xymnovel Chapter 29 Liu Bei's Backer in the Court
Chapter 29 Liu Bei's Backer in the Court
As Liu Bei stepped out of the camp gate, he quickly stepped forward and bowed deeply to Liu He in front of the carriage, saying, "Your Excellency has come from afar, and I was unaware of your arrival. I apologize for not welcoming you properly. The soldiers in my army are uncouth and lack manners, and they have offended Your Excellency. I apologize on their behalf."
Liu He had already alighted from the carriage, and supporting Liu Bei's arms, he laughed and said, "Xuande, why do you say such things! I just witnessed your soldiers at the camp gate, facing the imperial carriage of a 2,000-stone official, trembling with fear, yet still prioritizing military orders and not yielding an inch—this is the spirit of Xiliu and the legacy of Zhou Yafu! I am overjoyed, how could I possibly blame you?"
The saying "The wind of Xiliu Camp" refers to the story of Zhou Yafu, a famous general during the reign of Emperor Wen of Han, who stationed his troops at Xiliu.
When Emperor Wen of Han went to inspect the troops, his vanguard was stopped outside the camp gate. They said, "The emperor is about to arrive." The camp gate commander replied, "The army hears the general's orders, not the emperor's edicts."
Emperor Wen was not angry at all; on the contrary, he praised Zhou Yafu as a "true general".
From then on, the spirit of the Willow Camp became a metaphor for the general's outstanding military leadership, strict discipline, and potential to become a great general.
Liu He's use of this allusion as a metaphor is a very high form of praise.
Upon hearing this, Guan Yu slightly closed his phoenix eyes, finding Liu He much more pleasing to the eye, as the army's discipline was entirely upheld by him. Unbeknownst to Liu He, he was praising Liu He for having the air of Zhou Yafu.
Liu Bei then asked with concern, "Why has Your Excellency left the prefecture and come to the state capital in person?"
Upon hearing this, Liu He burst into laughter, and his aides behind him stroked their beards in agreement, smiling as they looked at Liu Bei as if it were some great joy. Only Liu Bei remained completely unaware of the truth.
Then Li Fu stepped forward, adjusted his official hat, bowed solemnly to Liu Bei, and said loudly, "Lord Liu, you may not know this—your Excellency has now received the Emperor's decree and been appointed Governor of Youzhou!"
Fangbo refers to the governor of a prefecture.
In ancient times, the emperor enfeoffed feudal lords and selected the virtuous among them to serve as regional governors, who were responsible for guarding a region on behalf of the emperor. The Zhou dynasty had regional governors who were the leaders of the feudal lords and had the authority to wage war.
Although the Han Dynasty had provincial governors, who were often given titles such as "Imperial Inspector" and "Military Supervisor," and whose power increased daily, their official responsibilities were still only supervisory, not territorial defense.
But the governor of a prefecture is different. He is a true regional governor who is in charge of the military and political affairs of a prefecture. His position is comparable to that of a regional governor in ancient times, and only important officials of the imperial court can hold this position.
Therefore, upon hearing this, everyone behind Liu Bei changed color.
Liu Bei, on the other hand, was relatively calm. This was merely an expedient measure by the imperial court to stabilize the region and suppress the Yellow Turban Rebellion.
Huangfu Song was also appointed Governor of Ji Province after the war, but he was soon dismissed.
Liu He was only given temporary command of the military and political affairs of Youzhou because of his status as a member of the imperial clan, which was valued by the court in order to assist in the war against the rebels.
Once the Yellow Turban Rebellion ends, his position as governor will inevitably be abolished, just like Huangfu Song's, and he will be reassigned to another post.
It will take another two or three years for the position of governor to be formally stabilized, after Liu Yan proposed abolishing the position of envoy and establishing governor as the standard practice.
Liu He, however, was unaware of all this. He excitedly stepped forward, took Liu Bei's hand, and said with deep emotion, "Xuande, I am able to receive this title entirely thanks to your merits."
"After the Battle of Taoshui, Xuande won one victory after another, so I wrote a letter overnight and sent it to Luoyang by express courier at a speed of 600 li."
"At that time, the Moth Rebellion was rampant, and eight prefectures were shaken. In Yingchuan, Nanyang, Runan and other counties, seven or eight urgent requests for help could be received in a single day. They were all bad news such as 'the city has fallen,' 'the local officials have died,' and 'the rebels are powerful.'"
"Just at this crucial moment, good news from Zhuojun keeps arriving." Liu He stroked his beard and laughed heartily as he said this.
"The Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, Liu Yu, is a good friend of mine. He later wrote to me saying that the emperor had lost his appetite for several days in a row, and the officials in the province were at a loss."
"At this very moment, news of our victory in Zhuojun reached the Imperial Archives. The Imperial Archives dared not delay and immediately submitted a report to the Emperor."
