Chapter 27 A humble gift is offered as a token of my respect during this visit.
After Liu Bei returned to Xuchang with Cao Cao, he dared not make a fuss and spent his days farming in the mansion that Cao Cao had bestowed upon him.
Because Mi Zhu moved around the city frequently, he also had some knowledge of the rumors surrounding the city's chief priests and their wives.
"That Deng woman seems honest, yet she acts like such a despicable person!" Zhang Fei, still harboring resentment over the misappropriation of Du's wife, said indignantly on behalf of Guan Yu.
"Yide, don't talk nonsense. From what I see, Deng Shi really doesn't know... but it's Guo Fengxiao..." Guan Yu stroked his beard and spoke cautiously.
"Guo Fengxiao is Cao Cao's confidant... My two brothers, please be careful and cautious in your words and actions." Liu Bei said to the two men while tending to his vegetable seedlings.
Just then, a gatekeeper came to report: "Reporting to the general, Chief Minister Guo has arrived!"
The three men looked at each other in bewilderment. Liu Bei took the opportunity to wink at Guan Yu and then pulled Zhang Fei along to greet them.
Guo Jia, carrying two jars of warm jade wine, was leisurely strolling around the door when Liu Bei came to greet him with quick, dainty steps, saying, "Your Excellency Guo's presence is an honor to our humble abode! Please come in and take a seat!"
He led Guo Jia into the main hall and had Zhang Fei personally serve him tea, his words full of humility and flattery towards Cao Cao.
Guo Jia took the tea from Zhang Fei, stared at the large table in the side hall, and walked over. "Lord Xuande, please don't stand on ceremony. I have two jars of turbid wine here, and I've come especially to invite you to drink with me..."
As he spoke, he placed the wine jar on the table, glanced around, and asked, "Where is General Guan?"
"I am here." Guan Yu stepped into the hall with a displeased expression.
Liu Bei slightly raised his hand to Guan Yu, inviting the two to sit down together. "How dare you, Confucian Master, have such an elegant interest? We... what merit do we possess to share a table and drink with you, Confucian Master?"
"This wine is a medicinal wine brewed by my wife herself. It has a good flavor and is also warming and nourishing."
Guo Jia poured wine for everyone, saying, "I have long admired the reputation of Lord Xuande and the two generals, but I have never had the opportunity to get close to them. It just so happens that the medicinal wine has been opened, so I have come here to have a small cup."
The aroma of the wine was so enticing that Zhang Fei couldn't wait to pick up the cup and taste it. "This is the first time I've ever drunk this kind of medicinal wine!"
Seeing Zhang Fei's delight, Guo Jia followed his lead and said, "Not bad, not bad, General Yide, you must try it. Even my lord praised it!"
If you like them, I'll have someone send two more jars over later!
Guan Yu was annoyed by Zhang Fei's drunken state, which showed that he had completely forgotten Liu Bei's earlier advice, and was somewhat displeased.
Guo Jia noticed Guan Yu's mood and worried that Du Shi's matter was making him unhappy, so he raised his cup and explained to him: "General Guan, I heard that you originally intended to take Du Shi as your wife, but unfortunately, she personally suggested to me that she should enter the Sikong Mansion... General, please do not take your anger out on Sikong."
Guan Yu saw this as Guo Jia trying to absolve Cao Cao of any responsibility. He glanced at Liu Bei, then swallowed his anger and raised his cup, saying, "It's a small matter. I haven't taken it to heart."
After the two finished drinking, Guo Jia turned to Liu Bei and said, "I deeply admire what you said at the White Gate Tower, 'Have you not seen the deeds of Ding Jianyang and Dong Zhuo?'"
Lu Bu was a wolf in sheep's clothing, utterly devoid of integrity. He completely disregarded the kindness shown to him by Liu Bei and instead seized Xiapi.
Lord Xuande's words not only saved Your Excellency, but also rid the world of a great scourge! This is a truly righteous act; let us toast to Your Excellency!
After saying this, he drank the cup to the last drop, outwardly thanking Cao Cao, but inwardly thanking himself as well.
