Han Ji

The office of the Left Vice Minister was located in the Southern Palace, near the Ministry of Personnel.

On the day Liu Bei reported for duty, the clerk leading the way explained as they walked: "The Left Attendant is mainly responsible for two things: first, guarding the palace and arranging the duty officers; second, providing advice and responses, and being ready to answer His Majesty's questions at any time."

The government office was small, but its location was crucial. Those entering and exiting were all officials in scarlet robes, walking briskly with solemn expressions.

Liu Bei went to pay his respects to Liu Kuan, the Grand Master of Ceremonies.

Liu Kuan was nearly sixty years old, with graying hair and beard, but his eyes were clear and bright. He looked at Liu Bei and slowly said:

"I've heard about what you did up north. Well done, but don't be so aggressive here."

"Please enlighten me, Your Excellency."

"This place is not like the North." Liu Kuan put down his pen. "In the North, you are the top leader, and what you say goes. But here, above you are me, the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, and His Majesty. One wrong word could lead to a grave mistake."

"The student understands."

"Good, I understand." Liu Kuan waved his hand. "Go and familiarize yourself with the duties of the Vice Minister."

"Yes."

The daily work of the Left Vice Minister was less demanding than that of the Northern Commandant.

Every day, the roster of officials must be checked and the guard shifts arranged. If a foreign official comes to pay homage, the official must guide and announce his arrival. Occasionally, when the Emperor summons the official, the official must be present at his side to answer questions.

Liu Bei quickly adapted to the rhythm.

He was meticulous in his work and humble in his dealings with others, gradually winning the favor of his colleagues. However, he never became overly familiar with them, maintaining an appropriate distance. This was Liu Bei's consistent style of dealing with people: in the center of power, one must be cautious in making friends.

In early July, Yuan Shao invited him to a banquet.

The location was Puyuan, Yuan Shao's private garden. There were many guests, mostly young officials, students of the Imperial Academy, and many famous scholars.

Liu Bei didn't want to go, but Yuan Shao personally sent someone to invite him, so he couldn't refuse.

When we arrived at Puyuan, it was indeed bustling with activity.

Pavilions and waterside terraces, the sounds of string and wind instruments. Guests gathered in small groups, some drinking and composing poems, others engaging in lively discussions.

When Yuan Shao saw him arrive, he personally came to greet him with a broad smile:

"Xuande! I have long admired your name; it is my great honor to meet you today!"

"Brother Benchu, you're too kind."

Yuan Shao pulled him to his seat and introduced him to everyone: "Gentlemen, this is Liu Bei, Liu Xuande, the Northern Commandant. The one who, according to the monthly assessment, is destined to be a pillar of the state!"

Everyone stared at them, some with curiosity, some with scrutiny, and some with disdain.

Liu Bei cupped his hands in greeting to each of them.

During the meal, the topic turned to current affairs.

Some denounced the eunuchs' monopoly of power, some complained about the corruption of the court, and some spoke passionately, saying that they should "purge the treacherous officials and rectify the court."

Yuan Shao listened, occasionally interjecting to steer the conversation. He spoke with tact, expressing his dissatisfaction without giving anyone grounds for criticism.

Liu Bei listened silently, rarely speaking.

After several rounds of drinks, Yuan Shao leaned closer and whispered:

"Xuande, do you think there's any hope for the current state of the court?"

The problem arose suddenly.

Liu Bei pondered for a moment: "It depends on human effort."

"What a wonderful saying, 'Man proposes, God disposes.' But in this court today, it's difficult to get anything done. Eunuchs are blocking the way, relatives of the empress are vying for power, Your Majesty... sigh."

He sighed, raised his glass, and said, "Come on, let's drink. Let's not talk about these unpleasant things."

The two shared a drink.

After the banquet, Yuan Shao escorted Liu Bei to the door.

"Xuande, meeting you today, I can see you truly live up to your reputation." Yuan Shao looked at him. "In the future, let's keep in touch in court. Some things can't be done alone; we need everyone to work together."

"Brother Benchu ​​is right."

After leaving Puyuan, Jian Yong waited by the carriage.

"How is it?"

"Yuan Shao... is no simple man." Liu Bei got into the carriage. "He comes from a prestigious family and has been cultivating his reputation here. It seems he harbors ulterior motives."

