Three Kingdoms: Start by buying a governor.

Days passed, and the day to leave Beijing drew closer.

Inside the Marquis of Champion's residence, everyone was making preparations.

The scholars were organizing books, the military officers were wiping their weapons (they had already changed clothes), and the steward was taking inventory of their belongings.

Guo Jia was the most leisurely, spending his days lying in the courtyard sunbathing and drinking.

Xun Yu couldn't stand it and told him off several times, but he ignored him.

"Wenruo, life is short, so seize the day," Guo Jia said, squinting. "Once we get to Youzhou, it'll be hard to be this leisurely."

Xun Yu shook his head, there was nothing he could do about it.

Liu Ce stood in the courtyard, watching the busy crowd, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

……

General He Jin hosted a farewell banquet for Liu Ce in advance.

The banquet was held at He Jin's residence and was of a very high standard, attended by many court officials.

He Jin was very accommodating and once again personally greeted Liu Ce at the door.

During the banquet, He Jin probed again: "If you need anything on your journey to Youzhou, Marquis of Champion, please just ask. I will do my best to procure provisions and military equipment."

Liu Ce raised his cup: "Thank you, General. I will certainly ask for your help if needed."

That was a polite way of putting it, but it didn't offer any real promises.

He Jin wasn't in a hurry, and lowered his voice again: "And there's the matter of Bian'er's riding and archery... The Marquis of Champion promised to instruct him in riding and archery a few days ago, do you remember?"

"I remember." Liu Ce nodded. "A few days before leaving the capital, I will go to the palace to give the prince some pointers."

"Good! Good!" He Jin was satisfied.

He knew that Liu Ce could not completely side with him, but as long as they maintained a friendly relationship, he would be able to speak up for him if anything happened in the future, and that would be enough.

Actually, He Jin is also in a bit of an awkward situation. His sister, He Lian, seems to be in a particularly good mood lately, smiling at everyone she meets, but she doesn't mention a word about Liu Ce.

He Jin tried to probe her several times, but He Lian always changed the subject.

"A woman's heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea," was all He Jin could think.

On Zhang Rang's side, Liu Ce sent a generous gift: a set of glass teaware, crystal clear and sparkling in the sunlight.

After Zhang Rang saw it...

Zhang Rang initially feigned reluctance:

"Champion Marquis, you're too kind! I can't accept this..."

Liu Ce feigned sincerity: "Lord Zhang has treated me well, what is this small token of my appreciation? Besides, I don't know when I will be able to return to Luoyang after I go to Youzhou, so consider this tea set as a keepsake."

These were well-chosen words, and Zhang Rang found them agreeable, so he didn't refuse.

He accepted the gift with a smile and patted Liu Ce on the shoulder:

"Don't worry, Marquis Champion, I'll take care of things in Youzhou. If you encounter any difficulties, just let me know."

"Then thank you very much, Attendant Zhang."

His influence in Luoyang is not yet strong; maintaining neutrality is the best course of action.

In the following days, Liu Ce spent all his time on Cai Yan.

After all, they were about to go to Youzhou, and who knew when they would be back.

Cai Yan knew this, so she cherished this time all the more.

The two would either play music and chat at Cai's residence, or stroll around Luoyang.

That afternoon, the two were playing chess in the pavilion in the backyard of the Cai residence.

Cai Yan was very skilled at chess; Liu Ce lost two games and won one.

In the game of chess, Liu Ce was one piece behind.

"The general is being lenient with Zhao Ji again," Cai Yan said with a smile, her eyes curving into crescents.

"I really didn't let him win," Liu Ce said with an awkward laugh. "My chess skills are just that bad."

Cai Yan smiled, pursing her lips, and didn't expose him anymore.

After finishing their game of chess, the two sat in the pavilion watching the sunset.

"General, please be careful on your journey to Youzhou," Cai Yan said softly. "I've heard it's very chaotic there; the Xianbei people frequently come to plunder."

