Three Kingdoms: I am not Liu Bian

Chapter 206 His Highness the Crown Prince is the Representative of the People's Will
Liu Bian laughed heartily, completely unaware that he was the one who had come, and pulled Lu Zhi toward the main hall, where they happened to run into Lu Zhi's eldest son, Lu Fu, and second son, Lu Fan.

Seeing their father's helpless expression, Lu Fu and Lu Fan couldn't help but smile at each other. They were clearly quite pleased to see Lu Zhi, who was usually a strict father at home, behaving like this.

As for the nervousness when meeting the Crown Prince?
The Crown Prince visited Lu Zhi's residence as if he were returning home. He did not rely on any special entourage of the Crown Prince. Sometimes he would arrive on horseback with Dian Wei or Xu Chu and more than twenty guards from the Crown Prince's residence.

At first, Lu Fu and Lu Fan were quite frightened and surprised, but after a while, they got used to it and bowed to the Crown Prince with composure, their expressions becoming more relaxed.

Outsiders like Zhen Yi, on the other hand, had to spend five hundred million coins to get a chance to meet the emperor.

Upon seeing the brothers Lu Fu and Lu Fan, Liu Bian stopped in his tracks and looked Lu Fu up and down, who had already come of age.

Dressed in an elegant Confucian robe, he exuded the refined and scholarly air of a gentleman from a scholarly family. Coupled with his face, which bore a striking resemblance to Lu Zhi, he looked every bit the "young and capable man."

Liu Bian's smile reached his eyes, and he raised his hand and gestured, saying, "Zisheng, the memorial submitted by Wen Shu, the Prefect of Zhuojun, recommending you as a candidate for the civil service examination has been delivered to my desk. How about you enter the Crown Prince's residence after the examination this summer?"

Lu Zhi had four sons, all born to the principal wife of Zhang, a woman from Jiyin.

The eldest son was born prematurely and died a little over a month after birth, before he could be given a formal name. Lu Fu, who is now the eldest son, is actually the second son.

However, children who die before being named are usually not included in the family genealogy, so Lu Fu was the eldest son.

The second son, Lu Fan, is fifteen years old and studying at the Imperial Academy. The third son, Lu Yu, was born at the end of last year during the Yellow Turban Rebellion.

The names Lu Zhi gave his three sons were derived from the "Di Guan Si Tu Pian · Da Si Tu" chapter of the ancient text "Zhou Guan", which says, "To enrich the people, to breed birds and beasts, to nurture grass and trees, and to manage the affairs of the land".

Lu Fu was naturally overjoyed. As Lu Zhi's son, he understood who was responsible for the prosperity of the Lu family of Zhuojun today, and he was already prepared to follow His Highness the Crown Prince alongside his father!

Even if it means going through fire and water, I'm willing to do it!

Moreover, the Crown Prince's decision to appoint him to serve in the Crown Prince's Palace signifies the Crown Prince's trust and recognition of him. He... Lu Fu glanced cautiously at Lu Zhi; he desperately needed such recognition!
However, just as Lu Fu was overjoyed, he saw Lu Zhi frown and say seriously, "Your Highness, although Zisheng is well-versed in the classics, he has no experience in political affairs and is not qualified to serve in the Crown Prince's Palace."

These words caused Lu Fu's smile to freeze instantly, his fingers unconsciously clenching the hem of his clothes until his knuckles turned white, but Lu Zhi seemed not to notice and said, "I am acquainted with Liu Yin, the governor of Liaodong, and I plan to send Zisheng to Liaodong to serve as a county official for three years after the examination."

Lu Fu looked at his father with a hint of disbelief in his eyes, but those deep and solemn eyes were like an icy pool, making him feel a bone-chilling cold in the middle of summer.

Lu Fan, who was standing to the side, was also a little indignant. His face turned red as if he wanted to step forward to speak up for his brother, but Lu Fu secretly pulled his clothes.

