The Three Kingdoms: Zhaolie, the strategist, and the rise of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 118 Liu Bei: Lao Li, do you want a wife or not?

Before Guo Gong sent out his troops, he planned to ask Liu Bei for help first.

Luo Jun said:
"Prince Chen has already sent people to Xuzhou. It would be better for you to send troops to rescue them first."

Guo Gong readily agreed.

"Since the King of Chen has sent a letter, Gong should also send a letter to Xuzhou, so that Liu Xuzhou will know that Yuzhou is in a hurry."

"How about you come back to Chen State with me while I prepare and deploy the troops?"

Luo Jun was overjoyed and thanked him repeatedly.

Afterwards, Guo Gong wrote a letter stating that Cao Cao would use troops against Chen State in Yuzhou.

The Liang State where he was located had a close relationship with the Chen State, and he hoped that Lord Xuande would consider the agreement reached that day.

Send troops to rescue.

Guo Gong ordered his trusted men to rush to Xuzhou.

Then he gathered the troops of Liang State and returned to Chen State with Luo Jun.

……

……

Xuzhou, Xiapi.

While Cao Cao was still immersed in the grief of losing Xi Zhicai, Liu Bei, who had just returned from the expedition, was arranging a marriage for Li Yi.

On this night in late winter, a grand wedding was being held in the Li Mansion.

The whole house was decorated with lights and full of joy.

Except for Chen Deng who was guarding Guangling and Zhang Fei who was leading troops in Lu, officials at all levels in Xuzhou were present.

Even Langya Zang Ba came in person, giving Li Yi enough face.

Not only did they come, they also brought gifts, which were quite generous.

After all, the identities of this pair of people are not simple. Mi Zhen was born in a prominent family in Donghai, and Li Yi was the second in command of Xuzhou, and was deeply trusted by Liu Bei.

Even if it was out of the need to curry favor, everyone carefully prepared a gift for this.

The marriage was initiated by Liu Bei, and he wanted to be the officiant personally.

Except for Taishi Ci who had gone to Liaodong to buy horses and had not yet returned, generals including Guan Yu, Zang Ba, Gan Ning, Xu Sheng, and Cao Bao all came to congratulate him.

Liu Ye, Sun Qian, Wang Xiu, Kong Rong, and even Chen Qun, a famous civil servant in Pei State, also came with gifts.

Liu Bei did send out wedding invitations to many people, but he did not explicitly state that everyone must attend.

But in the end, except for those who were unable to come due to some unforeseen circumstances, basically all the senior officials who could have come were there.

Liu Bei was very satisfied with this ceremony. He felt that he owed Li Yi and hoped to compensate him as much as possible.

At the same time, the more officials who came, the more it proved Li Yi's status in Xuzhou.

This will help him establish his authority and make it easier for him to act in the future.

Of course, all the celebrities and officials who came to the wedding banquet understood what position Li Yi held in Liu's camp.

Not to mention that he became the son-in-law of the Mi family and had the support of a powerful family in the East China Sea.

Take Cao Bao of the Danyang School and Chen Deng, the young master of the Chen family, for example. Which one of them doesn’t have a close relationship with him?
As for this network of relationships, everyone knows that they must not offend them.

Besides,

Who can guarantee that Liu Bei was not using this wedding to test the attitudes of the celebrities in Xuzhou towards him?
Therefore, before it gets dark, the place is already packed with guests and bustling with activity during the day.

The eldest brother is like a father. As the head of the family, Mi Zhu was very busy that day.

Be busy greeting guests coming from all directions.

In the end, he was unable to handle the entire entertainment and had to ask his younger brother Mi Fang to host the banquet on his behalf.

He took some time off to visit his younger sister who was about to get married.

At this time, Mi Zhen was still being helped by her maid to dress up.

She drew her eyebrows in front of the mirror, and her eyebrows were as dark as distant mountains.

She combs her cloud-like hair by the window, and a red phoenix rests on her cloud-like hair.

The lips are rosy red and the face is lightly flushed.

It really proves the old saying that a woman is at her most beautiful when she gets married.

"Look, little sister. This is the dowry I prepared for you."

Mi Zhu smiled and pointed at the things in the room.

It was worth ten million coins, two thousand rolls of silk, and five hundred kilograms of gold and silver.

He also had a thousand slaves to serve him.

Even though she came from a wealthy family, Mi Zhen still didn't expect that her brother would prepare such a generous dowry for her.

I couldn't help but cover my red lips and exclaimed:

"Why did you prepare so much money, brother?"

Mi Zhen has been smart since she was young, and she knows it very well.

Even if the Mi family is as rich as the East China Sea, they would never spend so much just for the wedding.

I'm afraid this dowry is not just for her.

"...Hehe, aren't you worried that your little sister will be bullied in the future?"

