Chapter 10: Magistrate of Chengdu

"Now that you have come to the land of Shu, Youzai, how much do you understand about it?" Liu Zhang steered the conversation, posing a test for Dong He: "What do you think of the local customs here?"

Upon hearing this, Dong He set down his wine cup. He knew this was a test from Liu Zhang. After a moment of careful thought, he spoke.

"Although I have not been in Shu for long, I have gained some understanding of its customs. Allow me to share my thoughts."

"Shu is geographically isolated. While the world is currently in chaos, this region has seen few ravages of war. Combined with its abundant resources, a culture of extravagance has taken hold."

"Wealthy merchants and powerful clans dress like princes and feast on delicacies. Especially during weddings and funerals, they exhaust their family fortunes on displays of vanity. It is truly extravagant."

"Your words are spot on, Youzai; the customs of Shu have long been extravagant." Since he could identify the problem, Liu Zhang proceeded to ask for a solution, taking it one step at a time: "In your opinion, how should we change these customs and return to simplicity and frugality?"

"Based on my shallow understanding," Dong He answered quickly, "the change must start from the top. Officials such as the Administrator of Shu Commandery or the Magistrate of Chengdu should be selected for their integrity and thrift. They should lead by example, using their own frugal behavior as a standard, adhering to the rites as their code of conduct. If those above and below are in accord, the customs will naturally transform."

Liu Zhang nodded as he listened. Dong He was truly the historical figure he was renowned to be; his words were well-reasoned. Why were the customs of Shu so decadent? Naturally, it was because the high-ranking officials set a poor example. When the atmosphere at the top is tainted, those below follow suit, and the result is even worse.

He offered his approval and praise: "Your words are excellent, Youzai."

"Would you be willing to serve as the Magistrate of Chengdu, to act as a model for the people and reform the customs of Shu?"

The seat of Yi Province had been moved from Mianzhu to Chengdu by the former Governor, Liu Yan. Before Liu Yan passed away from illness, the position of Chengdu Magistrate had remained undecided. Liu Zhang had been indecisive about who to entrust with such a critical role. Having just transmigrated, he lacked a trusted inner circle, so he had preferred to leave the post vacant rather than give it to the wrong person.

Now, it was as if he had been handed a pillow just as he grew drowsy. Having Dong He serve as the Magistrate of Chengdu could not be more perfect.

First, historically, Dong He had performed admirably in that very role. Although in history he had served as the Chief of Niupei and the Chief of Jiangyuan before becoming the Magistrate of Chengdu, Liu Zhang figured that skipping straight to the position should not be a problem. After all, Dong He was a man who left his name in history and had even earned the praise of the greatest man of the post-Three Kingdoms era, Zhuge Liang.

A Zhuge-certified talent was a mark of quality—excluding Ma Su, of course.

Second, as a native of Nan Commandery who had drifted to Yi Province, Dong He had no local ties and was untainted by regional factions, making him perfect for Liu Zhang’s needs. Chengdu was the capital of the province; if he had appointed a local, Liu Zhang would not have slept soundly, fearing he would have to keep one eye open or warn his aide, Pang Que, that he was prone to killing in his dreams and should not be approached at night.

"How can you appoint me as the magistrate of the provincial capital upon our first meeting, Excellency? Are you not afraid that I might not perform well?" Dong He was shocked. The position of Chengdu Magistrate was far too important. In these turbulent times, Chengdu was the heart of Yi Province. That Liu Zhang would grant him this post immediately left him feeling somewhat apprehensive.

Liu Zhang smiled, stepped forward, and took Dong He's hand, saying sincerely, "I do not suspect those I employ, and I do not employ those I suspect. Though this is our first meeting, I feel as though we are old friends. I know that the position of Chengdu Magistrate can be filled by none other than you. And it is not just the magistracy; in time, I intend for you to serve as the Administrator of Shu Commandery as well. Please, do not decline."

Regarding the customs of the late Eastern Han Dynasty, Liu Zhang found them deeply detestable, yet he knew that holding hands or sleeping in the same bed was the best way to win over hearts. As a modern man, he found it hard to shift his mindset.

