Three Kingdoms: Daily settlement helps Liu Bei revive the Shu Han dynasty.

Chapter 122 Liu Bei: Gongxu, Kuaiji Commandery is now in your hands. Shen Yi: ? ? ?

Liu Bei remained silent for a moment, then a smile gradually appeared on his face.

He didn't speak, but stood up, walked to Wang Lang, and solemnly cupped his hands in thanks: "My lord, on behalf of the people of the Han Dynasty, I thank you, sir."

Wang Lang quickly stood up to return the greeting.

Xu Kun and Zhuge Xuan also stood up. Xu Kun smiled and said, "With Jingxing's arrival, Chongwen Academy is like a tiger with wings."

Zhuge Xuan cupped his hands and said, "From now on, we will be colleagues. I hope you will give me your guidance, my lord."

Yu Fan sat to the side, and suddenly felt a little envious.

Wang Lang was renowned for his family's classical studies, and his admission to Chongwen Academy was a popular choice.

Although he was well-versed in the Book of Changes and considered himself quite learned, he was not well-known and his influence among scholars was far less than that of Wang Lang.

Moreover, he is straightforward and never beats around the bush.

In a place like Chongwen Academy, one might not be able to navigate it as skillfully as Wang Lang.

Instead of standing on a stage and being criticized, it's better to do something practical.

As he was thinking this, Liu Bei had already turned to him.

With Wang Lang's affairs settled, it's his turn next.

Liu Bei said in a gentle tone, "Mr. Yu, Kuaiji is still lacking a prefectural governor who is familiar with the local conditions."

The gentleman was a native of Kuaiji, and he was very familiar with the local customs, traditions, and affairs of the Yue people.

I would like to invite you, sir, to govern Kuaiji together with the new governor.

What is your opinion, sir?

Yu Fan did not hesitate for long before standing up, cupping his hands in greeting, and saying, "Fan is willing to go."

Liu Bei nodded and said, "I already have someone in mind for the position of Governor of Kuaiji."

As soon as Liu Bei finished speaking, a series of hurried footsteps came from outside the hall.

Shen Yi strode into the hall, looking travel-worn, with dirt still clinging to his shoes and clothes.

After receiving Liu Bei's summons, he immediately rushed over from the workshop on the banks of the Qingyi River.

Shen Yi walked into the hall, bowed to Liu Bei, and said, "Shen Yi greets my lord."

He then bowed to the others and said, "Greetings, gentlemen."

Everyone smiled and returned the greeting.

Liu Bei got up and walked over to him, looking him up and down.

Shen Yi is much stronger than when we first met a year ago.

The awkwardness and poverty between his brows had long since disappeared, replaced by a down-to-earth and steady demeanor.

Liu Bei patted him on the shoulder, then turned to Wang Lang and Yu Fan and introduced him: "This is Shen Yi, Shen Gongxu."

He was the chief clerk under Huai'an, having studied under him for a year. He handled administrative affairs, military supplies, and military deployment. He was a steady and reliable person who rarely made mistakes.

Wang Lang sized up Shen Yi.

This man was in his thirties, with a plain face, and not particularly outstanding.

But his eyes were exceptionally clear, making people feel at ease just by looking at them.

Yu Fan was somewhat surprised: "My lord just mentioned that a candidate for governor of Kuaiji Commandery has been chosen—could it be him?"

Liu Bei smiled and said to Shen Yi, "Gongxu, Kuaiji has just been pacified, and we are short of a governor. After much thought, I have decided to appoint you."

Shen Yi's mouth dropped open in surprise.

He blinked to make sure he hadn't misheard.

Finally, in a somewhat unsteady voice, he asked, "My lord—this subordinate—this subordinate—is of limited talent and learning; how can I be worthy of being the head of a prefecture?"

"Aren't you doing a great job now? You've managed a workshop with tens of thousands of employees in perfect order," Liu Bei replied with a smile.

Shen Yi panicked, his face turning red: "My lord, a workshop is a workshop, and a prefect is a prefect."

The workshops only needed to produce goods, but the prefect was in charge of people, land, and finances.

Your subordinate is truly afraid of jeopardizing your important mission, sir.

He wasn't deliberately making excuses; he was genuinely somewhat apprehensive.

Liu Bei's smile faded, and his tone became more serious: "Gongxu, you've followed Huai'an for so long, and you may not fully understand everything he's taught you."

Shen Yi opened his mouth, but couldn't find a reason to refute it.

"I chose you not because of your great reputation, but because you are down-to-earth, hardworking, diligent, and humble," Liu Bei continued. "You yourself rose from the bottom step by step, so you naturally know what kind of official is a good official."

You have the ability, you just lack experience.

Shen Yi still felt very uneasy.

