novelSusiti Chapter 27 Pu's thoughts were in turmoil.
Chapter 27 Pu's thoughts were in turmoil.
Cheng Pu has been restless these past few days, and has even lost his appetite.
Although he was sitting in the cramped office of the prefectural government in the east wing, his mind was elsewhere.
This official residence is too small to contain his lofty ambitions and integrity.
But the official residence was too large, and it had to support his and his family's livelihood.
On a normal day, this would be the busiest time for the state government.
The various clerks and subordinates came and went, carrying bamboo slips and writing brushes, discussing criminal cases, verifying taxes, or drafting documents.
Officials from the prefecture would occasionally ride in on horseback to report on the prefecture's affairs. Envoys from the Xianbei and Wuhuan tribes would also be led to the main hall to negotiate border disputes in their native languages.
Cheng Pu was skilled in appearance and strategy, and adept at handling situations. He often answered questions on behalf of others or took notes on important matters.
But now that the governor is dead and the prefectural government is nearly abandoned, the officials and clerks have long since scattered like birds and beasts, seeking their own way out.
Cheng Pu is now in his prime, full of ambition and eager to make a name for himself through martial arts. He has long been fed up with the monotonous and repetitive paperwork day after day.
He originally intended to abandon his post as a state official, head south to join the heroes, participate in the campaign against the Yellow Turbans, and make a name for himself.
Having already made up his mind to leave without his seal of office, Liu Bei's reputation for power and prestige in Youzhou spread like a thunderclap in midsummer, reaching the ears of Cheng Pu.
Despite being merely a local strongman, he saw through the wicked and treacherous a month earlier, and in one fell swoop during the Yellow Turban Rebellion, when the prefectures and counties were in turmoil, his name became famous at that time.
Later, with only a few hundred righteous soldiers, he quelled the rebellion and suppressed the unrest. Within ten months, he won more than ten battles in a row, beheading more than ten thousand people and wiping out the main force of the Yellow Turbans in one fell swoop, thus making his name resound throughout Youzhou.
Such a magnificent feat, with its fierce battles and overwhelming momentum, caused Cheng Pu to hesitate again on his previously made decision. He pondered it for several days, losing his appetite and unable to eat or drink.
Cheng Pu also wanted to achieve his goal by force, but only after seeing Liu Bei's overwhelming feat did he realize that heroes were as numerous as carp crossing a river!
I used to be proud of my intelligence and martial prowess, but compared with a genius like Liu Bei, I realized that there are always people more capable than me.
Compared to this, my own talent is nothing more than a firefly trying to compete with the bright moon!
If he were to resign and abandon his post, could he truly achieve success and establish a great career through military force? Does he truly possess the talent of Liu Bei, who quelled a rebellion in a province within a few months while still a commoner?
It would be better to abandon the distant and choose the near, and simply serve Liu Bei, receiving his protection and becoming his protector.
In these chaotic times, if one lacks the ability of a hero, choosing a wise ruler to serve is not a bad thing.
As he was pondering this, a local official from the same quarters walked up to his desk and slammed his hand on the documents on the table: "Demou! Demou! What are you thinking about? I've called you several times, but you haven't heard me at all."
Cheng Pu then snapped out of his daze, looked up, and saw it was his colleague, Wang Jiong, courtesy name Shouhe, with whom he had worked for many years. Wang Jiong was over forty and no longer possessed the same ambitions as Cheng Pu.
But he was easygoing and had spent most of his life in the prefectural government. He was very good at reading people, and when he saw that Cheng Pu was absent-minded, he laughed and joked, "Which woman has bewitched Demou? He hasn't had any appetite or drink these past few days. He hasn't said a word for days."
Cheng Pu smiled wryly. He had indeed been bewitched, but he wasn't a woman!
"Brother Wang, please don't joke. With this sudden outbreak of the Moth Rebellion, the world is in chaos, and the prefectures and counties have suffered terribly. How could I possibly have the mind to think about matters of the heart?"
Wang Jiong then laughed and said, "So you're thinking about Liu Bei? Demou also wants to go and join him? I've heard that Liu Bei is a man of unparalleled talent and lofty ambition. After his victory in Youzhou, he is now loyal and righteous, and wants to lead his troops south to fight for the country and quell Zhang Jiao's rebellion."
