Brother, stop curling up! You're curling up like the founder of the Han Dynasty!

Chapter 207 Zhuge Liang's Opponent, Liu Bei Intimidates Sima Yi (Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets)
After Liu Bei's victory in the war against Yanzhou, he only implemented the new policies in Chenliu, Jiyin, Shanyang and Yuzhou, but not in Hanoi Commandery.

Even so, many powerful families in Hanoi fled in panic, transferring their money and grain, and selling their land and houses.

Liu Bei first replaced the governor of Hanoi with his sworn brother Zhang Fei, and then led his troops into Hanoi, which made the powerful families and clans in Hanoi realize the danger.

Wen County.

After seeing off the visiting Hanoi gentry, Sima Fang returned wearily to his courtyard.

The Sima family had a long history of officialdom. In the early Han Dynasty, their eleventh ancestor, Sima Ang, was one of the vassal kings enfeoffed by Xiang Yu. The family then lived in Wen County for four hundred years.

Despite the ups and downs of the family, they remain a prominent and influential family in Wen County.

This family, whose lineage can be traced back to the Warring States period, has a history spanning hundreds of years and a foundation far superior to that of the surrounding families. In addition, Sima Fang had served as the magistrate of Luoyang and the governor of Jingzhao in his youth, making him quite famous in Wen County.

The purpose of the Hanoi gentry visiting Sima Fang was almost the same: they wanted to know how Sima Fang would deal with Liu Bei's new policies.

However, despite his reputation and talent, Sima Fang could not come up with a good way to deal with Liu Bei's new policies.

To be honest, Sima Fang didn't think he could out-argue Liu Bei.

Looking at the events surrounding Liu Bei's rise to power, Sima Fang asserted that Liu Bei was not merely a military man, and was completely different from military men like Dong Zhuo who seized power purely through force.

In just three years, he rose from a minor county magistrate in Anxi to become a renowned general, imperial uncle, and minister, with his trusted confidants spread throughout the court and the country.

Without exception, all the powerful clans that dared to resist Liu Bei's new policies were defeated by him.

What Sima Fang feared even more was that Liu Bei dealt with rebels by only executing the ringleaders, while the rest were made to participate in labor and earn their own living. Those who participated in labor were not labeled as family members of criminals, but were treated as ordinary commoners who could enjoy normal rights.

Both cruel and benevolent.

This led to a polarization of Liu Bei's reputation.

Those who hate Liu Bei believe he is cruel and tyrannical, a man who brings chaos to the world.

Those who respect Liu Bei believe that he is a man of benevolence and virtue who will govern the world.

It was precisely because of this polarized reputation that Liu Bei was able to gain the support of a large number of common people even when he dealt with powerful clans and gentry with harsh methods.

That's right.

It had the support of not only ordinary people, but also scholars.

Because not every aristocratic family liked to annex land and keep slaves, there were still aristocratic families who upheld integrity and took it as their responsibility to serve the country and bring peace to the people.

The polarization also made it difficult for the powerful clans that opposed Liu Bei to unite.

Liu Bei's successive defeats of Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu, and other rebel forces also made many gentry see his potential to bring peace to the land.

Especially those aristocratic families who upheld integrity did not care about how much wealth they had; they only cared about their personal reputation.

Just like Yang Xiu, Yang Biao's son, he believed that building a family fortune was a low-level interest, and that only following Liu Bei to accomplish a great and earth-shattering feat was a high-level interest that should be pursued.

There were also a large number of such scholars in Hanoi.

"Father."

As soon as he entered the inner courtyard, his eldest son Sima Lang and second son Sima Yi came to greet him.

Looking at Sima Lang, who had just come of age, and Sima Yi, who was twelve years old, Sima Fang's expression became even more somber.

Compared to his own father, Sima Jun, Sima Fang was much more likely to have sons.

Besides Sima Lang and Sima Yi, Sima Fang also had six sons of varying ages.

