Han Ji

Liu Bei's heart raced, but his expression remained unchanged: "Your Majesty, I will follow your arrangements."

"But there are those in the court who object." Liu Hong turned around and looked at him, saying that you are too young, inexperienced, and have offended many people. Although I want to use you, I have to consider the balance.

"Your subject understands."

"Good, I understand." Liu Hong walked back to his seat and sat down. "You stay in the north for now and do a good job. When the opportunity arises, I will promote you."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Go ahead," Liu Hong waved his hand. "By the way, I heard you often go to Dongguan to study?"

"Yes."

"Study hard." Liu Hong picked up the jade disc and continued to examine it. "This court needs scholars, but it also needs people who can get things done. You are the latter, but don't neglect the former."

"Your subject will remember this."

After leaving the main hall, Liu Bei realized that his back was soaked with sweat.

That conversation, seemingly casual, was actually dangerous. Every word could have been a trap.

The emperor both admired him and tested him, but also wanted to use him. He wanted to use him to counterbalance the eunuchs, but he didn't want him to become too powerful.

The mind of an emperor is unfathomable.

Back at the Commandant's residence, everyone surrounded him, asking what had happened.

Liu Bei gave a brief explanation, omitting the sensitive details.

Upon hearing this, Jian Yong frowned: "Your Majesty... wants to use you, yet is also wary of you?"

"That's normal." Liu Bei sat down. "The emperor values ​​checks and balances when employing people. I'm not important enough for him right now, but at least he remembers me."

"So, what's next..."

"Now, let's get back to what we're doing." Liu Bei stood up. "There's a ton of work to do in the north; we don't have time to think about anything else."

But the tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease.

The impact of the monthly review continues to unfold.

In February, Liu Bei received many letters. There were congratulatory messages from colleagues, self-recommendations from strangers, and... several threatening letters.

The threatening letter was anonymous and viciously worded, accusing him of seeking fame and fortune and trying to curry favor with the elite, and warning him to stop.

Liu Bei burned the letter and didn't take it seriously.

But in early March, something happened.

While investigating a smuggling case, Jian Yong was attacked, had two ribs broken, and was left in an alley.

When the constables found him, he was already unconscious.

Liu Bei was furious.

"Investigate! Investigate to the very end!"

After a thorough investigation, the culprit was identified three days later: a wicked servant of a distant relative of Wang Fu. Once arrested, the man confessed readily, saying he couldn't stand Jian Yong's arrogance.

But anyone with eyes to see knows that this is aimed at Liu Bei.

Hitting Jian Yong is like slapping Liu Bei in the face.

This time, Liu Bei did not go through legal proceedings.

He took Zhang Wu directly to the master of that wicked servant.

The family, surnamed Wang, were local tyrants in Luoyang. Relying on Wang Fu's influence, they acted with impunity. When Liu Bei came to their door, the head of the family even put on airs:

"Liu Duwei is just a lowly servant. He was beaten, so be it. Just pay him some money and that's it."

"That's it?" Liu Bei looked at him. "Jian Yong is my brother. If you harm him, you harm me."

"So what do you want?"

"Two options," Liu Bei said, holding up two fingers. "One, hand over the murderer and punish him severely according to the law; two, I'll ransack your house and expose all your shady dealings."

The head of the Wang family laughed: "Commander Liu, you have quite the nerve. My uncle is Attendant Wang, do you dare touch me?"

"You can give it a try." Liu Bei turned and left.

That afternoon, officers from the Northern Commandery surrounded the Wang family's residence.

Search and confiscate property.

Smuggled goods, contraband weapons, and... several ledgers recording bribery were found.

With conclusive evidence, the head of the Wang family was imprisoned.

Wang Fu didn't dare to protect anyone this time; the ledgers involved too many people, and he was afraid of getting himself into trouble.

The case is closed, and the Wang family is ruined.

Upon hearing this while lying in his hospital bed, Jian Yong grinned and said, "Xuande, you're ruthless."

"Take good care of your injuries." Liu Bei tucked the blanket around him. "Leave the rest to me."

