My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 122 Bu Zhiwei Jing
Mi Zeng nodded in satisfaction, then abruptly asked, "I have always felt that the young master's trust in my Mi family is somewhat extraordinary. I wonder what the reason is?"

Liu Feng was stunned for a moment. He never expected that Mi Zeng would ask about this.

Isn't it good to trust the Mi family?

He blinked, not understanding what the other person meant.

Mi Zeng seemed to understand his meaning and continued, "First there was rock sugar and salt, then came the sun-drying method and the salt monopoly method. I don't understand why you would favor my family so much."

Since Mi Zeng had made his point so clear, Liu Feng naturally couldn't try to play any more tricks.

For a moment, he didn't know how to answer. He couldn't very well say that Mi Zhu had followed his father for most of his life, wandering for half his life without regret, could he?
However, using Mi Zhu's welcoming of Liu Bei into Xuzhou as the reason would be far too weak.

Seeing Liu Feng's hesitant expression, Mi Zeng laughed.

“Young master, you see, even you can’t say it yourself.”

Mi Zeng took the initiative to reveal the truth, saying, "I believe in your goodwill towards my Mi family, and I also believe that you trust my family. However, you should also realize that there is still a lack of a formal alliance between you and my Mi family."

When talking to intelligent people, it's best to be as honest as possible.

Liu Feng thought for a moment and then readily agreed: "Indeed, but how does Elder Mi intend to increase the trust between us?"

Mi Zeng suddenly changed the subject: "When I was fifty, I was miraculously reborn and had another child, which was my youngest daughter, Mi Yue."

“Since her birth, I have cared for her with utmost devotion and tenderness.”

"Fortunately, thanks to God's blessing, I have now grown up."

Mi Zeng's eyes flashed with a sharp light: "I have heard that you, young master, are engaged to General Jianwei Zhonglang. After your coming-of-age ceremony, you will marry the daughter of the Cao family and make her your concubine. I wonder if this is true or not?"

Liu Feng felt a vague sense of realization, and his feelings were quite complicated.

This feels like I've NTR'd my own father.

But Mi Zeng was right in front of him. Whether he delayed or lied, he could very well offend the Mi family and have very serious consequences.

Liu Feng quickly realized this and immediately suppressed his complicated emotions, nodding solemnly and saying, "Indeed, as Elder Mi said, I did make a deal with Cao Jianwei. He was willing to give up his military power in Danyang in exchange for my engagement to his daughter, and to treat her as a concubine."

After hearing this, Mi Zeng laughed and said calmly, "Cao Bao is a villain. He is greedy and treacherous, and he becomes arrogant when he succeeds. I never expected that he would have such great courage and boldness."

"In that case, it's not good for our Mi family to lose to him."

"If you would not mind, young master, I would like to betroth my daughter to you and ask for the position of a concubine."

Mi Zeng's actions were a clear display of his true intentions, demonstrating great courage.

Previously, he had not been able to find an opportunity to talk to Liu Feng about this matter, but now that he finally saw an opportunity, Mi Zeng directly revealed his trump card, giving Liu Feng no chance to dodge or maneuver.

Liu Feng was determined to give the other party an answer.

******************
In Kuaiji Commandery, there was a powerful family named Jiao. The head of the family was named Jiao, courtesy name Bofu. He once served as the magistrate of Zhengqiang County in the Eastern Han Dynasty. In Kuaiji Commandery at that time, he was considered a very powerful landlord.

However, throughout history, such figures are like shrimp, fleeting like passing clouds, and should not have left their names in history.

Jiao Jiao was a man who despised the poor and loved the noble. He enjoyed entertaining famous scholars and looked down on people from poor backgrounds. However, what ultimately made him famous in history were two poor scholars who had just come from his family.

Both scholars were from Xuzhou. One was named Bu Zhi, courtesy name Zishan. He was from Huaiyin, Linhuai, Xuzhou. His ancestor was Yang Shi, a high-ranking official of the State of Jin during the Zhou Dynasty. Because his fief was in Bu, he took Bu as his surname. Later, there was another scholar named Bu Shucheng, who was one of the seventy-two disciples of Confucius.

