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

"What criticisms?"

He felt that Liu Bei was all talk and no action.

Yuan Shao put down his wine cup, a hint of disapproval in his eyes.

"It is said that Liu Bei was only seventeen years old and had served as the Commandant of Liaoxi for only two years. Yet he commanded several thousand soldiers and cultivated more than 200,000 mu of land, and his reputation spread far and wide."

Guo Xun said that this was a ploy to win favor and win people's hearts, and that the border commander should prioritize defending the border.

"Liu Bei's recruitment of refugees and expansion of his army, ostensibly for military settlements to strengthen the borders, was actually a way to consolidate his own power."

"If this continues, it may be detrimental to the overall situation in Youzhou."

Xu You's eyebrows twitched slightly.

These words are quite harsh, and they could be used to justify one's actions. If these four words were to reach the ears of certain people in Luoyang, they could be used to fabricate charges against them.

The calamity of the Party Prohibitions is a stark warning; countless loyal and virtuous people were condemned to eternal damnation by such accusations.

"What does he want?" Xu You asked in a low voice.

Yuan Shao raised an eyebrow and said, "He's probably being transferred! Either he'll be transferred from Liaoxi, or moved to another prefecture, or it might be a promotion in name only, a demotion in reality."

"Liu Bei is, after all, favored by the Emperor and a member of the Han imperial family who wields the sword of restoration. I imagine Guo Xun wouldn't dare to go too far!"

In Yuan Shao's eyes, Liu Bei's meddling in Liaoxi was simply neglecting his duties!

The center of power has always been in Luoyang. What's the point of going to the border regions if you're not in Luoyang to manage affairs?

So what if he's a prefect? ​​So what if he's a governor?

It's still no match for a single document from the central government!

Don't you see how Cao Cao used the five-colored big stick to establish his prestige? Wasn't that just to infiltrate the upper echelons of power in Luoyang?

Xu You was silent for a moment, then he laughed.

The smile came and went quickly, like a gust of wind sweeping across the water; before you could even see it clearly, the water returned to calm.

Xu You picked up the wine pot and filled it for Yuan Shao: "Brother Benchu, this Governor Guo is quite impatient. He hasn't even taken office yet, and he's already thinking about how to deal with his subordinates."

Yuan Shao glanced at him, seemingly trying to glean something from Xu You's smile.

Xu You, however, changed the subject, talking about the autumn harvest in Runan and Yuan Shao's newly acquired Liangzhou horse.

Yuan Shao then continued the conversation, following his lead.

After several rounds of drinks, the group bid farewell at the entrance of the tavern.

Yuan Shao boarded the carriage, while Xu You stood in the autumn wind, watching the carriage turn the corner.

Then all the smiles on his face disappeared.

Instead of going home, he turned and walked in another direction.

Zhang Rang's mansion was located in the west of Luoyang, covering a vast area, and the stone lions in front of the gate were much larger than those of ordinary officials' homes.

Xu You did not enter through the main gate; given his status, he would not have been able to enter even through the main gate.

He went around to the side door and greeted the gatekeeper.

The doorman recognized him, put on a smile, and led him to a side hall to wait.

After waiting for about two hours, Zhang Rang finally came out from the inner room.

This eunuch was fair-skinned and beardless, with a slightly plump figure. He wore a crimson brocade robe, the hem of which trailed on the ground as he walked, making no sound.

He sat down in the main seat, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then glanced at Xu You.

"What is it now?"

The tone wasn't too bad, nor was it impolite.

Xu You had dealt with Zhang Rang quite a few times in the past six months and knew his temperament well. If he really didn't want to see you, he wouldn't even let you in the door.

It's already a favor that they'd let you sit in the side hall and wait for several hours.

Xu You smiled and cupped his hands in greeting: "Lord Zhang, Commandant Liu of Liaoxi asked me to send his regards to you. He said that he remembers your kindness from last time and will never let you down."

Zhang Rang's lips twitched slightly, which could be considered a smile.

Xu You took out a brocade box from his sleeve, placed it on the table, and gently pushed it in front of Zhang Rang.

The brocade box is small, but its workmanship is extremely exquisite, and the box itself is quite valuable.

