Emperor Zhaolie of the late Han Dynasty: Rising to power in Liaoxi

Chapter 70 Competing for Merit

When Liu Bei heard Xia Yu's name, he had a bad feeling.

as predicted!

Qiao Xuan slowly revealed the truth: "Xia Yu reported that he personally led a large army out of Youbeiping and personally led the troops to defeat the main force of the Mija."

"He also said that the troops under his command in Liaoxi were under his control and command, which enabled him to kill Que Ji in battle and pacify the Xianbei in the east."

"Throughout the entire memorial, you are treated merely as a subordinate general, with all the extraordinary achievements attributed to him alone!"

"This is outrageous!"

Upon hearing this, Han Dang could no longer contain himself. He slammed his fist on the table, his eyes wide with fury, and his voice shook the hall: "Xia Yu, you shameless scoundrel!"

"When we set out, the imperial court had not yet issued the order for a northern expedition."

"It was our lord who, upon discovering the great plague among the Xianbei in the east, led a lone army beyond the Great Wall and fought a bloody battle!"

"The victory over Que Ji was achieved through a desperate struggle, risking our lives nine times over."

"The defeat of the Miguel army was also a lucky accident, a surprise attack from behind enemy lines. Xia Yu was merely reaping the benefits!"

"Not only did he refuse to share the credit with us, but he also dared to distort the truth and steal the credit!"

He grew angrier as he spoke, his chest heaving violently, wishing he could leave the city immediately and lead his troops to confront Xia Yu.

Tian Yu frowned, reached out and gently tugged at Han Dang's sleeve, signaling him to calm down, but his face was also cold and stern.

"My lord, Xia Yu, as an official appointed by the court, has stolen the military merits of border generals. This act has chilled the hearts of the soldiers."

"Our army has lost thousands of soldiers who shed their blood and sacrificed their lives; how can we allow others to steal from us?"

Qiao Xuan looked at the two indignant men, then at Liu Bei, who remained silent and calm, and admired the man's composure and shrewdness even more.

"Yi Gong and Guo Rang, please calm down."

Qiao Xuan raised his hand in a gesture of suppression, and said with a wry smile, "How could I not know the ins and outs of this matter?"

"But the Han court never only considered military achievements, but also rules and the hearts of the people."

He slowly analyzed the pros and cons, revealing the secret in one sentence: "Xuande, as the magistrate of a county, you have arbitrarily mobilized troops to go beyond the border. Although it is for the purpose of pacifying the border and achieving great merit, you have done so."

"It is feasible according to the usual practice in the border regions. If you were to fight alone, that would be fine, but this is precisely the time when the imperial court is sending troops."

"According to the laws of the imperial court, this is an overreach of authority to raise troops, and if someone really investigates, they will be held accountable."

"Xia Yu was greedy for credit, but he also covered up this mistake for you, saving you from being held accountable by the court. This is one reason."

"Secondly, the emperor acted arbitrarily, overruling all objections to launch a three-pronged northern expedition, intending to demonstrate the might of the Han Dynasty."

"But now, Yun Zhongtian has suffered a great defeat, with his troops and generals lost."

"Although Zang Min of Yanmen has not suffered any defeats, he can only protect himself. He relies entirely on your surprise attack to break the siege."

"If we report the truth, saying that Yan Mijia was also forced by you, then even with three armies, without Liu Bei, they would all have been defeated. Wouldn't that confirm the Emperor's flawed decision and the incompetence of the entire court?"

"His Majesty values ​​his reputation highly, and the Ten Attendants are adept at flattery. Such a truth would never be made public by those eunuchs."

"Xia Yu saw through this, which is why he dared to confuse the public, claim credit for himself, and cover up the court's defeat."

Upon hearing this, Han Dang's anger was instantly extinguished, leaving him feeling suffocated but unable to refute it.

Tian Yu also lowered his head in silence, knowing full well that what Qiao Xuan said was the cold reality of the chaotic court.

Qiao Xuan looked at Liu Bei with earnest eyes: "Xuande, you are young and promising, but your sharpness is too obvious, which makes you easy to be feared."

"If we insist on claiming credit now, we will be directly confronting the emperor's faults, offending the eunuch clique, and making enemies of the entire court of mediocre officials."

"The road to northern Xinjiang will be extremely difficult to traverse."

"In my opinion, it is better to endure this anger for the time being, and to conceal our strength and keep a low profile, in order to achieve long-term success."

