My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 368 The Two Worthies Refusal to Take Office
Upon hearing his son's letter, Liu Bei's face revealed a heartfelt emotion.

Another year has passed in the blink of an eye, and Liu Bei feels that he and his eldest son have been apart for too long and misses him very much.

After receiving the letter, Liu Feng opened it and began to read it.

The news of Liu Feng's great victory over Sun Ce and the pacification of the Kuaiji rebellion has reached Shouchun, and the prefectures, counties and towns along the way are all shocked.

These counties were almost all newly acquired within the last six months, and their rule was not consistent between Liu and his son.

The two counties north of the Yangtze River had long been exploited by Yuan Shu, and the people were suffering greatly. Naturally, they were very supportive and welcoming of the Liu family's strong takeover. Afterwards, the Liu family father and son carried out large-scale construction projects in the two counties north of the Yangtze River, repaired the Shaopi Reservoir, and built water conservancy projects, which won the unanimous gratitude of the people of the two counties.

Although these two commanderies and kingdoms were newly acquired territories by Liu and his son, their loyalty far surpassed that of Runan and Pei in the north, and was comparable to that of Xuzhou, the core territory of Liu and his son. In some peripheral areas, they were even better.

On the contrary, in Jiangdong, although Liu Feng crossed the river forcefully and obtained Liu Yao's full appointment, as well as the military support of local powerful figures such as Zhang Ying, Fan Neng, and Yu Mi, the situation was different.

However, the attitude of the Jiangdong gentry and powerful families towards Liu Feng remained somewhat delicate, especially since Liu Feng had forced the local gentry and powerful families of Kuaiji to rebel, which also caused considerable turmoil in Danyang County and Wu County.

However, before these upheavals could escalate into a rebellion, Liu Feng swiftly and severely quelled the local gentry and powerful families of Kuaiji, much to the surprise of the Jiangdong gentry.

Moreover, the powerful clans and gentry in Danyang Commandery were much less resilient than those in Kuaiji Commandery. Furthermore, the commandery was not unified, and there were many forces like Zhang Ying, Fan Neng, Yu Mi, and Zhou Shang who stood on Liu Feng's side. Therefore, when the news of the victory arrived, the restless faction was struck dumb, while Zhang Ying and others gained the upper hand and completely suppressed the opposition.

As for Wu Commandery, the weakest point in Jiangdong, it had already been dealt with by Liu Feng, who also took away the leaders of the four major families of Gu, Lu, Zhu, and Zhang. It was not going to cause any trouble. However, Xu Gong was very dissatisfied and wanted to go north to the court to complain, but he was captured alive by Lü Dai.

Liu Bei opened the letter and began to read it. In the letter, Liu Feng systematically recounted the events in Jiangdong, and then reported three things to Liu Bei.

The first thing Liu Feng did was to reduce taxes in Kuaiji and temporarily suspend the distribution of confiscated land, instead placing it under the jurisdiction of the General Who Conquers the South and renting it out to outsiders.

The second matter was that Liu Feng planned to build ports in Wu Commandery and Kuaiji to facilitate trade with Jiaozhi in the south. In fact, Liu Feng had already begun working on this matter long ago. In addition to wanting to earn money from trade with Jiaozhi to supplement his finances, he also wanted to import some special items from Jiaozhi, such as Champa rice, which could be harvested three or four times a year.

This is a valuable resource. Before the Song Dynasty, the hard limit for China's population was approximately 75 to 80 million.

Once the population exceeded 60 million, social conflicts began to intensify. Although official corruption and dynastic decay were the root causes, the fact that grain production could not keep up with the population growth was also a very important reason.

When the total population of China exceeded 75 million, the total output of all farmland in China was already less than the consumption of the total population.

Even the most perfect social system is useless without external food input.

This is one of the fundamental reasons why the peak population of the Tang Dynasty was only 75 million, while the population of the weak Song Dynasty exceeded 100 million.

That's Champa rice, which can be harvested three times a year in all parts of southern China, and even four times a year in some areas and throughout the entire Koh Chong region. It can also be rotated with crops such as beans and sweet potatoes, making the land even more fertile.

It's a pity that we can't get crops like potatoes and sweet potatoes now, otherwise the population problem could be solved more thoroughly.

After all, the population of the Ming and Qing dynasties was able to exceed several hundred million, which was entirely based on the introduction of high-yield grain crops such as potatoes and sweet potatoes.

Even without considering the long term, in this era of great strife, food is the lifeblood. With food comes population, and with population comes taxes and soldiers. Previously, Liu Feng worried that Xuzhou's latitude was too high and unsuitable for Champa rice.

But now that Jiangdong has been pacified and Jiaozhi is connected by both land and sea, it is the best time to develop Champa rice. Currently, there are a large amount of government land in Kuaiji that has been confiscated and registered under the General's Office, which can be used to try planting Champa rice.

