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

Chapter 131 Liu Bei is highly regarded by Cai Yong, truly my son-in-law (Seeking subscriptions and monthly votes)
As the saying goes, birds of a feather flock together.

Cai Yong was a man who was not afraid to bow to the powerful and influential, and he would speak frankly and submit memorials even if he knew that he would offend them.

Even if I were to flee to the rivers and seas, and wander far away to Wu and Kuai, I would not change my nature. As long as I am alive, I will still impeach you if necessary.

Therefore.

Cai Yong not only did not think Liu Bei was unruly, but also thought Liu Bei did a good job in the eyes of others, such as whipping the inspector, beating up the general in the capital, dismissing corrupt officials, punishing and killing powerful bandits, and killing traitors.

In other words, Liu Bei did what Cai Yong wanted to do but was unable to do.

Cai Yong was renowned for his literary talent, but he could only impeach illegal activities by reasoning with people. If no one listened to his reasoning, Cai Yong had no way to deal with the situation.

Liu Bei was different from Cai Yong. Although Liu Bei also liked to reason with people, he would resort to force if no one listened to his reasoning.

In the matter of Cai Wenji, Huang Wan actually misunderstood Cai Yong.

Because Cai Wenji had followed Cai Yong through many hardships since childhood, and had not found a suitable match even three years after she came of age, Cai Yong felt guilty, so he cast a wide net to find a suitable match for Cai Wenji.

However, although many admired Cai Yong's reputation and were willing to marry Cai Wenji, none of them actually took any action.

For example, the Wei family of Hedong wrote to Cai Yong with extravagant praise, and even promised that Wei Zhongdao, a man of few virtues in the clan, would marry Cai Wenji.

Wei Zhongdao was a child prodigy from a young age, and Cai Yong had heard of him when he was in Luoyang, so he was very satisfied with Wei Zhongdao.

They thought the marriage was settled, but then Lady Wei kept delaying it, citing the power of the eunuchs and saying that it was not urgent to wait a few more years.

Cai Yong was furious but helpless. After all, he had offended too many powerful figures in the past, and even Cai Yong himself had to avoid trouble in Jianghai. It was normal for the Wei family to have concerns.

But Cai Wenji had already come of age, and while the Wei family could delay, Cai Yong did not want to.

Just then, Huang Wan sent someone to act as a matchmaker for Liu Bei.

Although Liu Bei came from humble origins, he was not afraid of powerful figures. He dared to whip the adopted son of a eunuch and beat up the subordinate general of a general. This character directly impressed Cai Yong: "He is even more fierce than I was back then!"
So Cai Yong excitedly took Cai Wenji back to the old house in Chenliu, preparing to find an opportunity to meet Liu Bei and see what kind of hero Huang Wan had described.

Unexpectedly, not long after returning to Chenliu, a major event occurred in Luoyang: the power of both the imperial relatives and the eunuchs was wiped out.

The powerful figures whom Cai Yong had offended in the past either died, fled, or lost power.

Upon hearing the news, not only did prominent families from Chenliu and the surrounding area send people to propose marriage, but the Wei family of Hedong also hurriedly sent people to find Cai Yong.

This greatly displeased Cai Yong: If he is so snobbish while I am still alive, wouldn't he kick my daughter out of the house after I die?
Just then, Dong Zhuo sent someone to recruit Cai Yong as the Imperial Scholar. Cai Yong also heard that Liu Bei had been appointed as the Imperial Uncle by the Emperor for his meritorious service in killing the powerful relatives and eunuchs. So he decided to respond to Dong Zhuo's recruitment.

I admired Liu Bei for daring to defy the powerful despite his humble origins, and now he has become the Imperial Uncle of the Han Dynasty.

Cai Yong naturally did not want to miss out on such a hero.

Cai Wenji was also curious about Liu Bei.

With her father Cai Yong, who offended powerful figures and was forced to flee to the rivers and seas, as an example, Cai Wenji could hardly imagine what kind of hero could trample the powerful figures in Luoyang underfoot!
What amazed Cai Wenji even more was that Liu Bei was not even thirty years old!
Sikong Mansion.

Dong Zhuo was in a rather good mood today.

Originally, it was thought that Cai Yong would refuse the appointment, but to everyone's surprise, Cai Yong readily accepted and drove to Luoyang almost without any hesitation or delay.

