Brother, stop curling up! You're curling up like the founder of the Han Dynasty!

Chapter 112 Liu Bei arranges marriage, Zhao Yun's official match is Ma Yunlu (Seeking follow-up and monthly votes)
Xu You pondered for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "Since He Jin took power, he first killed Jian Shuo, then executed General Dong Zhong, and even Empress Dong died of fear. Now he is summoning you to Luoyang under the pretext of killing the eunuchs. He must have ill intentions. It would be too dangerous for you to go to Luoyang!"

Liu Bei smiled but did not answer, then looked at Jia Xu.

Jia Xu then said, "In the past, when Dou Wu wanted to kill the concubine, on the surface it was because the plot was not kept secret and was discovered by the eunuchs, but the root cause was that Empress Dowager Dou hesitated and was indecisive."

"The current situation in Luoyang is not fundamentally different from that during Dou Wu's time. Although Empress Dowager He is He Jin's sister, she will not allow He Jin to monopolize power. His Majesty is young and only knows the art of seeking the Tao but not the art of governing the country. This is the perfect opportunity for Empress Dowager He to rule from behind the curtain."

"Even siblings will fight for imperial power. For Empress Dowager He, only when eunuchs control the palace can she avoid being sidelined by her ministers. If He Jin wants to kill the eunuchs, he will be making an enemy of Empress Dowager He. How could Empress Dowager He allow that?"

"He Jin dared not openly disobey orders, so he summoned a general from outside the capital to lead troops into the capital to threaten Empress Dowager He. Although it is unknown who advised He Jin, the person who advised him must have also plotted against He Jin."

Xu You suddenly realized something: "If He Jin was also plotted against, then the person who offered the plan wanted to wipe out He Jin and the eunuchs in one fell swoop. In that case, the person who offered the plan must be related to the Yuan family. Among He Jin's subordinates who are related to the Yuan family and trusted by He Jin, there is only Zhang Jin from Nanyang. This person is a retainer of Yuan Shao. However, it is unknown whether this was done by Yuan Shao himself or at the behest of Yuan Wei."

Seeing that Jia Xu and Xu You had quickly identified the person behind the scenes as the Yuan family, Liu Bei's smile deepened.

Jia Xu caught a glimpse of Liu Bei's smile and guessed, "Does my lord perhaps wish to be summoned to Luoyang?"

Liu Bei slowly read out a series of figures: "Hedong Commandery has 100,000 households; Hongnong Commandery has 50,000 households; Henan Yin has 200,000 households; and Henan Commandery has 160,000 households. This is only the publicly known number, not including the households hidden by powerful families and bandits. As for Yongzhou, which I control, even if I include the slaves, farmers, and servants hidden by powerful families like Lu Fang in the new register, it will only amount to 120,000 households."

"Now I have set a plan to streamline the army and reduce the number of troops. Apart from the garrison, I can mobilize at most two battalions. In the next five years, Yongzhou will need to concentrate its efforts on restoring agriculture. If a major event occurs, it will be difficult for me to succeed with only two battalions."

At this point, Liu Bei's gaze became more fervent: "The Book of Stories says, 'In a garden there is a tree, on which grows a cicada. The cicada sits high, singing sadly and drinking dew, unaware that a mantis is behind it; the mantis crouches low, trying to catch the cicada, unaware that a yellow oriole is beside it; the yellow oriole stretches its neck to peck at the mantis, unaware that a slingshot is below it. All three of them are eager to gain immediate benefits, without considering the dangers that follow.'"

"In the current situation in Luoyang, various factions are vying for power. The eunuchs and He Jin are like cicadas, the Yuan family and their ministers are like mantises, and the brave warriors from all directions summoned to Luoyang by He Jin are like orioles. As for me, I should be the one who uses a slingshot to strike down the oriole! Since He Jin has kindly summoned me, how can I not go to Luoyang?"

Without hesitation, Jia Xu replied, "If you, my lord, enter Luoyang, I am willing to stand guard in Chang'an for you."

Liu Bei laughed loudly: "Wenhe, aren't you worried that if you don't go, I'll encounter some misfortune in Luoyang?"

Jia Xu also smiled and said, "If anything happens to you, my lord, I will avenge you to repay your kindness in recognizing my talent."

That's for your own life!