"The emperor immediately rose from his seat, exclaimed his approval, and wanted to reward the emperor handsomely. However, the eunuchs obstructed the process, believing that this was a false report of military intelligence and should not be trusted."
"As a result, good news kept coming, especially from Hejian in Jizhou, who also reported that they were grateful for the troops sent by Zhuojun to come to their aid. The emperor was overjoyed and sighed, saying, 'Liu He, a distant relative of the imperial clan, was able to anticipate the enemy's moves, deploy troops, and win battle after battle when the Yellow Turban Rebellion suddenly broke out. He is truly a good minister of the imperial clan and a pillar of the state.'"
"Therefore, the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat seized the opportunity to speak, saying that Liu He was a member of the Han imperial family and had made outstanding contributions, so it would be better to let him temporarily take command of the entire Youzhou region and go south to quell the rebels."
"Liu Yu is not only the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, but also a member of the imperial clan. He recommended me, and the emperor then issued an edict appointing me as the Governor of Youzhou, granting me the authority to act on behalf of the emperor, and ordering me to oversee all military affairs in Youzhou, to reorganize the military forces in Youzhou, and to assist generals such as Huangfu Song and Lu Zhi in suppressing the rebellion. Xuande, all of this is thanks to your merits."
After listening, Liu Bei immediately understood the cause and effect.
Liu Yu was indeed a minister with a well-known reputation for virtue in history, and was not a person of unwavering loyalty and integrity.
At a time when the Yellow Turban Rebellion broke out and the world was in chaos, he also knew how to take the opportunity to support the power of the imperial clan.
Liu He was a descendant of Liu Kai, the Prince of Hejian, and was a member of the Han imperial family, just like Liu Yu. The two shared the same lineage in terms of patriarchal clan system.
With the eight provinces in chaos and the court's prestige shaken, Liu Yu naturally hoped that Youzhou would be in the hands of the imperial clan rather than falling into the hands of outsiders or eunuch factions.
Although Liu He did not achieve any extraordinary feats in governing the prefecture, he was able to govern steadily without any major disturbances, and he also had outstanding military achievements to his credit, making him a suitable candidate to serve as the governor of Youzhou.
No wonder Liu Bei noticed at a glance that Liu He's entourage clearly exceeded the prescribed limits.
Liu Bei immediately cupped his hands and said, "Your Excellency has been appointed Governor of Youzhou by the Emperor's decree. This is a testament to the court's discerning eye and the Emperor's wisdom in recognizing talent. I congratulate Your Excellency and the Governor of Youzhou."
"The Book of Documents says: 'When a wise king establishes a government, he does not only consider the officials, but the people.' Your Excellency has governed Zhuojun for many years, and is kind, prudent, and loves the people like your own children. You are the perfect candidate to be the governor of Youzhou. I have only done a little bit of hard work and dare not take credit."
"Now that Your Excellency has been promoted to the rank of Governor, the people of Youzhou will surely support you. Suppressing the rebellion, stabilizing the country, protecting the borders and ensuring the safety of the people are all within Your Excellency's command. I am willing to lead my troops to follow Your Excellency southward to quell the rebels and jointly face the national crisis."
This was also his original intention in insisting on using the name of the prefecture government to suppress the thieves.
Having connections in the imperial court makes things much easier.
Why was Dong Zhuo able to lead troops to fight against bandits on multiple occasions? It was because of the Yuan family's recommendation.
Liu Bei was a commoner and had no connection whatsoever with the Yuan or Yang families, who had held high office for four generations.
He disdained to seek connections with eunuchs. Therefore, relying on powerful families or the eunuch route was not feasible.
Fortunately, he still had the Han dynasty's greatest backer—the Han imperial family, the Liu clan.
With Liu He's help and recommendation, his career advancement will be smooth sailing!
Liu He, moved by Liu Bei's impassioned words, had tears welling in his eyes. He immediately helped Liu Bei up, repeatedly saying, "Good! Good! Good! Xuande is indeed a loyal and honest man. The first thing I did upon arriving in the prefecture was to inspect Xuande's camp, and I was right. Please rise, please rise. With Xuande's words, I feel secure in my position as governor!"
While they were enjoying a harmonious and congenial relationship, the people behind Liu Bei were already whispering amongst themselves.
Zhang Fei's round eyes stared at the black canopy, red banner, purple ribbon, and gold seal behind Liu He. The more he looked, the more itchy he became. He couldn't help but ask Guan Yu, "Second Brother, we fought bloody battles, braving arrows and stones, and treading on blades. From the Battle of Taoshui to Guangyang and Changping, we won every battle, beheading more than ten thousand people. We even helped Liu He ascend to the position of regional governor. I wonder what reward the court will give to us, the soldiers who fought so hard."
