Ji Han Liu Zhang

Du Ji.

In history, Cao Wei's Hedong governor served in the post for sixteen years, and his political achievements in Hedong were "always the best in the world."

Now, Du Ji has submitted himself to Liu Zhang and has become the prefect of Beidi County appointed by Liu Zhang.

'Poaching feels really good~'

When Liu Zhang saw Du Ji's name in a pile of documents requesting an audience and recommending him, he knew that he was going to pick up a treasure again. Du Ji was evaluated by Xun Yu as "brave enough to face great difficulties and smart enough to respond to changes." He is a rare talent for governance, especially in the current chaotic situation when the people are uneasy, he is the most scarce person.

It so happened that Liu Zhang had not found a good candidate for the position of prefect of Beidi County. The appearance of Du Ji made Liu Zhang feel that he had found the right person for the job, so he appointed Du Ji as the prefect of Beidi County.

'Hedong County.'

It's just that Liu Zhang wanted to appoint Du Ji as the prefect of Hedong County. After all, Hedong was Du Ji's native county. However, since Hedong County was currently in the hands of Wang Yi and he had things to do in Longyou, it was not easy for him to take action against Hedong County for the time being.

After waiting for another year or so, Liu Zhang made up his mind that once he conquered Longyou, he would lead his army eastward and turn to Hedong, and take over Hedong County, an important place in the world, and then head eastward to fight for the world.

As Liu Zhang calmly waited for the summer harvest, the days passed one by one and the time came to late spring and early summer.

Over the past few months, Xudu had sent envoys to Guanzhong three times to reward Liu Zhang with the title of King of Shu. However, when Liu Zhang declined each time, Xudu seemed to have sensed Liu Zhang's determination, or perhaps out of concern for the court's face, so Xudu stopped sending envoys to Guanzhong to reward Liu Zhang with the title of King of Shu.

However, Xudu still expressed some appreciation for Liu Zhang's contribution in eliminating Li and Guo and fighting for the country. Recently, an imperial edict came from Xudu, conferring the title of Marquis of Chang'an County on Liu Zhang. This time, Liu Zhang did not refuse and he accepted the reward of the title.

Apart from the matter of the Marquis of Chang'an County, all the officials in Liu Zhang's court who stayed in Chengdu had set out from Chengdu earlier and had now arrived in Chang'an. For example, the former Shu County Prefect Chen Shi, Jin Cao Wang Lian, Fa Cao Gao Rou and others were currently meeting Liu Zhang.

"You have all been tired from the long journey, so take a few days off and have a good rest." Liu Zhang expressed his comfort to everyone.

"How dare I talk about hardship when serving you, sir?" said Chen Shi, the former governor of Shu County, as he stepped aside and declined the invitation.

Wang Lian, Gao Rou and others also stepped aside and declined the offer, not daring to continue Liu Zhang's words.

Liu Zhang was touched by everyone's respectful and humble attitude. He comforted everyone one by one and showed the magnanimity of a wise leader.

After the meeting, Liu Zhang kept Chen Shi, the former governor of Shu County. In the past few years, Chen Shi had been serving as the governor of Shu County. He had always abided by the rules and made no mistakes. Liu Zhang was very satisfied with this.

Logically speaking, if Chen Shi had not made any mistakes, he should continue to serve as the prefect of Shu County. However, as the saying goes, when one is still for a long time, one will want to move. If Chen Shi served as the prefect of Shu County for a long time, it would not be a good thing.

Liu Zhang then transferred Chen Shi to Guanzhong. When Chen Shi came to Chang'an from Chengdu, Liu Zhang said, "Mr. Sheng, Fufeng County had no good governor before, so I temporarily appointed Wu Yi as the governor of Fufeng. Now that you are here, I intend to appoint you as the governor of Fufeng. What do you think?"

After saying that, Liu Zhang waited quietly for Chen Shi's reply. To be honest, he never made appointments arbitrarily, but often consulted the appointee's wishes. Although it was better than nothing, it would often gain the appointee's appreciation.

Chen Shi's expression was slightly touched. He was somewhat grateful that Liu Zhang would consult him. He bowed and said, "My lord, if you have the task, I will obey your orders." Chen Shi readily accepted the position of Fufeng prefect.

"Since Mr. Sheng is willing to serve as the prefect of Fufeng, you can rest in Chang'an for a few more days to relieve the fatigue of the long journey, and then rush to Fufeng County to take up the post." Liu Zhang comforted Chen Shi.

Chen Shi smiled calmly and said, "My Lord, I am in good health. I did not feel any hardship traveling all the way from Chengdu to here. Now that you have appointed me as the governor of Fufeng, I would like to take up the post as soon as possible so that I can understand the situation in Fufeng County earlier."

"You can be said to be a loyal and hardworking person." Liu Zhang sighed, but seeing Chen Shi's determined eyes, he did not make any move to retain him.

After chatting with Chen Shi for a while about the affairs of Shu County, Liu Zhang stood up, sent Chen Shi to the door, and watched Chen Shi go away.