During the Qin and Han dynasties, some members of the clan became generals and were enfeoffed as Marquis of Huaiyin for their merits, thus making the Bu clan a prominent clan in Huaiyin.

However, Bu Zhi was not from the main branch of the family, but from a distant branch. His family was poor, and due to the war, he had no choice but to go south to Jiangdong, where he stayed in Kuaiji County with his friend Wei Jing.

Wei Jing was from Guangling in Xuzhou, and he and Bu Zhi were from the same hometown. They happened to meet Bu Zhi on their way to escape the disaster. The two had a prior relationship, so they decided to travel together.

After arriving in Kuaiji County, they made a living by growing melons together. They worked in the fields during the day and recited the works of various philosophers at night, broadening their knowledge through extensive reading.

The two of them came to Jiao Jiao's place to present him with fruits and vegetables, hoping to gain his protection.

Although Jiao Jiao initially slept soundly, making Bu Zhi and his companion wait in the courtyard for a full hour, after waking up, he neglected them, only offering them some cold leftovers.

Bu Zhi remained calm and composed, eating as usual. After finishing his meal with his companions, he took his leave.

After leaving Jiao Jiao's door, Wei Jing couldn't help but get angry and berated Jiao Jiao for being unreasonable and domineering.

But Bu Zhi was much more mature than him, saying that he was poor and lowly, so why should he be ashamed?
Wei Jing was still somewhat dissatisfied, but he had to admit that Bu Zhi had considered things much more thoroughly than he had, so he followed Bu Zhi home dejectedly.

Along the way, Wei Jing still complained a bit, while Bu Zhi listened calmly to his friend's grievances and occasionally offered a few words of reassurance.

After arriving home, Wei Jing was so angry that he didn't eat anything, so Bu Zhi had to help him start a fire and cook.

As darkness fell and the millet rice was cooked, shouts suddenly rang out from outside the courtyard.

"Excuse me, is this the residence of Mr. Bu Zhi and Mr. Wei Jing?"

Upon hearing the sound, Bu Zhi frowned.

He has an excellent memory; he can remember the appearance and voice of many people he has only met once.

The person who shouted this was none other than the steward of the Jiao family, whom they had visited that afternoon.

Bu Zhi and his companion hurriedly went out of the house, only to find a group of people waiting outside their thatched hut.

The leader was none other than Jiao Jiao and a state envoy.

Bu Zhi and Wei Jing were both somewhat surprised and suspicious. Could it be that their humiliation and forbearance in the afternoon had still offended Jiao Jiao?
However, upon further reflection, both of them felt something was amiss.

If they had offended Jiao Jiao, given his domineering and tyrannical nature, he would probably have dealt with them on the spot. Why would he have waited until now?

Besides, given their temper, they would have already stormed in; there's no way they would be standing outside the courtyard calling out so politely.

"I am Bu Zhi, and this is my good friend Wei Jing."

Bu Zhi stepped forward, opened the courtyard gate, and invited Jiao Jiao and his party into the courtyard.

However, due to the limited space, only Jiao Jiao, the butler, and one other person were able to enter, while the others remained waiting outside the courtyard.

As he got closer, Bu Zhi took a closer look and discovered that, apart from Jiao Jiao and the steward, the third person looked like an official, which made him even more puzzled.

Before Bu Zhi could ask, the official spoke first: "Are you two gentlemen Bu Zishan and Wei Ziqi?"

Bu Zhi and Wei Jing naturally nodded in agreement and looked at the official.

Unexpectedly, Jiao Jiao spoke first: "When I met you two gentlemen this afternoon, I was struck by your imposing presence. After our conversation, I was even more impressed by your extensive knowledge and outstanding abilities. I was just thinking of recommending you to the prefecture and county when the time was right, but I didn't expect that Governor Liu's envoy has already arrived. It is truly a pity."