Liu Bei understood Jia Xu's meaning without a second thought: if something unexpected happened in Luoyang, Jia Xu would gather the Yongzhou army left in Luoyang to launch a counterattack in order to save his own life.

Then come a Liu Bei version of civil and military chaos.

Conversely.

Liu Bei did indeed need Jia Xu to be stationed in Chang'an.

As far as Jia Xu was concerned, unless Liu Bei really died unexpectedly, Jia Xu would do his best to defend Yongzhou for Liu Bei in order to live a peaceful life under Liu Bei's command.

Even if someone came to Chang'an with an imperial edict intending to seize military power, Jia Xu could find more than a dozen ways to make the messenger disappear without a trace.

Seeing that Liu Bei had made his decision, Xu You stopped trying to persuade him.

What Liu Bei said was both a fact and a reflection of the predicament of Yongzhou.

With only 120,000 households in Yongzhou, Liu Bei could only protect himself for five years. However, the fate of the world might not be on Liu Bei's side for another five years.

Liu Bei had to seize every opportunity to grab profits; only by constantly increasing his sources of income could he survive in this chaotic world.

"How many men does Your Excellency plan to bring into Luoyang? And who will be your general?" Xu You asked.

Without hesitation, Liu Bei said, "The strength of an army lies not in its size, but in its deployment. My fourth brother, Zhao Yun, has always been reliable. He can lead the troops to Luoyang with me. After I leave, my second brother, Guan Yu, will temporarily serve as the governor of Yongzhou."

Xu You pondered for a moment and said, "That's fine too. Since Wenhe wants to stay in Chang'an, I will accompany you, Your Excellency."

Liu Bei laughed and said, "Ziyuan has many acquaintances in Luoyang, so he should come with me."

After the plan was finalized.

Liu Bei then sought out Guan Yu, Zhang Liao, Dian Wei, and Zhao Yun, who were stationed in Chang'an.

Upon hearing that Liu Bei was going to Luoyang, Guan Yu's expression changed drastically: "Luoyang is dangerous. How can you go so easily, brother? If you must go in person, I can protect you."

Liu Bei shook his head: "With my fourth brother leading the troops, who could possibly harm me?"

Seeing Guan Yu's reluctant expression, Liu Bei stepped forward to comfort him: "Among my brothers, my third and fourth brothers can only serve as generals on the battlefield, while only my second brother can govern a region on his own. My ambition lies in the world, and I cannot remain content with just Yongzhou. If even my second brother is unwilling to govern a region on my own, who else can I rely on?"

Liu Bei's words moved Guan Yu to tears and made him feel ashamed.

After a moment, Guan Yu gritted his teeth and replied, "I will definitely guard Yongzhou for you, brother, and I will never let you down!"

"Good!" Liu Bei patted Guan Yu's shoulder gently and said, "I will leave Wenhe behind to advise you on various matters. Now that you are in charge of Yongzhou for me, you must change your temper. Not everyone is Lu Gong, nor is everyone Wenhe. You must be tolerant of scholars. You must remember this."

Guan Yu's heart tightened, and he replied, "I will always remember your teachings, elder brother!"

Upon learning that Liu Bei was going to Luoyang, Yan Zhong and others came to inquire, and Liu Bei reassured and explained to them one by one.

When it came to Ma Teng, his tone became somewhat hesitant: "My lord, I have a request that I cannot make."

Liu Bei laughed and said, "Mengqi is already my disciple, Zuo Fengyi, you may speak frankly."

Ma Teng glanced around and whispered, "I've heard that Commandant Zhao is still unmarried. I wonder what kind of woman Commandant Zhao likes? As you know, my lord, although I am a descendant of General Fubo, my family has fallen on hard times, and I was born to a Qiang woman. I have a daughter who, although she is of marriageable age, is born to my Qiang concubine, just like Mengqi."

When Ma Teng mentioned that he was born to a Qiang woman, his eyes dimmed.

During this era, most Han Chinese took Qiang women as concubines, and only when they were poor and had no means of livelihood would they marry Qiang women.

The fact that a woman born to a Qiang woman signifies a humble origin.

Although Ma Teng also had a Han Chinese wife, his eldest daughter, like Ma Chao's, was born to a Qiang woman who was his concubine.

