Chapter 42, Chapter Nine: Joining Hands on the River Bridge

The appointment of the governor of Liangzhou came much more easily than Liu Jun had imagined. He had expected opposition from important officials such as Qu Yun and Suo Lin, but these people were only busy fighting for power in Guanzhong and paid no attention to the affairs of Hanzhong and Bashu.

Just two years ago, Emperor Li Xiong of Cheng Han led 20,000 troops into Hanzhong. Zhang Yin, the governor of Liangzhou, fled to Chang'an, and Li Xiong relocated all the people of Hanzhong to Shu. With the death of Luo Shang last year, the only Jin general who could restrain Li Xiong had perished, leaving the court powerless even if it wanted to.

These governors are already too numerous; local lords can appoint them with a mere word of authority, let alone Sima Ye, the crown prince who could rise to power at any moment.

In addition, Liu Kun's reputation in the north was growing increasingly prominent, so most people would give his heir some face.

Therefore, even though he became the governor of Liangzhou at such a young age, Liu Jun did not receive much criticism.

To his surprise, Sima Ye did indeed arrive with only a few officials, as if for some extraordinary reason. However, after looking around and not seeing Wen Qiao, he did not inquire further.

Having received the imperial edict, Liu Jun bid farewell to Sima Ye, intending to rush to Hanzhong as soon as possible to take advantage of Li Xiong's unstable power base.

The lunch was extremely frugal, with many dishes appearing to have been cobbled together from various sources. Compared to Jiangnan, or even Bingzhou, it was quite meager. No wonder Sima Ye was so interested in the wealth left behind by Shi Chong.

Sima Ye took a few bites and then stopped eating. Instead, he raised his cup and said, "I'll use tea instead of wine to wish Governor Liu a swift and successful campaign."

Liu Jun thanked him and said with a smile, "Your Highness, you can just call me by my name. There's no need for such formality between us."

Zhuge Quan, who was standing to the side, also laughed and said, "What's more, there are so many governors named Liu in the world these days. It's not just Your Highness who calls him Liu Bingzhou, Liu Yuzhou, or Liu Liangzhou, is it?"

Sima Ye chuckled, "That's true, it was my oversight. Although I find your nickname endearing, it's still disrespectful to call you that in public... I remember you used to have a nickname, Yanshi, are you still using it?"

"This name wasn't given by my father or grandfather, but rather by myself for social interactions. If Your Highness finds it agreeable, then so be it." Liu Jun thought of Liu Fan and Liu Kun, a slight melancholy appearing on his face.

Sima Yexing's eyes lingered on him for a moment, then he gave a bitter smile. "In this dynasty, princes and nobles can be given a courtesy name at the age of twelve, let alone your father and grandfather who are still alive. Sooner or later, they will give you a courtesy name. My biological father did give me a courtesy name, but he is no longer here. Thinking back, I always felt that since I had been adopted by the King of Qin, it was inappropriate to call him 'Father' in public. I always tried to avoid suspicion and called him 'Uncle King,' but he always looked at me with a smile and never got angry... Now, thinking about it, I wish I could slap myself..."

He was adept at reading people's expressions, which Liu Jun had known all along, but he did not expect him to be so perceptive. Seeing the misty eyes and water droplets on his eyelashes, he was clearly extremely saddened and hurriedly said, "I am guilty for stirring up Your Highness's sad memories."

“Why say all this?” Sima Ye wiped away his tears with his sleeve. “Fortunately, when we were in Luoyang, he still had time to give his unfilial son a courtesy name, and I was able to call him ‘Father’ one last time.”

He sat up straight and said to the servant beside him, "Bring me paper and pen."

He then looked earnestly at Liu Jun, "Since we have the opportunity to meet again, and you have been appointed as the governor of Liangzhou, such good news should be shared with the Marquis of Guangwu. Why don't you write a letter to inform him of your situation since we last met, so as not to worry your parents?"

Liu Jun opened his mouth, he was reluctant to make peace and didn't want to bow down for this matter, but he also didn't want to offend Sima Ye, and he didn't want to be known as unfilial in the holy dynasty that ruled the world with filial piety.

