Brother, stop curling up! You're curling up like the founder of the Han Dynasty!

Chapter 90 Liu Bei Appointed Governor of Yongzhou, Needing Both Officials and Soldiers (Seeking First Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets)
"See the General!"

"Greetings, Prince Bian!"

Zhang Rang, Yuan Wei, and others bowed to He Jin and Liu Bian.

Those who were present at this moment were basically supporters of Liu Bian.

"Is Jian Shuo still in the palace?"

He Jin had a murderous aura between his brows. If it weren't for Pan Yin's warning, he would have been killed by Jian Shuo last night. With such deep hatred, how could he let it go?
"General, the greater good is at stake," Yuan Wei said, sensing He Jin's murderous intent. He leaned closer to persuade him.

If He Jin were to kill Jian Shuo today, it would only frighten the eunuchs and ministers who support Liu Bian.

Liu Bian has not yet officially ascended the throne, yet He Jin is already purging his political enemies. Wouldn't he become even more reckless and arbitrary after taking power?
"Hmph! I'll spare his life for now." Although He Jin really wanted to kill Jian Shuo, he also understood Yuan Wei's concerns.

As He Jin and Liu Bian led the eunuch ministers inside, Jian Shuo, at Liu Xie's behest, read out Liu Hong's dying words.

"When His Majesty was on his deathbed, he originally intended to have Prince Xie succeed to the throne. However, Prince Xie believed that there should be an order of seniority and that Prince Bian should succeed to the throne. His Majesty praised his filial piety and brotherly love, and thus changed the succession to Prince Bian."

"Is there an imperial edict?"

"Only verbal instructions."

"Although it was only an oral edict, both Commandant Jian and Prince Xie can attest to its authenticity. We should request that Prince Bian succeed to the throne!"

"A country cannot be without a ruler for a single day. We respectfully request that Prince Bian succeed to the throne!"

As if it were a pre-ordained script, Liu Bian ascended the throne before the spirit tablet of Liu Hong at the respectful request of his ministers.

He also honored Empress He as Empress Dowager, enfeoffed the nine-year-old Liu Xie as the Prince of Bohai, and appointed General Yuan Wei as Grand Tutor, who would share the responsibility of managing the Secretariat with General He Jin.

At the same time, Liu Bian, at He Jin's behest, transferred Gai Xun to Luoyang as an advisor and changed Liu Bei, the military commander, to the governor of Yongzhou.

When they heard Liu Bian appoint Liu Bei as the governor of Yongzhou, both Jian Shuo and Liu Xie's expressions changed drastically.

Jian Shuo was both shocked and afraid: Now that Liu Bei has become the governor of Yongzhou, will he still carry out the secret edict?

Liu Xie subconsciously thought of Liu Hong's instructions: If Jian Shuo fails to kill He Jin, you may not trust anyone, but you must trust Liu Bei.

However, Liu Xie harbored doubts: Could Liu Bei truly be trusted?
After Liu Bianling ascended the throne, He Jin was in a great mood and didn't bother to pay attention to the uneasy Jian Shuo and Liu Xie anymore.

To show his sincerity, He Jin also sent He Xian to personally deliver the appointment document to Liu Bei.

He Xian dared not delay, and rode straight to the west gate to personally deliver the appointment document of Governor of Yongzhou to Liu Bei. He also conveyed He Jin's message: "My father has fulfilled his promise, and I hope that Governor Liu of Yongzhou can also fulfill his promise and go to Yongzhou as soon as possible."

After carefully examining the appointment document and confirming its authenticity, Liu Bei looked up at He Xian and asked, "Can I take the entire Western Garden Army with me?"

He Xian was taken aback: "My father didn't say anything. Besides, the Western Garden Army is the emperor's personal army, so how can they go to Yongzhou with Liu Yongzhou? This is probably against the rules."

Liu Bei chuckled: "Young General, you are unaware of the situation. The soldiers of the Western Garden Army have all received my kindness and are willing to serve me. I request that you report back to the General and grant me permission to transfer the Western Garden Army to Yongzhou to serve on the frontier."

He Xian felt a chill run down his spine. It was "Young General, you may not know this" again. Was he really that ignorant?