Although Ma Teng intended to arrange a marriage alliance, it seemed disrespectful to Zhao Yun to marry the daughter of a Qiang concubine.

But if she becomes a concubine, then it's no longer considered a marriage alliance.

"Have you asked my fourth brother about this?" Liu Bei asked instead of answering.

Ma Teng sighed, "Although I didn't ask, Meng Qi did. But every time, Commandant Zhao told Meng Qi, 'A great man only worries about not having achieved fame and success, not about not having a wife.'"

Liu Bei was speechless. Was his fourth brother having a stress reaction due to his elder brother Zhao Feng's pressure to get married?
Thinking of Zhao Yun's criteria for choosing a spouse when they were in Changshan, Liu Bei pondered and said, "My fourth brother is different from others; he does not want to marry a woman from a powerful or wealthy family."

Ma Teng's eyes lit up immediately. If he didn't want to marry into a powerful family, then he didn't care about his background!
"Fourth brother, you don't want to marry a weak woman either, you want a strong and healthy one," Liu Bei continued.

Ma Teng felt a surge of joy. "My daughter takes after me; she's been strong and healthy since she was little."

"He also has to have a fiery temper; only a fiery temper brings masculinity." As Liu Bei spoke, he couldn't help but twitch his lips. Fourth brother, your requirements are too demanding.

Ma Teng was so excited he wanted to clap his hands and laugh out loud. "My daughter has practiced martial arts since she was a child. She has a fierce temper and even beats Meng Qi when she gets angry."

What a perfect match!
"I have a daughter named Lu, who has practiced martial arts since childhood and has a fiery temper. She wishes to marry Commandant Zhao and asks you, my lord, to act as matchmaker!" Ma Teng said excitedly.

"Deer? Which deer?" Liu Bei was taken aback. Ma Teng laughed and said, "When my daughter was born, I had just shot a wild deer in the mountains. To bring good luck, I named her Deer."

"Ma Lu?" Liu Bei's lips twitched. "Is this a name a woman should have? Zuo Fengyi, you should read more books."

Ma Teng smiled awkwardly: "I come from a poor background, how would I know anything about naming? Your Excellency is so learned, could you please give my daughter a nicer name?"

Liu Bei pondered for a moment and said, "Why not change 'Lu' to 'Lu' (禄), meaning salary or stipend, and add the character 'Yun' (云), making it 'Yunlu' (云禄). 'Yun' corresponds to my fourth brother Zhao Yun's name, and 'Lu' (禄) represents his wish to achieve great deeds, secure a high position for his wife and children. This would be both elegant and subtly suit my fourth brother's wishes. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Ma Teng was overjoyed: "Thank you, Your Excellency!"

Liu Bei continued, "That may be true, but if Fourth Brother is unwilling, I cannot force him. Since Zuo Fengyi is interested, I will teach you a method. I will set off for Luoyang in three days, and Mengqi will accompany me. Before leaving, Mengqi must also bid farewell to our parents. Arrange a time for me to bring Fourth Brother to the banquet, and then you can have Ma Yunlu perform a spear dance during the banquet. Whether it works or not depends on fate."

Ma Teng's eyes lit up, and he asked, "I wonder if Your Excellency has any free time tonight?"

Liu Bei couldn't help but laugh and said, "You're quite impatient."

Ma Teng also smiled and said, "Good things should be done as soon as possible. Thank you for your help, Your Excellency."

Liu Bei, also eager to facilitate the match, said, "In that case, let's do it tonight."

After Ma Teng left, Liu Bei summoned Zhao Yun and instructed him to attend a banquet at Zuo Fengyi's residence that night.

Zhao Yun had no suspicions and accepted the order to make preparations.

As darkness fell, Liu Bei took Zhao Yun to the residence of Zuo Fengyi.

“Brother, is it impolite of me to be wearing armor, carrying a spear and bow, and wearing a robe and sword at a banquet at Meng Qi’s house?” Zhao Yun was puzzled and felt that there was something unusual about attending the banquet tonight.

Could it be that my elder brother suspects that tonight's banquet is a trap set by Ma Teng?
It shouldn’t be!

Ma Chao has become the eldest brother's disciple, how could it be a trap?

“That’s why you’re even more impressive,” Liu Bei said with a smile.

