gnovel Chapter 31 Rewarding Merit
Chapter 31 Rewarding Merit
Liu Bei's initial ambition was to restore the Han Dynasty and recreate its former glory.
He thought he already understood enough about the hardships of ordinary people.
But as he got to know Lu Yong better over the days, he gained a new understanding of the world.
He initially thought the Han dynasty was merely "blinded by treacherous officials," but later discovered that the system itself had become rotten.
Social stratification has become rigid, and land consolidation has reached its extreme.
The national treasury is empty, refugees are everywhere, natural disasters are rampant... human life is as cheap as grass.
Looking back at the Yellow Turban Rebellion, Liu Bei suddenly realized that it wasn't so hard to understand.
Liu Bei and Lu Yong had not gone far from the market when a messenger rushed up to them, bowed, and said:
"General, Lord Tao and Governor Shan request your immediate return for their meeting."
Liu Bei nodded and said, "Reporting to you both, I will arrive immediately."
The messenger obeyed and left.
This book is first published on 111k.com, providing you with a reading experience without errors or disordered chapters.
Liu Bei and Lu Yong went straight to the main hall of the state government office, where Tao Qian and Shan Jing had been waiting for a long time.
Liu Bei entered and bowed to the two men, saying, "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."
Tao Qian quickly stepped forward to help Liu Bei up.
Looking at his rosy complexion now, there's no trace of the serious illness he suffered a few days ago.
Shan Jing also laughed and said, "Back when Brother Xuande was still in Pingyuan, I heard people say that Brother Xuande loved the people like his own children. Seeing you today, I can see that the reputation is indeed well-deserved."
But for the two of them
Liu Bei had saved their lives and had given them Xuzhou as a gift, so they were all very respectful to him.
"What urgent matter has summoned me here in such a hurry?" Liu Bei asked.
Tao Qian and Shan Jing exchanged a glance, and Tao Qian spoke first: "The imperial edict has arrived. You are now the Governor of Yuzhou, and Brother Shan is now the Governor of Xuzhou."
Even with Liu Bei's calm and composed nature, a hint of surprise couldn't help but flash in his eyes.
His highest previous official position was only Chancellor of Pingyuan State.
Now he has risen to become the Governor of Yuzhou!
Although it was just a nominal position, it was still the highest administrative position in a state!
At least in name,
He already has the qualifications to become a regional lord!
With this identity, it will be much easier to recruit talent and govern the region in the future.
Tao Qian was finally relieved of his burden in Xuzhou and could return to his hometown to enjoy his retirement.
Shan Jing successfully took over the position of Governor of Xuzhou, becoming the rightful ruler of Xuzhou, and Gongsun Zan's strength was greatly enhanced once again.
Now that Liu Bei had obtained the title of governor, his plan to head south to Jiangdong to find a foothold could officially begin.
The current situation can be described as a win-win situation for everyone.
However, Liu Bei wanted to add another layer of joy to the already joyous occasion.
He cupped his hands and said to Tao Qian, "Lord Tao, I have heard that you are about to return to Danyang. If you do not mind, I am willing to lead my troops to escort you back to your hometown."
Tao Qian had been operating in Xuzhou for many years and had extensive connections. He had long suspected that Liu Bei intended to move south.
Hearing Liu Bei offer to escort them, they immediately understood his intentions.
But for him,
Even if Liu Bei wanted to use his reputation and connections to seize Danyang, it was still better than having Yuan Shu's people occupy it.
After all, Liu Bei was much more reliable than Yuan Shu.
After a moment's thought, Tao Qian readily replied, "With Brother Xuande escorting me, I have nothing to worry about."
…………
Liu Bei received the official imperial edict appointing him as the Governor of Yu Province.
Guan Yu and Zhang Fei rushed back from their respective military camps to offer their congratulations.
As soon as Zhang Fei entered the mansion, he shouted loudly, "Brother, congratulations on becoming the Governor of Yu Province!"
Liu Bei came out from the hall to greet him.
Guan Yu followed closely behind Zhang Fei, his voice tinged with excitement, and said, "Congratulations, brother!"
Liu Bei held Guan Yu and Zhang Fei's hands and said with emotion, "We've come a long way thanks to you two brothers!"
Even if some people criticize Liu Bei for being hypocritical, no one should question the brotherhood of the three sworn brothers in the Peach Garden.
"It began in Peach Garden and ended in Peach Garden"—this is the most fundamental romance of Shu Han.
The three brothers entered the hall hand in hand.
The large red lanterns in the hall had not yet been completely taken down, and the atmosphere was still festive.
Liu Bei's newlywed wife, Lady Mi, was dignified and virtuous.
She was holding the hand of Liu Bei's concubine, Lady Gan, in the hall, directing the servants to prepare a family banquet.
Liu Bei then sent someone to invite all his important subordinates to a banquet.
Lu Yong, Lu Su, and Xu Sheng were the first to arrive.
