When Ji Han and his men traveled to the Three Kingdoms crew

Chapter 75: Stand up, don’t kneel! (4k)

Ji County, the gate of the county government.

"Whoever comes, stop!"

The armored gatekeepers drew their swords and blocked the way of Liu Bei and others.

Liu Bei clasped his fists and said, "Please inform the two of you that Liu Bei Liu Xuande, the governor of Jincheng appointed by the court, is here to pay a visit to Zuochang Zuo Governor."

The gatekeeper glanced at Liu Bei and saw that he had a dignified appearance, outstanding temperament, and extraordinary appearance. Behind him were two followers, one eight feet tall and the other nine feet tall, both with good looks. If these two men took up arms, they would both be frightened.

Not to mention that there is another person who is well-mannered and polite, and another person who has a kind face and benevolent eyes.

In addition, Jincheng Prefect Liu Bei Liu Xuande?

It seems that the new governor of Jincheng is called this?
Sounds familiar
But why are the clothes so simple?

Although the two guards were puzzled, they still restrained their usual arrogant attitude. Their expressions gradually softened and they said to Liu Bei, "Sir, please wait here. I will go and inform the gatekeeper."

"No need! I'm already here"

A man in brocade robes strode over with a dozen gatekeepers. The moment he saw Liu Bei and saw his clothes clearly, he could tell that this man was not the same kind of person as them. A trace of contempt flashed in his eyes. He thought: Although Liu Xuande is known for his filial piety, I have heard that he was just a knight-errant before he rose to power. Even if Lu Zhi was the Shangshu, he could not do anything to the Zuo Shijun. Judging from their appearance, they don't look like they can get any benefits from them. It's really unlucky.

But the gatekeeper still bowed to Liu Bei. He was able to enter Ji County, and his appearance made it impossible for him to lie. According to the law, the governor was a high-ranking official, so he should bow. However, his tone was full of arrogance.

"Greetings to Governor Liu. Governor, please do not take out the imperial edict. Lord Liu is indeed famous and has a strange appearance. I am not unable to recognize him."

Liu Bei looked normal. How long had it been since someone spoke to him in this tone?

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei frowned. How dare a mere gatekeeper speak to their elder brother like this?
Jian Yong looked at Liu Bei worriedly. He was afraid that Liu Bei would explode in an instant and whip the gatekeeper just like in his dream.

Hua Tuo was a little dazed, and no one knew what he was thinking.

As for Fa Zheng, who was ignored by the gate chief and the guards, he was so angry that his face turned black, his teeth were chattering, and his eyes were cold as ice. He has never been a generous person. If anyone dared to insult him, even if it was just one sentence, he would curse back at least ten times.

At the same time, he would repay a favor. In his eyes, Liu Bei's kindness was greater than his parents' upbringing. He was rude and contemptuous of Liu Bei, and simply pointed at his nose and scolded him.

It will be difficult to relieve the hatred in my heart without revenge!

Liu Bei immediately noticed Fa Zheng's expression and said to him, "It's okay, I don't care."

Zhang Fei couldn't help but said, "You are just a gatekeeper, but you are so bold! My elder brother is the governor of Jincheng!"

"My dear man, you are right. But..." The gatekeeper twisted his fingers and said something else, "Your Excellency has been late for a long time. Without an 'explanation', it is really difficult for me to deal with it."

Liu Bei understood what the gatekeeper said and immediately looked at Jian Yong.

"Xianhe."

As soon as Liu Bei spoke, Jian Yong immediately understood. He stepped forward, took out a few gold beads from his bosom and stuffed them into the gate chief's hand.

"I wonder what this 'statement' means?" Liu Bei asked.

The gatekeeper weighed it and curled his lips, "Too little."

"Too little?"

Liu Bei's eyes darkened. Real gold can be worth ten thousand coins. Although what he gave was little, if not ten thousand coins, at least a hundred or a thousand coins, right?
So greedy?
He no longer had the patience to waste time with the gatekeeper.

The gatekeeper seemed to sense that something was wrong with Liu Bei, or perhaps for some other reason, so he gave Liu Bei a deep look, as if to say, "I'm in a good mood today, so I'll let you go." Finally, after checking the official seal, the gatekeeper made a gesture of invitation, "Liu Taishou, please come in."

Guan Yu, Zhang Fei and the others wanted to follow, but were stopped by the gatekeeper, "The others should step back, only Governor Liu can go in."

Zhang Fei wanted to say something else, but was interrupted by Liu Bei, "No problem, Third Brother, I'll be back soon."

Shortly after.

Liu Bei walked out in a hurry.

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei looked at each other. They both noticed something was wrong from Liu Bei's expression, but their years of tacit understanding made them swallow all their questions.

The others were also smart people, so they naturally didn't ask any more questions. They just followed Liu Bei's footsteps silently.

Everyone followed Liu Bei to a restaurant and asked for a private room.

Zhang Fei was so anxious that he shouted, "Brother, what's the matter? Tell us quickly, I'm really worried to death!"

"Third brother, don't you know that walls have ears?"

Fa Zheng, who was squatting in the corner with his ears perked up, reminded him.