Zhao Yun was even more puzzled: "Do we need to put on airs when we go to Meng Qi's house?"

Liu Bei didn't explain further, saying, "You'll find out when you get there. By the way, you can't sit down; just stand behind me with your gun as a guard."

Does this even need to be mentioned?

Isn't my purpose tonight to protect my elder brother?
Zhao Yun was filled with questions, but he couldn't get any answers. He could only suppress his doubts and follow Liu Bei into Zuo Fengyi's residence.

"I am deeply sorry for not being able to greet you properly, Your Excellency," Ma Teng greeted him warmly. Seeing Zhao Yun in his military uniform, looking so majestic, he was even more delighted.

With that kind of style, which woman wouldn't be captivated?
"Captain Zhao has arrived as well, please come in quickly."

Not long after.

Liu Bei took his seat, and Zhao Yun stood behind him with his spear.

Ma Teng also brought his wife, Ma Chao, Ma Xiu, and Ma Tie to the banquet.

Between raising a cup.

At Liu Bei's prompting, Ma Teng suddenly spoke up, "There is nothing to enjoy at the banquet. I have a skilled dancer in my household; please allow me, Your Excellency, to watch him."

Liu Bei laughed heartily, "Excellent! Excellent!"

Ma Teng gave Ma Chao a look, and Ma Chao immediately got up and left the hall. A short while later, a woman carrying a gun and a sword entered.

Zhao Yun instinctively gripped the hilt of his sword.

"Fourth brother, don't be nervous, it's just a spear dance." Liu Bei waved his hand to stop him.

Although Zhao Yun loosened his grip on the sword hilt, his eyes remained fixed on the woman, fearing she might suddenly attack.

The woman was Ma Yunlu, Ma Teng's eldest daughter, who had been instructed by Ma Teng to perform a spear dance at the banquet to enhance the drinking atmosphere.

The wielding of spears and swords possesses both delicate beauty and masculine strength; the combination of gentleness and strength creates a unique charm.

Seeing that Ma Yunlu was indeed just wielding his spear normally, Zhao Yun lowered his guard.

Just then, Liu Bei suddenly spoke up again: "One person wielding a spear alone is no fun. Fourth brother, why don't you go up and perform a dance?"

Zhao Yun's eyes widened: "Brother, I—"

Liu Bei interrupted, saying, "Fourth brother, don't spoil the drinking."

Left with no other choice, Zhao Yun stepped forward and danced with Ma Yunlu.

After performing a short dance, Liu Bei said, "Simply wielding a spear is quite boring. I think Zuo Fengyi's daughter also has some martial arts skills. Why don't she spar with my fourth brother, and stop when it's over?"

Ma Teng laughed knowingly: "Yunlu, why don't you ask Commandant Zhao for some pointers?"

Zhao Yun was taken aback and looked at Liu Bei in astonishment. Wasn't she a dancer? How did she become the daughter of Zuo Fengyi?

Ma Chao, standing to the side, chimed in even more enthusiastically: "Sister, don't hold back!"

Ma Yunlu had long been fed up with the dancers putting on this show. Pointing her spear at Zhao Yun, she shouted, "My brother said that if you beat him, Father will marry me to you; Father has also intended to hold this banquet tonight. But I refuse to accept it!"

Zhao Yun then realized that tonight was a trap. When he looked at Liu Bei again, Liu Bei was already lying on the table pretending to be drunk.

Big brother, you—

Helpless, Zhao Yun could only apologize, saying, "It was all a joke, don't take it seriously."

Ma Yunlu pointed his gun at me and shouted, "Whether it's a joke or not, we'll only know after we fight. If you beat me, then this matter will be over."

"Really?" Zhao Yun gripped his spear tighter.

Ma Yunlu said, "Absolutely no exaggeration!"

No sooner said than done, in the blink of an eye, Ma Yunlu's spear was out of his hand.

"You lost!" Zhao Yun put away his spear and stood up, secretly relieved, but he didn't notice that Ma Yunlu's eyes had turned into those of a fangirl.

Liu Bei stood up and gently scolded, "Fourth brother, don't be rude. We agreed to spar, did you really take it seriously?"

Seeing Liu Bei no longer pretending to be drunk, Zhao Yun was speechless: Brother, your acting skills are terrible!

(End of this chapter)