Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

While Lu Zhi's mansion wasn't exactly spacious or luxurious, it was well-planned and well-utilized, never feeling crowded at all. Everything was just right. The entire courtyard and the house looked brand new, clearly having been meticulously renovated. A warm and tidy atmosphere permeated the air.

Lu Zhi hurried to the mansion, anxious and worried. He had been separated from his wife and children for two or three years, and this long separation had involuntarily intensified his anxiety and anticipation. He completely disregarded his own serious illness, his heart consumed by the longing to be reunited with his family, and he hurried home anxiously. As the carriage sped along, Lu Zhi, from inside, constantly urged the driver to speed up, his eagerness revealing his uncontrollable anxiety and excitement.

Zhao Yun followed closely behind the carriage, standing by its side. Seeing Lu Zhi's eagerness, he couldn't help but say, "Master Lu, today's reunion of husband and wife, father and son, is truly a cause for celebration. But the carriage can't go any faster, Master Lu. If it goes any faster, I'm afraid your body won't be able to handle it."

Lu Zhi said to Zhao Yun with a guilty look on his face, "General Zilong, I was too anxious and a little out of control. But since the Luoyang Incident, we have been separated for a long time, and I don't know what kind of displaced life they are leading. How can I not worry about them? Country, country, Lu has devoted his life to the country, but I feel deeply guilty towards my family. I don't know why Yu'er should have grown a lot taller after not seeing her for a long time. She is a child of elementary age, but she is living a displaced life. I don't know if this child's studies have been neglected." Lu Zhi's eyes were full of worry and concern, and his voice trembled slightly, showing his deep concern and self-blame for his family.

Zhao Yun, with a mixture of admiration and heartache, said, "Master Lu, you've done well. Everyone in the world should follow your example. I'm sure the lady and the young master will understand." Zhao Yun's eyes were filled with respect for Lu Zhi, and his words were earnest and sincere. He knew that Lu Zhi had devoted his entire life to the country, dedicating countless efforts to it, a spirit of dedication that was admirable. In these turbulent times, Lu Zhi not only had to face the national crisis but also worried about the safety of his family. Zhao Yun's respect for Lu Zhi deepened, and at the same time, he felt heartache for the pressure he was under, hoping his words would bring some comfort to Lu Zhi.

Zhao Yun's words were full of concern and worry for Lu Zhi. However, Lu Zhi missed his family too much. Even though he knew that he was in poor health, he still couldn't suppress his eagerness to see his family as soon as possible. At his urging, the carriage still accelerated as much as possible and galloped towards the mansion full of warmth and expectation.

Lu Zhi finally arrived at the palace, filled with anxiety and excitement. After bidding farewell to Zhao Yun, he told his servants to remain silent and quietly walked toward the hall. His heart was churning with anxiety and trepidation, and his feet involuntarily took a few quick steps. But after a few steps, he felt the need to calm himself and slowed down. However, the physical discomfort caused by his hasty pace gave him a violent cough.

Standing at the hall's doorway, a heart-wrenching cough shattered the tranquility of the mansion, startling the three people inside. Lu Wan was nestled affectionately against her mother, whispering private words, a warm smile on her face. Lu Yu, however, remained a gentleman, sitting upright, serious and unsmiling, listening intently to his mother and sister. Startled by the sudden cough, the three looked up to see a haggard, elderly man standing at the doorway. The man's figure was frail, but his eyes held an inexpressible complexity. For a moment, the three stood transfixed, staring blankly at the uninvited visitor, as if time had stood still. The atmosphere in the hall suddenly grew solemn, tinged with confusion and surprise. They had never expected such a figure to appear at this hour, in this manner.

In the dimly lit room, everyone's eyes were dazed. Lu Zhi suppressed the violent coughs rising from his chest, trying to make his voice sound steady. He slowly said to his wife and children, "What's wrong? Madam, don't you recognize me?" His words carried a subtle hint of helplessness and mockery.

Upon hearing this, the three of them were stunned, as if they couldn't believe their ears. After a brief moment of stunned silence, their astonishment instantly turned into endless sorrow. Their eyes were filled with disbelief and heartache as they stared straight at the man before them who had once been so high-spirited.

Thinking back to when we parted two or three years ago, Lu Zhi was still a robust young man. Back then, his posture was as straight as a pine tree, his eyes as sharp as a sword, and he exuded an awe-inspiring aura. He was considered a distinguished figure, capable of becoming a general on horseback or a prime minister at court. Whether commanding troops on the battlefield or participating in the deliberations of state in the court, he displayed extraordinary talent and courage.