Zhang Rang didn't open it; he simply tapped the box lightly with his finger.

"Lieutenant Liu is very kind!" Zhang Rang said.

His tone was gentler than before: "Speak, what is it?"

Xu You then stopped beating around the bush.

"Does Lord Zhang know that the governor of Youzhou has been replaced?"

"Guo Xun!" Zhang Rang said the name in a flat tone, as if he were talking about the weather today.

"They came from Jizhou and got in through the connections of Xia Yun, the eunuch in charge of the inner court."

Xu You secretly memorized the name—Xia Yun.

"I have heard that Guo Xun has already announced his intention to transfer Commandant Liu from Liaoxi before he has even taken office."

Xu You's voice was not loud, and his speech was not fast, as if he were talking about something that had nothing to do with him: "He said that Commandant Liu's military strength is too great, which is not conducive to his management of Youzhou."

Zhang Rang put down his teacup: "Transferred? Transferred to where?"

"It's still undecided, but given Guo Xun's personality, it's most likely a promotion in name only, a nominal transfer to a sinecure, and a way to pull him out of Liaoxi."

Zhang Rang did not speak immediately. He tapped his fingers lightly on the table, once, twice, three times.

Xu You knew what he was planning. Liu Bei was in Liaoxi, and the money he sent every quarter was real.

If Liu Bei were transferred away and someone else took over Liaoxi, this line would be broken.

Although Zhang Rang didn't absolutely need the money, no one would complain about having a stable source of income.

"Then what do you intend to do?"

"We can't afford to mess with Xia Yun's people!"

Xu You quickly replied, "It wouldn't be like that! How could we dare to cause trouble for Lord Zhang!"

"Currently, the position of Prefect of Liaoxi is still vacant..."

Xu You said, "Since the former prefect left office last year, the prefectural affairs have been concurrently handled by Commandant Liu Xuande."

Zhang Rang nodded, immediately understanding his meaning.

"In that case, send a prefect to Liaoxi."

Zhang Rang spoke casually, as if he were talking about a trivial matter: "If Guo Xun wants to transfer people, he has to ask the prefect first."

"If the prefect doesn't agree, the governor can't force him to."

Xu You's heart lit up, but he remained expressionless.

"Whom does Master Zhang think is suitable to send?"

Zhang Rang squinted and thought for a moment, then suddenly said, "Zhao Bao."

Xu You wasn't very familiar with the name, but he had a vague impression of it.

His courtesy name was Weihou. He was from Dongwucheng, Ganling. His elder cousin was Zhao Zhong, one of the "Ten Attendants". Bao was ashamed of Zhao Zhong's interference in politics and never associated with him for the rest of his life.

He was recommended as a filial and incorruptible official and served as the magistrate of Guangling, where he was known for his

Most importantly, he had a close relationship with Qiao Xuan, the former governor of Youzhou, who greatly admired him when he was in Youzhou.

Zhang Rang said, "When Qiao Xuan was serving in Youzhou, he took good care of Liu Bei."

"If Zhao Bao goes to Liaoxi, he won't make things difficult for Liu Bei out of consideration for Qiao Xuan."

He paused, picked up his teacup, and took a sip.

Upon hearing this, Xu You felt a chill run down his spine. After a moment's thought, he understood Zhang Rang's scheme.

Given Zhao Bao's status, the eunuchs respected him to some extent because of his brother Zhao Zhong. He was honest and upright, had a good relationship with Qiao Xuan, and was well-known among the gentry.

Such a status was enough to help Liu Bei avoid some unnecessary trouble.

On another level, this allows Zhao Zhong to feel indebted to him. With Liu Bei's talent, it's only a matter of time before he makes further contributions, and then Zhao Bao's status will rise accordingly!

Xu You couldn't help but think to himself, this person is indeed extraordinary, his future achievements are limitless, no wonder the lord would give him special instructions.

But as far as he knew, his lord and Zhang Rang were not acquainted and had no connection whatsoever!

Does our lord have other hidden plans?

Thinking of this, Xu You felt a chill run down his spine and secretly made up his mind that he could only withhold 20% of the money from now on, no more.