My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 18 Entrusted with important tasks
Just as Liu Feng had guessed, Tian Yu was indeed dissatisfied with the changes that had occurred over this period of time.

Although she didn't show it, she felt very down inside.

Having followed Liu Bei and fought alongside him on the battlefield, Tian Yu believed that his loyalty to Liu Bei and his own abilities were no less than those of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei.

However, since entering Xu, both Guan Yu and Zhang Fei have been appointed as colonels and each has their own unit.

Tian Yu remained motionless, which made him wonder if his decision to stay had been too hasty.

That's right, historically, Tian Yu wouldn't have survived to the present day.

After Liu Bei was appointed Governor of Yu Province by Tao Qian, Tian Yu left Liu Bei and returned to his hometown.

The reason he is in Xuzhou now is entirely because of Liu Feng, that butterfly.

Liu Feng specially sent someone to visit the Tian family with a generous gift to inquire about Tian Yu's mother.

Then, under the pretext of delivering a letter, he obtained a letter from Tian Yu's mother and quickly sent it to Xuzhou, where it was delivered to Tian Yu.

This era placed great emphasis on filial piety, and Tian Yu was an especially filial son. It was Liu Feng's actions that made him unable to leave and forced him to stay.

Just as Tian Yu was once again considering leaving, Liu Bei suddenly gave him such a big gift, making Tian Yu almost doubt that he was hallucinating.

Even if Tian Yu was arrogant, he did not believe that he was qualified to be a captain, let alone concurrently serve as a county magistrate.

A county magistrate is a high-ranking official with a salary of 1,000 shi (a unit of grain measure), and even a second-class county magistrate is a high-ranking official with a salary of 600 shi (another unit of grain measure). A commander of a separate department is also a mid-to-high-ranking military officer with a salary of 1,000 shi, who commands a separate unit of troops and has independent command authority.

This is why Tian Yu was dissatisfied with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei being appointed as colonels, and why he can't believe it now.

Before Tian Yu could recover, Liu Bei announced Zhao Yun's appointment.

"Zilong, I also appoint you as a separate commander, stationed in Cheng County, concurrently serving as the magistrate of Cheng County, and in charge of all matters related to the military farms in Cheng County."

Zhao Yun was also dumbfounded, his feelings were exactly the same as Tian Yu's.

Despite his low-key personality, Zhao Yun was most famous in history for his "great rage".

Anyone associated with this phrase will meet a bad end.

His current official position is even lower than Tian Yu's.

He was just a cavalry captain, and the dozens of riders he led were nominally assigned to Liu Bei by Gongsun Zan, but in reality they were Zhao Yun's fellow townsmen.

At this time, Zhao Yun's official position was only a cavalry captain. Although cavalry had advantages, even taking that into account, he was actually just a low-ranking officer at the level of a hundred shi (a unit of grain measure).

At this moment, Zhao Yun was completely stunned when Liu Bei promoted him to a high-ranking official with a salary of 1,000 shi (a unit of grain measure). Like Tian Yu, he felt that everything had become somewhat unreal.

Seeing this, Liu Feng felt greatly gratified.

Although his father was stupid and clumsy, he was still quite obedient.

Liu Feng's statement was actually made in advance, because if he wanted to open a window, he would be more likely to succeed by directly shouting that he wanted to demolish the house.

Unexpectedly, Liu Bei actually accepted it all.

Tian Yu and Zhao Yun also came to their senses, and they both stood up and bowed to Liu Bei.

"My lord is so kind to me, I dare not fail to serve you to the death. However, I am not very talented and learned, and I am afraid that I am not up to the task. I urge my lord to reconsider."

Looking at the uneasy expressions of Tian Yu and Zhao Yun, it was clear that their words were not entirely modest; they were genuinely a little apprehensive about being promoted to such a high position in one fell swoop.

Moreover, they were not newcomers and knew that such a promotion would put a lot of pressure on Liu Bei. Although Liu Bei was the governor of Xu Province, it did not mean that Xu Province was his sole domain.

Promoting cronies, especially those who are promoted beyond their rank, can easily give others cause for criticism and provoke strong backlash and obstruction from local gentry.

Even if he succeeds, it will cause dissatisfaction among the local scholars, and if he fails to promote Liu Bei, it will greatly damage Liu Bei's prestige and influence.

Tian Yu and Zhao Yun were both outstanding individuals with honest and kind personalities. After being treated with courtesy by Liu Bei, they did not rush to take over the position, but instead became worried about Liu Bei.

At this moment, Liu Bei comforted Tian Yu and Zhao Yun, personally leaving his seat and helping them up one by one, then holding one of their hands in each.

"Guorang, Zilong, you both possess extraordinary talent and excellent character; you simply lack an opportunity to showcase your abilities. I believe in you as I believe in Yunchang and Yide."

"This appointment is made in the hope that my two virtuous brothers can share my burdens, fully utilize their talents, and govern the two counties well for me."

Tian Yu and Zhao Yun felt their blood rushing, and all the previous grudges and dissatisfaction in their hearts were swept away. They even felt ashamed.

For a moment, the two felt that Liu Bei treated them as national heroes, but they were dissatisfied because they could not get promoted. Was this the behavior of a great man?

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei sat by and watched without any displeasure, as Liu Bei had already informed them of this matter that morning.

Both of them agreed.

With such a small force, even though Guan Yu and Zhang Fei had a good relationship with Tian Yu and Zhao Yun, they weren't close enough to be willing to sacrifice their own flesh to compensate the other side. Moreover, even if they wanted to sacrifice, they would need Liu Bei's consent.

Otherwise, wouldn't that be using Liu Bei's money to do favors for oneself, making one a traitor?

Now that they see Tian Yu and Zhao Yun have made something of themselves, they are very happy.

As for Pan Zhang, his eyes widened in astonishment.

Pan Wengui, who came from a background of chivalrous wandering, had never seen such a scene before.

Liu Bei promised to provide two county magistrates and two additional commanders, which would amount to at least two thousand soldiers.

Pan Zhang couldn't help but swallow hard. No wonder Liu Feng dared to offer him the position of garrison commander as soon as he met him. It seems that they are indeed father and son, so generous and magnanimous to their confidants.

It's laughable that I almost mistook Liu Feng for a swindler just because he offered me such good treatment. It's so embarrassing.

Tian Yu and Zhao Yun both showed a hint of shame and unease on their faces, and wanted to decline.

Liu Bei decisively spoke first: "My two worthy brothers, there's no need for further words. You should know that this appointment is not only a promotion, but also a heavy responsibility."

Both Cheng and Lanling counties were captured by Cao Cao, and less than one in a hundred people survived.

These two counties, along with several surrounding counties, have completely collapsed. Officials cannot rally the people, and the people cannot find officials. I, as your brother, have no choice but to entrust the remaining people of these two counties to you.”

"My lord has shown me great kindness and loyalty. How could I not serve my lord to the death?"

"My lord, please rest assured, I will do my utmost and never fail to live up to your great kindness!"

Tian Yu and Zhao Yun both bowed down, expressing their willingness to go through fire and water for Liu Bei.

Liu Bei laughed heartily, helping the two men up while letting out a long sigh of relief.

Just as Feng'er had predicted, his negligence and unavoidable circumstances during this period had indeed hurt Guo Rang and Zi Long's feelings.

Fortunately, Feng'er noticed something and suggested that he make amends in time, so he did not let down Guo Rang and Zi Long.

(End of this chapter)