My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 126 Taishi Ziyi Invites This Ceremony
Seeing his father's rare shock and loss of composure, Liu Feng thought to himself, "In another dimension, when Mi Zhu arranged for your sister to be betrothed to you, he spent a hundred million, all in cash and goods."

I only have 80 million, and half of that is stock options, which is still far less than what you, Father, have.

Liu Bei's expression was quite interesting, changing one after another. Finally, he managed to restrain himself from asking Liu Feng which family his next concubine would be from and what dowry she would receive.

"Feng'er, you are still young, so I will take care of these valuables for you for the time being."

Liu Bei's face flushed slightly, but the thought that his treasury was so empty it could run rats immediately strengthened his resolve to plunder the wealthy.

Fortunately, Liu Feng had already made preparations: "Father's idea is very good, but I am still young and cannot get married for the time being. Therefore, the dowry will continue to stay in the Mi family."

Liu Bei's old face immediately turned red, and he glared fiercely at Liu Feng, looking as if he was about to make a move.

Liu Feng quickly begged for mercy, saying, "Father, I heard from Master Zeng that the Mi family is very grateful to you for recruiting Mi Zifang and promoting him to the position of Prefect of Langya. Therefore, the Mi family wants to make greater contributions to the prefecture. I heard that Mi Zifang is already on his way to Tancheng, accompanied by a large amount of supplies and wealth, which should be his way of serving the prefecture."

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei hesitated for a moment, but finally shook his head with difficulty and refused, saying, "This is not appropriate. If we do this, wouldn't your father become a muddle-headed governor who sells official positions?"

In fact, the sale of official positions has already spread throughout the country, since the warlords are not well-off and urgently need the support of local powerful families.

Although the Three Mutual Method still retains some influence, it is now only the Greater Three Mutual Method; the Lesser Three Mutual Method has long since become a mere formality.

According to the rules of the "Mini Three Mutual Law," Mi Fang, a native of Donghai Commandery, was not qualified to serve as the governor of Langya Commandery, because they were both from Xuzhou.

However, the complete decline of the "Mini-Merchant Mutual Assistance" method was not entirely due to its drawbacks. The "Mini-Merchant Mutual Assistance" method was so strict that it caused great trouble for the selection of officials.

Overall, however, Mi Fang's behavior was quite normal in this chaotic world and could not be considered as buying an official position.

Not to mention that the Mi family made significant military contributions during this Northern Expedition to Langya.

However, Liu Bei was still easily offended and cared about these things.

Liu Feng quickly offered a suggestion: "Father's concerns are very valid, but this matter can be handled differently. Let Mi Zifang lend the supplies directly to the prefecture government, waiving the interest. In this way, everyone will only praise Mi Zifang for caring about his hometown, without worrying about anything else. As for how to repay it in the future, there is no rush."

Liu Bei listened and felt it made sense: "Let's do it this way, so as not to dampen Mi Zifang's desire to serve the country."

Liu Feng nodded, then prepared to leave: "Father, if there's nothing else, then I'll take my leave."

"When you get back, remember to visit your grandmother and mother often. They've missed you terribly these past few days."

Liu Bei waved his hand, gave Liu Feng a word of advice, and then let him leave.

After leaving Liu Bei's place, Liu Feng naturally went to the place where Xu Sheng's troops were stationed.

Although this unit was commanded by Xu Sheng as a colonel and Pan Zhang as a separate commander, the real mastermind was actually Liu Feng.

It was for this reason that Liu Feng agreed to Xu Sheng and Pan Zhang's request to accompany him to Qu County.

This would deepen the emotional bond between him and Xu Sheng and Pan Zhang. In this era, the best way to gain people's loyalty is to give them dreams, affection, and benefits.

These factors combined create a chemical reaction that makes this loyalty unbreakable.

Another point is that Liu Feng doesn't want this army to bear too much of Xu Sheng's personal mark.

He hoped that Xu Sheng would only be the commander of this unit, rather than turning it into his personal retinue.

Upon arriving at the base, Liu Feng discovered that Xu Sheng and Pan Zhang were already testing the results of their training over the past period.

During the previous expansion, Liu Feng specifically requested the remaining troops from the two Sima tribes that Chang Xi had used to attack the spear formation. These people had witnessed the power of the spear formation and would surely become staunch supporters of it.

Using such soldiers to train spear formations will naturally be twice as effective, because they will have unwavering confidence in the spears in their hands.

Liu Bei's army quickly distributed its troops, and Xu Sheng happily received his own men.

