pappabearbooks Chapter 82 Welcoming the Bride
Chapter 82 Welcoming the Bride
Thirdly, the foundation in western Liaoning is not yet stable.
"Although you have taken over Liaoxi, the population is small, the army is only a few thousand, the integration of Han and Hu people has just begun, and the land reclamation, trade routes, salt and iron industries have only just begun to show results. It simply cannot withstand years of war."
"If you intend to collect the locust tree heads after the autumn harvest, in my opinion, this matter must be postponed."
"Once war breaks out, regardless of victory or defeat, it will deplete the treasury of Liaoxi, damage the livelihood of the people, and give the people in the court grounds to criticize you for your aggressive military campaigns. It will be a losing proposition."
His words were incisive and insightful, clearly dissecting the political situation at court, the advantages and disadvantages of the border regions, and the treacherous nature of people's hearts.
He even accurately predicted Liu Bei's plan to send troops to attack the Xianbei, which shows that he had a very good understanding of Liu Bei.
Liu Bei sat quietly listening, and felt as if he had been enlightened, breaking out in a cold sweat.
His triumphant victory and the exhilaration of wielding military power almost made him forget the treacherous nature of the Han court and the importance of concealing one's strength and biding one's time in chaotic times.
If Jian Yong hadn't given him a wake-up call, he would have insisted on sending troops to attack the Xianbei, and might have really fallen into the trap set by those with ulterior motives.
He rose, bowed deeply to Jian Yong, and said with heartfelt admiration, "Xianhe's words are like the sun breaking through the clouds, enlightening me completely."
"The campaign against the Xianbei will be postponed for three years. I will focus on the well-being of the people in western Liaoning, conceal my strength, bide my time, and never resort to violence."
Jian Yong smiled and helped him up, picking up the wine bowl: "It's best if you can listen to what I'm saying."
In chaotic times, only those who survive long enough and establish a solid foundation can have the last laugh!
The two exchanged a smile and drank together again.
Looking at his dear friend before him, Liu Bei was filled with mixed emotions.
In his dream, Jian Yong accompanied him through all the hardships. Only after he entered Shu was Jian Yong appointed as General Zhaode.
In this life, he has established himself in western Liaoning, and Jian Yong no longer needs to suffer with him everywhere.
From then on, Jian Yong officially joined Liu Bei's inner circle, becoming a trusted advisor and handling all matters related to the wedding.
The Liu clan, grateful for his achievements and prestige, took the initiative to handle all the guest reception, wedding banquet arrangements, and clan rituals.
Jian Yong became the person in charge of coordinating all matters.
Jian Yong may seem unrestrained and reckless, but he is actually meticulous and insightful about human relationships.
She coordinated with the elders of the Liu clan, harmonized opinions from all sides, balanced the interests of the clan, and handled the complicated Han Dynasty wedding ceremony perfectly.
It conforms to ancient etiquette without being extravagant, perfectly matching Liu Bei's character.
He addressed the various people who came to offer their congratulations, including officials sent by the Prefect of Zhuojun, local gentry and families, and commoners and wandering knights who had come to admire him.
He handled everything flawlessly, neither servile nor arrogant, neither disgracing Liu Bei nor appearing haughty or arrogant.
In just a few days, he managed all the wedding arrangements perfectly, earning praise from Liu Yuanqi.
He said to Liu Bei, "Xuande, with Jian Xianhe's assistance, you are truly like a tiger with wings! This man's talent is far from ordinary!"
Han Dang was also full of admiration and quickly became friends with Jian Yong.
With everything in place and the wedding date approaching, Liu Bei, accompanied by Han Dang and three hundred elite cavalry, set off from Zhuo County and headed north to Juyang City in Shanggu Commandery to welcome his bride.
Along the way, Liu Bei's reputation for pacifying the borders, fighting the epidemic, and defeating the Xianbei had already spread throughout the two provinces of You and Ji.
Wandering knights and heroes from all directions, upon hearing that Liu Bei was heading north to welcome his bride, flocked to him, blocking his path and offering their services.
