My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 384 Zhuge's Crown
Two days later, Zhuge Xuan entered Shouchun through the north gate of Jinshan City in the north of the city.

Liu Feng personally led the brothers Zhuge Jin and Zhuge Liang ten miles outside the city to welcome them.

Zhuge Xuan traveled entirely by water, which was far more comfortable than traveling by land.

By this time, many members of the Xuzhou sick group had recovered, such as Xi Zhong, Cao Cao's chief strategist, and Xu Shao, who had already passed away.

Zhuge Xuan was one of them. His illness was much milder than the others, and he had actually recovered long ago.

However, the situation changed too quickly, and Zhuge Xuan was never able to keep up with the times.

If Liu Feng hadn't planned to give Zhuge Liang a formal coming-of-age ceremony, he would probably still be in Tancheng "recuperating" now.

Now that the Zhuge brothers also have a residence in Shouchun City, Zhuge Xuan moved directly into the courtyard where the Zhuge brothers lived.

Liu Feng only saw him to the door before taking his leave. Zhuge Xuan had just arrived and must have many private things to discuss with his brother Zhuge. It would be unwelcome for Liu Feng to stay at this time.

After Liu Feng left, the Zhuge brothers escorted Zhuge Xuan into the courtyard.

The residence was very large, a three-courtyard complex. Zhuge Xuan did not come alone this time, but brought with him his stepmother Wang, his younger brother Zhuge Jun, and his two older sisters.

Although Zhuge Jun was young, he was a male.

Therefore, after he and his brothers escorted their mother and sisters back to the backyard, they went into the main hall together.

As the elder, Zhuge Xuan naturally sat at the head of the table.

Zhuge Jin sat on the left, Zhuge Liang on the right, and Zhuge Jun sat to Zhuge Jin's left.

After taking their seats, a maidservant served tea and then withdrew.

Once there were no outsiders in the hall, Zhuge Jin and Zhuge Liang exchanged a glance and bowed to Zhuge Xuan, saying, "Uncle, you have come from afar from Xuzhou. I wonder how you are doing?"

Zhuge Xuan smiled and raised his hand from afar, giving them a helping hand: "Mr. Hua is truly a divine person. After his treatment, I am much better, and my cough has been gone for a long time."

At this point, Zhuge Xuan paused, then continued, "This is all thanks to the kindness of General Huo Qubing. Now that you two have served General Huo Qubing and his son Zheng Nan, you must do your utmost and not shirk your duties."

"Yes, uncle!"

Zhuge Jin and Zhuge Liang responded in unison.

Seeing his nephews' bright future, especially his second nephew, who was young but already handsome, tall and imposing, and had a commanding presence, Zhuge Xuan was thrilled at the thought that the General of Chariots and Cavalry was even considering him as his son-in-law.

So, he said with some satisfaction, "The reason I was invited to come south for this campaign is for your coming-of-age ceremony, which shows how much they value you. My Zhuge family has been loyal and virtuous for generations. We are fortunate to have this opportunity because of the profound virtue of our ancestors. We must act with loyalty and righteousness first and never bring shame to our ancestors."

Zhuge Jin and Zhuge Liang bowed down again.

Even if Zhuge Xuan hadn't said anything, the brothers Zhuge Jin and Zhuge Liang were deeply grateful to Liu Bei and his son, and naturally wouldn't have disobeyed Zhuge Xuan on this point.

Seeing that Zhuge Jin and his brother were respectful and obedient, Zhuge Xuan was very satisfied and waved his hand, saying, "We are all family, there is no need to be so formal. You are both grown up now, and your uncle has something he would like to discuss with you."

Upon hearing Zhuge Xuan's words, the Zhuge brothers raised their heads, their expressions relaxing somewhat.

As the elder brother, Zhuge Jin naturally spoke first, asking, "What does Uncle wish to instruct us on?"

