Chapter 43: Either Stupid or Malicious

Although the imperial court in Chang'an of Xijing was practically reduced to a plaything for Liangzhou military ruffians like Li Jue and Guo Si, the local prestige of the imperial court remained quite formidable.

To say the least, Yuan Sui of Guangling Commandery would not be as resistant to Liu Bei as he was now; it was highly probable that he would obey Liu Bei's orders and begin transporting taxes, grain, and other supplies to Tancheng.

This point alone held an immense temptation for Liu Bei.

Liu Bei was somewhat moved, his expression growing much more solemn. "Then, in the Official's view, how should I dispatch men to Xijing? And whom should we send?"

Han Xun immediately recommended, "This matter can follow the old precedent from the time of Lord Tao; we should ask the *Biejia* to make the trip."

"*Biejia*?"

Liu Bei recalled that the *Biejia* was none other than Mi Zhu. At present, the multitude of affairs within the province relied entirely on Mi Zhu to coordinate from the center, with Yuanlong assisting and offering guidance.

Logically speaking, dispatching the *Biejia* to Xijing was the most sincere course of action, yet Liu Bei felt he truly could not spare the two of them. Furthermore, with Xijing in the midst of war and chaos at present, letting Mi Zichong take such risks might arouse alienation on his part, and it even carried the suspicion of returning kindness with enmity.

"Inappropriate, highly inappropriate."

Liu Bei shook his head repeatedly. "Zichong is my left and right arm; I cannot bear to part with him even for a single moment."

Instead of continuing to persuade him, Han Xun shifted to recommend someone else. "Since the *Biejia* cannot be spared, and the position of *Zhizhong* is currently vacant, we may choose between the *Changshi* and the *Congshi*."

Among the provincial-level officials of the Han dynasty, aside from the *Xunfu* and *Cishi* who were dispatched from the central government as chief administrators, the other four major administrative officials were all locals.

These four major administrative officials were the *Biejia*, *Zhizhong*, *Changshi*, and *Congshi*.

Among them, the *Biejia* was the highest, followed by the *Zhizhong* official.

The *Changshi* and *Congshi* ranked below them.

At present, Xu Province's *Biejia* Mi Zhu and *Congshi* Chen Deng certainly could not be sent to Xijing, while the position of *Zhizhong* official was temporarily vacant.

Since neither the *Biejia* nor the *Congshi* could go, and the *Zhizhong* post was vacant, only the *Changshi* Cao Hong remained.

However, Cao Hong had claimed illness for a long time. Ever since Liu Bei took charge of Xu Province, Cao Hong had excused himself on the grounds of sickness, and it had already been over a month.

No matter how much Liu Bei detested Cao Hong, he could not possibly force a sick man to go on an embassy to Xijing.

Not only would this cause Liu Bei to lose his reputation for benevolence and virtue, but it would also show disrespect to the imperial court and arouse feelings of tragic empathy among the officials of the Danyang faction.

Liu Bei could not help sighing. "Both the *Biejia* and the *Congshi* have heavy responsibilities on their shoulders and cannot leave; the position of *Zhizhong* is vacant, and the *Changshi* is seriously ill. For the moment, there is truly no one in the province capable of shouldering this heavy responsibility."

Sensing the timing was right, Han Xun took the initiative to recommend himself. He stood up, bowed deeply to Liu Bei, and volunteered, "May the Lord not worry. Though humble and untalented, Xun is willing to travel to Xijing on the Lord's behalf, pay respects to the imperial court, and articulate the Lord's loyal, devoted, and submissive heart to the court."

Deeply moved, Liu Bei stepped forward and helped Han Xun to his feet. "I am fully aware of your loyalty."

However, Liu Bei did not agree on the spot. For such a major matter, he had to consult with Chen Deng, Chen Qun, Mi Zhu, and his precious son.

"I am aware of this matter. You may withdraw for now and allow me to think it over carefully."

Knowing that saying more at this point would be futile, Han Xun took his leave.

After Han Xun departed, Liu Bei paced back and forth within the hall several times and decided to hear his son's opinion first.

"Someone come, invite the Eldest Young Master here."

At that moment, Liu Feng was in his room, sharing a meal with Pan Zhang.

Halfway through eating, upon hearing that Liu Bei had sent someone to summon him, he felt somewhat puzzled.

Nevertheless, without any delay, he dropped his bowl and left immediately. For big-eared brother to send someone to fetch him during mealtime meant there must be an important matter to discuss.

