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

Chapter 136 After winning over Cai Wenji, Liu Bei plots again in Hongnong (Seeking subscriptions and monthly votes)
After they began playing the zither and singing together, Liu Bei and Cai Wenji's relationship grew increasingly intimate. Even when they occasionally overstepped the bounds of propriety, Cai Gu and Gu Yue pretended not to notice.

Especially after Liu Bei took the time to record Su Shi's "On Marquis Liu" for Cai Gu, Cai Gu's attitude underwent a complete change.

Not only did he no longer say that the poems and essays copied by Liu Bei were "words to curry favor and actions to amuse the public, which are ultimately not the right way to govern the country," but he also said to Gu Yue, "Although the six rites have not been formally carried out yet, the marriage between the Imperial Uncle and Wenji will not change. Exchanging ideas before marriage can also enhance understanding. It would be too pedantic to use 'exceeding the proper etiquette' all the time."

These contradictory statements made Gu Yue mutter to himself: "A Confucian scholar can always make sense no matter what he says."

Since Cai Gu and Cai Wenji didn't care, Gu Yue stopped stopping Liu Bei and remembered Liu Bei's promise: two iron axes!

Although the ring-pommel sword is also good, Gu Yue's name, Yue, is originally the name of a weapon, and Gu Yue prefers Yue.

Both axes and halberds are chopping weapons. They are similar in shape but differ in blade width. Axe blades are narrower, while halberd blades are wide and curved, resembling a crescent moon.

During the Warring States period, axes were used for armor. After improvements in the Han Dynasty, the efficiency of chopping was increased. In the Battle of Xiangji Temple, long-handled axes were also deployed to cut off the legs of horses. In the Battle of Yancheng, Yue Fei's army used large axes to "cut cavalry above and horses below".

Those who can wield axes and halberds are all strong and fierce people.

To enable Gu Yue to better protect Cai Wenji, Liu Bei also gave Gu Yue a pair of fish scale armor. After wearing the fish scale armor, Gu Yue became even more imposing and fierce.

"Sigh, it may seem impressive, but it won't be easy for Wu Rou to get married in the future," Cai Wenji said with some anxiety.

Although Gu Yue was a guard, Cai Wenji did not really regard him as an ordinary guard. After all, he was a relative of Gu Yong, a disciple of Cai Yong, and had experienced many twists and turns since childhood, which made Cai Wenji feel quite sorry for him.

Liu Bei, however, admired Gu Yue more and more, saying, "With such a fierce appearance as Gu Yue, an ordinary person would certainly not dare to marry him. But I have no shortage of talented people under my command. There is someone who is a perfect match for Gu Yue. In terms of fierce appearance alone, Gu Yue is far inferior to that person."

"Huh?" Cai Wenji couldn't help but wonder, "Is there such an extraordinary person in the Imperial Uncle's army? I wonder what his name is. If we are truly compatible, I am willing to prepare a dowry for Gu Yue."

Liu Bei laughed and said, "Dian Wei, the Left Colonel of Yongzhou Army, whose courtesy name is Wenwei, is skilled in using double iron halberds. He is incredibly strong, has a fierce appearance, and is even capable of chasing tigers across streams. When I was in Chang'an, I also tried to arrange a marriage for Wenwei, but every time the other party saw Wenwei, they were too scared to go out, which made Wenwei very distressed."

Cai Wenji was slightly surprised: "If he is so strong and has such a fierce appearance, why would he choose such an elegant courtesy name as Wenwei? Isn't this just trying to mislead the bride's family?"

Liu Bei laughed and said, "I chose the courtesy name Wenwei myself because I wanted Wenwei to study more, as more reading would improve his appearance. Wenji chose the courtesy name Wurou for Gu Yue. He has the martial spirit, but where does the gentleness come from? Isn't Wenji just trying to mislead the matchmaker by choosing the courtesy name like this?"

Cai Wenji also smiled and said, "Wu Rou only looks fierce on the outside, but she is actually very kind-hearted. Martial prowess is on the outside, but gentleness is in the heart, hence her courtesy name Wu Rou. Your Highness gave Dian Wei the courtesy name Wenwei and encouraged him to study more. Isn't that also the meaning of being fierce on the outside and cultured on the inside?"

As they spoke, the two seemed to be on the same wavelength, speaking in unison.