Zhuge Xuan was in high spirits, and said with a smile, "Now that you are all under the command of General Huo Qubing, your future is no longer a concern for your uncle. My health has also improved considerably, and I am eager to move around. I wish to go to Jingzhou to find my former lord. For official reasons, I am still on a mission to pacify the south and enter Luoyang, and this is a good opportunity to inform the general and see things through to the end. For personal reasons, I have been friends with Brother Jingsheng for many years. We parted hastily back then, and I miss him very much now."

The "public" that Zhuge Xuan mentioned refers to the time when he was ordered by Liu Biao to escort a group of tributes to Chang'an to pay homage to the emperor.

On his way back to Jingzhou after completing this task, Zhuge Xuan suddenly received news that his cousin Zhuge Gui had died suddenly, leaving his brothers Zhuge Jin and others destitute.

Therefore, Zhuge Xuan entrusted his deputy to return to Jingzhou to ask for leave on Zhuge Gui's behalf, while he himself went straight from Luoyang to Mount Tai. After picking up Zhuge Gui's family, he escorted them all the way back to their hometown of Langya Yangdu.

After that, because Zhuge Liang and the others were young, and because war broke out in Xuzhou, Zhuge Xuan had to stay in Yangdu for one or two years to take care of them.

Later, when Zhuge Xuan led them south to Jingzhou to seek refuge with Liu Biao, they were intercepted by Liu Feng.

Furthermore, Liu Biao later sent a letter persuading Zhuge Xuan to stay in Xuzhou temporarily in order to enhance the friendship between Jing and Xu.

Therefore, Zhuge Xuan was not only still Liu Biao's former official, but if we were to be precise, he could still be considered one of Liu Biao's men.

After all, Liu Biao didn't dismiss him back then, and he still carries Liu Biao's appointment.

Liu Biao treated Zhuge Xuan very well. Even after Zhuge Xuan died, Liu Biao did not forget him. Instead, he raised Zhuge Liang and his siblings and arranged marriages for them among the powerful families of Jingzhou.

Although Liu Biao's personal motives were involved, it must be admitted that Liu Biao was quite friendly to the Zhuge family, which explains why Zhuge Xuan was still thinking of Liu Biao at this time.

Upon hearing that their uncle was going to seek refuge with Liu Biao, the cheerful expressions on the faces of Zhuge Jin and Zhuge Liang both turned somber.

Jingzhou is no longer a peaceful place.

Zhuge Liang, in particular, had already begun to speculate that Liu Bei and his son's next target for expansion was Jingzhou.

Although Zhuge Jin was not as perceptive as Zhuge Liang, he also felt that Jingzhou was no longer the blessed land it had been in during the chaotic times, and feared that war was imminent.

Therefore, both Zhuge brothers couldn't help but speak up and offer their advice.

Zhuge Jin spoke first, saying, "Uncle, you have only just recovered from your illness. It is a long journey to Jingzhou, a thousand miles away. What if something happens along the way?"

Zhuge Xuan's expression darkened: "Jing Sheng and I are nominally master and minister, but in reality, we are bosom friends. Even if we are thousands of miles apart, how can that stop me? I know my own body best, so you don't need to worry about it."

Zhuge Liang's eyes flashed, and he slowly said, "Uncle, your trip to Jingzhou at this time is a disservice to Duke Jing Sheng."

"how do I say this?"

Zhuge Xuan was taken aback, but quickly calmed down and said, "A Liang, you are no longer a child. You must not make grand pronouncements to deceive people."

Zhuge Liang replied respectfully, "I will always remember your teachings, Uncle. However, this is not an exaggeration. It is simply that you were unaware of the changing situation."

Zhuge Xuan frowned slightly: "What do you mean by that?"

Zhuge Jin and Zhuge Jun also looked at Zhuge Liang, who said, "Uncle, you may not know this, but since Liu Xun surrendered to Jingzhou last year and was taken in by Duke Jingsheng, the harmonious relationship between Duke Jingsheng and Duke Xuande has begun to crack. Later, although Duke Jingsheng sent his envoy Pang Gongyuan to make amends, he only expressed his gratitude verbally and made no real concessions, which greatly displeased Duke Xuande."

