My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 204 Distinguished Guests Arrive
Then, Lü Bu, rubbing his throbbing head, summoned his personal guards in front of Hao Meng: "Did the young master of Liu Xuzhou come by just now?"

The guard replied respectfully, "Yes, after arriving, we first went to see Prefect Zhang, and then chatted with General Zhang for a long time. We visited the General in between, but he was still asleep, and the young master wouldn't let us wake him. After leaving a gift, we left first."

Upon hearing this, Lü Bu immediately smiled and turned to Hao Meng, saying, "You see, the young Liu also came to visit me first. However, I was still hungover, and he was very polite, leaving a gift before leaving. It's quite reasonable that he ran into Wen Yuan on his way out, and being a young man who admires heroes, he stayed to chat with Wen Yuan for a while."

"Ji Sheng, you are being too suspicious."

Hao Meng, courtesy name Jisheng, was from Hanoi and was not actually a direct descendant of Lü Bu.

He was originally under Zhang Yang's command. When Lü Bu sought refuge in Hanoi, he valued Lü Bu's bravery and strategy, and asked Zhang Yang to recruit him. Along with Cao Xing and hundreds of veteran soldiers under his command, he was also from Hanoi, making him an important part of Lü Bu's army.

Therefore, Lü Bu was able to patiently persuade him. If it had been any other minor general from Bingzhou who framed Zhang Liao, he would have slapped them across the face long ago.

Hao Meng could tell that Lü Bu was getting impatient, and since he didn't intend to defeat Zhang Liao in one fell swoop, he took his leave first.

Lu Bu watched Hao Meng's departing figure, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes.

It wasn't that he didn't trust Zhang Liao; after so many years of friendship and Zhang Liao's support, how could it be so easily shaken?

If they were so easily swayed, they wouldn't have been able to get to where they are today as partners.

Lu Bu simply felt that Hao Meng's ambition was growing, and that he was repeatedly telling him that Zhang Liao was disloyal, which was giving him a real headache.

While Zhang Liao was a partner, Hao Meng also had over three hundred men from Hanoi under his command, all of whom were elite veterans. For Lü Bu, whose army numbered only three or four thousand, this was a significant force, forcing Lü Bu to take his opinion seriously.

However, judging from these incidents, Hao Meng is not as honest as Zhang Liao. He is constantly making small moves, unlike Zhang Liao who is so steady and stable.

It seems it's time to find an opportunity to give Hao Meng a warning.

Lu Bu currently commands three to four thousand men, a diverse mix of backgrounds.

Among them were nearly a thousand men under Zhang Miao, four hundred men under Chen Gong, three or four hundred men from Henan under Hao Meng, and more than two hundred men from Hebei, Guanzhong, and Nanyang. The remaining two thousand men were his original Bingzhou followers, including six or seven hundred men from Zhang Liao's troops.

In reality, Lü Bu was merely the largest military leader in the Bingzhou group. It was only because Zhang Liao, the second largest military leader, consistently supported him that he secured his position as the leader of Bingzhou.

Therefore, Lü Bu was still very anxious and hoped to find a place to settle down as soon as possible, at least one that could support these three or four thousand people.

Otherwise, as time goes on and the wealth they brought is gone, even Lu Bu himself couldn't say for sure how many people would remain.

Just as Lü Bu was deep in thought, his wife, Lady Wei, came out of the room carrying a bowl of fresh hangover soup.

"Husband, does your head still hurt? Please drink another cup of hangover soup."

Lu Bu looked up and saw his beloved wife, and immediately smiled: "Why did you come out? You can leave such things to the servants. Why bother yourself? Have the servants in the inn neglected you?"

Lu Bu's face immediately darkened, and he said angrily, "You dog-eyed scoundrel, I must bring this up with Xuande and have him punish these servants properly."

Knowing her husband's temperament well, Lady Wei quickly dissuaded him, saying, "My husband is still in such a hurry. I just want to serve you personally."

Upon hearing Wei's words, Lü Bu's anger turned to joy: "With a virtuous wife, I have no worries."

Then, Lady Wei stood aside, watching Lü Bu sip the hangover soup, seemingly wanting to say something but hesitating.

Lü Bu was quite attentive to his wives and concubines, or perhaps Wei's behavior was too obvious.

Seeing that Lady Wei had something to say, Lü Bu asked directly, "Is there something wrong with my wife?"

Hearing Lü Bu start talking, Lady Wei became quite talkative.

“A young man just came to visit my husband. I heard he is the son of Magistrate Liu?”

Upon hearing this, Lü Bu nodded: "Yes, this boy is named Liu Feng, the eldest son of my virtuous brother Xuande, and he is already serving in the state. I think Xuande relies on this boy quite a bit, so he must have some talent."