He used to be just a poor, destitute man who couldn't even afford to eat, a county magistrate?

This is something he wouldn't even dare to dream of.

Liu Bei noticed his hesitation and comforted him, "Besides, isn't Huai'an still in Kuaiji?"

When you arrive, take him aside and ask him for advice.

If you encounter something you're unsure about, Magistrate Yu can also help you.

What else do you have to be afraid of?

Upon hearing Lu Yong's name, Shen Yi's eyes lit up. "That's right!" he thought to himself. "The strategist is still in Kuaiji. I can ask him to help me plan the development outline for Kuaiji Prefecture. As long as I follow his instructions, I'm sure I can succeed!"

Thinking of this, Shen Yi took a deep breath and finally cupped his hands, saying, "My lord, this subordinate has no great abilities—"

But since my lord trusts me, I will do my utmost to accomplish this task!

Liu Bei laughed again and said, "Go and make preparations. In three days, you will go to Kuaiji with Prefect Yu to take up your post."

"Yes!" Shen Yi responded, but did not move immediately.

He stood there, his eyes suddenly reddening.

A year ago, he was still copying books for others on the streets of Wanling to make a living, and even two meals a day were a problem.

They almost couldn't even scrape together the money to buy a piece of cloth to make swaddling clothes for their son.

It was Lu Yong who recruited him to teach in the army when he was at his lowest point and in need.

Later, Lu Yong promoted him to chief secretary, and he then took charge of the construction and operation of the entire workshop.

Now, the lord has suddenly handed over a prefecture to me.

The emotion he felt was truly indescribable.

Taking a deep breath, Shen Yi forced himself to calm his excited emotions.

He bowed to Liu Bei and the others again before turning and walking out of the hall.

Wang Lang watched Shen Yi's figure disappear through the door and murmured, "My lord's use of people is truly extraordinary."

"Your Excellency's discerning eye for talent is something I have never seen before in my life," Xu Kun said, his tone filled with genuine admiration.

No one can deny that.

Just as Shen Yi left, footsteps sounded outside the door again.

A guard at the gate reported: "My lord, there are three gentlemen outside requesting an audience. They identify themselves as Gu Yong, Zhu Huan, and Zhang Dun from Wu Commandery."

Liu Bei, Xu Kun, and Zhuge Xuan exchanged a glance and couldn't help but laugh.

Gu Yong, Zhu Huan, and Zhang Dun, three of the four prominent families in Wu County, arrived together. As expected, they couldn't sit still any longer.

Wang Lang and Yu Fan couldn't help but exchange a glance, both seeing surprise in each other's eyes.

The families of Danyang and Yuzhang are now returning home.

Three of the four top families in Wu County also came to Wanling.

This shows that the people were loyal and united under the ruler's rule.

Great things are on the horizon!

"Please invite them in." Liu Bei straightened his clothes and returned to his seat.

Xu Kun, Zhuge Xuan, Wang Lang, and Yu Fan sat on either side, each sitting upright and formally.

Before long, Gu Yong, Zhu Huan, and Zhang Dun entered.

Gu Yong walked at the front, Zhu Huan in the middle, and Zhang Dun at the rear.

The three of them glanced around the hall and saw Wang Lang sitting in the guest seat with a normal expression, which gave them a slight shock.

Wang Lang and the others had met before, but they never expected that he would now be sitting next to Liu Bei, and that he would move even faster than they did!

Gu Yong stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Gu Yong of Wu Commandery pays respects to Governor Liu Yuzhou."

Zhu Huan and Zhang Dun followed closely behind: "Paying respects to Governor Liu Yuzhou."

Liu Bei rose and returned the greeting: "The three of you have come from afar; I am so sorry for not greeting you properly. Please have a seat."

The three took their seats, with Gu Yong sitting on the left, and Zhu Huan and Zhang Dun in the next row.

Liu Bei ordered someone to brew tea again, and the aroma of tea filled the air, bringing a moment of silence to the hall.

Gu Yong sat quietly for a moment before speaking, "Prefect Liu, I have come here to ask you something."

Liu Bei nodded and said, "Please speak."

After carefully considering his words, Gu Yong asked, "Since you entered Jiangdong, you have pacified Danyang, quelled Yuzhang, and conquered Kuaiji. You have never committed any offenses in the area you have passed through. You have appointed virtuous and capable officials, and the people of Wu County have long heard of your achievements."

However, the villagers are now filled with fear, and even the prominent families and clans are restless.

We three have been entrusted by our village to ask you, sir, what strategies do you have for governing Wu County?

How should Your Excellency deal with the local clans and former officials of the prefectures and counties?

To put it bluntly, Gu Yong just wanted to sound out Liu Bei's thoughts and see what Liu Bei was really thinking.

But he ultimately underestimated Liu Bei's cunning.