According to regulations, after a candidate passes the examination, he/she should be appointed as a junior official in one of the three departments or as a junior official in the Ministry of Personnel. How could a candidate who has passed the examination be sent to the harsh and cold Liaodong region to serve as a county official?
At the very least, he should be a county magistrate!
Lu Zhi's arrangement was clearly an exile!
However, Liu Bian was not too surprised. Given Lu Zhi's personality, it was not surprising. It was just that Liaodong was too remote. If the Xianbei invaded and war broke out, even this eldest son might not be able to survive.

Although he was the crown prince, he could not interfere too much in Lu Zhi’s upbringing. Liu Bian reached out and gently patted Lu Fu’s trembling shoulder, comforting him, “It’s alright. In three years, Zisheng will come to me as a censor.”

It wouldn't take more than three years to quell the Qiang rebellion in Liangzhou. By then, he would have already ascended the throne. The Imperial Censor, as the emperor's legal advisor and also responsible for drafting edicts, was a close minister of the emperor, which was quite a generous honor.

Having received the Crown Prince's promise, Lu Fu managed a forced smile, but his lips drooped downwards, and there was an undeniable sense of disappointment in his eyes, which were as dull and lifeless as pearls that had lost their luster.

Liu Bian pulled Lu Zhi a few steps closer, lowered his voice, and said, "Although Zisheng has no experience, he is a young talent renowned in Luoyang. Why must Master Lu be so strict with him?"

Lu Zhi shook his head slightly, put his hands behind his back, and saw that Lu Fu and Lu Fan had not followed. He said in a low voice, "Jade must be carved to become a vessel. Although this boy has some talent, many of his empty reputations come from me. If he is not polished and refined, I'm afraid he will be immersed in empty reputations, think that he is more talented than others, and end up like Ma Fuzi."

"Moreover, with my connections and His Highness's favor, he will be appointed to an official position sooner or later. If an official is arrogant but lacks talent, he will harm the people of the region. Therefore, I would rather he hold a grudge than let him harm the people of my great Han Dynasty in the future."

Although Liu Bian still disliked many powerful and influential families, he had to admit that, at least in terms of education, the Lu family of Zhuojun's educational methods were indeed capable of producing talented individuals. It is no wonder that the Lu family of Fanyang later became one of the four prominent families and ranked second among the five surnames and seven noble families.

However, just like every teenager and their father.

The child knows that his father is doing this for his own good, but he can't help but feel resentful for a moment.

The father clearly meant well for his child, yet he remained unwilling to express the concern and love he held deep in his heart.

Perhaps the overall success rate of repressive education is higher, but Confucius's idea of ​​teaching according to aptitude is correct. Lu Fu, who has always been humble, polite, and even somewhat weak-willed, does not need repression, but rather encouragement and recognition from his strict father, Lu Zhi.

Otherwise, excessive rigidity can easily lead to breakage, and one might end up with a weak and cowardly personality like Emperor Xiaohui, which would truly ruin a promising talent.

Master Lu usually teaches his disciples this principle, but why does he seem to forget it when it comes to his own offspring?

Sigh, it seems that his disciple will have to worry about this more.

Upon entering the main hall, Liu Bian helped Lu Zhi's mother, Jia, to a seat, where they sat together in the main seat.

Lu Zhi's wife, Zhang, was unable to dine in the main hall because she was weak after giving birth last year and had been bedridden for half a year. She still needed to rest and could not even tolerate the slightest breeze.

After everyone had taken their seats, Madam Jia watched as the maids frequently carried dishes in and out of the hall. She couldn't help but look at the food table, only to find that the dishes on her table were different from those of Lu Zhi and the others, which puzzled her greatly.

The doubt in Jia's eyes did not escape Liu Bian's notice. Gao Wang, who was standing by, stepped forward at the right moment, bowed to Jia, and said, "This is a medicinal meal that His Highness ordered the chef to prepare specially for the Grand Madam. It has been carefully prepared for a long time, just to show his respect to the Grand Madam."

