Chapter 18: Entrusted with an Important Responsibility

As Liu Feng had surmised, Tian Yu was indeed disgruntled with the developments of late. Though he kept it well-hidden, his heart was heavy with dejection. Having followed Liu Bei just as closely and braved the same blood-soaked battlefields as Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, Tian Yu believed his loyalty to their lord and his own personal talents were in no way inferior to those of the two brothers. Yet, since entering Xu Province, Guan and Zhang had both been appointed as Colonels, each commanding their own detachment, while Tian Yu remained in the same position. This made him wonder if his decision to stay had been too hasty.

In truth, historically speaking, Tian Yu would not have remained with Liu Bei until this point. After Liu Bei was appointed Inspector of Yu Province by Tao Qian, Tian Yu had originally intended to leave and return to his hometown. The only reason he was currently in Xu Province was due to the influence of Liu Feng, the "butterfly" who had altered the course of events. Liu Feng had specifically dispatched messengers with lavish gifts to visit the Tian family and pay respects to Tian Yu’s mother. Subsequently, under the guise of delivering a letter, he had obtained a missive from her and rushed it to Xu Province, placing it directly into Tian Yu’s hands. In an era that placed paramount importance on filial piety—a virtue Tian Yu held dear—this maneuver by Liu Feng made it impossible for him to leave, forcing him to stay.

Just as Tian Yu was once again harboring thoughts of departure, Liu Bei suddenly presented him with such a grand gesture that he almost doubted his own ears. No matter how proud Tian Yu was, he did not believe he was currently qualified to be a Colonel, let alone a County Magistrate as well. A County Magistrate was a high-ranking official with an annual salary of one thousand dan of grain; even a second-tier magistrate held a prestigious position of six hundred dan. Furthermore, the post of Independent Major was a mid-to-high-ranking military office, also carrying a salary of one thousand dan, granting the holder command over a separate detachment of troops and independent tactical authority. This was precisely why Tian Yu had been dissatisfied with Guan and Zhang’s appointments, and why he was now struck with disbelief.

Before Tian Yu could recover, Liu Bei announced the appointment for Zhao Yun: "Zilong, I also appoint you as an Independent Major. You shall garrison Cheng County, serve concurrently as its Magistrate, and oversee all matters regarding agricultural colonies in the region."

Zhao Yun was equally stunned; his feelings mirrored those of Tian Yu. Though Zhao Yun was known for his low-key nature, history would later record his most famous trait: "Zhao Yun’s Great Wrath"—a phrase that invariably spelled doom for those who provoked him. At this moment, his official rank was even lower than Tian Yu’s. He was merely a cavalry captain, leading a few dozen horsemen who, in name, were assigned by Gongsun Zan to Liu Bei, but in reality, were Zhao Yun’s own fellow townsmen. Being nothing more than a low-level officer, he had been promoted by Liu Bei in one leap to a high-ranking official position. Like Tian Yu, Zhao Yun felt as though the world had become surreal.

Observing this, Liu Feng felt a deep sense of relief. His old man, though often obtuse, was at least obedient. Liu Feng’s suggestion had been an intentional overreach, knowing that if one wants to open a window, one must first demand that the entire house be torn down to achieve the desired result. He had not expected Liu Bei to accept the proposal in its entirety.

Tian Yu and Zhao Yun finally collected themselves, rising from their seats to bow before Liu Bei. "My Lord, your favor is so profound that we would be unworthy if we did not pledge our lives in your service. Yet, our talents are shallow and our learning limited; we fear we are not up to the task. We beseech you to reconsider."

Seeing their uneasy expressions, it was clear their words were not merely humble posturing; they were genuinely intimidated by such a sudden promotion to high office. Furthermore, they were no longer novices; they understood that such appointments would bring immense pressure upon Liu Bei. Although Liu Bei was the Governor of Xu Province, it did not mean he had absolute control. Promoting close associates, especially bypassing established ranks, was an easy target for criticism and would likely invite strong backlash and obstruction from the local gentry. If successful, it would breed resentment among the local scholars; if the appointments failed, it would severely damage Liu Bei’s prestige and influence. As men of character and integrity, upon feeling the weight of Liu Bei’s favor, they were concerned for his political standing rather than eager to accept the posts.

Liu Bei, in turn, sought to reassure them. He left his seat, personally helping each of them up, and grasped their hands. "Guorang, Zilong, you both possess exceptional talent and noble character; you have simply lacked the opportunity to display them. I trust you as I trust Yunchang and Yide. I entrust these appointments to you in the hope that you, my two worthy brothers, will share my burdens, demonstrate your full capabilities, and govern these two counties well for me."

A surge of emotion rushed through Tian Yu and Zhao Yun. The grievances and dissatisfaction they had felt earlier vanished, replaced by a sense of shame. They realized that while Liu Bei treated them like men of noble stature, they had allowed themselves to become bitter over a mere lack of promotion—was this how a true man should behave?

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei watched from the side, entirely unperturbed; Liu Bei had consulted them that morning, and they were in full agreement. Previously, with such limited troops, even though they were on good terms with Tian Yu and Zhao Yun, they had not been willing to sacrifice their own men to bolster them. Even if they had wanted to, they would have needed Liu Bei’s consent. To do otherwise would have been to act with Liu Bei’s authority to build their own favors, which would have been disloyal. Now, seeing Tian Yu and Zhao Yun find success, they were genuinely pleased.

As for Pan Zhang, his eyes were wide with shock. Having come from the ranks of wandering knights, he had never witnessed such a scene. Liu Bei had bestowed two magistrate positions and two Independent Major titles in one go—that represented at least two thousand soldiers. Pan Zhang swallowed hard, thinking that it was no wonder Liu Feng had dared to offer him a position as a squad leader the moment they met. They were truly father and son; both were remarkably generous to their followers. It was laughable that he had once nearly mistaken Liu Feng for a swindler simply because the offer was too good to be true. He felt deeply embarrassed.

Seeing the lingering hesitation on the faces of Tian Yu and Zhao Yun, Liu Bei spoke decisively, "My two brothers, say no more. Know that these appointments are not merely promotions, but a heavy burden. Both Cheng and Lanling counties have been ravaged by Cao Cao; there is scarcely one in a hundred of the original population left. These two counties, along with those surrounding them, have completely collapsed. The officials cannot gather the people, and the people cannot find their officials. I have no choice but to entrust the remaining lives of these people to you."

"My Lord treats me with such profound kindness—how could I do anything but pledge my life to your service?"

"My Lord, rest assured, I shall exhaust every effort and never fail your great favor!"

Tian Yu and Zhao Yun both knelt once more, vowing to brave fire and water for Liu Bei. Liu Bei laughed heartily, helping them up, and let out a long sigh of relief. It was exactly as his son, Feng, had predicted: his own neglect and the circumstances he faced had indeed wounded the hearts of Guorang and Zilong. Fortunately, Feng had noticed it in time, and his advice had allowed him to remedy the situation before it was too late.