Some were oppressed by powerful figures and had nowhere else to turn. Hearing of Liu Bei's benevolence, they came to seek refuge with him.
Some were skilled in martial arts but had nowhere to use it. They admired Liu Bei's great victory over the Xianbei and were willing to fight to the death for him.
Others were local heroes who came to join him, bringing their own troops.
When he first set off from Zhuoxian, he only brought one hundred people. As he traveled, more and more people joined him. By the time he arrived outside Juyang City in Shanggu, the group had grown to three hundred.
Han Dang, witnessing this, burst into laughter: "My lord, your reputation is more powerful than an imperial edict! We've gained two hundred elite troops before even reaching Shanggu!"
Liu Bei smiled and shook his head, but he knew in his heart that these people came to join him not only because of his reputation.
It is also because in this chaotic world, the people all want to find a wise ruler who can protect them and give them a way out.
And Liu Bei, he just happened to be qualified.
Liu Bei accepted all comers and assigned them all to Han Dang's jurisdiction. Han Dang was originally a wandering knight-errant, so he could easily take them over.
The Marquis of Shanggu's residence was already brightly decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and the atmosphere was filled with joy.
Cheng Pu had already escorted Hou Chong to Juyang. Upon seeing Liu Bei arrive, he hurriedly came to greet him.
Hou Chong, along with everyone in his household, personally went to the gate to greet him, showing the utmost courtesy.
The ceremony of welcoming the emperor in the Han Dynasty was elaborate and solemn.
After the betrothal gifts and the setting of the wedding date, the core ceremony of the wedding procession begins.
Following proper etiquette, Liu Bei completed the various procedures, including offering the wild goose and paying respects at the temple, to the satisfaction of everyone in the Marquis's residence.
After the ceremony, Hou Chong led Liu Bei into the inner hall, dismissed his attendants, and once again imparted to him all his years of experience in guarding the border regions.
From the deployment of border scouts to the customs of the various Xianbei tribes, and the ways of dealing with the Wuhuan and Xiongnu tribes, he spoke frankly and without reservation.
Although Liu Bei understood, he listened attentively without getting tired of it, occasionally asking a few questions.
Finally, Hou Chong added, "Xuande, Xia Yu is jealous of you, and eunuchs hold power in the court. You must proceed with extreme caution in your future actions."
"Liaoxi is your foundation; you must not afford to make the slightest mistake."
"I've spoiled A-Yuan since she was little. She's gentle but also stubborn. You'll have to be more tolerant of her from now on."
Liu Bei bowed and said, "Rest assured, my lord, I will treat your wife well for the rest of my life, never leave her, and protect her for a lifetime."
"I will guard Liaoxi well and protect the border counties of Youzhou, and live up to the trust placed in me by you."
In his dream, he wandered through life, changing wives again and again, and even suffering from war because of him, which was not what he wanted!
In this life, he has well-trained troops and ample provisions, a wealth of talented men under his command, and a well-established foundation, so he will never face such a threat!
After the welcoming ceremony in the main hall is completed, the newlyweds meet each other through a curtain, according to etiquette.
Liu Bei stood outside the curtain and saw a slender figure behind it, dressed in a wedding gown, with a gentle and graceful demeanor.
Through the hazy beaded curtain, he could see the woman's beautiful features, her gentle eyes and dignified demeanor.
Hou Yuan, behind the curtain, was also looking through the beaded curtain at the young hero who was famous throughout the northern frontier.
She had heard much about Liu Bei's deeds: curing the plague and saving the people, defeating the Xianbei, being benevolent and brave, and being both literary and martial. She had long admired him.
The last time I saw him, he was tall and upright, composed and courteous, without a trace of the arrogance of a military general. My heart had already been secretly given to him.
Now that he has come to fetch her in person, her heart is pounding!
Through the beaded curtain, she curtsied and spoke softly and clearly: "This humble servant is Hou, and greets my husband."
Her voice was gentle and soft, like a spring breeze, revealing the elegance and virtue of a woman from a distinguished family.
Liu Bei bowed in return and said gently, "You are too kind, Madam."
No need for further explanation; one glance is enough to tell that this is someone I can entrust my life to.