Chapter 22: Paying a Visit to Mi Zhu

In the twilight of the Eastern Han Dynasty, the climate grew increasingly arid with frequent natural disasters, leading to short summers and long winters. By the standards of later ages, this was the onset of a new "Little Ice Age."

On this particular afternoon, Mi Zhu, also known as Mi Zijhong, who should have been at home observing his rest days, stood outside his own gate. Despite holding the prestigious rank of Assistant Governor of Xuzhou, he waited in the biting wind. This sight, witnessed by the observant, caused quite a stir. Mi Zhu, however, remained calm, entirely indifferent to the attention. Yet, hidden beneath his composed demeanor was a sense of intense, joyful surprise. He had been pondering how to forge a connection with Liu Feng, only to find that Liu Feng had taken the initiative to come to him.

*I sought a mountain to lean on, and the mountain has come to lean on me.*

Only one thought occupied Mi Zhu’s mind: How could such a stroke of good fortune befall him?

Liu Feng did not keep him waiting long; his carriage soon appeared at the entrance of the street. Although Liu Feng preferred to travel with a light retinue, Liu Bei, concerned for his safety, had specifically assigned twenty armored guards led by Pan Zhang to protect him. Before long, the party reached the Mi estate. Mi Zhu adjusted his robes and straightened his headpiece, preparing to welcome his guest. To his surprise, the carriage stopped suddenly, and Liu Feng stepped out, walking briskly toward him.

Mi Zhu was startled and hurried forward to meet him, but Liu Feng bowed deeply in a formal greeting before he could reach him.

"I have long admired your virtuous reputation, Assistant Governor, and have come specifically to pay my respects. I did not intend to disturb you, let alone cause you to come out and greet me personally. I am filled with trepidation and humbly ask for your forgiveness. I hope you will be generous in your understanding."

Mi Zhu paused for a moment, the corners of his mouth curling upward. *This young man is truly the son of the Prefect; his methods of winning hearts and minds are almost identical.*

The thought flashed through his mind, but his movements did not falter. He quickly stepped forward to support Liu Feng. "Young Master, you shame me. Since receiving your calling card, I have been filled with joy. A guest of such distinction arrives, and I could not sit still; it was only natural to come out to greet you. There is no need for you to reproach yourself so severely."

Liu Feng seized the opportunity to grasp Mi Zhu’s hand, saying with emotion, "You are my father’s right-hand man and a pillar of this province. If you are willing, I hope you will treat me as one of your own juniors."

Mi Zhu’s eyelid twitched. He felt overwhelmed; the young man’s words were so passionate and sincere that he feared the pupil might truly surpass the master. Despite Mi Zhu’s modest protests, he was no match for Liu Feng’s fiery enthusiasm.

Realizing they could not continue this display of polite resistance on the doorstep, Mi Zhu finally acquiesced and led Liu Feng into the estate. Mi Zhu attached great importance to Liu Feng’s visit, having personally overseen the preparation of an opulent banquet and gifts, ensuring everything was flawless.

Mi Zhu ushered Liu Feng into the main hall, where they took their respective seats as host and guest. This time, after a brief show of modesty, Mi Zhu took the head seat once he realized Liu Feng was firm in his insistence.

"Your visit brings great honor to my humble abode, and I am deeply grateful," Mi Zhu said.

Liu Feng replied with a polite veneer, "You are too modest, Assistant Governor. Long ago, while I was far away in Zhuo County, I heard of your renown. The Mi family of the East Sea, trading across the realm and possessing vast wealth in Xuzhou."

Mi Zhu had an inkling: *So, he is here for money.*

It was no wonder Mi Zhu made such an assumption; his family was simply too wealthy. The Mi family had been merchants for generations, rooted in Xuzhou, and since his great-grandfather’s time, they had been the premier affluent house of the province. They kept a low profile, avoided the limelight, and garnered favor by providing for the local community and building ties with the local gentry, which allowed them to thrive for generations.

One of their most effective strategies was the belief that "friends share wealth." For instance, since Tao Qian became the Inspector of Xuzhou, he had been constantly "carving meat" from the Mi family. When Tao Qian first arrived, the expenses for raising the Danyang troops, employing Chen Deng for agricultural colonies, and wooing local warlords like Zang Ba and Que Xuan were partially, if not mostly, covered by Mi Zhu. Regarding the agricultural colonies alone, Mi Zhu had lent Tao Qian ten thousand shi of grain, along with seeds, farming tools, clothing, and other resources in a single go.

Mi Zhu naturally assumed Liu Feng had come to seek similar patronage. He was not offended; on the contrary, he was pleased, as he had long considered investing in Liu Feng. After a moment’s thought, Mi Zhu said earnestly, "My family has traded in Xuzhou for generations. Thanks to the support of our neighbors and the provincial administration, we have achieved some success. My ancestors always taught me to be kind to others, to endure for the sake of the state, and never to bully the weak or indulge in pride and luxury."

"I am a man of mediocre talent, and maintaining my family’s legacy is already a blessing from Heaven; I dare not ask for more. When Cao Cao invaded Xuzhou, the flames of war spread, and the people of dozens of cities suffered. Fortunately, the Honorable Liu Bei, fearing neither power nor brutality, rushed to our aid and drove back the enemy. This is a great kindness he has shown Xuzhou."

"I am honored that he does not despise my dull wit and has allowed me to serve as Assistant Governor. I have long harbored a desire to serve him, only wishing for an opportunity to do so. If you have any instructions today, Young Master, pray speak freely. I shall not refuse!"

The core message of Mi Zhu’s speech was simple: *State your price, young Liu; whatever you need, I will provide, without hesitation.*

Mi Zhu was sincere. Since he held such high hopes for Liu Bei and Liu Feng, he did not fear investing more; after all, the greater the investment, the richer the reward. Moreover, while Liu Bei was currently in a low period, he was bound to rise once he consolidated his power in Xuzhou. As a seasoned merchant, how could Mi Zhu not understand the principle of buying low and selling high?

Furthermore, this was a test. While his intelligence reports suggested Liu Feng was exceptionally capable, seeing was believing. If Liu Feng proved himself, Mi Zhu would go all in. If not, the gifts provided today would serve as a gesture of goodwill toward Liu Bei, and the Mi family would still not lose out. Either way, the Mi family stood to win.

Liu Feng was momentarily stunned; he was taken aback by Mi Zhu’s generosity. He had come intending to propose a partnership, yet the man before him was acting like a wealthy benefactor waiting to be asked for anything. After a moment of contemplation, Liu Feng realized what was happening. It seemed the Mi family was truly optimistic about his father and was looking to increase their stake.

Realizing this, Liu Feng decided to adjust his strategy to maximize his gains.

"You are too modest, Master Mi," Liu Feng said, launching a campaign of flattery. "Your benevolence toward the local people and your kindness toward the province are renowned."

"When Tao Qian established the agricultural colonies, it was a great success. While Chen Deng deserves great credit, without your generous contributions—the grain, seeds, tools, clothing, and even the oxen—even a man of Chen Deng’s talents could not have succeeded."

Mi Zhu smacked his lips, having guessed the reason for Liu Feng’s visit.