Chapter 77: Yuan Shu Offers His Daughter

That’s right, that’s exactly what Liu Xie meant.

He knew there were many in Jingzhou who still did not accept him. Their resistance was of no consequence. In this campaign against the coalition of lords, he would let the forces from Jingzhou serve as the main fighting force. If they obeyed orders and fought dutifully, all would be well. But if they proved unruly, or plotted as Cai Mao once did, then he would show them no mercy. Just as Jia Xu had suggested: when the time came, he would not trouble others first, but deal with these insubordinate ones before anything else. If persuasion failed, then force would follow.

“I understand,” Jia Xu replied, and then departed.

In the days that followed, Huang Zhong and his companions familiarized themselves with their own troops. During this period, Liu Xie instructed Zhang Xiu more than once to spend time with them, to converse and draw them closer. After all, these men had come from Jingzhou and were strangers to Wan City. Liu Xie understood well that if he wanted them to lead troops here in peace, and unleash their true potential, he must first let them feel that Wan City was a place where they belonged. Here, they were not outsiders.

In fact, Liu Xie did not treat them as outsiders at all, but regarded all as his trusted followers.

Zhang Xiu often spent time with Huang Zhong and the others, speaking highly of Liu Xie. Over time, and as the people of Wan City enjoyed peace and prosperity, the officers gradually came to accept Liu Xie as a wise ruler.

During this period, Zhang Xiu also spoke to Liu Xie of many matters concerning Yuan Shu.

“Master, in the previous battles, Yuan Shu was of great help,” Zhang Xiu said earnestly.

“Oh? Did he participate in the fighting?” Liu Xie asked, intrigued.

Zhang Xiu nodded lightly. “Yes, Master. I can say that my ability to withstand the pressure in Nanyang was largely thanks to Yuan Shu. While I was responsible for Wan City’s defense against Cao Cao, Yuan Shu assisted the efforts against Zhang Lu and others. He commanded the troops, and even his son fought bravely on the battlefield. Their performance was excellent.”

Zhang Xiu spoke highly of Yuan Shu in Liu Xie’s presence. Liu Xie understood this was not mere flattery, but recognition of Yuan Shu’s genuine contributions—a fact Liu Xie had not anticipated.

“Master, Yuan Shu requests an audience,” Jia Xu announced respectfully as he entered.

“Let him in,” Liu Xie replied softly, surprised at Yuan Shu’s timely arrival.

Soon, Yuan Shu hurried in.

“Yuan Shu greets Your Majesty!” he said, kneeling.

“No need for such formalities, Gonglu,” Liu Xie said. “I have told you before—I am not an emperor here yet. When I ascend the throne again, you may address me thus. Gonglu, Zhang Xiu has told me much about you. Truly, I thank you for all you have done for Wan City.”

Liu Xie’s gratitude was sincere.

“Master, your praise is too generous,” Yuan Shu replied humbly. “I am in Wan City; it is only right that I do my part.”

Liu Xie nodded with satisfaction. “Gonglu, from now on, you and Zhang Xiu shall govern Wan City and Nanyang together. The future of Nanyang, and indeed all of Jingzhou, will be entrusted to you both.”

He placed great trust in Yuan Shu, granting him a role in administering Jingzhou alongside Zhang Xiu.

“And as for your son—he shall remain in the army. Rest assured, I will not neglect anyone.”

Liu Xie made arrangements for Yuan Shu’s son as well.

Yuan Shu bowed again, deeply grateful.

“Thank you, Master. I shall do my utmost to relieve your burdens.”

“No need for such courtesy, Gonglu. By the way, is there something you wish to discuss?”

Softly, Liu Xie prompted him.

“Yes, Master. I have a daughter, as yet unmarried. I wonder if…”

At this, Yuan Shu gradually fell silent.

Liu Xie understood his intent.

“Gonglu, you wish to offer your daughter to me in marriage?”

He had discerned Yuan Shu’s meaning.

Yuan Shu quickly knelt again, anxious.

“Master, I ask for your discernment. It is not my wish to reach above my station, but merely to show my devotion. In the future, I pledge always to follow you.”

Yuan Shu explained hurriedly.

Liu Xie turned away, lost in thought.

Seeing this, Yuan Shu’s anxiety deepened. He feared Liu Xie was angered. But in reality, Liu Xie was not angry at all; he was considering whether he ought to accept.

Perhaps only he himself knew—Liu Xie truly wished to accept.

“Gonglu, your daughter—is she Yuan Ying?” Liu Xie inquired.

Yuan Shu looked up in confusion. “Master, you know my little girl?”

Liu Xie nodded lightly.

Yes, he truly did know. Yuan Shu’s daughter was recorded in history. Though Yuan Shu himself was not much to speak of, his daughter far surpassed him.

Historically, Yuan Shu’s daughter later married Sun Quan of Jiangdong. Yuan Ying cared little for power. It was said that when Sun Quan wished to make her empress, she surprised everyone by refusing.

History’s accounts of Yuan Ying were exceedingly favorable: she was refined in appearance, gentle, self-disciplined, and self-respecting. Among the beauties of the Three Kingdoms—Diao Chan, the two Qiaos, even Lady Fu—these women were famed for their breathtaking beauty. Yuan Ying, however, was no less beautiful, and possessed qualities others lacked.

To speak in modern terms, Yuan Ying was the ideal wife and mother in the eyes of countless men: virtuous, friendly, approachable, and thoughtful—a nearly perfect woman.

Truth be told, Liu Xie was moved.

“Gonglu, if Miss Yuan herself agrees, I have no objection. If she is willing, I will marry her.”

Liu Xie gave his positive answer.

As long as Yuan Ying was willing, he too would consent.

“Master, with your favor, my little girl will certainly be willing,” Yuan Shu replied, overwhelmed with joy.

Liu Xie shook his head gently.

“Gonglu, remember, I want her willingness. I know in these times, women’s status is low. But that was before. From now on, in every place I govern, men and women shall be equal. Women have the right to pursue their own happiness. Even as her father, you must not force her.”

“Gonglu, do you understand?”

Equality between men and women was never possible in ancient times, but now things were different. With Liu Xie, change was coming.