The Three Kingdoms: Zhaolie, the strategist, and the rise of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 274 Kongming and Ziyu are both absent, Liu Bei governs Qi alone

Meanwhile, Wei Yan, having cooperated with Li Yi in setting fire to the west gate of Jiangling, knew that he would be killed by Cao Ren sooner or later.

Therefore, taking advantage of the chaos caused by the fire, he fled Jiangling City under cover of night and headed straight for Jiangxia.

When Li Yi learned that Wei Yan had come to join him, he personally went out of the camp to welcome him.

When Wei Yan saw the crowd surrounding him, he knew Li Yi's identity.

Upon reaching the shore, he rushed ashore and bowed to Li Yi:
"This humble general, Wei Yan, pays his respects to the Prime Minister!"

Li Yi helped him up, took his hand, and praised him:

"Thanks to Wen Chang's arson at the West Gate, my plan succeeded."

"Now that Zhang Yun is gone, our navy will be free of a major threat!"

Wei Yan was puzzled as to how simply setting a fire could have helped Prime Minister Li kill Zhang Yun.

However, Wei Yan was still deeply moved when he heard Li Yi's words of high regard for him.

He immediately bowed again:

"It is an honor for Yanzhi to serve the Prime Minister."

"If you do not despise me, I am willing to serve you like a dog or a horse!"

Li Yi nodded, "Good!"

“My residence is currently short of a Sima (military officer). I wonder if Wen Chang would be interested in coming here to report for duty?”

Li Yi extended an olive branch to Wei Yan, hoping to bring him into his own household.

Logically speaking, Wei Yan was just an ordinary nobody, so there shouldn't have been any problem for Li Yi to take him into the Prime Minister's residence.

However, the high position he bestowed upon Sima was still quite astonishing.

Even those present were amazed, marveling at Wei Yan's incredible luck.

Not to mention Wei Yan himself, who was directly launched into space by rocket.

Wei Yan was a man with ideals and ambitions, and he was pleased to see that Li Yi had given him this opportunity.

Overjoyed, he repeatedly bowed his head in gratitude:
"Wei Yan thanks the Prime Minister for his great kindness!"

"Yan Ding was willing to sacrifice his life for the State of Qi!"

Wei Yan was known as "Little Guan Yu".

First of all, they look very similar; they are eight feet tall and have faces like red dates.

Secondly, they are extremely similar in personality.

Like Guan Yu, Wei Yan cared deeply for his soldiers and was very popular in the army.

Both of them started from the bottom and climbed up step by step.

As a follower, Guan Yu had a clear advantage over Wei Yan.

When Wei Yan joined Liu Bei's camp, he not only started from a low point, but the competition was already fierce.

But Wei Yan eventually distinguished himself and established himself in the Shu Han camp.

After Liu Bei conquered Hanzhong, everyone assumed that Zhang Fei would be the governor of Hanzhong.

Zhang Fei had even prepared his acceptance speech.

After all, Guan Yu was the commander-in-chief of the Eastern War Zone at the time, so it was reasonable for Zhang Fei to be the commander-in-chief of the Northern War Zone.

Ultimately, the position of Prefect of Hanzhong was given to Wei Yan, much to everyone's surprise.

Wei Yan's outstanding military skills were his strengths.

However, Wei Yan's weaknesses are also similar to Guan Yu's.

That means they are careless and not good at handling relationships with colleagues.

Because Guan Yu was a founding member, and also because of his relationship with Liu Bei.

His colleagues should give him some leeway.

Wei Yan didn't have Guan Yu's good fortune, but his temper was far worse than Guan Yu's.

Wei Yan was unpopular. The most typical example was after the Prime Minister's death, when Wei Yan and Yang Yi simultaneously submitted a memorial to the court accusing each other of rebellion.

At that time, Liu Shan, the last emperor of the Southern Tang dynasty, consulted with Dong Yun, the Chamberlain, and Jiang Wan, the Chief Clerk of the Chancellor's Office.

As a result, both men assured Yang Yi of his absolute loyalty, while remaining skeptical of Wei Yan.

However, Liu Shan still showed his wisdom; he did not rush to punish Wei Yan.

Instead, he first sent Jiang Wan with the Imperial Guards to Chengdu to provide support, and then had him deal with the conflict between Yang Yi and Wei Yan.

This incident shows just how unpopular Wei Yan was.

There wasn't a single heavyweight ally in the military or the imperial court.

When this happened, not a single person was willing to speak up for him.

So, when faced with such a problem child...