"Several colleagues from the department went to the gate yesterday to submit their calling cards. Is Demou also eager to join them?"
Cheng Pu, having his thoughts exposed, no longer concealed his intentions and said, "Indeed, I wish to achieve my goals through martial arts. Liu Bei is a man of unparalleled wisdom and strategy, and a master strategist. If I could join him, I would surely be able to fulfill my great ambitions."
Wang Jiong laughed and said, "Indeed, Demou possesses both military and strategic acumen, making him a hero of Yan and Zhao. He should be offered his services as a general to fulfill his ambitions. Since you yearn for it, why not go?"
Cheng Pu remained silent for a long time before saying in a low voice, "Brother Wang, Liu Bei's power is now awe-inspiring in Youzhou. His house is filled with guests, and all the scholars and commoners who see him are devoted to him and willing to die for him."
"His generals Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were the bravest in the army, invincible against ten thousand men. Tian Yu, Qian Zhao, and others were all outstanding young talents, skilled in both literature and martial arts."
"Those who surrendered were either local heroes with hundreds of followers, or brave and fierce warriors of the Wuhuan, renowned cavalry throughout the land."
"I am but a minor clerk in the Revenue Department, with no reputation whatsoever. What right do I have to knock on your door? Wouldn't I be looked down upon?"
Upon hearing this, Wang Jiong laughed loudly and said, "Haha! You've been worrying too much!"
"Liu Bei was a man of unparalleled talent, admired and revered by all, like water flowing into the sea, this is truly the case."
"But I have heard that Lord Liu is renowned for his magnanimity and integrity, and for his respect for scholars. He personally receives all those who send him their visiting cards seeking an audience, regardless of their social status, and never shows any disrespect."
"When powerful and influential families brought their guests to him, he treated them with courtesy; when scholars from humble backgrounds offered their strategies and discussed military matters, he listened attentively; even when a few wandering knights came with bows and swords to offer their services, he could call out their names and hometowns and ask about their families."
"Such a magnanimous and compassionate ruler, who is so humble and respectful of his subordinates, would never look down on you simply because you hold the position of Revenue Officer."
Upon hearing this, Cheng Pu was slightly surprised and asked, "Brother Wang, how do you know such details? Could it be that among those colleagues who sent their calling cards..."
Wang Jiong blushed slightly, looking somewhat embarrassed, and said shyly, "I... am also one of them. But Lord Liu still met with me. He was humble and kind, and spoke frankly to me from the bottom of his heart! He frankly told me that I am nearing the age of retirement. Wearing armor and carrying weapons, fighting on the battlefield, is not the right path for me. If you do not think it is beneath you, you can work as a clerk in the army."
"I thought that if I were to engage in clerical work, it would be better to stay in the prefecture, so I returned to the prefectural office."
Fearing that Cheng Pu would laugh at him for being old and decrepit, he quickly raised his chin and said, "If I were twenty years younger, I would definitely serve under Lord Liu, galloping across the land, making great achievements, and striving for the positions of county magistrate, lieutenant, or magistrate, and would no longer be a mere official."
As he spoke, he added with a proud expression, "Although I, Wang, was unable to serve in Liu Jun's army, my cousin, Wang Ye, successfully joined Liu Jun's ranks. He is now serving under Guan Yu, a separate commander, as a squad leader! He commands fifty elite soldiers, earns a monthly salary of 600 coins and three shi of millet, and has a promising future. He will no longer be a lowly official who only earns a pittance."
Upon hearing this, Cheng Pu couldn't help but feel envious. His son, Wang Jiong, had actually been successfully selected to join Liu Bei's army and was even serving as a squad leader under Guan Yu, a warrior capable of defeating ten thousand men.
At this early stage of military service, when Liu Bei quelled the Yellow Turban Rebellion, was enfeoffed as a marquis and appointed as a general, and commanded a large army, wouldn't Wang Ye also be able to serve as a captain, military commander, or even military commander and captain?
Thinking of this, Cheng Pu regained his confidence. He had met Wang Ye several times.
The two even went on several outings to compete, but in archery, horsemanship, and swordsmanship, neither could match the other.
He was still valued by Lord Xuande and entrusted with the position of captain. I myself can at least become a duke or a military marquis, and my martial arts skills are promising!
