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

Chapter 164 Recruiting Xun Yu Again, Liu Bei Takes Down Cao Cao (Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets)
Yang Biao was also cunning; he directly split the bet between father and son.

The Han Dynasty valued filial piety and righteousness. If Yang Biao was imprisoned for colluding with Yuan Shu, and Yang Biao's young son was asked to "atone for his father's crime by performing meritorious service," even if Liu Bei had the intention to kill him, he would have to consider the impact of killing Yang Biao.

Killing Yang Biao would be a disregard for filial piety and righteousness, and even the civil and military officials who followed Liu Bei would have doubts.

Not killing Yang Biao would be a disregard for the law, allowing Yang Xiu to smoothly join Liu Bei's ranks by "atone for his father's crimes and perform meritorious service."

Hearing Yang Biao's slightly smug tone, Yang Xiu felt helpless and wanted to say to Yang Biao: "Do I really have to provoke the Imperial Uncle first and then join his ranks? With my talent and learning, can't I just join the Imperial Uncle's ranks directly?"
While in Luoyang, Yang Xiu had contact with Fa Zheng, a disciple of Liu Bei.

Yang Xiu felt quite resentful when he thought that Fa Zheng, who was younger than him, could participate in simple affairs in the Ministry of Personnel as a minor official.

Although the Yang family of Hongnong was suppressed by Liu Bei, Yang Xiu's pursuit had long since moved beyond simply acquiring land and houses to build a family fortune.

Geniuses always think differently from ordinary people.

Yang Xiu wanted to pursue higher goals, but he also felt that the Yang family of Hongnong was holding him back.

They could use their wisdom in a wider range of areas, but instead they have to deal with the petty interests of their extended family and relatives.

Upon seeing Liu Bei's three decrees, Yang Xiu's first thought was: "The Imperial Uncle actually wants to reverse the four hundred years of accumulated problems in the Han Dynasty. What a lofty ambition this is!"
Compared to Liu Bei's lofty ambitions, Yang Xiu suddenly felt that his previous aspirations were like an ant seeing a big tree.

Yang Xiu came from a wealthy family and had never experienced hardship or the harsh realities of society. He also possessed a brilliant mind and was unwilling to follow the old ways like Yang Biao.

In other words, Yang Xiu had already enjoyed low-level pleasures since he was a teenager, and nothing more than higher-level pleasures could arouse his interest.

Ordinary ambitions are not challenging. With the long-standing reputation of the Yang family of Hongnong, Yang Xiu could easily become one of the Three Dukes by following the established path.

This made Yang Xiu feel that his future life was meaningless, and that he could see the end of it all at a glance.

Yang Xiu is only fifteen years old this year. If things don't change, he will only be able to walk within the framework for the next few decades. Then, like Yang Biao, he will marry a woman from a noble family, have a son, and pave the way for his son to continue to become one of the Three Dukes step by step.

Every time Yang Xiu thought about it, he felt a chill in his heart.

Liu Bei's lofty ambitions rekindled Yang Xiu's long-lost passion.

It is difficult and challenging, but success will bring lasting fame and be remembered in history, which is far more meaningful than having four, five, or six generations of high-ranking officials.

A true hero should be like this!

If Yang Biao knew that Yang Xiu was thinking this way, he would definitely want to curse him: You are lucky to have been born into the Hongnong Yang family! You were born into the Hongnong Yang family and enjoyed the resources accumulated over generations, and now you want to destroy the pot after you've eaten your fill?
Yang Xiu did not try to persuade Yang Biao again.

No one knows a father better than his son, and Yang Xiu knew very well what Yang Biao was thinking.

Seeing Yang Biao's stubbornness, Yang Xiu silently accepted the mission to go to Yuan Shu.

However, deep down, Yang Xiu had other thoughts.

Yang Xiu wanted to pursue higher interests and did not want to be tainted by Yang Biao's whims and be bound by the framework of the Hongnong Yang clan day after day.

Moreover, Yang Xiu felt his intelligence was being insulted by having to carry out a plan that had a very high probability of failure.

Therefore.

After leaving the mansion, Yang Xiu turned a corner and found Jia Xu, the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat.