After this incident, no one in the north dared to provoke Liu Bei anymore.

Even the relatives of the eunuchs would avoid people from the Northern Commandery.

Upon hearing this, Yang Qiu specially sought out Liu Bei and patted him on the shoulder:

"Well done! You have to be even more ruthless than these jackals! But... this time, you've really offended Wang Fu to death."

"We've already offended them to death," Liu Bei said calmly. "Since we can't avoid it, let's face it head-on."

Yang Qiu looked at him, her eyes full of admiration.

"Good! You've got guts! Don't worry, as long as I'm the Commandant of the Capital Region, I'll protect you!"

With the support of the Yang Ball, Liu Bei's back became even stronger.

In April, he continued to reorganize the north.

Organized crime was eradicated, smuggling was cracked down on, and the market was rectified. Security in the north reached an unprecedented level.

In May, the assessment came again.

This time, Liu Bei's performance evaluation was once again outstanding.

The Commandant of the Capital Region and the Governor of Henan jointly submitted a memorial requesting that Liu Bei be promoted.

The memorial was submitted, but it was once again suppressed by the eunuch faction.

But this time, someone spoke up.

It wasn't a minister of the "pure stream" (a term referring to officials who uphold integrity and integrity), but Emperor Liu Hong.

During a court assembly, someone brought up Liu Bei's promotion, which was opposed by the eunuch faction. Liu Hong suddenly spoke up:

"I have met Liu Bei; he is a capable man. He governs the north well, and the people praise him. If we don't promote someone like him, are we going to promote those who only know how to scheme?"

When the emperor spoke, the eunuchs dared not object anymore.

In early June, an imperial edict was issued: Liu Bei was promoted to Left Attendant, with a salary of 400 shi (a unit of grain), and placed under the jurisdiction of the Guanglu Xun (a high-ranking official), and was to take up his post immediately.

The Left Vice Minister was in charge of palace guards and advisory duties. Although his rank had not been promoted, his position was crucial and he was close to the center of power.

Everyone understood that this was a harbinger of a higher promotion.

On the day the imperial decree was received, the area outside the Northern Commandery was filled with people.

They heard that Commandant Liu was being transferred, so they came to see him off. Some carried eggs, some held steamed buns, and some knelt in front of the mansion to kowtow.

"Captain, you can't leave!"

"Captain, what will we do now that you're gone?"

Liu Bei stood in front of his mansion, looking at these people, his heart aching.

Finally, Liu Bei bowed deeply to everyone:

"Liu Bei is here to thank everyone for their kindness. Wherever I am in the future, I will never forget the elders of the north!"

When I got up, my eyes felt a little hot.

Back in the mansion, Li Gongcao wept uncontrollably:

"Commander, with your departure, the north... is likely to undergo a major upheaval."

"Li Gongcao, you've worked hard these past two years." Liu Bei patted him on the shoulder. "The new Commandant will arrive soon. Assist him well. Remember, act according to the law and have a clear conscience."

"Yes, yes."

Jian Yong and Qian Zhao also wanted to go. But Liu Bei shook his head: "Xianhe, Zijing, you two stay."

The two were stunned.

Liu Bei said in a low voice, "I have already recommended to Grand Master of Ceremonies Liu Gong that Zijing temporarily serve as the Commandant, with Xianhe assisting him. Once the new Commandant is familiar with the affairs, you can both return to my side."

Qian Zhao frowned: "This..."

"This is an order." Liu Bei looked at him. "The security of the northern city cannot be disrupted. I feel at ease with you here."

Qian Zhao was silent for a moment, then nodded emphatically: "Okay."

Jian Yong smiled and said, "Alright, then we'll keep watch for you a little longer."

On June 15th, Liu Bei officially handed over power and left the Northern Commandery.

As he walked out of the mansion gate, he looked back once more.

The plaque hangs high, and the memorial arch stands tall.

He worked there for two years. He offended powerful figures, restored public order, and won the hearts of the people.

Now, it's time to leave.

"Let's go." He turned and strode away.