He thought he had lowered his voice, but his naturally loud voice stood out conspicuously in the otherwise harmonious atmosphere.
Upon hearing this, Liu He's face stiffened. He had previously used a substitute to claim credit for his own people, and the reward given to Liu Bei by the court was truly insignificant.
He quickly said to Liu Bei, "The court has already recorded Xuande's merits, and the imperial edict has been issued. How could it treat a meritorious person unfairly?"
"But the court also has its rules. Xuande was previously a commoner. Although his merits are great, if he were to be promoted to a rank of two thousand shi (a unit of grain), not only would the eunuchs try to obstruct him, but the Three Dukes' offices would also certainly not agree. Does Xuande understand?"
Liu Bei was well aware of this. A salary of two thousand shi was equivalent to that of a high-ranking official in the Han Dynasty. When they went out to serve as local governors or chancellors, they held the position of one of the Nine Ministers. Even prestigious positions such as Tiger General of the Central Army and Minister of the Imperial Secretariat were below them, second only to the Three Dukes.
Unless Liu Bei achieved extraordinary feats and single-handedly quelled the Yellow Turban Rebellion, he was not the only one to do so.
Otherwise, the imperial court would never have appointed him as a high-ranking official with a salary of two thousand shi (a unit of grain).
Before Liu Bei could ask any further questions, Liu He continued, "The best reward the court can bestow upon Xuande is no more than the positions of lieutenant, assistant, chief, or magistrate. In my opinion, Xuande need not concern himself with it."
At this point, Liu He took Liu Bei's hand, looking as if he were speaking from the heart, and said, "But if Xuande accepts my summons, I promise that if you go out, I will find you the position of Commandant of a prefecture, in charge of the troops of that prefecture, to lead the elite and guard the border; if you return, I will appoint you as the Chief Administrator of the State, to advise me on military affairs, and to discuss all important military and political matters of Youzhou."
"Isn't this far better than being a mere county official, who is even subject to being bossed around and unfairly criticized by a lowly inspector?"
This seems like an easy choice. On the one hand, it is the position of Chief Administrator, which is a high-ranking and powerful position. It can oversee the military and political affairs of a prefecture, and even the prefect and the military commander must treat it with utmost respect.
On one hand, there were county magistrates and county officials who were criticized by the minor officials and inspectors under the prefect.
Tao Yuanming's famous line, "I will not bow down for five pecks of rice," was born out of his indignation when the inspector was about to tour the county and his colleagues all went to greet him. He refused to bow down and thus uttered this indignant statement.
Liu He also assumed that Liu Bei would immediately bow down and pay homage.
Unexpectedly, Liu Bei took a step back and bowed, politely declining the offer, saying, "I thank you for your kindness, Governor, but the positions of Commandant of the Border Commandery and Attendant of Youzhou are not what I desire."
As soon as Liu Bei said this, the area in front of the tent fell silent.
Li Fu and Zhou Ping exchanged glances, clearly not expecting Liu Bei to decline such a promising career path, a position second only to the emperor in Youzhou.
Even Zhang Fei was stunned. Although he looked down on Liu He, that old geezer, he couldn't understand why his elder brother wouldn't even take the position of Commandant of a Border Commandery.
He was a high-ranking official with a salary equivalent to a thousand bushels of grain, and he commanded elite border troops. Wasn't that exactly what he had always wanted to achieve?
"Xuande... is unwilling to accept my summons?" Liu He's hands froze in mid-air, filled with disbelief.
Liu Bei straightened his clothes, bowed deeply to Liu He, and then said with deep feeling, "I am deeply grateful for your kindness, Your Excellency. However, the reason I raised an army to fight the Yellow Turbans is not for official position or salary, but to face the national crisis."
He glanced at the generals and soldiers behind him and continued, "Although the E'er rebels have been defeated in Youzhou, the three Zhang brothers still occupy Jizhou and command hundreds of thousands of troops. The world is in turmoil and the Han dynasty is not yet secure."
"As a member of the Han imperial family, how can I sit idly by in a prefecture or county, greedily clinging to my own position and salary?"
"To march south and quell the bandits, and to join forces with my mentor, Lord Lu, to defeat the enemy, is the duty I must fulfill."
"If I were to remain in Youzhou because of my official position, even with the honor of a Commandant and the weight of my duties, I would feel uneasy and have no face to see the loyal and righteous men of the world."
These words were both an explanation to Liu He and a reflection of his true inner plans.
How Liu He obtained the position of Governor of Youzhou was unknown to others, but Liu Bei knew it perfectly well.
That was a temporary measure taken by the imperial court to stabilize the regions during the sudden outbreak of the Yellow Turban Rebellion and the ensuing chaos. After Huangfu Song quelled the Yellow Turban Rebellion, he was appointed as the governor of Ji Province, but he was soon dismissed and the governorship was revoked.