"What a hard-working ox." Seeing Chen Shi's back disappearing into the distance, Liu Zhang sighed in his heart. Chen Shi was initially recommended by the Chief Clerk Wang Shang and appointed as the governor of Shu County. He was diligent and loyal during his tenure, just like a hard-working ox.

Now Chen Shi was appointed by him as the prefect of Fufeng. Chen Shi, who had just arrived in Chang'an after a long journey, was unwilling to rest for a few days. He just wanted to rush to Fufeng County to take office as soon as possible. There were few people in the world who were as diligent and capable as Chen Shi.

After deciding on the candidate for the Fufeng prefect, Liu Zhang walked towards the backyard. His steps were a little fast, unlike his usual slow and steady pace, because he went to the backyard to see someone, his future wife Huang Wan.

The officials who stayed in Chengdu in Liu Zhang's court rushed to Chang'an. Liu Zhang's future wife Huang Wan was among them. She also arrived in Chang'an today and now lives in the backyard of the Chang'an government office.

Liu Zhang pushed open the door to the backyard and immediately saw Huang Wan in the courtyard. He called out, "Mrs. Huang."

Huang Wan was eighteen years old at the time, and she looked even more graceful. When she saw Liu Zhang, she hurried forward and fortunately stopped in front of him without making any extraordinary moves. She blushed and bowed, saying, "Grand Sima."

"Grand Sima?" Liu Zhang frowned when he heard this. This title was indeed a bit too official and formal.

Huang Wan seemed to sense Liu Zhang's displeasure. She thought for a moment and then uttered a sweet bell-like sound: "My dear."

Liu Zhang smiled and motioned for Huang Wan to sit down on the table in the courtyard. He then said, "Now that Guanzhong has been settled, Li and Guo have been beheaded, and my father and brother have been avenged, I should abide by my previous promise and marry Miss Huang as my wife..."

Hearing this, Huang Wan's pretty face suddenly flushed, as if she was drunk. She lowered her head slightly and listened to Liu Zhang's words quietly. "It's just that Longyou is not settled yet, so I may not have time for a while." Liu Zhang apologized, "I think after I pacify Longyou and get rid of Han Sui, I will have more time and can properly prepare for a grand wedding."

"Besides, the matchmaker between you and me, Dong Fu, is still in Chengdu due to his old age, and has not yet set out for Chang'an in the cold spring. In addition, my elder brother Gong Heng is now stationed in Hanzhong, and it is not convenient for him to leave for the time being... When I have pacified Longyou and there is no trouble in all directions, I will summon the two of them to Chang'an, and we will be complete."

"My dear, you have ambitions for the world, so you don't have to worry about me. I will marry you eventually, so there is no need to rush in a day or two." Huang Wan was gentle and virtuous. She followed Liu Zhang's words, her pair of autumn-water eyes full of affection, all depending on Liu Zhang's intentions.

"In that case, thank you very much, young lady." Seeing Huang Wan's thoughtfulness, Liu Zhang smiled faintly and nodded.

In the following days, Liu Zhang mainly discussed the upcoming war in Longyou with the civil and military officials of the shogunate. When he had free time, he took Huang Wan out for a trip, letting her appreciate the scenery of Guanzhong and deepening the relationship between them.

Time flies, and it is the end of April of the second year of Jian'an, in the Chang'an government office.

Jia Xu, the military advisor and lieutenant general, held a military intelligence document from Longyou in his hand and reported to Liu Zhang, "Mr. My lord, according to the detailed report, Han Sui sent an envoy to Fuhan and colluded with the traitor Song Jian of Fuhan. Now Song Jian has sent troops to Longxi County to help Han Sui."

This was bad news. Han Sui and Song Jian were linked together, and the bandits would become stronger. However, this was the common view. Liu Zhang just smiled indifferently and said disdainfully: "I heard that Song Jian called himself 'King of Heshou Pinghan'. Is it true?"

Hearing Liu Zhang's question, Jia Xu bowed and replied: "Yes, there is such a thing. The traitor Song Jian rebelled in Xizhou since the Zhongping period and established his own regime in Fuhan. Fuhan is located in the upper reaches of the Yellow River, and its people have a rebellious heart. Therefore, Song Jian changed the era name, appointed hundreds of officials, and called himself the King of Heshou Pinghan."

"I am a member of the royal family, but I cannot become a king. How dare a mere traitor like you change the era name, appoint hundreds of officials, and claim to be the only one in power. What's more, you even call yourself 'Ping Han'..." Liu Zhang looked unkindly, and there was a rare murderous intent in his eyes.

He had no feelings about Song Jian's claim to be king. The country was in chaos and there were many people claiming to be kings. However, Song Jian's self-proclaimed name "Ping Han" touched Liu Zhang's sore spot. A bandit who took advantage of the chaos to establish his own regime dared to claim to pacify Han.

Originally, Liu Zhang planned to get rid of Song Jian after dealing with Han Sui, but now Song Jian and Han Sui were in collusion and came to him, so Liu Zhang would be disrespectful to refuse him, and it also saved Liu Zhang the trouble of making a trip to Fuhuan.

