The Three Great Han Dynasties: Awaken Liu Bei with a scolding; you weave mats and sell sandals.

"Thank you, Master Cui."

Liu Honglang laughed heartily, his tone full of joy, "Master Cui's ability to understand the greater good has truly delighted the Cui family of Qinghe and the Liu family of Youzhou."

Previously, even I thought that Master Cui would refuse to go.

As he spoke, he suddenly waved to the side corridor behind him and called out, "Wenhe, do you see that? Master Cui is not the despicable person you think he is."

As soon as the words were spoken, a person slowly emerged from the shadows of the side corridor.

Jia Xu, holding a light fan, walked slowly, his clothes fluttering, a gentle smile on his face, looking very approachable.

For some reason, the moment Cui Yan saw this person, he instinctively felt a sense of wariness, as if he were too close to a hidden blade, and felt a faint chill lingering around him.

Although it wasn't exactly a good thing, upon further reflection, this person was already on their side, and with Liu Hong keeping an eye on things from above, Cui Yan secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

The two then greeted each other, thus officially becoming acquainted.

"Jia Xu of Xiliang has met with Lord Cui of Qinghe."

Jia Xu bowed slightly, his voice gentle, and he lightly waved his folding fan, his manners impeccable.

When juniors pay respects to their elders, and when newcomers pay respects to those who are more experienced, this gesture is performed with utmost care.

At least, Cui Yan's previous wariness towards him had almost completely vanished under such meticulous etiquette.

"To be chosen by the Grand General, it seems that Duke Wenhe must have some unique qualities."

Cui Yan nodded, his tone calm, "In the future, when we both serve in the same court, we will surely be able to work together to achieve great things."

"Thank you for your guidance, Mr. Cui."

Jia Xu bowed again, his attitude becoming even more respectful.

Seeing his cautious and meticulous demeanor, Cui Yan suddenly realized what a formidable figure Jia Xu truly was.

This kind of hidden talent makes them much more difficult to deal with than those who are overtly aggressive.

After the two left the Duke of Weining's residence, watched by Liu Hong, they slowly departed.

Just as Jia Xu was about to take his leave, Cui Yan raised his hand and called out to him, "Lord Wenhe, why don't we ride in the same carriage?"

Jia Xu was slightly taken aback, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes.

Cui Yan smiled and nodded: "I dare not refuse what is given by an elder."

"Lord Wenhe, there's no need for such formalities."

Jia Xu's heart skipped a beat, and he dared not refuse.

He had only recently entered the General's mansion and dared not offend Cui Yan, this trusted and experienced minister, no matter what.

Cui Yan had been following Liu Hong since before the Liu family of Youzhou rose to power. With the help of the Cui family of Qinghe behind him, his influence within the Liu family of Youzhou was absolutely significant.

Not to mention, the young master Liu Bei, as well as Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Gan Ning, Xu Shu and others, all became successful under his careful guidance.

The interpersonal relationships involved are intricate and complex, and one should absolutely not provoke them.

Otherwise, with just a small scheme, Jia Xu would probably have to pack his bags and leave in disgrace shortly after entering the manor, which would be too humiliating.

Thinking this, Jia Xu felt a faint sense of lingering fear.

"May I ask what brings you here, Master Cui?"

Inside the carriage, Jia Xu spoke first, his tone still respectful.

Upon hearing this, Cui Yan smiled gently, his gaze falling on Jia Xu with a meaningful look: "The idea of ​​having the Cui family of Qinghe move to Luoyang just now must have been proposed by Duke Wenhe, wasn't it?"

These words show that he has adopted some of Liu Hong's straightforward style.

Having spent so many years by Liu Hong's side, Cui Yan had indeed picked up quite a few of Liu Hong's "bad habits," which was rather amusing.

"Lord Cui is wise."

Jia Xu nodded frankly, not daring to hide anything.

He knew perfectly well that this matter could not be kept secret.

With just a little inquiry within the mansion, Cui Yan could find out the whole story.

Within this General's mansion, there are probably only a very few confidential matters that can be kept from the chief strategist.

Looking at his frank demeanor, Cui Yan raised an eyebrow with interest: "Aren't you afraid I'll retaliate against you?"

He believed that his current position in the General's Mansion was still as stable as Mount Tai.

While it's hard to say that no one would dare offend him, he at least maintained some semblance of dignity.

That much confidence.

He still has it.

Therefore, seeing Jia Xu's unreserved manner, Cui Yan was momentarily intrigued.

Upon hearing this, Jia Xu only showed a bitter smile on his face and said frankly, "Lord Cui is not such a narrow-minded person, otherwise, he would not have been able to get along with the General to this day."

Throughout Luoyang, everyone knew of Cui Gong's character and conduct.

"So, you think you can deceive a gentleman by his principles, and that's why you're bullying me?"

Cui Yan narrowed his eyes and spoke with a half-smile.

But Jia Xu's next reaction surprised Cui Yan even more.

He simply gave a wry smile, tacitly agreeing to the matter.

Such boldness is even somewhat extraordinary.

Even Cui Yan couldn't help but feel a bit surprised at this moment, clapping his hands and laughing, "Interesting, interesting. It's been a long time since I've met someone as interesting as you in this imperial city of Luoyang."

However, the General's mansion has gained another capable person.

He paused, then his tone became more serious: "In the future, plan well for the General."

In time, your day will come in this mansion.

"Thank you for your guidance, Mr. Cui."

Jia Xu bowed and thanked him, finally feeling relieved.

"Where is your home? I'll see you off today."

Cui Yan spoke calmly.

Jia Xu quickly gave his address.

The carriage moved slowly, and the street scenes of Luoyang outside the window receded slowly.

From a distance, the two appeared to be riding in the same car and getting along very well.

Not long after, under Cui Yan's arrangement, the entire Cui clan of Qinghe moved to Luoyang, the imperial city, to settle down.

In the future, they should probably be referred to as the Cui family of Luoyang.

As more and more members of the Cui clan entered the imperial court as officials, they gradually occupied many important positions in the court.

Although it was only a small fraction, it was beginning to subtly recreate the once-illustrious reputation of the Cui clan of Qinghe among the gentry.

Those who are intelligent can figure out, with just a little thought, who is standing behind the Cui family of Qinghe.

Inside the Grand Tutor's residence, Yuan Wei looked at the report in his hand, his face terribly gloomy.

"What a fine Duke Weining! What a great general!"

He slammed his fist on the table and roared, "My Yuan family has already retreated time and again. Yet he's pushing his luck, eyeing the positions of the Nine Ministers and Three Dukes. Does he intend to seize all the power of my Yuan family?"

Thinking about Liu Hong's recent actions, which have begun to subtly touch the interests of the Yuan family and other established aristocratic families, Yuan Wei's eyes flickered, and waves surged in his eyes.

He has already begun preparations to teach Liu Hong a lesson.

Otherwise, if Liu Hong is allowed to continue acting so lawlessly, he will sooner or later ride roughshod over the gentry.