Once the Yellow Turban Rebellion is quelled and order is restored in the court, Liu He, the governor of Youzhou, will inevitably meet the same fate as Huangfu Song.
This was the court's balancing act. The governorship held immense power and was not lightly bestowed except when the nation was in grave danger.
Once the crisis is over, the emperor will engage in a new power struggle with the eunuchs and the Three Dukes, and these temporary regional governors will be recalled one by one.
At that time, if Liu Bei accepted his invitation, the position of Provincial Attendant or Commandant he would hold would be merely a written appointment, not an official appointment by the imperial court.
Once Liu He was dismissed from his post, these imperial edicts became like rootless duckweed, and the court would never recognize them.
Unless Liu He can rise to the rank of one of the Three Dukes in the court after the Yellow Turban Rebellion is quelled, and then, with the prestige of the Three Dukes, recommend Liu Bei for the highest rank, then the imperial decree can truly be transformed into an officially appointed position by the court.
But Liu Bei believed that such a possibility was extremely slim.
Moreover, the court is now corrupt, and even if he holds one of the Three Dukes positions, he could be dismissed at any time. For example, in just this April, the court dismissed Grand Commandant Yang Ci and Minister of Works Zhang Ji in succession.
It would be unwise for Liu Bei to entrust his fate to him.
In this chaotic world, everything is illusory; even imperial power is precarious and unstable. Only reputation, military achievements, and strength are fundamental.
Of course, Liu Bei could not tell Liu He all this directly.
Fortunately, he had one more perfectly righteous reason.
"In my youth, I studied under Lord Lu," Liu Bei said with utmost sincerity, bowing respectfully. "Lord Lu has been kind to me by teaching me. Now, Lord Lu holds the reins of Ji Province and is locked in a stalemate with Zhang Jiao's main force. This is precisely the time when he needs capable men. If I were to covet the position and rewards in You Province and not come south to assist him, how could I face my mentor? How could I face the world?"
This is also the reason why Liu Bei insisted on recruiting Lu Shao and his clansmen into the army.
Upon hearing this, Liu He could only sigh and say, "Xuande is truly a man of great virtue and loyalty. Very well, everyone has their own ambitions. Since you insist on going south to help Lu Zigan suppress the rebels, how can I forcibly stop you?"
"However, Xuande's southward journey this time is exactly what the court expects of Youzhou. With me stationed in Youzhou, these tens of thousands of soldiers cannot be left without support."
"I have heard that the quality of an army is more important than its quantity. Xuande, you should set off now. I will follow up by requisitioning a thousand sets of armor, a thousand powerful crossbows, and five hundred fine horses from Yuyang, Shanggu, and Liaodong counties to lend you a helping hand."
"All provisions, fodder, fodder, gold, silk, and supplies for Xuande's troops will be provided by the local government. You only need to focus on the campaign; you have nothing to worry about!"
Liu Bei was overjoyed!
The fact that Liu Bei provided a thousand sets of armor and helmets to aid in the conquest of Youzhou means that he had almost completely depleted the supply of heavy armor from several counties in Youzhou. Even if Yuan Shao were to occupy Jizhou in the future, he probably wouldn't have ten thousand sets of heavy armor left; he would likely have to lose one-tenth of them!
Moreover, with Liu Yu's guarantee, Liu Bei could continue to expand his army on a large scale!
He had previously exercised some restraint in Guangyang because, although he had received financial assistance from Zhang Shiping, Su Shuang, and others, maintaining an elite force of over two thousand infantry and cavalry, along with a retinue of over a thousand, was still quite costly.
He possessed only over 30,000 shi of grain, over 8,000 bolts of cloth, and over 8 million coins. This was after he sold all the rare treasures, gold, silver, and jade he had seized.
Although it seems like a lot, he also needs to purchase fine gold and iron to forge military equipment and armor, and he also needs to buy horses and support customers, all of which cost him a fortune.
The key issue is that once this money is spent, there will be no further income.
Therefore, he dared not relax in the slightest.
Now, with the guarantee from the prefectural government, they have been given a thousand sets of black armor, a thousand powerful crossbows, and more than five hundred fine horses, and all logistical supplies will be provided for the army.
He is now free from worries about the future as he heads south.
Liu Bei immediately bowed deeply: "I will forever remember your kindness and favor!"
Then he turned to face the generals, his gaze sweeping over Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Cheng Pu, Yan Rou, Tian Yu, Qian Zhao, Jian Yong and others. A surge of heroic spirit rose in his chest, and he felt as if he were riding a tiger amidst the clash of swords and the thunder of horses!
"Order the three armies to set off tomorrow, heading south to Ji Province to quell Zhang Jiao's rebellion and join us in facing this national crisis!"