Three Kingdoms: Start by buying a governor.

Liu Ce chuckled and introduced, "This is Mr. Song Yingxing, a master of all crafts and skills. He has authored a book called 'Tiangong Kaiwu,' which can elevate the level of our Youzhou workshops by decades!"

Song Yingxing stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "I am Song Yingxing, greetings to all of you."

His voice was steady and his demeanor was extraordinary.

Liu Ce then pointed to the old man in brown: "This is Mr. Jia Sixie, an expert in agriculture. He has authored a book called 'Essential Techniques for the Common People,' which can double the grain yield of Youzhou!"

Jia Sixie smiled憨厚ly and said, "Jia Sixie greets everyone."

Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui exchanged a glance, both seeing the shock in each other's eyes.

My lord's ability to "recruit talents" is simply divine! These two are clearly exceptionally talented, and they even brought their disciples and craftsmen with them... It's like a package deal!

Xun Yu took a deep breath, stepped forward to greet him, and said, "Both gentlemen are highly talented. It is a blessing for the people of Youzhou to have you come. On behalf of the people of Youzhou, I welcome you."

Liu Ce walked over and patted Song Yingxing on the shoulder: "Mr. Song, from now on, the military industry, smelting, manufacturing... of Youzhou will be in your hands."

Song Yingxing cupped his hands and said, "I will certainly not fail my lord's trust."

He patted Jia Sixie on the shoulder and said, "Mr. Jia, the future of agriculture in Youzhou depends on you to take it to the next level."

Jia Sixie smiled憨厚ly and said, "I will do my best."

Then he said to the hundred craftsmen, "Gentlemen, the Youzhou workshop is short of manpower. The pay is excellent, with room and board provided, and bonuses for good performance. Those who wish to stay can report to the workshop now."

The craftsmen bowed in unison: "We are willing to serve our lord!"

After making the arrangements, Liu Ce had someone take them to their respective departments for resettlement.

After everyone left, the council chamber remained quiet for a while.

Guo Jia was the first to speak, smiling with narrowed eyes, "My lord, these people... were they really 'invited' by you?"

Liu Ce glared at him and said, "What else? Did it fall from the sky?"

"It looks like it fell from the sky to me," Xi Zhicai muttered to himself.

Xun Yu hesitated for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Never mind, our lord has divine assistance."

Everyone knew the unspoken truth—the lord had many secrets, one more wouldn't make a difference.

The way everyone looked at Song Yingxing and Jia Sixie's group was as if they were looking at treasures.

How can we not cherish them? These days, skilled technical personnel are rarer than giant pandas.

With these people, the agricultural and industrial levels of Youzhou could leap forward by an entire era.

...

Four days later.

"Imperial edict arrives—Marquis Liu Ce, receive the decree!"

Liu Ce was taken aback. So fast?

He straightened his clothes and led everyone to the front hall.

An angel held a royal edict, followed by a squad of imperial guards, making a grand spectacle.

"General of the Cavalry, Governor of Youzhou, Marquis of Champion Liu Ce, receive the imperial decree..."

Liu Ce bowed deeply in respect, followed by a large group of people behind him.

The angel unfurled the decree and began to read it aloud in a hoarse voice.

"...Liu Ce, General of the Cavalry, Governor of Youzhou, and Marquis of Champion, is a virtuous and capable member of the imperial clan, whose achievements are unparalleled throughout the land... He is hereby summoned to the capital to meet the Emperor and receive his honors... So be it!"

After reading it aloud, the angel smiled and handed over the imperial edict, saying, "Marquis Champion, His Majesty has been talking about you every day. Quickly prepare to go to the capital to receive your reward!"

Liu Ce accepted the imperial edict and casually slipped a bag of gold to the angel—the usual practice.

The angel weighed the matter carefully, his smile widening as he said, "Then I'll return to the capital to report. Marquis Champion, His Majesty is waiting for you in Luoyang."

After seeing the angel off, Liu Ce returned to the council hall of the governor's mansion, sat down in the main seat, and threw the imperial edict onto the table.

"Gentlemen, what do you think? Should I go? What reward will His Majesty bestow?"

The council chamber instantly became lively.

Fang Xuanling was the first to speak, saying, "My lord must go! Such a great achievement, if not recognized and rewarded in the capital, would make you appear arrogant and arouse His Majesty's suspicion. As for the reward..."

