My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 500 Using Ba as Bronze
Everyone at the table held their breath, their eyes following Liu Feng as he slowly moved.

Liu Feng remained calm as he slowly walked to Liu Ba, then suddenly bowed deeply to him, saying, "Although I have my own difficulties, your criticism is not necessarily a bad thing for me. Regarding the matter of Jingzhou, although I sacrificed personal interests for the greater good, I am ultimately ashamed before Liu Zhennan and have indeed made some mistakes, causing the flames of war to break out in Jingzhou. This is my fault. Since I raised my army, the gentlemen around me have praised me highly and criticized me less and less. Today, I am truly grateful for your frank advice, but I have no resentment whatsoever."

Liu Feng's words caused the expressions of everyone present to change once again.

Everyone, including Huan Jie, thought Liu Feng was going to reprimand Liu Ba, but to everyone's surprise, Liu Feng actually put on a show of being happy to hear criticism, which greatly exceeded everyone's expectations.

Liu Ba was indeed a talented person, a famous scholar, and an outstanding figure in Jingnan.

To put it bluntly, he was merely the best among the four commanderies of Jingnan, while Liu Feng himself was now a powerful and enlightened ruler who dominated two provinces. The two were simply incomparable.

So no one expected Liu Feng to praise Liu Ba so highly. Even Liu Ba himself was dumbfounded and stood there stunned.

Liu Ba was naturally arrogant and self-important. He was also famous at a young age, highly talented and learned, from a prestigious family, and studied under a great Confucian scholar. Before his father was murdered, his life was smooth sailing.

Although Liu Ba's family fortunes plummeted after Liu Xiang's death and the suppression by Liu Biao and Huang Zu, his personality remained unchanged.

In fact, people like Liu Ba are quite responsive to gentle persuasion but not to force.

Liu Bei was finally able to win over Liu Ba for two reasons. First, his strength increased dramatically, and he suddenly gained control of one and a half provinces, becoming one of the most powerful warlords in the land. Second, Liu Bei's persistent and gentle approach to winning over Liu Ba was also a factor.

Liu Feng's words of delight at criticism, and even gratitude towards Liu Ba, not only completely surprised Liu Ba, but also caused Liu Ba's heart to waver.

In fact, Liu Ba's disappointment at the banquet was not solely due to his disdain for Liu Bei and his son; otherwise, he could have simply resigned and left. Why act in this way, behaving like a madman?

There is actually a deeper reason why Liu Ba behaved this way: he harbored a deep-seated, albeit imperceptible, jealousy towards Liu Feng.

Liu Ba's father, Liu Xiang, was originally the governor of Jiangxia and a political ally of Sun Jian. Liu Ba and Sun Ce were also acquainted. At that time, both of them were the eldest sons of governors who held high positions. In the Eastern Han Dynasty, they could already be called young masters.

However, after his father's defeat and death, Sun Ce's brief conquest of Jiangdong was quelled by Liu Feng, which greatly surprised Liu Ba.

Later, when Sun Ce came to Changsha to provide reinforcements, he reunited with Liu Ba. Sun Ce praised Liu Feng highly and expressed his sincere admiration for Liu Ba's past defeats, which made Liu Ba even more curious. Hidden beneath this curiosity was a barely perceptible jealousy.

Liu Ba was arrogant and proud, and he was proud of his outstanding talents. However, Liu Feng was much younger than him, yet he was able to sweep away Yuan Shu and subdue Sun Ce. Now, in just half a year, he has overthrown and swallowed up Liu Biao, who had been cultivating Jingzhou for ten years.

This intensified Liu Ba's jealousy of Liu Feng, ultimately leading to his unjust remarks at tonight's banquet, which were ostensibly suggestions but were in fact sarcastic.

Liu Ba was even prepared for Liu Feng to become enraged and order him to be punished, or even behead him and display his head to the public.

If Liu Feng were truly like that, Liu Ba would feel he had won even if he died. But Liu Feng's humility was so profound that Liu Ba couldn't help but be moved.

Before Liu Ba could react, Liu Feng reached out and grabbed Liu Ba: "Mr. Zichu is of noble character and high moral character, like a bright mirror, which is exactly what I lack. I am not talented, but I humbly request that you grant my request. In this way, I can use you as a mirror to look at myself every day and see my own shortcomings."

Liu Ba's face trembled slightly; he never expected Liu Feng to think so highly of him.

Given Liu Ba's intelligence, it's not hard to imagine that Liu Feng's statement about using himself as a mirror will surely become a timeless and elegant story.

Using bronze as a mirror, one can learn from both gains and losses.

Even Liu Ba could come up with such a story that has been passed down through the ages.

But it all began with his own surrender.

Only by submitting to Liu Feng can this elegant story be brought to a perfect end.

Liu Ba didn't know how long he hesitated. It might have been as short as a few breaths, or as long as several meals, but in the end, he still heard his own voice.

