The imperial cause at the end of the Han Dynasty was not one of partial peace.

Chapter 86 Peaceful Year-End and Liu Ba Presents a Picture

Shortly after Zhen arrived, it was the end of the twelfth lunar month. The entire prefecture was in high spirits, preparing to celebrate the New Year's Day. The liveliness in Linxiang City far surpassed that of Mount Tai and Fenggao.

Fenggao, the capital of Taishan Commandery, had seen its population increase after two years of governance by Liu Bei, but the city still had only about 10,000 residents and a few streets and alleys. Most of the merchants were peddlers and laborers from Qing and Xu provinces.

Linxiang, the seat of Changsha Prefecture, was the most prosperous place in southern Jingzhou.

Ju Shou had just completed the registration of all households and merchants in Linxiang City, and was now excitedly reporting to Liu Bei before the end of the year.

"My lord, the city of Linxiang alone has more than 4,000 registered households and a population of more than 50,000."

"The bustling market town was far superior to that of small towns like Zhuoxian and Fenggao. It was divided into east and west markets!"

"The East Market mainly produces local products, such as rice, bamboo, wood, leather, and fresh fish. Every morning, farmers from the surrounding villages would carry their goods into the city, creating a bustling scene on the streets."

"The West Market mainly deals in goods from all directions—silk, lacquerware, and ironware from the Central Plains; pearls, rhinoceros horns, and ivory from Lingnan; well salt and Shu brocade from Sichuan and Chongqing; and even hawksbill turtles and coral from Jiaozhou, all of which are gathered here."

Liu Bei smiled and nodded. In the past few days, he had personally inspected the city and gathered information. Linxiang was indeed far more prosperous than Fenggao because of its developed commerce.

The Shu brocade of Sichuan and Chongqing, as well as gold, silver and tortoiseshell artifacts from Jiaozhou, all converge here. Especially at the end of the year, wealthy families in the city decorate with lanterns and colorful decorations, and ordinary people wear gold and silver.

It was truly dazzling with gold and jade, and fragrant with silk and brocade.

However, he did not expect that there were more than four thousand households in Linxiang City! This was truly a large city.

Moreover, with over 4,000 households but more than 50,000 people, it is evident that most of those living in the city were wealthy families.

In this day and age, a large city with a population of over 50,000 is the foundation and base of a regional ruler's kingdom.

Such a large city can probably generate more tax revenue than several counties combined.

Ju Shou continued, "In the West Market alone, there are over two hundred workshops. The ironworks are led by the Kou family, who forge iron day and night, and their agricultural tools and weapons are sold as far as Lingling and Guiyang."

"There are dozens of lacquerware workshops, pottery workshops, and bamboo and wood workshops. This is a local specialty. The craftsmen are highly skilled, and the products they produce are no less than those from the Central Plains."

"There were over three hundred shops and over fifty residences, providing lodging and storage for merchants from all directions. Dozens of merchant ships came and went every day, and there were over a thousand dockworkers. The market was bustling and prosperous every day."

Liu Bei laughed and said, "If we can establish a sound law for industry and commerce and use it to collect taxes, then the wealth of this city will be entirely at our disposal."

At that moment, a series of light footsteps came from behind the hall.

Zhen Jiang, dressed in a moon-white deep robe with a crimson brocade-trimmed jacket over it, and adorned with a gold and jade hairpin, gracefully entered the hall.

He was also holding several neatly folded new brocade robes in his hands.

Seeing Liu Bei and Ju Shou still sitting opposite each other at the table, with books and documents spread out in front of them, she couldn't help but smile and said softly, "My husband, today is the end of the year and a day of rest. You want to host a family banquet and invite Gongyu, Mr. Yuanhao, Changwen and the others to come and have a drink."

"As a result, Mr. Gongyu arrived, and my husband then pulled Mr. Gongyu aside to discuss government affairs."

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei put down the document in his hand, smiled, and stood up, saying, "Just now, I only chatted casually about the prosperity of Linxiang with you, and we didn't discuss any serious matters. Today, at this family banquet, we won't talk about politics, but only about family matters."