“Governor,” Zhuge Quan whispered beside him, “if you are concerned about the affairs of Bingzhou, you may take this opportunity to make some arrangements.”

His words struck a chord with Liu Jun, who rose and bowed to Sima Ye. “Thank you for your understanding, Your Highness. Your words have awakened me from my reverie.”

Having said that, he borrowed paper and pen, pondered for a moment, and then wrote beautiful words on the silk paper. Zhuge Quan, who was standing to the side, looked at it and praised, "What fine calligraphy! What a fine article!"

Sima Ye was also eager to know what he had written, but since it concerned Bingzhou and the Liu family, he could only sit upright at his seat and watch Liu Jun's calligraphy flow like dragons and snakes.

Liu Jun frowned deeply. In fact, he knew that this trip, even if it wasn't fraught with danger, would be extremely risky. People on their deathbeds often speak kindly, so perhaps Liu Kun would be able to read this letter.

First, apologize to him. Xu Run certainly deserves to die, but he shouldn't have acted on his own; the law should have dealt with him.

Secondly, I advised him. Along the way, I saw that in the entire northern region, apart from powerful clans and displaced armies, ordinary people had virtually no way to survive. The current priority should be to expand Bingzhou, recruit and resettle displaced people, cultivate land and store grain, while also practicing frugality to cope with natural disasters and war.

Thirdly, offer him advice. Keep a close eye on the Xianbei and Wang Jun. Regardless of whether the Duan family or the Tuoba Xianbei are in internal strife, control Youji as soon as possible. If necessary, even set aside past grievances to help Wang Jun. Under no circumstances should Shi Le or Liu Cong be allowed to obtain the northern lands.

The final part was a complete family letter, reminiscing about the past, expressing his longing for home, and offering detailed advice. As he wrote, Liu Jun felt that the disagreements and grudges of the past few days seemed insignificant in the face of life and death. Before his eyes were still vivid scenes of Liu Kun's teachings to him when he was young, Liu Kun's ambitions in previous years, and the happy reunion of the whole family.

After carefully writing the last character, Liu Jun neatly folded the letter, placed it in a tube, sealed it with wax, and handed it to Sima Ye with both hands without any hesitation. "Thank you again, Your Highness. If it cannot be delivered safely, please have the messenger give this letter to Bing."

Sima Ye solemnly agreed.

"My lord, it's getting late," Lu Jing reminded him.

“Yesterday he was the heir apparent, today he is the lord. Isn’t that the fickle nature of fate?” Liu Jun finished the remaining wine in his cup, stood up and walked to Sima Ye, revealing the Flying Scenery Sword at his waist. “It is magnificent and beautiful, white as snow, and sharp as autumn frost. The hilt is made of rhinoceros horn, and the center is carved with jade.”

The sword of Wei Wenzhi was accompanied by a poem by Wei Wenzhi. The poem was recited by a member of the Han imperial family, and the sword was bestowed upon the crown prince of the Sima clan.

The scene looked bizarre no matter how you looked at it, yet both young noblemen were solemn and moved.

Sima Ye saw that he indeed carried the sword with him, and a smile appeared on his face. His beautiful face shone brightly, even more dazzling than the magnificent sword light. "Everyone thinks they are beautiful and elegant, but none of them can compare to your sword, which is so fine and unforgettable. Now it seems that the famous swords of the past have never met a hero like you, Yan Shi."

Liu Jun solemnly replied, "This is a gift from the Emperor, meant to ward off calamity. It is the bestowal of blessings and good fortune. I will certainly quell the rebellious traitors, uphold peace, and live up to Your Highness's expectations. I also hope Your Highness will take good care of your health and enjoy lasting happiness."

Sima Ye stood up, and Liu Jun then noticed that he was also wearing the belt hook from back then, its jade color lustrous, complementing his own sword hilt.

"Survive first, then strengthen the army and enrich the people," Sima Ye whispered in his ear, "and then come to save the orphan."

Liu Jun slowly took out an orange from his sleeve, placed it in his hand, and knelt down to perform a grand salute.

Sima Ye clutched the still-warm orange in his hand, watching him leave without looking back, and sighed softly.