Han Ji

But then came a second wave of accusations, saying that Liu Bei accepted bribes and committed embezzlement and other illegal acts.

This time it's even more ruthless, listing the specific time, location, and amount.

Liu Bei was investigated again.

Jian Yong was so angry he jumped up and down: "This is a frame-up! A blatant frame-up!"

"I know," Liu Bei said calmly. "Let them investigate. The innocent will clear themselves."

The investigation lasted for half a month, and the final conclusion was: no evidence was found.

However, these two investigations consumed a lot of Liu Bei's energy and damaged his prestige. The people, unaware of the truth, began to doubt whether this Commandant Liu was truly clean.

Liu Bei knew that this was Wang Fu's open scheme, not to bring him down in one fell swoop, but to wear him down and keep him busy so that he could not do anything.

The way to retaliate is through action.

In November, a fire broke out in the north, burning down an entire street. Liu Bei personally led the firefighting team, working for three days and three nights without sleep. Finally, the fire was extinguished, but he collapsed from exhaustion at the scene.

The people saw it all, and the rumors fell apart on their own.

In December, he tidied up the city, cleared away street vendors, dredged ditches, and repaired roads. The northern part of the city took on a completely new look.

His achievements speak for themselves, and no one can deny them.

At the end of the fourth year of Guanghe, the assessment results came out.

The Northern Commandery was rated as excellent, and Liu Bei himself was highly regarded.

Yang Qiu, the Commandant of the Capital Region, submitted a memorial recommending that Liu Bei be promoted.

The memorial was submitted, but it seemed to sink without a trace.

The eunuch faction suppressed it.

But Liu Bei was not in a hurry.

He is still young and has time.

On New Year's Eve, he hosted a banquet at the Commandant's residence, inviting all the clerks and runners to dinner.

During the banquet, Li Gongcao drank too much and, holding Liu Bei's hand, said:

"Captain, in all these years I've served, I've never seen an officer like you. You truly want to do things, and you dare to do them. Following you... has been worthwhile!"

Everyone else agreed.

Liu Bei raised his glass: "You've all worked hard this year. Let's continue our efforts next year."

"effort!"

The clinking of glasses, mixed with laughter, carried far into the winter night.

Looking at these people, Liu Bei felt a warmth in his heart.

This road is difficult.

But at least, he wasn't alone.

The fifth year of Guanghe, the first month.

A heavy snow fell in Luoyang, so thick it reached above ankle level. The constables of the Northern Commandery went out to shovel snow before dawn to prevent people from slipping and falling.

Liu Bei also got up early and, accompanied by Zhang Wu, inspected the various neighborhoods. When they arrived at Yongping Lane, the old farmers recognized him and insisted on pulling him into their homes for a bowl of hot porridge.

"Captain, thanks to you last year, our vegetable garden was saved." The old farmer handed over some porridge. "This spring, I planted vegetables and brought them to you first."

Liu Bei took the porridge, drank a mouthful, and felt the warmth spread through his heart.

"Plant well, and things will get better."

"Thanks to the Commandant!"

After returning to his residence from the inspection, Jian Yong greeted him with a strange expression.

"Xuande, there's something I need to tell you... Don't get agitated after you hear it."

"What is it?"

"Xu Shao's monthly critique is out." Jian Yong paused, "and it's about you."

Liu Bei was taken aback.

Xu Shao, courtesy name Zijiang, was famous for his character critiques. He would publish his critiques on the first day of each month, a practice known as the "Monthly Commentary." Those who received his critiques often became renowned throughout the land.

However, Xu Shao was extremely strict in his evaluation of people and did not easily comment on those in official positions; he preferred to evaluate famous figures outside the government.

This unprecedented evaluation of Liu Bei came as a surprise to everyone.

"What is the comment?" Liu Bei asked.

Jian Yong took out a piece of silk from his bosom, unfolded it, and read aloud:

"Liu Bei, courtesy name Xuande, was a native of Zhuojun. He joined the army in Lujiang and quelled the barbarian rebellion with his bravery; he served as an official in Luoyang and was renowned for his integrity. Observing his conduct, he was outwardly gentle but inwardly firm, benevolent yet authoritative. Although he came from humble origins, he had lofty aspirations and acted practically. Given time, he will surely become a pillar of the state."