Zhen Jiang then smiled, gently unfolding the brocade robe in her hand, and said, "I bought some Shu brocade at the West Market a few days ago. The quality is excellent, even more exquisite than what we saw in Hebei. I then had several brocade robes made. Husband, please try them on to see if they fit. The gentlemen also have their own robes. You and the gentleman are wearing this blue one."

Liu Bei put on the brocade robe that Zhen Jiang had prepared for him. The vermilion Shu brocade shimmered under the candlelight, with black brocade trim around the collar and sleeves, and cloud and thunder patterns embroidered with dark gold thread. The belt around his waist was woven with gold thread and adorned with a white jade belt hook.

Zhen Jiang tiptoed and carefully straightened Liu Bei's clothes. She took two steps back and examined him for a moment, her eyes full of tenderness. She said softly, "My husband has a dignified bearing, which suits this vermilion and gold color perfectly."

Ju Shou stroked his beard and smiled, praising, "Vermilion is the true color of the fire element of the Han dynasty; gold is the color of nobility. Your Excellency, wearing this brocade robe, possesses both the majesty of a member of the imperial family and the benevolence of a kind person—your wife is indeed wise."

Seeing this brocade robe, one can understand why Xiang Yu, the Hegemon-King of Western Chu, said, "To be rich and honored but not return home is like wearing brocade at night."

This crimson and gold brocade robe was indeed dazzling and fragrant.

He reached out and gently stroked his sleeve, saying to Zhen Jiang in a warm voice, "You've gone to so much trouble, Madam."

He then looked up at Ju Shou and smiled, "Gongyu, come on, let's go see the new clothes your wife prepared for you—today's family banquet will not discuss politics, but only family matters."

Gifting fine clothes and garments was also an important means for monarchs to win over talent and build relationships, and it wasn't just about gold and silver.

Zhen Jiang prepared a light blue brocade robe for Ju Shou. It was made of dark blue Shu brocade with black brocade trim around the collar and cuffs, embroidered with simple cloud patterns. It was calm and dignified, which suited Ju Shou’s status and temperament perfectly.

Ju Shou accepted the gift with both hands, thanked her sincerely, and went to his room where he changed with the help of a maid.

Returning to their seats in the hall, Ju Shou gently stroked his sleeves and remarked with emotion, "The value of Shu brocade is unparalleled in the world. The *Discourses on Salt and Iron* states: 'The silk of Qi pottery, the cloth of Southern Han, and the brocade of Shu Han.' The prosperity of Yizhou brocade weaving has a long history."

"I have heard that Chengdu had a special official in charge of brocade weaving, hence the city was called the City of Brocade Officials." There were no fewer than several hundred brocade workshops, with thousands of looms, producing tens of thousands of bolts of Shu brocade annually, which were sold far and wide to the Central Plains, Jingzhou, Yangzhou, and even the Western Regions. A single bolt of high-quality Shu brocade could be worth ten thousand coins in the Central Plains; truly, every inch of brocade was worth its weight in gold.

Liu Bei looked relaxed and said with a smile, "Changsha also has the advantage of sericulture. The soil on both sides of the Xiang River is fertile and the climate is mild, which is most suitable for planting mulberry trees and raising silkworms. When Lady Zhen came south this time, she brought dozens of skilled brocade weavers with her."

"I intend to set up a weaving workshop in Changsha, recruit skillful women, teach them the techniques of Shu brocade and Xiangyi brocade, and then incorporate the unique patterns of Chu to create cloud brocade that belongs exclusively to Changsha. At that time, the brocade of Linxiang will rival the brocade of Chengdu in the world."

Upon hearing this, Ju Shou nodded in agreement, agreeing that the matter was feasible. He believed that by establishing numerous weaving households, numbering in the thousands or even tens of thousands, Linxiang brocade would surely gain widespread renown.

Before he could even speak, he heard hurried footsteps outside the hall, followed by a thunderous voice: "Big Brother! Big Brother! Old Zhang is back!"

Zhang Fei stepped across the threshold, his leopard eyes brimming with barely suppressed excitement.

He was about to speak when he saw that his elder brother and Ju Shou were both wearing new brocade robes that shimmered with light and color, so he grinned and said, "Oh!"