Li Yi was really worried about sending him out alone.

It would be a waste of Wei Yan's talent not to use him.

That's why he was taken into the Prime Minister's residence, where he was personally supervised and guided.

At least if I act as the "parent," I can mediate if this "naughty child" causes any trouble.

When Wei Yan was brought into the Prime Minister's residence, everyone congratulated him.

Not to be discussed.

……

Jingzhou, Xiangyang.

Although Cao Ren and Guo Jia were trying their best to downplay the impact of Zhang Yun's death.

However, as a general in Jiangling, it was impossible for him to completely block the news.

The news that Zhang Yun had been killed by Cao Ren eventually reached Xiangyang.

At the time, Cai Mao was training Cao Cao's navy at the naval camp when he heard the news of Zhang Yun's death, and he was also greatly shocked.

He hurriedly asked for the details, and after listening, he exclaimed in surprise:

"Zhang Yun and I started the uprising together, and now the eight commanderies of Jing and Xiang have allied with Cao Wei."

"The war has not yet begun, so why would he collude with Li Yi at this time?"

"This matter is not so simple; there must be something fishy going on!"

Someone might advise:
"I fear that Cao Cao wants to seize my Jingzhou navy, so he fabricated the charge of treason to harm General Zhang."

"General, you should make preparations as soon as possible!"

Cai Mao was startled and hurriedly said:

"Cao Cao and I are old friends, how could he harm me?"

Or he might remonstrate again:

"You are mistaken. Cao Cao was by no means a good person."

"Have you not heard him once declare: 'I would rather betray the world than let the world betray me?'"

"General Zhang Yun is responsible for the defense of Jiangling. Even if he is guilty, the Cao family should first discuss the matter with us people of Jingzhou."

"But he made the decision on his own without even informing the general."

"Such contempt for the general is something the general must be wary of!"

Cai Mao felt a chill run down his spine and immediately realized the truth in those words.

It's important to know that in this world, Cai Mao didn't directly join Cao Cao as a subordinate; instead, he merged the two companies through a merger.

Even if Jingzhou were to change its ownership to Wei in the future, Cai Mao would still be a major shareholder of the Wei state.

Before the companies have even merged, Cao Wei has arbitrarily killed one of the shareholders without any consultation.

When the war is won and the spoils of victory are divided, will Cai Mao still have a say?

The more Cai Mao thought about it, the more frightened he became, so he went to Kuai Yue to discuss the matter.

Both men were powerful figures in Jingzhou, and at least on the issue of protecting the interests of the people of Jingzhou, they were of one mind.

"Cao Cao is by nature suspicious. If he kills Zhang Yun today, causing him to be killed innocently, how can he tolerate us tomorrow?"

Cai Mao found Kuai Yue and said earnestly:

"Our situation is perilous. You are a wise man. What plan do you have to save our lives and our families?"

Kuai Yue pondered for a long time before slowly saying:
"Cao Cao is relying on the general to train the navy in order to conquer Qi and Wu."

"The general can outwardly appear diligent, but inwardly slow down his efforts."

"Their military situation is urgent, and they will surely come to inquire."

"Wait until they become impatient, then use the excuse that 'the soldiers are not yet accustomed to the training and need more time.'"

"Thus, Cao Cao will realize that naval warfare is impossible without you, General, and only then can the old troops of Jingzhou be safe."

Cai Mao asked with some concern:

"What should we do if Cao Cao becomes suspicious?"

Kuai Yue laughed and said:

"If Cao Cao wants to defeat the Huainan and Eastern Wu naval forces, who else but you, General?"

Even if there are suspicions, one dares not act rashly.

"Moreover, we are a gentry family from Jingzhou with deep roots."

"If they kill indiscriminately, it will surely cause the people's hearts to be scattered, how will they have time to launch a southern expedition?"

Cai Mao then clapped his hands in approval:
“What the other says is exactly what I was thinking!”

So they followed the plan, outwardly continuing to supervise the navy, but in reality, they secretly reduced the frequency of training.

On this day, Chen Deng sent Gan Ning to Jiangling to continue the challenge.

Cao Cao also wanted to test the results of his training over the past few days, so he ordered his general Chen Qi to go into battle.

Early on, ships from Huainan were seen coming, covering the river.

The leading general, sitting at the bow of the ship, shouted:

"I am Gan Xingba! Who dares to challenge me to a death match!"

Chen Qi's relatives urged their warships to meet the enemy and engage in battle.

As the two ships drew near, Gan Ning nocked an arrow and shot at Chen Qi, who fell dead instantly.