The Western Garden Army is the emperor's personal army, and you actually want to take the whole army to Yongzhou?

Would my father agree to this?
Isn't this just making me run around for nothing?

“Liu Yongzhou, this is probably not appropriate,” He Xian forced a smile.

Liu Bei also laughed: "Young General, you are unaware of the situation. I am not discussing this, but informing you. Of course, you may not report back, but as the Commandant of the Western Garden Army, it is my duty to lead troops to offer condolences."

He Xian's expression changed drastically.

Should troops be brought in to offer condolences?

Are you going to pay your respects?
"Liu Yongzhou, please calm your anger. It is not appropriate to resort to force before the late emperor's spirit. I will report back to my father immediately." He Xian was shocked and, disregarding his fatigue, hurriedly rode back.

Seeing He Xian galloping away on horseback, Guan Yu stepped forward and said, "Brother, if you want to take the entire Western Garden Army with you, He Jin may not agree."

Liu Bei didn't take it seriously: "They ask for the moon, but we'll haggle. Let's see how He Jin bargains."

Changing the subject, Liu Bei asked, "You and your third brother are in charge of the Central Army Camp and the General's Camp, respectively. How many men are you confident you can take with you?"

Guan Yu pondered for a moment and said, "There is still a short time to prepare. I'm afraid there are at most a hundred people willing to go to Yongzhou with my elder brother."

"A hundred men is not bad," Liu Bei pondered. "If we add the other camps, we can take two thousand men with us. The quality of an army is more important than its quantity. If I can't take the men, surely I can take the armor, weapons, and warhorses?"

Although the force of two thousand men was small, those who could join the Western Garden Army were all brave warriors from various prefectures and counties who wanted to take the shortcut of becoming the emperor's personal guard.

The fact that two thousand of these brave warriors were willing to follow Liu Bei to Yongzhou to endure hardship far exceeded Liu Bei's expectations.

All told, Liu Bei had been in Xiyuan Army for less than a year, and had not been in charge of the eight camps of Xiyuan for more than two months.

If Liu Hong were still alive, he would have cursed the Xiyuan soldiers for their lack of martial ethics if they could take away the two thousand fierce warriors that Liu Hong had recruited from various prefectures and counties in such a short time.

You eat my food, drink my drink, wear my clothes, and use my things, and yet you all follow Liu Bei?
the other side.

He Xian hurriedly returned and relayed Liu Bei's message to He Jin.

He Jin's expression changed drastically, filled with shock and anger: "Has Liu Bei gone mad? What makes him think he can take the entire Western Garden Army with him?"

The reason He Jin agreed to become the governor of Yongzhou was not only because Liu Bei threatened him with military force, but also because he wanted to settle scores later.

So what if he's the governor of Yongzhou?

Gai Xun was also the governor of Yongzhou, yet he still had to obediently return to Luoyang to serve as an advisor after a single document was sent to Chang'an.

He Jin planned to eliminate the eunuchs first after he had completely seized power, and then settle accounts with Liu Bei. Unexpectedly, Liu Bei immediately asked to take all the Xiyuan soldiers with him.

If all eight thousand soldiers from the Western Garden went to Chang'an, how could Liu Bei be expected to obey them in the future?
“Liu Bei is going to Yongzhou to take up his post, and according to the rules, he cannot take the Xiyuan troops with him. I suspect that his demand this time is not because he wants to take all the Xiyuan troops, but because he wants a document to mobilize the troops.” Yuan Wei pointed out Liu Bei’s intentions incisively.

"What if I don't give it to you?" He Jin glared.

Yuan Wei was silent for a moment, then said, "General, the important matter is paramount."

It's another important matter!

He Jin was furious but helpless. He could only summon He Xian and say, "Go back and tell Liu Bei that he can only take three thousand men at most. If he refuses, then there's no point in talking anymore!"

When He Xian saw that He Jin had not given him any documents, but only asked him to pass on a message, he couldn't help but look miserable.

How many trips do I have to make?!
He Xian dared not contradict He Jin, so he rode off to see Liu Bei again. He returned quickly, bringing with him Liu Bei's new reply.

"Reporting to the General, Liu Yongzhou says that to thank you for your support, he has decided to compromise and only ask for two thousand men." He Xian said breathlessly.

