As Chen Xi had predicted, after Tao Qian and Liu Bei arrived at the government office, Tao Qian had Liu Bei take a seat beside him, sitting as equals. After some hesitation, Tao Qian ordered Chen Deng to summon the major families of Xuzhou.
"Xuande, what do you think of Xuzhou?" Tao Qian asked with a smile as he poured a cup of wine for Liu Bei.
"Xuzhou is indeed one of the most prosperous lands in the realm, incomparable to most other regions," Liu Bei replied truthfully. "However, it is a flat plain, difficult to defend without strong troops and capable generals."
"You've grown wiser, Xuande, no longer just seeing things from one perspective. My Xuzhou is wealthy, but it cannot compare to the thriving Taishan. When you first arrived in Taishan, it was impoverished, lacking both manpower and resources. Yet, in just three years, Taishan has surpassed Nanyang to become one of the most prosperous regions in the land," Tao Qian said, a trace of nostalgia in his eyes. Time had changed everything.
Back at Hulao Pass, Liu Bei had been nothing more than a man with a royal lineage but no official rank. Now, Liu Bei commanded tens of thousands of elite troops and governed five million people, becoming a renowned warlord in the central plains. Meanwhile, Tao Qian was a man nearing his end.
"This is all thanks to Zichuan's abilities," Liu Bei said with a hearty laugh. "Without Zichuan, I, Liu Xuande, would not have achieved such smooth progress." With that, Liu Bei raised his cup to toast Chen Xi.
"Without Xuande, I, Chen Zichuan, would not have had the opportunity to put my knowledge to use," Chen Xi replied calmly, then muttered to himself in a voice only he could hear, "Only you, Xuande, would allow me such freedom."
Tao Qian observed this scene and sighed quietly. The harmony between ruler and minister was the true foundation for maintaining a lasting legacy.
Chen Deng entered with the leading figures of the Xuzhou families, his expression neutral. It was clear that some of them were uneasy upon seeing Liu Bei and Tao Qian together. However, no one mentioned anything for the time being.
After the families had paid their respects to Tao Qian and Liu Bei, Tao Qian did not immediately address the offenses of the family heads. Instead, he calmly continued the banquet with Liu Bei. Soon after the meal and entertainment ended, Tao Qian ordered the Xuzhou seal to be brought to Liu Bei.
Sun Qian, accompanied by his mentor, Kang Chenggong (Zheng Xuan), followed Zhao Yu, who carried the Xuzhou Governor's seal. Seeing this, Jia Xu and Li You exchanged glances, both relieved. With this esteemed figure present, even if Tao Qian were to die on the spot, no one could tarnish Liu Bei's reputation. Sun Qian might not stand out much, but his actions were always flawless.
Tao Qian was surprised to see Zheng Xuan, but then a smile appeared on his face. "Kang Chenggong, to have you here in person is a great honor. Could I ask you to bear witness to my and Xuande's agreement? This will silence any rumors in the future." Tao Qian then ordered a seat to be prepared and personally placed it to his right, inviting Zheng Xuan to sit.
Chen Xi smiled inwardly. It seemed that informing Zheng Xuan about the plan to enlighten the people had allowed Sun Qian to persuade him to come out of his scholarly seclusion.
"I came here specifically to witness this event. I also wanted to meet the Liu Xuande who vows to bring enlightenment to the people," Zheng Xuan said bluntly, though his words clearly favored Liu Bei.
"Kang Chenggong, you flatter me. I, Liu Xuande, also long to see such a world. Since the ancient sages have strived for this goal, and I now see a glimmer of hope, why wouldn't I give it my all?" Liu Bei responded with a hearty laugh, bowing respectfully to Zheng Xuan.
In the Han dynasty, civil and military affairs were not strictly separated, and a gentleman was expected to master the six arts. Zheng Xuan, being the pinnacle of such learning, naturally understood physiognomy. Observing Liu Bei's broad and benevolent features, he laughed, "I hear that Xuande has a college, but no headmaster. May I recommend myself?"
"If Kang Chenggong is willing, I will gladly prepare a place for you," Liu Bei said, delighted and sincerely welcoming the offer. He had long been in need of a great scholar to preside over Taishan College.
"Good, good, good!" Zheng Xuan nodded in approval, then turned his attention to Tao Qian.
Tao Qian picked up the Xuzhou Governor's seal, gently stroking it. "Xuande, I wish for you to become the Governor of Xuzhou."
"Lord Tao..." Though Liu Bei had anticipated this, he was still taken aback when Tao Qian directly offered him the symbol of Xuzhou's authority. He hesitated, unsure of how to respond.
"Xuande, do not refuse. I, Tao Qian, am already at the end of my strength. Before I die, I want to find a successor who shares my ideals. Though I was initially displeased with you for attacking Yuan Gonglu, I now see that I was wrong in my judgment when choosing a successor," Tao Qian said frankly, with the candor of a man nearing death.
"Xuande is humbled..." Liu Bei said with a wry smile. The situation with Yuan Shu was complex, but even without Cao Cao's schemes, Liu Bei would not have allowed Yuan Shu to achieve his ambitions easily.
"Cao Mengde is a man with both good and evil within him. Though he has done good, he cannot suppress his violent tendencies. However, his determination is unwavering. I wonder if he will change after this. It's a pity—I once believed he was the most suitable candidate," Tao Qian shook his head, pressing the seal into Liu Bei's hands. At this point, there was no need to hide anything, and Liu Bei would not hold it against him.
"Take it. Whether you believe that virtue or ability makes one deserving, or that the Han Dynasty's lands belong to the Han, you, Liu Xuande, are the most suitable candidate. Do not decline. Take care of my two sons and the people of Xuzhou. Do not let them suffer again. As for my ideals, let them rest," Tao Qian said with a hearty laugh. As death approached, the only thing he could not let go of was his two sons.
"I will not fail your trust, Lord Tao!" Liu Bei hesitated briefly but accepted the Xuzhou Governor's seal. As Tao Qian had said, whether by virtue, talent, or even lineage, he was the most suitable candidate. As he took the seal, Liu Bei solemnly declared, "As long as I live, I will protect the Tao family!"
"With your promise, I can rest easy. Before this, I had already sent a letter of recommendation to Chang'an. Soon, you will receive the Emperor's official appointment," Tao Qian said, knowing there was no need for lifelong promises. Who could guarantee what would happen after Liu Bei's lifetime?
On the other side, Zheng Xuan acted as a scribe, recording the entire event in detail. He then signed his name, ensuring that anyone attempting to challenge Liu Bei over this matter in the future would have to contend with Zheng Xuan's reputation. This made it unlikely that anyone would use this as a pretext against Liu Bei.
"Congratulations, Lord Xuande!" Chen Xi said with a smile, rising to his feet. The entire government office soon echoed with congratulatory voices, and many of the family heads seemed visibly relieved. Tao Qian's oppressive rule had been a constant source of fear for them.