"Wu Rou and Dian Wei are truly a match made in heaven."

"Wenwei and Gu Yue are truly a match made in heaven."

As soon as he finished speaking, Liu Bei and Cai Wenji were both stunned for a moment, then one burst into laughter and the other covered her mouth and chuckled.

Not a family, do not enter the door.

Although they hadn't known each other for long, Liu Bei and Cai Wenji were extremely compatible.

Gu Yue looked at Liu Bei and Cai Wenji, who were chatting and laughing happily, with some doubt. He was unaware that her life's most important matter had already been considered.

Hongnong City.

Because Liu Bei went to Luoyang, he not only joined forces with Dong Zhuo to depose Liu Bian, but also, after supporting the new emperor, was addressed as the Imperial Uncle by Liu Xie in front of all the civil and military officials. This made Zhang Wen feel uneasy.

As the Commandant of the Capital Region, Zhang Wen felt very uneasy, as he had offended both Liu Bei and Dong Zhuo.

Now, Liu Bei is the emperor's uncle and Dong Zhuo is the Minister of Works, so Zhang Wen can't afford to offend either of them.

Zhang Wen originally planned to use some underhanded tactics, but before he could even begin, he discovered that Liu Bei had become an insurmountable mountain to be looked up to!
Cai You, who was originally appointed as the governor of Hedong, lost his post again when the new governor of Hedong, Xun You, took office.

“Zhang Gong, why don’t we leave? Let’s go back to Nanyang! Although we’ll lose our official positions, at least we can save our lives. Otherwise, once Liu Bei enters the city, he will definitely take revenge.” Cai You was filled with fear.

Huang Guang, who was appointed Prefect of Hongnong by Zhang Wen, was also terrified.

They couldn't defeat Liu Bei when they were in Chang'an. Now that Liu Bei has the title of Imperial Uncle and the merit of helping to establish a new emperor, how can they compete with Liu Bei?
Zhang Wen looked hesitant.

Although returning to Nanyang could save his life, at best he could only remain a powerful clan again.

Surely a dignified Commandant of the Capital Region can't just abandon his post and become a subordinate official for the newly appointed governor or prefect, can he?
Cai You and Huang Guang can afford to lose face, but Zhang Wen cannot!

"Shut up, all of you!" Zhang Wen was annoyed and took a deep breath: "My Imperial Uncle is returning to Chang'an. As the Commandant of the Capital Region, how can I not fulfill my duty as a host?"

Cai You and Huang Guang were about to speak when they were frightened by Zhang Wen's fierce gaze and dared not speak again. They could only follow Zhang Wen's instructions to prepare.

After half the market.

Outside Hongnong City, Zhang Wen led the city's officials to stand along the roadside, respectfully welcoming Liu Bei into the city.

"what?"

Liu Bei looked at Zhang Wen, Cai You, and Huang Guang standing in front of him with some surprise.

Given the personal grudge between Liu Bei and Zhang Wen, it would be good enough if they didn't clash. Yet, Zhang Wen was lining the streets to welcome Liu Bei.

Showing courtesy for nothing is either cheating or stealing.

Liu Bei instinctively became wary.

"Zhang Sili, how have you been?" Liu Bei greeted him warmly.

No matter what tricks the opponent has up their sleeve, Liu Bei will meet them head-on and face whatever comes his way without fear.

Seeing Liu Bei's smiling face, Zhang Wen secretly breathed a sigh of relief and returned the greeting, saying, "Thanks to the Imperial Uncle, I am safe and sound."

Liu Bei was even more surprised and suspicious.

And you're even blaming me for this?
What does it matter to me whether you are sick or not?
What wicked scheme are they plotting now?

Liu Bei didn't believe a single word that Zhang Wen, a seasoned official who was adept at both yielding and assertiveness, said.

really.

After exchanging pleasantries, Zhang Wen began to feign pitifulness: "Although I am the Commandant of the Capital Region, the Governor of Henan does not listen to me, nor does the Prefect of Henan. Now the court has appointed a new Prefect of Hedong, and I am afraid that before long, a new Prefect of Hongnong will take office. I have also offended Minister Dong, and I will hardly survive in the future. If you, my Imperial Uncle, have any candidates for Commandant of the Capital Region, I am willing to recommend them."