The three of them approached Liu Bei, bowed deeply, and said, "Congratulations, my lord! From this day forward, you will step into a much wider world!"
Liu Bei helped Zhao Yun and Lu Yong to their feet, smiling as he said, "Please rise! All of this is thanks to your hard work!"
Soon after, Jian Yong, Mi Zhu, and Sun Qian also arrived.
Everyone took their seats.
Liu Bei raised his wine cup to the crowd, looked around, and said loudly:
"I, Liu Bei, have come this far entirely thanks to Huai'an's strategies and the efforts of all of you."
Gentlemen, let us drink this cup together!
May we create a new world for ourselves in Jiangdong.
Serving the Han Dynasty and bringing happiness to the people.
Everyone responded in unison, raised their glasses and drank them down, making the atmosphere in the hall even more lively.
Liu Bei put down his wine cup, looked at everyone, and said:
"The court appointed me as the governor of Yuzhou. Although I held the title in name only, I had the power to establish my own government and appoint officials."
"Since we are all gathered here today, we should also settle your respective duties."
Jian Yong put down his crossed legs, sat up straight, placed the wine bowl on the table, and laughed, "I've finally heard you say that."
Liu Bei turned to look at Lu Yong beside him:
"Since Huai'an joined me, he has been the one who devised the strategy to defeat Cao Cao and planned the southward march. In all these matters, we have relied on his wisdom."
I intend to appoint you as my military advisor, concurrently serving as the chief strategist, overseeing all advisory and strategic discussions, commanding all departments, and training the new army!
Lu Yong stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "My lord has entrusted me with this important task; I dare not disobey."
Liu Bei nodded, then turned to Guan Yu and Zhang Fei:
"Second brother, you are a prudent commander and a formidable warrior in battle. I hereby appoint you as the General Who Subdues Bandits, in overall command of our military affairs."
"Third brother, your bravery is unparalleled in the army. I hereby appoint you as General Who Conquers the Barbarians, to command the vanguard, and to be the vanguard of the army in every battle."
Guan Yu stood up, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said, "I, Guan, accept your command."
Zhang Fei stood up as well, grinning, and said, "Thank you, brother!"
Liu Bei looked up into the distance and said, "Although Zilong has not returned, he has risked his life for me. I intend to appoint him as the Colonel of the Valiant Cavalry and put him in charge of the entire cavalry."
Then, Liu Bei looked at Xu Sheng: "Wenxiang, you are both wise and brave, and you have made great contributions to assisting the military advisor. I hereby appoint you as the Colonel Who Subdues Rebels, to continue to assist the military advisor."
Xu Sheng bowed deeply and said, "Thank you, my lord!"
Liu Bei turned to Lu Su with a solemn expression: "Zijing, I appoint you as the Chief Administrator, to govern affairs and manage government affairs."
Lu Su rose and bowed deeply: "I am but a commoner, but my lord has not abandoned me. I will certainly do my utmost to serve you faithfully."
Liu Bei then looked at Mi Zhu: "Zi Zhong, I appoint you as the Chief Clerk, in charge of the selection, evaluation and recommendation of officials under your jurisdiction."
Mi Zhu cupped his hands and said, "Zhu will do his utmost."
Liu Bei then looked at Sun Qian: "Gongyou, I appoint you as the Clerk, in charge of financial and grain records, and the receipt and disbursement of military supplies and provisions."
Sun Qian gladly accepted the order: "Thank you, my lord."
Finally, Liu Bei looked at Jian Yong, who had a resentful expression, and smiled:
"Xianhe, you have worked tirelessly and made great contributions in Yanzhou and Youzhou. I hereby appoint you as Chief Clerk, in charge of documents and confidential matters, and to record all affairs of the department."
Jian Yong put down his wine bowl, stood up, cupped his hands in a respectful bow, and laughed heartily, "Finally, I've managed to get a minor official position! Thank you, thank you!"
Liu Bei raised his wine cup again and looked around at everyone:
"For now, everyone's official positions are as follows."
Once we have established a firm foothold in Jiangdong, we will then promote and reward us.
"Today's feast is a celebration; we won't leave until we're completely drunk."
Everyone raised their glasses in unison: "We are willing to follow our lord and work together to achieve great things!"
Seeing the lively atmosphere, Zhang Fei shouted at the top of his lungs, "Brother, you're newly married and promoted to governor! You should drink a few more bowls today!"
Liu Bei snapped out of his daze and glared at Zhang Fei with annoyance: "You'd better hand in the self-criticism you were punished with last time first."
Zhang Fei immediately deflated, muttering, "That was so long ago..."
"Those who delay submitting the written self-criticism as punishment shall be subject to additional penalties according to the law."
"Yide, you wouldn't even listen to the chief clerk, would you?" Jian Yong added at the opportune moment.
Zhang Fei glared at Jian Yong, his eyes wide, and roared, "Xianhe, you're using this to settle a personal score!"
"Hahahaha!!" The whole room burst into laughter.