"Brother, Mr. Gongyu, you're both dressed so brightly, are you celebrating the New Year?"

"I'm covered in dust and dirt, so I'm embarrassed to stand in front of you."

Liu Bei was overjoyed. He stepped forward, took Zhang Fei's hand, and led him to his desk, where he sat down next to him. He said, "My wife has also made new robes for you and my second brother, as well as for Zilong, Guorang, Zijing, and Xianhe."

Liu Bei originally wanted to talk to him about suppressing the rebellion, but when Zhang Fei heard that there was a brocade robe, he excitedly laughed and walked towards the back hall, shouting in his signature loud voice as he went.

"Sister-in-law! Sister-in-law! My brother said he has new clothes for me too. Let me see them quickly, I want to wear new clothes for the New Year too."

Zhen Jiang was setting up the banquet with Cai Wan when she heard the noise and couldn't help but smile.

She took a black brocade robe from the table, unfolded it, and handed it to Zhang Fei.

This brocade robe is made of dark Shu brocade, with dark red brocade trim around the collar and sleeves, embroidered with a tiger stepping on clouds. The belt around the waist is made of black rhinoceros hide and is adorned with an iron tiger head belt hook. It is truly majestic, imposing and awe-inspiring.

Zhang Fei accepted the robe with both hands, overjoyed. He put it on, turned around, and felt that the broad shoulders and wide sleeves were just right for his robust physique.

He slapped his thigh in satisfaction: "Thank you, sister-in-law! Your skill is simply flawless."

After expressing his gratitude, he couldn't wait to return to the hall, stand before Liu Bei, head held high, and laugh loudly, "Brother, look at me, don't I look like a great general?"

Liu Bei looked up and saw his third brother dressed in a black brocade robe. The tiger stepping on clouds pattern was faintly visible in the candlelight, making him look even more burly and imposing.

He then said with a smile, "Judging from your demeanor, Third Brother, you are destined to become a General of the Cavalry."

Then he waved his hand, gesturing for Zhang Fei to sit down, and asked, "How is the suppression of the rebellion progressing?"

Zhang Fei sat down at the table, picked up a lacquered cup, took a large gulp of warm wine, wiped the wine stains from his bushy beard, and laughed heartily, "Suppress the rebellion? It's long gone! Second Brother went to Wuling, I went to Lingling, and Zilong went to Guiyang—the bandits of those three commanderies are nothing to mention!"

"Those mountain bandits and barbarians are nothing but chickens and dogs compared to the million-strong army of Black Mountain! Second Brother defeated more than 5,000 Wuling barbarians in one battle in Wuling, beheaded more than 1,000, and the rest surrendered at the mere sight of him."

"I was in Lingling, and before I could even capture a few strongholds, those bandits scattered on their own. You didn't see it, brother; before I even reached the city walls, they had vanished all over the mountains and fields, and I couldn't catch them!"

"Zilong was even more decisive. When the bandits in Guiyang heard of his elder brother's reputation, they immediately tied up their leader and brought the official seal to the city gates to kneel in surrender."

He took another big gulp of wine and said triumphantly, "With all three prefectures pacified, I will return in triumph. Originally, I was supposed to come back with my second brother and Zilong, but I thought, it's the New Year, and my second brother is a steady person; he'll definitely take his time to organize the troops, take inventory, and make registers. How can I, Old Zhang, wait that long!"

"Then I handed over my troops to my second brother and rode back on horseback. Anyway, with my second brother there, nothing will go wrong."

Liu Bei smiled upon hearing this. Sure enough, this was Princess Feifei's personality—eager to be first in battle and eager to be first at home as well.

The pacification of these three prefectures also enhanced their prestige.

Bandits trembled at the mere mention of his name, and the common people offered him food and drink.

If chaos were to break out, and Guan Yu were to take Wuling, Zhang Fei to take Lingling, and Zhao Yun to attack Guiyang, with their combined bravery and each of them accompanied by several thousand elite infantry and cavalry, how could those prefects, with only a few hundred county soldiers under their command, possibly withstand them?

Even if some powerful local lords occasionally hold their positions in the cities, they cannot amount to much—after this battle, the powerful local lords of the three prefectures have witnessed firsthand the formidable military might and strict discipline of this royal army.