But who could have imagined that in just two or three years, time would so mercilessly leave such profound marks on him. Today, he is haggard and thin, his former vigor long gone, replaced by a frail appearance.

At this moment, Lu Zhi's wife could no longer contain her inner emotions, tears welling up in her eyes. With a face filled with sorrow, she hurried forward and embraced Lu Zhi tightly. His children followed closely behind, clinging to their father like wounded chicks seeking warmth and shelter. As they stood together, Lu Zhi held his wife's slightly trembling hand tightly with one hand, as if drawing strength from the familiar touch. With the other, he gently embraced his two children, holding them in his arms, attempting to provide them with a safe haven with his frail body. At this moment, time seemed to stand still, and the air was filled with a complex atmosphere of deep sorrow and familial affection.

At this moment, Lu Zhi's eyes were instantly filled with deep guilt and self-blame. He slowly turned his head and looked at his wife, his eyes full of endless apology and concern. He asked softly: "Madam, I have made you suffer in the past two or three years." The wife shook her head slightly, a tear flashing in her eyes. The tear contained both heartache for Lu Zhi and the emotion of life in the past few years. She suppressed the bitterness in her heart and said: "Master, we have been in Xiliang all the time. With Ma Chao taking care of us meticulously, it is really not hard at all. Master, you "Don't say that. How did you become like this?" Lu Zhi sighed, his face a mixture of fatigue and helplessness. He said slowly, "Madam, state affairs are difficult. As a minister, how can I not share the country's worries? I can only work tirelessly. Every day, various affairs are complicated and I dare not slack off. But fortunately, the emperor is wise at court now, and many reform measures are gradually being implemented. The country has also seen some new signs of development. Many things have begun to show results, and I can only be comforted."

The grief of the children in his arms gradually subsided. Lu Zhi looked at his daughter lovingly, a gratified smile in his eyes, and said jokingly, "After two or three years, I didn't expect you to have grown so graceful and beautiful. You've become even more beautiful." Tears welled up in Lu Wan's eyes, tears of heartache and longing for her father, but with a hint of shyness, she whispered softly, "Father, I only wish you a speedy recovery. I pray for you every day. During your absence, I often thought of your teachings and always obeyed you." Lu Zhi smiled and nodded, his heart filled with warmth, as if his daughter's words were a warm current flowing through his weary heart.

At this moment, Lu Yu straightened his robe and saluted Lu Zhi solemnly, his eyes gleaming with determination and respect for his father. Seeing this, Lu Zhi adopted a serious demeanor, yet within that solemnity lay a deep expectation. He asked, "Have you neglected your studies?" Lu Yu straightened his back, his eyes gleaming with confidence as he respectfully replied, "Father, rest assured. I have not neglected my studies. I study diligently every day. I diligently study the knowledge you teach me, and I dare not slack off even a little." Lu Zhi frowned slightly, as if to test him further, and began to examine him one by one. Lu Yu was unhurried, answering fluently, from classics, history, and poetry to songs and verses. He addressed them with ease and insight, each answer seeming to demonstrate to his father his hard work and growth.

Only then did Lu Zhi begin to smile softly, a smile tinged with pride and satisfaction. However, this laughter triggered another violent coughing fit, one that threatened to tear him apart. His wife gently stroked his back, her eyes filled with anxiety and heartache, as she complained, "No matter how difficult state affairs are, you can't let your health break down. What would we do if anything happened to you? You must take good care of yourself." Lu Zhi struggled to calm his cough, then took his wife's hand, which conveyed warmth and comfort. He whispered, "Don't worry, madam. I'll take care of myself. Seeing how sensible our children are, all the hard work is worth it. You are my motivation to persevere." The family gathered around Lu Zhi, immersed in this brief yet precious reunion. Though shrouded in sadness, it was overshadowed by a deep love and warmth. The room was filled with a strong sense of family affection, seemingly dispelling any gloom and filling this somewhat difficult moment with hope and strength. Lu Zhi thought silently in his heart that no matter what the future holds, as long as his family is by his side, there is still hope. He will continue to work hard and persevere for the sake of his country and family. Even if the road ahead is rugged and full of thorns, he will never back down. He will definitely provide a sky for his family and contribute all his strength to the country.