Chapter 3, the term "Han Dynasty relatives" has long been a common phrase

Liu Bei, recalling the various sights he had seen in Luoyang City, felt a sense of obstruction in his heart

Liu Bei chuckled and said: "Although I always feel that he has ulterior motives, it is still quite good to establish this connection. The horse merchants traversing the entire Liaodong region, not to mention anything else, certainly possess the ability to acquire high-quality horses. We will need him in the future"

Previously, I learned that Cheng Dazhi and his associates have inexplicably established contact with the Taiping Dao. The Taiping Dao is known for its restlessness. This time, Cheng Dazhi and his group’s horse theft may not be unrelated to this. It is always better to be more prepared, is it not

Liu Bei also slowly opened the conversation

Ah, indeed, that person is truly severe in punishment and law, disregarding all those who defy the law. He sets up the five-colored great sticks to violently beat the families of the powerful. However, Xianhe, do you know? That person is called Cao Cao, whose grandfather was the Grand Minister of the Palace, the eunuch Cao Teng

Jian Yong was taken aback

That Han is that horse trader, isn't he

Liu Bei laughed and said, "Xianhe, there is nothing to attend to at the moment, how about we play a game of chess? I am still not reconciled to my previous defeat at your hands."

What else can I say? It is merely that Lord Han is concerned that if you do not marry soon, you will be dazzled by the flowers and plants of Luoyang City, and once you climb to higher branches, you will no longer look at his daughter. All his investments over the years are just... what was it you said? Oh! A bamboo basket fetching water is all in vain.

Four years ago, at that time, Empress Song had not yet passed away. The Cao family had a marital relationship with the Song family. Cao Mengde was friends with Song Qi, the brother of Empress Song, and they had a very good friendship. This was a connection through the maternal side. When an incident occurred, all four parties worked together to provide assistance. Even if Cao Mengde was determined to seek death, how could he possibly die?

Commonplace ... ... Hahahahaha! Hahahahaha! Liu Xuande, oh Liu Xuande, how do you always manage to utter such witty remarks! Hahahaha!

That being said, what does my identity as a member of the Han dynasty royal family have to do with my reaching this point today? On the streets of Zhuo County, it is likely that anyone you encounter could be a member of the Han dynasty royal family. To put it bluntly, the term 'Han dynasty royal family' has long since become commonplace.

Guan Yu was somewhat surprised

Liu Bei played white and took the lead, while Jian Yong played black. The two engaged in a back-and-forth exchange, clashing over a hundred moves, and the situation on the chessboard gradually became clearer

Liu Bei held the white piece in his hand and said with a bitter smile: "How is this world? Are you and I not clear enough about it? Did we not come from that time as well? The powerful landlords feast on meat and fish, their faces rosy and radiant, each one plump and robust, not needing to be roasted; just a squeeze, and oil oozes from their bodies.

Liu Bei was unaware of Guan Yu's inner thoughts, nor did he know the extent of Guan Yu's admiration for his turnaround actions; he merely gave Guan Yu a few instructions.

Then I must thank you, senior brother

If I say this, will you still believe that there is hope for the Han Dynasty and its world?

Now that Governor Han has regained his health, Liu Bei is very grateful to Jian Yong

Jian Yong was quite moved upon hearing this

This is good, Xianhe, you have worked hard

It is said that although Cao Mengde was born into a family of eunuchs, Cao Teng had already passed away, yet Jian Shuo was still alive. He killed the uncle of the person, but Jian Shuo does not seek trouble with him

Jian Yong placed the black piece in his hand onto the chessboard

Liu Bei smiled as he placed the white piece onto the chessboard, blocking Jian Yong's offensive.

What about the common people? Their faces are sallow, their clothes are tattered, they cannot even eat enough, and they can hardly walk. On Mount Goushi, I read the Records of the Grand Historian and the Book of Han, and I feel that if this situation continues, the world will descend into chaos. The Han Dynasty, too, is unlikely to endure for long

Jian Yong was amused to the point of laughter by Liu Bei's words. After a while, he wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes and said: "Did you not mention that you saw a warrior in Luoyang? You said he enforced strict laws and severely punished all those who defied the law, even beating a powerful eunuch's uncle to the point of losing control?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei paused his hand that was about to place a piece, and then let out a cold laugh

Not to mention Guan Yu, anyone who knows Liu Bei admires him to the utmost, wishing they had Liu Bei's capabilities. They look at him with starry eyes, filled with admiration.

Two individuals entered the room, seated face to face on the cushions, set up the chessboard, and began the match

Liu Bei looked at Jian Yong, and Jian Yong also looked at Liu Bei.