This made Dong Zhuo secretly proud: I can even summon Cai Yong at will, doesn't that prove my reputation and status in the eyes of scholars?
I, Dong Zhuo, am the Minister of Works of the Han Dynasty. Scholars bow their heads in humility, and I am renowned throughout the land!
If Dong Zhuo knew that Cai Yong would not have come at all without Liu Bei, and that he only attended the banquet today to learn about Liu Bei indirectly, he would probably be as frustrated as he was proud.

Although he did not come specifically for Dong Zhuo, Cai Yong still gave Dong Zhuo face and did not look down on him because of his military background. On the contrary, he praised Dong Zhuo for his act of supporting the new emperor on the orders of a secret edict.

The longer Dong Zhuoyue talked with Cai Yong, the happier he became.

Cai Yong was also appointed as Imperial Censor to participate in the emperor's inspection tours and to be responsible for investigating cases involving princes and promoting virtuous local officials.

Cai Yong readily accepted.

At the height of their conversation, Dong Zhuo suddenly asked, "I've heard that Lord Cai has a daughter of marriageable age, and many prominent families from various prefectures and counties are vying for her hand in marriage. Today, outside Luoyang, the streets are bustling with people seeking her hand in marriage. I wonder if Lord Cai has anyone in mind?"

Originally, Dong Zhuo didn't care about this matter. However, after Dong Zhuo's nephew, Dong Huang, heard that Cai Yong was going to enter Luoyang, he secretly sought out Dong Zhuo and wanted to marry Cai Yong's daughter.

If it weren't for the fact that there was only one adult male among the Dong brothers, Dong Zhuo would have wanted to give Dong Huang a good beating.

I just recruited Cai Yong to Luoyang, and you're already going to ask for his daughter's hand in marriage? What if you scare Cai Yong away? You'll have to give me a Cai Yong in return!

Most importantly, Dong Zhuo also learned from Lü Bu that Liu Bei was also seeking to marry Cai Yong's daughter.

At present, Dong Zhuo has not yet fully seized power, and he is not foolish enough to offend Liu Bei for the sake of a woman.

It must be said that Lü Bu was quite adept at handling situations and knew who the real boss was; his moral compass was also very flexible.

He even deliberately mentioned to Dong Zhuo that the reason Liu Bei stayed in Luoyang instead of returning to Yongzhou was because he intended to marry Cai Yong's daughter.

What is said with good intentions may be taken to heart by the listener.

Upon hearing that Liu Bei was also seeking to marry Cai Yong's daughter, Dong Zhuo immediately abandoned his idea of ​​arranging a marriage between Dong Huang and Cai Yong's daughter, and instead showed more interest in currying favor with Liu Bei.

If Liu Bei wins the heart of the beauty, he can't refuse to help her in the future, can he?

Upon hearing Dong Zhuo's question, Cai Yong pondered for a moment, then asked instead of answering, "I wonder what Minister Dong thinks of Liu Bei's character?"

Was it really Liu Bei who was favored by Cai Yong?

Dong Zhuo secretly felt lucky.

If I were to forcefully ask Dong Huang to marry me today, wouldn't I offend both Liu Bei and Cai Yong?
Fortunately, my son Fengxian reminded me today, otherwise I would have made a terrible mistake!
This adopted son is a good choice; we should nurture him well in the future.

Unlike my nephew, who thinks about women all day long. A real man should focus on his career and fame, why should he worry about not having women!

Thinking of this, Dong Zhuo immediately put on a smiling face and changed Liu Bei's words in the Western Garden, saying: "Uncle Liu is a true hero. If the Han Dynasty did not have Uncle Liu, it would only allow incompetent people to occupy high positions, so that beasts would eat the food in the palace and rotten wood would be officials. There would not be a single virtuous person to assist the emperor and bring peace to the people."

Cai Yong was filled with awe: "I never expected that Minister Dong would praise Liu Bei so highly! I have long admired Liu Bei's name. If I could have him as my son-in-law, I would be more than content!"

Upon hearing this, Lü Bu, the guard, couldn't help but ponder.

Not only did his adoptive father praise Xuande highly, but Cai Gong also intended to make Xuande his son-in-law, so it seemed he would have to interact with Xuande more often in the future. It's unknown whether Xuande's parents were still alive, whether he had ever been to Bingzhou, or whether he had any close friends with Xuande, but unfortunately, Xuande always avoided discussing these matters.

