preceptor, Grand Tutor, Grand Protector and a host of Pillar of the State senior officials!"

Lu Huichun was the first to recover, daring not a moment's hesitation, he quickly raised his hand to tidy his Brothel, then smoothed the hair at his temples, his voice urgent yet steady, "Quick!"

"We must hurry to pay our respects!"

They've been given such a lofty reception; we must not act arrogantly…

Lu Zhaoqun and Lu Mianzhi also snapped back, hurriedly straightening their garments, smoothing the folds at their robe corners.

Lu Mianzhi stepped forward quickly, standing shoulder to shoulder with Lu Huichun and Lu Zhaoqun.

All three bore solemn expressions, daring no slackness, and immediately took long strides toward the city gate.

At this moment, beneath Chang'an's North Gate, flags already fluttered, the atmosphere solemn.

Yuwen Hu wore a four‑clawed python robe, the python pattern vivid, a gold‑and‑jade belt at his waist.

His visage was imposing, his gaze profound.

Standing at the front of the officials' line, his eyes burned as he looked toward the Lu clan procession approaching from afar.

As the procession drew nearer, a gentle smile appeared on his face; he turned to Yuwen Heng and Yu Jie beside him and said, "Old Pillar of the State Yu, A Heng, finally the Fan Yang Lu Clan has arrived!"

Yuwen Heng heard this, smiled and nodded, "Indeed! The Fan Yang Lu Clan is a renowned Hebei family, full of talent; this allegiance is truly a blessing for Great Zhou!"

Yu Jie, his head full of white hair, vigorous in spirit, held a staff in his hand, and upon hearing this, slowly nodded; his voice, though aged, was strong, "The Lu clan's spirit is outstanding, generations of talents have emerged; now serving Great Zhou is indeed a wonderful affair!"

Behind them, a host of Pillar of the State senior officials and civil and military officers also voiced their agreement.

The three Lu Huichun brothers jogged lightly, their footsteps crisp on the Shiban road, and in a moment they arrived before the officials' line beneath the gate (Da Kang).

The three halted together, tidied their garments, then bowed deeply in unison, their movements uniform, their tone exceedingly respectful: "Fan Yang Lu Clan Lu Huichun (Lu Zhaoqun, Lu Mianzhi), we have seen the Grand Preceptor! We have seen the Grand Tutor! We have seen the Grand Protector!"

Yuwen Hu, seeing this, quickly stepped forward, reached out to steady Lu Huichun's arm with a steady and gentle force, and said with a smile, "No need for excessive courtesy!"

Immediately, he lightly patted the back of Lu Hui Chun's hand, his gaze sweeping over the three, eyes full of admiration: "Gentlemen, I have long heard of your great names!"

Lu Hui Chun, hearing this, hurriedly waved his hand, his face full of fear and humility, repeatedly saying: "I dare not accept! I dare not accept!"

Before the words finished, he slowly stepped back, adjusted the collar of his dark brothel, then bowed deeply, respectfully saluting Grand Preceptor Yuwen Hu and the senior ministers, his torso bent almost parallel to the ground, his tone full of gratitude: "What virtue or ability does our Fan Yang Lu clan possess to merit the Grand Preceptor and honorable lords personally coming out of the city to receive us!"

Having spoken, his forehead nearly touched the hem of his robe.

Seeing this, Lu Zhaoqun and Lu Mian Zhi hurriedly followed, both stepping back a pace, standing shoulder to shoulder with Lu Hui Chun, bowing deeply in unison, their movements perfectly synchronized, their tone exceedingly respectful: "Indeed!"

"The Grand Preceptor and the honorable lords' generosity like this overwhelms us!"

Grand Preceptor Yuwen Hu, seeing the three so humble, his smile deepening, raised both arms and loudly said: "The entire Fan Yang Lu clan has moved to Great Zhou, abandoning darkness for light, submitting to the royal order; how could we possibly look down upon them?"

"We must treat them with proper rites!"

"The Lu family is a prestigious Hebei lineage, generations of scholars, a flood of talents; their arrival is truly a blessing for Great Zhou!"

"Your Majesty, considering the Lu clan's spirit and learning, has specifically instructed us to receive them with great ceremony, to show the Court's esteem and expectations!"

Behind them, Grand Tutor Yuwen Heng, Yu Jie, and a host of pillar‑of‑the‑state senior ministers all nodded in agreement.

The three Lu brothers straightened, their faces filled with deep emotion.

The three exchanged a glance, each seeing shock and gratitude in the other's eyes, then together clasped their hands toward Grand Preceptor Yuwen Hu and the ministers, repeatedly saying: "Thank you, Grand Preceptor! Thank you, Grand Tutor! Thank you, Grand Protector! Thank you, honorable lords!"

Grand Preceptor Yuwen Hu, seeing this, nodded with satisfaction, stepped forward and again grasped Lu Hui Chun's hand, the palm warm and firm, then looked up at Lu Zhaoqun and Lu Mian Zhi, his face bearing a gentle smile, and asked laughingly: "Duke Lu, have the two Lords Lu received the edict that I entrusted to Chen Zhuguo to deliver?"

Lu Hui Chun, hearing this, a trace of solemnity flashing in his eyes, hurriedly nodded and said: "Thank you for the Grand Preceptor's generosity!"

"Chen Zhuguo has long delivered the edict into our hands; Your Majesty's favor and the Grand Preceptor's care are unforgettable to our Fan Yang Lu clan, and we shall repay with our lives!"

Grand Preceptor Yuwen Hu, hearing this, waved his hand, cutting him off, and laughed: "On this day of great joy, why talk about death?"

Immediately, his gaze swept over everyone present, and he said with conviction: "Now Great Zhou is in need of talent; it is the time for you all to achieve great deeds and bring honor to your families......"

"We must live well, devote ourselves to Great Zhou, assist Your Majesty in founding a legacy for ten thousand generations; that is the true matter!"

Lu Zhaoqun and Lu Mian Zhi, hearing this, quickly echoed: "The Grand Preceptor is absolutely right!"

"We must live well and be loyal to Great Zhou!"

Grand Preceptor Yuwen Hu laughed heartily, patted the back of Lu Hui Chun's hand, and said: "That's the spirit!"

Then, raising his hand toward the Chang'an city gates, smiling broadly, he said: "Let's go!"

"The city has already prepared a welcome banquet for you all; fine wine and delicacies are ready. After your long journey, today you may first drink heartily and rest well!"

Having said so, he made a "please" gesture.

Lu Hui Chun quickly bowed, respectfully made a "please" gesture toward Grand Preceptor Yuwen Hu, his voice exceedingly deferential: "Grand Preceptor, please!"

【"The Fan Yang Lu clan, moving the whole lineage to Chang'an, escorted by a great army, is highly valued by the Court.

On the day of arrival, Grand Preceptor Yuwen Hu, Grand Tutor Yuwen Heng, Grand Protector Yu Jie, together with the Court's senior civil and military ministers, all went out of the city to receive them, the hospitality being especially generous.

The Lu clan felt deep gratitude, swearing to serve unto death, with utmost sincerity and loyalty, to repay the great favor."】

—《History of Zhou》· Biography of Yuwen Hu】