Emperor Zhaolie of the late Han Dynasty: Rising to power in Liaoxi

Liu Bei turned his gaze slightly to the two generals beside him, Yan Gang and Zou Dan.

Both men were trusted confidants of Hou Chong, the governor of Liaoxi, and frequently visited the governor's residence, becoming familiar with the women of the household.

Upon hearing this, Yan Gang immediately cupped his hands in greeting: "Guorang's words are absolutely correct!"

"The Prefect was stationed in Liaoxi, and his family members were all settled in the old residence of the Marquis of Juyang."

"The prefect's principal wife, Lady Liu, managed the household affairs and her virtuous reputation spread far and wide."

"Now that the marriage agreement between you and the Marquis's family has been finalized and all the formalities have been completed, it is only right that you visit the mansion to pay your respects. This is to fulfill the duties of a junior and to put the minds of your relatives at ease."

Zou Dan nodded in agreement: "This humble general is familiar with everyone in the Marquis of Juyang's residence and can guide you, sir, so as not to be impolite."

Liu Bei nodded with delight: "Excellent!"

An order was immediately issued: the army was to set up camp outside the city, with Cheng Pu, Han Dang, Xu Rong, and Gongsun Zan remaining in the camp to maintain strict military discipline.

He only brought Yan Gang, Zou Dan, and Tian Yu with him, traveling light and simply, changing out of his armor and clothes, and carrying a small gift into the city.

The Hou family's old residence was quiet and elegant. As soon as the gatekeeper saw Yan Gang and Zou Dan, he didn't need to announce their arrival at all. He immediately opened the main gate with a respectful expression.

Before long, light footsteps were heard inside the mansion, and a group of maids escorted the mistress out.

It was Lady Liu, wife of Hou Chong, the governor of Liaoxi. She was thirty-eight years old, still beautiful and graceful, with a dignified appearance and gentle temperament.

She spotted Liu Bei in the crowd at a glance, and then, seeing Yan Gang and Zou Dan's positions, she knew their identities. She quickly stepped forward, her smile gentle.

Liu Bei hurriedly bowed and said, "Bei greets the Lady!"

Yan Gang and Zou Dan also bowed in unison, their tone familiar: "These humble generals greet Madam!"

Seeing Liu Bei bow, she quickly raised her hand to help him up, her eyes full of concern, showing none of the arrogance one would expect from a member of the Shangguan family.

"Xuande, there's no need for such formalities. The borderlands are bitterly cold, and the battlefields are stained with blood. I've been worried sick about you every day these past few days, and I'm so glad to finally see you return safely."

"Yan Gang, Zou Dan, you've arrived too! Come in and rest!"

The group entered the hall and took their seats, where maids served them tea.

With Yan Gang and Zou Dan, two "family members," present, the atmosphere in the hall was completely relaxed and comfortable.

While offering words of comfort and concern, Lady Liu listened as Liu Bei casually recounted the Battle of Yanmen, her brows furrowing frequently.

Yan and Zou then added details, recounting the events of the three armies fighting a bloody battle and the killing of two generals, their words filled with admiration for Liu Bei.

As Madam Liu looked at the composed and magnanimous young man before her, she felt increasingly gratified.

Her husband, Hou Chong, certainly had good judgment.

This man is not only brave and resourceful, a skilled warrior, but also, more importantly, humble and composed. Entrusting your daughter to him is entrusting her with a lifetime of peace and security.

Liu Bei sensed that someone was watching him, so he turned his head to look, only to see the beaded curtain swaying.

At this moment, behind the carved curtain on the east side of the hall, a slender figure stood quietly, her cheeks slightly flushed.

That was Hou Chong's youngest daughter, sixteen years old, wearing a moon-white silk dress, with black hair like a waterfall, gentle eyes and a quiet and elegant demeanor.

She was well-educated and reasonable from a young age, and deeply understood the greater good. Since the marriage agreement was made, she had been thinking about her fiancé, whom she had never met, day and night.

The curtain swayed gently, separating men and women, but unable to stop the girl's heartbeat.

As she listened to his steady voice, his near-death experiences in battle, and Yan Gang and Zou Dan's heartfelt admiration for him, her heart was filled with a complex mix of respect and worry.

They chatted and laughed in the hall for a long time. As the sun began to set, and with no male officials in charge, Liu Bei decided it was inappropriate to stay any longer and took his leave.

Madam Liu saw them off with great care. Yan Gang, Zou Dan, and the steward of the mansion said their goodbyes, and the group slowly walked out of the courtyard.

As they walked to a secluded spot in the corridor, a personal maid from the Marquis's residence quickly caught up with them, knelt down, and, taking advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention, gently slipped a small plain brocade pouch into Liu Bei's hand.

Her voice was barely audible: "My lord, this is a gift from my young lady. She only wishes you peace and safety every year."

As his fingertips touched the warm, smooth jade pendant, Liu Bei paused slightly.

He looked up and turned to gaze at the low-hanging beaded curtain.

The light and shadows were hazy, obscuring faces, yet one could sense a shy yet sincere longing hidden behind the rules of etiquette.