Xuande has no son, otherwise I could marry my daughter to Xuande's son.

How about marrying my daughter to Xuande's sworn brother? But what if Xuande misunderstands that I'm taking advantage of him? Wouldn't that be a bad thing?

Or, how about we have my adoptive father recognize Lord Cai as his sworn brother? That way, I'd be Lord Cai's sworn nephew? Or the sworn cousin of Cai Yong's daughter? Or Xuande's... uh, it's a bit messy, I can't quite figure it out.

Just as Lü Bu was lost in thought, he overheard Dong Zhuo and Cai Yong discussing the procedures for the Six Rites.

Upon hearing that Liu Bei still needed to go through formalities, Lü Bu blurted out, "Uncle Liu is busy guarding Yongzhou and suppressing rebellions, how can he have time to wait?"

Dong Zhuo and Cai Yong were both taken aback.

Lu Bu's words may be rough, but the principle is sound; as time goes on, too many things can change.

Dong Zhuo pondered this carefully: He Jin was killed by the eunuchs because he had been plotting for too long, which gave the eunuchs an opportunity. Moreover, Liu Bei was in a position of great responsibility and would not wait in Luoyang for long. This matter must be settled before Liu Bei returns to Yongzhou so that Liu Bei will be grateful for my help.

Cai Yong also pondered this carefully: Liu Bei has become famous throughout the land from an unknown person in just over a year. If people hear that Liu Bei is still unmarried, there will be many who come to visit him. This matter must be settled before Liu Bei returns to Yongzhou. It would be best to let Wenji go directly to Yongzhou. Only in this way will I not be afraid of offending powerful people and delaying Wenji's life.

Although the two men had different concerns, they both believed that the marriage should be arranged before Liu Bei returned to Yongzhou.

However, the wedding ceremony troubled Cai Yong: "Since ancient times, there have been fixed rules for the date of betrothal and marriage: one year for the emperor, half a year for the feudal lords, one quarter for the high officials, and one month for the common people. Although Liu Huangshu is not a feudal lord, he is still the emperor's recognized uncle. Even if it cannot be half a year, it should at least be one quarter. Otherwise, people may mistakenly think that Liu Huangshu is ignorant of etiquette."

Lü Bu laughed frankly, "Why does Lord Cai insist that Liu Bei marry in Luoyang? Couldn't you send your daughter to Chang'an to live in a separate residence first? At that time, not to mention a season, even half a year would be fine."

After saying this, Lü Bu secretly gloated: "Xuande, you should thank me. Once Cai Yong's daughter arrives in Chang'an, who will dare to snatch her from you?"

Cai Yong was delighted upon hearing this: "What the Marquis of Duting said makes sense. Let my cousin Cai Gu prepare carriages and horses, send my daughter to Yongzhou first, and then choose an auspicious day for the wedding. In this way, it will neither delay Liu Huangshu's guard of Yongzhou nor make Liu Huangshu lose his manners."

Dong Zhuo also laughed and said, "My son Fengxian is indeed intelligent. Afterwards, with my cousin Cai Gong handling all matters, Cai Gong can stay in Luoyang with peace of mind to assist me in assisting the emperor and bringing peace to the people."

Lu Bu was even more excited, so after the banquet, he volunteered to escort Cai Yong back to his residence in Luoyang.

Dong Zhuo had no suspicions and instructed Lü Bu to escort them carefully, ensuring they did not break the rules of etiquette.

Lu Bu was secretly pleased and chatted enthusiastically with Cai Yong all the way.

Because Lü Bu had just suggested that Cai Wenji go to Chang'an to live in a separate residence, which resolved Cai Yong's concerns, Cai Yong also had a good impression of Lü Bu.

Seeing that the time was ripe, Lü Bu seized the opportunity and said, "I have been orphaned and destitute since childhood, and no elders have taught me manners. Scholars also look down on my humble origins. It is truly a fortunate thing to meet Lord Cai today!"

“I am deeply grateful that Lord Cai does not find me uncouth. Although I am just a soldier, I am grateful and will repay kindness. If you will not reject me, I would like to ask to be Lord Cai’s daughter’s sworn brother. From now on, Lord Cai’s affairs are my affairs.”