However, Sima Fang valued Sima Lang and Sima Yi the most.

Sima Yi, in particular, was quick-witted and composed from a young age, and his temperament was even better than that of his elder brother Sima Lang. Even at the age of twelve, he could discuss current affairs with Sima Fang.

“Father, the Sima family has lived in Wen County for generations. They rely on their family’s academic heritage. Apart from that, they can abandon all other things, such as money, grain, land, houses, and servants. Therefore, I think we should not get too close to those families who are unwilling to give up their family property.”

"Liu Huangshu has the appearance of a hero. Even Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu, who came from four generations of high-ranking officials, were no match for Liu Huangshu. My father and I should not be his enemies. From now on, we should stay at home, study and cultivate our minds."

After listening to Sima Fang's troubles, Sima Yi was the first to express his opinion.

Although he is only twelve years old, his tendency to yield to strong opponents far surpasses that of ordinary people.

For a powerful and influential family to survive for hundreds of years, its members are not necessarily the most talented people of their time, but rather the most adept at maximizing benefits and minimizing harm.

Upon hearing Sima Yi's opinion, Sima Fang could only give a wry smile: "If that's the case, I'll offend everyone."

They are all members of the Hanoi gentry. If they isolate themselves from the community, they will not be able to get help from others in the future, and when they fall on hard times, everyone will turn against them.

This is not Sima Fang's way of dealing with people and situations.

Sima Lang considered the matter carefully and said, "If Father does not want to offend everyone, why not go to Ye City? With Father's talent, you will surely be able to hold an important position. Now that Liu Bei has come to Hanoi, Yuan Shao in Ye City will certainly not sit idly by."

"I foresee that Hanoi will soon become a battlefield. A wise man is mindful of danger even in times of peace and should not put himself in a dangerous situation. Staying in Hanoi is too risky."

Before he could finish speaking, Sima Yi retorted, "Brother, you are mistaken. The world is still in turmoil, and the tide does not lie in Ye City. If we go to Ye City to serve as officials now, what will become of our Sima family if Ye City falls in the future?"

"I firmly believe that we should now remain at home, study and cultivate our character, and not serve under any power. Only after the situation in the world has stabilized should we enter the court as officials with integrity, so that the Sima family line can continue."

For a time, Sima Lang and Sima Yi argued incessantly.

One insisted on going to Ye City, believing that Liu Bei's new policies had offended too many people and that he would inevitably be defeated by Yuan Shao in the future; the other insisted on not joining any faction, prioritizing self-preservation and waiting for the world's power to fall to one side.

Seeing the arguing Geminis, Sima Fang was even more conflicted and unable to make a decision.

"Magistrate Zhang invites the head of the household and his two sons to a banquet."

Just then, a servant rushed in to report.

Sima Fang was slightly surprised: "Magistrate Zhang invited me to the banquet, why do you also want my two sons to come?"

The servant said, "It is said that a high-ranking official has come to Wen County and specifically requested that the master and the two young masters attend the banquet."

Sima Fang's expression grew even more serious.

He wanted to stay away, but he was afraid of putting Magistrate Zhang Wang in a difficult position.

"Perhaps he is an old acquaintance of my father," Sima Lang guessed.

Sima Fang sighed, "Speculation is useless." He then instructed his servant to prepare a carriage.

Inside the county government office.

County Magistrate Zhang Wang was respectful and courteous in his demeanor.

Seated in the chief seat was a man of imposing appearance, none other than Liu Bei, who had come from Luoyang. To his right, Zhuge Liang stood quietly reading a book.

On this trip to Hanoi, Liu Bei could go directly to shoot dogs.

When passing through Wen County, Liu Bei learned by chance that many gentry from Henan were vying to visit Sima Fang, which reminded Liu Bei of Sima Yi, Zhuge Liang's lifelong enemy.

Although the Jin dynasty, established by Sima Yi's grandson, was in chaos, Liu Bei had never taken Sima Yi seriously before.