"Liu Bei is so kind?" He Jin gritted his teeth in anger. "It's obvious that he can't take more people with him, yet he still has the nerve to suggest taking a step back. Shameless scoundrel! Utterly despicable!" He Jin didn't want to cause any more trouble, so he immediately drafted a document and instructed He Xian: "Tell Liu Bei that I don't want to see him anymore. Take the document and go to Yongzhou to take up your post as soon as possible."

Just when He Jin thought it was all done, He Xian rode back again, panting heavily, his voice full of grievance: "General, Liu Yongzhou said that he forgot to ask Minister Lu if he had volunteered to be the Right Governor. If not, he will give Minister Lu another appointment document to be the Right Governor."

He Jin was so angry he wanted to jump up and down: "Will Liu Bei ever stop? Can't he just explain himself once and for all?"

He Xian felt even more aggrieved.

I want it too!

I've already made three trips back and forth!
"General—"

"No need to say anything more, I know. The important matter is paramount."

He Jin interrupted Yuan Wei's persuasion, and disregarding the fact that Lu Zhi had not volunteered to serve as Right Fufeng, he directly drafted an appointment document for Lu Zhi to serve as Right Fufeng, and had He Xian send it to Liu Bei again.

"General, can we find someone else?" He Xian felt like his legs weren't even his own anymore.

He Jin glared at He Xian: "How could a hero like me have such a weak son as you? If you dare to say another word, you will be punished according to family law!"

He Xian shrank back, and could only tremblingly accept the document and return to the West Gate to hand over Lu Zhi's appointment document as Right Fufeng.

"Young General, you've worked hard. I hope we'll meet again someday." Liu Bei smiled and carefully put away the appointment document.

He Xian was so tired that he rolled his eyes and returned the greeting listlessly.

See you again if we are destined to?

It's best not to see them!
Looking at the appointment documents for Governor of Yongzhou, troop mobilization, and Right Governor of Fufeng that he had just received, Liu Bei composed himself and solemnly handed the Right Governor of Fufeng appointment document to Guan Yu, instructing him:

"Second brother, go to the Lu residence and personally deliver the document to Master Lu. Also, tell Master Lu that the great changes in Luoyang are not over yet, and ask Master Lu to think carefully. I will wait for Master Lu at Pingguanguan for ten days."

Lu Zhi did not reply to Liu Bei for many days, and Liu Bei could guess what Lu Zhi was thinking.

No matter how spirited he was in the past, he is now too old to be active. In addition, Lu Zhi still holds the idea of ​​assisting Liu Bian to stabilize the people, so he is even less willing to become the Right Governor of Yongzhou.

Liu Bei could not force him to do so.

As a disciple, Liu Bei had planned everything he could. If it ultimately failed, Liu Bei could only sigh: "Man proposes, God disposes."

After returning to Pingguan.

Liu Bei summoned all his generals and soldiers to the training ground and publicly announced his appointment as Governor of Yongzhou, adding:
"The Western Garden Army is the Emperor's personal army. With the new Emperor's ascension to the throne, you will now obey his orders."

"The new emperor has granted me the warrant to mobilize troops. I can send two thousand men to Yongzhou to eliminate the bandits and bring peace to the people."

"Those who wish to follow me into Yongzhou may go to the camp commanders and officers to register; those who do not wish to follow me may remain at Pingguan Pavilion and await the inspection of the new emperor."

"I need to make it clear to you all: Yongzhou is a harsh place, not as prosperous as Luoyang. After you arrive in Yongzhou, you may not enjoy the abundance of food and clothing you had in Pingguanguan. You may even go hungry or freeze due to lack of food and clothing. Not only that, you will also have to fight the rebels on the battlefield. If you are not careful, you will be buried in a foreign land."

"If you are not sufficiently aware of the dangers, do not sign up. If you find Yongzhou too harsh and fear the dangers of the battlefield, you will only face military law."

A loud voice rang out on the drill ground, and the soldiers couldn't help but whisper among themselves, discussing the matter.

In the past, when generals mobilized troops, they wanted to take everyone with them; in contrast, Liu Bei sincerely told everyone: if you don't have enough awareness, don't sign up.

