Chapter 34: Liu Bei's Trusted Ministers

Back when Tao Qian first arrived in Xu Province, he raised the Danyang troops and courted local warlords like Zang Ba and Chang Xi; was there any expense that the Mi family did not cover? Even when Chen Deng served as the Minister of Agriculture and implemented the policy of military-led land reclamation, the seeds, provisions, oxen, and farming tools required were all provided by the Mi family in both wealth and manpower. Throughout that period, the Mi family never once complained.

That was because, beyond this, the Mi family had nothing else to offer. Every family should do what lies within its power. The Mi family had wealth, so they provided wealth and men. The Chen family had capability, so they let Chen Deng provide his talents. Each fulfilled their duty and kept to their station.

Now that Liu Bei has taken over as the Governor of Xu Province, he is sure to be eager to make changes—the "three fires" of a new official. The money and grain required for this would undoubtedly be substantial, and this would require relying on the Mi family's support. Mi Zhu did not mind this much; he was by nature a generous man. Liu Bei seeking funds from him was also an indirect affirmation of his family’s influence; it was a form of recognition.

Thinking of this, Mi Zhu set down his teacup and smiled calmly at Li Yi: "I believe I can guess, to some extent, the purpose of Mr. Li’s visit."

"To be frank, my Mi family has been in business for generations, and our wealth today is entirely due to the support of our fellow countrymen. In the past, my ancestors and my father often cautioned me to be kind to others and to endure for the sake of the state. When Cao Cao plundered Xu Province, slaughtering tens of thousands of men, women, and children, the people were trapped in fire and water. Yet, Governor Liu was willing to uphold justice; he did not hesitate to offend Yuan Shao and Cao Cao, coming for the sake of righteousness to resist Cao Cao. I admire this deeply."

"It is a pity that while the Cao bandit has retreated, Governor Tao has passed away. Before his death, the Governor entrusted me and Yuanlong with the task of welcoming General Liu to take charge of Xu Province. Having accepted this responsibility, I will naturally do my utmost to live up to Governor Tao’s final wishes. I only regret that I am of mediocre talent; if Mr. Li has any difficulties, pray do not hesitate to speak plainly, and I will certainly do my best to manage them."

Mi Zhu patted his chest, swearing his commitment to Li Yi. He might as well have written "ask for as much money as you want" on his face. He was not like Chen Deng, who would grandiosely promise to raise a hundred thousand infantry and cavalry for Liu Bei. Mi Zhu was an upright gentleman, and a gentleman’s promise is worth a thousand pieces of gold. Whatever he pledged, he would strive to fulfill. Moreover, as a merchant, Mi Zhu understood the principle of "hoarding a rare commodity." The higher the waves, the more precious the fish; the greater the investment, the greater the return.

Li Yi was delighted by Mi Zhu’s straightforward attitude; it was always easier to speak with someone so open. Now, things would be much simpler.

"The Vice Governor has a keen eye, clear as a mirror," Li Yi said. "I do indeed have a request."

"...Heh, speak your mind, sir!" Mi Zhu was convinced Li Yi had come for money. To him, anything that could be solved with money was not a problem at all.

Li Yi took a deep breath, looked at Mi Zhu, and said with a serious expression: "I wish to seek the hand of the Vice Governor's sister in marriage!"

Good heavens!

Mi Zhu stood up abruptly, dumbfounded, staring at Li Yi in utter disbelief. Li Yi truly did not speak often, but when he did, he shocked everyone. He had anticipated that Li Yi might say something surprising, but he had not expected something so startling. This sudden proposal caught Mi Zhu completely off guard.

Li Yi, however, remained calm and composed. He picked up his teacup and took a slow sip. "Vice Governor Mi, please, sit and talk."

Yesterday, Chen Deng had been startled to his feet by him, and today, Mi Zhu was caught off guard as well. Were these scholars and aristocrats all so lacking in composure?

Mi Zhu sat back down and muttered, "Forgive my rudeness." He lifted his teacup and drained the contents in one gulp. After steadying his emotions, he asked solemnly, "Sir, you mean to say you wish to marry my younger sister?"

Mi Zhu confirmed it again. He had thought Li Yi came for money; he had not expected him to come for a long-term "meal ticket." In ancient times, women were essentially political tools, especially in the hands of great clans; marriage alliances were a common tactic. It was not a matter that couldn't be discussed, but the suddenness of the request had rattled him.

However, since Li Yi had brought it up, Mi Zhu had to carefully weigh the pros and cons. If his sister married Li Yi, the two families would be united; they would rise and fall together. Li Yi was a reclusive sage with no background, a piece of uncut jade waiting to be polished. The Mi family could invest everything in him, and the achievements he gained in the future would, in turn, benefit the Mi family.

This was a massive gamble. Li Yi had burst onto the scene as a youth, yet in a short time, he had ascended to the position of Liu Bei’s advisor. He had even helped Liu Bei defeat the arrogant Cao Cao. His capability was clear for all to see. The fact that the invitation was written by Liu Bei himself meant that Liu Bei knew of this and had tacitly approved. Clearly, this union was something Liu Bei also wished to see. Liu Bei’s intention was surely to provide the background-less Li Yi with the status of a Mi family son-in-law, helping his future career path soar. He was clearly cultivating Li Yi as a trusted confidant and high-ranking official.

Once this logic clicked, Mi Zhu’s choice became clear. In ancient times, especially among powerful clans, the marriage of a daughter was handled with extreme caution. To put it bluntly, women were often treated as "goods" traded between lords. If born into a common family, they had to worry about food and clothing; if born into a wealthy family, while they needn't worry about sustenance, they were destined to be political sacrifices. Their fate depended entirely on whether they could marry into a good household. In this era of dominant clans, the women of a family were tools for advancement. The tales of noble ladies falling in love with commoners and living happily ever after were pure fantasy. Prejudice was a mountain, and the concept of "matching status" was held in high regard by every family. Not to mention the heads of clans, even the women themselves held deep-seated views on social rank. To think they would fall for a commoner was truly a pipe dream.

Since Li Yi joined Liu Bei’s army, Liu Bei had been consistently raising his profile—appointing him as an advisor, praising his contributions in front of everyone, and ensuring he earned great prestige. The title of advisor elevated Li Yi’s status; that was "soft power." Becoming a son-in-law of the Mi family would bolster his "hard power." With such a pillar of support, he could firmly secure his position as the second-in-command.

Mi Zhu’s expression was heavy. The request was so sudden that he was unprepared and could not give an answer immediately. But an angler never returns empty-handed, and Li Yi certainly would not leave empty-handed either.

Li Yi suddenly turned, took out a brocade box, and handed it to Mi Zhu.

"This is..." Mi Zhu paused, "What is this?"

"This is the betrothal gift for my visit," Li Yi replied unhurriedly.

A betrothal gift, eh? Mi Zhu did not think much of it. How much jewelry could this small box hold? Even if it were filled with gold, silver, or jade, his family lacked none of those things. Not putting much heart into it, Mi Zhu slowly opened the box.

In an instant, he froze.

"This is...!" Mi Zhu stared at the box in shock. Inside the box was nothing but refined salt!