"Oh, you want to use a counter-espionage scheme? In terms of seniority, Yuan Shu should be your uncle." Jia Xu's tone was unhurried, revealing neither his like nor dislike.

“He is my maternal uncle,” Yang Xiu corrected. “Back then, the Yuan family was imprisoned because of Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu’s rebellion. If it weren’t for the Imperial Uncle’s protection, not only Yuan Kui and Yuan Ji would have died.”

"The Imperial Uncle wanted to change the accumulated problems of the Han Dynasty for four hundred years, but he was unwilling to cause too much bloodshed. In terms of ambition and benevolence, the Imperial Uncle can be called the number one person in the world. I admire him very much."

“Now my father is out of touch with the times and is obsessed with the reputation of the Yang family’s generations of high-ranking officials. He wants to be an enemy of the Imperial Uncle. Although I tried to advise him, my father was stubborn.”

"As the saying goes, a wise man is one who knows when to yield. I pride myself on my intelligence and understanding of the general trend. I do not want my father to make a grave mistake due to a momentary obsession. I am willing to atone for my father's sins and help my uncle."

Seeing Yang Xiu's offhand reason, Jia Xu couldn't help but be secretly surprised: This young man, though young, can make a judgment on the big picture; he is no ordinary person.

Despite the praise, Jia Xu wouldn't readily believe Yang Xiu just because he said a few nice words.

Since we are here to defend Luoyang for Liu Bei, we must be cautious.

How can we be sure that Yang Xiu didn't do this on purpose?

"I only care about the results." Jia Xu's tone remained unchanged: "Some people will definitely die. Without deaths, we can't deter the villains. However, my uncle has always been benevolent and doesn't like excessive killing, so I will be more restrained in using the timer."

“I’m glad you’re pragmatic. This way, I won’t have to kill too many people. You should feel fortunate that your actions today saved at least half the lives.”

Although Jia Xu's expression and tone were very refined, Yang Xiu still felt an indescribable chill.

Jia Xu's words were an implication to Yang Xiu: Even without your betrayal, I could have killed the troublemakers; your betrayal actually prevented me from killing too many people; therefore, your counter-espionage plan satisfied me.

Yang Xiu couldn't help but feel a chill in his heart.

Is this what you call showing some restraint?

If you don't restrain yourself, won't there be rivers of blood?
"I will keep your teachings in mind." Yang Xiu adopted a very humble posture.

Jia Xu did not ask Yang Xiu to do anything extra, nor did he make any promises to Yang Xiu. In fact, Yang Xiu did not even know whether Jia Xu believed him.

However, the more this was the case, the more Yang Xiu felt how terrifying Jia Xu was, and the more grateful he was for his decision.

[Father, how could the Imperial Uncle rise from a county magistrate in Anxi to his current position in just two years, and even Dong Zhuo was willing to relinquish power? How could he not have any plans in Luoyang?]
Your plan has too many flaws and is too opportunistic. It might be enough to deal with the likes of He Jin and Dong Zhuo, but it's a gross underestimation of the Imperial Uncle.

No sooner had Yang Xiu left than Li Ru emerged from the shadows: "This Yang Xiu is quite pragmatic."

After Dong Zhuo stepped down, he recommended Li Ru, the Physician of the Imperial Medical Academy, to Liu Bei.

Liu Bei believed that Li Ru was too adept at making decisions and that it would be easy to ruin things if he were to give him too much responsibility. Therefore, he handed Li Ru over to Jia Xu.

For those who like to act on their own initiative, there needs to be someone more powerful to suppress them and instill a sense of awe.

After exchanging ideas with Li Ru, Jia Xu appointed Li Ru as the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.

However, his responsibilities differed from those of the other vice ministers of the Ministry of Personnel; he was specifically tasked with matters that involved walking in the shadows.

Li Ru was not a moral gentleman; he didn't care about right or wrong. As long as he could gain wealth and status under Liu Bei's command, he would do anything.

After Wang Yun falsely claimed to be taking a concubine and hosted a banquet for the officials, Li Ru recorded how many people entered Wang Yun's mansion and how long they stayed there.

Although Jia Xu remained silent when he accompanied Liu Bei into the palace, he observed the reactions of everyone in the hall.

