More than a dozen carriages, escorted by over a hundred cavalrymen, continuously traveled down the street.
They arrived outside a mansion and stopped. The plaque above the gate clearly read 'Liu Mansion'.
Wen Shu, standing to the side, introduced with a smile!
"Wen Yi, this is a mansion your elder brother prepared for you. In the future, when you return to Zhuo Commandery, you can reside here."
Liu Jin nodded upon hearing this, having no intention of refusing.
After all, the two had known each other for a long time, and he naturally understood Wen Shu's thoughts: he wanted to deepen their relationship, hoping for some assistance if he encountered difficulties in the future.
Moreover, now that he had returned to Zhuo Commandery, he indeed needed to buy a mansion to live in.
It was his hometown, after all. Although he might not live there permanently, at least he would have a place to stay when he returned.
Soon, Zhao Teng helped Aunt Zhao down. She had already heard about Liu Jin from her son on the carriage.
She was greatly astonished, never imagining that Jin'er had been enfeoffed as a Marquis and was also a Great Han General.
Liu Jin walked over with a smile and said warmly!
"Aunt Zhao, from now on, De Hu and I will take care of you. You don't need to worry about your living expenses, nor do you need to be frugal or go out to work."
Zhao Widow was deeply moved by these words. These two children had indeed not disappointed her.
Wen Shu, standing to the side, spoke politely with a smile on his face!
"Aunt Zhao."
Zhao Widow looked at the man in front of her. He seemed older than her, yet he called her 'Aunt,' which made her a little shy.
Zhao Teng quietly explained to his mother, and upon learning the situation, Zhao Widow was completely stunned.
She never expected the man before her to be the Prefect of Zhuo Commandery, such an influential figure that she couldn't even imagine meeting in her lifetime.
The fact that he had just called her 'Aunt' instantly made her feel flustered.
Fortunately, Zhao Teng was there to comfort her and tell her not to panic.
Seeing the situation, Liu Jin naturally knew that Aunt Zhao couldn't adjust immediately.
It was only natural that an ordinary citizen, suddenly receiving flattery or friendly conversation from these officials, would find it a bit overwhelming.
So, he briefly spoke with Wen Shu, planning to chat more after everyone was settled.
Wen Shu then bade farewell and returned to the Prefect's Mansion by carriage.
Liu Jin then settled everyone inside the mansion, and also cleared out a courtyard, arranging for Yin Yue, who was not yet married into the family, to reside there.
A day quietly passed!
Liu Jin walked out of his room, stretching comfortably.
Looking at the sky, the snow had stopped, and there was even a faint ray of sunlight shining through.
He arrived in the main hall of the mansion, sat on his knees to the side, picked up a teacup, and took a small sip.
Li Li walked in slowly, a hint of a bitter smile on his face!
After finishing a sip of tea, Liu Jin asked with a smile!
"Bo De, why the look of worry?"
Li Li sighed upon hearing this!
"Alas."
"Marquis, you do not know, but this morning, many people came to the mansion gate, almost blocking the entire street. They all came to pay their respects to you."
"Seeing that the Marquis had just returned and clearly did not wish to discuss such trivial matters, I persuaded them to leave."
Liu Jin smiled when he heard this, naturally knowing why these people had come to visit him.
As a Grand Han Marquis and serving as a Defender General of the Xiongnu, there were very few people in You Province who could compare to him.
These officials and aristocratic families naturally wanted to curry favor, hoping to establish connections or rely on him for support.
Liu Jin felt a bit emotional. He was once just a commoner, wandering the city, wondering how to make a name for himself.
In just over half a year, his status had completely transformed.
Even the high-ranking Prefect would treat him with courtesy or address him as a brother.
The common people were all respectful, and officials everywhere were all in awe, appearing subservient before him. This power was truly intoxicating.
However, Liu Jin was not overly conceited. To maintain his power, he still had to continue climbing higher, until no one could threaten him, only then could he truly be at ease.
Otherwise, everything he possessed could disappear at any time, becoming a thing of the past.
Just then, footsteps were heard from outside the main hall. A guard rushed in!
He cupped his hands and bowed, saying!
"Reporting to the Marquis, there is someone outside the mansion gate claiming to be the Marquis's relative, named Liu Chong."
"Should he be allowed into the mansion?"
Liu Jin uttered an 'oh' upon hearing this. It was his paternal uncle. He naturally had not forgotten his kindness towards him.
If not for his recommendation, he probably wouldn't have risen so quickly, and might even still be fighting in all directions, establishing merits.
How could he have been enfeoffed as a Marquis and appointed as a General based on the Yellow Turban Rebellion?
He immediately waved his hand and instructed!
"Invite Liu Chong in. Remember to treat him with courtesy."
"No, I'll go greet him myself. After all, he has been kind to me."
After saying this, Liu Jin stood up directly and went to greet him.
Li Li, sitting to the side, heard this and began to ponder.
It seemed that Liu Chong and his Marquis had a rather good relationship; otherwise, why would the Marquis personally greet him?
A moment later, two figures arrived, appearing very cordial, and then took their seats as host and guest.
Liu Jin said warmly with a smile on his face!
"Paternal Uncle, your Nephew rushed back from Luoyang, and the journey was long. I originally planned to rest for two days before visiting you, but I never expected you to come in person."
"Your Nephew failed to meet you, please do not blame me."
Liu Chong's heart filled with joy upon hearing this. Although he didn't know if Liu Jin's words were mere politeness or if he truly intended to visit him.
But the fact that he said it showed that Liu Jin still valued him greatly and had not forgotten their past kindness.
However, he also dared not presume on his status as paternal uncle and disregard Liu Jin.
Immediately, he sat down on the floor to the side, a smile on his face, and said flatteringly!
"Nephew, the first time I saw you, I sensed you were extraordinary, a peerless talent like a dragon among men."
"See, my guess was not wrong. At such a young age, you have already been enfeoffed as a Marquis and appointed as a General, becoming the pillar of our Liu clan in Zhuo Commandery."
Liu Jin smiled broadly upon hearing the flattering words, not taking this achievement as a big deal.
Although he held a high position in this small corner of Zhuo Commandery and received flattery from many officials and aristocratic families.
Little did they know, in Luoyang, the center of power, he still had to flatter others.
There is always someone better, so at no time should one think too highly of their own status, otherwise, when they fall, they will be trampled to death by everyone.
After flattering him, Liu Chong rubbed his hands and said with a fawning smile!
"Nephew, there's something I wonder if you could help with."
Liu Jin gave a slight 'oh' upon hearing this, naturally knowing Liu Chong's intentions, and said with a smile!
"Paternal Uncle, just speak directly about whatever it is. Your Nephew will naturally help you with anything I can do."