"Excellency," Dong He said, moved, his eyes slightly reddening. He had expected to seek a minor post like an Assistant or a Chief, but Liu Zhang had offered him a Magistracy—specifically, that of Chengdu—and had spoken as if he were indispensable.

He stepped back, bowed deeply, accepted the appointment, and changed his address for Liu Zhang, solemnly declaring: "Dong He will not fail your expectations, my lord. I shall reform the customs of Shu."

Liu Zhang helped Dong He up and affirmed his resolve: "With you as the Magistrate of Chengdu, I can rest easy. Before long, the customs of Shu will surely be transformed."

After helping him up, they sat back down. Liu Zhang instructed Pang Que, who was waiting to the side: "Ziman, go to the treasury and take one hundred—no, two hundred gold pieces. Pack them up and have them ready for Youzai to take with him."

"Understood," Pang Que replied and left to carry out the order.

"My lord, one should not accept rewards without merit," Dong He demurred. Being paid before he had even started work made him uncomfortable.

Liu Zhang laughed. "Youzai, I did not say this was a reward. We met today; though our status is that of ruler and subject, in my heart, I consider you a friend. Your clan numbers in the hundreds and you have traveled far to reach this place; you must be facing hardships."

"As a friend, I cannot stand by when you are in need. To refuse would be to trap me in an act of unrighteousness. You wouldn't want that, would you?"

"Come, let us have another drink."

***

Driving his deer-cart back to the clan’s encampment, Dong He reflected on the afternoon's events and found it hard to believe. Seeking a position had gone far too smoothly.

This Governor Liu’s style of conduct did not match the rumors at all; he had nearly been misled by hearsay.

At the entrance to the camp, Dong He saw his third uncle, Dong Ping, waiting. He pulled the cart to a stop and stepped down to greet him.

"Youzai, did you meet the Governor today?" Before Dong He could speak, Dong Ping asked, his tone anxious; the situation within the clan was dire.

Dong He smiled. "Third Uncle, I met him today."

"That is good, that is good. At last, you have met him." Dong Ping was relieved. He was confident that as long as Dong He could meet Liu Zhang, his talent would surely secure him a position.

He did not ask about the rank immediately, but instead asked about Liu Zhang's character: "What is he like?"

Dong He chose his words carefully: "The Governor is kind and loves his people. He respects the virtuous and is humble toward scholars. He is broad-minded and possesses a greatness reminiscent of the Founding Emperor."

Dong Ping was surprised. His clan’s "thousand-mile colt" held Liu Zhang in such high regard. He shook his head, saying, "It seems that reputation is no substitute for meeting in person. We were nearly led astray by rumors."

Trusting his nephew's judgment, he asked about the appointment: "Since he is such a man, he must have given you a position as a County Chief."

In the Han Dynasty, counties were divided by population. Those with over ten thousand households were large counties, led by a Magistrate (rank of 600 to 1000 shi). Those with fewer were small counties, led by a Chief (rank of 300 to 500 shi).

Dong Ping felt that, given Liu Zhang's kindness, a Chief’s position was reasonable. Though he believed Dong He was capable of serving as a Magistrate or even an Administrator, he assumed that for a first meeting, Liu Zhang would not offer such a high post, preferring to test him first.

"Third Uncle, the Governor has appointed me as the Magistrate of Chengdu," Dong He replied truthfully.

"Magistrate of Chengdu?" Dong Ping’s voice rose in disbelief.

He wondered if he had grown old and hard of hearing. This was the seat of the province! To grant such a position upon a first meeting required not only an eye for talent but also immense boldness.

Dong He stepped forward to support his uncle. "The wind is strong here, Third Uncle. Let us go inside."

"Not only did he appoint me Magistrate of Chengdu, but as a friend, he also gifted me two hundred gold pieces to ease our current hardships."

"Youzai," Dong Ping said solemnly, "this is a wise ruler. You must serve him with all your heart to repay his kindness."

"I shall," Dong He replied.