"Speak up."

Liu Bian reprimanded Gao Wang in a low voice, picked up a bowl of soup, gently touched the bowl with his palm, felt that the temperature was just right, and then took a small sip with a clean spoon before serving Jia Shi the soup.

Naturally, Lady Jia dared not let the Crown Prince serve her soup, so she quickly snatched the bowl from his hands and sipped it slowly. The soup was sweet and refreshing, rich but not greasy.

"Lily and Egg Yolk Soup is a medicinal diet created by Zhang Zhongjing, a famous doctor from Nanyang, whom I summoned to the Imperial Medical Bureau today. It can clear the heart and lungs, nourish yin and blood, and calm the mind and help with sleep."

Liu Bian introduced Jia to a series of delicious medicinal dishes, explaining their origins and effects, and telling related anecdotes, which made the old woman smile with delight.

Of course, she only listened to the carefully prepared explanations.

Born into the Jia family of Fufeng, a family of scholars, she was naturally not one of those unsophisticated women who could be easily flattered by a few words from the Crown Prince.

However, she had to appear touched on the surface, otherwise the Crown Prince would have been trying to coax her for nothing.

Moreover, for a prince of such high status to consider the health of an old woman like her, preparing nourishing medicinal meals, and even lowering himself to please her, is already an immense favor and courtesy. At least 70% of this gratitude is genuine.

The repeated use of "Grandmother" did not refute the "filial piety" mentioned by Attendant Gao, which made people feel particularly comfortable. No wonder everyone in the world said that the current Crown Prince was a virtuous prince who respected the wise and loved scholars. No wonder her son was so devoted to the Crown Prince, even at the cost of tarnishing his reputation by associating with a family like the Zhen family of Wuji.

After the meal, Jia said she was full and wanted to go for a walk in the backyard to digest her food. Lu Fu understood and helped Jia out of the main hall.

Lu Fan then asked the Crown Prince to take care of his bedridden mother. Only the Crown Prince, Lu Zhi, and Zhen Yi, who only symbolically ate a few bites of food, remained in the main hall.

He had only heard that the Crown Prince and his tutor had a good relationship, but he never imagined that seeing it for himself was truly better than hearing about it.

The Crown Prince moved freely through the Lu residence without any hindrance, and addressed Jia as "Grandmother." When he was with Lu Zhi, there was no sense of the relationship between ruler and subject; instead, they seemed like close friends despite their age difference.

Zhen Yi cautiously raised his head and stole a glance at the Crown Prince and Lu Zhi, who had been laughing and chatting just moments before. He saw the Crown Prince resting his elbow on the table, his slender fingers supporting his chin, looking at him with a half-smile.

Lu Zhi sighed slightly. Although he had the courage, he lacked insight and discernment. So he shouted, "Hurry up and pay your respects to the Crown Prince!"

Startled by Lu Zhi's shout, Zhen Yi quickly rose from his seat and went to the center of the main hall. He bowed to the Crown Prince and said, "Your subject, Zhen Yi, the magistrate of Shangcai, pays his respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince!"

Lu Zhi nodded slightly and took a sip of the honey water.

His efforts in sending people to teach Zhen Yi the etiquette for meeting the Crown Prince over the past few days have not been in vain. Although he is a bit dull, he does have some merits.

But before the Crown Prince could speak, Zhen Yi's next words caused Lu Zhi to spit out all the honey water he had just drunk. The amber-colored honey water smeared dark stains on his clothes, and he coughed violently, clinging to the edge of the table.

Zhen Yi took out several business contracts and land deeds from his sleeve, bowed his head, and presented them with both hands, saying, "Your subject has three million shi of grain stored in Youfufeng, which I wish to offer to Your Highness the Crown Prince!"

Even Liu Bian, the ruler of the Han Empire, was shocked by Zhen Yi's extravagant gesture.