Soon, Liu Feng met with Liu Bei.

Seeing Liu Feng, a smile surfaced on Liu Bei's face. "Feng'er, come closer and take a seat. Your father has something he wishes to hear your opinion on."

Liu Feng stepped forward to pay his respects, then knelt and sat down. "Father, I wonder what major event this is?"

After pondering for a moment, Liu Bei explained, "Just after official duties concluded today, the Lin-Ru Scholar Han Xun sought an audience with me alone, and proposed that we dispatch men to Xijing to pay homage to the Son of Heaven and articulate our loyalty.

"He said that although the current Son of Heaven is young, he is sagacious and wise, and since your father is a member of the Han imperial clan, we will surely win the Emperor's appreciation. Afterwards, we could be granted official posts and noble titles, and even be officially enfeoffed by the court as the Governor of Xu Province."

"Your father feels that what Han Xun said makes a great deal of sense, except that Zichong and Yuanlong cannot get away, and the *Changshi* Cao Hong is claiming illness at home. Coincidentally, the position of *Zhizhong* is still vacant. After pondering it over, I intend to appoint Changwen as our emissary, conferring upon him the rank of *Zhizhong*, and make Han Xun the deputy emissary to travel to Chang'an to pay homage to the Son of Heaven and secure the governorship of Xu Province for me. Feng'er, what are your thoughts?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Feng was stunned at first, and then fell into deep thought.

A moment later, Liu Feng let out a wry laugh. "Father, do you know whose side this Han Xun is on?"

Somewhat surprised, Liu Bei thought carefully before replying, "This man is a native of Danyang and also an old subordinate brought to Xu Province by Lord Tao. His position as a Lin-Ru Scholar was also bestowed by Lord Tao during his tenure. It is just that he has always kept a low profile and does not interact much with his fellow Danyang townsmen. Your father never really paid attention to him before."

After listening, Liu Feng immediately sneered. "This man Han Xun is either a fool or malicious. His strategy seems sound at first glance, but in reality, it is riddled with loopholes and likely conceals a dark, sinister plot meant to harm you."

Hearing this, Liu Bei's expression changed abruptly.

He knew that his son's words always had a basis; could it be that he had truly been deceived by this Han Xun?

"Feng'er, what do you mean by this?"

Suppressing the anxiety in his heart, Liu Bei looked at Liu Feng, waiting for the latter to explain.

"Father, it is fortunate that you came to consult me first. If the *Congshi* Chen had learned of this first, he would have undoubtedly asked you to execute Han Xun on the spot. By then, the situation would have blown up into a massive crisis."

Liu Feng's words made Liu Bei even more nervous. Anything that could make Chen Yuanlong cry out for blood must be a catastrophic problem.

Liu Feng stepped forward to dissect the situation for Liu Bei. "Today, the Son of Heaven is far away in Xijing. Though he holds the nominal title of Emperor, all the supreme authority of the imperial court has fallen into the hands of Liangzhou military ruffians like Li Jue and Guo Si.

"The various warlords of the Guandong region, especially Yuan of Ji Province in the north, are irreconcilable enemies with the Liangzhou ruffians and are still branded as rebels by the court to this day.

"Most of their official titles are mutually conferred and self-established, lacking any endorsement from the imperial court whatsoever.

"Father, after you took over Xu Province, you immediately reconciled with Yuan of Ji Province and forged an alliance.

"Under such circumstances, what would be the outcome if you sent men to Xijing to articulate your loyalty?

"Not to mention Li Jue, Guo Si, and the others, even the Son of Heaven would not trust you, while Yuan of Ji Province would begin to suspect you of betrayal.

"Your action here would fail to please the Emperor and the Liangzhou ruffians, yet it would offend Yuan of Ji Province and Cao of Yan Province, creating enemies out of thin air. There is no greater folly than this.

"What's even worse is that your position as Governor of Xu Province is self-proclaimed, entirely the product of mutual compromise and concessions among the various factions within Xu Province. Whether in terms of legal principle or procedure, it lacks the endorsement of the imperial court. Under such circumstances, pleading the excuse of treacherous roads can still preserve your dignity and authority.

"However, if you send envoys to Xijing, only to fail to bring back the imperial appointment for the Governor of Xu Province, or if the court appoints someone else entirely as the Governor of Xu Province, how will you manage yourself then, Father?"