If Lü Bu hadn't already recognized Dong Zhuo as his adoptive father, he would have wanted to directly recognize Cai Yong as his adoptive father.

Cai Yong was bewildered by Lü Bu's words and said, "Lord Duting is joking. You are the adopted son of Minister Dong. How could I allow my daughter to recognize you as her sworn brother? If this gets out, Minister Dong might mistakenly think that you and I have formed a secret alliance. This matter should not be mentioned again."

Lü Bu's mind wasn't nearly as complex as Cai Yong's; he simply stuck to his conviction: to maintain a good relationship with Liu Bei so that if Dong Zhuo lost power in the future, he could still turn to Liu Bei.

As for whether Dong Zhuo would misunderstand and think he was forming a faction, that was Dong Zhuo's concern, not Lü Bu's.

A real man is content with external struggles; he absolutely cannot afford to suffer internal ones!
Seeing that Cai Yong was unwilling, Lü Bu said again: "Lord Cai, do not worry. You know this matter, I know this matter, Liu Bei knows this matter, Heaven knows this matter, Earth knows this matter, no one else knows this matter."

Cai Yong was even more confused: "Why should Liu Bei need to know?"

Lü Bu laughed and said, “I have always respected Liu Bei. If my adoptive father ever clashes with Liu Bei in the future, and I am the adopted brother of Cai Gong’s daughter, I can also try to dissuade him. If Cai Gong does not object, then that means he agrees. Since Cai Gong is fond of Liu Bei, I will go and tell Liu Bei the good news right away.”

Cai Yong hesitated, feeling it was inappropriate, but did not voice any further objections.

Lu Bu's words make sense. If Dong Zhuo and Liu Bei were to clash in the future, Lu Bu's assistance could help dissuade them from the conflict.

After pondering for a moment, Cai Yong said, "Then I will trouble Marquis Duting to convey my message to Liu Huangshu. I will be hosting a banquet at my residence tomorrow, and I would like to invite Liu Huangshu to attend."

Lü Bu was overjoyed. After sending Cai Yong back to his residence, he rode straight to Liu Bei's camp.

Before even reaching the camp gate, he shouted loudly, "Is Xuande here? I have a surprise to share with you!"

Since almost no one dared to walk on the street in front of Liu Bei's camp, and Lü Bu had an extremely loud voice, Liu Bei could hear Lü Bu's shouts even in the central command tent.

"Fourth brother, can your horsemanship and archery skills improve even further?" Liu Bei looked at Zhao Yun beside him, feeling a headache coming on. This Lü Bu has become Dong Zhuo's adopted son, so why does he keep running to me?
Zhao Yun smiled awkwardly, knowing that Lü Bu had been coming to see Liu Bei a lot lately: "Brother, in the later stages of horsemanship and archery, it all comes down to who has better weapons, equipment, and warhorses."

"Sigh—" Liu Bei rubbed his temples.

If Liu Bei had a different general or strategist who was as proactive and enthusiastic as Lü Bu, he would have been overjoyed.

But this just so happens to be Lü Bu!
The way he betrayed his country on the eve of battle and recognized Dong Zhuo as his adoptive father made Liu Bei's scalp tingle.

After a while.

Lu Bu burst into the tent in a flurry, carrying a bag of jewels, and said, "Xuande, I have brought you two surprises."

Before Liu Bei could ask, Lü Bu said directly, "The first surprise is that I am now the sworn brother of Cai Gong's daughter."

ha?
Is this a surprise?

That's just shocking!

"Lord Cai agreed?" Liu Bei exclaimed in surprise.

Lu Bu said smugly, "Although he didn't nod, he didn't shake his head either. Xuande, don't worry, only you, me, Cai Gong, Heaven, and Earth know about this."

Liu Bei breathed a sigh of relief: "So what's the second surprise?"

Lü Bu was even more pleased: "The second surprise is that Lord Cai has agreed to choose you as his son-in-law and is even preparing to send his daughter to live in a separate residence in Chang'an."

Immediately afterward, Lü Bu chimed in, "Xuande, you must thank me. It was I who suggested that Lord Cai send his daughter to Chang'an first, and then choose a date for the wedding. Lord Cai will also be hosting a banquet at his residence tomorrow, and I urge Xuande to attend."

(End of this chapter)