Gan Ning then drove his ships forward in a great advance, unleashing a volley of ten thousand crossbow bolts.

Cao's army could not withstand them.

Gan Ning's Jinfan Lang broke through their lines and charged straight into Cao Cao's army.

Because Cai Mao had neglected training these past few days, Cao Cao's soldiers were more than capable of handling the water.

However, when faced with a river pirate like Gan Ning, and engaging in high-intensity combat, everyone was overwhelmed.

On the vast river, the warships swayed, and no one could stand firm.

Various brocade-sailed warships crisscrossed the waters.

In an instant, countless Cao army soldiers fell into the water.

Cao Cao's army was defeated and retreated. Cao Cao then ascended the dry camp and reorganized his troops.

Seeing that everyone was utterly defeated by the Huainan navy and had no power to fight back, he was greatly puzzled.

"...My soldiers have been in Xishui for ten days."

"How can they still be so vulnerable on the river?"

Cao Cao was full of questions, feeling that these soldiers had undergone a lot of training.

It's not much different from before training.

There has been progress, but it's not significant.

Cheng Yu, standing to the side, said:
“It must be because Cai Mao did not do his best.”

Cao Cao asked, "Why?"

Cheng Yuna explained:

"Previously, General Cao Ren killed Zhang Yun in Jiangling, which caused great panic among the generals in Jiangling."

"In Xiangyang City, there was also a lot of discussion."

"I'm afraid Cai Mao has heard some rumors and has become somewhat lax."

Cheng Yu only said half of what he meant, not the whole story.

However, the implication was quite clear: it was telling Cao Cao that Cai Mao and his group were showing off against him.

Cao Cao was furious upon hearing this and slammed his fist on the table, saying:
"How dare these people underestimate me!"

"I swear to kill this traitor!"

What kind of temperament did Cao Cao have?
How could he tolerate such insolence from his subordinates?

Cai Mao, a traitor who murdered his ruler, dares to play tricks on me, Cao Cao.

"How to kill him?"

Cao Cao then asked Cheng Yu for his opinion.

Cheng Yu pondered for a long time before offering his advice:
"Cai Mao relied on his naval skills, outwardly appearing submissive but inwardly harboring resentment."

"If we execute them now, the gentry of Jingzhou will be alarmed and suspicious."

Cheng Yu did not object to Cao Cao killing Cai Mao.

After all, this kid is a bit arrogant; what's with the attitude of a traitor?

In fact, Cao Cao always admired people who had backbone and were loyal and righteous.

For example, Wang Xiu, Qian Zhao, Guan Yu, Yuan Huan, and Cheng Gongying, among others.

Although Cai Mao surrendered the city voluntarily, Cao Cao inwardly despised this traitor who betrayed the people of Jingzhou.

He was treated well only out of a need to appease him.

But to his surprise, Cai Mao dared to take advantage of his kindness and came to provoke him.

This made Cao Cao so intolerant that he resolved to eliminate him.

Cheng Yu continued speaking:

In my humble opinion, it would be better to invite him to a banquet and capture him there.

"Then a proclamation was issued announcing his crimes, stating that Cai Mao had conspired with Zhang Yun to poison Liu Biao and intended to offer Jingzhou to the Prime Minister."

"In this way, the killing will be justified, and the people's hearts will be at ease."

Back when Gao Tanglong went south to instigate Cai Mao to assassinate the emperor, he had already laid a trap for the Cai family.

All the evidence of how Cai Mao plotted to kill the King of Chu was preserved.

This is all for today!

Cao Cao pondered for a long time, then asked:
"What if the powerful families and clans of Jingzhou become estranged from me because of this?"

Cheng Yu replied:

“Kuai Yue, Pang Ji, and others may be enfeoffed as marquises and generously rewarded.”

“They will not dare to act if they see that Cai Mao is guilty and they themselves are honored.”

"Moreover, the naval officers and soldiers have long been controlled by Mao. Now that his head has been removed, they will be easier to command."

Cao Cao clapped his hands in approval and accepted Cheng Zhongde's plan.

He held a banquet in the central military tent, inviting all the civil and military officials of Jingzhou.

Cai Mao neglected to train his navy, which stemmed from his guilty conscience.

When Cao Cao first hosted a banquet and invited him, he was somewhat afraid and hesitant.

But when he heard that Cao Cao had invited not only him, but all the civil and military officials of Jingzhou, Cai Mao was relieved.

Unsuspecting of any deception, they gladly went to the meeting.