The third thing was to ask Liu Bei to recommend him as the governor of Yangzhou.

It's a foregone conclusion that Liu Yao will resign as governor of Yangzhou. Yangzhou is now the territory of Liu Bei and his son. Unless Liu Bei personally takes the position or Liu Feng becomes governor of Yangzhou, there will be no governor appointed for the time being.

Even though Liu Bei trusted Guan Yu, Chen Deng, and others, it was not appropriate to elevate them to the position of governor in the short term. After all, Liu Bei himself was only the governor of Yu Province, and appointing a provincial governor was more suitable at this time.

In his letter, Liu Feng recommended several people. The first on the list was naturally his second uncle, Guan Yu, followed by Chen Deng, and then Xun You. He then recommended that someone be selected from among the two Zhangs, the two Chens, Li Zan, and others to serve as the governor of Yangzhou.

After Liu Bei finished reading the letter, he immediately passed it on to Chen Deng, who also read it without hesitation.

Seeing this, Xun You raised an eyebrow slightly, a smile playing on his lips, and remained silent.

After reading it, Chen Deng wanted to return it to Liu Bei, but the latter gestured for him to give it to Xun You.

Xun You did not refuse, but after thanking Liu Bei, he opened the silk book and began to read it.

After Xun You finished reading, Liu Bei asked, "Yuanlong, Gongda, what do you think of Zisheng's opinion?"

Chen Deng readily agreed, saying, “Zheng Nan’s view is truly insightful. A country without food will perish, the people without food will die, and the army without food will be overthrown. Since Zheng Nan has placed great hopes on Champa rice, he must possess abilities that surpass our vision. Moreover, Jiangdong is a newly acquired territory, and it is only natural to update the officials.”

As for the first matter, Chen Deng didn't mention it at all.

Is it a big deal for the young master to set aside some land for himself?

Liu Bei nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to Xun You: "What is your opinion, Gongda?"

After pondering for a moment, Xun You replied, "Of the three provinces of Yu, Xu, and Yang, only Yang is located in the rear, bordering only the western provinces of Jing and Jiao. Jiaozhi is located in the far south and rarely participates in the struggles for the Central Plains, and it is likely no exception now. Moreover, the southern climate is hot and humid, with numerous rivers and abundant vegetation. Although it is not suitable for habitation, if it is developed, it can certainly become a granary."

"As for selecting renowned scholars from the north to serve in the south, this is a matter of the emperor's power and influence, and I dare not say more about it."

After listening, Liu Bei laughed and teased, "Gongda, why are you so cautious? Is it because your name is among the people recommended by Zisheng?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Deng burst into laughter.

Xun You smiled sheepishly and offered no explanation.

After laughing, Liu Bei made his decision.

If it's your eldest son's opinion, and your right and left arms don't object, then naturally you'll accept it entirely.

In particular, Liu Feng took the initiative to suggest selecting elites from the upper echelons of Xuzhou to go south, showing no intention of treating Yangzhou as his own private territory, which greatly pleased Liu Bei.

Even if Liu Feng truly treated Yangzhou as his own backyard, Liu Bei would most likely have let it be, at most feeling some displeasure but not taking it to heart. However, Liu Feng's current actions have made Liu Bei exceptionally pleased.

This is not only because Liu Feng did not act as a local tyrant, but also because, from another perspective, Liu Feng demonstrated a great vision.

He wanted more than just Yangzhou. If that's the case, then why make Yangzhou special?
If Liu Bei were to enter the court and assist in governing in the future, would he really hand over the entire southeastern three provinces to someone else?
Liu Feng naturally wouldn't put on an unpleasant eating manner or act petty.

Liu Bei looked at Chen Deng and Xun You and asked with a smile, "Yuanlong, Gongda, do you two intend to go south to Jiangdong?"

Chen Deng and Xun You both understood that Liu Bei was asking them who wanted to be the governor of Yangzhou.

Ever since they saw Liu Feng's recommendation on the silk scroll, Chen Deng and Xun You had been pondering it over.

Although a prefectural governor is not as powerful as a provincial governor, and their authority is vastly different, a prefectural governor is still considered a regional leader. Serving as a prefectural governor offers a chance to enter the imperial court, while serving as a prefectural governor provides an even greater opportunity to rise directly into the ranks of the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers.

However, neither Chen Deng nor Xun You had this idea.

Chen Deng had already left Liu Bei for over a year, and he really didn't want to leave Liu Bei's side again.

The position of Prefect of Jiujiang that he currently holds is only temporary; what is more important is his position as military advisor in Liu Bei's General of Cavalry and the power to participate in political affairs.

Chen Deng had already made up his mind that he did not want to take up any more external posts for the next year or two.

Xun You and Chen Deng had slightly different ideas. He didn't care about being appointed to an outside post, but he didn't want to take up the post of governor of Yangzhou.

