Three Kingdoms: Start by buying a governor.

"You're talking to me about history books?! If history books only record that I killed a few corrupt officials, but not that I saved millions of people, then that history book is just a load of rubbish written by a bunch of good-for-nothings!"

"I tell you, I don't care about the hearts of the scholars of the world! What I care about is the hearts of the common people! Whoever can ensure that the people have enough to eat, warm clothes to wear, and are not bullied is a good person!"

"You bunch of good-for-nothings who only know how to talk! If you dare to plead for the wicked again, I'll send you all south to be 'civilized' by those barbarians! Let's see if your benevolence and morality are more effective, or their knives!"

"I'll ask you again, are you Han Chinese or not?!"

"You eat the food of the Han people, take the salary of the imperial court, yet you do not stand up for the people, but instead speak for the wolves. Do you deserve to be subjects of the Han Dynasty? Do you deserve to call yourselves Confucian scholars?!"

"I'm making this clear: from now on, anyone who dares to say a good word for these wicked noble families and barbarians will be treated as an accomplice!"

"Either shut up and get out, or go to jail with them! Stop wasting your breath on me!"

This furious outburst was fierce and piercing, leaving the old ministers and pedantic scholars red-faced, trembling, and bowing their heads, not daring to even breathe.

Some of the more timid ones almost collapsed, their legs buckling.

Several older men had faces as red as livers, their lips trembling, wanting to argue but not daring to.

They usually only knew classical Chinese phrases; they had never seen Liu Ce get so angry.

One by one, they scurried away, scrambling out of the Prince of Yan's mansion, fearing that if they were even a step too slow, they would be captured and exiled to the southern frontier.

Liu Ce watched as these people ran away in a panic, and couldn't help but burst into laughter:

"That was fucking satisfying! It felt so good to yell at them! These guys deserved it, we really gave them face!"

Guo Jia, Xi Zhicai, Xu Shu, and others stood to the side, whispering among themselves, "We never expected our lord to have this side to him. How interesting..."

Guo Jia waved his feather fan, his smile meaningful: "My lord is usually so gentle and refined... but I never imagined that when he curses, he'd be even fiercer than Zhang Fei. And, with this curse, my lord, I'm afraid those pedantic scholars will be traumatized. From now on, when they see my lord, their legs will probably tremble."

Xi Zhicai laughed and said, "They deserve to be scolded. These people really deserve to be scolded. That's true nature. They keep it all bottled up all the time, but when the time comes, they have to be scolded."

Xu Shu nodded and said, "Those pedantic scholars certainly deserve to be scolded. They didn't speak up when the people were suffering, but now they jump out and pretend to be good people."

From then on, no one dared to come to Liu Ce and mention any nonsense about "educating and pleading for mercy".

Those pedantic scholars would avoid Liu Ce when they saw him, not daring to even raise their heads, for fear of being caught and scolded again.

...

A week ago, Xu Da and his group returned to Luoyang.

Today, Ju Shou and Shen Pei, who remained in Youzhou, also arrived in Luoyang.

Liu Ce personally received the two of them.

These two men, one calm and steady, the other upright and incorruptible, have served Liu Ce in Youzhou for so many years, and their contributions are considerable.

"Gongyu, Zhengnan, you've worked hard." Liu Ce held their hands and said with a smile, "Is everything settled in Youzhou?"

Ju Shou cupped his hands and said, "Reporting to my lord, everything is well in Youzhou. The troops left behind by Xu Da and others are holding the city securely... We have already handed over the administration of Youzhou before coming to Luoyang."

Shen Pei added, "My lord, we have been in Youzhou for many years, watching it transform from a small border prefecture into the heart of the nation. We are filled with emotion. Your lord's talent and strategy are truly admirable."

Liu Ce laughed heartily: "Alright, alright, stop flattering me. The stability of Youzhou is all thanks to the two of you holding the fort."