"It was only because Duke Jingsheng was also a member of the imperial clan that Duke Xuande did not want the imperial clan to fight each other, so he made a concession, which prevented the two states from going to war."

"Avoid war?"

Zhuge Xuan was greatly surprised: "Why did it come to this?"

Zhuge Liang remained respectful, but inwardly retorted, "Uncle, Lord Xuande was ordered by the court to attack Yuan Shu. Liu Xun is the false Prefect of Lujiang appointed by Yuan Shu. He has been tyrannical and exploitative in Lujiang, and the people and local gentry all hate him. Yet, after Lord Xuande's unstoppable advance and capture of Yuan Shu, these people actually want to use Lujiang as a pretext to switch allegiance to Lord Jingsheng."

"Lord Xuande is acting in accordance with the will of Heaven, authorized by the Emperor and the court, and is the royal army to punish the rebels. Lord Jingsheng, on the other hand, has actually harbored rebellious ministers, divided up provinces and prefectures, and nurtured treacherous officials. How is this any different from defying the Emperor and betraying the court?"

"This..." Zhuge Xuan was dumbfounded. No matter how good his relationship with Liu Biao was, he couldn't figure out how to defend Liu Biao.

Zhuge Liang followed up, saying, "Uncle, if you truly wish to repay Duke Jing, why not stay in Shouchun and make some efforts to mend the rift between Xu and Jing?"

After hearing this, Zhuge Xuan fell silent.

After a long while, he sighed and said, "Let me think it over."

Zhuge Liang also knew when to stop. Although he didn't know how much trouble it would cause if Zhuge Xuan went to Jingzhou, one thing was certain: Liu Bei and his son would likely target Jingzhou next.

If things really develop this way, then Zhuge Xuan's journey to Jingzhou will surely be fraught with danger.

Zhuge Liang pondered to himself that although he had temporarily persuaded his uncle, the matter was not yet over.

I'm afraid we'll have to find General Piaoqi and General Zhengnan to resolve this matter.

********
With Zhuge Xuan's arrival, Zhuge Liang's coming-of-age ceremony proceeded smoothly.

On a bright and auspicious day, Liu Bei and his son Liu Feng arrived together, along with many famous scholars and important officials such as Chen Deng, Xun You, Lu Su, Liu Ye, and Guan Yu to attend the ceremony.

The Chen family of Xiapi, the Xun family of Yingchuan, and the Liu family of Chengde were all prominent families in their respective prefectures and counties. The Zhuge family was merely a second-rate family in the prefectures and counties, and could not compare with these families at all.

Having these people witness the ceremony greatly enhanced Zhuge Liang's reputation.

Therefore, Zhuge Xuan felt both happy and somewhat disappointed.

He was happy because the room was full of distinguished guests, all of whom were renowned scholars, but he was disappointed because Liu Feng had made a suggestion to him.

Liu Feng wanted to give Zhuge Liang a courtesy name.

Logically speaking, the choice of a name should naturally be made by Zhuge Xuan.

But who can blame Zhuge Xuan for not using the courtesy name Kongming?

At this time, Zhuge Xuan gave Zhuge Liang the courtesy name Zhongming.

Historically, Zhuge Jin separated from Zhuge Xuan, with Zhuge Xuan taking his stepmother to establish an independent household. Meanwhile, the underage Zhuge Liang, Zhuge Jun, and the two daughters of Zhuge Gui followed Zhuge Xuan.

At present, the family has not split up. Zhuge Liang is the second son, so Zhuge Xuan named him "Zhongming".

In order to prevent the name Kongming from disappearing into the annals of history, Liu Feng had no choice but to intervene and change Zhongming to Kongming.

This action was actually quite rude, and there was no good excuse for it.

But Liu Feng did it anyway, after all, not everything has to be considered from the perspective of advantages and disadvantages, and Liu Feng also wanted to act recklessly for a while.

As expected, although Zhuge Xuan was quite dissatisfied, he eventually made concessions.