Wang Jiong also offered timely encouragement: "Demou has been studying literature and martial arts since childhood, is well-versed in law, skilled in riding and archery, and possesses both good looks and strategic acumen. He is also exceptionally brave. Why should you underestimate yourself?"
"Lord Liu is a kind and benevolent man. Even if you are not given an important position by going to him, he will surely treat you with the same gentle words he used to me, and will never embarrass you. What else do you have to worry about?"
"A true man in troubled times, if he encounters an enlightened ruler but hesitates to act, will he not regret it for the rest of his life? Lord Liu is currently in Ji County, only half an hour's journey away. Why not give it a try?"
Upon hearing this, Cheng Pu solemnly rose and bowed deeply to Wang Jiong: "Brother Wang's experience has taught me a great deal. After listening to your words, my resolve is firm. I will now go and pay my respects to Lord Liu!"
Wang Jiong then laughed and said, "Go forth and realize your grand ambitions! If you become rich and powerful, do not forget me!"
Cheng Pu then left the prefectural office to prepare for the visit.
However, despite being told to visit Liu Bei immediately, Cheng Pu did not set off hastily. He was always resourceful and adept at handling situations.
It was clear that if he went empty-handed in plain clothes, even if Liu Bei treated his subordinates kindly and would not treat him lightly, he would have absolutely no chance of standing out among the many who wanted to serve him and making a name for himself.
Liu Bei is now a powerful figure in Youzhou, with guests flocking to his door. Every day, dozens to hundreds of people come to see him with their visiting cards, including powerful families and fierce warriors from the border regions.
Cheng Pu must be impeccably dressed and command respect from thousands to earn his respect.
Having made up his mind, Cheng Pu first borrowed a sum of money from a money merchant in the county.
The so-called "Ziqian" refers to usury. During the Han Dynasty, Ziqian families were found throughout counties and cities. As recorded in Huan Tan's "Xin Lun": "Nowadays, wealthy merchants lend money and goods, and the sons of middle-class families act as guarantors for them." Cheng Pu, as a state official, acted as a guarantor and quickly obtained a loan of 50,000 coins.
With the money, he went straight to the shops in Jicheng City and bought himself a horn bow, a pair of arrows, thirty arrows, and a spear.
He also spent a lot of money to bribe his colleagues in the armor department of the prefectural government with a pair of armors that he had kept in private, and a set of horse tack from the horse clerk.
After everything was arranged, he dressed himself the next morning with his wife's help.
At this moment, he wore two layers of armor underneath and a crimson battle robe on top. He was mounted on a horse, holding a spear, with two bows at his waist. His appearance was majestic and his demeanor heroic, which left his wife somewhat stunned.
She leaned against the doorframe, looking up at her husband's heroic figure, her beautiful eyes sparkling with admiration: "My husband's appearance today is truly that of a hero of the world. Now I understand what the Book of Songs means when it says, 'A gentleman on campaign, a valiant warrior, a pillar of the nation.'"
"Your journey will surely fulfill your lifelong ambition. I will warm the wine and await your triumphant return."
Cheng Pu donned armor and took up arms, his spirits soaring. He bowed to his wife and said, "In the past, everyone in the village said that your husband had the countenance of a marquis. Today, I will go and bring glory to your family!"
After speaking, he grabbed the reins and spurred his horse to gallop towards Liu Bei's camp outside the city.
When Cheng Pu arrived at the gate, Liu Bei was washing up.
For days, his house was packed with guests, and he received heroes from all directions from dawn till dusk, never having a moment's rest.
Today, I had a rare moment of free time in the afternoon, so I took my hair out by the well, washed my face and hair with well water, and cleansed myself of the dust of my journey.
Tian Yu stood to the side, holding a fine cloth handkerchief in his hands, about to hand it over.
Just then, Qian Zhao hurried over, cupped his hands, and reported, "My lord, the state official Cheng Pu requests an audience. The soldiers, seeing his imposing appearance and extraordinary bearing, dared not delay and came to report immediately."
Liu Bei was taken aback upon hearing this. Cheng Pu? Cheng Demou?
The veteran general of Eastern Wu who served as Zhou Yu's left and right commanders and jointly defeated Cao Cao.
This was a true military genius. Although he wasn't listed in the Temple of Martial Arts like Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhang Liao, and Lü Meng, he was still a first-rate general in the late Han Dynasty.
