Chapter 23: Arrival at Ji County
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Cao Cao was in high spirits, drinking wine while discussing his ambitions. Judging by his demeanor, he hardly seemed like a fugitive on the run, wanted by the authorities.
Unconsciously, Cao Cao drank himself into a stupor, completely losing consciousness.
Seeing this, Luo Ang instructed someone to carry Cao Cao into a side room to rest.
Chen Gong smiled and said, “Mengde has been tirelessly devoted along this journey, and only here with the general can he truly let down his guard!”
Luo Ang smiled and looked at Chen Gong. “Gongtai, since you are willing to forsake your official position and flee with Mengde, it’s evident you are a man of great ideals and ambition!”
Chen Gong laughed, clasping his fists in respect. “General, you flatter me. Ever since entering Bingzhou, I have been amazed by the economic prosperity, grain supplies, and population of its counties and commanderies! Though the world is in turmoil, your domain is a picture of peace and prosperity. Your talents in both civil and military affairs command great admiration.”
Luo Ke chuckled and waved his hand. “Sir, you are too kind. Gongtai, do you intend to accompany Mengde westward to Yanzhou?”
Chen Gong nodded. “I have promised Mengde to assist him in advancing to Luoyang, to defeat Dong Zhuo, and achieve immortal merit!”
Luo Ang appeared thoughtful. “I wish you success in realizing your ambitions. However, if you encounter any difficulties, come to Youzhou and seek me out. My doors are always open to you.”
Chen Gong was touched, clasping his fists and bowing. “Thank you, General!”
Early the next morning, Luo Ang personally escorted Cao Cao and Chen Gong out of the city, gifting them carriages and travel funds, and exchanged heartfelt farewells.
Luo Ang said, “Zhizai, we will return to Youzhou tomorrow!”
Xi Zhizai clasped his fists. “Yes, sir.”
On the third morning, Luo Ang and his party escorted Empress Dowager He, Liu Bian, and Lady Tang’s carriage toward Youzhou.
Youzhou.
At this time, the economy, grain supplies, and population of all the commanderies in Youzhou had undergone unprecedented changes. Grain stores had reached several million shi; the economy, once destitute, had improved so that everyone could afford meals, and even the poorest households had access to education. The population had skyrocketed from just over two million to more than four million.
The common people now lived in great abundance, with food left uneaten – a situation reminiscent of the prosperous reign of Emperor Wen and Jing of the Western Han.
Luo Ang and his companions returned to Youzhou, marveling at the prosperity of the people. They could hardly believe that a commandery so close to the northern frontier could live better than many others in the Central Plains.
Luo Ang said, “I was away from Youzhou for only a few months, yet it has developed so rapidly.”
Xi Zhizai said, “This is all thanks to the lord’s implementation of reforms modeled after Shang Yang’s, which propelled Youzhou’s swift growth.”
Luo Ang replied, “Zhizai, you are too modest. I have only followed in the footsteps of those before me. But, to be honest, I worry that Ju Shou may not be able to develop Bingzhou’s economy, grain supplies, population, education, and military affairs to match Youzhou.”
Xi Zhizai said, “Rest assured, my lord. Next time, we will have Yuan Hao replace Ju Shou in governing Bingzhou, and bring Ju Shou to Youzhou to witness its progress. When he returns to Bingzhou, he will vigorously develop all its sectors. This way, your governance of the two commanderies will accelerate their economic growth exponentially.”
Luo Ang said, “Zhizai, your words express exactly my thoughts.”
Ji County. The Prefect’s Office.
Cai Yan was sitting in a pavilion, reminiscing about the joyful times since marrying Luo Ang.
At that moment, Luo Ang entered. Seeing Cai Yan lost in thought, he smiled quietly and approached her.
Cai Yan sighed, “Husband, when will you return?”
Luo Ang came up behind her and lifted her into his arms.
Cai Yan, surprised and delighted to see him back and being held, smiled warmly.
Luo Ang said, “Wenji, I’ve missed you terribly!”
Cai Yan shyly said, “Husband, you’re so annoying!”
Luo Ang laughed. “Have you missed me?”
Cai Yan replied, “Of course, I have missed you!”
Luo Ang said, “Wenji, I’ve brought someone for you to meet.”
Curious, Cai Yan asked, “Who is it?”
Luo Ang gently set Cai Yan down and looked toward the main gate of the courtyard. “Yuanyuan, come in.”
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Dong Yuan entered through the main gate and came before Luo Ang and Cai Yan, bowing gracefully. “Dong Yuan pays respects to Sister Cai Yan!”
Hearing Dong Yuan call her sister, Cai Yan realized this was a concubine Luo Ang had taken from outside. She asked, “Husband, how did you come to know Miss Dong Yuan?”
Luo Ang recounted the story to Cai Yan.
Cai Yan teased, “Husband, you sure attract many women to throw themselves at you!”
Luo Ang said, “Wenji, don’t mock your husband like that. By the way, I have brought the Empress Dowager and her family to Ji County, and Zhang Wen has arranged a place for them to stay.”
Cai Yan asked, “Does your father know?”
Luo Ang said, “My father-in-law already knows.”
Cai Yan nodded. “Husband, I want to talk with Miss Dong Yuan about something.”