If we're talking about pitiful people, Zhang Wen is indeed quite pitiful.

First, the Three Auxiliary Regions were assigned to Yongzhou. Then, under He Jin's eunuch regime, Wang Yun and Xu Xiang were appointed as Governors of Henan. After Dong Zhuo became Minister of Works, he appointed Yang Yi as Governor of Henan. Now, Hanoi is occupied by rebel forces such as Yuan Shao, and Zhang Wen has no control over it.

With only Hedong and Hongnong remaining, Zhang Wen lost control of Hedong once again because Liu Bei recommended Xun You as the governor of Hedong.

Only Hongnong County remained.

However, Hongnong County only had a pitifully small number of registered households, totaling only 50,000, and powerful families like the Yang family in Hongnong were not people Zhang Wen could afford to offend.

In other words, Zhang Wen's position as Commandant of the Capital Region was now merely nominal, and Dong Zhuo could easily transfer him to Luoyang with a single order.

Zhang Wen played this victim card to see if he still had any use to Liu Bei.

If so, Zhang Wen could stay in Hongnong; if not, he would have no choice but to flee to Nanyang.

Zhang Wen was quite lucky.

For Liu Bei, a familiar Commandant of the Capital Region was far more useful than an unfamiliar one.

In particular, this Commandant of the Capital Region had a personal grudge against Dong Zhuo, which meant that Zhang Wen would not easily side with Dong Zhuo.

As for whether he will side with Liu Bei, that depends on whether Zhang Wen has the foresight to see things clearly.

After understanding Zhang Wen's intentions, Liu Bei made a decision: "Zhang Sili, do not worry. Dong Sikong is not a petty person."

"When I left Luoyang, Dong Sikong told me that although he had some personal grudges with Zhang Wen, the Sili, he was now the Sikong and could not let personal matters interfere with his official duties, otherwise people would mistakenly think that he was taking revenge for personal reasons."

"As for replacing the governor of Hedong with Xun You, Zhang Sili should know better than I do. The governor of Hedong you appointed would probably be so frightened by the arrival of the White Wave Bandits that he would abandon the city and flee."

“My second brother Guan Yu is from Hedong, and Xu Huang, the Right Colonel of the Army, is also from Hedong. How can I sit idly by and watch my sworn brother and beloved general’s old friends and relatives be killed by the White Wave bandits?”

Cai You was taken aback and slightly resentful: "How did you know that the White Wave bandits were going to harass Hedong? I am, after all, a prefect of a commandery. How could I be so frightened that I would abandon the city and flee?"

Liu Bei bluntly scoffed, "You can't even predict when the White Wave bandits will attack Hedong, what kind of governor are you?"

Cai You hesitated and dared not speak again.

Zhang Wen turned around and scolded Cai You, then said with a forced smile, "I admire your foresight, Imperial Uncle. If there is any need in the future, I will do my best to cooperate with you."

Without hesitation, Liu Bei said, "There really is something that requires Zhang Sili's cooperation." He then looked at Huang Guang and asked, "I wonder how courageous the Prefect of Hongnong is?"

Huang Guang was taken aback: "Courage? Please, Imperial Uncle, speak plainly."

“It’s very simple.” Liu Bei said bluntly, “I was shocked to hear that Hongnong County only has 50,000 households.”

"Under the whole heaven, all land belongs to the king; on the shores of the earth, all people are subjects of the king. Yet, within Hongnong County, there are still corrupt officials colluding with powerful bandits to seize fields and houses and plunder slave farmers. Is this not disrespectful to the Han Dynasty?"

"I intend to make the corrupt officials and lawless bandits of Hongnong Prefecture just like those in Yongzhou. Those who should be expelled should be expelled, those who should be punished should be punished, those who should be confiscated should be confiscated, and those who should conduct self-examinations should conduct self-examinations."

“But I am only the governor of Yongzhou and cannot govern Hongnong County. This matter should be handled by the governor of Hongnong.”

Huang Guang's expression changed drastically: "Uncle, almost all the powerful families in Hongnong County respect the Yang family. I am in a real predicament."

"Nonsense!" Liu Bei rebuked, "The Yang family of Hongnong, including Yang Zhen, Yang Bing, and Yang Ci, all held the position of Grand Commandant and were renowned for their loyalty and integrity."