Jiao Jiao's face was now covered with a fawning smile, and the pride and arrogance he had shown in the afternoon had vanished without a trace, like the fading spring sunshine.

"It's a pity that Kuaiji County is not fortunate enough to retain these two great sages."

After saying this, Jiao Jiao clapped his hands, and several servants entered from outside the courtyard, each carrying a lacquered tray containing valuable gifts such as gold ingots, plain silk, brocade robes, and silk shoes.

Bu Zhi and Wei Jing looked at each other, puzzled as to what Jiao Jiao was up to.

At this moment, the official beside Jiao Jiao spoke up: "Gentlemen, I am Xie Ying, the magistrate of Xuzhou. I have come here on the orders of Governor Liu to recruit you. However, since I am a local and unfamiliar with the terrain, I have sought out the local sage, Mr. Jiao, to ask him to make an introduction."

Upon hearing this, Bu Zhi and Wei Jing immediately understood why Jiao Jiao had been so arrogant before and so obsequious afterward.

This is because this person's aversion to poverty and love of wealth are ingrained in his very being.

Previously, I looked down on Bu Zhi and Wei Jing simply because I thought they were poor, pedantic scholars.

Now that they are being so courteous and have prepared such generous gifts, it is natural to assume that the two of them have already won the favor of Governor Liu of Xuzhou.

Wei Jing was about to lash out and say a few disparaging remarks to the other party, but Bu Zhi stopped him.

"Jiao Jun's virtue is known to all. We have lived here for a long time and have also benefited greatly from Jiao Jun's kindness."

Bu Zhi first expressed his gratitude, which made Jiao Jiao smile with joy, before he finally agreed.

Upon seeing Bu Zhiying, Jiao Jiao was even more delighted and quickly said, "This place is too dilapidated. Why don't you two gentlemen and the prefectural envoy stay at my residence for a few days to rest and recuperate?"

The governor readily agreed, and Bu Zhi, naturally, wouldn't be disappointed. The group then went to Jiao Jiao's house to stay temporarily. This time, Jiao Jiao didn't serve leftovers, but instead arranged a grand banquet to properly entertain the governor of Xuzhou, Bu Zhi, and Wei Jing.

In fact, Jiao Jiao's mentality was already somewhat pathological, but he enjoyed it so much that others could only let him be.

When they were resting that night, Wei Jing finally couldn't hold back and asked Bu Zhi why he had repeatedly stopped him from getting angry.

Bu Zhi said seriously, "Although we are fortunate to have been recruited by the governor, who sent an envoy to recruit us, we are still in Kuaiji. If we offend Jiao Jiao and he harbors ill intentions, what will we do? We might even implicate the envoy and a group of minor officials from Xuzhou."

"Lord Fang is far away in Xuzhou, a thousand miles from here. How could he possibly know our fate? You've put yourself in danger just because of a grudge in your heart. Don't you know that a wise man doesn't stand under a crumbling wall?"

Wei Jing suddenly realized what was going on. Thinking of Jiao Jiao's past rampant behavior in the counties, he felt a little scared and admired Bu Zhi even more.

Bu Zhi remained calm and composed, called out to Wei Jing, and then fell into a deep sleep.

The next day, after Bu Zhi and Wei Jing accepted the appointment, they prepared to pack up and then travel to Xuzhou with the provincial envoy.

Jiao Jiao resolutely refused, insisting that the two stay and entertaining them for three days. Afterwards, he presented them with a lavish oxcart and personally saw Bu Zhi, Wei Jing, and the Xuzhou envoy off on their return journey.

*************
On this day, Cao Bao returned from the prefectural capital, overjoyed, unable to suppress the smile on his face.

As soon as he returned to the mansion, he started shouting and telling the servants to prepare a feast so that they could have a proper celebration.

Cao Qing also heard the news and, out of curiosity, was about to look for Cao Bao, but unexpectedly, his own father came to visit him.