At the banquet, Cao Cao merely commended everyone for their hard work over the past few days.

Military affairs were not discussed.

Cai Mao was thus more at ease and drank heartily.

When the wine was half-finished, Cao Cao suddenly threw his cup to the ground and shouted in a stern voice:

"Cai Mao colluded with Zhang Yun to poison Liu Jingsheng."

"Now you have neglected my military duties again; your crime is unforgivable!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Cao Zhen stepped forward and led his guards to capture Cai Mao.

Cai Mao, drunk, was pinned to the ground before he could resist. The Jingzhou officials present all turned pale, bewildered by this sudden turn of events.

Cai Mao had already realized that this banquet was set up for him.

When Cao Cao brought up his crime of poisoning Liu Biao, he said that this was a serious crime.

Even though Cai Mao held a high position and wielded great power, he could not easily refute it.

He could only shout in response:

"Your Excellency is wise and discerning; Mao is truly innocent!!"

For now, all they can do is shout that they are innocent and hope to escape this calamity.

Once back in the army, Cao Cao naturally couldn't do anything to him.

But Cao Cao was a shrewd man, and he certainly saw through Cai Mao's little scheme.

He immediately shouted:

"You have murdered your lord and caused chaos; Heaven and Earth will not tolerate you."

"Now you have neglected military affairs again. If I were to forgive you, my laws would not be enforced!"

Without allowing him to argue, he ordered the warriors to take him out and behead him.

A moment later, the severed head was presented before the steps.

The people of Jingzhou were all trembling and speechless.

They were all filled with anxiety and fear, lest Cao Cao wipe them out as well.

The main problem is that Cao Zhen has now surrounded the main hall with his men, so they can't leave even if they want to.

They could only listen attentively and await Cao Cao's judgment.

Cao Cao then ordered Chen Lin to read aloud Cai Mao's ten major crimes:
First, they plotted to assassinate the emperor and seize power.

Secondly, they secretly colluded with the Eastern Wu and allied with the State of Qi.

Third, it delayed military operations and neglected training.

Fourthly, ...

Only the first three charges are the most serious.

The last seven points are purely for show.

However, by listing ten charges, it was to make Cai Mao appear even more heinous.

Cao Cao's killing of him was justified and reasonable.

After the announcement was read aloud, an order was immediately issued to all prefectures.

He then told the officials present that the banquet was held solely to execute Cai Mao and had nothing to do with them.

The group thanked them again, and with trepidation, withdrew respectfully.

The next day,

Cao Cao convened a meeting of his officials and then comforted them with gentle words:
"You are all pillars of the nation, and Mao's crime should not have brought disaster upon everyone."

Therefore, Kuai Yue was appointed Marquis of Jiangling.

Huang She was appointed Marquis of Zhangling.

He appointed Pang Ji as the governor of Nan Commandery.

The remaining gentry of Jingzhou and Xiangyang were all promoted in rank and received rewards.

This move undoubtedly tied the interests of the people of Jingzhou to his own.

Jingzhou was not dominated by a single family. The downfall of the Cai family was welcomed by the Kuai, Pang, and Huang families.

Especially after Cai Mao died, everyone was promoted and ennobled.

It can truly be said that when Cai Mao fell, everyone got a good meal.

Especially that series of awards.

Kuai Yue and Huang Shejin were both enfeoffed as marquises, and their fiefdoms were both in important locations in Jingzhou.

This means that only by defeating the Sun-Liu alliance can you protect your vested interests.

As for Pang Ji, he was appointed as the governor of Nan Commandery.

Nanjun was the capital of Jingzhou and the center of power there.

This was also a signal Cao Cao was sending to the people of Jingzhou: I killed Cai Mao only to seize military power over the Jingzhou navy.

We will never infringe upon your vested interests, and we will instead consolidate them.

This is what is meant by applying both kindness and severity, and combining firmness and gentleness.

The slaying of Yi Mao terrified the navy, and the bestowal of titles upon the virtuous won the hearts of the people of Jingzhou and Xiangyang.

Although it involves cunning and deception, it is also the strategy of a hegemon.

After Cao Cao seized military power and temporarily stabilized the various factions in Jingzhou, he succeeded.

He then appointed Cao Ren to take full control of the Jingzhou navy, and appointed Mao Jie and Yu Jin as naval commanders.

He was tasked with training the navy on behalf of Cai Mao and Zhang Yun.

The spies discovered this and reported it to Jiangdong.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yu was greatly shocked:
"Cai Mao and Zhang Yun have already been killed by Cao Cao!"

