My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 169 Yuanfu and Maocai

Liu Feng was quite clear about his situation. With such an expansion, the number of troops could almost double, but new recruits did not exceed 40%, and the ratio of new to old soldiers was 4:6, which was a very healthy expansion.

Sun Ce is currently campaigning in Wu County, and he is unlikely to have time to cause trouble for Liu Yao this year. Therefore, Liu Feng will have at least six months to train his troops.

Liu Bei closed his eyes and pondered for a moment. Under Liu Feng's hopeful gaze, he smiled and then nodded: "Agreed."

Thus, the plan to expand the army in Xuzhou was temporarily finalized. As for Guangling, it was naturally up to Liu Feng. Since Liu Bei had approved it, then they would proceed according to Liu Feng's wishes.

As for the northern part of Xuzhou, Liu Bei had already discussed it with Liu Feng.

He would naturally consult with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei again afterward, but unless some major problem arose, he would not consult with Liu Feng again.

"What is your opinion on Liu Jingsheng and Liu Zhengli's dispatch of envoys this time?"

Liu Bei steered the conversation toward the next question.

Liu Feng had naturally considered this issue long ago.

Seeing his father ask, he immediately replied, "Liu Jingsheng has great ambitions, and he may very well be thinking the same thing as us."

Liu Bei stroked his short beard and pondered, "Are you saying he also wants to get his hands on Yangzhou?"

"Exactly."

Liu Feng was very confident. Historically, Liu Biao even turned his enemy into a friend with Yuan Shu to plot against Yangzhou, and even lost the life of his trusted confidant Zhuge Xuan for it.

After that, Liu Biao sent his most capable nephew, Liu Pan, along with Huang Zhong to conquer Yuzhang, which shows how much importance he attached to it.

Liu Pan had repeatedly defeated Sun's army and was one of the most powerful generals in Jingzhou. With Huang Zhong as his assistant, he commanded the elite troops of Jingzhou. By all accounts, he was a great threat.

Unfortunately, Liu Pan encountered Taishi Ci.

After Taishi Ci was recommended by Sun Ce to serve as the Commandant of Jianchang, he governed Haihun and supervised the surrendered generals of Liu Yao in the six counties of Yuzhang to jointly resist Liu Pan. As a result, Liu Pan disappeared and never again became a bandit, never daring to cross the line again.

Liu Biao is portrayed as a kind-hearted person in the drama, but in reality, he is just as aggressive as Tao Qian. While Tao Qian only had to fight on two fronts, Liu Biao managed to attack on all four.

He drove Yuan Shu away in the north, instigated Liu Zhang in the west, sent troops to Jiaozhi in the south, and set his sights on Yuzhang in the east.

After entering Jingzhou, he beheaded more than fifty bandits, which startled Kuai Yue. Heaven knows that when Kuai Yue offered his advice, he suggested that Liu Biao kill a few of them as a warning to others and then win over the rest.

Liu Biao agreed to Kuai Yue's request, but on the day of the execution, he gave an order to kill them all, showing that he was definitely not a kind person.

Liu Feng was not surprised that Liu Biao wanted to seize Yangzhou, but he could not be sure which prefecture or kingdom in Yangzhou Liu Biao had his eye on.

Liu Feng guessed that Liu Biao had most likely set his sights on Lujiang County.

If, as in history, he wanted to seize Yuzhang Commandery, there would be no need to form an alliance with Liu Yao. He could simply send troops from Changsha, advancing by both land and water. At this time, Zhou Shu, the governor of Yuzhang, was dying and had no power to resist him.

However, Liu Feng couldn't very well tell Liu Bei that, based on later historical events, Liu Biao was definitely eyeing Lujiang.

After thinking for a moment, Liu Feng put his thoughts into perspective: "Father, if Liu Jingzhou wants Yuzhang, he will most likely make peace with General Zuo and use General Zuo to restrain Liu Yangzhou, so that he can send troops to swallow Yuzhang at his leisure."

"Now that he has made a grand alliance with Liu Yangzhou, it is clear that he is aiming at General Zuo and his intention is to seize Lujiang."

In those days, Yuzhang was actually a treasure land, with a vast territory, abundant real estate, extremely rich mineral and timber resources, and large areas of paddy fields.

Unfortunately, the development cost of this prime location is also quite staggering.

This area is shrouded in miasma year-round, making Han Chinese highly susceptible to malaria-related diseases, with a mortality rate of one to two out of ten – a terrifyingly high figure.

In addition, Yuzhang County is mostly mountainous, and it is home to many tribes such as the Yue and Nanman, ranging in size from a few hundred to tens of thousands of people, who would occasionally come down from the mountains to raid.