Upon hearing this, Wei's eyes lit up with excitement.

“My husband, Qi’er is now twelve years old. It’s time to make some plans for her future.”

Lu Bu was taken aback for a moment before realizing what his wife meant, but he still hesitated and asked, "You mean..."

Wei bluntly stated, "I think the young master of Prefect Liu's family is quite good. Besides, we are currently staying in Xuzhou. If our two families could form a marriage alliance, wouldn't we become one family?"

Upon hearing this, Lü Bu also felt that what Wei said made sense.

Both Lü Bu and Lady Wei felt that marrying off their daughters was an equal marriage, and even somewhat a marriage of descent.

After all, we have only just entered a period of chaos, and warlords in various regions still regard the positions appointed by the central government as legitimate.

The governorships of states, such as those of Liu Bei and Cao Cao, who were appointed privately, were far less prestigious than those of Liu Biao, who was appointed by the central government. This shows how deeply the Han Dynasty was ingrained in people's minds for four hundred years.

Besides, most people only feel that the world is in chaos. Those who realize that the world is in turmoil, with warlords vying for power, are still a minority. Even Cao Cao is still a loyal subject of the Han Dynasty at this time.

Aside from Yuan Shao in Hebei and Yuan Shu in Huainan, the only other person who truly harbored ambitions to usurp the throne was probably Liu Yan, who had been driven to his death by anger three years prior.

Therefore, Liu Bei was merely the governor of Xuzhou, a position he had secretly accepted, while Lü Bu was a dignified General of Valiant Might, and the title of Marquis of Wen was a county marquis of the Han Dynasty, a top-ranking noble title.

The Han dynasty's nobility was divided into four ranks: King, Duke, Marquis, and Marquis within the Pass. Among them, the Marquis within the Pass was a nominal title without any fief.

Only marquises and above are granted real fiefs and fiefs.

Marquises were divided into two main categories. The lowest rank was the Marquis within the Pass, who had a fief, but very little, and was generally counted by the number of households.

Another type is the Marquis, which is divided into three ranks: county, township, and pavilion.

Lü Bu was the highest-ranking county marquis, whose fiefdom could reach up to ten thousand households, which is the origin of the title "Marquis of Ten Thousand Households".

Although there is some controversy over the pronunciation of Guan Yu's title of Marquis of Hanshou, it can be basically confirmed that it was just a marquisate, two ranks lower than Lü Bu.

The next rank after a marquis is a duke, a title that no subject could ever dream of. In the entire Eastern Han Dynasty, there was only one duke who was not of the same surname: Cao Cao.

Because of this, Xun Yu and Cao Cao fell out, and Xun Yu ultimately lost his life.

Not to mention now, even during the Three Kingdoms period, the status of a marquis was extremely prestigious.

Liu Bei didn't even have the rank of Marquis of Guannei, so how could he compare to Lü Bu?

In this respect alone, Lü Bu truly outclassed Liu Bei politically.

Therefore, Wei was so confident in taking a liking to Liu Feng, and Lü Bu, who fled to Xuzhou in a panic, did not find his wife out of place.

Despite Lü Bu's repeated disregard for Liu Feng, he actually had a good impression of him.

He was still somewhat reluctant to let his daughter marry off.

After all, he was already thirty-five years old and had only this daughter as his only child, whom he doted on.

"Let me take another look."

After pondering for a moment, Lü Bu said arrogantly, "My daughter is unparalleled in talent and beauty. How could she marry a commoner? Let's see what Liu Feng is really like before we discuss this matter."

Although Ms. Wei was somewhat disappointed, she knew that her husband was easily swayed and that if she brought it up a few more times, he would eventually give in, so she wasn't in a hurry.

After Lü Bu finished drinking the hangover soup, Lady Wei took the soup bowl and left the main room.

After leaving, Madam Wei handed the soup bowl to the maidservant and whispered, "Go and invite General Wei Xu to come here."

Wei Xu was a cousin of the Wei family and the brother-in-law of Lü Bu, thus they were related by blood.

Historically, Lü Bu was known for repaying kindness with enmity and punishing merits with rewards. For example, after Hao Meng's rebellion, he seized Gao Shun's elite troops and handed them over to Wei Xu for command.

However, Wei Xu was not capable enough, so every time there was a battle, Lü Bu would return the Trapped Camp to Gao Shun.

Despite this, Gao Shun remained loyal to Lü Bu without complaint.

How could Liu Feng not be envious of such a talented, virtuous, wise, brave, and loyal general who was willing to die for his cause?
At the guesthouse where Zhang Miao was staying, Gao Shun requested an audience.

Zhang Miao immediately received him.

