Three Kingdoms: Start by buying a governor.

He Jin was indeed straightforward; he didn't beat around the bush and quickly got to the point.

"The Marquis of Champion is not only skilled in martial arts, but also in literature!" He Jin slapped his thigh, his voice rising even louder.

"The two poems written by the Marquis of Champion two days ago have spread throughout Luoyang! My generals were so excited after reading them that they all said they wanted to lead troops into battle!"

Liu Ce picked up a piece of meat, chewed it slowly, and said calmly:

"It's nothing special, just something I wrote casually."

"If it's like this when you just scribble something down, what will it be like when you write it seriously?"

He Jin laughed heartily, "If you ask me, the Marquis of Champion is truly talented! Unlike those young masters from noble families, who spend their days composing sentimental poems that are just sickening to listen to!"

An aide nearby chimed in at the opportune moment: "The General is right. The Marquis of Champion is skilled in both literature and martial arts, truly a pillar of our great Han Dynasty."

After a few more drinks, He Jin felt better.

He put down his wine glass, sighed, and a look of worry appeared on his face at the opportune moment:

"Your Majesty's health... Alas, we, as your subjects, are deeply worried."

Liu Ce remained calm and continued eating.

He Jin continued, "The affairs of the state concern the safety of the nation. Although Bian'er is the eldest son and is kind and filial, he is still young and needs the assistance of loyal and upright ministers."

As he spoke, he looked intently at Liu Ce.

That look in his eyes clearly said: I think you are very loyal and honest, and very suitable to assist my nephew.

Liu Ce picked up some greens with his chopsticks, chewing slowly and deliberately, seemingly oblivious to He Jin's implied meaning, and simply said:

"The prince is exceptionally intelligent. With the guidance of his uncle, the Grand General, and the assistance of loyal ministers, he will surely become a wise ruler in the future."

That's a nice way to put it, but it's like saying nothing at all.

He Jin was met with a rebuff, but he was not discouraged.

He leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice:

"That's what they say, but nowadays there are many people in the court with different thoughts. Eunuchs and clerks control the inner court and deceive the emperor."

Some aristocratic families, seemingly loyal and upright, are in reality only concerned with their own family's self-interest. Those who are truly devoted to the public good and capable of ensuring the stability of the nation are few and far between!

He stared at Liu Ce and said sincerely, "Champion Marquis, to be honest, I am a rough man, but I have a good eye for people!"

Of all the officials in the court, I only feel a connection with you! You're capable, and you don't engage in any empty talk! We military men should support each other!

At this point, his voice lowered, almost whispering:

"In the future... if anything really happens, I hope that the Marquis of Champion will stand on Bian'er's side, and on the side of our He family! I, He, will never mistreat my own people!"

This statement is practically a direct statement.

Liu Ce knew perfectly well that He Jin was in a hurry to find someone with guns to protect him. As for "we will never treat you unfairly"—anyone can make an empty promise.

He put down his chopsticks, then looked up, his gaze calmly meeting He Jin's, and slowly said:

"General, you flatter me."

He paused, then continued, "As a Han official and a descendant of the imperial clan, I should naturally be loyal to Your Majesty and safeguard the state."

As for the future... the position of Crown Prince will be decided by His Majesty, and we, his subjects, will simply obey His Majesty's command.

Upon hearing this, He Jin's expression changed slightly.

Liu Ce changed the subject: "As for what the General said about 'standing on one side,' I only know that I stand on the side of the court's laws and the Han Dynasty."

"I will do my utmost for anything that benefits the country and its people." His words were impeccable.

He neither accepted He Jin's offer of a handshake nor made any definitive statements. He emphasized loyalty to the emperor and the laws of the court, and passed the buck back to the emperor, saying, "Whoever Your Majesty chooses as the crown prince, I will support."

He Jin was a little confused. His shrewd advisor coughed lightly and took over the conversation.

"Champion Hou Zhongyi is truly admirable."

The aide stroked his goatee and began to speak at length:

"However, the political situation is complex and cannot be fully described by the words 'loyalty' and 'righteousness.' The General is devoted to the country and its people, and is truly a pillar of the nation."

If the Marquis of Champion can work together with the General to save the nation, they will surely create a legendary tale…

He began to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the political situation, implying that cooperating with the He family would be entirely beneficial for Liu Ce.

When he got excited, he even made some promises about what would happen "after it's all done"—things like being promoted, having one's wife and children granted titles, and being permanently stationed in the northern frontier.

Liu Ce just listened, occasionally nodding or giving a soft "oh".

Neither refuting nor promising.

He sneered inwardly: Anyone can make empty promises. He Jin's own foundation is not even stable. He only climbed to the position of Grand General because his sister is the Empress and because of his merits in suppressing the Yellow Turban Rebellion.

When it really comes down to it, how much use can he be? He's been fighting the eunuchs for so many years, but he hasn't gained much of an advantage. Should we tie ourselves to him? The risk is too high.

Besides, these promises sound good, but they are nothing but castles in the air.

Liu Ce had heard too many empty promises from his superiors in his previous life, so he was already immune to them.

The advisor talked for a long time, but seeing that Liu Ce didn't respond, he got a little bored and slowly stopped.

For a moment, the atmosphere in the hall became somewhat awkward.

He Jin's expression was not good, but he was not completely brainless and knew that he could not force a general like Liu Ce, who held military power and had just made great contributions.

He then laughed heartily, breaking the silence: "Let's drink! Why talk about this! Today is a welcome dinner for Champion Hou, no business!"

The topic then shifted back to casual conversation.

He Jin praised Liu Ce's achievements in suppressing the Yellow Turban Rebellion and inquired about some military details.

Liu Ce was happy to play along, and talked about things like the local customs of Youzhou and the war to quell the Yellow Turban Rebellion, which were not very interesting.

For a time, the guests and hosts seemed to be having a great time.

As the banquet drew to a close, He Jin seemed to remember something and slapped his forehead:

"Look at my memory!"

He looked at Liu Ce and smiled, "Champion Marquis, Bian'er was just saying a few days ago that he wanted to learn horseback riding and archery. He said the instructors in the palace were boring and too rigid."

You are his royal uncle, and you are also highly skilled in martial arts. He greatly admires you as his "royal uncle"!

He paused, then tentatively suggested, "When you have time another day, why don't you give him some pointers? It would be good for you two, uncle and nephew, to get to know each other better."

Upon hearing this, Liu Ce revealed a perfectly measured, gentle smile:

"The prince has given his order, and I will naturally obey."

He Jin's eyes lit up.

But Liu Ce changed the subject: "It's just that I probably can't stay in Luoyang for long. The border affairs of You and Ji are complicated, the Xianbei and Wuhuan are eyeing us covetously, and the remnants of the Yellow Turbans have not been eliminated. I need to return to take charge as soon as possible."

He paused, leaving room for maneuver: "If time permits, it would be fine to offer the prince some guidance."

He neither refused nor made any definitive statements.

He Jin finally smiled after receiving this promise that wasn't really a promise:

"Of course, of course! Champion Marquis Zhongqin's service to the king is truly admirable! We must meet again before he leaves the capital!"

After exchanging pleasantries, Liu Ce rose to take his leave.

He Jin personally escorted Liu Ce to the gate of the mansion once again, and only after watching Liu Ce mount his horse and leave did the smile on his face slowly fade.

Back in the hall, He Jin sat down with a somber face. The shrewd advisor whispered:

"General, this Marquis of Champion is slippery to the touch."

He Jin took a swig of wine and sneered, "Hmph, not very old, but quite cunning. He speaks so shrewdly, not a single word of truth comes out of his mouth."