Liu Bei quickly raised his cup in return, saying, "You flatter me, Your Excellency. I only spoke out of desperation because I couldn't bear to see you suffer the same fate as me, being harmed by a treacherous villain like Lü Bu. I dare not take credit for it."
He secretly wondered: What exactly is Guo Fengxiao's intention in coming here? It can't just be a simple gesture of goodwill... Could it be that Cao Cao instructed him to test him?
He became increasingly cautious, and his words were even more carefully chosen.
Liu Bei deliberately mentioned his small garden where he planted vegetables, expressing a carefree and unambitious attitude: "...I tend to the flowers and plants every day and am quite happy to be idle."
In these chaotic times, to be able to receive Cao Cao's protection and find a safe haven was enough to satisfy me.
Although Zhang Fei was drinking, he didn't forget to chime in, "Brother is right! With wine to drink and meat to eat, we can go anywhere with you!"
Guan Yu nodded silently in agreement.
Guo Jia saw all of this. Liu Bei's act of showing weakness was not simple. He seemed to be enjoying his time in the countryside, but he did not lose any control over his two brothers.
He remained expressionless and chuckled lightly, "Lord Xuande's detachment from worldly affairs and his lofty aspirations are truly admirable. I should learn from him."
Liu Bei repeatedly clasped his hands in respect: "Your Excellency has devoted your entire fortune to planning for you, which is truly admirable! I heard that you declined the reward and are now living in a humble courtyard; this is truly a great act of righteousness!"
Before Guo Jia could finish his evasive remarks, Guan Yu, unable to sit still, coldly interjected, "The Grand Master of Ceremonies holds a high position and wields great power, possessing a wealth of resourcefulness and deeply valued by the Minister of Works. However, Your Excellency's wife is pure of heart and sincere as jade; she should not be allowed to get involved, lest this pearl be tarnished."
These words, ostensibly expressing concern for Deng Jie, were actually a sarcastic jab at Guo Jia's deep-seated thoughts, suggesting he was unworthy of Deng Jie's purity.
Upon hearing this, Guo Jia was not annoyed at all; instead, he smiled and said, "General Guan is absolutely right! My wife has a pure heart and a childlike spirit, which is truly a treasure in this world!"
Jia often thought about it and felt ashamed of his own inferiority. He believed that only by constantly polishing and carefully protecting it could he live up to his expectations.
After speaking, he offered Guan Yu another cup of wine.
Guan Yu was momentarily speechless, let out a heavy snort, and swallowed the wine.
Liu Bei pondered his second brother's unusual behavior, his heart sinking as he wondered: "I wonder how things are going with Mi Zizhong..."
Just as Guo Jia was drinking with Liu Bei and the other two, Mi Zhu, along with his sister Mi Shi, drove into Guo Jia's small residence with a cart full of lavish gifts.
"Madam Deng!" Mi Zhu said with a beaming smile and a respectful demeanor. "I have come with my sister to express our gratitude to you. Without your help, we would not have been able to accomplish the task of capturing Xiapi. This is just a small token of our appreciation, and we hope you will accept it. It is a small token of our gratitude to you and my sister, as well as to Liu Yuzhou."
Although Madam Mi had never met Deng Jie, she took her hand affectionately and said, "I've heard that your brother is also a prominent merchant in Lujiang. You must be quite used to these kinds of things."
He then led her to see the gift:
The pearls of Hepu shine brightly, and the moonlight on the vast sea floats in the night.
The golden furnace of Shu County is adorned with inlaid gold dragons and mysterious patterns.
Rhinoceros horn and frost marrow, ice patterns and snow-covered ravines conceal spiritual talism
Zhang Zhiyun's ink, flying white strokes and swimming dragons, running on silk.
"These are all things I like. Considering that both you and Madam come from merchant backgrounds... Madam shouldn't mind, right?"
Deng Jie naturally recognized how precious these gifts were, and his brows furrowed slightly.
She once privately teased Guo Jia about whether it was impolite of him not to wear new clothes or host a banquet.
Guo Jia warned her that since she had risen from humble beginnings and was now in charge of the Imperial Academy, she was bound to attract attention. Therefore, she should be careful in her words and deeds and keep a low profile to avoid giving others cause for criticism.