Luo Ang said, “Since that’s the case, I won’t disturb you. I’ll go find Zhizai and the others to discuss state affairs.”
Cai Yan said, “Go ahead, husband. Don’t worry.”
Luo Ang then left the back courtyard, leaving it to Cai Yan and Dong Yuan.
Cai Yan said, “Miss Dong Yuan, please come sit.”
Dong Yuan replied, “Thank you, Sister Wenji.”
She sat beside Cai Yan.
Seeing Dong Yuan’s nervousness, Cai Yan reassured her, “Don’t worry, I will not harm you. After all, I know my husband’s charms well. Besides, I have agreed to him taking concubines. Not long ago, I arranged for a woman he saved to marry him. So you need not be so tense.”
Hearing this, Dong Yuan relaxed.
Cai Yan asked, “How did you meet my husband?”
Dong Yuan said, “This is how it happened.”
She then told Cai Yan the whole story.
Main Hall.
Everyone was waiting for Luo Ang in the main hall.
Luo Ang entered from the back courtyard and saw everyone waiting. “Sorry to keep you all waiting!”
He sat at his seat and looked at those below.
Chen Qun said, “My lord, the Empress Dowager’s accommodations have been arranged, and they have already moved in.”
Luo Ang said, “Thank you, Zhang Wen. Everyone, I have safely returned from Luoyang, and brought with me the generals entrusted to me by Governor Ding, as well as three generals I met on the way back to Bingzhou. I have decided to confer titles and ranks upon them. Gao Shun, I appoint you Dragon Soaring General to train your assault troops.”
Gao Shun clasped his fists. “Yes.”
Luo Ang continued, “Wen Yuan, I appoint you Wave Suppressing General to train cavalry with Zhang He.”
Zhang Liao clasped his fists. “Yes.”
Luo Ang said, “Feng Xian, I appoint you Valiant Cavalry General, awaiting orders.”
Lü Bu clasped his fists. “Yes.”
Luo Ang said, “Zang Ba, I appoint you Valiant Cavalry Colonel to train infantry with Yun Chang.”
Zang Ba clasped his fists. “Yes.”
Luo Ang said, “Cheng Lian, I appoint you Long Water Colonel, awaiting orders.”
Cheng Lian clasped his fists. “Yes.”
Luo Ang said, “Song Xian, I appoint you Tower Ship General, awaiting orders.”
Song Xian clasped his fists. “Yes.”
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Luo Ang said, “Wei Xu, I appoint you Duliiao General, awaiting orders.”
Wei Xu clasped his fists. “Yes.”
Luo Ang said, “Yi De, I appoint you Long Water Colonel, awaiting orders.”
Zhang Fei clasped his fists. “Yes.”
Luo Ang said, “Zhong Kang, I appoint you Commander of the Five Officials, awaiting orders.”
Xu Chu clasped his fists. “Yes.”
Luo Ang continued, “Xu Ding, I appoint you Left Colonel, awaiting orders.”
Xu Ding clasped his fists. “Yes.”
Luo Ang continued, “Hou Cheng, I appoint you Right Colonel, awaiting orders.”
Hou Cheng clasped his fists. “Yes.”
Cheng Lian asked, “My lord, why do only Wen Yuan, Gao Shun, and Zang Ba have active duties, while the rest of us await orders?”
Luo Ang answered, “You will understand in due time!”
Xi Zhizai and Tian Feng guessed Luo Ang’s intent but did not speak, knowing that Luo Ang was preparing elite troops to be stationed on the frontier to defend against foreign invasions.
Luo Ang said, “Everyone has worked hard. You may all go rest.”
“Yes,” the group stood and then withdrew.
That evening, Luo Ang and Cai Yong sat in the pavilion drinking tea.
Cai Yong asked, “Son-in-law, I heard you are taking Dong Zhuo’s youngest daughter as a concubine?”
Luo Ang nodded, “Yes.”
Cai Yong expressed concern, “Isn’t that a bit problematic?”
Luo Ang said, “Father-in-law, please rest assured. I will handle this matter properly.”
Cai Yong said, “Even so, I fear the world will say you have married the daughter of a traitor and rebel!”
Luo Ang said, “Father-in-law, I understand your worries, but this is necessary to resist foreign enemies. You know Youzhou and Bingzhou are vulnerable to barbarian incursions. If I do not act thus, the barbarians will invade the Central Plains, unleashing another wave of massacres. I cannot bear to see the land of China stained with the corpses of our Han people.”
Hearing Luo Ang’s words, Cai Yong understood his earnest intentions. “Son-in-law, I see your good intentions.”
Late at night, Luo Ang and Cai Yan lay in bed.
Cai Yan softly said, “Husband, there is something I want to tell you.”
Luo Ang looked at her and asked, “What is it?”
Cai Yan said, “I want to marry Diaochan to you!”
Luo Ang’s eyes widened in surprise. He had not expected Cai Yan to propose marrying Diaochan to him.
Seeing Luo Ang in a daze, Cai Yan asked, “What’s wrong, husband?”
Luo Ang quickly recovered. “Nothing, it’s nothing.”
Cai Yan asked, “Husband, do you agree or not?”
Luo Ang said, “I agree.”
A few days later, Luo Ang successfully married both Diaochan and Dong Yuan as his wives.