After that, Liu Feng left Tancheng and went to Qu County, only returning to Tancheng now.

The discipline of the Taishan Army was much better than that of the Danyang Army. Unfortunately, the discipline of Changxi's troops was the worst among the Taishan Army.

Even so, they are still much stronger than the Danyang Army of the past.

After more than half a month of training, the newly arrived Taishan Army soldiers gradually began to integrate into the existing system.

The main reason is that the food here is much better than what the Taishan Army used to eat.

In the Xuzhou army, they could eat chicken once a week. Although each person only got one, it was still chicken.

In addition, we often get to eat pickled vegetables, whose salty taste really improves our appetite.

Thinking back to their time in the Taishan Army, when they were steaming millet in its husks and still couldn't get enough to eat, these Taishan soldiers naturally began to feel more at ease.

This is the difference in economic strength. Zang Ba, relying on only five counties in Kaiyang, including Jiqiu City which was massacred by Cao Cao, managed to support the Taishan Army of 10,000 men. Besides being ruthless in plundering, he also squeezed the limits of food supplies.

However, these days, most county soldiers receive this treatment, and many people who want to join the army for a living don't even have the opportunity.

Liu Feng had so many things to do, and it was already the end of April, with May just around the corner.

In fact, there were already methods for refining vegetable oil in the Han Dynasty, but they were still relatively crude, the technology was very backward, the oil yield was low, and there was a lot of waste.

Liu Feng did know some simple oil pressing techniques, and they were techniques that could be replicated at this stage.

In fact, cooperating with the Mi family would be the most suitable option, but Liu Feng was worried that if everything were placed with the Mi family, the Mi family would become too powerful and uncontrollable.

Indeed, history has proven Mi Zhu's loyalty, but there's no need to create temptations to test others.

After careful consideration, Liu Feng decided to cooperate with Lu Su this time.

The Lu family was a wealthy family in Guangling, with their own caravans and artisans, making them a very suitable partner.

The reason I didn't talk to Lu Su before was because Guangling wasn't in Liu Bei's hands yet. Now that Guangling is about to be recovered, it's time to talk to Lu Su about these things.

Similarly, Liu Feng also prepared a cooperation agreement for the Chen family, namely, papermaking technology.

The Chen family, including Chen Deng and his son, will certainly be very satisfied with this project.

These high-quality white papers are not just white gold; they will also greatly enhance the reputation of the Chen family, making both the Chen and Liu families famous throughout the world as the paper spreads.

The rest of the afternoon, Liu Feng spent in the military camp, doing the same three things as always: sharing joys and sorrows to build closer relationships.

The soldiers' awareness is too low now. They can't even compare to the Western Han army, let alone the later army.

At least the Western Han army had a sense of national defense, after all, their greatest enemy was the foreign tribes.

It can only be said that the task is arduous and the road ahead is long, but Liu Feng believes that as long as he works hard, there will eventually be results.

The next day, Liu Feng originally intended to visit Lu Su in Xiangben.

Due to the reorganization of the army, most of the field troops were concentrated in Tancheng and were not stationed in various places.

As Lu Su also served as the Colonel of Agricultural Settlements, he naturally could not leave his post for long.

After the celebration, he returned to Xiangben and has been working there for more than half a month.

But plans can't keep up with changes.

Unexpectedly, Liu Bei summoned Liu Feng early in the morning and told him that Taishi Ci had already passed Jiqiu and would arrive in Tancheng the next day.

Moreover, this time Taishi Ci did not come alone, but brought more than three hundred heroes from Qingzhou, most of whom were skilled archers.

In addition, Taishi Ci also brought seven or eight fine horses, which were very valuable, and it could be said that he had given them everything he had.

Because he brought a large number of men, Taishi Ci was much more disciplined than Zhou Tai and Jiang Qin. He sent people along the way in advance with the official documents from the prefectural envoys to inform them, so there was no chaos or danger.

Taishi Ci looked at the Tancheng city wall, which was now clearly visible in the distance, and still felt somewhat uneasy.

Standing beside him was a scholar, a tall and slender man who was very humble and easy to like at first glance.

Taishi Ci suddenly turned his head and asked the scholar beside him, "Brother Ziyu, do you really intend to continue south to Liu Yangzhou's place?"

This person was none other than Yi, a scholar from Qingzhou who had been recommended by Liu Feng and recruited by Liu Bei.

Shi Yi was a native of Yingling County, Beihai Commandery. He was originally named Shi Yi, but changed his name to Shi Yi after being advised by Kong Rong.