"Those two men were highly skilled in naval affairs and made significant contributions. Why didn't Cao Cao utilize their expertise and instead had them killed?"

Zhou Yu couldn't figure it out, but others told him that it seemed Li Yi was using a divisive tactic.

This aroused Cao's suspicion, ultimately leading to the murder of Cai Mao and Zhang Yun.

Zhou Yu spoke gently, then couldn't help but sigh:

"My only concern is these two people."

"Now that the enemy has been wiped out, I should have no worries."

"However, Li Yi's military tactics are so effective, and with the Qi state as his backer, I fear that my Wu state will ultimately be unable to defeat him."

People on both sides said:
"Our greatest enemy now is Cao Cao. Once we destroy Cao Cao and divide up the nine commanderies of Jingzhou and Xiangyang, what worries do we have about not achieving our great cause?"

"Why should the Governor worry about such unfounded things?"

Zhou Yu's brows furrowed with discontent as he pondered:
"What you all say makes sense. Things have come to this point, and worrying is useless."

"Let's wait until we defeat Cao Cao before we discuss how to divide Jingzhou."

Therefore, Zhou Yu continued to deploy troops at Xiakou, looking for an opportunity to strike.

……

Let me talk about two things.

Xuzhou, Xia Pi.

While Liu Bei was governing Xiapi, he held a grand meeting with all his civil and military officials.

On the one hand, he kept a close eye on the battlefield in Jiangnan, fearing that something might go wrong.

Besides these two things, Liu Bei also took great care of the families of his subordinates.

Because the generals were out leading troops in battle, their relatives and family members would definitely have to stay in Xiapi.

They call it taking care of you, but in reality, they're afraid you'll have second thoughts.

This is perfectly reasonable, and it would be the same for any feudal lord.

Of course, as long as you act with peace of mind and without ulterior motives.

Your family members will not only be safe, but will also be well taken care of.

After all, if you're leading troops in the field and find out something has happened to your family, your mindset will definitely be affected.

You can refer to Xu You, whose entire family was arrested by Shen Pei because a member of his family committed a crime.

Then he completely lost his mind and defected to the enemy.

Many officials went south, and Liu Bei sent people to take care of their families one by one.

For the elderly, they would have rice and meat provided.

If a wife is left alone at home, she should send a maid to keep her company.

Of course, among all the officials, Liu Bei took the best care of Li Yi's family.

Li Yi's family is currently in Hebei, but the man has gone to Jiangnan.

It is a true separation between heaven and earth.

Old Liu felt quite guilty about this, and often sent people to select pearls, corals, and brocades to Hebei.

He also sent people to inquire about the health of Li Yi's wife and children, and to find out if they were unwell.

They then sent a doctor and medicine, and took great care of him.

On this day, news suddenly came that Li Yi's wife, Yuan Ying, was pregnant.

It was left behind by Li Yi before he went south.

Pregnant with a second child is usually a joyous occasion.

Yuan Ying wanted to send someone to tell Li Yi in the south the good news.

However, Mi Zhen dissuaded him, believing that Li Yi was currently on official business in Jiangnan.

He won't be back for at least six months to a year. Telling him that will only increase his worries.

So the matter was temporarily suppressed.

However, it would be difficult for the person Liu Bei sent to visit not to know about this.

He then brought it back and reported it truthfully to Liu Bei.

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei was also happy for Li Yi and laughed:

"It seems that Ziyu's skill in giving birth far surpasses mine!"

"If I am not mistaken, Prime Minister Li already has two sons."

"...One son governs, the other brings peace; have I remembered correctly?"

Everyone praised Liu Bei for his good memory.

Just as they were chatting and laughing, someone said something:
"Speaking of which, two days ago, Lord Zhuge also had a son."

Since Zhuge Liang had already gone to Jiangnan, the "Lord Zhuge" mentioned here naturally refers to Zhuge Jin.

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei laughed and said:
“…Good, Ziyu has also gained a son, and the Zhuge family line will continue.”

Therefore, someone was to be sent to Zhuge Jin with congratulatory gifts to express blessings.

Lu Su quickly stopped him and advised:
"There's no need to go. This child has already been sent elsewhere by Ziyu."

"...Send it elsewhere?"

Liu Bei was taken aback, not understanding what he meant.

Lu Su then explained that Zhuge Jin had sent the newborn child to a couple in the countryside to raise.

This made Liu Bei even more confused, and he asked again:
"Parents' love for their children is natural."