Even if one occupies Yuzhang Commandery, it will require a considerable investment of resources to establish a stable rule.

Compared to Yuzhang, Lujiang is completely different.

Although tens of thousands of barbarian tribes are also hidden in the Dabie Mountains next to Lujiang, these barbarians are relatively mild-mannered and have been greatly Sinicized, unlike those from Yuzhang who frequently come down the mountain to rob and plunder in order to supplement their household income.

Moreover, the land here is well-developed, the population is large, and it is connected to Jingzhou by land and water. Once Lujiang is occupied, there is a chance to take Yangzhou entirely.

If Liu Biao had the opportunity to take Lujiang, why would he still care about Yuzhang?
"Liu Jingsheng has great courage."

Liu Bei clicked his tongue, dissatisfied.

At this time, Guangling only had his son's 10,000 troops. Even after expanding the army, it would only have 20,000. No matter which side they faced, they were at a disadvantage.

This left Liu Bei feeling resentful, yet somewhat helpless.

“Father, how can I allow others to snore beside my bed?”

Liu Feng, however, remained unfazed: "Since Liu Jingsheng has extended his reach to us, this alliance can only be a pretense. If he wants to use us, then we can certainly use him in return."

"How can I allow others to snore on the side of the bed?"

Liu Bei pondered for a moment, then nodded with pleasure: "Feng'er, your words are excellent. So, how do you plan to utilize Liu Jing Sheng?"

"Since he wants Lujiang, let him take it. We can just take Jiangdong. Although Lujiang is better than Yuzhang, to secure Lujiang, we still need to control the key points north of Yuzhang, near the Yangtze River waterway. Otherwise, Lujiang can easily be cut off from Jingzhou."

Liu Feng sneered, "Once he takes Lujiang, let's not even talk about how Liu Yao and Yuan Shu will view him?"

Liu Bei laughed heartily. Lujiang was a commandery in Yangzhou and Yuan Shu's heart territory. If it were taken away, how could Liu Yao continue his alliance with Liu Biao? Yuan Shu would also have to fight Liu Biao to the death.

However, Liu Bei then reminded him: "Liu Zhengli is no ordinary man. He went to Yangzhou alone, yet he was able to lead an army of tens of thousands of men right under Yuan Shu's nose. He also won over Xu Gong, Wang Lang, Zuo Rong, and Xue Li, and supported Zhou Shang, and forcefully took Jiangdong back from Yuan Shu."

“You must not underestimate such a strategist, Feng’er, lest you become his weapon.”

Liu Feng nodded in agreement; he was also racking his brains about how to deal with Liu Yao.

Although Liu Yao died of illness two years later in history, Liu Feng was still worried, after all, Liu Yao had been defeated and fled to Yuzhang.

The probability of dying of illness in Yuzhang was much higher than in Jiangdong.

If Liu Yao had stayed in Jiangdong, Liu Feng believed that he would most likely not die of illness, or at least not so soon.

So far, Liu Feng has not been able to come up with a solution, so he can only thank Liu Bei for the reminder.

These words between the father and son have already established Xuzhou's different attitudes toward Jingzhou and Yangzhou.

Jingzhou is a feigned alliance, a potential enemy that will eventually be confronted on the battlefield, while Yangzhou is a short-term ally with whom they can mutually exploit each other.

After reaching a consensus, Liu Bei and his son were able to summon their advisors, including Chen Deng, Lu Su, and Liu Ye, to discuss the specific details.

"There's one last thing I need to discuss with you."

Liu Bei suddenly spoke, and what he said surprised Liu Feng.

Although he didn't know what Liu Bei wanted to say, Liu Feng expressed his obedience.

Liu Bei smiled with satisfaction, his eyes filled with pride and self-satisfaction as he looked at Liu Feng.

"We received news that envoys from Yuan Jizhou and Cao Yanzhou would soon arrive in Tancheng. In addition, an envoy from Guo Gong, the governor of Yuzhou, would also visit Tancheng with gifts. As a result, in just a few days, envoys from four governors and one governor will gather in Tancheng."

At this point, a hint of satisfaction flashed across Liu Bei's face. When had he ever enjoyed being valued like this before?

Following that, Liu Bei continued, "I wish to take this opportunity to formally celebrate your coming-of-age ceremony."

The coming-of-age ceremony, known as the Yuanfu, was an extremely important rite of passage in ancient China.

The term "元服" (Yuanfu) is derived from the combination of the characters "元" (Yuan) and "服" (Fu). "元" (Yuan) refers to the head, while "服" (Fu) refers to the act of wearing or dressing. Therefore, "元服" (Yuanfu) can be understood as head decorations or clothing.

