Everyone present was already thoroughly familiar with tally tokens. Even Huang Yueying now carried a bronze badge engraved with the words "Craftworks Office" which allowed her to move freely in and out of the county offices.
"It seems that after more than a thousand years, much of Han customs and practices have been lost or distorted," Liu Bei said with a trace of regret.
"We shall record them whenever the opportunity arises," Zhuge Liang said, clearly having already formed a plan. "Once the seas are calm and the rivers clear, I shall resign my post, return home to live in harmony with my wife, and follow the example of Sima Qian in writing history."
"When the realm is at peace…" Liu Bei shook his head slightly. It seemed he would have to strive to live long enough to see that day.
As their gazes shifted, another gap in knowledge emerged.
"What is this 'Cthulhu'? And what is a 'tentacle monster'?" someone asked.
"Its limbs are like tendrils, its form grotesque?" Jiang Wan imagined it briefly and felt a chill run down his spine. "Why would anyone worship such a thing?"
Kongming pondered for a moment. "Perhaps it is related to what they call 'science'? If craftsmen could manipulate tools as flexibly as tentacles, constructing intricate mechanisms would indeed become far more efficient."
It's over, Zhang Fei thought, shaking his head. The Military Advisor's brain is now entirely filled with this 'Science.' Anyone who calls himself 'Heavenly Father' and 'Savior' must be part of some heretical cult. You should not be led astray."Wake up, Military Advisor!
As for the fact that later generations placed matters of literature, warfare, and wealth all upon Guan Yu, the group could only smile. Such things were common in folk worship.
"Second Brother, why didn't you write down that title given by that 'Baizong Emperor' fellow?" Zhang Fei nudged Guan Yu.
Guan Yu fell silent for a moment before speaking calmly.
"As was said upon the Light Screen, I am but a man of Jie County, a humble warrior. I am my elder brother's second brother, and Yide's elder brother. When the people honor me, it is not for my achievements, but for the brotherhood we share."
Liu Bei's expression softened.
"Yide, Yunchang. When we reach Chengdu, let us open a peach garden once more."
Zhang Fei suddenly recalled the various deities he had worshipped back in Zhuo Commandery and hesitated before speaking.
Zhang Fei suddenly remembered some of the deities he had worshipped back in Zhuo County and asked hesitantly, "Brother, people pray for wealth and war, but they also pray for many children. Do you think there's a 'Baby-Delivering Martial Saint' title out there that the screen was too embarrassed to mention?"
That day, the servants sweeping the courtyard heard a thunderous roar: "YIDE, PREPARE TO DIE!"
Moments later, they saw the Third General sprinting out of the county office ran faster than a rabbit, leaping over the government gates and vanishing in an instant
"The Third General and Second General truly share a close bond," the servants remarked in admiration.
---
After handing over his naval troops to Guan Yu, Lei Xu recruited a group of older veterans from among the Jianghuai populace, all over forty years of age. After some training, he led them in maintaining local order.
On this day, Lei Xu was summoned to the county office at Gong'an.
Kneeling properly upon the mat, he listened as Liu Bei issued his new appointment.
"I am to take charge of Gong'an's public security as well?"
Lei Xu was startled.
"My Lord trusts me so greatly. I will repay it with my life!"
Then hesitation crept in.
"Was not the security of Gong'an previously under General Fu Shiren?"
Fu Shiren was known as one of Liu Bei's old retainers and had even shared drinks with Lei Xu before, recounting many past events involving Lord Liu.
To take over such a post was no small matter, and provoking suspicion from such a man would be troublesome.
"Shiren…" Liu Bei said slowly. "Yunchang believes he has potential for naval command, so he has taken him along for training."
Naval forces?
Lei Xu found this puzzling. Fu Shiren was a pure northerner through and through. Since when was he a naval talent? How could he possibly have aptitude for naval warfare?
Then again, Guan Yu himself was also from the north. Perhaps there were qualities he himself could not perceive.
After receiving his seal, Lei Xu returned westward through the county. Along the way, he overheard two peddlers speaking.
"Have you noticed the young master of the Mi clan has not been seen lately?"
"Who knows. Perhaps he has gone off to join the army."
Strange…
Lei Xu shook his head. He clearly remembered that Fu Shiren and Mi Fang had once been inseparable.
It seemed the Lord must be working very hard indeed
With that thought, he cast the matter aside.
---
On the same day, Pan Jun received a reply from his cousin Jiang Wan, stating that Lord Liu was eager for talent and would soon issue a formal summons.
Pan Jun smiled faintly and said to his father,
"Who would have thought that Gongyan would rise so suddenly. From a mere clerk to a trusted aide under Lord Liu."
His father carefully adjusted his attire and nodded.
"When serving Lord Liu, never forget whom you truly serve."
"I understand," Pan Jun replied with a bow.
---
Around early May, an unexpected visitor arrived at Ancheng in Changsha Commandery.
"You are Wu Dang?" Zhao Zilong sat astride his horse, looking down at the composed scholar before him.
"I am."
Zilong spoke plainly.
"Administrator Zhang Yi recommended you, saying that you uphold the integrity of a Han official and possess the spirit of Su Wu. Will you ride with me and show the world that heroes arise even from the southern seas?"
Wu Dang could not hide his excitement.
"The General even knows my place of origin?"
Zilong gestured behind him.
"Are you coming or not? Ma Liang insisted I bring this for you. Should I take it back empty?"
There was no need for further hesitation. Wu Dang stepped forward, mounted the horse, and laughed.
"I am willing to serve as the vanguard and die for the Han!"
"Then come," Zilong said, urging his horse forward.
Before they had gone far, another rider drew alongside Wu Dang.
"Brother Shushan, we meet again."
"Yuan Long?" Wu Dang was surprised. They had only met briefly the previous year while seeking supplies in Changsha.
"I was also summoned by General Zhao," Yuan Long said with a smile, his gaze filled with admiration. "I do not even remember everything he said. I only know that if General Zhao leads us against Cao Cao, I, Yuan Long, am willing to die for it."
Wu Dang straightened.
"General Zhao and Lord Liu are loyal servants of the Han. I, Wu Shushan, have long resolved to devote my life to the Han. I will follow without hesitation."
Yuan Long laughed heartily.
"Then we are comrades from this day forth. Let us show that traitor Cao what true Han men are!"
---
Around the same time, Fan Zhou of Wuling and the Xi brothers of Lingling also received summons.
Xi Zhen examined the order, then looked at the messenger in confusion.
"Lord Liu intends to summon both me and my younger brother, Xi Hong?"
The messenger, one of Chen Dao's elite guards, grunted. "Is there a problem?"
"Of course I am willing to serve," Xi Zhen replied, stepping aside to reveal his brother. "But my younger brother is only thirteen this year. Is this truly intended?"
Behind him stood a boy not even as tall as a horse.
The messenger hesitated, then simply said,
"Both brothers are summoned. If you are willing, then both of you come."
The young boy leapt up in delight.
"Of course I am willing!"
---
Gong'an grew increasingly busy.
The paper workshop expanded steadily under increased funding, though the craftsmen began to notice subtle changes.
The ever-gentle Master Mi now seemed to carry a constant trace of worry.
Madam Huang, who once seemed capable of anything, visited less frequently, reportedly occupied with studying something called mathematics.
Yet there was reassurance as well. Under Kongming's guidance, the rice fields flourished. Though the weather was not perfect, a good harvest was all but certain.
With both stable income and promising crops, the craftsmen felt their lives returning to order.
---
At that moment, Liu Bei summoned Kongming to the county office.
His very first words were:
"Gongjin is gravely ill. His death may be unavoidable."