"Then let's..."

"Maintain distance." Liu Bei closed his eyes to rest. "Keep things as they are, and maintain appearances."

"clear."

In August, Liu Bei received a letter from Xun Cai.

In this letter, besides inquiring about politics, she also mentioned something else: her father, Xun Shuang, was recently compiling "Admonitions for Women" and asked her to help with the editing. She was somewhat puzzled and asked Liu Bei for his views on women's virtues and talents.

The issue is sensitive.

Liu Bei replied cautiously, saying that a woman should possess both virtue and talent. Virtue is the foundation of one's character, while talent is the means to manage a household. However, virtue and talent should be used appropriately; being a good wife and mother, and managing the household well, are also acts of merit.

He felt a little uneasy after sending the letter.

I received a reply five days later. It contained a poem:

"The sunflowers in the green garden await the morning dew to dry in the sun. Spring spreads its blessings, and all things shine with glory. I often fear the arrival of autumn, when the leaves turn yellow and wither. All rivers flow east to the sea, when will they return west? If you do not strive in your youth, you will only regret it in your old age."

The poem is "Chang Ge Xing" from the Han Dynasty folk songs, but its inclusion here carries a deeper meaning.

If you don't work hard when you're young, you'll regret it when you're old.

Liu Bei held the letter in his hand, remaining silent for a long time.

She was reminding him, and she was also encouraging him.

In September, an incident occurred in the palace.

A palace maid was caught having an affair with a guard. According to palace rules, she should be executed.

But that guard was a distant relative of Jian Shuo. Jian Shuo was a favored eunuch of Emperor Ling, who was in charge of the imperial guards.

He pleaded on Emperor Ling's behalf, and Emperor Ling hesitated.

At this time, Liu Bei was on duty.

Emperor Ling casually asked him, "Minister Liu, what do you think should be done about this?"

The problem is tricky.

If we follow the palace rules, we will offend Jian Shuo; if we give him a lenient sentence, we will violate the palace rules.

Liu Bei thought for a moment and replied cautiously:

"Your Majesty, the palace rules were established by our ancestors to purify the palace and set a good example. However, Attendant Jian has served Your Majesty for many years and has made great contributions. I believe that he should be dealt with according to the palace rules as a warning to others. But Your Majesty may bestow additional favors upon Attendant Jian as a sign of compassion."

This both upheld palace rules and gave Jian Shuo face.

Emperor Ling listened and nodded: "That makes sense. We'll do as you say."

The palace maids and guards were executed, and Jian Shuo received a reward.

When this news spread, everyone in the court praised Liu Bei for handling the matter appropriately.

Even Jian Shuo privately asked someone to pass on a message, saying that Vice Minister Liu was reasonable.

Liu Bei simply smiled upon hearing this.

He didn't want to offend the eunuchs, but he also didn't want to curry favor with them. Keeping his distance was the best option.

In October, Liu Bei participated in a court meeting discussion.

The topic was the military pay for the border regions. Bingzhou and Liangzhou had been at war for years, resulting in insufficient military pay and frequent mutinies among soldiers.

The Grand Minister of Agriculture said he had no money, while the Grand Commandant demanded money, and his subordinates started arguing amongst themselves.

Emperor Ling grew impatient and suddenly called out a name:

"Minister Liu, you commanded troops in Lujiang. Tell me, how should we resolve this issue of military pay?"

In full view of everyone.

Liu Bei stepped forward, bowed, and said:

"Your Majesty, when I was in Lujiang, the army's pay was often insufficient. The measures taken by Governor Lu at that time were: first, to reduce the number of old and weak soldiers and streamline the administration; second, to strictly investigate corruption and ensure that every penny was used effectively."

"Tell me more about it."

"For example, investigate corruption," Liu Bei said. "Before Lujiang, it was common for officers to embezzle funds and withhold military pay. After a strict investigation, the same amount of military pay can support more soldiers."

Emperor Ling listened and seemed to be deep in thought.

"Can Bingzhou and Liangzhou be handled the same way?"

"Adapt to local conditions," Liu Bei said cautiously. "Bingzhou and Liangzhou are frequently at war, so investigating corruption may not be easy. But dismissing the old and weak is a universally applicable solution."