Despite having served as a prefect in two different prefectures in his resume, Xun You actually failed to secure the position. Therefore, Xun You actually preferred to serve as a prefect rather than a governor.

After hesitating for a moment, Chen Deng decided to speak frankly: "I have been away from you for a long time. I have only just returned and have not yet had a chance to catch up with you. I really do not want to be away from you again."

Liu Bei was very pleased with Chen Deng's honest words, especially Chen Deng's deep affection for him and his desire to stay by his side. He would only feel happy about this affection, not unhappy.

After all, Yangzhou had already been subdued by Liu Feng, and going there now would most likely be a matter of following the old ways, not a difficult task. Chen Deng's refusal could not be considered picking and choosing.

Moreover, in Liu Bei's heart, Chen Deng and Mi Zhu still held a very special place.

Unlike Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, who were not related by blood, these two were benefactors in Liu Bei's heart.

It was with the strong support of Chen Deng and Mi Zhu that Liu Bei was able to rise above his circumstances and transform from a nobody general into the ruler of Xuzhou.

When Liu Bei served as the governor of Xuzhou, Chen Deng and Mi Zhu also gave their full support, and this relationship naturally established their special status.

Seeing Chen Deng's frankness, Xun You changed his mind and said frankly, "My lord, the position of governor of Yangzhou is not what I desire. I truly wish to serve as a prefect."

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei's eyes flashed with joy.

In his view, Xun You's words clearly expressed his true feelings, which was a sign that he had become close to him and opened his heart to him.
Therefore, Xun You's "picking and choosing" did not anger Liu Bei; on the contrary, it secretly pleased him, and he readily agreed: "I see. Then, what does Gongda think of Runan?"

Runan was once the second-best prefecture in the land, and now it may well have become the de facto best prefecture in the land. There is really no need to say more.

The fact that Liu Bei entrusted Runan to Xun You shows his appreciation and high regard for him; anyone would be moved to tears by such a gesture.

In fact, Xun You was truly grateful. It was after seeing Chen Deng's open and honesty that he realized he should be more frank, and thus he revealed his thoughts.

Unexpectedly, Liu Bei valued him so highly that he immediately handed Runan over to him.

In Xun You's original plan, it was more likely that Liu Bei would select a commandery or kingdom in the newly acquired Yangzhou for him to serve as its governor, such as Kuaiji Commandery or Wu Commandery.

But Liu Bei chose Runan County instead.

"Gongda, although we have only known each other for a little over a year, I am already well aware of your talents. With talents like yours and Yuanlong's, which are worthy of assisting a king, how could I bear to send you far away if I had not been forced to do so?"

Liu Bei held Xun You's hand and explained gently, "This time, I have settled Gongda in Runan, which is not far from Tancheng and Shouchun. If I have any questions, I can write to Gongda and ask for his advice. I hope Gongda can understand my personal reasons."

Xun You sighed inwardly, "He is truly my master."

If anyone else had said these words, Xun You would have thought they were extremely hypocritical. But when Liu Bei said them, they were full of sincerity, giving people a sense of trustworthiness.

Xun You himself was particularly astute and intelligent, possessing keen insight into treachery even in his youth, and his senses were extremely sharp.

It was precisely because of this keen intuition that he viewed Liu Bei with new eyes and was deeply moved, because he could feel Liu Bei's sincerity and enthusiasm.

Xun You immediately bowed deeply and said gratefully, "I have received great kindness from you, and now you have entrusted me with a large prefecture. I will repay you with my life and do my utmost to be loyal! If you ever summon me, I will come even if it is thousands of miles away."

"Why did it have to come to this!"

With a broad smile, Liu Bei helped Xun You up and even bowed to brush the dust off Xun You's knees: "It is my good fortune to have Gongda and Yuanlong assisting me. Heaven wants me to succeed, to restore the Han Dynasty, and to bring peace to the world."

Chen Deng and Xun You both bowed and said a few words of humility.

After helping the two up again, Liu Bei returned to the main topic: "Since the two of you cannot go to Yangzhou, what should be done about the position of Governor of Yangzhou? In addition, Zisheng wants to invite the worthy men of Xuzhou to come south to take up their posts. There are currently vacancies in Wu Commandery and Kuaiji Commandery. The current Prefect of Wu Commandery, Sheng Xian, is in poor health and unable to manage affairs. We cannot entrust Wu Commandery to him."

Sheng Xian himself was indeed quite prestigious in Wu Commandery and made significant contributions to Liu Feng.

However, Sheng Xian himself was weak-willed and easily swayed by local forces.

He had been bullied by Xu Gong before and almost lost his life. Expecting him to stabilize Wu County for him was simply wishful thinking.

Therefore, taking over Wu Commandery by leveraging Sheng Xian's reputation wasn't a big problem, but expecting him to govern Wu Commandery was a joke. Thus, Sheng Xian's position as Prefect of Wu Commandery was merely a transitional post and had to be replaced.

(End of this chapter)