Three Kingdoms: Mistakenly Becoming Liu Bei's Adoptive Father at the Start

Liu Liang did not immediately state his reasons, but instead weighed them in his mind first.

He couldn't bring himself to say the real reason.

His family tree was fabricated with great effort, full of details and a clear lineage, more than enough to fool military generals like Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zou Jing.

However, Liu Yu was a true close relative of the royal family, and he had no shortage of capable people around him who were proficient in genealogy and managed the royal family's documents and archives.

To outsiders, my own system may seem rigorous, but if placed in the eyes of experts who deal with old documents all day long, are familiar with the migration and rise and fall of various branches, and even have access to some records that are not made public, can it withstand repeated scrutiny?

A subtle error in a point in time, or a minor discrepancy between a title conferred and the historical record, can become a fatal flaw.

At that time, not only would his authority and legitimacy as the "adoptive father" be severely questioned, but Liu Bei's already ambiguous status as a member of the imperial clan would also be re-examined, making him extremely awkward.

In contrast, Liu Bei's incomplete and vague genealogy, which he claimed to be, is difficult to disprove due to its lack of detail.

Therefore, it is best to avoid seeing Liu Yu, including future members of the imperial family.

Liu Liang asked directly, "Xuande, when you go to see Liu Yu, in what capacity will you do so? What position do you desire?"

Liu Bei said, "Naturally, I would accept the position of a descendant of the imperial clan and a meritorious soldier in suppressing bandits. If Governor Liu Youzhou would not abandon me and grant me a minor post to serve the country, that would be enough."

Liu Liang shook his head: "If you go, according to the family genealogy, you should address Liu Yu as 'Uncle.' With his approval, the fact that you, Liu Bei, are a descendant of Prince Jing of Zhongshan will be considered half an official seal. The benefits are obvious."

Liu Bei nodded.

Liu Liang changed the subject: "But what about the downsides? I've heard a lot about Liu Yu. It's true that he's kind and loves the people. But it's also true that he doesn't understand military affairs, is inflexible and conservative, and even appeases the Hu people. In these chaotic times, it's hard to say whether someone with his character can even hold Youzhou. That's one point."

At this point, Liu Liang deliberately stared at Liu Bei and said, "Most importantly, once you join Liu Yu's forces, you will have a superior. This army of yours is the foundation upon which we have poured our hearts and souls, recruiting and training ourselves, building it from scratch. If Liu Yu issues a transfer order, asking you to divide your troops, will you? If he orders you to attack seemingly insurmountable obstacles, will you go? If he orders you to transfer Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, or the White Feather Camp to someone else's command, will you comply? At that time, will you obey orders or disobey? Obeying orders may mean all your hard work is wasted, and you'll be working for someone else's benefit. Disobeying orders is disrespecting commands and inviting trouble. The price of this 'title' is handing the reins of power to someone else, becoming subject to their control, and losing all autonomy!"

Liu Bei shuddered, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

He only thought about the benefits of gaining a title, but never considered the price he would have to pay after obtaining it.

Liu Liang's words were like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing most of the fire in his heart.

"My godfather is saying... Liu Youzhou might seize my military power? Or drive my army into dangerous situations?"

Liu Liang said, "It may not be a deliberate attempt to seize power, but it is only natural for those in power to command their troops. Liu Yu may be benevolent, but what about the others under his command? Youzhou is not just home to your army. Will generals like Gongsun Zan allow you to easily grow too powerful? When open and covert attacks occur, how will you, as someone dependent on others, cope?"

Liu Bei remained silent for a long time, and the more he thought about it, the more he felt that Liu Liang's considerations were profound.

My team has just been formed, and it embodies the hard work of my brothers and the trust of many soldiers. Independence is extremely important.

Finally, Liu Liang uttered the words that made Liu Bei make up his mind: "A true man should forge his own path with his sword. When our foundation is solid and our achievements are outstanding, the world will judge us. Why rush to seek a piece of paper to endorse us and put ourselves under someone else's roof?"

