Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

The emperor frowned slightly, his worry growing deeper as he continued, "Lord, the trouble with the aristocratic families is indeed a great worry to me. It is like a lump in my throat that I cannot get rid of. These aristocratic families, relying on the wealth and power accumulated over generations, are rampant and regard the court as their own possession. To achieve their family's selfish interests, they are willing to sacrifice the interests of the country, resulting in the obstruction of government orders and the decline of people's livelihood. They collude with each other, and their power is intertwined, like an invisible net that covers the court. Although I am the emperor, I often feel that I am restricted in every way and cannot do anything. The emperor..." "Talented individuals, regardless of their background, should be able to serve the country. However, they are now co-opted by the aristocratic families. Even talented individuals from humble backgrounds have little chance of rising to prominence. If this continues, how can the country ever truly gain the talents it deserves? This weighs heavily on my mind, and I can't sleep at night. I worry about employing the sons of aristocratic families. While they possess talent, they ultimately prioritize their family's interests. Once their power grows, they will become unbridled and difficult to tame. Then, the country could be plunged into irreparable ruin. I truly don't know how to resolve this dilemma of aristocratic families. Does your Excellency have any advice for me?"

The emperor's gaze was filled with anxiety and anticipation as he stared intently at Xun Yu, hoping to gain from this loyal minister some sound advice or strategy for resolving the current predicament, perhaps to salvage the precarious situation and revive the Han dynasty. A heavy, oppressive atmosphere permeated the entire palace, as if the nation's future, like this gloomy atmosphere, was filled with uncertainty and hardship.

The emperor's words and his views on aristocratic families were like a boulder dropped into a calm lake, leaving Xun Yu speechless for a moment. After all, his own family, the Xun clan of Yingchuan, was also a renowned and prestigious aristocratic clan. However, the Xun family was different. They had always passed down a rich cultural heritage through generations, traversing a long tradition of poetry and literature. Throughout their history, the Xun family had produced many renowned officials and scholars, dedicated to scholarship and the transmission of moral values. Despite their status as a prominent aristocratic clan, few had directly engaged in political life or military command, maintaining a relatively aloof stance and never interfering with military power. This unique family tradition and path of development distinguished the Xun family from other aristocratic families.

Although Xun Yu felt a little embarrassed at the moment, he was sincere and loyal to the Han Dynasty in his heart, and he slowly said: "Your Majesty, there are indeed such concerns among the aristocratic families, but there are also many who are loyal to the court and can stabilize the country. For example, many wise and famous officials of our Han Dynasty are from aristocratic families. They care about the world and work hard for the court and the country. There are also many ministers with lofty ideals. Therefore, we still need to carefully distinguish and identify them, and we cannot generalize." Xun Yu spoke sincerely and looked at the emperor with a firm gaze, hoping that the emperor could understand that there are loyal and righteous people among the aristocratic families, and they should not be completely denied because of some shortcomings of the aristocratic families as a whole.

The emperor was well aware of Xun Yu's family background, and his words were meant as a subtle reminder. He smiled gently and explained, "Alas, my lord, you worry too much. I have no intention of targeting you or your family. You have always dedicated yourselves to the country, your loyalty commendable. If all the noble families in the world were like you, I could rest easy." The emperor's words were filled with affirmation and praise, attempting to ease Xun Yu's embarrassment while also expressing his approval of the Xun family.

Xun Yu quickly bowed and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your understanding. Although my family has also grown and prospered, loyalty and righteousness are the foundation of our family, and we have never had any second thoughts. Since our ancestors, we have taken it as our responsibility to assist the Han Dynasty and benefit the people, and we dare not slack off in the slightest. We are willing to serve Your Majesty with our lives and contribute all our strength to the Han Dynasty and live up to Your Majesty's trust and heavy responsibility." Xun Yu's words were full of gratitude and loyalty.

The emperor seemed to be reminiscing as he spoke: "When my father was alive, he devoted his entire life to thinking about how to balance the aristocratic families so that they could serve the country without affecting the state affairs. He knew very well that the power of the aristocratic families was like a double-edged sword. If used properly, it could help the country prosper, but if used improperly, it might endanger the imperial power and disrupt the court order. Therefore, he implemented many policies, but the results were not significant. Although I am young, I am by his side and I know his concerns. But I wonder if your Excellency has any good advice to teach me?" The emperor looked at Xun Yu with a look of exploration and expectation, hoping to get some inspiration from this resourceful minister.

Xun Yu also had a headache after hearing this. After all, if this problem was easy to solve, it would have been solved long ago, and it wouldn't have been so difficult in every dynasty. He frowned slightly, thought for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, this is indeed not an easy task. First of all, it cannot be accomplished overnight, so don't rush for quick success. The current priority is to pacify the world and bring military power into the hands of the court. Only in this way can we control the situation and lay the foundation for subsequent actions. When the world is a little more settled, we can begin to rectify the administration of officials, make the administration clean and fair, and let the people live and work in peace. If the people live a stable life, they will not be misled by others, thus avoiding the danger of inciting unrest. When the national strength is restored, we can remove the dross from the aristocratic families and eliminate those harmful parasites. At the same time, we can seek virtuous people among the people and let them serve the country. This matter should be carried out step by step, and we must not act too hastily, otherwise there may be changes that endanger the foundation of the country." Xun Yu spoke sincerely and slowly told his thoughts. He knew that this was a long and difficult process, but for the sake of the Han Dynasty, he must plan carefully and proceed steadily.

