Chapter 18: Huang Quan

“Father is going to remarry; why not marry Auntie instead?”

In the courtyard, where the atmosphere was awkward and everyone fell silent, Liu Xun’s words broke the silence. Yet, his remark only made the atmosphere even more stifling.

“Children speak without restraint; please forgive my sister-in-law,” Liu Zhang said helplessly, apologizing to Wu Yan. Then he tugged at Liu Xun’s nose and said, “Xun, don’t talk nonsense.”

But Liu Xun, clever beyond his years, blinked his black, grape-like eyes and countered, “Father, I’m not speaking nonsense. Auntie treats me very well, she’s beautiful and very gentle. I want her to be my mother. Do you not like that?”

Liu Zhang felt as though his vision darkened. Was this a matter of liking or disliking? This was a profound issue of family ethics, one that could easily lead to being dunked in a pig cage. Yet, no one dared to dunk the Governor of Yizhou himself.

Just as Liu Zhang was searching for an excuse to leave the courtyard, Pang Que appeared timely.

“Governor, the brother of that Lady Huang you helped at the market last time has come to the mansion today to express his thanks.”

Good lad, Liu Zhang inwardly praised Pang Que and credited him for this. Then he immediately took his leave from Wu Yan.

“Sister-in-law,” Liu Zhang said, “there are many affairs at the mansion; I shall take my leave now.”

“Governor,” Wu Yan called after him just as he was about to leave. Liu Zhang turned back curiously as she spoke, “I wish to visit my maternal home in a few days. I hope you will permit it.”

Liu Zhang offered a gentle smile. His sister-in-law had suffered some grievances in the Governor’s mansion and now wished to return to her family briefly.

As for why she had to wait a few days, it was naturally until the marks on her face faded or could be concealed with makeup; otherwise, it would be inappropriate to meet family members. He replied without hesitation, “Of course you may. How about this—I will accompany you when the time comes.”

Wu Yan, hearing this, looked stunned and confused, her eyes lifting with a different meaning. Liu Zhang was a bit troubled. Such words would be perfectly normal in modern times but this was the past. He hastened to explain, “I have some matters to discuss with your elder brother. If it’s inconvenient for you, you may go alone; I will find another time to visit.”

Wu Yan secretly breathed a sigh of relief, her racing heart steadying. She replied, “That’s no problem. When the time comes, it would be best if you accompanied me.”

Liu Zhang nodded, released Liu Xun, and took his leave. Once outside the gate, he exhaled deeply. His previous life’s mindset needed adjustment, or he would soon get into trouble.

“Ziman, do we have the name of that person?” Liu Zhang asked about Lady Huang’s brother. He didn’t regard the man highly, seeing this merely as an excuse to leave.

Pang Que was somewhat excited, feeling he had guessed Liu Zhang’s thoughts. Liu Zhang had given Shu brocade to Lady Huang at the market and probably took a liking to her. Otherwise, the usually reclusive Liu Zhang would not have been so eager to meet her brother when he came.

“Of course. His surname is Huang, given name Quan, styled…”

“Huang Gongheng,” Liu Zhang interrupted smoothly.

Pang Que was a little thrilled. He had even learned the courtesy name of the man’s elder brother. Quietly, it seemed the Governor’s mansion was soon to gain a new lady of the house.

“Yes, that’s him—Huang Gongheng.”

What a stroke of luck. Liu Zhang found it hard to believe that Lady Huang was indeed Huang Quan’s sister.

Huang Quan was a man of great talent.

Insightful about current affairs, skilled in both civil and military matters.

Historically, he advised Liu Zhang against welcoming Liu Bei into Shu but later submitted to Liu Bei and greatly aided his conquest of Hanzhong. When Eastern Wu broke the alliance, Huang Quan counseled Liu Bei against attacking Wu. Liu Bei ignored this and sent Huang Quan to command troops north of the Yangtze to guard against Cao Wei. After Liu Bei’s defeat severed the route back to Shu, Huang Quan refused to surrender to Sun Wu and instead submitted to Cao Wei, where he remained loyal and refrained from criticizing Shu officials.

