Han Ji

Chapter 137 Power in Hand

Yang Song hosted a small banquet at his residence, inviting several well-known powerful figures.

"From now on," he raised his glass, "we'll all have to follow Magistrate Liu."

Someone asked, "Is Su Gong really...?"

"He needs to rest and recuperate," Yang Song interrupted. "The physician said he needs quiet rest. As for the county affairs, Commandant Liu will naturally handle them. Come, let's drink!"

Everyone understood without saying a word and raised their glasses.

In the military camp west of the city, Liu Bei sat alone in his tent.

Xun Cai draped an outer robe over him and whispered, "My husband, after tomorrow, Hanzhong will be yours."

"It's not mine." Liu Bei grasped her hand. "It belongs to the court, to the people. I'm just... watching over it for now."

"That Su Gu..."

"He's a smart man." Liu Bei looked towards the prefect's residence. "A smart man knows when to retreat. Those who don't retreat have all turned to dust."

The autumn wind outside the tent was getting stronger.

The wind blew over the city walls of Nanzheng, over the Mianshui canal, over the salt well workshops, and over the fields of the surrounding villages.

The wind carries the scent of rice, salt, and earth.

That's the atmosphere of Hanzhong.

Liu Bei took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

Tomorrow, it's time for a new beginning.

On the fifteenth day of the tenth month of the third year of Zhongping, a grand meeting was held in the prefectural government.

At 3:45 AM, just as dawn was breaking, the gates of the prefectural government swung open. Officials from the prefecture, magistrates of various counties, and representatives of powerful families filed in, taking their seats on either side of the hall according to their rank. The tables were neatly arranged, and tea was already brewed, its steam rising gently.

But the atmosphere was somber.

Everyone knew that today was different from usual. Some people bowed their heads to adjust their sleeves, while others examined their teacups repeatedly; no one spoke.

At exactly 7:00 AM, footsteps sounded in the back hall.

Su Gu came out.

Everyone in the hall looked up in unison, then quickly looked down again. Su Gu was dressed in the robes of a prefect, his hat and headdress neatly arranged, but his face was pale and there were dark circles under his eyes. He walked slowly, with Chen Lun supporting him from the side. He sat down in the main seat and coughed twice.

"Gentlemen," he said hoarsely, "my body... can't hold on any longer."

The hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Su Gu continued, "The physician said that I must rest and avoid strenuous activity. However, the affairs of the prefecture are numerous and complex, and it cannot be left unattended for even a day." He paused, his gaze sweeping across the hall below, "Commander Liu Bei is loyal, diligent, and capable, and his achievements in suppressing bandits and pacifying the people are outstanding. After much deliberation, I have decided—"

He looked out of the hall: "Please invite Commandant Liu."

Liu Bei entered from outside the hall. He was still wearing his black armor, but had handed his sword to his personal guard. He walked into the hall and bowed deeply to Su Gu, saying, "I am here."

"From this day forward," Su Gu said, emphasizing each word, "all military and political affairs in the prefecture shall be under the supervision of Commandant Liu. All officials must diligently assist him and must not be negligent. The personnel adjustments are as follows..."

Chen Lun unfolded the bamboo slips and read aloud:

"Guan Yu was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Hanzhong Garrison, in charge of all the troops and defenses of the passes in Hanzhong."

Guan Yu rose and clasped his hands in greeting. He stood in the hall, dressed in a green robe and black boots, his figure as straight as a pine tree, his gaze sweeping over the several officers of the county garrison. Those men lowered their heads, not daring to meet his eyes.

"Zhang Fei was appointed Salt Supervisor, in charge of the salt wells in Mianyang and Xixiang, and also in charge of the protection of the border trade."

Zhang Fei stood up, grinned, revealing his white teeth. Some of the powerful figures shrank back.

"Jian Yong entered the Household Registration Office and was in charge of land, household registration, and taxes."

Jian Yong bowed, already holding several volumes of account books in his hands.

"Qian Zhao was appointed as the County Bandit Officer, in charge of apprehending thieves, handling criminal cases, and maintaining public order."

Qian Zhao stood with his hand on his sword, his eyes sharp.

"Zhang Wu was appointed as the Commandant's Chief of Staff, in charge of the personal guards, and assisted in the defense of Nanzheng."

Zhang Wu held out his chest and his armor made a soft sound.

Chen Lun continued reading, and the announcements were all about adjustments to minor positions. After he finished, the hall fell silent.

