November 20th.
At this moment, the sky over Luoyang was gloomy, and the howling north wind carried snowflakes, which fell heavier and heavier.
In less than an hour, the entire city of Luoyang was covered with a thick layer of silver.
On the streets, very few people were walking around anymore. Every household had an extra chimney in their window, and the blue smoke from burning coal was released into the air through the chimney, giving Luoyang a familiar feeling.
The newly appointed magistrate of Luoyang, Liu Biao, dressed in thick cotton clothes, toured the streets and alleys of Luoyang with a few constables.
Since Empress Dowager Dou purged a group of officials two years ago, many talented members of the imperial family and relatives of the empress have been promoted and returned to the political stage of the Han Dynasty, forming a delicate balance with officials from aristocratic families.
The difference is that these members of the royal family and relatives of the empress have all risen to their positions through examinations. The previous nepotistic relationships have been severed, and they have become the most steadfast supporters of the royal family.
At this time, Liu Biao was in his prime, full of vigor and ambition. Since taking office as the magistrate of Luoyang, he had performed exceptionally well, governing this capital city in an orderly manner.
The group arrived at a residential area for commoners. Liu Biao randomly chose a small alley, walked in, and finally stopped in front of a house.
One of the constables following behind Liu Biao understood and immediately went up and knocked on the courtyard gate.
"Knock knock knock~!"
A dull knocking sound echoed through the alley.
"Snowstorm arrives, but distinguished guests are at the door!!"
A slightly aged voice came from inside the door, and Liu Biao, who was standing at the door, showed a smile.
At that time, people valued etiquette and had a simple and honest folk custom. Regardless of whether they were educated or not, those who could still visit them in bad weather were regarded as honored guests.
With a creak, the courtyard gate opened, and an elderly man with gray hair and a ruddy complexion looked out.
"May I ask where you distinguished guests have come from?"
Looking at the group of people in front of the courtyard, the old man asked with a kind smile.
Liu Biao bowed respectfully and said, "Old man, I am Liu Biao. I have been granted the post of Magistrate of Luoyang by the Emperor. I have come today to investigate the people's conditions. I apologize for disturbing you!"
"Ah, it's Liu Lingjun! I'm so sorry for my rudeness!"
Upon learning that it was an official from the local government who had come to visit, the old man quickly bowed and paid his respects.
Liu Biao quickly stepped forward to help him up and said with a smile, "Old man, there's no need to be so polite. His Majesty once said that people over sixty do not need to bow to anyone. I think you are nearing seventy, aren't you?"
The old man smiled and said, "You have a good eye, sir. I am seventy-two years old this year!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Biao exclaimed, "Excellent! At your age, there aren't many people as robust as you!"
"This is all thanks to the benevolent rule of His Majesty and the court, which has given us common people a way to survive. Otherwise, my family would have starved to death years ago!"
As he spoke, the old man bowed deeply towards the direction of the palace with a grateful expression.
"Oh, sir, gentlemen, it's cold outside, please come inside and warm up!"
A gust of cold wind blew by, and the old man quickly stepped aside, inviting Liu Biao and the others into the house.
"Okay, I'm sorry to bother you, old man!"
Liu Biao smiled and nodded, then stepped into the courtyard.
By this time, a thick layer of snow had accumulated in the courtyard. Liu Biao walked on the snow, making a crunching sound as he observed the layout of the courtyard and the condition of the houses.
The courtyard was clean and sparsely furnished, except for a snowdrift in front of the house that caught Liu Biao's attention.
"Grandpa, are those all coal?"
Seeing a glimpse of black peeking through the snowdrift, Liu Biao couldn't help but ask.
The old man smiled and nodded: "That's right, all that coal was delivered by the soldiers of the army!"
"Oh?" Liu's expression shifted slightly. "Does the old man have anyone in his family serving in the military?"
"Yes, the eldest son died defending Bingzhou ten years ago, the second son died defending Liangzhou eight years ago, the third son died defending Youzhou six years ago, and now only the fourth son is left, defending Liaozhou!"
Speaking of his sons, the old man couldn't help but sigh softly, his words carrying a hint of sadness as well as a touch of pride.
Upon hearing the old man's account, Liu Biao was startled and bowed to him once more.
"Your family is full of loyal and brave men. On behalf of the Han people, I thank you!"
After saying this, Liu bowed respectfully to the old man.
The old man quickly stepped forward to support him: "Oh, my lord, there's no need for this. Those barbarians have bullied our Han Dynasty. Let alone losing a few sons, even my old bones can be left at the border if the court needs them!"
Liu Biao said solemnly, "Old man, you flatter me. The Han Dynasty of today is no longer the Han Dynasty that anyone can come and go as they please!"
"Yes, I know. My fourth son recently sent me a letter saying that he followed General Gongsun Zan in chasing some Xianbei people and drove them hundreds of miles away. If those Xianbei people hadn't run fast, they would have never returned!"
The old man's face became even rosier when he talked about his fourth son.
As they were talking, Liu Biao followed the old man into the house.
Upon seeing the guests enter, a woman who was tidying up the tables and chairs inside the house hurriedly stepped forward to greet them, and two little boys also came out of the house carrying some dried fruit.
"This is my fourth daughter-in-law and two grandsons!"
Seeing the busy group, the old man introduced them to Liu Biao with a smile.
Liu Biao asked with a smile, "Old man, your two grandsons must be four or five years old, right?"
"Yes, one is four years old and the other is six years old!"
Looking at his two chubby-cheeked grandsons, the old man's smile widened.
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