The “Ji Han Fu Chen Zan” praised Huang Quan: “A vigilant protector to the north, adept in planning, a mentor who dispels misfortune, accomplishing affairs with clarity. Assigned to the eastern frontier, his fate was unfortunate; lamenting his true intentions, he was exiled to distant lands.”

A man of remarkable skill both in internal strategy and external command, yet his fate was somewhat tragic.

“Good deeds will be rewarded in time,” Liu Zhang sighed and quickened his pace, not wanting to keep Huang Quan waiting.

At that moment, Huang Quan sat in the reception hall of the Governor’s mansion, bored. He thought of recent events. Originally from Langzhong County in Ba Commandery, he had secured a minor official post in Ba Commandery. He had taken a few days off to return to Chengdu, intending to bring his sister back to their home county.

But his sister told him she had been harassed by people from Eastern Zhou at the market and that the newly appointed Governor of Yizhou, Liu Zhang, had protected her. To show their gratitude, they had brought a handmade gift to the Governor’s mansion to personally thank Liu Zhang.

“Is that so, Huang Gongheng?”

Just then, a voice outside the door interrupted Huang Quan’s thoughts. Looking toward the approaching nobleman, Huang Quan found he matched seven or eight points of his sister’s description. He bowed and said, “Huang Quan of Ba Commandery, styled Gongheng, pays respects to Governor Liu.”

Liu Zhang caught Huang Quan just as he was about to kowtow, smiling gently. “Gongheng, no need for such formality. Please be seated.”

After the formal greetings, each took their proper places.

Huang Quan cupped his hands and said, “Thank you, Governor, for protecting my sister some days ago. Today I come to express my sincere gratitude.”

Liu Zhang declined politely, “Gongheng, no need to be so formal. When injustice is seen, one draws the sword to help. This is what we gentlemen do.”

“Besides, as Governor of Yizhou, newly arrived, I worry that I might not be careful enough in my duties, and any such incidents under my watch are my fault. There is no need for thanks.”

“Draw the sword to help when injustice is seen,” Huang Quan murmured, looking at the vigorous and heroic Governor Liu. He must have the spirit of a wandering knight. The rumors circulating in the market were unreliable; such a man would never be weak.

Huang Quan produced a jar of wine and said, “That being so, I must still express my thanks. My sister thought your mansion would not be short of such things, but seeing you leave a tavern, she personally brewed some rice wine as a gift for you.”

“In that case, please convey my thanks to your sister,” Liu Zhang accepted without refusal. In his previous life, many had repaid kindness with enmity; here, the simple folk’s gratitude made him glad.

“If you don’t mind, I would like to open the jar and taste it now.”

Liu Zhang, smelling the aroma through the sealed jar, was eager to sample Lady Huang’s handiwork.

“This was my sister’s gift to you, Governor. Please, help yourself,” Huang Quan said, inwardly admiring Liu Zhang’s straightforwardness and lack of hesitation.

Liu Zhang opened the seal, and a rich fragrance of wine immediately filled the air. The wine was clear enough to reflect an image, a testament to Lady Huang’s careful filtering and selection.

He did not pour a cup for himself first but filled one for Huang Quan, then for himself. Raising his glass, he said, “Gongheng, please, let us savor this wine together.”

Liu Zhang drank the cup and praised it, “Truly a mellow and fragrant wine, leaving a lingering taste on the lips and tongue. It rivals the famous Tuqing wine.”

Huang Quan bowed and thanked Liu Zhang for his compliment. “To hear such words from you, Governor, my sister will surely be delighted. She worried it might not suit your taste.”

After several cups, Liu Zhang opened the conversation. “Where are you currently employed?”

“Governor, I recently secured a post as a county official in Ba Commandery and will soon depart for Ba,” Huang Quan answered candidly.

Liu Zhang immediately began to recruit. “I have heard of your talents, Gongheng. To confine you to a mere county post is to waste your abilities.”

“I am newly arrived in Yizhou and short of capable staff. There is a position as Chief Clerk available. Would you be willing to take it?”

‘Chief Clerk.’