"I am but a wild and unruly scholar from southern Hunan. I have a little reputation in my hometown, but my talent and learning are shallow and my virtue is meager. I never expected that the general would be so kind to me. Although I know that my knowledge is shallow and my virtue is uncultivated, I dare not refuse the general's request. I only hope that even a fool's thousand thoughts may have one good idea and that I will not fail the general's request."

Liu Ba stood up to make way, then respectfully bowed deeply to Liu Feng, accepting Liu Feng's request.

At this point, Huan Jie breathed a sigh of relief, while the other scholars felt a sense of envy and jealousy to varying degrees. These people were not fools; they naturally knew how valuable this scene of harmony between the ruler and his minister was.

It's a pity that Liu Feng invited Liu Ba, and even more so that Liu Ba, despite his rudeness, managed to win Liu Feng's heart.

The people present exchanged glances, and a thought arose in their minds simultaneously.

General Zuo's eagerness to seek out talented individuals and his respect for them have reached this point, which is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us.

Although the atmosphere briefly spiraled out of control due to Liu Ba's boastful remarks in the first half of the banquet, Liu Feng's subsequent use of Liu Ba as a cautionary tale turned the tide, making the atmosphere in the hall even more lively, and ultimately the host and guests enjoyed themselves immensely.

After the banquet, Liu Feng surprisingly kept Liu Ba behind for a late-night talk by candlelight, and the two then slept together.

In the following days, Liu Feng kept Liu Ba by his side, treating him with both closeness and respect. He consulted Liu Ba on economics and law on several occasions, allowing Liu Ba to deeply realize that Liu Feng was not just putting on an act, but genuinely appreciated his talents and understood his strengths.

At this point, Liu Ba's mindset completely changed. He no longer harbored any resentment towards Liu Feng. On the contrary, he felt that he had finally found a true and enlightened ruler. His heart was filled with excitement and his blood was boiling. He only wished that he would have the opportunity to go through fire and water for Liu Feng in order to repay even a fraction of the kindness he had shown him.

Liu Feng stayed in Linxiang, and good things happened one after another.

By questioning Zhang Xian and his son, Liu Feng quickly found Zhang Ji's whereabouts. Zhang Ji was also from the Zhang family of Nanyang and was a relative of Zhang Xian. After the war in Nanyang, Zhang Ji went south to seek refuge with his family member Zhang Xian and, with Zhang Xian's help, temporarily resided in Linxiang City.

Like Hua Tuo, Zhang Ji was born into a noble family, but he was so engrossed in medicine that he had no interest in pursuing an official career.

While Hua Tuo later considered pursuing an official career and regretted that his identity as a physician hindered his advancement, Zhang Ji had no such thoughts whatsoever. He not only immersed himself in writing the Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Diseases, but also collected various prescriptions from different regions to record in his own works.

Zhang Xian and his son deserve much credit for this, especially Zhang Xian, who took great care of Zhang Ji and gave him generous sums of money on several occasions, providing him with enough to support his family and even having enough money to buy miscellaneous medicines.

Zhang Ji was grateful for Zhang Xian's kindness and stayed in Linxiang for a long time to treat Zhang Xian's illness.

When Liu Feng met Zhang Ji, he almost didn't recognize him.

Zhang Ji was completely different from Hua Tuo. He was dressed like a scholar and had an excellent appearance. Although he was not young, he had the air of a sage. It can only be said that he was worthy of being a descendant of a famous family in Nanyang.

Upon hearing Liu Feng introduce himself, Zhang Ji quickly stepped forward and bowed respectfully, his attitude being extremely humble and courteous, which greatly impressed Liu Feng. "Sir, there's no need for such formalities."

Liu Feng helped the other man up and then asked, "I've heard that you are compiling a remarkable book called 'Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Diseases.' I wonder if this book is complete?"

Zhang Ji was taken aback, never expecting that Liu Feng already knew the name of the book he was compiling, even before it was finished.

Despite his surprise, Zhang Ji dared not ignore Liu Feng's question.

"Reporting to General Zuo, there is a book being compiled, which is still in the process of being completed. However, I do not know the name of this book, 'Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Diseases,' from which General Zuo came to know it."

Liu Feng was speechless. It seemed that the other party had not yet come up with a title for the book.

So Liu Feng used his skillful maneuvering to change the subject, instead of answering, he asked, "Sir, have you ever heard of Hua Tuo? It is he who inspired me to become known."

Zhang Ji had naturally heard of Hua Tuo's name, but since the two were thousands of miles apart—one in Xuzhou and the other in Jingnan—he didn't actually know much about him.

However, the title actually fits the book much better than I expected.

Zhang Ji's heart stirred slightly, and he decided to change his name.

"I have naturally heard of the Northern Physician, but I regret that we never had the chance to discuss this in person."

Zhang Ji smiled and nodded: "I heard that Mr. Hua has a formula called Mafeisan, which can make people unconscious and unaware of being attacked by a knife. It is truly unbelievable."