"Mr. Mi, Mrs. Mi, you are too kind."
Deng Jie did not reach out to accept the gifts, but waved his hand repeatedly and said, "The matter of Xiapi was due to the concerted efforts of Fengxiao and everyone else, and even more so to Cao Cao's strategic planning."
I just happened to be there and did some small things that I could.
These gifts are too valuable; I cannot accept them without proper permission, as it would violate etiquette and put Fengxiao in a difficult position.
"Madam, you flatter me. These are just conversations between us young ladies; they are not matters of state."
Madam Mi and Mi Zhu exchanged a glance, their faces beaming with smiles. "It was because I admired your elegance that I asked my brother to bring me to see you. I couldn't come empty-handed... Please don't take offense, Madam!"
Mi Zhu nodded repeatedly, "That's right, that's right. I heard that your brother used to be in the silk business, so I specially prepared some Yue silk to help you ease your homesickness."
“Then I absolutely cannot accept them! These are all legitimate tributes; wouldn’t that be considered accepting bribes?” Deng Jie intensified his words, exposing Mi Zhu’s intentions. Before they could speak again, he turned around and took out two exquisite white porcelain boxes from the inner room.
She opened the box, which emitted a delicate and pleasant fragrance, and handed it to Madam Mi. "Madam Mi, this is a perfume powder that I made myself in my spare time. It has a beautifying effect on your fair and delicate skin."
Our trip to Xiapi was entirely thanks to Mr. Mi's help. Without his assistance in sending us into the city and the help of the Mi clan members in the city to make replicas, it would have been difficult to succeed. We dare not take credit for it.
Therefore, in expressing gratitude, it should be us who thank the Mi family.
As she spoke, she bowed respectfully to the two men, saying, "This mere powder is of little value. Please convey to Liu Yuzhou that we appreciate his kindness, but we really cannot accept this gift."
Mi Zhu secretly regretted his miscalculation. Before he could give his gift, she had countered him with her homemade perfume, along with her "affection" and "care."
I hadn't thought things through when preparing the gifts. I just thought that since we were both from merchant families, going in my sister's name might create some distance between us.
If the investigation had been conducted earlier, and some incense powder raw materials and exquisite tools had been sent, perhaps the fact that they were "like-minded" could have prevented her from thinking too much about it.
Unfortunately, I've already said all I could, and sending anything else would seem too deliberate, so I have to give up.
"Madam... is truly intelligent and kind-hearted, with naturally skillful hands."
Mi Zhu could only force a smile and express his appreciation, his smile full of bitterness. "Thank you for this gift... in advance."
Mi Shi had no choice but to awkwardly carry the two porcelain boxes and leave with Mi Zhu.
After Guo Jia returned home slightly drunk, Deng Jie told him about Mi Zhu's visit.
"Oh? Mi Zizhong personally brought generous gifts..." Guo Jia recalled that when he first went to Liu Bei's house, Guan Yu left his seat for a moment, which must have been because he wanted to take advantage of his absence to launch a surprise attack on Deng Jie.
A hint of amusement flickered in his eyes, then he burst into laughter, cupped Deng Jie's face in his hands, and kissed her forehead heavily: "Well done, Yi! Refusing such a generous gift shows your resolve and keeps you away from trouble!"
By presenting her with handmade incense, he not only showed his sincerity but also preserved the Mi family's reputation. This was a brilliant example of using gentleness to overcome rigidity and emotion to break the deadlock!
Deng Jie was a little embarrassed by his praise, and her face flushed: "I didn't think that much... I just felt that I shouldn't accept expensive gifts privately, as it would cause you trouble. Besides, I usually give perfumes and fragrances to Mr. Wenruo and Mrs. Bian, which is a personal matter."
"That's right! That makes sense!"
Guo Jia was secretly pleased, but at the same time he was thinking: Liu Xuande looks obedient on the surface, but he is indeed very cunning.
It's a good thing that Yi's move left them unsure of his true intentions.
However, Your Excellency must be extremely cautious if you wish to control him...
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