He paused, then added, "I have made up my mind to recommend you as a distinguished scholar of Youzhou and to include you in the imperial register, thus paving the way for your future."

"You should remain patient and bide your time for several years. When the world changes, you will have no shortage of opportunities to achieve great things and gain a legitimate reputation."

Liu Bei lowered his eyes and remained silent, his fingertips lightly tapping the table.

Memories from his dream surged up: the Yellow Turban Rebellion, his bloody battles and numerous military exploits, only to be embezzled by treacherous officials, leaving him with a meager position as a county constable in Anxi.

Lu Zhi, the teacher, pacified all directions, but was dismissed from his post and escorted to the capital like a prisoner simply because he refused to bribe the eunuchs.

At that time, he was indignant and resentful. He angrily whipped the inspector, abandoned his post, and eventually wandered to various places.

This is the true nature of the corrupt Han Dynasty; this is the current imperial court.

He had seen through it all; fame and fortune, empty titles and fleeting gains, were not as important as the future of his soldiers or the stability of his foundation in Liaoxi.

To strive for the merit of one person is the courage of a common man; even if one becomes one of the three highest officials, one can still be dismissed with a single document.

To plan for the future of all generals is the mark of a true hero.

Liu Bei slowly raised his eyes, his expression calm and undisturbed, showing no sign of resentment, and bowed deeply to Qiao Xuan.

"Your words of wisdom are invaluable and I will keep them in mind."

"I dare not presume to comment on the overall situation of the court, but I have no objection to Xia Xiaowei's merits."

Han Dang suddenly looked up and said urgently, "My lord!"

Liu Bei raised his hand to stop him, his gaze firm, and continued, "I do not seek personal reward, but only wish that the merits of my soldiers in bloody battles will not be buried."

"In this northern expedition, the generals risked their lives. We hope that Your Excellency will clear their names and find a way out."

Upon hearing this, Qiao Xuan felt a great weight lifted from his heart. He clapped his hands and laughed heartily, his eyes filled with satisfaction: "Excellent! Well done, Liu Xuande!"

"Humble yourself to serve the people, with a heart as vast as the sea—I knew I hadn't misjudged you!"

"Tell me, how should your generals be rewarded? I will grant them all, and I will ensure that Xia Yu submits a memorial accordingly, so that no meritorious official will be treated unfairly!"

Liu Bei spoke solemnly, his words clear and logical, each one a strategy for his subordinates.

"Yan Gang, the Commandant of Liaoxi Commandery, has fought alongside the army, always leading from the front. His troops have been invincible, and he is the most meritorious. He is qualified to serve as the Prefect of Liaodong Commandery. I earnestly request that he be recommended as the Prefect of Liaodong."

"Zou Danjiu was stationed in the border prefecture. He was strict in governing the army and made meritorious contributions in the war. He should be promoted to Commandant and transferred to Shanggu Prefecture to guard the northern border."

"Cheng Pu is prudent and composed, and remains calm in the face of danger; Han Dang is exceptionally brave and fierce, and can slay generals and break through enemy lines; Xu Rong is strict in his military discipline and his orders are strictly enforced; Tian Yu is resourceful and resourceful, and Gongsun Zan is brave and skilled in battle, and has repeatedly made outstanding contributions."

"I earnestly request that Your Excellency recommend these six men for the position of magistrate or county commandant, in order to reassure the army and reward their military achievements."

Liu Bei's requests were entirely selfless, concerning the future of his generals. His words were earnest and reasonable. For example, Yan Gang and others only needed to be promoted one rank, which was not difficult for Qiao Xuan.

Qiao Xuan responded loudly, and solemnly said, "Rest assured, Xuande!"

"I will take full responsibility for this matter! Xia Yu is greedy for fame, so I will fight for him in the truest sense!"

"The rewards and honors bestowed upon the generals will be exactly as they were, ensuring that all the soldiers of the Northern Frontier know of the kindness and favor shown to them by Liu Bei!"

He stood up, walked to Liu Bei, patted him heavily on the shoulder, and said earnestly, "A young man who can endure what ordinary people cannot endure can achieve what ordinary people cannot achieve."

"Today's concession is not cowardice, but a preparation for future strength."

"His Majesty will remember your kindness, and the court officials will appreciate your wisdom. When the times change, Youzhou will surely be the place where you rise to power!"

Liu Bei bowed and thanked him, saying, "Thank you for your guidance, my lord."