Liu Bei, as if waking from a dream, took a deep breath and said, "Father, you are absolutely right! I was too naive. Our great undertaking is not yet complete; how can we restrain ourselves? We cannot go to Youzhou for the time being. But how should we reply to Commandant Zou?"

Liu Liang had already planned ahead: "Say that we are deeply grateful for Governor Liu's kindness, but our army is newly established. Although the banditry has been eliminated, the local area is not yet pacified, and the Yellow Turbans' movements are unclear, so we fear they may rebel. We wish to stay in Zhuojun for the time being to reorganize our army and serve as a bulwark for Youzhou, clearing away their flanks. Once the situation becomes clearer, we will then pay our respects and await orders. Be sure to be humble in your words and lower your stance, emphasizing your willingness to serve as a dog or horse, but that the time is not yet ripe."

Liu Bei nodded, agreeing with his adoptive father's reasoning.

But he immediately thought of another problem.

"If we politely decline Commandant Zou's offer and do not go to pay our respects to Governor Liu, wouldn't that be tantamount to offending Governor Liu? He is the governor of a province, a high-ranking official of the imperial family appointed by the court. If he takes offense because of this, or even harbors resentment, or even regards us as unruly and undisciplined, then in the future in Youzhou, I'm afraid..."

Liu Liang smiled faintly and answered decisively: "Xuande, you are overthinking it. If Liu Yu, the Governor of Youzhou, harbors resentment or even intends to suppress and retaliate against us simply because we postponed our visit for the sake of the overall situation... that only proves that he is narrow-minded and petty, and is by no means a wise ruler capable of accomplishing great things or accommodating talented people. With such a mind, how can we be worthy of your wholehearted allegiance and entrust our lives and the army we have painstakingly built? If he regards me as an enemy because of this, then this 'not allegiance' is actually our good fortune, allowing us to see his true colors early on."

Liu Bei was taken aback, but upon closer examination, he found it to be quite reasonable.

Yes, if a governor known for his magnanimity and benevolence cannot even understand this "temporary reprieve" and insists on immediately taking control of the person, then his "benevolence" is probably just for show.

In times of chaos, one must choose a lord to serve, for the lord's magnanimity is indeed more important than the official rank and title one currently holds.

Liu Bei thought about it and agreed that it made sense.

If Liu Yu cannot even tolerate this small matter, he is indeed not worth following.

"Alright, then let's do as Godfather says."

Liu Bei replied to Zou Jing as instructed, speaking very eloquently. He expressed his respect and admiration for Liu Yu while also stating the "reasonable" reason why he could not leave for the time being. Although Zou Jing felt regretful, he could not force him and left with Liu Bei's "respect".

However, when news of Liu Bei's refusal to go to Jicheng to visit Liu Yu reached the prefecture, the effect was quite different.

In the eyes of Liu Yu and some of his orthodox officials, Liu Bei's move was nothing short of arrogant and conceited.

You, a self-proclaimed member of the imperial family, a country bumpkin who privately recruits soldiers in the local area, dare to make excuses when the captain kindly recommends you.

What "military training and regional protection" is clearly a sign of hoarding military power and establishing a separatist regime!

Soon, calls to attack Liu Bei spread throughout Ji City and gained the upper hand.

Liu Bei was probably not truly committed to suppressing bandits and bringing peace to the people. His claim of being a member of the imperial clan may not be reliable. His recruitment of soldiers to suppress bandits in Zhuojun may have been an attempt to strengthen himself. His intentions are difficult to fathom.

Now he refuses to be summoned, which shows that he has great ambitions.

If this continues, it may become a major threat to Youzhou.

Thus, a reprimand and order were issued from the prefectural government and went directly to Gongsun Zan of Youbeiping.

The order accused Liu Bei of "secretly amassing troops and armor, acting without imperial orders, tantamount to separatist rule, and further suspected of impersonating a member of the imperial clan to incite unrest." It ordered Gongsun Zan to be dealt with as a warning to others; if he repented, he could be escorted to Ji; if he resisted, he should be treated as a traitor and annihilated on the spot!