In ancient Chinese society, this ceremony was not only a sign of adulthood, but also a symbol of taking on personal social responsibility. More importantly, it meant that Liu Feng would gain the rights of an adult male.

Many people in later generations believe that the genpuku (coming-of-age ceremony) is a part of Japanese culture, but that is utterly absurd.

Whether it's the term "Yuanfu" or the ceremony it represents, it's all part of traditional Chinese culture.

Japan merely admires Chinese culture and is simply imitating it poorly.

The Book of Rites, "On an auspicious day in a chosen month, the first robe is worn."

Zheng Xuan of the Han Dynasty commented: "Ling and Ji both mean good. Yuan means first."

This Han Zheng Xuan was none other than Zheng Xuan of Qingzhou. He was still alive and well at this time, and even his son was still alive.

Liu Feng looked at Liu Bei with some surprise and asked uncertainly, "Father, is this... appropriate?" The reason Liu Feng asked this was that he was only ten years old.

Liu Bei smiled confidently and said, “How could it be inappropriate? Gan Luo became prime minister at the age of eight, and my son is already ten years old. How could he not be suitable for coming of age at this time? Besides, I met with Governor Guo earlier, and he wanted to recommend you as a talented scholar of Yu Province. I am very happy about that.”

Guo Gong wants to recommend himself as a talented scholar of Yuzhou?

Liu Feng was truly surprised this time.

Guo Gong is so sensible!

For Liu Feng, having a renowned scholar like Guo Gong recommend him to become a "Maocai" (a scholar of outstanding talent) in Yuzhou was an unexpected and delightful surprise, like a pie falling from the sky and hitting him on the head.

Liu Feng clearly remembered that in history, Liu Bei would recommend Yuan Tan as a talented scholar this year.
Liu Feng originally planned to take the initiative to suggest that Liu Bei recommend Yuan Tan as a talented scholar, just as he had done in history, in order to gain Yuan Shao's favor and stabilize northern Xuzhou.

Unexpectedly, Liu Bei had no such thoughts at all, and instead focused on paving the way for his precious son.

It seems that as the power of Xuzhou continued to expand, Liu Bei's decisions would inevitably diverge from historical reality.

I need to be more careful about this in the future.

When Liu Bei spoke of this matter, he seemed very happy: "At that time, I can recommend you to be the governor of Guangling Commandery and oversee the war in Jiangdong. In this way, I can entrust all the affairs in the south to my son."

Liu Bei spoke happily, but Liu Feng showed no joy; instead, he frowned more and more as he listened.

Liu Bei noticed that Liu Feng remained silent and became somewhat worried: "Why is my son unhappy? Is there anything you can't say to your father directly?"

Liu Feng shook his head: "I just feel that something is amiss."

The benefits of being recommended as a talented individual are enormous. To give you the simplest example, as long as Liu Feng is recommended as a talented individual, Liu Bei can directly appoint him to an important position in Guangling County.

If Liu Bei were to take over Yangzhou in the future, Liu Feng could even be appointed as the governor of Yangzhou.

After all, he held the title of "Maocai" (a scholar of the highest rank).

Although doing so would have many side effects and negative consequences, the times are chaotic. Moreover, Liu Feng still enjoys considerable prestige within the Xuzhou group, especially within its core, and this would not cause a split within Xuzhou.

Historically, Yuan Tan had long controlled two and a half commanderies and kingdoms in Qingzhou and had always been in a dominant position.

However, he lacked official status and was therefore not qualified enough until Liu Bei recommended him as a talented scholar, at which point Yuan Tan was able to rightfully become the governor of Qingzhou.

This shows the arrogance of a scholar of high rank.

Cao Cao was overjoyed that his eldest son, Cao Ang, was recommended as a filial and incorruptible official. He was extremely satisfied with Cao Ang and boasted about him to his relatives such as Xiahou Dun and Cao Ren every day.

The title of "Maocai" is a level above "Xiaolian," especially since it was recommended by Guo Gong, a renowned scholar from Yuzhou.

If Liu Feng could be recommended as a talented scholar by Guo Gongbiao, he would truly surpass Cao Ang and Yuan Tan.

However, there are problems, mainly two.

First, Liu Feng was only ten years old, which was far too young. Although Gan Luo had become prime minister at the age of eight, it was still easy for him to arouse the incomprehension and opposition of the gentry.

Secondly, there's the issue of academic knowledge.

Although in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, the practice of cheating was rampant, and the only examination in the Han Dynasty was the palace examination held in the central government, it had become a mere formality by the mid-to-late Eastern Han Dynasty.

However, the drawbacks still come with age.

People can be deceived by people in their thirties or forties, turning an ignorant playboy into a learned scholar, but they can't believe that a ten-year-old child is full of knowledge and whose virtue benefits the community.

