Chapter 223: Marrying Diao Chan

Jinyang City, Taiyuan Academy.

Liu Bei arrived with Guo Jia, Ju Shou, and others.

Liu Bei bowed.

"Father-in-law, this academy is run truly well. You have worked hard."

Cai Yong looked rather proud.

"It is thanks to your help, Xuande. This time, we were able to get Brother Wenjie to help, and we brought two thousand scrolls of books from Jizhou. It is truly excellent!"

Han Fu bowed.

"I must thank Xuande for giving me this opportunity; otherwise, I would never have dared to imagine it."

Liu Bei repeatedly insisted that it was Han Fu who had taken care of him and helped him with many things.

Historically, Han Fu was indeed quite miserable.

After Yuan Shao took Jizhou, Han Fu's eldest son had his legs broken by scholars wanting to curry favor with Yuan Shao.

Later, Han Fu fled to Zhang Miao's place, living in constant fear. Upon hearing that Yuan Shao's envoy had arrived, he committed suicide in a latrine using a small knife for carving seals.

Liu Bei asked,

"Gongyu, what do you think of this Taiyuan Academy?"

Ju Shou bowed deeply.

"My lord, your far-sighted plan to establish the Taiyuan Academy to produce a steady stream of talent is a grand strategy!"

Ju Shou was truly impressed. People like Yuan Shao were still living off their family's legacy without any long-term considerations, while his lord had already established a foundation and built the roots.

Liu Bei laughed heartily.

"Gongyu, I really like this flattery of yours!"

He looked at Cai Yong.

"Father-in-law, have any young talents emerged in the academy recently? Let them come over to meet me."

Cai Yong nodded and sent someone to fetch them.

Soon,

several teenage students walked over.

"Teacher."

Cai Yong smiled and pointed at Liu Bei.

"This is the hero Liu Xuande whom you discuss every day—my son-in-law!"

The students were startled and quickly bowed in greeting.

"Guo Huai of Taiyuan."

"Wuqiu Jian of Hedong."

"Pei Qian of Hedong."

"Wang Can of Shanyang Commandery."

"Sima Zhi of Henei Commandery."

"Greetings, Lord Xuande."

Liu Bei was stunned. The first four were all genuine talents.

Guo Huai and Wuqiu Jian were famous generals, Pei Qian was a veteran official of three reigns in Wei, and Wang Can was one of the Seven Scholars of Jian'an.

Liu Bei encouraged them with a few words and told them to come work for him after graduating next year, which made them incredibly excited!

Cai Yong said sourly,

"Good son-in-law, you come here and poach so many of my excellent students at once. What am I supposed to do?"

Liu Bei laughed heartily.

"Father-in-law, isn't the reason you cultivate them so they can benefit the people and have a chance to display their talents? Wouldn't it be even better if you cultivate new talent next year?"

"I will increase the funding for the academy and provide rewards for outstanding students so they can focus more on their studies."

As a modern person, Liu Bei attached great importance to education.

Only then was Cai Yong satisfied.

"Report!"

"My lord, Minister Lu's carriage convoy is already twenty miles outside Jinyang City."

Cai Yong smiled.

"Zigan has finally arrived. I will drink to my heart's content with him tonight!"

Liu Bei smiled.

"Gentlemen, how about accompanying me outside the city to welcome Master Lu?"

"That is exactly what we wish to do." ===== CHAPTER 224 =====