"I will." Liu Ce held her hand. "Take care of yourself in Luoyang. Once I've settled down, I'll send someone to pick you up."

Cai Yan nodded, her face slightly flushed: "Father said... the marriage has been arranged, and Zhao Ji is the General's woman. The General need not worry about her while he is away."

This was said subtly, but the meaning was clear: I'm waiting for you.

Liu Ce felt a warmth in his heart.

Compared to He Lian's fiery passion, Cai Yan's gentleness is more like a drizzle, nourishing things silently.

As for Liu Bian, he had already learned the basics of horseback riding, so there was no need to teach him every day. Liu Ce only needed to visit the palace once and instruct him for half a day, and that would be considered his task complete.

As for He Lian... she won't be coming because there are too many people at the Marquis of Champion's residence right now.

……

Three days before leaving Beijing, Liu Ce got up very early.

He rummaged through the system space for a long time before finally pulling out a large gift box containing a complete set of glass teaware, wine glasses, bowls, and plates.

This thing would be an ordinary item in modern times, but in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, it was a rare treasure, more valuable than gold.

"Brother, brother, don't be alarmed when you send out this big gift," Liu Ce muttered as he wrapped the package.

He specially chose the most gorgeous brocade to wrap it up, tied it with a ribbon, making it look like he was going to the palace to present a treasure, even though he was indeed going to present a treasure.

Dian Wei watched from the side, his eyes wide with surprise:

"Hey bro, what's this thing? It's shiny and kind of pretty."

"This is called glass, a treasure from the Western Regions," Liu Ce said mysteriously. "I'll take it to the palace and present it to His Majesty in a bit; I guarantee he'll be overjoyed."

Zhao Yun frowned: "Brother, this item is too precious. Won't it attract unwanted attention?"

"That's exactly the effect I wanted," Liu Ce laughed. "You can't catch a wolf without risking your cub. Now that I'm going to Youzhou, far from the emperor's reach, I need to make sure my imperial brother always remembers my kindness."

After getting ready, Liu Ce rode into the palace in a carriage.

Upon arriving at the palace gate, a young eunuch announced his arrival and led him toward the Greenhouse Hall.

Inside the greenhouse hall, Liu Hong was yawning, reclining on the couch.

He overworked himself again last night, and his body still ached this morning. He only managed to cheer up when he heard that Liu Ce had arrived.

Sure enough, upon entering the Greenhouse Palace, Liu Hong, dressed in casual clothes, was leaning against a soft couch, with two palace maids massaging his legs.

"Your subject Liu Ce greets Your Majesty." Liu Ce bowed respectfully.

Liu Hong raised his eyes slightly: "Your Highness has arrived? Please sit down. What brings you here to see me today?"

Liu Ce placed the gift box on the table and said solemnly:

"Your Majesty, I have come to bid you farewell. I will be taking up my post in Youzhou in a few days, and I have come to say goodbye to Your Majesty."

"So soon?" Liu Hong sat up straight. "Is the date set?"

"It's all set. We'll be leaving in two days."

Liu Hong nodded without saying a word, but his eyes glanced at the large gift box, which was so conspicuous that it was hard not to notice it.

Liu Ce chuckled inwardly, but maintained a serious expression on his face:

"Your Majesty, I am going to Youzhou and do not know when I will be able to return to Luoyang. Before I leave, I would like to give you a gift to express my feelings."

He opened the gift box.

"Whoosh—"

The light inside the hall refracted through the glasswork, creating a dazzling array of colors.

Those teacups, wine glasses, bowls and plates were crystal clear, like crystal, but even brighter and more transparent.

Liu Hong's eyes widened instantly.

He jumped up and rushed to the table, picking up a glass teacup with trembling hands.

"This...this is..." His voice trembled. "Crystal? No, crystal isn't this clear..."

He picked up the glass again, gently stroking it with his fingers; the touch was smooth and warm.