Guan Yu stroked his beard and nodded, "Xiaozhi is right."

Then he turned around and asked Fa Zheng, "Xiaozhi, how is it?"

Fa Zheng nodded, "It's OK, second brother. The soundproofing is OK."

As a result, the eyes of the five people present were all focused on Liu Bei.

Liu Bei spoke slowly, "I had a bad feeling when I was in front of the provincial government gate, and after I met the Left Governor, the thing I least wanted to see finally appeared."

"Oh?" Guan Yu and Zhang Fei asked hurriedly, "Brother, is this Left Governor also a corrupt official?"

Liu Bei's memories were brought back. When he thought of what he had seen and heard in the provincial government, he felt his eyes stung by the extravagance and a feeling of depression surged in his chest.

Fortunately, Hua Tuo reminded him, "My Lord, don't get angry."

As Liu Bei retold the story, what happened at that time gradually became clear in everyone's mind.

Zuo Chang has a huge appetite, which is unique among corrupt officials. Food aid? Military support? Pay the money first. No money? Sorry, then you will only be assigned some dirty and tiring work.

Liu Bei was not a pedantic person. In order to save his mentor, he did not hesitate to bribe the eunuch.

But Zuo Chang always talked about millions of dollars.

This scared Liu Bei. Even with the financial support of Mi Zhu, Su Shuang and Zhang Shiping, the money was not spent like this!

Not to mention, Liu Bei had an illusion that this man's credibility was not as good as that of a eunuch.

So they had to say, "We haven't reached Jincheng yet, and we can't afford the money and goods yet. Can you give us some time?"

Zuo Chang's answer was: "In this case, the food and grass will not be delivered on time."

Thinking of this, Liu Bei couldn't help feeling bitter in his heart, and even his mouth was bitter. During the reign of Emperor Xiaowu, the Inspector was only an official with a salary of six hundred stones, and his only duty was supervision.

But since Emperor Guangwu.

The function of the Inspector was not just supervision. He not only had a seat of government, but also subordinate officials and even military power.

The governor, the predecessor of the provincial governor, had the power to appoint and dismiss provincial and county officials at will.

Fortunately, Emperor Guangwu realized the danger and immediately abolished the governor and replaced him with a provincial governor.

But everything can no longer go back to the way it was before. The root of this disaster was planted during the reign of Emperor Xiaocheng, and the harm was already evident at the beginning of this dynasty.

Even a wise emperor like Emperor Guangwu could not stop the galloping carriage and could only slow down the situation.

After more than a hundred years, the local governors have extended their tentacles to every corner, including troops, money, and government.
Even the officials of the cabinet or the three highest officials could not give orders to the provincial governor.

The Inspector is responsible only to Your Majesty, and only Your Majesty can appoint and dismiss the Inspector.

Therefore, the governor, who nominally only had the power of supervision, was already the highest official of the prefecture and county.

Before coming here, Liu Bei had heard from the caravan that many prefects had abandoned their posts and fled due to oppression from the governors.

In other words, if Zuo Chang’s appetite cannot be satisfied, the situation will probably be bad.

Everyone fell silent. Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Xu Huang and Zhang Liao had no problem leading troops to fight, but it was really difficult to ask them to solve the current problem.

Jian Yong's strength was his eloquence, and Liu Bei felt a little guilty about letting him handle government affairs.

Forget about Hua Tuo.

Fa Zheng is still young. Even if he becomes very powerful in the future, it will be difficult to deal with him now, right?
Could it be that we rely on Jia Xu?
No, no, his strategies are notoriously vicious.

Liu Bei just felt a pain in his brow.

Fa Zheng handed a glass of water to Liu Bei and said to him, "My lord, don't worry. Zuo Chang's position as governor will not last long. We can just stop the enemy with our troops and cover the flood with earth."

"Xiao Zhi is right."

Liu Bei took a sip of water, temporarily swallowing up all his worries, and forced a smile, "When the enemy comes, we will fight back, when the water comes, we will block it with earth. Let's rest for a few days and buy what the general needs."

"Yes." Everyone responded in unison.

As soon as he left the restaurant, Liu Bei noticed that something was wrong with Fa Zheng, as if he was worried about something.

Liu Bei then asked, "Xiaozhi, do you have something on your mind? Can you tell me in detail?"

"Well." Fa Zheng seemed a little embarrassed, his cheeks flushed from lying, "My Lord, I really miss the Ma brothers."

Hearing this, although Liu Bei felt something was wrong, he still laughed. The haze in his heart was cleared away and the sun came out. He thought: Xiaozhi is really still a child. That's how it should be.

Liu Bei rubbed Fa Zheng's head, and this time Fa Zheng did not resist.

Liu Bei did not suspect anything, but said with concern: "You can play with Ma Chao and Ma Dai. But you must be careful. So, I will let the second and third brothers follow Xiaozhi. With two fierce generals behind them, I will see who dares to bully Xiaozhi."

Fa Zheng felt his heart warm, and his cheeks flushed with guilt. He shook his head and waved his hands, "No, no need. Second and third brothers have important things to do. How can I delay the lord's important business if they accompany me?"