Just as Cao Cao didn't take Sima Yi seriously when he was in power, no adult would really be afraid of a child.

However, since he was already there, Liu Bei suddenly became interested in seeing what kind of person the young Sima Yi was, so he sent the county magistrate Zhang Wang to invite Sima Fang and his two sons to a banquet.

As luck would have it, the county magistrate, Zhang Wang, had a daughter two years ago, whom he named Chunhua.

They just put everyone together at one table.

Zhang Wang had no idea why Liu Bei had come to Wen County, nor did he know what kind of relationship Liu Bei had with Sima Fang.

The only thing Zhang Wang was certain of was that Liu Bei was currently at the height of his power and absolutely could not be offended.

Not long after.

Sima Fang and his son entered together.

Liu Bei glanced up at Sima Fang, then moved his gaze to Sima Lang, and finally landed on Sima Yi.

Compared to the composure of Sima Fang and Sima Lang, Sima Yi appeared rather reserved and seemed quite shy.

Only after Sima Fang and his son entered did Zhang Wang quietly approach and inform the three of Liu Bei's identity.

Sima Fang was greatly surprised and hurriedly stepped forward to pay his respects.

Upon learning Liu Bei's identity, the usually reserved and timid Sima Yi secretly glanced at Liu Bei, but upon meeting Liu Bei's gaze, he lowered his head as if startled.

Although it was only for a moment, it allowed Liu Bei to see something: someone so young knows how to conceal their talents, which is truly remarkable.

"I have long heard that Sima Fang of Hanoi has two outstanding young men, and seeing them today, I can see they are indeed extraordinary." Liu Bei smiled calmly, then pointed to Zhuge Liang and introduced him: "This is my student, Zhuge Liang of Langya."

Before Sima Fang could speak, Liu Bei continued, "Kongming, I need to discuss important matters with Sima Fang and Sima Lang. Please entertain Sima Yi for me. You two are of similar age and can have more exchanges."

Zhuge Liang nodded, strode towards Sima Yi, and said, "Brother Sima, would you please come to my courtyard for a chat?"

Sima Yi's heart was in turmoil: I've been acting so reserved and shy, and I don't go out much these days, so how come Liu Bei still thinks I'm a handsome young man?
Faced with Zhuge Liang's invitation, Sima Yi dared not refuse, and still pretended to be timid and fearful, and left with Zhuge Liang.

After the two men left, Liu Bei turned to Sima Fang and his son Sima Lang, his gaze sharpening: "You two are both intelligent men, so I won't beat around the bush. I intend to implement new policies in Hanoi and would like to find several prestigious families to lead the way, thereby increasing the efficiency of the implementation of these policies. I have heard that many Hanoi gentry have recently visited the Sima family, so I have come here upon hearing the news. Would you two be willing to assist me?"

Sima Fang was horrified.

take the lead?

If I take the lead, won't the Hanoi gentry gossip about me behind my back?

"Uncle, I haven't served in office for a long time, and I have no reputation now," Sima Fang said, lowering his head and offering a reason.

Liu Bei laughed and said, "If you are willing to help me, I will certainly not treat you unfairly. After the matter is accomplished, you can become the governor of Wei Commandery. Your eldest son, Sima Lang, can become the magistrate of Ye City."

what?
Sima Fang was taken aback.

I didn't mean to ask for an official position!

Uncle, could you focus your attention on the fact that you "have no reputation now"?
There are also the Prefect of Wei Commandery and the Magistrate of Ye City.
If my son and I were to accept these official positions, would we even have a chance to survive?
Regardless of what Sima Fang thought, Liu Bei continued, "I have always preferred reason to force; therefore, I hope that the gentry of Hanoi will listen to my reasoning."

"The money, grain, land, and houses are enough. There is no need to resort to trickery and plunder. If we don't give the common people a way to live, they will frequently join the Black Mountain and become the Yellow Turbans, and Hanoi will not be stable. People are not born to be slaves to anyone. They can be made to work, but they must be given enough money and grain as payment."