Liu Bian leaned forward slightly and asked, "I haven't heard of any large caravans transporting grain to Youfufeng in the past two months. How did you manage to do that?"

Seeing the Crown Prince's confusion, Zhen Yi explained, "Oh, I did not send anyone to transport grain. I only bought dozens of grain shops in the Three Auxiliary Regions."

Faced with Zhen Yi's display of immense wealth, even Liu Bian couldn't help but curse him inwardly as a "rich bastard"!
What does it mean to have three million shi of grain stored up?
After the grain and fodder from various places were gathered in Luoyang, they were transported. Taking into account the losses during the journey, the grain and fodder needed by the large army of good families dispatched by the imperial court for a year was only seven million shi. Even if we include the forty thousand prefectural soldiers and county soldiers, the grain and fodder gathered in Luoyang would only amount to ten million shi.

Although they could rely on waterways, about 30% of the grain was lost along the way, while the three million shi of grain belonging to the Wuji Zhen family was stored in the Sanfu region and would not be lost much!
This was practically paid out of his own pocket, solving the problem of food supplies for the imperial court's army suppressing the rebellion in Liangzhou for half a year!

Admittedly, Zhen Yi doesn't quite understand the rules of officialdom, but he does understand the rules of the business world!
People do not blame!
As long as you give enough to please His Highness the Crown Prince, even if you don't get what you want, you can just consider it as donating money to buy a special certificate that can grant you immunity from death once!

Before the Crown Prince could speak, Lu Zhi immediately stood up and retorted, "Nonsense! What do you mean by 'offering it to His Highness the Crown Prince'? It's a donation to the people of the Han Dynasty, a donation to the soldiers fighting for the country on the front lines!"

"It is merely temporarily stored in the hands of the imperial court, which will allocate it to benefit all the people of the Han Dynasty by giving back to those who are protecting the Han people on the front lines!"

Liu Bian glanced at Lu Zhi sideways. He didn't believe Lu Zhi would say that His Highness the Crown Prince was the representative of the will of the people of the Han Dynasty and that he was exercising state power on behalf of the people of the Han Dynasty. Since state power was concentrated in the court, offering it to the court was equivalent to offering it to the Crown Prince.

fart!

Damn it, that old bastard is clearly trying to steal my money!
Offering something to the Crown Prince means it goes under the Crown Prince's name, while offering it to the imperial court means it goes under the national treasury. They are completely different things!

However, Zhen Yi lacked experience and insight, and thought that Lu Zhi was only trying to avoid the Crown Prince being accused of selling official positions when promoting him, so he made his intentions seem more noble, and even sighed in his heart.

Look at him, no wonder he is the Crown Prince's trusted tutor, even his words are so eloquent!
Judging from the expressions of His Highness the Crown Prince and the Crown Prince's tutor, it was clear that his performance today had met the Crown Prince's approval.

The hope for the rise of the Wuji Zhen clan rests on the Crown Prince!
Your Highness, please don't stand on ceremony with me!
I am quite wealthy!
Zhen Yi revealed a smug smile.

(4261 words)
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PS: Lu Zhi had four sons. This is not something the author made up randomly, but is based on the record in "Records of the Three Kingdoms, Volume 22, Book of Wei, Chapter 22: Biographies of Huan, Er, Chen, Xu, Wei, and Lu".

(I) Lu Yu, courtesy name Zijia, was a native of Zhuojun. His father, Zhi, was renowned in the world. Yu was orphaned at the age of ten, and during a rebellion in his home prefecture, his two elder brothers died in the chaos.

(ii) He had four sons, with Yu being the youngest.

In other words, Lu Yu had two older brothers who died in the turmoil of Youzhou at the end of the Han Dynasty. However, Lu Zhi had four sons, and I personally speculate that one of them died young. Otherwise, given the status and position of Lu Zhi and Lu Yu, there would have been no record of their deaths.

(End of this chapter)