Su Gu picked up the teacup, his hand trembling slightly. He took a sip and put it down.

"Gentlemen," he said, looking at the audience, "do you have any further objections?"

No one spoke.

After a long silence, Yang Song stood up and bowed deeply: "Commander Liu is wise and capable; he will surely carry on Lord Su's will and safeguard the peace of Hanzhong. I will wholeheartedly assist him!"

With him taking the lead, powerful figures like Du Xi and Wang Chun rose to echo his sentiments. The former officials of the prefectural government exchanged bewildered glances, then finally stood up and bowed, saying, "We humbly obey the Prefect's order!"

Su Gu nodded, as if he had exhausted all his strength. He propped himself up, and Chen Lun quickly helped him up.

"Then... let's call it a day." He turned and walked unsteadily towards the back hall.

He stopped at the entrance of the hall and looked back at Liu Bei.

Their eyes met, and Su Gu forced a smile, which was somewhat bleak.

"Xuande," he said softly, "Hanzhong... is entrusted to you."

After saying that, he disappeared behind the curtain.

A moment of silence fell over the hall. All eyes turned to Liu Bei.

Liu Bei walked to the main seat, but did not sit; he stood instead.

"Gentlemen," he began, "I am filled with trepidation and fear that Lord Su entrusted me with this task despite his ailing health. However, having accepted this responsibility, I will do my utmost to protect the territory and ensure the safety of the people."

He paused, then continued, "All affairs of the prefecture are proceeding as usual. Officials in each department are performing their duties, with those who perform meritorious service being rewarded and those who commit wrongdoing being punished. There is only one matter..."

His gaze swept over the crowd: "The peace and stability of Hanzhong is a blessing for everyone. If anyone outwardly complies but inwardly defies or secretly obstructs, do not blame the ruthlessness of military law."

The voice wasn't loud, but every word struck like a hammer blow.

Someone in the room shuddered.

Liu Bei looked at Chen Lun: "Chen Gongcao."

"Your humble servant is here."

"The accounts and documents of the prefectural government shall be handed over clearly today."

"yes!"

"Yang Hucao".

Yang Song hurriedly stood up: "Your humble servant is here!"

"Within three days, submit a complete list of all fields and households in the prefecture."

"Yes, sir!"

After giving his instructions, Liu Bei cupped his hands and said, "Dismissal."

As everyone left, they hurried away, and no one dared to linger.

Only Liu Bei and a few key figures remained in the hall. Guan Yu walked to his side and whispered, "Brother, those county garrison commanders didn't look friendly when they left."

"That's normal." Liu Bei looked outside the hall. "They've followed Su Gu for many years, and they're panicking now that their master has changed. Yun Chang, tomorrow you will gather all officers of the rank of commander and above from the county garrison and have them practice martial arts at the drill ground."

"Perform martial arts?"

"Let them see what real soldiers are like," Liu Bei patted Guan Yu on the shoulder. "And let them know who they should follow for a future."

Guan Yu nodded: "Understood."

Zhang Fei leaned closer: "Brother, when am I going to Yanjing?"

"I'll go this afternoon." Liu Bei looked at him. "Yide, the salt workers have suffered for many years. Your trip is to appease them, not to show off. Increase their pay where appropriate, and reduce their working hours where necessary. But remember, salt production cannot be reduced."

"Got it!"

Jian Yong had already spread out the account books: "Brother, the land accounts that have been piling up for three years at the Revenue Department need to be re-checked. I need to allocate some manpower."

"Transfer them from the military camp," Liu Bei said. "The veterans who came from Zhuojun, those who can read and do math, are all for you."

Qian Zhao asked, "On the thief's side, the old case files from the prefectural government are piled up like mountains, some of which are clearly wrongful convictions..."

"Revisit the cases," Liu Bei said. "Revise them one by one. Redress the injustices and punish the guilty. But it must be done according to the law; there must be no indiscriminate killing."

"Yes."

After giving his instructions, Liu Bei walked out of the main hall alone.

The sunlight was perfect, shining brightly on the bluestone ground of the prefectural government office. He looked up and glanced at the plaque above the door that read "Hanzhong Prefectural Government Office".

Over the years, how many people have sat beneath this plaque? Now, it's his turn.

Chen Lun emerged from the corridor, bowing his head, and said, "Commander, Lord Su... I would like to invite you to have a chat in the back garden."