Mi Zhu said jokingly.

Mi Zhen couldn't help laughing, her laughter was as clear as jade being washed by a clear stream:

"Although I have never met Li Lang, I have often heard that he is kind and generous, and is kind to others. He is a righteous gentleman."

"How could my little sister be bullied by him?"

"Brother, just tell me the truth."

Upon hearing this, Mi Zhu smiled helplessly.

"You really can't hide anything from me."

So, he was willing to tell the truth.

"Now my lord is no longer the same as before. Xuzhou has not only unified the five counties."

"Yuzhou Pei State, Lu State and others are also under the sphere of influence of our Lord."

"All my Mi family can do for you is to provide you with money and food."

Mi Zhu secretly felt that Liu Bei's strength grew too fast, far beyond his expectations.

When Liu Bei first arrived in Xuzhou, the territory he controlled was only the two counties of Xia Pi and Pengcheng.

Pengcheng is still a blank land.

At that time, Liu Bei could only rely on the support of Xuzhou's major families such as the Mi family and the Chen family to rule Xuzhou.

But just over a year later, Liu Bei had control over more and more families and actually controlled more and more territories.

Mi Zhu could clearly feel that his family's influence on Liu Ying was getting smaller and smaller.

But the growth of Liu Bei's strength is inseparable from one person.

That person is Li Yi!

Li Yi was Liu Bei's trusted deputy, shadow governor, and executive deputy governor of Xuzhou.

No matter how Liu Bei's power expands in the future, Li Yi's position in Liu's camp will not be affected.

Therefore, as long as Mi Zhu deepens his blood ties with Li Yi, the status of their Mi family in Liuying will not be affected.

This is Mi Zhu's plan.

……

Three writing utensils and six rituals are complete.

Choose a good time and an auspicious day.

Red makeup flows along the river, ceremonial music resounds, for the sound of the harp and zither -

At the auspicious hour of You, after three bows in the hall, the ceremony is complete.

After the complicated rituals, the bride was sent to the bridal chamber.

The groom, Li Yi, had to accept toasts from the guests in turn.

"Military advisor, please!"

Liu Bei's face was flushed, and he was the first to toast.

He looked even more excited than Li Yi.

On the contrary, Li Yi was exhausted from all the social engagements at the wedding.

It’s better to work overtime and stay up late as usual.

"Lord, please!"

Li Yi also returned a toast to Liu Bei.

Liu Bei patted Li Yi on the shoulder and said earnestly:
"Zi Yu now has a family, so you can focus more on your family and don't need to dwell too much on state affairs."

This is to persuade Li Yishao to work overtime.

Otherwise, how can we say that Lao Liu is a conscientious boss.

Which boss would advise his subordinates to work less overtime?
"Thank you for your concern, my lord. I will know my limits."

"... Shan, I know you are diligent and hardworking, but you should also take care of your body and don't overwork yourself."

Whenever Liu Bei saw Li Yi working overtime until late at night, he felt distressed.

If anything happened to the military advisor, Liu Bei would feel like the sky was falling.

"...Hahahaha, my lord, don't worry, Yi is still in good health."

"I practice Tai Chi every day. I will be fine until I help my lord to successfully support the Han Dynasty."

Liu Bei was startled. If he could really support the Han Dynasty, he should share the wealth and honor with them.

"Since you are still in the mood to joke, I can rest assured."

Liu Bei smiled and said, "When you have time someday, sir, please teach me how to do Tai Chi."

"Haha, it's a deal."

Afterwards, Guan Yu came to toast Li Yi again.

"Military Advisor, Guan offers you a toast."

"...Haha, I feel honored to receive a toast from Yunchang."

Li Yi immediately returned the greeting.

Guan Yu’s character is to be proud of his superiors but not to humiliate his subordinates.

Although he despised scholars and officials, he was very respectful to truly talented celebrities.

Guan Yu saw everything Li Yi did in Xuzhou over the past year.

He knew very well that Li Yi was a gentleman worthy of respect.

Subsequently,

Many famous scholars and generals, including Kong Rong, Liu Ye, and Zang Ba, came to Li Yi to toast him.

So much so that Li Yi had to pull Zilong over to block the drinking.

It's not that he can't drink, it's that he can't drink so much water.

If I keep drinking like this, won’t my bladder burst?

Liu Bei laughed out loud
"Alright everyone! Don't get the groom drunk, or we won't be able to have our wedding night tonight."

"Zilong, you should take the groom back to the bridal chamber first."

"We have our own entertainment here."

Zhao Yun took the order and helped Li Yi away.

Liu Bei personally came forward to find the guests.

For a time, the guests and hosts enjoyed themselves.

Finally, it was time for the wedding night.

Mi Zhen stayed in the house at this time, waiting patiently.