Xun You pondered for a moment and said, "There are only a few types of rewards: a huge increase in fiefdom, hereditary succession for descendants, participation in central government affairs, local monopoly of power, honorary privileges, posthumous conferment of titles on ancestors... and even, the conferment of the title of king."

Fang Xuanling stroked his beard and pondered, "The fiefdom will certainly increase significantly, starting at least at 15,000 households. Hereditary succession is also to be expected. Central government advisor... is possible, but he won't be given real power; it will probably be a nominal position like the Minister of State Affairs."

Du Ruhui continued, "Local despotism is certain. Our lord is already in charge of military affairs in Youzhou, and this time he may also be in charge of military affairs in Bingzhou or Jizhou, making him in charge of the military affairs of both provinces. He will also be granted honors and privileges, such as being allowed to wear a sword and shoes in the palace, not having to bow when entering the court, and not having to be named when being praised."

Xun Yu frowned and said, "Being granted the title of king... is unlikely. Since the 'mid-to-late' period of this dynasty, only princes have been granted the title of king. However, my lord's achievements are outstanding, such as sealing the wolf's lair, drinking from the vast sea, and destroying Goguryeo—in the era of Emperor Guangwu, such achievements would not have been excessive to grant the title of king. Perhaps His Majesty will make an exception? If he is indeed granted the title of king, it will surely be a nominal one, without a fiefdom and without real power."

Guo Jia chuckled and said, "My lord, if His Majesty were to bestow a title of king, I suspect it would be something like 'King of Yan.' Youzhou was historically part of Yan, so bestowing the title of King of Yan would be both an honor and prevent you from settling elsewhere—after all, you are already in Youzhou."

Xi Zhicai said sinisterly, "The powerful families and relatives of the emperor will definitely object. General He Jin, seeing how great our lord's achievements are, will probably be green with envy. Those old foxes from the powerful families will also do everything in their power to stop us. However, since His Majesty has issued an edict to bring our lord to the capital, it means he knows what he's doing."

Fang Xuanling added, "Going to Luoyang is an opportunity to befriend the upright officials and sow discord among the powerful families. Veteran generals like Lu Zhi, Huangfu Song, and Zhu Jun have a good impression of our lord and can be cultivated into close relationships."

Ju Shou spoke up, "My lord, safety is our top priority on this trip to Luoyang. Although His Majesty trusts us, the court is a complex place with many factions, and we cannot guarantee that no one will take the risk. We must bring enough guards."

As Liu Ce listened to everyone's comments, he gradually came to understand the situation.

I'll definitely go.

The reward will certainly be generous.

There is definitely danger.

But the benefits are even greater.

He tapped on the table, and everyone quieted down.

"Alright, tomorrow, E'lai, Zhongkang, Lu Bing, the Eighteen Riders of Yanyun, and the Longxiang Battalion will accompany me to Luoyang. The affairs of Youzhou are entrusted to you."

He looked around at everyone and said, "Wenruo will oversee all government affairs, with Xuanling and Ruhui assisting him; Fengxiao and Zhicai will keep an eye on all sides; and Gongda will prepare contingency plans. While I am away, everything in Youzhou will continue as usual. People will continue farming, training troops, and making money."

"Yes! Rest assured, my lord!" the crowd replied in unison.

...

Early the next morning, outside Zhuoxian County.

Liu Ce's trip to the capital this time was neither too big nor too small.

Eight hundred Dragon Cavalry... with swords at their waists... each rider had three horses, taking turns riding them.

Dian Wei and Xu Chu stood on the left and right, like two iron towers.

Lu Bing led the Imperial Guards' advance scouts to explore the area.

The Eighteen Riders of Yanyun stood at the very front of the procession, dressed in black robes and riding black horses, as silent as shadows.

Without a large army accompanying them—bringing too many would seem like a coup, while bringing too few would be embarrassing.

Eight hundred men would be just right, enough to ensure safety without causing the court any alarm.

Liu Ce, riding on his black horse, glanced back at the city wall of Zhuo County.

On the city wall, Xun Yu, Fang Xuanling, and others waved goodbye.

"Let's go." He turned his horse around. "To Luoyang, to collect the reward!"

The convoy set off, kicking up clouds of dust.

This trip to Beijing was much larger in scale than the previous two.

After all, he is now the Marquis of Champion who has made unparalleled contributions, so his entourage cannot be small.

...