After the reading was finished, the hall fell silent.

Li Gongcao was the first to react, his voice trembling with excitement: "They should be the pillars of the nation! General Xu... he's comparing the Commandant to a pillar of the country!"

Qian Zhao smiled and said, "Okay!"

Zhang Wu scratched his head: "What do you mean?"

"That means our doctors will become high-ranking officials in the future, protecting our country and its people!" Jian Yong explained.

Liu Bei frowned.

"This assessment... is too high."

"Isn't being tall good?" Jian Yong asked, puzzled.

"The tallest tree in the forest is the first to be felled by the wind," Liu Bei said slowly. "Xu Zijiang's assessment has made me famous, but it has also made me a target of public criticism. The eunuchs will be even more wary of me; and those in the court who are jealous of talent will also be eyeing me."

Everyone fell silent.

Indeed, this is not a good thing.

But the comments had already spread, and there was no way to take them back.

Sure enough, in the following days, the Northern Commandery was bustling with activity.

Some came to offer congratulations, some to curry favor, and some to probe the truth of the matter. Liu Bei politely declined all invitations, citing his busy official duties.

But what was bound to happen still happened.

On the fifteenth day of the first month, an imperial edict was issued from the palace: His Majesty summons Liu Bei, the Northern Commandant, to the palace immediately.

Upon receiving the imperial decree, Liu Bei changed into clean official robes and followed the eunuch into the palace.

This was his first time venturing deep into the Southern Palace.

After passing through a series of palace gates and walking along long corridors, we finally stopped outside a side hall.

A eunuch went in to announce his arrival and came out a moment later: "Lieutenant Liu, His Majesty summons you in."

Liu Bei straightened his clothes and stepped into the hall.

The hall was small and simply furnished. In the center sat a man who looked to be in his early thirties, with a pale face and slightly puffy eyes. He was dressed in casual clothes and was looking down at a jade disc.

This is the current emperor, Emperor Ling of Han, Liu Hong.

Liu Bei stepped forward, knelt down, and said, "Your subject Liu Bei, the Northern Commandant, pays his respects to Your Majesty."

"Rise." Liu Hong's voice was somewhat lazy as he raised his eyelids and glanced at him. "You are Liu Bei?"

"It is indeed your subject."

"I heard you did a good job." Liu Hong put down the jade disc. "The security in the north has improved, the case has been solved, and many people in the court call you a loyal and upright official."

"It is my duty, and I dare not claim credit for it."

"It's my duty..." Liu Hong smiled. "Many people say that, but few actually do it. Xu Zijiang praised you as a pillar of the nation; what do you think?"

Liu Bei's heart skipped a beat, and he cautiously replied, "Mr. Xu, you flatter me. I am of limited talent and learning, and all I know is to do my best in my duties."

"Do your job conscientiously..." Liu Hong repeated, then suddenly asked, "How much is your monthly salary?"

"Four hundred shi (a unit of dry measure), equivalent to approximately forty thousand shi (another unit of dry measure)."

Is that enough?

"Enough."

"Enough?" Liu Hong laughed. "Living in Luoyang is no easy feat. Four hundred bushels of grain should be enough to make ends meet, right? I heard you were docked three months' salary last year; how did you manage?"

Liu Bei answered truthfully: "I have some land in Zhuojun, and I have a little income each month, which is enough to make ends meet."

"Oh, you must have some family wealth." Liu Hong nodded. "No wonder you dare to take on tough guys and aren't afraid of losing your position."

He stood up, walked up to Liu Bei, and looked him up and down: "You're so young, don't you want a promotion? Don't you want to get rich?"

"Your Majesty... I only wish to serve the court and the people."

"Empty talk." Liu Hong waved his hand. "However, I like to hear empty talk. At least it's better than those who come up with money and official positions right away."

He paced back and forth a few steps, then suddenly said, "Northern Commandant, I'm sorry you've been put through this. I'd like to transfer you to a better position, what do you say?"