The mainstream view is that Kong Rong mocked Yi, but Yi changed his name because he was afraid of Kong Rong.

However, Liu Feng had a different opinion.

He felt that this was likely a regrettable misunderstanding, which made Kong Rong and Shi Yi, these two close friends, a laughing stock for all time.

Kong Rong was a paragon of virtue during the late Han Dynasty. His stories of sharing pears and brothers fighting to the death spread his good name far and wide. It is very strange that such a person would suddenly ridicule and mock the surname Yi.

What's even more puzzling is that Shi Yi actually changed her name immediately.

It should be noted that Yi was a man of integrity who left his mark on history. In the past, when Sun Quan's ruthless and vicious official, Lü Yi, was attacking people, many famous ministers and generals trembled in fear and dared not resist.

Only Shi Yi stood up and told the truth when Lü Yi once again framed someone else.

Sun Quan was furious and repeatedly interrogated Yi, which shows how much pressure he was under.

Even if Emperor Sun were to fall into disgrace, he would still be far superior to the mere Kong Beihai.

However, Yi remained steadfast, even risking his entire family's lives to vouch for him, prompting Sun Quan to exclaim, "If everyone were like Yi, what use would the laws be?"

Moreover, Yi's upright and incorruptible character was not a one-off occurrence.

In the famous struggle between the two princes, Yi, as the tutor of the Prince of Lu, remained loyal to the country and submitted three or four memorials, directly explaining the serious consequences of Sun Quan's favoritism towards the Prince of Lu and requesting Sun Quan to respect the crown prince.

It is truly strange that such a person would be afraid of a joke by Kong Rong, and even go so far as to change his name and betray his ancestors.

However, considering the meaning of the two characters, Liu Feng made his own judgment.

The Eastern Han Dynasty was an era in which prophecies and divination were rampant and mystical destinies were widely practiced.

The character 氏 not only has one less radical than 民, meaning "the people have no superiors," but it also carries the connotation of collapse.

Back then, who else in the country could use the word "collapse"?

Naturally, it is the current emperor.

However, the character is completely different. It is a beautiful character, which not only has the meaning of being upright and unyielding, but also has an excellent shape.

Cheng Yu dreamed of holding the sun in his hands, and Cao Cao considered him a confidant, bestowing upon him the name Yu.

The character also depicts the sun above the head, with the head supporting the sun. The saying "the sun above the head" signifies "serving the ruler," making this a truly beautiful character.

Kong Rong made Shi Yi change his name to Shi Yi, which is exactly the same as Cao Cao making Cheng Li change his name to Cheng Yu.

It was for this reason that the upright and unyielding Yi so readily changed his surname, because he understood that it was Kong Rong's good intention, and that Kong Rong was right.

However, although Yi was appreciated by Kong Rong, he was not given important positions by Kong Rong, which was not the first time for Kong Rong.

Isn't Taishi Ci, who is next to Shi Yi, a ready example?

Upon hearing Taishi Ci's question, Shi Yi casually retorted, "Ziyi's journey is like a bird soaring into the blue sky, where he will display his talents and become famous throughout the land. I, on the other hand, am only of average talent, and my ability to govern and handle affairs is limited to loyalty and diligence. Even if I were to stay, I would be of little use."

Taishi Ci replied solemnly, "Brother Ziyu, why do you say that? As long as you are willing to stay, I will do my best to recommend you to Your Excellency."

Taishi Ci spoke from the heart. He and Shi Yi met through Kong Rong, and were originally just casual acquaintances.

However, he unexpectedly encountered the other person again on his journey south, and so they traveled together.

With nothing else to do on the road, the two chatted about everything under the sun.

The Taishi family was no ordinary powerful family; their ancestors included high-ranking officials with salaries of a thousand shi (a unit of grain), making them a true family of officials.

Taishi Ci was also well-versed in the classics and studied military strategy.

After exchanging ideas with Shi Yi, Taishi Ci realized that Shi Yi was extraordinary and tried his best to invite him to stay in Xuzhou.

The Eastern Han Dynasty was truly a very distinctive dynasty, and the local customs and sentiments are one of the features that you absolutely must experience.

Taishi Ci felt that as a native of Qingzhou, he would inevitably face resistance and exclusion from his colleagues in Xuzhou after arriving in Xuzhou.

Even if Yi was incompetent, as long as his character was acceptable, Taishi Ci planned to recommend him or even recruit him privately.

To Taishi Ci's surprise, Shi Yi turned out to be very talented, with a pure and honest character that earned him great admiration.