The people of Jingnan spread the word, saying that the soldiers under Lord Liu's command did not commit any offenses and their presence was so peaceful that even chickens and dogs were not disturbed, unlike the likes of Qu Xing and the Wuling barbarians.

When the king's army returns in the future, the people will surely welcome him with food and drink.

Liu Bei then chatted with him with a smile, asking, "Third brother, on your trip to Lingling, did you take any notice of the local customs and people? What was the terrain like, and what were the local people and products like?"

Speaking of this, Zhang Fei put down his wine cup, straightened his chest, cleared his throat, and began to speak eloquently.

"Brother, you may not know this. Lingling is a place that is bordered by mountains and rivers, with Hengyue Mountain to the north and Cangwu Mountain to the south. The Xiao and Xiang Rivers converge here, and the fertile land stretches for thousands of miles. It is truly the best place in southern Jingzhou. The soil is mostly red clay, suitable for rice and oranges, especially the Yingpu tangerines."

Sima Qian once said in his "Biographies of Merchants": "In Shu, Han, and Jiangling, there are thousands of orange trees; those who live there are equal to marquises with a thousand households." The orange groves of Lingling are no less prosperous than those of Jiangling; if managed well, their annual income would be well over ten thousand gold pieces.

"Moreover, its mountains are rich in bamboo, timber, and iron ore, and its waters connect to Jiaozhou and Guangzhou, and link to Jiangling. The Xiang River flows south to Cangwu, and the Xiao River bends east to Guiyang. Where water and land meet, merchants gather and goods are abundant. In addition, the people are simple and honest, value integrity, love reading and keep their promises. Although it is located in the south, its culture and education are as flourishing as those in the Central Plains."

"Therefore, we have a million people, and our scholars and educators are the best in Jingnan. If you, elder brother, can firmly hold Lingling, you can command a million people, and Jingzhou will be easily conquered!"

Liu Bei's eyes lit up with surprise as he listened. He looked at Zhang Fei with astonishment, clapped his hands, and exclaimed, "Indeed, a scholar should be looked at with new eyes after three days! My third brother can now answer fluently, quoting classics and even Sima Qian's 'Biographies of Merchants' with ease. This is no longer the Yide of yesteryear."

Based on Zhang Fei's summary of the geographical situation, there were some things that Liu Bei felt he couldn't express himself.

Zhang Fei, flattered by his elder brother's praise, couldn't help but grin and scratch his head, saying, "Brother, let me tell you the truth. I didn't actually figure these things out myself."

"After winning the battle in Lingling, just as we were about to return in triumph, a local official came to visit me and we chatted for half a day. All the stories about the mountains, rivers, customs, and products that I just mentioned were told to me by him. I just have a good memory and am simply repeating them when I get back."

"This man has a unique perspective. He knows the geography, customs, and local conditions of Lingling, Guiyang, and Jiaozhou like the back of his hand. I listened to him talk for an entire afternoon and felt enlightened. Before I left, he also gave me a map of Lingling, which I brought back with me."

Liu Bei breathed a sigh of relief; otherwise, he would have seriously doubted whether his literary talent was even as good as that of his third brother, who was known for his recklessness.

Ju Shou stroked his beard and laughed, "To be so familiar with the geography, products, and customs of Lingling, and to be able to enlighten a hero like Yide after listening for half a day—this person is no ordinary individual. May I ask, Yide, what is this renowned scholar's name?"

Liu Bei took the scroll map handed to him by Zhang Fei, unfolded it, and examined it closely. He saw that the mountains, rivers, and waterways were all clearly marked. He couldn't help but laugh and said, "With this man as our advisor, the chances of taking Jingnan will be much greater! Third brother, who is this person?"

Zhang Fei laughed and said, "His name is Liu Ba! His courtesy name is Zichu. He is from Zhengyang, Lingling. He was eighteen years old when he started working there." He served as the Registrar of the County.

Chief Recorder and Registrar. He was the son of Liu Xiang, Prefect of Jiangxia and General Who Subdues Bandits.

"I even laughed at him, saying, 'Your name is interesting, Liu Ba Liu Ba, it sounds like "Stay, stay!"' I wanted to leave, but he insisted on staying, so it really was 'Stay, stay!'"