Under the candlelight, her eyes were half-lidded. Although she was sitting upright, the two faint blushes on her cheeks revealed the anxiety in her heart.

Li Yi staggered into the bridal chamber.

After closing the door, he straightened his back and became full of energy again.

It turned out that he was pretending to be drunk just now. Otherwise, it would be difficult to get away.

I don’t know how much alcohol I will be forced to drink.

Hearing the sound of the door, Mi Zhen's heart began to beat faster and she became nervous. She tightly grasped the handkerchief.

Li Yi walked to the couch, picked up a bamboo stick, and gently lifted the veil.

Under the flickering candlelight, there is a bright and charming face with lowered brows and a shy look.

When their eyes met, Mi Zhen's heart beat like a deer.

My husband is really as my brother said, handsome and dignified.

After all, Mi Zhen is a lady from a noble family and has excellent mental qualities.

She suppressed her shyness and calmed down.

She presented a wrist as white as snow to Li Yi with both hands.

"...Husband, this is the hangover soup I just made."

Li Yi took the bowl of soup and smiled, "Thank you."

He put it to his lips, took a sip, and said:

"There are so many etiquettes, it's really tiring."

Then he asked her gently, "Are you tired?"

Upon hearing this, Mi Zhen couldn't help but smile, reached out to scoop a bowl of soup, and brought it to Li Yi's lips.

He nodded, then looked up at Li Yi and said softly:
“…But I’m very happy.”

Li Yi's mind moved, and for some reason, he asked:
"Is marrying me a temporary measure of your family, or is it something you are willing to do?"

Mi Zhen was stunned. She was not expecting Li Yi to ask such a question.

His heart tightened, but he still held the bowl of soup steadily in his hand before raising his eyes.

"What about you?"

Mi Zhen forced a smile, her eyes calm.

"Are you doing this for me or for my name, Moose?"

Her pair of clear eyes, flickered by the candlelight, showed more tenderness.

Looking over there, Li Yi was actually in a trance for a moment.

Fortunately, Li Yi is also an expert in love affairs and can face such tricky questions.

Li Yi only pretended to be a little drunk, raised his hand and gently scratched her nose, and said softly:
"Why would I care about your answer if I didn't mean it sincerely?"

Well!
There was a flash of panic in Mi Zhen's eyes and he quickly lowered his head.

Suddenly, I found myself leaning against Li Yi without knowing when.

Li Yi smiled and reached out to stroke her hair:
"Rest early, there are still many things to do tomorrow."

Mi Zhen's face turned red instantly, and she stood up slowly, her voice relatively calm.

"Yes, I will help my husband change his clothes."

A little while.

Under the Yuanyang Happy Quilt, Mi Zhen's restless hands were still moving nervously.

Li Yi's heart softened when he saw the girl's frail expression.

He simply reached out and held her in his arms, rested his chin on her temples, and rubbed her gently and slowly a few times.

Mi Zhen felt the warm breath falling on her eyebrows and ear tips, leaving only a touch of tenderness.

Suddenly she felt her body stiffen. The man was kissing her forehead gently.

When Mi Zhen was at a loss, she suddenly felt a gentle kiss sliding down her forehead.

Dot on the center of the eyebrows, then follow the eyelashes across the tip of the nose,

Finally it landed on the lips...

Mi Zhen's mind suddenly went blank, and it seemed as if a myriad of emotions surged through her heart.

I stood there in a daze for a moment, not knowing what to do.

then,

The rain is about to come to Wushan, but the spring breeze is lingering slowly.

Red candles, silver screen, light curtains and thin tents.

Fingers clasped together, ears rubbed together.

……

……

The next day.

Li Yi woke up from his bed and reached for the pillow, but his wife was gone.

He sat up and saw that Mi Zhen had already woken up.

At this moment, she was kneeling in front of the mirror, half leaning on the railing, dressing herself.

Hearing the sound outside the curtain, he hurriedly got up to greet them.

Her figure is still graceful, and she is still elegant even when she bows.

"I have met my husband."

Li Yi's eyes fell on the sky outside the window, and he raised the corners of his lips:

"Today, we have all the beautiful scenery and enjoyable things."

Mi Zhen smiled and bowed to Li Yifu:
"I have something to ask my husband."

Li Yi smiled and helped her up.

"There's no need to talk about this between you and me, husband and wife."

"Whatever you want to say, just tell me."

"My dear husband, do you know the exact amount of the dowry that my brother prepared for me when I got married?"

Li Yi nodded, "I counted them yesterday, and there are indeed quite a few."

Unexpectedly, Mi Zhen suddenly bowed and said:
"I am willing to donate half of this dowry to the provincial government!"

hiss……

Even though Li Yi was always calm and composed, he remained calm even when faced with a huge crisis.