Uh... you didn't mention to me that Cao Mengde's grandfather was a eunuch at that time, this... is a bit strange...

Well, after inquiring about me for several days, you have finally come

"I searched, but why didn't I find it? Jian Shuo wished he could kill Cao Mengde"

Liu Bei grasped Jian Yong's hand and patted Jian Yong's shoulder, saying, "By the way, I have managed to obtain the Qingzhou paper that you have always coveted. Although there are only ten sheets, use them sparingly."

Jian Yong made another move and chuckled lightly: "Xuande, do you not wish for the Han dynasty to last forever? This is quite strange; after all, you are a member of the Han royal family. If the Han state were to perish, you, as a member of the Han royal family, would be of no use whatsoever."

Xuande, I merely mentioned this in passing

What flowers and plants are there in Luoyang City? There are no flowers and plants in Luoyang City. All I see are the stench of wine and meat from the red gates within Luoyang City, and the frozen bones lying on the road. What a splendid era this is!

Indeed, it is entirely reasonable for Guan Yu to hold Liu Bei in such high regard

Jian Yong's expression darkened, and his hand trembled slightly as he made his move

That is natural

Guan Yu pondered for a moment and felt that Liu Bei's words were reasonable, so he nodded in agreement

When I visited the lord previously, he expressed his hope that I would consider marriage soon, as the season for recommending filial piety and integrity is approaching. After that, I will have to go to Luoyang, and if I do not take care of this matter now, it may be delayed for several years. Xianhe, what do you think

Jian Yong was greatly pleased upon hearing this

Liu Bei nodded at the map and the book

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei let out a slight sigh of relief

Only

In the eunuch ranks, there are connections, and the court also has its ties. Cao Cao's father, Cao Song, served as the Grand Minister of Agriculture, ranking among the Nine Ministers. Moreover, his paternal uncle, Cao Chi, held the position of Colonel of the Imperial Guards, overseeing the palace's elite troops. This illustrates the military connections as well.

Jian Yong smiled and said, "Xuande, the lord's health has greatly improved, so you need not worry any longer"

In this era, rising from the humble beginnings of weaving mats and selling shoes to become a disciple of a great scholar and the son-in-law of a county magistrate is essentially a miracle

Yun Chang, you and Yi De go to Ji Jian's village and deliver a message, asking Ji Jian to come see me, as I have matters to instruct him on. Also, before you leave the city, go to the county office and relay a message to my senior brother, saying that I will take care of the Su Shuang matter, so he need not worry. I will invite him for barbecue another day

It is not that I wish it could be done; someone must step forward to eliminate all that which should be eradicated, in order to restore a clear and bright world. Otherwise, how can we possibly manage this vast Han realm while mingling with that group of pests?

What is there to admire

Liu Bei sneered and said: "But it is of no use. Although Cao Teng is dead, the political resources left to the Cao family are still abundant. The eunuchs are not a monolithic group; there are also factional struggles. I have heard that there are several powerful eunuchs in the palace who are at odds with Jian Shuo, and among them are those who have connections with Cao Teng.

The stench of wine and meat from the wealthy households fills the air, while the bones of the frozen dead lie on the road... Xuan De's literary talent is remarkable, which earns my admiration and respect.

This statement is indeed a heart-piercing remark

Finally, the two of them sighed together and fell into silence for a while

Liu Bei chuckled and said: "Senior brother's wife loves calligraphy; how could she possibly pass up such fine paper from Qingzhou? Coincidentally, the Gongsun family has always had some trade dealings with that area and has quite a few acquaintances there, so senior brother asked some familiar contacts at home to procure some for him.

Did you really get it? That's quite a valuable item! How did you manage to obtain it?

When he went out, Jian Yong walked in. The two exchanged nods as they passed each other, and Jian Yong then strode towards Liu Bei, wearing a smile, as if basking in the spring breeze

Previously, Liu Bei's future father-in-law, Governor Han of Zhuo County, was unwell and had been recuperating at home. Liu Bei busied himself for quite some time, and also sent Jian Yong to various places to seek renowned doctors to treat Governor Han's illness. Jian Yong was also occupied with back-and-forth trips for a while.

You have done so much for me, running around and taking care of various matters, and you only want a few pieces of paper. How could I possibly not satisfy you

Guan Yu turned and left

After a long while, Jian Yong once again placed a piece on the chessboard, reopening the conversation

Does this matter require the use of Ji Jian and the village

Upon learning about this matter, I mustered the courage to ask him for it, giving him quite a bit of a complaint. At first, he was reluctant to give it to me, and I nearly had to seize ten sheets from him outright. As a result, I now owe him a barbecue meal. My senior brother truly is someone who is unwilling to suffer any loss

Jian Yong nodded with a smile