Therefore, Liu Feng felt that this was a pie with poison on it, while Liu Bei was clearly attracted by it.

If this were in the peaceful era of twenty years ago, a ten-year-old Maocai would probably have shocked the world, and even now, it would certainly have caused turmoil in Xuzhou. More importantly, if he could just hold on for a few more years, as he grew older, Maocai would completely lose his aura.

Even if I were to become the governor of Yangzhou in the future, I would not need the "Outstanding Talent" bonus at all.

The simplest example is still the Yuan Shao family.

In recent years, Yuan Tan has been unable to succeed Zang Hong as the governor of Qingzhou because he lacks outstanding talents, even though Zang Hong has been transferred to another post.

On the eve of the Battle of Guandu, Yuan Shao directly appointed his nephew Gao Gan as the governor of Bingzhou and his second son Yuan Xi as the governor of Youzhou. Neither of them had the "Outstanding Talent" bonus, and they were appointed arbitrarily.

In Liu Feng's view, sacrificing so much for the sake of a single scholar is simply not worth it.

However, Liu Bei did not want to miss such an opportunity, and he unusually advised Liu Feng, "My son is intelligent and precocious. He is just a minor talent and nothing to worry about."

But Liu Bei's persuasion only made Liu Feng more determined: "Father, I think it's not right."

Liu Bei's face stiffened, and he became somewhat displeased. "I've worked so hard for you, and you don't appreciate it at all."

“Talented individuals are the pillars of the nation; they are chosen to serve the country.”

Liu Feng hurriedly explained, “Father, there are so many talented people in the state, but only one person can be recommended as a ‘superior scholar’ each year. Even if the ‘superior scholars’ of the past are not great Confucian scholars, they are skilled in literature and well-versed in the classics. I will naturally remember your love and care for me, Father, but I fear that your actions may be a case of forcing growth.”

Upon hearing the phrase "pulling up seedlings to help them grow," Liu Bei regained some of his senses.

Seeing this, Liu Feng quickly continued, "Moreover, Yuzhou has many talented people. Father can use this outstanding talent to win people's hearts and manage Yuzhou. This is the most important thing at present."

Liu Bei was finally persuaded by Liu Feng. He knew that recommending Liu Feng as a talented scholar at this time would have too many negative effects, but Liu Bei just couldn't resist.

This is understandable. Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, Gongsun Zan, Kong Rong, and even Chen Qun and Chen Deng were all born into families of filial piety and integrity.

Only Liu Bei rose through the ranks from the lowest level through military merit, and was fortunate enough to encounter a renowned scholar like Chen Ji who appreciated and promoted him.

Because Chen Ji had never looked down on him, Liu Bei vowed to repay Chen Qun for this kindness.

Therefore, Liu Bei especially wanted Liu Feng to become a Maocai (a scholar of outstanding talent). This was not only a father's love and expectation for his son, but also, in a way, a form of compensation for himself.

But since Liu Feng had analyzed the problem so clearly, Liu Bei could no longer deceive himself and had to face the facts.

Liu Bei sighed, still quite reluctant, and said, "In that case, I will reconsider the matter of the talented scholar from Yu Province."

Liu Feng naturally had no objection.

After the father and son finished their discussion, Liu Feng took his leave.

Both he and Liu Bei had a lot of things to deal with and were very busy.

After leaving Liu Bei's place, he first went to pay his respects to his grandmother and mother, chatted with them for a while, and then returned to his own courtyard.

At this time, Liu Fa, Lou Shi, and others were already waiting.

Liu Feng walked directly to the head seat and sat down. At his gesture, the others also took their seats.

How have you been lately?

Liu Fa was the first to stand up, his face showing a hint of excitement, and placed a large, flat wooden box on the table in front of Liu Feng.

Then, Liu Fa said with a mix of joy, pride, and excitement, "Young Master, these are the blank paper and quill pens we developed."

"oh!?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Feng was overjoyed and reached out to open the box.

What comes into view is a stack of white papers.

These sheets of paper are about the size of a modern 16-page sheet, roughly 7 inches by 9 inches.

The paper is entirely white, but contains a slight yellow tinge inside.

Liu Feng reached out and touched it, feeling that the paper had good flexibility and a slightly gritty surface. It was not as smooth as the paper of later generations, but it was still quite excellent.

Inside the box were three simple quill pens made of goose feathers, and ground ink was already prepared on the table.

Liu Feng tried using a quill pen dipped in ink to write on the paper.

To Liu Feng's surprise, the writing on the paper did not smudge and remained clearly visible, which undoubtedly proved that the paper was of good quality and suitable for a quill pen.

Liu Feng exclaimed loudly, "Good! Very good!"

(End of this chapter)