But when he heard Mi Zhen's words, he couldn't help but be slightly surprised:
"Why is this happening, ma'am?"

These dowries were basically Mi Zhen’s personal property and also the foundation of her life after leaving her parents’ home.

But she was willing to take out half of it and donate it to the Xuzhou provincial government.

Why?

Mi Zhen said seriously:
"I heard that my husband is working with the envoy to fight corruption and rectify the Xuzhou officialdom."

"My Mi family is willing to take the lead and set an example by donating this money and grain."

Upon hearing this, Li Yi couldn't help but smile and said:
"But as far as I know, Mi Biejia has always been honest and upright, and has never committed any act of corruption."

"You have set a great example."

Mi Zhen smiled back:
"My brother is the deputy governor of Xuzhou, and also a prominent family in Donghai."

"If I set an example for other officials, it will be more helpful for my husband to rectify the administration of officials."

He was clearly considering the Mi family, but his words seemed to be for Li Yi.

This woman is indeed smart, worthy of being born into a wealthy family.

Li Yi had been in this world for just over a year, and before that the only woman he could have a heart-to-heart talk with was Tao Hong.

He already felt that Taohong was an extraordinary woman, bold and careful.

But it was not until I got along with real ladies from noble families that I realized there is an unbridgeable gap between people.

And this gap is called class.

Li Yi raised his eyes slightly, looked at Mi Zhen, and said calmly:

"Is this your wife's idea or your brother's?"

Mi Zhen looked at Li Yi with her bright eyes and replied calmly: "

"Whether you are my brother or I, our surname is Mi."

The tone changed, "If so, whether it is for Xuzhou or for my husband."

The implication is obvious.

Li Yi was so wise that he immediately understood the Mi family's intention.

They said they were setting an example, but in fact they felt that Liu Bei was becoming more and more powerful, and the status of their Mi family was no longer as unshakable as it had been before.

After feeling a sense of crisis, the Mi family placed all their bets on Li Yi.

With this virtuous son-in-law from the Mi family, no matter what happens in the future, their Mi family will be able to maintain a considerable status.

But this idea is unnecessary.

Not only did he underestimate Lao Liu, he also underestimated Li Yi.

How much does Lao Liu value feelings?
After entering Sichuan, he still did not forget to repay his angel investor.

Mi Zhu was directly appointed as General Anhan, whose status was higher than that of Zhuge Liang.

Although he has no military power, his status is still there.

If you don't have the ability, then just keep you there for nothing. I don't need your salary anyway.

Even though Mi Fang later rebelled and killed Guan Erye.

Liu Bei still did not punish Mi Zhu. Instead, he comforted him and told him not to take it to heart.

He treated Mi Zhu with the same courtesy as before.

Thinking of this, Li Yi raised his lips:
"Madam comes from a prominent family, so I think she has read a lot of poetry and books."

"Have you ever read Mencius?"

Mi Zhen nodded, "Yes."

Li Yi said calmly:

"Mencius told King Xuan of Qi, 'If the ruler treats his subjects as his own hands and feet, then the subjects will treat the ruler as their own confidant.'"

"If the ruler treats his subjects like dogs and horses, then the subjects will treat the ruler like a fellow countryman—"

Mi Zhen immediately said:
"If the ruler treats his subjects like dirt, then the subjects will treat the ruler like an enemy."

good……

Li Yi nodded, smiled and said:
"Madam, you should know that the minister's attitude towards the king is also like this."

Upon hearing this, Mi Zhen was slightly stunned and stared without saying a word.

After a long time, he slowly opened his mouth and said:

"Have you and the Envoy always been like this?"

"It has always been like this, my heart is like the bright moon."

Li Yi replied indifferently.

"If the ruler does not betray his subjects, the subjects will not betray the ruler either."

The implication was to tell Mi Zhen and the Mi family behind her.

Don't think about the things you have and don't have.

Your lord is Liu Bei, not Cao Cao, nor Sun Quan.

Just do your own job with peace of mind and ensure the longevity of your family.

Moreover, the Mi family had indeed done Li Yi a favor, so how could Li Yi be ungrateful?
"Well, it's getting late."

Li Yi lifted his shirt and stood up, "I have to go to the state capital to see if there is anything going on today."

He nodded, said no more, and turned and left.

Mi Zhen stood still, her gaze fixed on Li Yi's figure fading away.

“Husband!
Mi Zhen suddenly called out softly.

Li Yi was about to walk out the door, but he heard a clear voice behind him and turned back.

Look at Mi Zhen to see what she has to say.

Mi Zhen paused for a moment, then bowed and said:
"My husband's good advice today will be kept in my heart!"

Li Yi raised a faint smile at the corner of his lips and turned to leave.

……

(End of this chapter)