Gao Shun was taciturn, averse to wine and women, strict with himself and lenient with others. This personality made him somewhat incompatible with Lü Bu and even the entire Bingzhou group. Even Zhang Liao and Gao Shun did not get along well.

No wonder Lü Bu felt that Gao Shun was not loyal enough.

But in Zhang Miao's eyes, Gao Shun was extremely reliable, a scholar-general unlike ordinary warriors, and deeply loved and trusted by the former. Otherwise, Gao Shun wouldn't have become a captain in the vanguard in just a few years. After meeting Gao Shun, Zhang Miao remained silent for a long time.

Clearly, Zhang Miao was also struggling internally, and even didn't know how to start the conversation.

Gao Shun was not in a hurry at all; he simply sat quietly in his seat, waiting for Zhang Miao's orders.

After a long while, Zhang Miao remained silent, which made Gao Shun feel puzzled and suspicious.

After a moment's thought, Gao Shun spoke first, which was rare for him: "Does Your Excellency have something difficult to say? Your Excellency need not worry. I am a warrior, but I am also quite loyal and righteous. Your Excellency is my lord. Please speak, and I will do my best to relieve Your Majesty's worries."

Zhang Miao was deeply moved and felt even more ashamed after hearing Gao Shun's words.

Therefore, Zhang Miao, being tall and strong, actually bowed to Gao Shun with the air of a prefect.

Gao Shun was immediately shocked and hurriedly left his seat to avoid the greeting, saying, "Why is this, Your Excellency? What virtue or ability do I have to accept such a great courtesy from Your Excellency?"

When Zhang Miao raised his head, tears were already streaming down his face: "Father, I am powerless and can only beg you to save my brother and my entire clan."

Gao Shun's heart skipped a beat. With only a thousand or so men, how could he and Zhang Miao possibly rescue Zhang Chao and Zhang Miao's entire clan in Yongqiu County?
But since his benefactor had shown him such great respect, he couldn't bring himself to refuse, even if it meant death.

Gritting his teeth, Gao Shun agreed: "My lord, entrust the Trapped Camp to me. Please rest assured, as long as I have a breath left, I will never let your family suffer the slightest harm."

Zhang Miao was deeply moved, and even disregarded Gao Shun's offer to negotiate with him.

Zhang Miao and Gao Shun were the recommender and the recommended person, and theoretically, they were bound together by fate, sharing both glory and misfortune.

But what Zhang Miao is about to do is essentially betray Gao Shun. If it were someone with a fiery temper or someone who is cunning, they might turn against you on the spot.

In contrast, Gao Shun was able to understand his feelings and agree to his unreasonable request, so making a few demands was not a big deal.

Although handing over the elite troops was indeed painful, the family was facing a life-or-death crisis, and these external possessions were not something that could be sacrificed.

The seven hundred elite soldiers could not save their families, but Liu Bei and his sons could.

After thinking it through, Zhang Miao finally made a decision and nodded in agreement: "Alright, I agree."

Upon hearing Zhang Miao's agreement, Gao Shun immediately rose to take his leave: "Rest assured, Your Excellency, I will make the preparations now and then depart."

"Depart?"

Zhang Miao was somewhat puzzled, not knowing what Gao Shun meant.

Gao Shun replied solemnly, "Your Majesty, rest assured, although there are only seven hundred men, I will do my utmost to cover your family's escape."

Zhang Miao suddenly realized his mistake, his face flushing slightly. He had clearly lost his composure and hadn't even finished speaking. In his intense emotional turmoil, Zhang Miao had forgotten to tell Gao Shun about the agreement he had just reached with Liu Feng.

Left with no other choice, after much hesitation, Zhang Miao could only step forward and take Gao Shun's hand, blushing and stammering as he told him about Liu Feng's visit and the consensus he and Liu Feng had reached.

Gao Shunren was stunned and dumbfounded.

Although he no longer had to go to Chenliu to die, he didn't think the current situation was much better than going to Chenliu to die.

If Zhang Miao weren't his benefactor, Gao Shun would have even wanted to punch him.

But Zhang Miao's face was flushed, and his expression was one of obvious shame and guilt.

A mix of fear and hope washed over Gao Shun, who sighed inwardly and finally understood Zhang Miao's pain and stance.

“Father, Zisheng also greatly admires your talent, which is why he spoke to me.”

Zhang Miao comforted him, saying, "Lord Liu and Zisheng are both hospitable and benevolent people. Moreover, they are skilled in battle and far better than me... I am useless."

When Zhang Miao took control of Chenliu, it was a major prefecture with a population of 860,000.

But now, it's estimated that less than one-fifth is still available.

As a prefect, Zhang Miao was utterly incompetent.

