Zhang Chen kept Liu Yu at his residence for a few days, where they engaged in extensive discussions about governing a province, political administration, and ensuring the welfare of the people.
After several days of conversation, Liu Yu deeply felt that Zhang Chen's insights were extraordinary, and he possessed great ambition, a vision, and a mindset far beyond what someone his age should have.
Zhang Chen also held Liu Yu in particularly high regard.
Previously, in historical texts, he had only seen Liu Yu as an incompetent ruler who couldn't even defeat Gongsun Zan and quickly faded from the stage of history. But after conversing with him face-to-face, he realized that Liu Yu's loyalty to the Han and his compassion for the common people were something no other Marquis could match.
Although, this benevolence was somewhat close to being overly rigid.
Liu Yu might not have been a powerful ruler, but he was definitely a virtuous minister!
A virtuous minister who earned Zhang Chen's respect.
"Bo'an, are you really not staying a few more days? Is there something Zifan hasn't done well in hosting?"
"Lord, you overstate it. This subordinate has been away from Ganling for many days, and I imagine a lot of political matters have accumulated. I truly cannot stay long. Lord, please rest assured, if it is truly as Lord said, that the Black Mountain are causing trouble, the thirty thousand soldiers of my Ganling will surely advance and retreat with Ji Province!"
"With Bo'an's words, what do I have to worry about?" Zhang Chen said, "Bo'an, take care on your journey. We shall meet again."
"Lord, we shall meet again!"
After Liu Yu finished speaking, he mounted his horse, cupped his hands to Zhang Chen from horseback, then turned his horse's head and galloped away.
Outside the East Gate of Ye City, Zhang Chen watched Liu Yu's receding figure, which gradually faded until it finally disappeared from sight.
"Why is Lord so concerned about Liu Bo'an?" Ju Shou, who was standing nearby, couldn't help but ask Zhang Chen.
"A virtuous minister! Only Liu Bo'an can establish himself through benevolence and righteousness!" Zhang Chen sighed, "It's a pity, what a pity..."
"Lord just praised him, why did you then say it's a pity?"
"Though he is benevolent and righteous, he is also burdened by his benevolence and righteousness," Zhang Chen said. "Few in this world can achieve his level of benevolence and righteousness. Those who work with him, after a long time, will inevitably develop friction. If they encounter narrow-minded individuals, it might lead to trouble!"
Upon hearing this, Ju Shou couldn't help but be stunned, looking at Zhang Chen with a look of surprise.
He hadn't expected Lord's insight into judging people to be so profound!
"Let's go, back to the residence." Zhang Chen smiled, turned around, and walked into the city.
Liu Bo'an, in this life, I will absolutely not let you die at the hands of Gongsun Zan!
...
Unconsciously, a few more days passed, and today was the Lantern Festival.
Several days prior, Zhang Chen had already prepared several generous gifts and sent people to Loyang to present them to Zhang Rang, Zhao Zhong, He Jin, and Yuan Wei respectively. Having finally established relationships, it was only natural to maintain them well, and during festivals, etiquette must not be lacking.
Today, the entire Ye City was filled with joy, adorned with lanterns and colorful decorations, and everywhere was permeated with a festive atmosphere.
Zhang Chen also ordered a banquet to be held at the residence, hosting all his officials, and instructed Qu Yi and Gao Shun to withdraw ten thousand gold from the treasury, along with pigs, sheep, and fine wine, to reward the three armies.
That night, a grand banquet was held at the State Advisor's Office, with music and dance playing in unison, creating a lively scene.
After one dance finished, Zhang Chen raised his cup and toasted all the guests, saying, "Today is the Lantern Festival. May all of you drink this cup to the fullest, and may Heaven bless Ji Province in the coming year, with favorable weather and healthy people!"
"Favorable weather and healthy people!"
Everyone raised their cups and drank them down.
A melodious tune, singing and dancing resumed, lingering for three days, the lingering sound never ceasing.
Ancient people had little entertainment, but having stayed in this world for a long time, Zhang Chen actually felt that the singing and dancing were quite enjoyable.
After three rounds of drinks, someone in the seats suddenly stood up.
Zhang Chen focused his eyes and saw that it was the Prefect of Wei Commandery, Dong Zhao.
Dong Zhao bowed to Zhang Chen and said, "The world only knows that Lord's military strategy is outstanding, having defeated the Black Mountain and the Yellow Turban, his fame is known throughout the land. Little do people know that Lord's literary talent is brilliant, and he is also a leader of this era. That day, Lord's 'Ode to a Beautiful Woman' facilitated a beautiful marriage, and now, it has become a widely circulated tale in the market. Today coincides with a festive occasion, why doesn't Lord leave another masterpiece, anticipating the grand scene of the coming year?"
"Haha! Good! Gongren's words are excellent. I wonder, gentlemen, who among you is willing to transcribe for this official?"
