Chapter 420

"Why?"

Pang Tong looked toward the south.

"Zhang Xian has served as the Administrator of Lingling, Guiyang, and Changsha, and he has won the hearts of the people in Southern Jingzhou. He also has strong city walls for defense. This rebellion has been prepared for a long time; Liu Biao's rash expedition will inevitably lead to heavy losses of men and generals."

Guo Jia also said,

"Shiyuan is right. Liu Biao's subordinates are 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 Xingba have already defected to my lord; other talents have no way 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, but unfortunately, Liu Biao failed to discover him."

Wei Yan was deeply moved.

"My lord is too kind with his praise."

Liu Bei smiled and said,

"I am truly not being overly kind. Wenchang is brave, skilled in both civil and military affairs, and has the talent to command troops. I intend to entrust him with heavy responsibilities."

Wei Yan defended Hanzhong for fifteen years, making it as solid as a golden fortress, while Jiang Wei only held it for three months before Hanzhong was broken and his home base was stolen.

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

Even though Wei Yan's face was as heavy 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 understands 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 Xuande."

Huang Zhong also cupped his hands.

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

Liu Bei laughed.

"Hansheng, you absolutely can repay it. Just help me fight for twenty more years, and that will be enough."

Huang Zhong laughed heartily.

"My lord, I truly hope that is the case."

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

Huang Yueying's complexion had improved somewhat, and seeing her own transformation, she was naturally filled with gratitude.

She bowed gracefully.

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

After saying this, she felt a bit sour in her heart.

Liu Bei smiled.

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

Liu Bei handed over the repeating crossbow he had behind him.

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 Xuande need me to do?"

Liu Bei smiled.

"Naturally, I hope you can improve it so that 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 inwardly; 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 care.

"Lord 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 Chengyan, hiding in the 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 much larger than the last one.

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

Although Liu Biao had taken Cai Mao on the expedition and also taken Cai Zhong and Cai He along, deliberately making things difficult for Lady Cai,

no one cared.

Instead, the Governor's wife also sent generous gifts,

thanking Liu Bei for treating her illness and also thanking him for helping to deal with the little vixen, sending her far away to Guanzhong; she also let out a long sigh of relief in her heart.

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

Liu Bei chatted cordially with him.

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

Pang Shanmin hurriedly bowed deeply.

"Thank you, my lord!"

Liu Bei nodded.

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

Pang Degong cupped his hands and said,

"Lord 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 Degong also introduced the Water Mirror Master, Sima Hui, to Liu Bei.

Liu Bei also invited 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 and the others drank a lot of wine enthusiastically; this trip to Jingzhou was very worthwhile, as he had gained many 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 without effort.

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

Everyone drank until late at night before gradually dispersing.

Liu Bei returned to the backyard.

Lady Yuan was keeping Lady Cai company; both were young ladies from noble families who usually did not go out, yet they had quite a lot to talk about.

Lady Cai's mouth always held a 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 Xuande would suddenly arrive and save her from fire and water!

The two completed the ceremony,

and Lady 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 as white as snow, and her appearance was on par with Diao Chan.