"Lieutenant Liu is always fair in rewarding and punishing. If I go to Yongzhou with Lieutenant Liu, I will not only have the opportunity to make merits, but I will also not have to worry about being embezzled. Although I am well-fed and clothed in Luoyang, I have fewer opportunities to make merits, and I will have little chance of being promoted."

“I came to Luoyang for fame and fortune. If it were just for enough food and clothing, I would rather stay in my home prefecture. I am definitely going to Yongzhou.”

“I disagree. A new emperor brings a new court. Commandant Liu was originally a member of the emperor's personal guard, but now he is to be sent to the harsh and cold Yongzhou. His future is uncertain. If we go to Yongzhou with him, we will not only fail to get promoted, but we may also be implicated.”

“I think so too. Commandant Liu has offended too many people. Now that he has been transferred to Yongzhou, how can the people in the court be willing to praise Commandant Liu for his merits? I have decided to stay in Pingguan.”

"."

As Liu Bei had predicted, not everyone in the Eight Camps of Xiyuan was willing to go to Yongzhou.

Unlike those who were forced to join the army because they couldn't survive, most of the soldiers in the Eighth Battalion of Xiyuan joined the Xiyuan Army for their own future and interests.

However, being a member of the emperor's personal guard is a shortcut to advancement, and not everyone wants to give up this shortcut and go to the border regions to suffer and kill enemies.

Wasn't Dong Zhuo formidable?
He fought dozens of battles, large and small, before finally becoming the magistrate of Guangwu County in Yanmen Commandery, and was soon dismissed from office.

Yuan Shao started as a court official and then became the magistrate of Puyang County. He had worked hard for many years in the border regions to obtain this official position, but it turned out to be just the starting point for the sons of officials in the capital.

Liu Bei did not stop his generals from discussing it privately. Those who were willing to go would not be swayed by the opinions of others, while those who were unwilling to go would find the hardships of Yongzhou unbearable.

a few days later.

Guan Yu reported the number of people who had signed up in his tent: "Brother, there are only about 1,700 soldiers who have signed up to go to Yongzhou so far, of which more than 800 are from the lower army camp."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Fei glared and shouted, "There are still two hundred people in the military camp who are unwilling to sign up? A bunch of ingrates, wasting the kindness of our elder brother in the past."

"Third brother, don't talk nonsense." Liu Bei stopped Zhang Fei's scolding and said, "In less than a year, we have managed to get more than eight hundred brave men to work for us. This should be something to be happy about. As for those who are unwilling to go, everyone has their own ambitions, and we cannot force them."

As they were talking...

Reporters Xia Mou, Zhao Rong, and Feng Fang requested an audience.

"Brother—" Zhang Fei was about to speak when he saw Liu Bei shake his head, so he could only lower his head in silence.

A moment later, the three entered.

"Prefect Liu, I am truly sorry, but my family members are all in Luoyang and we cannot accompany you to Yongzhou." Xia Mou looked ashamed.

As the Left Colonel who had accompanied Liu Bei to Runan to suppress the bandits, Xia Mou was well aware of Liu Bei's abilities. However, Xia Mou had once served as an advisor, and going to Yongzhou with Liu Bei would be too much of a sacrifice for him.

Zhao Rong and Feng Fang were the same; both were officials from the capital and were unwilling to suffer in the border regions.

"It's alright!" Liu Bei stepped forward and helped the three up, saying, "Although we can no longer work together, we shouldn't become enemies because of this. If you three encounter any difficulties in the future, you can come to Yongzhou to find me."

Xia Mou and the other two felt even more ashamed. After exchanging a few pleasantries, they took their leave.

After the three left, Zhang Liao and Zhang Yang also went inside.

Unlike Xia Mou and the other two, both Right Colonel Zhang Liao and Upper Army Commandant Zhang Yang were willing to follow Liu Bei into Yongzhou.

Both men were originally from Bingzhou and were not afraid of the harshness and danger of the border region. On the contrary, they hoped to make meritorious contributions in the border region.

Liu Bei was overjoyed upon hearing this and helped Zhang Liao and Zhang Yang up, saying, "It is my good fortune that Wen Yuan and Zhi Shu are willing to go to Yongzhou with me. I will certainly not let them down!"

(End of this chapter)