Chapter 29: The Mi Family's Decision

“Brother is truly far-sighted. He was the first to extend goodwill to Liu Xuande, and now Liu Xuande has indeed become the Governor of Xuzhou.”

Mi Fang secretly rejoiced. When Liu Bei first arrived in Xuzhou, Mi Zhu had taken the initiative to befriend him.

At that time, Liu Bei was still just the Prefect of Pingyuan, commanding barely over a thousand men.

It was astonishing that in less than two years, he had risen to become the top authority in Xuzhou.

Truly remarkable!

The sound of horse-drawn carriages drew near as the family head, Mi Zhu, returned.

Mi Fang stepped forward to assist him, asking with concern, “Brother, you attended another banquet last night? Why come back so late?”

Xuzhou was in the midst of a power transition, a turbulent time, and Mi Zhu, as the deputy commander, had been busy attending to affairs.

Mi Zhu, still somewhat dazed from the previous night's drinking, murmured, “Last night, I drank more than I should with the officials of Xuzhou and rested in the hall before sleeping.”

“Only early this morning did I set out to return.”

Mi Fang nodded, aware of the unrest in Xuzhou these days, then inquired, “What did those families say?”

Supporting Mi Zhu, he helped his brother inside the residence, where servants had already come forward to brush off the dust from his clothes.

Mi Zhu spoke gravely, “What else could they say?”

“Both Chen Yuanlong and I support Lord Liu in taking the helm of Xuzhou. Even if Cao Bao and others harbor dissatisfaction, what can they do?”

The Chen and Mi families held the greatest influence in Xuzhou. With these two houses endorsing Liu Bei, the other clans dared not oppose.

Mi Fang pondered and asked further, “I heard that Lord Liu has gained the aid of a reclusive sage in Xuzhou.”

“This man is gifted with extraordinary foresight and possesses talents to govern and save the world.”

“Brother, did you happen to meet this person on your visit?”

Mi Zhu recalled the remarkable presence of Li Yi that day and still found it hard to believe such a youth could possess such talents.

“Yes, indeed.”

“His surname is Li, given name Yi, styled Ziyu. He grew up secluded in the mountains with a sage. Because Lord Liu once saved him, he offered counsel and guidance.”

“It was by his stratagem that the Cao army was decisively defeated at Pengcheng.”

“I see that Lord Liu places great trust in him. I believe this man will become a pivotal figure in Xuzhou’s future.”

Mi Fang had heard of Li Yi’s reputation but knew little else. Hearing Mi Zhu praise him so highly, his curiosity deepened.

“This humble brother has traveled extensively in business across the land, yet never expected such a figure to exist in Xuzhou.”

“Since you have met him, what is your impression of this man’s character and bearing?”

Mi Zhu stroked his short beard and recalled Li Yi’s demeanor, expressing, “He is elegant and poised, with an extraordinary bearing unlike ordinary men.”

This was high praise indeed.

Mi Fang considered briefly, then asked, “When Lord Tao was alive, we provided grain to Lord Liu.”

“Shall we continue to honor that promise?”

Xuzhou had been ravaged by war, its fields barren and economy in decay.

Tao Qian had seen this and entrusted Mi Zhu to Liu Bei’s service—after all, he was the financial backer.

Though Mi Zhu lacked great talent, he had been appointed deputy commander under Tao Qian, relying primarily on his wealth.

Now with a new official in charge, Liu Bei would surely undertake sweeping reforms, needing ample funds and provisions.

The Mi family was immensely wealthy, with vast stores of money and grain.

To them, money was no longer the issue.

What mattered was how to convert these resources into political capital to elevate their family’s standing in Xuzhou.

This was crucial.

“Of course!” Mi Zhu’s eyes grew resolute.

“Zifang, do not forget, we supported General Liu’s rise precisely for this moment.”

“If we were to back down now, all previous efforts would be wasted.”

“Therefore, I propose not only to support General Liu but to triple the grain we promised before!”

Even for the Mi family’s fortune, Mi Fang gasped inwardly.

Tripling meant 200,000 hu of grain.

In these chaotic times, grain was nearly priceless, especially after last year’s famine.

Was his brother planning to go all in on Liu Bei?

Though Mi Fang harbored doubts, Mi Zhu had his own reasoning.

“Zifang, although our family is the richest in the land, we are merchants by origin.”

“Look at me—though I am now deputy commander of Xuzhou, to the venerable Chen family and other long-standing clans, I remain but a merchant.”

The social hierarchy of scholar, farmer, artisan, and merchant always pricked at Mi Zhu’s pride.

“As long as we assist General Liu in achieving the power of a hegemon like Duke Huan of Qi, our family too shall rise as a true noble lineage.”

“Masterful strategy and wealth creation—that is the purpose behind all I do.”

Mi Zhu’s eyes darkened, perhaps having held these feelings long suppressed, now willing to confide in his younger brother.

Just then, a servant hurried in, handing over a visiting card.

Though nobles often looked down on them for their mercantile origins, they had to curry favor given the Mi family’s wealth and influence.

Mi Zhu received countless such cards daily. Today’s was no different; he prepared to pass it to Mi Fang for handling.

But then his eyes caught the signature—“Liu Bei.”

He hastily opened it.

“Is Lord Liu coming to visit?” Mi Fang asked, watching closely.

Mi Zhu quickly scanned the letter and shook his head.

“No, it’s written by Lord Liu on someone else’s behalf.”

“He says his strategist wishes to pay respects tomorrow.”

He handed the letter to Mi Fang, who read it swiftly.

“Huh…”

“Is this the same Mr. Li you mentioned before?”

“He has already become Lord Liu’s strategist—so quickly.”

Though aware Liu Bei valued Li Yi highly, this rapid elevation was surprising.

They had only met a few days ago, yet he was already appointed strategist.

Even figures like Lü Wang or Zhang Zifang did not receive such treatment so swiftly.

Mi Zhu stood with hands behind his back, thoughtful.

“Since it is a letter penned by Lord Liu himself, we must treat it with due respect.”

“Tomorrow, when Mr. Li visits, we must not show any discourtesy.”

Mi Fang carefully folded the letter and tucked it into his sleeve, his eyes darting with thought.

He leaned close to Mi Zhu’s ear and whispered, “Brother, Li Yi is young yet already a strategist.”

“He must possess extraordinary talent. Tomorrow, why not put him to the test?”

“If he truly has genuine skill, it proves Liu Bei indeed has a divine advisor.”

“If this youth is merely a pretender, then Liu Bei’s judgment is flawed and unworthy of our attention.”

Mi Zhu nodded, “So be it…”

After all, the fate of their entire family was at stake; prudence was warranted.

But Mi Zhu sensed this young man was no mere pretender.

Merely anticipating their meeting tomorrow stirred an excitement within him beyond measure.