Jia Xu was perfectly clear about who should be closely monitored.

After Wang Yun hosted a banquet for the officials, Jia Xu finalized more than a dozen plans.

The wasted time is actually spent balancing speed and righteousness, aiming to cut through the mess quickly while minimizing damage.

“Yang Xiu is exceptionally talented. My uncle has mentioned him to me before. If he can truly demonstrate his abilities, I will recommend him to my uncle.” Jia Xu’s gaze was profound, as if he could see through everything.

Then, Jia Xu made the following arrangement: "Wen You was once the Prince of Hongnong's Chamberlain and also a Doctor. Before the Imperial Uncle returns to Luoyang, he can live with the Three Departments Gentlemen and lecture His Majesty every day." After the eunuchs were eliminated, the Three Departments Gentlemen moved into the palace to serve Liu Xie in place of the eunuchs.

Having Li Ru live with the three officials and teach Liu Xie was also to keep track of Liu Xie's thoughts and who was secretly meeting with him.

"I will certainly live up to the trust placed in me by the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat." Li Ru accepted the order readily. He cherished every opportunity to make a contribution and was unwilling to miss it.

the other side.

Liu Bei set off from Luoyang and arrived in Yingchuan.

The route Liu Bei planned to take to support Xiaopei was to enter Yingchuan from Luoyang, pass through Chen State, enter Liang State, and finally arrive at Xiaopei.

With the support of supplies from Yingchuan and Chen, logistical pressure can be reduced and the marching speed can be increased.

Apart from that.

Liu Bei still needed to recruit Xu Chu into the Lingyan Army in Yingchuan.

Previously, Liu Bei was merely a military officer in the Western Garden Army, and was unable to recruit fierce generals like Xu Chu, who came from local powerful families.

Therefore, they had no choice but to settle for second best and temporarily place Xu Chu under Huang Wan's command.

Liu Bei had previously recommended Xu Chu, and now he was formally recruiting him for the second time. In addition, Liu Bei was not only the Grand Commandant, the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, and the Imperial Uncle, but also the Governor of Yu Province.

Neither legally nor morally, Xu Chu had any reason to refuse, and he immediately accepted Liu Bei's invitation.

Liu Bei was also very generous, gifting horses, armor, and weapons, and even giving one of his two battalions of the Lingyan Army to Xu Chu.

The newly formed Lingyan Army, consisting of ten battalions, originally had Guan Yu, Zhao Yun, Zhang Liao, Xu Huang, Dian Wei, Huang Zhong, Ma Chao, and Lü Bu each commanding eight battalions. Now, Xu Chu has been added to the ranks.

Liu Bei intended to leave the remaining battalion to Taishi Ci, but unfortunately Taishi Ci was still in Liaodong and it was unknown when he would return.

Guan Yu and Zhao Yun had met Xu Chu when they returned to Yuzhou last time, and they knew of Xu Chu's bravery and approved of Xu Chu joining the Lingyan Army.

Liu Bei then met with He Yi, Huang Shao, and Gong Du, and inspected the three thousand Gebei soldiers who remained in Yingchuan.

He still ordered three men to garrison Yingchuan to guard against Yuan Shu.

Liu Bei's thoughts on Xun Yu, the official in Yu Province, had changed from those of two years prior.

In the past, Liu Bei believed that his foundation was not in Yuzhou, and he could not win Xun Yu's sincere loyalty.

Furthermore, he had a personal prejudice against Xun Yu, so he was only interested in Xun You and recommended Xun Yu to Huang Wan.

now.

Liu Bei was already Grand Commandant, Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, Imperial Uncle, and Governor of Yu Province. His status, mindset, and magnanimity were all different.

Most importantly, Liu Bei had completely disrupted Cao Cao's life trajectory, and almost all of Cao Cao's core civil and military officials, except for the Xiahou clan, had been taken away by Liu Bei.

Liu Bei's suppression of Cao Cao in the past was also influenced by personal prejudice.

As is well known, Cao Cao in his early years was different from Cao Cao in his later years.

However, when Cao Cao chose to stand against Yuan Shao and sought help from Liu Bei, he had already sided with Liu Bei.

To become an emperor, one must possess the magnanimity of an emperor.

