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

"What Father says and does is all for the sake of our Liu family and the Han Dynasty. We will follow him with all our might."

Liu Bei spoke with a strong and resolute tone, his expression firm.

Liu Hong glanced at him, smiled faintly, and suddenly changed the subject: "Xuande, you are not young anymore, it's time for you to settle down and start a family."

Upon hearing Liu Hong's words, Liu Bei was momentarily stunned, then sighed helplessly, his eyes filled with a mixture of amusement and despair.

He knew that now that the fighting had subsided and things had calmed down, his father would definitely think about this matter.

However, to be fair, he has indeed reached the age where he should settle down and start a family, so there's nothing wrong with considering this matter.

In addition, in this era, arranged marriages by parents and matchmakers were considered a matter of course, leaving him no choice but to accept them.

So Liu Bei pondered for a moment, then nodded and agreed.

"I will listen to my father in everything."

"As per my parents' command and the matchmaker's words, and as my father has spoken, I will certainly obey."

At this moment, Liu Bei had grown into a handsome young man, having shed the rebellious and unrestrained spirit of his youth.

Young people always have to grow up, and in these turbulent times, teenagers grow up at an astonishing rate.

Especially after experiencing numerous battles to quell the Yellow Turban Rebellion, Liu Bei is now a figure capable of standing alone within the entire Liu family, and Liu Hong has great confidence in him as well.

"We still need to discuss this matter with your mother."

Liu Hong spoke, his tone calm.

This was not unexpected by Liu Bei.

Within the Liu clan of Youzhou, it has always been the case that men are in charge of external affairs and women are in charge of internal affairs; this is the basic rule for any aristocratic family.

Although the father would participate in making decisions about this important marriage, the mother was the main person in charge of the arrangements. Within the Liu family of Youzhou, it was only natural to follow local customs.

That very evening, Liu Hong returned to the inner quarters, met with Lady Wu, and slowly began to discuss Liu Bei's marriage.

However, the wife's reaction seemed a bit too strong.

Madam Wu cast a resentful glance at her and said softly, "If my husband doesn't bring it up again, I'll think he's really forgotten all about Xuande's marriage."

"How is that possible?"

Liu Hong was indeed a little embarrassed by this matter, but he could not admit it no matter what. Instead, he continued along the previous topic, "Madam, let's talk about serious matters."

Now, should he marry the daughter of the Yuan family, the daughter of the Yang family, or a daughter from another clan?

Everything should be done in a way that is appropriate for social standing, so Xuande's wife should naturally be of that background as well; otherwise, the name of the Liu family of Youzhou would be ridiculed.

During this same year, the categorization among aristocratic families became increasingly strict, and class distinctions began to prevail.

Liu Hong looked at Madam Wu, who seemed to be pondering and looking around with dissatisfaction. He roughly understood what she meant and smiled calmly: "It seems that Madam has already thought it through."

"Let's be frank and see where this woman is from. She has caught the eye of Madam, even surpassing the Yuan and Yang women. I am truly astonished."

As soon as Liu Hong finished speaking, Wu's cheeks flushed slightly, realizing that she had indeed acted inappropriately.

However, it was because Liu Hong had not paid much attention to Liu Bei's marriage all these years that she was a little anxious, so she made preparations overnight in advance.

Once Liu Hong's tone softened, Madam Wu continued, speaking clearly and logically: "This woman is the daughter of the Mi family of Xuzhou. Her elder brother runs a business across the country and is incredibly wealthy."

"The wealth of the Mi family is of no concern to the Liu family of Youzhou. It is only through controlling those trade channels that the Liu family of Youzhou can perhaps fulfill my husband's dream and strengthen the ambitions of our Liu family."

"Furthermore, although the daughter of the Mi family is a little older than Xuande, she is only one or two years older."

The two of them complemented each other well.

Most importantly, this woman is gentle and possesses a touch of shrewdness; presumably, after marrying into the family, she will be able to live in harmony with Xuande.

Listening to these detailed analyses, Liu Hong's gaze gradually softened.

It is evident that Lady Wu had a fondness for Liu Bei and a deep maternal love for him.

Even though Liu Hong was already tempted, he didn't agree so easily. He slowly said, "In that case, let's pick a day for the two families to meet."

The person Liu Hong wanted to see was not the daughter of the Mi family, but the head of the Mi family and his brother.

First, one must observe the other's character and demeanor before arranging a marriage; this is the proper procedure.

To be honest, Liu Hong thought this daughter of the Mi family in Xuzhou was quite good.

After all, historically, she was Liu Bei's virtuous wife and there was never any discord between them.

Now that they are related by marriage, and given that Madam Wu's considerations were indeed thoughtful, Liu Hong really couldn't refuse.

"I understand, my husband."

Madam Wu smiled faintly and nodded, a hint of joy on her face, assuming that her husband also thought her words were correct.

The night is long, and I can't sleep.

Although her husband didn't say anything more afterward, the spring light in his eyes said it all.

Liu Hong held Wu's soft hand and gently stroked it. His fingertips could still feel that familiar warmth and softness, as if there was no so-called seven-year itch between them, and they were still as loving as ever.

Such affection was the envy of countless young women in Luoyang.

Half a month later, a letter from Luoyang arrived at the Mi family's residence in Xuzhou.

The Mi family was a renowned merchant family, with wealth comparable to that of a nation. Only the Zhen family of Jizhou could be compared to them.

Over the years, although the Mi family has gained increasing influence in Xuzhou due to its wealth and is known as one of the wealthiest families in the country, it has never been classified as a truly top-tier aristocratic family.

Because they hadn't stepped into the top circle that held the reins of power, they were ultimately separated by a thin veil of "merchants."

Therefore, all these years, the Mi family could only wait for a good opportunity.

"A letter from Luoyang?"

Looking at the gold-embossed envelope in front of him, Mi Zhu, the current head of the Mi family in Xuzhou, showed a solemn expression, and his lips tightened slightly.

The future of the entire Mi family will likely depend on this letter.

Whether or not he can be accepted by the Liu family of Youzhou depends on this day.

After all, in Mi Zhu's eyes, the wealth of the Mi family might be tempting to everyone in the world, but for Liu Hong, the Duke of Weining, the trade routes he controlled had already brought him countless profits.

So, is the little bit of money the Mi family has enough to catch the other party's eye?

About this place.

Mi Zhu really didn't have much confidence.

That's how things are; it's better to be safe than sorry.