Therefore, Taishi Ci wanted to recommend Shi Yi even more. If Shi Yi could also join Liu Xuzhou's forces, then he wouldn't be so alone and helpless.

Shi Yi, however, kept declining the offer and wanted to continue south to visit Liu Yao in Jiangdong.

Taishi Ci understood that Shi Yi probably shared the same idea as him: it was better to join Liu Yao than Liu Bei, since they were from the same hometown as Liu Yao.

Seeing that he couldn't persuade Shi Yi, Taishi Ci could only secretly resolve in his heart that he would strongly recommend Shi Yi after meeting Liu Bei.

I only hope that Liu Bei can be as magnanimous and respectful of talented people as the rumors suggest.

Just as Taishi Ci was thinking about how to keep Shi Yi, a troop of cavalry suddenly appeared in the distance, escorting the two noblemen towards them.

Taishi Ci quickly halted his troops and stood still to observe the situation, but unexpectedly, the cavalry charged straight at them.

"Ziyi! Ziyi!"

From a distance, the burly man with a broad face, large ears, and extremely long arms shouted. Behind him followed several burly men, all of whom were fierce warriors.

These burly men were none other than Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun, plus Jian Yong.

These were all people who had met Taishi Ci once in Pingyuan Kingdom. Liu Bei brought them all out, fearing that Taishi Ci would become estranged from him.

"It was actually Lord Liu himself who came!"

Taishi Ci was somewhat incredulous and turned to Shi Yi beside him, saying, "I once met Liu Xuzhou in Hebei. At that time, only Liu Xuzhou responded to Kong Beihai's request for help and led three thousand elite troops straight down to Duchang. Behind him must have been heroes such as Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun."

A hint of bitterness flashed across Shi Yi's calm expression.

Despite his repeated refusals of Taishi Ci's invitation, it was because he genuinely didn't think highly of Liu Bei's impression of him.

Shi Yi is the kind of person who accumulates knowledge and experience before unleashing his talents. He is upright, honest, and simple. He has no cunning schemes, but he is down-to-earth, steady, and honest.

Therefore, Yi never expected that Liu Bei would even notice him.

Rather than staying in Tancheng and relying on Taishi Ci, it would be better to go south directly to Liu Yao.

Taishi Ci and Liu Yao were from the same hometown, but at least Liu Yao himself was a governor. If he were willing to use him, he wouldn't need Taishi Ci's recommendation.

So, Shi Yi smiled and nodded at Taishi Ci: "Ziyi, Liu Xuzhou's welcoming of you outside the city is truly a great act of kindness and generosity. You cannot wait here; you should hurry to greet him from afar."

Shi Yi's words were exactly what Taishi Ci wanted to hear. After nodding to the former, Taishi Ci decisively spurred his horse and galloped off to meet Liu Bei.

According to the Records of the Grand Historian, Taishi Ci was seven feet seven inches tall, with a beautiful beard, long arms, and was skilled in archery and horsemanship.

Only when you actually see Taishi Ci will you understand what a mighty and spirited man he is. Even when standing next to scene-stealing masters like Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun, he is by no means inferior.

Liu Bei and Taishi Ci met at the front of the ranks and dismounted together.

Liu Bei stepped forward and grasped Taishi Ci's hand, sighing, "Ziyi, it has been three years since we parted ways in Duchang."

"Your Excellency has a good memory; it has indeed been three years."

Taishi Ci was still a little reserved, after all, he still remembered that he had directly and politely declined Liu Bei's veiled offer of recruitment.

At that time, Liu Bei was merely the chancellor of Pingyuan State, who couldn't even govern a single county. He had only three thousand soldiers, which he borrowed from Tian Kai. How could he possibly agree to that?

Even if she had a good impression of Liu Bei and they got along very well.

But Taishi Ci had a family and a business, and was the hope of his family, so he couldn't just throw it away.

Therefore, it was only natural for Taishi Ci to return to Donglai and continue to wait for an opportunity.

Taishi Ci himself could not have imagined that the world would change so drastically and so quickly.

It had only been three years, or even just two if you really counted, and Liu Bei had already become the governor of Xuzhou, once again extending an olive branch to him.

This time, the other party issued the formal conscription in their capacity as the governor of Xuzhou.

Under his mother's persuasion, Taishi Ci finally chose Liu Bei, but he was still very hesitant.

But when he saw Liu Bei actually coming out of the city to welcome him, the weight in his heart instantly collapsed.

"What virtue or ability do you possess to warrant such a welcome from Your Excellency outside the city?"

(End of this chapter)