Liu Ba?

Liu Bei was slightly surprised. He naturally knew this name.

Historically, there was a considerable amount of enmity between Liu Ba and Liu Bei.

Liu Ba was born into a prominent family in Lingling. He was talented from a young age, but he was arrogant and always looked down on Liu Bei.

When Liu Bei was living under the protection of others in Jingzhou, all the scholars in Jingzhou vied to attach themselves to him, but Liu Ba alone insisted on joining Cao Cao and avoided Liu Bei like the plague.

When Cao Cao launched his southern campaign against Jingzhou, Liu Bei led his troops south, and many scholars from Jingchu followed him. However, Liu Ba went north alone and joined Cao Cao's service.

Cao Cao was overjoyed and appointed him as an aide, ordering him to recruit the three commanderies of Changsha, Lingling, and Guiyang.

Later, Cao Cao was defeated at the Battle of Red Cliffs, and Liu Bei led an expedition to the four southern commanderies, leaving Liu Ba unable to return north.

Zhuge Liang once wrote to Liu Ba urging him to serve Liu Bei, and Liu Ba replied frankly: "I have come here on a mission, and if I fail, I should return; this is the proper course of action."

"What are you saying!" He would rather die in Jiaozhou than serve under Liu Bei.

Later, Liu Ba traveled to Yizhou and became Liu Zhang's strategist.

When Liu Bei entered Shu, Liu Ba repeatedly advised Liu Zhang not to welcome Liu Bei into Shu, and even bluntly said, "Bei is a powerful man, and his entry will surely bring harm. We must not let him in."

Liu Zhang ignored the advice, and Yizhou eventually changed hands.

After Liu Bei pacified Yizhou, Zhuge Liang, Fa Zheng, and others strongly recommended Liu Ba's talent. In order to win over the hearts of the people, Liu Bei released Liu Ba's grievances and appointed him as the Left General's Western Cao Yuan. Later, he was appointed as the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat and together with Zhuge Liang, Fa Zheng, Yi Ji, and Li Yan, he created the "Shu Code".

Although Liu Ba served Shu Han throughout his life, he always maintained a certain distance from Liu Bei, never forming private relationships with military generals, nor participating in court factional struggles, but simply fulfilling his duties as Minister of the Imperial Secretariat.

Thinking of this, Liu Bei's lips curled up slightly. Historically, Liu Ba looked down on him.

But now, Liu Bei is a renowned figure in Hebei, whose achievements in governing Mount Tai for a year are unparalleled. He quelled the rebellion in Changsha within a month and now commands 14,000 elite troops, possessing the fertile lands of Jingnan.

Liu Ba not only dared not underestimate him, but also took the initiative to befriend him!

This shows that Liu Bei's current situation, strength, and prestige have far surpassed those of his predecessors.

Ju Shou, unaware of the underlying reasons, pondered for a moment and said, "Liu Ba offered the map voluntarily; he probably has ulterior motives."

Liu Bei raised an eyebrow and asked, "Are you implying Jiangxia, sir?"

Ju Shou nodded and said, "His father, Liu Xiang, is the governor of Jiangxia, which is closely connected to Changsha. He must want to befriend us in order to protect himself in this chaotic world."

Thinking of Liu Xiang, Liu Bei smiled; he was quite an interesting fellow.

Perhaps it's because the Liu family of Lingling all have unique and unconventional thinking.

Liu Xiang was also an eccentric. He had previously quelled the rebellion of Zhao Ci in Jiangxia together with Yang Xu, the governor of Nanyang.

Yang Xu was promoted to Grand Commandant by the emperor, but he could not afford the money required to take office, so he did not take up the post.

Liu Xiang was then appointed General Who Destroys Bandits. However, he was probably quite incompetent in this role.

During the Dong Zhuo Rebellion, Sun Jian raised an army to fight against Dong Zhuo, and killed Zhang Zi, the governor of Nanyang, on the way.

The entire Jingzhou was filled with indignation, but only Liu Xiang and Sun Jian were of one mind.

