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

Several months have passed in the blink of an eye.

On this day, Jian Yong returned to Youzhou, first passing through Guangyang County, then entering the territory of Zhuo County, and finally going straight back to the Liu family mansion.

Ever since that day, when Liu Hong and Prefect Liu Wen discussed Jian Yong's whereabouts.

His trip to Luoyang on official business was already common knowledge within the Liu family.

Therefore, as soon as he returned, the servants in the mansion understood and immediately stepped forward to report to him.

In less than half an hour, the whole Liu family knew about it.

Liu Bei was the first to come out to greet him, patting Jian Yong heavily on the shoulder with a grin, his tone full of admiration: "Xianhe, you've really done a great job. This trip to Luoyang has resulted in such a momentous event for the Liu family. Seeing how radiant and energetic you are, this matter must have been accomplished."

Liu Bei looked on with anticipation, for Luoyang was the capital city right under the emperor's nose.

At this moment, he was both curious about what Jian Yong had done and longed for that bustling capital city.

Young men from all over the world yearn to venture into Luoyang. Even those wandering knights who are clueless about the ways of the world know that going to a big city will surely bring more opportunities.

This is a truth that everyone knows.

"When the time comes, Xuande will also go to Luoyang, it's just a matter of time."

Jian Yong replied with a smile.

Before this.

He might still have some uncertainty, but having successfully completed this task for Liu Hong, he was now fully confident.

The abilities of my ancestor, Liu Gong, are far beyond those of ordinary people; the rise of the Liu family is only a matter of time.

"Um."

Liu Bei always believed Jian Yong's words.

He nodded emphatically, his brows furrowed with certainty.

The two walked side by side toward the front hall of the Liu family's house.

At this moment, the servants and maids in the Liu family mansion were gathered together, whispering among themselves.

"Have you heard? Lord Jian is back. He must have done another great service for our Liu family."

"Of course. Lord Jian went to Luoyang on the orders of the family head, which is right under the emperor's nose."

"I wonder what connections they've made this time?"

Some clever people in the mansion have already guessed a thing or two, but they only know the tip of the iceberg about the whole picture of what has been done. The real inside story remains unknown to anyone.

In the blink of an eye, Jian Yong followed Liu Bei to the front hall.

Upon receiving the news, Liu Hong also rushed over from the back courtyard, and the three of them sat down in the hall.

"This trip did not disappoint Lord Liu, and I can say that I have lived up to his expectations."

Jian Yong cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, his tone calm and composed.

"Okay. Okay. Okay."

Hearing Jian Yong's words, Liu Hong finally felt relieved after days of worry, and said "good" three times, his brows relaxed.

……

Meanwhile, inside the prefect's residence.

Liu Wen also soon learned of Jian Yong's safe return.

The fact that the other party returned unscathed is enough to prove that the trip to Luoyang was probably more than half successful.

Liu Wen couldn't help but feel a pang of regret.

If he had made up his mind back then and placed his bet with Liu Hong, perhaps he would have been a part of this great joyous occasion today, instead of being a cold-eyed bystander watching the Liu family gain even more support.

Just as Liu Wen was feeling a mix of emotions, he suddenly saw a beautiful figure walking quickly from outside the mansion. Her steps were hurried, and her expression showed a hint of annoyance, with a strange air about her.

Not a single steward, servant, or even the maids in the back courtyard dared to step forward to stop them.

Liu Wen looked closely and recognized the person. A hint of anger flashed in his eyes, and he said in a deep voice, "Lan'er, why did you leave without even saying goodbye? Aren't you afraid of upsetting your husband's family?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Lan raised her eyebrows, her tone filled with indignation: "What husband's family? It's just that Gongsun Zan. He actually said he wanted to take a concubine outside, without even a word of discussion beforehand. Father, if it weren't for you helping him back then..."

He's now at most a minor official in the county, probably still running errands for that Liu family's son; he's nothing like the success he enjoys today.

"Father, you must stand up for your daughter in this matter."

The beautiful figure walked forward gracefully, her tone full of pleading.

Liu Wen was not incapable of fulfilling this request, but it was ultimately a private matter between the young couple, and it would be inappropriate for elders to interfere rashly.

Moreover, in his view, it was common for men to have multiple wives and concubines, and there was really nothing worth making a big fuss about.

Liu Wen sighed softly. He had intended to use Liu Hong's example to offer some advice, saying that it was quite common for men to have multiple wives and concubines after they had achieved success.

But as soon as he said that, Liu Lan not only didn't listen, but seized on the opportunity and grabbed his sleeve, refusing to let it go: "Didn't Father just say that?"

That Liu Gong was a self-made man, how could he be compared to an ordinary person?

How could Gongsun Zan be compared to Liu Gong?

What gives him the right to take a concubine like other people?

Liu Wen opened his mouth, but for a moment he didn't know how to refute it.

After all, Gongsun Zan's current status is indeed due to the influence of the Liu family. If this were to spread, people would inevitably say that Gongsun Zan is a "gold digger".

Liu Wen sighed deeply, looking at his spoiled daughter in front of him. In the end, he had no choice but to smile wryly and advise her not to take things too seriously.

But Liu Lan clearly didn't listen and continued to nag for a long time before angrily turning around and going back to her room.

Watching his daughter's retreating figure, Liu Wen shook his head helplessly and muttered to himself, "I don't know if marrying such a daughter is a blessing or a curse. It's fortunate that Gongsun Zan can tolerate her; otherwise, with her temperament, it's uncertain whether she could live a peaceful life as Lady Gongsun in the future."

Despite saying this, Liu Wen already had a plan in mind and naturally couldn't let his daughter continue to act so recklessly.

But in the end, he still loves his daughter dearly.

He still intended to teach Gongsun Zan a small lesson.

Taking a concubine is acceptable, but one must maintain the proper attitude; being the son-in-law of the Liu family is not an easy job.

……

Meanwhile, on the border between Youzhou and Jizhou, inside a small mansion of the Gongsun family.

Gongsun Zan, with a full beard and piercing eyes, was now expressionless and silent.

Standing beside him were clan members who had followed him closely since he started his career. All of them had worried expressions on their faces, clearly indicating that they had encountered a difficult problem.

The matter of taking a concubine is far more complicated than it appears on the surface.

Seeing that Gongsun Zan was still angry, one of his cousins ​​finally mustered the courage to speak up and advise, "Elder brother, this matter cannot be delayed any longer. We must at least give sister-in-law an explanation. Besides, elder brother was in the wrong in this matter, so why not have a proper discussion with sister-in-law?"

Even though my sister-in-law might throw a little tantrum, she's ultimately reasonable and certainly wouldn't really make things difficult for my elder brother.

Upon hearing this, the surrounding clansmen echoed, "Yes, Commandant. It's time to carefully consider this matter."

Normally, Gongsun Zan might have listened to some of these words.

But at that moment he was holding back his anger, and with a cold snort, he said with his neck stiff, "What's there to be afraid of? A real man has nothing to worry about, not having a wife."