Unable to stop the Xiliang army pouring out from Sili and Guanzhong, who burned, killed, looted, and swept through the prefectures, Zhang Miao could only hide behind the prefectural capital, powerless to fight back.

In the past few years, during the war against Dong Zhuo, the three prefectures of Nanyang in Jingzhou, Yingchuan in Yuzhou, and Chenliu in Yanzhou suffered the most severe looting and devastation at the hands of the Xiliang army.

These three prefectures not only geographically surrounded the Sili region, but were also extremely wealthy and populous, making them the primary targets of the Xiliang army.

Zhang Miao was currently being pursued by Cao Cao so badly that he had even abandoned his younger brother and family in Yongqiu and couldn't bring them out. Naturally, he greatly envied Liu Bei. His words to Gao Shun were indeed deeply felt and heartfelt.

Moreover, seeing how prosperous Xuzhou is now, with smoke rising from chimneys on both sides of the road, one can almost forget that Xuzhou was only slaughtered by Cao Cao two years ago.

This gave Zhang Miao the idea of ​​settling down in Xuzhou.

If a relationship could be established between Gao Shun and Liu Bei and his son, it wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing.

"Your Excellency... Your Excellency, I understand."

Although there were precedents and unspoken rules in the Han Dynasty for recommending protégés and former officials to each other, it seems to be somewhat different from what I am encountering now.

However, Gao Shun eventually agreed, stood up and bowed to Zhang Miao: "Does Your Excellency have any other instructions? If not, then I will take my leave."

Zhang Miao nodded first, then quickly added, "Since Father Xiao has agreed, I will find a time to invite Zisheng over for a get-together."

Gao Shun nodded silently, then took his leave, leaving Zhang Miao sitting there with mixed feelings.

Liu Feng was at home receiving a group of guests who had come from afar.

Previously, he had been sent to Hedong to recruit Jia Kui and his grandfather Jia Xi.

Liu Feng was overjoyed and immediately went out to greet him.

Jia Kui was tall and strong, just over twenty years old, in the prime of his youth. His grandfather, Jia Xi, was also extremely robust; although his hair was gray, his eyes were bright, his back was straight, and he showed no signs of old age.

After the two alighted from their carriage in the prefectural capital, the prefect apologized and went to report to Liu Bei and his son.

At that time, Liu Bei was not at home; he had gone to the military camp outside the city with Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Xiahou Bo.

Upon hearing this, Liu Feng immediately invited Jia Kui and his grandson to rest in the main hall, and he arrived shortly afterward.

The governor reminded him, "Young master, there is another guest in the caravan."

Liu Feng immediately realized: "Which lady have you invited?"

The governor replied with a smile, "Thanks to your esteemed reputation, I have managed to fulfill my mission."

Liu Feng was overjoyed.

This mysterious guest was none other than Cai Zhaoji, Cai Yan, the eldest daughter of a famous minister and Confucian scholar in the late Han Dynasty.

Historically, Cai Zhaoji married Wei Zhongdao of Hedong.

Wei Zhongdao was born into the Wei clan of Hedong. His ancestors rose to prominence through the marriage of Wei Qing, a general of the Former Han Dynasty, and Empress Wei Zifu, and they enjoyed great prestige in the area.

Wei Kai, a famous minister of Cao Wei, was from the Wei family of Hedong and was the elder brother of Wei Zhongdao.

Unfortunately, Wei Zhongdao died young. Since the two had no children, Cai Zhaoji left the Wei family and returned to live in her own home.

However, the Cai family's ancestral home of Chenliu was not stable later on, and even became the front line of war between the Western Liang army and the warlords of Guandong.

Cai Zhaoji had no choice but to seek refuge in Hedong, where she was eventually captured by the rebellious Southern Xiongnu.

It will happen at the end of this year.

Fortunately, Liu Feng took action this time. While recruiting Jia Kui, he also sent a letter to Cai Yan, who was in Hedong, inviting her to come and live in Xuzhou. At the same time, he pointed out in the letter that with the chaos in the Central Plains, the Xiongnu, Wuhuan, and Xianbei would become even more reckless, and Hedong was becoming increasingly unsafe.

Bingzhou is inhabited by various tribes, including the Southern Xiongnu, Wuhuan, and Xianbei. If they were to invade from the south, Hedong Commandery would be the first to be affected. Meanwhile, the core of Sili, Henan Yin, has become a power vacuum, with no one paying attention to it. Leaving now is the best course of action.

Cai Yan was eventually moved by the letter, so she went to Xuzhou with Jia Kui and his grandson. Fortunately, the Yellow River waterway made the journey much more convenient and safer than traveling by land.

(End of this chapter)