During Sun Ce's time alone, he was invincible, conquering more than twenty cities in succession. He was a leader who could stand alone and had no rivals.
He was promoted to Prefect of Lingling for his merits, a position above all other generals.
He could even replace Taishi Ci in guarding Haihun and single-handedly resist Liu Biao's invasion of Jingzhou.
Furthermore, in the Battle of Red Cliffs, he assisted Zhou Yu in defeating Cao Cao's army of 200,000.
It can be said that as long as he did not face Cao Cao, Sima Yi, Zhang Liao and others alone, he was fully capable of leading an army independently, conquering counties, sweeping away enemy forces, and winning every battle.
What is even more remarkable is that he was not only outstanding in military strategy and tactics, but also a first-rate warrior, whose spirit surpassed that of thousands.
Historically, when Sun Ce attacked Zu Lang, he was besieged by the enemy. Cheng Pu was loyal and brave, and together with another cavalryman, he shielded and defended Sun Ce.
Cheng Pu spurred his horse forward, shouting, and charged at the enemy with his spear. The enemy was routed, and Sun Ce followed.
Such bravery is probably second only to Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. Even Tian Yu and Qian Zhao under Liu Bei's command might not be able to defeat him.
But what was most exciting for Liu Bei about his visit was not his talent, but the unparalleled symbolic significance it held for him.
Historically, this famous commander of Eastern Wu never joined the Shu Han camp.
But now, he has personally come to the gate of the camp to offer his services.
This means that Liu Bei's current reputation, prestige, and strength have far surpassed those of his historical predecessors.
Although Liu Bei had his own suspicions, he never dared to draw any conclusions, as the changes among a few hundred soldiers might not be significant. Historically, if Liu Bei had wanted to, he might have recruited another thousand or so followers.
But the fact that a famous general who has gone down in history came to join him truly means that his strength and reputation have greatly increased since he transmigrated.
This landmark event naturally invigorated him. He didn't even bother to let his wet hair dry; he simply pulled it back and let the water droplets fall onto his shoulders and clothes before striding outside.
"My lord, your hair is not yet dry—" Tian Yu called out from behind.
Liu Bei didn't even turn his head: "It's alright."
When the Duke of Zhou was regent, he would wash his hair three times and spit out his food three times during a meal, still fearing that he would lose the talents of the world.
Who was the Duke of Zhou? He was a sage who established rites and music and laid the foundation for the Zhou dynasty's eight-hundred-year reign.
If he was like this, what right did Liu Bei, a commoner from the imperial family who had just earned a little bit of fame in the chaotic world, have to leisurely wash his hair when a wise man came to visit?
Cheng Pu stood before the tent, feeling uneasy. This was because after entering the camp, he saw that all the soldiers were dressed in black armor and red robes, with excellent weapons and high spirits.
His carefully prepared attire was now completely obscured.
He was worried that Liu Bei might look down on him when he saw Liu Bei stride out, his hair still dripping wet, and his outer robe was only hastily draped over his shoulders. Clearly, he had come to see him in a hurry, fearing that the wise man would leave.
As a state official, he had seen countless people and was adept at observing details. He had almost no doubt that the other party's eagerness at this moment was instinctive and not an act.
Liu Jun actually values me this much? He even greeted me with his hair in his hand?
Cheng Pu dared not be arrogant any longer. He quickly clasped his hands together in front of his chest and bowed solemnly: "Cheng Pu of Youbeiping, courtesy name Demou, pays his respects to Lord Liu."
Liu Bei finally met Cheng Pu, and saw that he was outstanding in appearance, wearing armor and holding weapons, and had a calm and resolute demeanor.
He was overjoyed and said, "The Book of Poetry says, 'A brave warrior, a bulwark for dukes and marquises.' Now that I have met Demou, I know that the ancients were right. I am truly fortunate to be able to work with Demou."
Cheng Pu had never expected Liu Bei to value him so highly. He immediately took a half step back, knelt on one knee, clasped his hands in a fist, and said with deep emotion, "I am but a humble official of this state, yet I have been honored by Lord Liu's kindness and treatment as a national hero. I am willing to serve Lord Liu with utmost loyalty, charging into battle and fighting to the death!"
Liu Bei immediately helped him up with both hands, took his hand, and said happily, "It's easy to find an army, but hard to find a general. With De Mou's help, I am like a tiger with wings."