Three Kingdoms: Start by buying a governor.

Fang Yue scratched his head and said, "Big brother, the way you're saying that... makes it sound like my death and my third brother's death were in vain."

Wang Shuang muttered, "That's right, that's right."

Liu Bei waved his hand and said, "That's not what I meant. I meant we need to play it safe. This county magistrate position, although it doesn't involve much work, is stable. We have food to eat, clothes to wear, a place to live, and plenty of money. You've never experienced hunger, you don't know what it's like to go hungry..."

He was about to continue explaining the history of hunger to his two brothers when someone suddenly shouted from outside the door:

"County Commandant Liu! We have a guest!"

Liu Bei was taken aback, quickly straightened his clothes, and went out to greet him.

The man who arrived was dressed plainly, but he was clearly no ordinary person.

The man clasped his hands and said, "I am a guard of the Prince of Yan's mansion. I have been ordered by the Prince of Yan to request that County Lieutenant Liu come to Zhuo County within three days. His Highness the Prince of Yan wishes to see you."

Liu Bei's heart skipped a beat.

The Prince of Yan wants to see me?

What's wrong?

If this were a good thing, with my abilities, I should have been promoted and made a fortune years ago. Why am I only thinking about it now?

If it were something bad, that would be even more impossible. I've been working diligently for the past few years and haven't done anything wrong!

Besides, I even sent gifts to the Prince of Yan when he had a child!

Seeing Liu Bei's stunned expression, the man asked again, "County Commandant Liu? Is there something wrong?"

Liu Bei snapped out of his daze and quickly replied, "No, no! I'll set off immediately!"

After seeing the man off, Liu Bei returned to the house. Fang Yue and Wang Shuang approached him and asked, "Brother, what's wrong?"

Liu Bei looked at them, his mind a little unsettled, and said, "The King of Yan summoned me. I wonder what it's about?"

Wang Shuang immediately said, "Brother, could this be good news? Maybe the Prince of Yan is going to promote you!"

Fang Yue nodded in agreement, "Yes, yes, yes! Brother, you're so capable, the Prince of Yan must have seen through it!"

Liu Bei remained silent.

He felt a little uneasy, but also a little expectant.

What makes me uneasy is that I don't know whether it's a blessing or a curse.

The hope is, what if it really is a good thing?

Three days later, he set off for Zhuoxian with Fang Yue and Wang Shuang.

...

A few days later, in Zhuo County, Youzhou.

Liu Bei, accompanied by Fang Yue and Wang Shuang, traveled a long and dusty journey to the outskirts of Zhuo County.

When they looked up, all three of them were stunned.

This city... is so grand!

The city wall is newly built, tall and thick, with a majestic gate tower.

The city gate was bustling with people: vendors pushing carts, farmers carrying loads, merchants on horseback... it was as lively as a market day.

Once inside the city, the sights became even more dazzling.

The streets are wide and straight, paved with bluestone slabs, and lined with shops on both sides.

There were vendors selling cloth, grain, iron, medicine... everything imaginable.

The strangest thing is that they even sell books!

.......

Looking in the direction of the sound, it was a school.

Through the window, you can see a group of children sitting inside, the older ones around ten years old and the younger ones around five or six, all swaying their heads as they read.

The teacher paced back and forth in the classroom, holding a ruler, his face serious.

Liu Bei stared at it for a long time, his eyes welling up with tears.

He recalled his childhood when he wanted to study but had nowhere to go.

If it weren't for the help from my clansmen, I wouldn't even be able to afford to go to a private school.

But now, children from poor families in Youzhou can go to school for free.

Wang Shuang muttered to himself, "Brother, this place is too good! Why don't we stay here and become officials?"

Fang Yue glared at him and said, "You're hopeless! Your older brother is destined for great things!"

Liu Bei didn't say anything and continued walking forward.

The further I walked, the more apprehensive I became.

Passing by the hospital, there was a long queue of people seeking medical treatment. I heard that poor people don't have to pay for medical care.

Passing by the military camp, the sounds of battle cries shook the heavens; the soldiers were drilling.

You could feel the murderous aura from a great distance.

......

Liu Bei suddenly understood why the King of Yan was able to sweep away the Xianbei and destroy Goguryeo...

This place is like another world!

...

Liu Bei, accompanied by Fang Yue and Wang Shuang, entered the council hall of the Prince of Yan's residence with trepidation.

As soon as I walked in, wow!

The room was full of people!

Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Xun Yu, Guo Jia, Xi Zhicai... a whole host of civil officials sat on the left. Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Dian Wei, Xu Chu... a whole host of military generals stood on the right.

They were all ruthless individuals renowned throughout the world.

Liu Bei's legs went weak.

He, accompanied by his two brothers, respectfully bowed to Liu Ce, who sat in the main seat, and said, "Liu Bei, the magistrate of Anxi County, pays his respects to His Highness the King of Yan!"

Fang Yue and Wang Shuang also bowed, not daring to raise their heads.

Liu Ce looked at the three people below and almost burst out laughing.

Liu Bei, the future Emperor Zhaolie of Shu Han, was bowing deeply, his body as stiff as a stick, as if afraid of making a mistake in his greeting.

"Yes, sit down," Liu Ce said, waving his hand.

The three of them sat down cautiously, barely daring to touch the edge of the chair with their bottoms, maintaining an impeccable posture.

Liu Ce looked at them and almost laughed, but he held it in.

He cleared his throat and said, "Xuande."

Liu Bei jumped up in surprise, instinctively saying, "Your humble servant is here!"

Liu Ce waved his hand and said, "Sit down, sit down, don't be nervous."

Liu Ce smiled and said, "Five years have passed in the blink of an eye. Five years ago, I still remember that I was the governor of Zhuojun and ordered straw sandals from you. Back then, your straw sandals were really well woven, sturdy and durable. I still remember them to this day."

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei felt a slight relaxation in his tense state.

It turns out that the King of Yan still remembers what happened back then...

Liu Bei quickly nodded and said, "Yes...yes...yes, Your Highness took care of my business back then, and I have always remembered it."

Liu Ce continued, "And when we were fighting the Yellow Turban Rebellion in Guangzong, we fought side by side. Back then, you led the local militia and charged behind them. Although you didn't achieve any great feats, I saw your fighting spirit. Time flies so fast; in the blink of an eye, you've become a county magistrate."

Liu Bei quickly nodded and said, "Your Highness is too kind. I was merely doing my duty and dare not accept Your Highness's praise."

Liu Ce smiled and asked him, "Xuande, how have you been these past few years in Anxi County?"

Liu Bei carefully chose his words and said, "Thanks to Your Highness's blessing, Anxi County is well-governed and harmonious, and the people live in peace and contentment. I...I follow the established procedures every day, and things are relatively stable."

"I heard you've done a good job governing it?" Liu Ce raised an eyebrow.

"No, no, we were just following Your Highness's rules," Liu Bei quickly replied modestly.

Liu Ce nodded, smiled, and said nothing.

This laugh sent chills down Liu Bei's spine.

Fang Xuanling, Guo Jia, and the others standing nearby kept their eyes down, remaining silent.

They all knew that Liu Ce was deliberately teasing Liu Bei.

The council chamber remained quiet for a while, with only the occasional crackling of the charcoal fire.

Liu Bei's palms were sweating.

Finally, Liu Ce spoke up, saying, "Xuande, I have something I want to ask you to do."

Liu Bei quickly stood up and said, "What are your orders, Your Highness? I will go through fire and water for you!"