Chapter 232

"Why?"

Pang Tong looked toward the south.

"Zhang Han Xian has served as the Administrator of Lingling, Guiyang, and Changsha, and he has won the hearts of the people in southern Jingzhou. He has fortified cities for defense, and this rebellion has been long in the planning. If Liu Biao rashly launches a campaign, he will inevitably suffer heavy losses."

Guo Jia also spoke.

"Pang Shiyuan is right. Liu Biao's camp is full of mediocrities. Cai Mao is only of average ability, and apart from Wen Pin, there are no good generals left."

"The best, General Huang Zhong, and the capable Gan Gan Xingba have already defected to our Lord. Other talents find it hard to stand out."

Liu Bei looked at Wei Yan, who was standing to the side.

"Wenchang is also a great general capable of commanding troops; it is a pity Liu Biao failed to discover him."

Wei Yan was deeply moved.

"My Lord is too kind with his praise."

Liu Bei smiled.

"I am truly not just being kind. Wenchang is brave in battle, skilled in both civil and military affairs, and possesses the talent to command. I intend to put you to great use."

Wei Yan would guard Hanzhong for fifteen years, keeping it as solid as a golden fortress, while Zhen Jiang Wei would only hold it for three months before it was breached and his home base was raided.

Although there were other reasons, it showed that Wei Yan was truly not inferior; he had been slandered too severely by the Romance.

Even though Wei Yan's face was as red as a jujube, he felt embarrassed, and a sense of excitement stirred within him—the feeling that a scholar would die for one who truly knows him.

Liu Bei returned to Xiangyang City and went to see Huang Xu.

The young man was recovering well.

Liu Bei patted Huang Xu on the shoulder.

"In a few days, I will arrange for you to study at the Chang'an Academy."

Huang Xu was overjoyed.

"Many thanks, Lord Liu Xuande."

Huang Zhong also cupped his hands.

"My Lord's great kindness is something I cannot repay."

Liu Bei laughed.

"Brother Hansheng, you absolutely can repay it. Help me fight for another twenty years; that will be enough."

Huang Zhong laughed heartily.

"My Lord, I truly hope that will be the case."

Liu Bei took his leave of Huang Zhong and arrived at Huang Huang Chengyan's residence.

Huang Yueying's complexion had improved; seeing the change in herself, she was naturally filled with gratitude.

She bowed gracefully.

"I wish Lord Liu Xuande happiness in finding a good match."

After saying this, she felt a slight bitterness in her heart.

Liu Bei smiled.

"Many thanks, Yueying. Look at what I brought you today."

Liu Bei handed over the repeating crossbow he had been carrying behind his back.

Huang Yueying was delighted.

"Is this actually a double-shot repeating crossbow?!"

Her eyes shone as if she had received the best toy.

"What does Lord Liu Xuande need me to do?"

Liu Bei smiled.

"Naturally, I hope you can improve it so it can fire three or more times in succession."

Huang Yueying nodded.

"Good, I will certainly do my best."

The dedication of a female scientist!

Liu Bei nodded to himself. Who wouldn't want an employee who works hard without needing a salary!

He asked.

"Yueying, are you not afraid that I will use this repeating crossbow to kill more people?"

Huang Yueying did not mind.

"Lord Liu Xuande is benevolent and righteous beyond compare. Those killed by you must naturally be guilty of heinous crimes!"

Liu Bei let out a long sigh. *Having a good reputation is truly great; one always stands on the moral high ground!

Huang Huang Chengyan, hiding in a corner, revealed a motherly smile.

"The two are talking so happily; there is hope!"

Five days later,

The guesthouse was once again decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers.

The scale of the wedding banquet was even larger than the last.

After all, the daughter of the Cai family had originally been reserved by Liu Biao... everyone loved to eat this kind of gossip!

Although Liu Biao took Cai Mao on the expedition and also took Cai Zhong and Cai He along, intentionally trying to make Lady Cai look bad,

no one cared.

On the contrary, the Governor's wife even sent heavy gifts,

thanking Liu Bei for curing her illness and also for helping to deal with the little vixen, allowing her to be married far away to Guanzhong. She breathed a long sigh of relief in her heart.

Pang Tong's uncle, Pang Pang Degong, also arrived.

Liu Bei chatted with him cordially.

"Pang Pang Degong has educated them well; both your nephew and son possess great talent. I intend to appoint Pang Pang Shanmin as the Magistrate of Hu County in Sili."

Pang Pang Shanmin quickly bowed deeply.

"Thank you, my Lord!"

Liu Bei nodded.

"Three heroes in one family. Pang Pang Degong's education is appropriate. Would you be willing to go to the Chang'an Academy to teach?"

Pang Pang Degong cupped his hands and said,

"Lord Liu Xuande, to discuss the Dao with great scholars like Zheng Xuan, Cai Yong, and Lu Zhi is indeed my wish."

Liu Bei smiled.

"Good, the Chang'an Academy has gained another great scholar!"

Pang Pang Degong then introduced the Water Mirror Scholar, Military Sima Hui, to Liu Bei.

Liu Bei also invited Military Sima Hui to take a trip to Chang'an.

"Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles. I am willing to go."

Liu Bei drank a lot of wine enthusiastically with everyone. This trip to Jingzhou was very worthwhile, as he had gained numerous talents.

Liu Bei also felt moved in his heart; with so many talents, Liu Biao let mediocrities occupy important positions. It was a failure to recognize talent, and also the result of compromising with the noble families.

Kuai Yue and the others were even more enthusiastic toward Liu Bei. By intercepting the Governor's bride, he prevented the Cai family from growing further, and the Kuai family also benefited effortlessly.

The Kuai family's power was in Nanjun, with a large population, and it bordered Bashu, so they naturally needed to be courted.

Everyone drank until late at night before gradually dispersing.

Liu Bei returned to the backyard.

Lady Ding Yuan was keeping Lady Cai company. Both were young ladies from prominent families who usually did not leave their homes, yet they found they had quite a lot to talk about.

Lady Cai's lips held a constant smile. She had thought she would have to sacrifice herself for her family and marry that old man, Liu Biao.

Never had she imagined,

that Lord Liu Xuande would suddenly arrive and save her from fire and water!

The two completed the ceremony.

Lady Ding Yuan closed the door.

Lady Cai threw herself directly into Liu Bei's arms, her tone extremely shy as she said,

"Husband, I have been thinking of you all day."

Liu Bei lifted her chin. Her skin was snow-white, and her appearance was on par with Miss Diao Chan.