"No, Xiaozhi's safety is also of top priority." Liu Bei's tone was a little tough.

Fa Zheng didn't dare to look Liu Bei in the eye. He raised a finger and said, "Then choose one, okay?"

"One? You have to choose."

"Third brother! I choose third brother!"

Third brother?

Liu Bei thought about it. His third brother looked rough on the outside, but he was actually careful and playful. If he was somewhere else, it would be fine, but this place was Zuo Chang's lair, and he was afraid that trouble would arise.
Liu Bei made a decision quickly, "No, Xiaozhi, I know you have a good relationship with my third brother, but we are in someone else's territory after all, so we need to stay calm. Let me let my second brother take care of you."

After saying that, Liu Bei saw Fa Zheng sigh and nodded helplessly.

But he always felt that something seemed wrong, but words once spoken cannot be taken back. Oh, it would be great if Zilong were here.

However, Liu Bei ignored Fa Zheng's slightly raised mouth. Fa Zheng said in his heart, "I'm sorry, lord, I want my second brother."
In the alleys of Ji County.

Guan Yu looked at Fa Zheng who suddenly stopped walking, his face full of confusion, "Xiaozhi, aren't you going to look for Meng Qi? Why are you taking me to the end of the alley?"

"Second brother." Fa Zheng bowed solemnly to Guan Yu.

Guan Yu paused in stroking his beard. He helped Fa Zheng up and said, "Xiao Zhi, what are you doing? If you have anything to say, just say it. Why do you have to bow?"

"Second brother, do you still remember what happened just now?" Fa Zheng asked.

Guan Yu thought for a moment, "Are you talking about Zuo Chang, the Left Governor?"

"Zuo Chang is really too bullying, it's really hateful!" Fa Zheng nodded, and then asked, "Don't you think so, second brother?"

"Oh, I wish I could kill him myself. Such corrupt officials are really hateful."

After saying this, Guan Yu seemed to recall his past experiences, and his tone weakened, "But Zuo Chang is not an ordinary tyrant, he is the governor, even if he wants to kill the enemy, he is powerless."

"Actually." Fa Zheng hesitated to speak.

"Xiaozhi, what's your plan?"

Although Guan Yu had no hope for the eight-year-old Fa Zheng, he still tried to ask.

Fa Zheng opened his mouth but still said nothing.

This is like scratching one's heart. Not to mention Guan Yu, no one can stand it.

Guan Yu urged, "Xiaozhi, just speak!"

"Then I'll tell you something." Fa Zheng cleared his throat, "I have an idea. Although it can't kill Zuo Chang, it can win the support of the lord and make Zuo Chang lose face."

"Oh? What idea?" Guan Yu showed interest.

Fa Zheng smiled and said, "The breakthrough point lies in that gatekeeper. But I have to ask my second brother for help on this matter."

"Captain of the Gate, please ask me for a favor?" Guan Yu was confused.

"If the lord knew that this man was exploiting the people, what would be his reaction?"

After hearing Fa Zheng's idea, Guan Yu's hands couldn't help but tremble. He hesitated a little, but as soon as he closed his eyes, he could see Liu Bei's loss. He repeatedly comforted himself in his heart that it was okay and the people would not be harmed.
Finally, Guan Yu let out a breath and nodded heavily.

"Xiaozhi, I promise you."

Fa Zheng was like a fox who had succeeded in his plot, and raised the corners of his mouth, "Then we really have to go look for Meng Qi."

Time passes gradually.

Liu Bei spread out the bamboo slips and checked what he needed to purchase.

It was too noisy outside the window.

When Liu Bei opened the window and took a look, his pupils shrank suddenly. It was truly unbelievable.

On the streets, the common people in short brown clothes formed a mighty "army".

Among them are elderly people, peasant women, and even those who are disabled, sick, injured, or disabled.

What made Liu Bei's eyes tremble the most was the filial son who even carried his crying father and brother on a wooden board.

They kept shouting "It's terrible! The gatekeeper Ma Xiong is such a ruthless person."

Liu Bei quickly dropped the things in his hands, not even caring about his coat, and rushed out of the inn in a hurry.

He was so anxious that he ignored the etiquette and hurriedly grabbed an old man, "Old man, what happened???"

Just as Liu Bei was speaking.

A voice in the crowd shouted, "It's Lord Liu, the Lord Liu who punishes corrupt officials along the way!"

The vast ocean of people suddenly stopped, and pairs of red eyes looked at Liu Bei.

It is the cries of lost parents, the groans of sick and frail old people, and the wails of those who are naked.

"Lord Liu, you have to make the decision for us!"

In the past, these sounds were clearly very ordinary, but at this moment, when they were intertwined together, they were extremely shocking.

It was like a ball of fire, completely detonating Liu Bei, the powder keg.

In particular, people actually bent their knees slightly, as if they were about to kneel down to him.

Seeing this, the fire in Liu Bei's chest rushed into his throat. He clenched his fists so tightly that even his nails pierced into his flesh.

"I'll help you, but everyone stand up and don't kneel!"

　Two-in-one again
　　
　
(End of this chapter)