"Qing'er, today your father can also be called the Prefect!"

The term "府君" is an alternative name for "太守" (prefect), and it sounds better than "太守" because it includes the character "君" (ruler), making it a more elegant title.

Compared to becoming a general, Cao Bao actually preferred to be a prefect, but Tao Qian had refused him in the past, and now his dream had come true.

Cao Qing smiled faintly on her fair face: "Congratulations, Father!"

Cao Bao, overjoyed, took the lead and said, "Today, the governor kept me here and told me that he would soon recommend me as the prime minister of Xiapi. I can go to Xiapi to take up my post soon, but..."

In the first half, Cao Bao was in high spirits, but when he got to the "but," he became hesitant.

Cao Qing asked curiously, "But how?"

Cao Bao sighed: "It's just that Fang Bo hopes I can hand over the Danyang army, but he also agreed that the Xiapi County troops will be under my command."

"Did Uncle Fang say it's mandatory to pay?"

Cao Qing actually already knew the answer to this question, but she still asked it in order to elicit Cao Bao's reply.

"nor."

Cao Bao clicked his tongue: "The governor is indeed treating me differently now. If I don't want to hand over the reins, it's fine. I can continue to be the Jianwei General, and the Danyang Army will still be under my command. However, I will no longer be the chancellor of Xiapi."

"Father, Qing'er still thinks the current prime minister of Xiapi is better."

Cao Qing spoke slowly and deliberately: "You have fought battles all your life, you should think about your own future. Besides, I think Fang Bo has lofty ambitions. It is one thing to pacify Langya within the province, but once he goes south to Guangling, he will inevitably clash with the General of the Rear. Furthermore, although Cao Yanzhou has withdrawn his troops, his hatred with Xuzhou has not ended, and he will make a comeback sooner or later."

Upon hearing the name Cao Cao, Cao Bao couldn't help but shudder. Even he and the rest of the Danyang army had been traumatized by Cao Cao's beatings.

"What...what should we do?"

"Father, since that's the case, why not simply give up military power and become the Chancellor of Xiapi? That way, your daughter can rest assured. Every time you went on a campaign, I was always worried and couldn't sleep at night, only praying to God to protect you and keep you safe."

Cao Qing's heartfelt words also moved Cao Bao.

Cao Bao was greatly comforted by his daughter's concern: "Alright, I'll grant Qing'er's request. Tomorrow, I'll go see the governor and hand over all the troops."

"Father."

Cao Qing finally felt relieved. As long as his father relinquished military power, he would not only pose no threat to Liu Bei, but would also become a valuable asset.

Even if Liu Bei didn't have lofty ambitions, and even if he only wanted to continue to control Xuzhou, he still had to show great favor to his father, so as to establish a model of loyalty and not forgetting his old friend.

There are still some minor issues that I need to remind my father beforehand, so as not to fall into someone else's trap.

"Qing'er, is something the matter?"

Cao Bao was lost in thought about his future career as prime minister when he heard his daughter calling him.

Cao Qing straightened up and asked Cao Bao, "Father, is our family short of money?"

"Lack of money?"

Cao Bao paused for a moment, pondered for a while, and shook his head: "Although my family is not a wealthy family, your father served as an official for seven or eight years, and the family has some savings, enough to provide you with a dowry."

Upon hearing about the dowry, Cao Qing's fair face flushed slightly. She then suppressed her shyness and continued, "In that case, if Father becomes the Prime Minister, he must be careful of villains causing trouble."

"The work of a villain?"

Cao Bao's expression changed. He knew his daughter was always intelligent, and if she said there were villains, then there was a high chance they were.

Moreover, it was his first time taking up a local post, and he was actually quite uneasy. He was worried that he would be ridiculed, that he would be sidelined, and that he would be reprimanded by the governor for his poor judgment.

"Where did this petty person come from?"

“Father, those who embezzle and offer bribes, those who commit evil deeds, those who disobey state orders, and those who sow discord are all petty people.”