"Apart from Song Jian of Fuhan, has Han Sui also lured other rebels?" Liu Zhang asked.

"The most famous one is Song Jian." Jia Xu stroked his beard and replied, "However, according to spies, Han Sui once sent people to the counties in Hexi to lure Handan Shang, the governor of Yongzhou, and Zhang Meng, the governor of Wuwei, but Handan Shang and Zhang Meng did not respond."

"Do you know anything about Handan Shang and Zhang Meng? Will the two of them make up their minds not to communicate with Han Sui?" Liu Zhang knew little about the Hexi counties, and he was not very familiar with the people there, so he asked Jia Xu.

After thinking it over for a while, Jia Xu said, "Handan Shang and Zhang Meng are both mediocre people with no great ambitions. They are unwilling and do not want to get involved in the war between you and Han Sui. They just want to sit on the sidelines and watch... In addition, Handan Shang and Zhang Meng have a rift between them and it is difficult for them to get along. With each other restraining each other, the Hexi counties will not take any action in the war between you and Han Sui."

"If what you said is true, it would be a good thing." Liu Zhang smiled faintly and nodded.

As for the counties in Hexi, Wuwei, Zhangye, Jiuquan and Dunhuang, which are separated from Guanzhong by Longyou, Liu Zhang still intends to do something to exert some influence on Hexi. After all, he will not let go of the counties in Hexi after he pacifies Longyou. After thinking about it, he summoned Gongcao Zhang Su.

……

Jingzhou, Xiangyang.

Recently, the civil and military officials of Jingzhou all knew one thing, that is, the governor of Jingzhou, Liu Biao, was not in a good mood recently. As for why Liu Biao was in a bad mood, the civil and military officials of Jingzhou knew it very well. It was because the court rewarded Guanzhong's Grand Marshal Liu Zhang as the King of Shu. This matter caused the governor of Jingzhou, Liu Biao, to be unhappy and depressed.

In the current Jingzhou government office.

"Father, the news from the court is that Liu Jiyu actually refused the reward of 'King of Shu' three times in a row, and only accepted the title of Marquis of Chang'an County. In addition, he requested posthumous titles for his deceased father and brother. He can truly be said to be a humble, filial and brotherly person." Liu Qi, the eldest son of Liu Biao, sighed at length.

That's the Duke of Wang! Liu Qi was very impressed by Liu Zhang. He didn't expect that someone could keep his heart in front of the Duke of Wang and make a gesture of resignation. He ignored the Duke of Wang and refused several times.

But Liu Qi's words did not resonate with Liu Biao, who sighed silently. In the past, he had competed with Liu Zhang's father Liu Yan, and they were evenly matched. But now that Liu Yan was dead, his son Liu Zhang was outstanding and better than Liu Yan. He first drove away the rice thieves, then killed Li and Guo, and made great contributions to the country, and was feared by the four barbarians and famous throughout the world.

This made him seem incompetent as he was also a member of the royal family and also ruled a state. Now that Liu Zhang was granted the title of King of Shu, Liu Biao felt very unhappy. Not to mention, Liu Zhang actually refused the reward from the King of Shu, which made Liu Biao, who had ambitions for the throne, suddenly discouraged.

Liu Biao was silent for a moment, then he snorted coldly and responded to Liu Qi's words: "Liu Jiyu resigned from the position of King of Shu, not out of humility, but because he has great ambitions."

"What does father mean?" Liu Qi was a little confused. What does receiving the title of king have to do with personal ambitions?
Liu Biao frowned, and he analyzed for Liu Qi: "As the old saying goes, a tree that stands out in the forest will be destroyed by the wind; a pile that stands out on the shore will be washed away by the current. If Liu Jiyu accepts the reward of the King of Shu, he will be envied by all the princes in the world... If Liu Zhang does not have any great ambitions and only wants to live in Qin, he can accept the position of King of Shu openly. But if Liu Zhang has far-reaching ambitions, he will not accept the position of King of Shu, so as not to be envied by the heroes in the world, which will be unfavorable to the future situation."

"Ha." Liu Biao smiled contemptuously: "Speaking of which, Sima Cao Cao is quite good at using tricks. He brought up the reward from the King of Shu, just like roasting Liu Jiyu on a stove."

Without mentioning the emperor or the court, Liu Biao directly pointed to Cao Cao, the mastermind behind the scenes. His words expressed the intuition and sensitivity that a local lord should have, as well as his understanding of the current situation in the world.

"Hiss." Liu Qi hissed. If what his father said was true, what kind of ambition would one have to not even take the title of prince seriously?

"Father, are you saying that Liu Jiyu has ambitions to rule the world?" Liu Qi asked tentatively.

Upon hearing this, Liu Biao's frowning brows relaxed a little. He nodded and said, "Now that the imperial power is declining and the emperor is in dire straits, there are many princes who are ambitious to rule the world, and Liu Jiyu is one of them. Otherwise, why would he refuse the reward of the kingship so many times? This shows that he has great ambitions and wants to seize the throne." (End of this chapter)