Xun Yu then bowed and said, "Your Majesty, the current situation in the world is that most of the talented people come from aristocratic families, while most of the military generals come from the grassroots. Therefore, Your Majesty's top priority now is to stabilize the situation in the court and restore the unity of national power. Only in this way can we lay the foundation for subsequent matters, and then slowly plan them. Therefore, Your Majesty must now put aside your prejudice against the children of aristocratic families. Among the children of aristocratic families, those who are righteous and smart can be appointed first. When the world is stable, it will be much easier to consolidate power. If you stick to this prejudice now, I am afraid it will be even more difficult to act." Xun Yu spoke sincerely and looked at the emperor with a firm gaze. He was well aware of the complexity of the current situation. Only by balancing the forces of all parties can the stability and revival of the country be gradually achieved.

Liu Bian declared solemnly, "Your Excellency's words are all words of wisdom and counsel for the state, and I appreciate your advice. Please invite those you have mentioned to serve the country. Also, your family boasts many talented individuals of exceptional character and virtuous character. I know the Xun family is renowned for its talent, and it would be a blessing for the nation if they were employed by the court. I offer my sincere regard for them, and hope we can work together for the revitalization of the Han Dynasty." Liu Bian's eyes were filled with anticipation and determination. He understood that to overcome the current predicament, he needed to recruit talented individuals, and there was no shortage of loyal and righteous individuals within the aristocratic families. He hoped that Xun Yu would leverage his influence to recruit even more talent to the court, and together they could work to restore the Han Dynasty's prosperity. A solemn yet hopeful atmosphere permeated the hall. Both the Emperor and Xun Yu knew the road ahead would be challenging, but their resolve grew stronger, and they were determined to devote their all to the future of the Han Dynasty.

As the three brothers, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, slowly departed from the banquet, Liu Bei, with a look of resentment on his face, whispered, "Yide, why are you so rude today?" Zhang Fei, already unhappy, was further irritated by his brother's reprimand. He shouted, "Brother, ever since the princes launched the campaign against Dong Zhuo, we have devoted our lives to Your Majesty, risking our lives and overcoming countless hardships and dangers. Yet, Your Majesty has never treated you so well. Now, this Xiliang horse, Ma Chao, has arrived as a servant, and the Emperor has rewarded him with high office and generous titles. How unjust of Your Majesty to act this way!" Zhang Fei grew increasingly agitated, his face flushing red, as if he had suffered a great injustice. Liu Bei frowned slightly, understanding Zhang Fei's straightforward temper but also knowing that he shouldn't act impulsively in such a complex situation.

Liu Bei said slowly: "Your Majesty has rewarded us brothers for our kindness. Not only did he promote us, but he also gave us titles. How can it be unfair?" Zhang Fei frowned and said anxiously: "When we were in Hedong, I, Zhang Fei, was still complacent, thinking that my brothers and I were worthy of being made marquises. We were already the best. But look at this horse. When it came, Your Majesty directly made him a county marquis. There is a big difference between a county marquis and a pavilion marquis. Brother, you are a relative of the Han Dynasty and have made many military achievements for the court. What is the difference between a county marquis and a pavilion marquis?" Liu Bei's face became serious and he said solemnly: "Yide, this is wrong! Thunder, lightning, rain and dew are all the emperor's grace, not to mention that the emperor's rewards to us are already very generous. How can we be dissatisfied with the emperor's rewards? ? Moreover, Ma Chao's fame had already spread far and wide, and his power and influence had already become dominant in the northwest. If he wasn't rewarded so generously, what would happen if he became resentful? Furthermore, Meng Qi repeatedly resisted foreign invasions in Xiliang, but due to the chaotic government and corrupt government, he had never been rewarded. He could have been granted this title of marquis even for his military achievements. We should be honest, upright, and calm in our conduct. We are all serving the country, so why should we distinguish between high and low? "After hearing Liu Bei's words, Zhang Fei was still a little dissatisfied, but he knew that his brother was right. He could only lower his head and dared not say a word. He only muttered some dissatisfied words, but his voice gradually subsided. At this time, although Zhang Fei was still impatient, his respect for Liu Bei also made him control his temper.

Turning his head, Zhang Fei saw that Guan Yu was still silent. He frowned and spoke again: "Second brother, that general under Ma Chao is called Xu Huang. He has repeatedly provoked me. I was about to teach him a lesson, why did you stop me? This guy is indeed a barbarian from the northwest. He has no etiquette at all. He even yelled "black man" and really bullied me too much!" Guan Yu stroked his long beard and said slowly: "Third brother, my eldest brother and General Ma Chao have no contempt for you. It's just that you couldn't control your temper because of the instigation of the court officials. It's obvious that we have been made a fool of. What's more, I see that Xu Huang's face is quite familiar, like an old acquaintance. Before he could step forward to answer, "As soon as I asked, you started fighting first, damaging the relationship. How could I ask again?" Zhang Fei, realizing the hidden truth, said rather embarrassedly, "Second brother, why didn't you tell me earlier? This has damaged the relationship and made future meetings so awkward. If all else fails, I, Old Zhang, will go and apologize to him, but he still doesn't accept calling me a blackie." Liu Bei smiled, gently stroking Zhang Fei's shoulder, and said, "Yide, you're black, after all. Is calling you a blackie wrong? A true man should be magnanimous and achieve great things." With that, Liu Bei laughed first, and then Guan Yu and Zhang Fei joined in. There was no rift between the brothers, and their hearty laughter echoed in the air, seeming to sweep away the previous unhappiness. In these turbulent times, their friendship was as solid as a rock, unshaken by the wind and rain.