The people of Nanyang resented Liu Xiang for this and raised an army to attack him. As a result, Liu Xiang was defeated and killed.

Both father and son had a certain air about them being the only ones who were sober while everyone else was drunk.

However, if we can be on good terms with Liu Xiang, taking over Jiangxia will be much easier.

Jiangxia is a small prefecture, with a population of less than 200,000 and a mere thousand soldiers.

With Liu Bei's 14,000 elite infantry and cavalry, attacking from ten directions and attacking five times, capturing Jiangxia was as easy as turning one's hand.

Once Jiangxia is captured, Runan and Nanyang will be within reach, and our troops can attack these two prefectures at any time.

After they finished their discussion, Zhen Jiang gracefully entered the hall with a gentle smile and said softly, "Just now we said we wouldn't discuss politics today, only family matters. But as soon as I left, we ended up talking for almost half an hour."

"Changwen has arrived, and Mr. Yuanhao has also entered the manor and is speaking with Lord Cai in the front hall. Zijing and Zilong are still patrolling the camp outside the city and will return in half an hour. Everyone is here, so please come with Lord Cai, Mr. Yuanhao, and Third Brother."

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei stood up and said, "Haha, it was my fault. Come, let's not talk about politics today, let's just chat about family matters. Let's go to the front hall together and celebrate the festival!"

The front hall was brightly lit, and the charcoal brazier was burning brightly.

Cai Yong sat at the head of the table, discussing with Tian Feng the transmission of classical studies in Jingnan. His insights were unique and his words were witty and eloquent.

Chen Qun and Gu Yong sat side by side, teaching Zhuge Liang together with Zhuge Jin.

Cai Wan, along with Zhen Bi, Cai Dan, and the wives of her colleagues, were in the inner hall, chatting and laughing.

Liu Bei entered the front hall, and everyone stood up to pay their respects.

He waved to indicate that everyone should not stand on ceremony. Today, in addition to hosting a family banquet for his retainers, guests and subordinates, Liu Bei was also giving a grand welcome to the distinguished guest, Zhen Yao, who was seated in the honored guest's seat.

The Zhen family had 3,000 households and more than 20,000 guests who went south. These were all achievements of Liu Bei and the foundation for the development of Jiangnan.

After the New Year's Day holiday, Liu Bei will discuss this matter with him in detail.

As the family banquet began, waiters served up roasted meat, fresh fish, dried meat and pickled vegetables, as well as Lingling tangerines and Changsha wine. The table was laden with a dazzling array of dishes, and the atmosphere was filled with laughter and cheerful conversation as cups clinked and toasts were exchanged.

Liu Bei looked around the hall. To his left were his advisors Cai Yong, Tian Feng, Ju Shou, Chen Qun, and Gu Yong, while to his right were his relatives and friends Zhen Yao, Zhuge Jin, and Mi Zhu.

He couldn't help but feel moved, these people had followed him all the way south for thousands of miles, and even risked their entire clans migrating south to entrust him with their lives.

This was the foundation upon which he rose to power amidst chaos, and the cornerstone upon which he built his kingdom!

He picked up his lacquered cup, stood up, and glanced at the guests. He said with great emotion, "It is a great pleasure to have you all gathered here today at the end of the year."

"At this time last year, we were still in Mount Tai; at this time this year, we are already in Changsha. This journey south, covering thousands of miles, has been to quell rebellions, bring peace to the people, open up fields and facilitate trade, all thanks to your concerted efforts and unwavering loyalty."

"However, Changsha is only the beginning. The world is not yet at peace, and the Han Dynasty has not yet been restored. I wish to encourage you all to strive together. I only hope that every year will have this day, and every year will have this morning."

He was the first to drink it all in one gulp: "To this wine, I offer my respects to Heaven and Earth, to the great Han dynasty, and also to all of you, wishing that next year at this time, Jingnan will be well-governed, granaries will be full, the people will be happy, and everything will be renewed!"

All the guests raised their glasses in unison, their voices echoing across the rooftops.

The sound of firecrackers outside the window heralds the arrival of the new year—the fifth year of Zhongping, the last year before the chaos of war!

This was also the most crucial year for Liu Bei to focus all his efforts on development, expansion, and entering the chaotic world.