"This old man is willing to transcribe for Lord," Tian Feng said with a smile, rising and bowing.
"Alright, then I will trouble Mr. Yuan Hao. Bring paper and brush!"
After Zhang Chen finished speaking, he immediately ordered someone to bring a table, and also brought brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, ground the ink well, and waited on the side.
Tian Feng slowly sat down, spread out the paper, and picked up the brush to dip in ink.
Zhang Chen slowly closed his eyes and quietly began to think.
Throughout history, famous poems and beautiful lines surged in his mind, constantly churning.
After a long time, Zhang Chen opened his eyes, smiled slightly, and slowly recited.
"Above, I receive the Emperor's grace, governing the people of one region."
"People sing of the small year's wine, flowers dance in the Great Han spring."
"Grass colors obscure the three paths, the scenery stirs the four neighbors."
"May it always be like this, with new seasons every year."
After Zhang Chen finished reciting, he poured himself a cup, tilted his head back, and drank it down.
All the people in the seats showed expressions of surprise.
This poem is so well-structured, and filled with hope for the coming year. It truly fits the occasion and the scene, a rare masterpiece!
"Good!" Ju Shou was the first to speak, "Lord's literary talent is brilliant, this poem will surely be passed down through the ages!"
Zhang Chen smiled slightly and began to recite again.
"With the sound of firecrackers, a year is gone, the spring breeze brings warmth into the Tusu wine."
"In thousands of households, the sun shines brightly, always replacing old talismans with new peach wood ones."
"Haha! Good! Lord's poem vividly portrays the scene of thousands of households bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new. Lord is truly a great talent!" Tian Feng couldn't help but praise, looking at the poem he had just transcribed.
At this moment, snowflakes began to scatter from the sky.
"It's snowing, it's snowing! Auspicious snow for a bountiful year, the coming year will surely be a good year!" Ju Shou said excitedly, "Heaven bless Lord, Heaven bless Ji Province!"
Everyone also said in unison, "Heaven bless Lord, Heaven bless Ji Province!"
Zhang Chen looked at the falling snowflakes, his heart filled with joy, but then he thought of something and couldn't help but frown.
"It's freezing cold, and there are still many displaced people in Ji Province without food or clothing. Gongyu, issue an order to all commanderies and counties that if they encounter displaced people, they must be properly settled. After spring begins, organize the displaced people to reclaim wasteland and rebuild villages. This matter is extremely important, and all commanderies and counties must not be negligent."
Ju Shou stood up and replied, "Lord's benevolence is a blessing to the people. This subordinate accepts the order."
Zhang Chen nodded, rubbing the falling snowflakes in his hand, lightly sighed, and slowly spoke.
"Everyone says it's an auspicious sign for a bountiful year, but what about the affairs of a bountiful year?"
"There are poor people in Hebei, for them, auspicious signs are not needed in abundance."
As soon as Zhang Chen finished speaking, everyone in the seats couldn't help but feel a sense of melancholy.
...
As dusk fell, the banquet had dispersed, and everyone had taken their leave. Zhang Chen was slightly tipsy and returned to the back hall, walking along, yet he found himself in the garden.
At this time, the snow was getting heavier, and a thick layer had already accumulated on the ground. Lanterns were hung everywhere in the residence tonight, and the snowflakes, accompanied by the light of the lanterns, illuminated the surroundings in a pure white.
Zhang Chen strolled in the garden, and when he looked up, he saw an incense table placed not far away. Diao Chan, dressed in a light pink brocade dress, stood alone before the table, burning incense and praying.
This scene immediately reminded Zhang Chen of the story of "Diao Chan Worshipping the Moon."
But today was the Lantern Festival, and there was no moonlight.
Zhang Chen couldn't help but feel curious and walked forward slowly.
"Chan'er."
"Ah! Lord..."
"Are you burning incense here? Is there some unfulfilled wish you are telling the gods?" Zhang Chen said, "Could it be that you are not used to living in the residence?"
Diao Chan inserted the incense into the incense burner and spoke softly, "Chan'er has drifted for many years, and thanks to Lord's acceptance, I have this stability now. Lord's kindness to Chan'er is as vast as the heavens and the earth, how could I not be satisfied? Today is the Lantern Festival, Chan'er is burning incense here to pray, wishing that Heaven will bless Lord with good health and smooth sailing in all matters."
"So that's how it is." Zhang Chen's heart filled with joy, and he smiled, "I didn't expect you to be so thoughtful."
"Lord..." Diao Chan said, and couldn't help but shiver, gently rubbing her hands together a couple of times.
"Why aren't you wearing a cloak? What if you catch a cold?" Zhang Chen said in a chiding tone, taking off his own cloak and placing it on her shoulders.
Diao Chan lowered her eyebrows and bowed her head, her cheeks flushed red.
Zhang Chen gently took her hand, and the two of them walked through the snow in the garden.