Liu Feng nodded and said, "Mr. Hua is a master of medicine, and his talent is comparable to Mr. Zhang's, only their specialties are different. The Mafeisan formula does have remarkable effects, but it is not as miraculous as you describe. This formula is extremely effective in surgery and can reduce the pain of the injured."

Zhang Ji said with some surprise and anticipation, "I see."

"Sir, you may not know this, but I also contributed to this recipe."

Under Zhang Ji's questioning gaze, Liu Feng smiled and explained, "This prescription was funded by me and was finalized only after Mr. Hua's research and verification."

Liu Feng wasn't exaggerating. At this time, Hua Tuo had only discovered that the rhododendron had a certain analgesic effect and that the jasmine root had an anesthetic and analgesic effect, but the formula for Mafeisan (麻沸散) had not yet been finalized.

It was Liu Feng who suggested that Hua Tuo continue his research and development and provided a special fund, which enabled the Mafeisan (anesthesia powder) to appear in this world earlier in this era.

Zhang Ji was somewhat surprised, neither expecting Liu Feng to have made a contribution to the use of anesthetic powder, nor that Liu Feng would tell him these things. In fact, Liu Feng's intention was very simple: to show sincerity and hope to gain Zhang Zhongjing's trust so that he could recruit him into his ranks.

Zhang Zhongjing's abilities were actually no less than Hua Tuo's. What's even more interesting is that the two of them specialized in different areas.

Liu Feng would naturally not let such a great talent go to waste. With Zhang Zhongjing focusing on internal medicine, Hua Tuo could naturally devote more effort to surgical medicine.

Next, under Zhang Zhongjing's surprised and suspicious gaze, Liu Feng said, "Lord Zhang is currently recuperating at home. After recovering, he will travel north to Luozhong to take up an official post in the capital. I wonder what your plans are, Mr. Zhang?"

Although Zhang Ji received financial assistance from Zhang Xian, he could not possibly know about Zhang Xian's career plans. Moreover, Zhang Xian was currently ill, so naturally no one would tell Zhang Zhongjing these things.

Therefore, this was the first time he had heard these things from Liu Feng.

After a moment's hesitation, Zhang Ji tentatively said, "I am getting old and have lived in Linxiang for many years, so I will probably stay here to live out my days."

Liu Feng glanced at Fan A, who quickly stepped forward and said, "Sir, you may not know this, but my lord has no prejudice against medical practitioners and is tolerant of them all. My teacher, Lord Hua, is just like that, and he is currently working at the Medical Academy established by the General of Xuzhou."

At this point, Fan paused and glanced at Zhang Ji's expression.

Then, amidst the other party's astonished gaze, he continued, "The general has come here with the intention of inviting you, sir, to Xuzhou to join the Academy of Medical Sciences, where you will not only compile the Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Diseases, but also develop more medical methods so that the people of the world may enjoy this benefit."

"This……"

Zhang Ji was taken aback, and only then did he understand why Liu Feng, a general of the left, would come to the door of a commoner like himself.

However, in such a rush, Zhang Ji found it difficult to make a decision.

At this moment, Liu Feng said gently, "Sir, there is no need to make a decision so hastily. It would be better to discuss it with your family first before making a decision. However, this invitation is truly on behalf of the people of the world. Xuzhou has a mild climate and many medical disciples. I wish to establish a medical lineage and pave the way for the inheritance of medical knowledge in the future. For this, I am willing to invest heavily. I hope that you can lend me a hand."

Liu Feng's words were sincere and heartfelt, and even Zhang Ji was moved by them.

Three days later, Zhang Zhongjing agreed to Liu Feng's request, but hoped to postpone his departure, as he wanted to stay in Linxiang to take care of Zhang Xian.

Liu Feng naturally had no reason to object.

After dealing with Zhang Zhongjing's matter, Liu Feng invited Liu Ba over.

“Mr. Zichu, I have a great responsibility, and after considering all the wise men, I believe only you are capable of undertaking it.”

Upon meeting, Liu Feng immediately accused the other party of a serious crime.

Liu Ba dared not accept such praise, but inwardly he was overjoyed by Liu Feng's high regard for him. He immediately declared, "I am deeply grateful for General's kindness. Although I am of shallow talent and mediocre ability, I am willing to do my utmost for General until my death."

"Sir, you flatter me, you flatter me!"

Liu Feng immediately showed displeasure: "I have just met you, sir, and I am eager to learn from you day and night and receive your personal instruction. How can you speak of life and death so lightly? You must never say such a thing again."

Liu Ba immediately apologized.

Then, Liu Feng shared his thoughts.

Originally, Liu Feng hoped that Liu Ba could, based on the Eastern Han Dynasty's commercial laws, the "Gold and Cloth Law" and the "Customs and Market Law," and combined with some of his own later commercial law foundations, formulate a commercial law suitable for the current situation, as a guideline.

Liu Ba is well-versed in law and economics, making him the most suitable candidate. Moreover, if successful, it will be a great achievement and will help Liu Ba quickly integrate into Liu Feng's command.

(End of this chapter)