Cao Qing said solemnly, “Those who embezzle and offer bribes are dragging Father down with them; those who commit evil deeds are putting Father in a dilemma; those who disobey the state order are plotting against Father; and those who sow discord are jealous of Father’s favor.”

“These villains are all scheming and want to harm my father.”

Cao Qingqing's clear voice grew louder and louder: "Father, Fang Bo and his son have only been in Xuzhou for a few months, but they have not only reversed the decline of our province, but also shown a tendency to expand outwards. How can we know that the ruler of a province can be limited? Fang Bo is a member of the Han imperial family. To put it bluntly, Emperor Guangwu of this dynasty was also a member of the imperial family."

Upon hearing this, Cao Bao was startled, but then a fierce flame rose within him.

If that's really the case, then my son marrying Liu Feng will surely bring him great fortune in the future.

She should at least be a lady, right?

Cao Bao's heart burned with excitement as he thought about it, and he nodded repeatedly: "Qing'er is absolutely right. These people are trying to ruin your father's official career, and I will definitely hate them."

"What Father said is quite right, but it is still a little lacking."

"Oh? What do you mean, Qing'er?"

"When Father becomes an official, he only needs to be honest, impartial, and obedient to the prefectural government. He can delegate all the affairs of the prefecture to the county magistrate, the chief clerk, and the chief clerk. However, after taking office, he can first visit the Chen family and ask for their opinion."

"Oh……."

Cao Bao asked curiously, "Why ask about the Chen family?"

Cao Qing rolled his eyes adorably, "Father, the Chen family is one of the most powerful families in Xiapi. As long as they give their approval, how could the locals like the registrar and the clerk dare to harm you? Besides, as long as you don't embezzle or take advantage of others, obey the prefecture, and report to the governor and the young master in a timely manner, even if you make some mistakes, how could the governor be harsh on you?"

"I'm afraid the blame will fall more on the Chen family in the end. After all, Chen Gongcao is a member of the Chen family, but not all members of the Chen family are Chen Gongcao."

Cao Bao slapped the table and exclaimed in admiration, "Brilliant! My son's words are truly brilliant!"

After hearing Cao Qing's words, Cao Bao was completely relieved.

Upon closer examination, once military power is relinquished, the biggest expense is virtually eliminated.

On ordinary days, there's also the interest from the 10% rock sugar and snow salt shares that Liu Feng previously gave me, so I really have more money than I can spend.

Cao Bao was smug, thinking that if he listened to Qing'er's words and completely gave up his military power, there would be nothing to fear.

On the contrary, if he can catch a few blind scoundrels who want to drag him down while he is serving as the prime minister of Xiapi, he might be more valued by the governor. In the future, when the governor enters the court and becomes the general, wouldn't it be right for him, a fine horse, to succeed the governor?
Thinking of this, Cao Bao couldn't help but get excited. He looked at Cao Qing with satisfaction and sighed with wonderful thoughts, "In that case, I, your father, have nothing to worry about."

The old man had a blood pressure of 160/120 yesterday during the day. He went to the hospital and managed to keep updating even after returning. He accidentally included a section of the chapter outline in the update; I apologize for that, it has been corrected.

The old man just couldn't understand why some readers were gloating. Did they really have that much malice towards him and the book?
If you hate this book and the old man so much, why spend real money to read it?
After reading some of the comments, I'm truly disheartened. This old man is almost fifty, and it's incredibly difficult for him to maintain a daily dose of 10,000 units of blood pressure medication. I don't ask for your concern, but at least please stop upsetting me. Thank you.

The old man didn't want to talk about this, after all, as an author, updating is an author's responsibility and obligation, and there's no need to mention minor ailments to gain sympathy. But in the end, he decided to say it anyway, because he just finished reading a book review, and his blood pressure went up again. Now he's dizzy and his vision is blurry, so he had to type this review in several parts. He's going to lie down for a while, and hopes to be able to update tomorrow morning. Thank you everyone.

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(End of this chapter)