Three Kingdoms: Start by buying a governor.

The next day, the group of old men came to the Prince of Yan's residence again.

Liu Ce was in his study looking at a map of Yangzhou, pondering the war next year.

Hearing Lu Bing say that these old ministers had come again, he was taken aback for a moment:

"Not again? Weren't you scared enough last time?"

Lu Bing smiled and said, "My lord, they are not here to cause trouble this time. They say they want to resign from their posts."

Liu Ce raised an eyebrow and said, "Resign? Interesting. Let them in."

He then put down the map and went to the council chamber.

Upon entering, one sees Wang Yun, Yang Biao, Huang Wan, and others standing neatly in rows, each with a solemn expression.

Wang Yun stepped forward, bowed to Liu Ce, and presented a memorial with both hands:

"Your Highness, we are advanced in years and our energy is failing, making it difficult for us to continue serving the country. We have come today to request our resignation and humbly request Your Highness's permission."

Liu Ce took the memorial and flipped through it.

It was written very clearly inside, with each person's name, official title, and reason for resignation clearly stated.

It wasn't some cliché like "old and frail" or "lacking energy," but a genuine statement that they couldn't do anything substantial and didn't want to occupy a position.

After reading it, he remained silent for a while, then looked up at the group of old men.

Wang Yun, Yang Biao, Huang Wan, Zhao Qian, Ma Ridi, Zhang Wen, Han Rong... each of them had graying hair and wrinkles on their faces, but their backs were still straight, and their eyes held no resentment, only acceptance.

Liu Ce nodded and said with a smile, "You gentlemen have worked hard for the country for many years and have made great contributions. Since you all wish to retire, I will not force you to stay. Granted."

He paused, then added, "Rest assured, everyone, your salaries will continue, and you will continue to live in your residences. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, just come to me. The Great Han will not forget your contributions."

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes reddened.

They originally thought Liu Ce would make things difficult for them or look down on them.

Unexpectedly, Liu Ce not only granted their request, but also preserved their salaries and residences.

Led by Wang Yun, they all bowed deeply to Liu Ce in unison:

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness!"

Yang Biao echoed, "Your Highness is so kind; we are deeply grateful!"

A group of old men knelt down on the ground, tears streaming down their faces.

Liu Ce quickly stepped forward and helped them up one by one:

"Get up, get up, all of you. Don't kneel all the time; it shortens my lifespan. You are all veteran officials of the Han Dynasty, with great merit and hard work. It's better to retire at home and enjoy your retirement. Also, come visit the Prince's residence often when you have time. The tea here is better than the tea in your residence."

Everyone laughed, their laughter filled with relief and ease.

Wang Yun raised his head, looked at Liu Ce, and suddenly said:

"Your Highness, this old minister has a request."

Liu Ce said, "Speak."

Wang Yun said, "This old minister wishes to establish an academy outside Luoyang. Teaching the children to read and write would be a fitting reward for the decades of studying the classics. If Your Highness has the time, could you perhaps give a lecture to the children?"

Liu Ce laughed heartily: "Alright! If Minister Wang wants to start a school, I'll definitely support him. Once the academy is up and running, I'll take some time to give a lecture to the children..."

Wang Yun was overjoyed and thanked him repeatedly.

A group of old men left the Prince of Yan's residence with light steps.

After leaving the Prince of Yan's residence, Wang Yun breathed a long sigh of relief and said, "Finally, I'm free. From now on, I don't have to think about court meetings every day, nor do I have to worry about offending the Prince of Yan. I can finally retire peacefully."

Yang Biao laughed and said, "Yes, that's great! Now we can relax. From now on, we can drink tea and play chess every day and enjoy our retirement."

A group of old men chatted and laughed, their canes tapping on the ground as they slowly walked back.

The sunlight shone on their gray hair, giving them a sense of enjoying their twilight years.

...

In the study of the Prince of Yan's residence, Guo Jia asked Liu Ce with a smile:

"My lord, why did you agree so readily?"

Liu Ce leaned back in his chair and said calmly, "These old officials are useless to me. It'll be peaceful once they resign. Besides, they've come to resign voluntarily; I can't very well stop them, can I?"

He paused, then chuckled, "And didn't you realize? They're genuinely scared. They're afraid I'll cause them more trouble. Resigning from their posts has put them at ease."

Guo Jia nodded and said, "What you say is true, my lord. These old ministers are quite pragmatic."

Liu Ce stretched and said, "Alright, let's not talk about them anymore."

...

A few days later, Liu Ce stood on the top of Luoyang city wall, looking at the distant horizon.

Behind him stood a majestic palace, bustling streets, and people living in peace and contentment.

Before him lay the directions of Yizhou, Yangzhou, and Jiaozhou—the last pieces of the puzzle for the Han Dynasty.

Guo Jia stood beside him, waving his feather fan: "My lord, next year, we will be able to take Yangzhou."

Liu Ce nodded and said, "Yes. The letter has already been sent to Yizhou. If Liu Yan is sensible, he should submit. As for Jiaozhou, General Zhu Jun's letter has also been sent. As long as Zhu Fu isn't stupid, he won't oppose the court."

Guo Jia laughed and said, "Then by this time next year, the world will truly be at peace."

Liu Ce smiled but didn't say anything.

...... ...... ......

While serving as the governor of Zhuojun, eight hundred soldiers in black armor defeated one hundred thousand Yellow Turban rebels.

He served as the governor of Youzhou, leading his brothers to sweep across the grasslands and seal the wolf's lair;

He became the Prince of Yan in Luoyang, beheaded Dong Zhuo, united the feudal lords, and pacified the world.

Step by step, we've come this far.

Now, only a few steps remain.

He took a deep breath, turned around, and walked down the city wall.

"Let's go back and have some tea. It's getting colder and colder today."

Guo Jia followed with a smile: "My lord, could you please give me another cup of your milk tea? I had it last time and have been craving it for days."

Liu Ce laughed heartily: "Alright! I'll have the kitchen make you a pot when we get back. Add lots of honey and little tea, so you won't have trouble sleeping after drinking it."

...

A few days later, in the backyard of the Prince of Yan's residence in Luoyang.

The winter sun hung lazily in the sky.

The old locust tree in the yard has lost all its leaves, its bare branches stretching towards the sky, which has a unique charm.

Liu Ce had a recliner placed in the courtyard, covered with thick cushions, in the sunniest spot in the middle of the courtyard. Next to it was a small table with hot tea, fruits, snacks, and a plate of freshly roasted melon seeds.

He lay back in the chair, covered his face with a book, and blocked the sunlight, which was not glaring but still unforgiving.

With his feet propped up on the footstool, he nestled comfortably in his seat, like a lazy cat basking in the sun.

Life is wonderful.

The book was the "Classic of Mountains and Seas" that Cai Yanxin found for him. It was said to be a rare copy copied from a noble family in Luoyang. It had beautiful illustrations and interesting stories.

Liu Ce spent several days reading through the book, and he especially enjoyed looking at the strange and wonderful monsters inside, such as the nine-tailed fox and the Bifang bird. He read them with great interest.

Besides drinking tea and taking walks every day, he spends his time chatting with the ladies in the backyard and playing with the children.