Zhuge Liang then officially came of age and bestowed upon Zhuge Xuan the courtesy name "Kongming".

Zhuge Liang began to step onto the stage of history.

After Zhuge Liang's coming-of-age ceremony, Zhuge Liang told Liu Feng about Zhuge Xuan's thoughts.

Upon hearing this, Liu Feng thought, "What a coincidence!"

They had originally planned to send Zhuge Xuan to Luozhong, and now they were even less willing to let him go to Jingzhou.

Although it was common practice for aristocratic families to diversify their investments in this era, and even if their families suffered losses, they rarely resented their lord. However, since Zhuge Liang had come to them for help, if they didn't take some action, things could get complicated in the future.

Therefore, Liu Feng immediately told Zhuge Liang his plan, and the latter, after a moment's thought, readily agreed.

Sending Zhuge Xuan to Luozhong, so that the emperor could pressure Liu Biao, would be the best thing to do.

In this way, Zhuge Liang would no longer have to worry about his uncle getting into trouble in Jingzhou.

Subsequently, Liu Feng brought Zhuge Xuan into his Shangluo team.

After spending two more days in Shouchun, Liu Feng set off again, heading north to Luozhong.

In addition to the original Pang Tong, Xu Chu, Lü Meng, and Ling Tong, Liu Feng's team this time also included Zhuge Liang and his nephew, as well as Xun You.

The reason for bringing Xun You to Luo was firstly because he missed his family, and it would be a good opportunity for him to reunite with Xun Yu. At this time, Xun Yu was not the only one in Luo; Xun Yu's cousin, Xun You's uncle Xun Yue, was also in Luo.

Currently, the Xun clan is mainly divided into three parts: one part follows Xun Chen in Hebei, another part follows Xun Yu in Henan, and the Xun clan in Henan is further divided into two parts: one part is in Luozhong, and the other part is in Yanzhou.

Xun You only had a small family and could only be considered to be living in exile.

However, this time when he entered Luoyang, Xun You was able to reunite with some of his clansmen.

Of course, Xun You also had a mission. Liu Bei and his son Liu Feng both hoped that Xun You could help persuade the Xun clan to go south and join Liu Bei, so that they could serve Liu Bei and his son.

Besides Xun You, there was another person, Zhang Liao.

On this trip north, we also need to complete this year's horse trade, so naturally we need a cavalry general who is familiar with horses.

Besides his own people, Liu Feng also brought along a mysterious guest.

This guest was of noble birth and had achieved great success. He was one of the tribute items brought to the capital along with the Imperial Seal of the State.

He is Yuan Shu, the skeleton in the tomb, the ghost guarding the road, the honey water addict, the nemesis of the Great General, the younger brother of the Grand Marshal, the chief of the seventy-two bandit groups, the dog father of Sun Ce.

Liu Feng's trip to Luoyang was to report the victory to the court, escort Yuan Gonglu to Luoyang, and present the Imperial Seal of the State to the emperor.

As for the position of Governor of Yangzhou, it was merely Liu Feng's way of taking on more obligations for the court and the emperor, and it was not worth mentioning.

It is summer now, and the weather is hot, but it is very convenient to enter Luoyang. You can go directly to Luoyang by waterway.

The road is no longer teeming with thieves as it once was, and the journey is now completely unobstructed.

In just over half a month, Liu Feng and his group had already arrived in Luozhong.

Although Liu Feng did not make a big fuss, Luozhong had received the news long ago.

Not only did the emperor send Zhong Yao, Dong Zhao, and others to meet him ten miles outside Luoyang, but General Cao Cao also sent his heir Cao Ang and the chief secretary of the prime minister's office, Man Chong, to accompany him.

Such a high level of regard demonstrates how much the Luozhong court, the emperor, and the general valued Liu Feng.

As for whether this high regard was entirely due to Liu Feng's personal qualities, or whether it was influenced by Yuan Shu and the Imperial Seal, it's best not to delve into that.

(End of this chapter)