"Yang Biao, the Grand Master of the Palace, provided evidence in the second year of Guanghe that Wang Fu, the Palace Attendant, had instigated his guests to extort more than 70 million taels of silver from the prefectures and kingdoms. He also assisted Yang Qiu, the Commandant of the Capital Region, in executing Wang Fu and his cronies."

"Today you claim that the powerful bandits of Hongnong County all revere the Yang family, slandering a minister. What are your intentions? In the past, Yang Biao was able to help Yang Qiu, the Commandant of the Capital Region, punish corrupt officials. Why can't you help Zhang Sili to kill the powerful bandits and their cronies?"

"Could it be that you are also colluding with the corrupt officials, lawless bandits, and thieves of Hongnong County, and therefore trying to shift the blame to the Yang family of Hongnong in order to commit illegal acts under the Yang family's name?"

Huang Guang was immediately dumbfounded.

I may be greedy, but how long have I been the governor of Hongnong?
The Yang family of Hongnong was the most prominent family in Hongnong Prefecture, known for its ability to annex land and plunder slave farmers. What does this have to do with me?
Even if I wanted to collude, they might not be willing to collude with me. I haven't even gotten back the money I spent yet!
Before Huang Guang could speak, Zhang Wen rebuked him, "You are the Prefect of Hongnong. It is your duty to punish corrupt officials and lawless powerful families. How can you be afraid to step forward? Now that the Imperial Uncle has spoken, what else do you have to fear?"

Despite his reluctance, Huang Guang could only nod in agreement after being reprimanded by Zhang Wenyi.

“Zhang Sili is a wise man.” Liu Bei smiled gently: “The court’s policy has changed. It can no longer sell official positions, so no matter how much money you embezzle, you will not be promoted.”

“If you want to get promoted now, you have to produce results, and Zhang Sili probably knows better than I do how to achieve those results. Prefect Huang is your former subordinate, and I am willing to give him a chance to be promoted.”

"If he doesn't understand something, Zhang Sili should give him some pointers. If Zhang Sili refuses to do so, then I'll have to ask Dong Sikong to find a new Sili Xiaowei."

"Given the friendship between Zhang Sili and Dong Sikong, it shouldn't be a problem for him to become a Commandant of the Guards in Luoyang."

Zhang Wen felt a chill run down his spine.

To enter Luoyang and become the Commandant of the Guards?

If I wanted to enter Luoyang, I would have done so long ago. Why would I have waited until now?
Dong Zhuo has always resented me. If I go to Luoyang, he might accuse me of treason.

Zhang Wen, being shrewd and worldly-wise, immediately assured Liu Bei, "Uncle, rest assured, from now on, the policies and laws of Hongnong Commandery will follow those of Yongzhou. Please give Prefect Huang a few months, and he will surely be able to purge the corrupt officials and lawless bandits of Hongnong Commandery."

"I have always been fair in rewarding and punishing. If Prefect Huang can truly accomplish this, I will certainly report Prefect Huang's merits to His Majesty." Liu Bei laughed heartily and bowed in farewell.

Zhang Wen urged him to stay, saying, "Uncle, you must be tired from your journey. Please come into the city and rest."

Liu Bei shook his head and said, "There's no need to rest. The weather is getting colder and colder, and I need to return to Chang'an as soon as possible to take charge of the overall situation."

“Zhang Sili, listen to my advice. A time of great chaos is coming. Money is just an empty shell. If you can provide relief to the common people and give them food and clothing to get through the winter, that would be a great act of kindness for an official.”

“Zhang Sili is from Nanyang. If you can use the money you have to transport more grain to Hongnong, perhaps I can save your life in the future.”

"That's all I have to say, Zhang Sili. Please think it over carefully."

After saying this, Liu Bei did not linger any longer and ordered his chariot and troops to pass through the city.

Watching Liu Bei's departing figure, Zhang Wen fell into deep thought, repeatedly thinking, "A great era of chaos is about to arrive."

a long time.

Zhang Wen hardened his heart and ordered Cai You: "Go back to Nanyang immediately and persuade our relatives to enter Guanzhong. Apart from valuables such as grain, carts, cattle, and books that can be taken, sell the fields and houses that can be sold, spend the money that can be spent, bring as many servants and slaves as possible, and recruit as many refugees as possible. Be quick, don't make any mistakes!"

(End of this chapter)