Ju Shou cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty is too kind. The stability of Youzhou is entirely due to the foundation laid by Your Majesty. I was merely following the established procedures."

Shen Pei also said, "Yes, my lord, the people of Youzhou all remember your kindness. Now that they hear the world is unified, they are all as happy as if it were New Year's Day."

Liu Ce smiled and nodded: "Youzhou is our old base, we must not forget our roots. Now that you've come to Luoyang, we'll need your help in matters of state."

The two quickly agreed.

Liu Ce laughed heartily: "Let's go, let's go into the city! I've had some fine wine prepared to welcome you and wash away the dust of your journey!"

The three rode their horses side by side and entered Luoyang City.

Ju Shou and Shen Pei marveled at the bustling scene in Luoyang.

Ju Shou exclaimed, "A few years ago, Dong Zhuo wreaked havoc, and Luoyang was in chaos. How long has it been, and it's already back to normal! My lord is truly a divine being!"

Shen Pei nodded and said, "That's right. Along the way, no one picks up lost items on the road and doors are left unlocked at night. The people all have smiles on their faces. I heard that Your Majesty governs well when I was in Youzhou, but seeing it with my own eyes, I know that it is ten times better than I heard."

Liu Ce waved his hand: "It's all thanks to everyone. How could I have done so much by myself? It's all thanks to you civil and military officials, and the support of the people."

...

May, 192 AD.

Having thoroughly cleansed the corrupt practices in the imperial court and eliminated the treacherous officials in the local areas, four months passed in the blink of an eye, and the Prince of Yan's residence was filled with immense joy...

Cai Yan, Zhang Ning, Ren Hongchang, Du Xiuniang, Zou Yu, Zhen Jiang, Zhen Tuo, Zhen Dao, Zhen Rong, Zhen Mi, He Lian, Mi Zhen, Gan Mei, Yin Ying, Feng Yu, and Cai Wan—sixteen ladies—were all due to give birth at the same time!

The entire palace was instantly thrown into chaos, yet remained perfectly organized.

The midwives and doctors who had been prepared in advance were all on duty, and there were also two great masters, Hua Tuo and Zhang Zhongjing, in charge.

The maids carried hot water, postpartum clothes, and tonics back and forth, some decocting medicine, some guarding the delivery room, and some serving meals. Each performed their duties in an orderly manner.

Liu Ce stayed in the mansion without leaving for a moment, visiting each of the maternity wards and accompanying each of his wives, afraid that they might suffer the slightest grievance.

"Yan'er, don't be afraid, I'm here." Liu Ce held Cai Yan's hand and gently comforted her.

Cai Yan was sweating profusely from the pain, but she gritted her teeth and nodded without uttering a sound.

Zhen Dao, on the other hand, was completely different. His voice was so loud it could be heard throughout the entire backyard: "It hurts so much! Husband! Are you outside?!"

Liu Ce quickly ran over and called out through the door, "I'm here! Don't be afraid, the midwife is inside, it'll be over soon!"

"Come in and keep me company!" Zhen Dao shouted.

"Alright, alright, I'll come in!" Liu Ce pushed open the door without saying a word and took Zhen Dao's hand.

Zhen Dao pinched him so hard that his nails almost dug into his flesh, but Liu Ce didn't utter a sound.

......

He went to He Lian's delivery room again. He Lian was calm, but she held his hand tightly and refused to let go.

For half a month straight, the baby's cries in the Prince's mansion never stopped, each one louder than the last.

The midwives, carrying swaddled babies, ran out beaming with joy, shouting the good news:

"Congratulations, my lord! Princess Cai Yan has given birth to a daughter!"

"Congratulations, my lord! Lady He Lian has given birth to a daughter!"

"Congratulations, my lord! Lady Zhang Ning, Lady Zhen Mi, Lady Zhen Tuo, Lady Zhen Rong, and Lady Cai Wan have all successfully given birth to daughters!"