Amidst the chaos of war and the clash of swords, he had witnessed countless battles and bloodshed, yet at this moment, he was gently touched by a touch of tenderness.

Liu Bei remained silent, quietly tucking the jade pendant close to his body and into his robe, pressing it against his heart.

Then, he bowed slightly towards the beaded curtain, offering a distant salute.

Etiquette should not overstep the bounds, but the meaning should be of paramount importance.

Upon seeing this, the girl behind the curtain blushed slightly, quietly curtsied in return, her eyes crinkling into a gentle smile, like the moon reflected in autumn water, clear and captivating.

Upon leaving the Marquis's residence, Yan Gang chuckled softly, "My lord, everyone in the Marquis's residence already considers you as one of their own."

Zou Dan nodded and teased, "With such concern from you, Madam and young lady, Your Excellency's achievements in the northern frontier are truly worthy of your trust."

Liu Bei smiled and nodded, his palms warm and his heart filled with warmth, but he said little.

He kept his love for his children deep in his heart, but shouldered the heavy responsibility of his family and country; this was his way.

With Liu Bei's visit, his achievements and reputation spread far and wide through the casual conversations of many members of the Hou clan.

For example: Who has a good son-in-law? How wonderful!

Whose daughter married a good husband? How capable she is!

"If you're unlucky, just look at so-and-so!" Wait a minute!

This is another reason why Tian Yu advised against it: how can one return home in glory and wealth in the dark?

Reputation is built up little by little like this!

Afterwards, the group went straight to Shanggu County Government and began to target another high-end clientele.

Prefect of Shanggu Commandery – Gao Yan.

Gao Yanjiu was stationed in the northern frontier. He was experienced, prudent, and well aware of the threat posed by the Xianbei.

I heard that Liu Bei, with a small force, defeated Tan Shihuai and killed Ke Zui and Que Ji in battle.

With two renowned border generals, Yan Gang and Zou Dan, accompanying him, he immediately came out of his office to greet them, treating them with the utmost courtesy.

In the hall, they discussed border affairs at length. Liu Bei analyzed the current situation, and his words were incisive and to the point, prompting Gao Yan to applaud and praise him from time to time.

Praise Liu Bei, he truly deserves to be praised by Qiao Gong as the one who brought peace to the world!

Gao Yan had long resided in Shanggu and had a close relationship with the Hou family. Seeing that Liu Bei was not only skilled in battle but also had keen insight, he naturally decided to befriend him.

After a long conversation, the two became close friends despite their age difference. Gao Yan even suggested that he send some of his clan's young men to Liaoxi for training and asked Liu Bei to look after them.

Liu Bei readily agreed; isn't that how human relationships are built?

As dusk fell, Liu Bei and his party did not linger and returned to their camp outside the city.

Fires flickered in the camp, armor gleamed in the moonlight, and the soldiers, having developed a habit during their two months on the grasslands, dared not be careless even in the dead of night.

The next day, the army set off for Jicheng.

According to documents issued by Zang Min, the army bypassed the city along the way and did not encounter much obstruction.

They arrived at the capital of Youzhou, outside Jicheng, in a few days.

The majestic city stands proudly on the land of Yan and Zhao, with its high walls of blue bricks guarding the vital north-south route, fully displaying the majesty of this important northern border town.

When Liu Bei's army arrived outside Ji City, they encamped in the countryside. According to the law, they were not allowed to enter the city gates without a summons.

Once the camp was established, Liu Bei ordered the entire army to strictly abide by military discipline and not to cause any disturbances without his orders.

Afterwards, he removed his armor, changed into a blue scholar's robe, and, accompanied only by Tian Yu, Han Dang, and a dozen or so personal guards, traveled lightly to the city to pay homage to Qiao Xuan, the governor of Youzhou.

Qiao Xuan was a renowned scholar of the time, highly respected for his virtue and ability. He had long been stationed in Youzhou and was well aware of the hardships and difficulties on the border.

He had long admired Liu Bei and once told him: "When the world is about to fall into chaos, the one who can bring peace is you!"

Upon hearing that Liu Bei had returned from his northern expedition, he personally went to the gate of the mansion to greet him. He showed no arrogance whatsoever, took Liu Bei's hand, and led him to the hall to sit down.

After several rounds of tea, Qiao Xuan first praised Liu Bei's outstanding achievements in leading his army out of the pass alone, killing Que Ji, scaring away Tan Shihuai, and relieving the siege of Yanmen. His words were full of expectation and admiration.

When discussing the situation in northern Xinjiang, he repeatedly sighed with regret, his expression growing increasingly solemn.

Liu Bei's heart stirred slightly, and he cupped his hands in greeting, asking, "My lord, you sighed deeply. Could it be that there has been another change in the war on the northern frontier?"

Qiao Xuan put down his teacup, looked around, dismissed the servants, and then said in a deep voice, "Xuande, you have made unparalleled contributions, but I'm afraid it will be difficult for you to fully enter the court."

"Xia Yu, the Protector of the Wuhuan, has sent an urgent letter to Luoyang, reporting the great victory in the Northern Expedition."