Duke Huan of Qi dared to employ Guan Zhong, Li Shimin dared to employ Wei Zheng, and Liu Bei similarly dared to employ Cao Cao and Xun Yu.

The prejudice in people’s hearts is a mountain.

When you cast aside your prejudices, you are greeted by a vast blue sky.

In terms of ability alone, Cao Cao and Xun Yu were both rare talents of their time. If they were used well, they would be far more valuable to join forces with than Liu Biao, Liu Dai, Liu Yan, Liu Yu, and other members of the Liu clan.

after all.

The Liu clan members could claim the title of king or emperor, and naturally a large number of people would gather under their command who wanted to follow in their footsteps.

"Lord Huang is getting old and has already been promoted to Minister of Works. He should have returned to Luoyang long ago. However, I have no one else available in Yuzhou, so I ask Lord Huang to stay in Yuzhou."

"I intend to appoint Wenruo as the Prefect of Yuzhou, and to temporarily handle the military and political affairs of Yuzhou while I am away. I wonder if Wenruo would be willing to assist me?"

Liu Bei directly offered his utmost sincerity.

Compared to the chief minister, who focuses on internal paperwork within the state government, the deputy governor also exercises oversight power, reviews state affairs, including documents submitted by the chief minister, and handles external affairs on his behalf, serving as an assistant to the state's discipline.

In other words, Liu Bei, as the governor of Yu Province, did not reside permanently in Yu Province; Xun Yu was the executive deputy governor of Yu Province.

Xun Yu had always craved power.

In his interactions with Liu Bei, Xun Yu became even more power-hungry because of Liu Bei's behavior.

With power right in front of him, Xun Yu was unwilling to let it slip away.

However, Xun Yu still had doubts and asked, "Uncle, you have implemented three major laws in Luoyang, specifically aimed at solving the problems of official corruption, land and housing annexation, and slave farmers and laborers. Although this move can eliminate long-standing problems, there must be powerful families in various prefectures and counties who oppose it."

“In the past, Wang Mang destroyed the foundations of powerful families, which led to the rebellion of the whole country. Although the Imperial Uncle’s methods are more sophisticated than Wang Mang’s, there is no essential difference.”

"If one day, all the powerful clans in the land rise up against us, does Your Majesty have a way to deal with it?"

Instead of answering, Liu Bei asked, "Is Wenruo afraid? If so, I will have to find someone else to be the Prefect of Yu Province."

Xun Yu's expression changed: "Uncle, you misunderstand. The Han Dynasty has long suffered from deep-seated problems, and only by using strong medicine can there be any possibility of a cure. I am not afraid, but I do not want Uncle to use too strong a medicine, which would only make the Han Dynasty more vulnerable and endangered."

"This is why I appointed you as the Prefect of Yu Province." Liu Bei slightly composed himself. "Currently, the three major laws will only be implemented in Siyong. As for how Yu Province should rectify officialdom and suppress powerful clans, it is up to you, Wenruo, to decide on the plan for the time being."

Changing the subject, Liu Bei added, "But the three laws will ultimately be implemented in all provinces, so I hope that when Wenruo formulates the plan, he will take the three laws as the ultimate goal. The speed can be slowed down, but the direction cannot be changed."

"The deep-seated problems of the Han Dynasty must be eliminated. Without reform, the Han Dynasty will only perish. Even if the dynasty changes, it will only make the problems more difficult to eradicate. What I want is a Han Dynasty where both the people and the officials can live and work in peace and contentment."

"I have often heard people say that Wenruo has the talent of a king's advisor, and I will believe it for now."

Instead of asking, use provocation.

This applies to both military generals and civil officials.

Xun Yu was most proud of the title "talented advisor to the king," which was an affirmation of his own abilities.

Neither Yin Xiu, the governor of Yingchuan, nor Huang Wan, the former governor of Yuzhou, questioned Xun Yu's abilities, but Liu Bei at this moment "tentatively believed him."

"Uncle, you can rest assured to fight the rebels. Since I dared to accept the position of Prefect of Yu Province, I will certainly not disappoint you." Everyone is proud, and Xun Yu did not want to be looked down upon.

Liu Bei laughed and stood up: "Then I'll wait and see."

(End of this chapter)