"Now that Ziyu has just had a son, he should cherish him dearly. Why then is he so hastily sent to the common people?"

Lu Su then said:

"Your Majesty is unaware that this child was born to a concubine."

Therefore, Ziyu sent him away.

Liu Bei then realized the truth. Although he did not approve of Zhuge Jin's behavior, he could understand it.

The Book of Wu once commented on Zhuge Jin, saying that although his intelligence and strategic vision were not as good as his younger brother Zhuge Liang.

But his character and conduct are exceptionally kind and honest.

How exactly does it mean to be honest and kind?
He was known for his strict adherence to the law: "If his wife dies, he will not remarry; if he has a concubine he loves, he will not raise the child he has conceived; such is the extent of his prudence."

This means that after Zhuge Jin's wife died, he never remarried.

Even after he took a concubine who conceived his children, he didn't raise any of them.

This shows how kind and cautious he was.

It should be noted that "生子不举" here means "to give birth to a child but not raise it".

It doesn't mean that you should kill someone if they have a child.

Historical records from the Song and Yuan dynasties state that "not raising a child after birth" meant killing the child.

Before the Song and Yuan dynasties, "不举" meant "not to support".

This has led some to wonder, given how cruel Zhuge Jin is.

Why does the Book of Wu praise him as honest and cautious?
This is because ancient customs were different; it's not that everyone thinks this way.

But some people do think this is a good thing, a virtue.

This is because it guarantees the status of the legal wife.

If a principal wife dies and a concubine is promoted to the position of principal wife, then the concubine is very likely to take charge of the household affairs.

Therefore, acknowledging the status of her illegitimate son would greatly elevate the status of the favored concubine.

The saying "a mother's status rises with her son's" is a common human sentiment.

By the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, in an era dominated by powerful clans.

If a disorderly succession occurs, it will affect the reputation of the family.

Therefore, to avoid this risk, some people choose not to acknowledge the sons of their favorite concubines.

Taking precautions before problems arise demonstrates Zhuge Jin's prudence.

After listening, Liu Bei pondered for a long time before saying:

"...Ziyu's concerns are all correct."

"However, this action would ultimately violate the proper relationship between father and son, and I cannot bear to see it happen."

So he ordered someone to summon Zhuge Jin and reprimanded him:

"I have heard that even the fiercest tigers and wolves protect their young."

"Even plants and trees, though ignorant, still protect their seedlings."

"Moreover, humans are the most intelligent of all beings; how could they not love their own offspring?"

"Ziyu's actions are truly against the natural order of things."

Even if there is a compelling reason, one should think twice.

Zhuge Jin nodded in agreement, explaining that his intention in doing so was to set a moral example.

Surprisingly, many people still can't accept it.

What he most hoped for was someone who would accept him, but that person who refused to accept him was none other than Liu Bei.

Liu Bei continued speaking:

"Mencius' mother chose her neighbors carefully, for the sake of her son's future."

"Isn't it too much for you to abandon your son now?"

"I urge Ziyu to think carefully. What has this child done wrong? The people are suffering greatly!"

"How can parents bear the pain of being separated from their children?"

Zhuge Jin was also a shrewd person. Seeing that Liu Bei was displeased, he immediately admitted his mistake.

He said he would go and bring the abandoned baby back immediately.

Seeing that such a thing had happened among the common people, Liu Bei then issued another order:

"Under my jurisdiction, no newborn child shall be abandoned without permission; those who violate this rule shall be punished according to the law!"

Once the decree was issued, the people praised Liu Bei's benevolence and virtue.

I am deeply moved by King Qi's truly compassionate fatherhood; this decree has saved countless infants!
However, among the staff, there were also those who had private discussions.

"...Although this is a good policy, it may cause future troubles."

"If the private property of concubines and maids in wealthy families is all kept and cared for, what will happen if they fight over the property and cause chaos in the family line in the future?"

“When Duke Zhuang of Zheng was born, the state was in grave danger.”

“The King of Qi now only admires the reputation of benevolence and righteousness, without considering the long-term consequences, which will cause harm sooner or later.”

In the eyes of these nobles, concubines were simply items that could be given away at will.

A mother's status rises with her son's; once their child is elevated to the status of the principal wife, it will inevitably threaten her position in the future.

If disputes over inheritance and family lineage arise, how can we stop them?
Opinions on Liu Bei's newly promulgated laws were mixed.

However, many mothers are able to avoid seeing their children, as they are taken away right after birth.

……

(End of this chapter)