"Although there may be some initial discomfort, people will adapt over time. Even if this generation doesn't adapt, the next generation can. What do you two think?"

Although he claimed to be reasonable, Liu Bei's imposing manner left Sima Fang and Sima Lang speechless and unable to refute him.

Sima Fang also understood Liu Bei's style: he preferred reasoning to using force, which was also a way of saying, "If you don't listen to my reasoning, I will have no choice but to use force."

If someone else said this, they might just be saying it casually.

But when Liu Bei said that, he really meant he would resort to force.

The heads of the bandits on the walls of Chang'an and Luoyang were the fate of those who defied Liu Bei's reasoning and recklessly rebelled.

“I am willing to help the Imperial Uncle.” Sima Fang was the first to express his opinion: “But please forgive my lack of talent and learning as the Prefect of Wei Commandery; my son has just come of age and is not capable of serving as the Magistrate of Ye City.”

Sima Lang also declined, saying, "Those who can serve as county magistrates are all people of great talent. I, a commoner, have no experience as an official and dare not take on the job."

They could help, but Sima Fang and his son dared not touch the Prefect of Wei Commandery and the Magistrate of Ye City, not even remotely!

Sima Lang, in particular, had originally intended for Sima Fang to serve as an official in Ye City, and even if he were to become the Prefect of Wei Commandery, he would have to be the Prefect of Wei Commandery under Liu Yu.

Liu Bei smiled calmly and turned to look at Magistrate Zhang Wang: "Magistrate Zhang, you just told me that Sima Fang and his son are both talented in state and county affairs, but they both said that they are not very talented or learned. Are you lying to me?"

Zhang Wang's expression changed drastically, and he hurriedly said, "Uncle, I really didn't lie to you. Sima Fang served as the Prefect of Jingzhao when he was young, so how could he not be a Prefect of Wei Commandery? Sima Lang is the best of the younger generation in Wen County. I think he is too talented to be a mere county magistrate."

Liu Bei then turned to Sima Lang and his son, his tone slightly cold: "As the Grand General and the emperor's recognized uncle, I have personally come to invite you two to serve as officials, which can be considered as showing respect to the virtuous and talented. If you two do not want to serve as officials, you should just say so. To use such an excuse to deceive me, do you perhaps underestimate me?"

Sima Fang and Sima Lang were shocked upon hearing this and hurriedly bowed their heads to beg for forgiveness.

Zhang Wang avoided Sima Fang's gaze, feeling displeased: I intended to recommend you two, but you turned around and harmed me.

Seeing Zhang Wang's head tilted to the side, Sima Fang became even more anxious, wondering how Liu Bei would deal with him after he got angry.

"Alright then." Liu Bei's tone softened. "If you two don't want to serve, I won't force you. However, since you two promised to help me with the new policies in Hanoi, you can't go back on your word."

Sima Fang hurriedly said, "Since it is a new policy of the court, how can Hanoi not implement it? I will help the Imperial Uncle persuade everyone to support the new policy."

"Very good! I admire those who are wise to adapt to changing circumstances." After praising Sima Fang and his son, Zhuge Liang returned with Sima Yi.

However, Sima Yi no longer appeared reserved or timid; instead, he looked utterly defeated.

"What were you talking about?" Liu Bei asked Zhuge Liang, who had a faint smile on his face.

Zhuge Liang said calmly, "We didn't talk much. We just used some arguments from the 'Lunheng' to have a brief debate with Sima Yi."

Using the *Lunheng* (a set of ancient Chinese philosophical texts) for debate is simply bullying people.
but.

Liu Bei was happy to see Zhuge Liang bully Sima Yi.

After the banquet, Liu Bei left with Zhuge Liang.

He was only temporarily staying in Wen County to find a respected gentry family to lead the implementation of the new policies and to see what kind of person Sima Yi was.

(End of this chapter)