Chapter 19: Sir Huang Gongheng

When Liu Zhang offered him the position of Chief Clerk (Zhubu), Huang Quan’s first reaction was not joy, but confusion. The Chief Clerk was responsible for managing documents and overseeing administrative affairs; such a position was typically reserved for a trusted confidant. While the rank was not high, its proximity to the Provincial Governor made it a role of significant influence. He could not fathom why this Governor Liu would appoint him to such a vital post upon their very first meeting.

"My Lord, why would you entrust such an essential position of confidence to me, whom you have only just met?" Huang Quan asked, voicing his bewilderment.

Liu Zhang was well aware of the importance of the Chief Clerk. The office, which had emerged during the Han Dynasty, was responsible for managing records, seals, and drafting official documents—essentially the modern-day equivalent of a secretary. While the title might sound modest, the secretary to the Governor of Yi Province was a position of immense weight.

As a close aide to the chief official, the Chief Clerk wielded considerable power. During the Wei and Jin periods, in the幕府 (staff offices) of generals who held independent command, the Chief Clerk was often privy to secret matters and oversaw the entire administration. During the Eastern Jin, Xi Zuochi served as Chief Clerk to Huan Wen. The people of that time would say, "Thirty years of reading Confucian classics is not worth a single visit to Chief Clerk Xi." The sentiment was clear: the insight gained from visiting such a man was far more valuable than decades of study. The influence of the position was undeniable.

Many famous figures of the Three Kingdoms era had served as Chief Clerks. Lu Bu, for instance, held the post under Ding Yuan, which allowed him easy access to assassinate his master. Later, both Sima Yi and Yang Xiu served as Chief Clerks under Cao Cao. Historically, after serving for a time as a county official in Ba Commandery, Huang Quan had indeed been summoned by Liu Zhang to Chengdu to serve as Chief Clerk. Liu Zhang was simply preempting history, placing Huang Quan in a role that required the loyalty and integrity only a man like him possessed.

Liu Zhang replied, "Though I have not had prior dealings with you, Gongheng, I have long heard of your reputation. You are known for your unwavering loyalty and your brilliant counsel. The position of Chief Clerk is, naturally, yours alone."

Still unconvinced, Huang Quan decided to be blunt: "Could this be on account of my younger sister?"

"What?" It was Liu Zhang’s turn to be confused. The question caught him off guard, and he asked instinctively. He had appointed Huang Quan based purely on his talent; the idea that his sister had anything to do with it had never crossed his mind.

Seeing Liu Zhang’s genuine reaction, Huang Quan realized that the Governor was indeed recruiting him for his own merits, not because of his sister. Liu Zhang quickly grasped the implication—that Huang Quan had suspected the appointment was merely a ploy to curry favor with his sister. He laughed, "Gongheng, you are truly a man of refreshing candor."

History books were truly accurate, Liu Zhang mused. Even when Huang Quan served as a surrendered general in Cao Wei, his conduct and speech remained honest and unreserved. For instance, when news of Liu Bei’s death reached the Wei court, the ministers celebrated, yet Huang Quan remained silent and unmoved. Cao Pi, that petty-minded Emperor, sought to intimidate him and summoned him for questioning. As the messengers raced back and forth along the road, Huang Quan’s subordinates were terrified, but he remained composed and fearless.

Even in the face of Cao Pi’s threats, Huang Quan spoke his mind without pretense, never disparaging his former master, Liu Bei. To display such integrity while being branded a "traitor" was a testament to his immense courage. Even the old fox Sima Yi wrote to Zhuge Liang, praising him: "Huang Gongheng is a man of refreshing candor; he never speaks of you without sighing in admiration."

"Since the Governor has so commanded, how could I refuse to serve?" Huang Quan accepted the position. Since it was not motivated by his sister, but by a sincere desire to recruit his talents, he had no reason to decline. Furthermore, as a man from a humble background, he could not turn down a platform where he might put his abilities to use.

Liu Zhang breathed a sigh of relief. He realized that if he had shown even the slightest interest in Huang Quan’s sister, this proud scholar would likely have rejected him. "Gongheng, pray have another cup."

"My Lord, after you."

They talked until the sun began to dip below the horizon. As Liu Zhang walked him to the gates of the Governor’s office, Huang Quan bowed and requested a day or two of leave to settle his affairs in Ba Commandery.

"Think nothing of it, Gongheng. Do as you must," Liu Zhang replied with a smile. He had already secured his man; a day or two made no difference.

"I take my leave." Huang Quan mounted his horse and departed. Watching him go, Liu Zhang turned back toward his residence, a satisfied smile on his face. "Today is a good day indeed."

Securing a man as talented in both civil and military affairs as Huang Quan was a major victory. What he valued most was Huang Quan’s ability to lead an army independently—a trait he had demonstrated historically when he guarded the northern bank of the Yangtze against Wei during Liu Bei’s campaign against Wu. Such a general was exactly what Liu Zhang lacked. Though Huang Quan might need time to grow, he would eventually become the pillar needed to sweep away the chaos of the realm.

***

At the Huang residence:

"Brother, did the Governor truly say that?" Huang Wan asked, her hands clasped to her chest. Her eyes sparkled like black gems, and her face glowed with a happiness that felt as sweet as honey.

Huang Quan looked at his sister and nodded. "He did. He said the wine you brewed is on par with the finest vintage, and he asked me to thank you on his behalf."

"There is no need for such thanks; it was but a jar of rice wine," she replied, though her tone betrayed her delight.

Huang Quan felt a twinge of concern. He adored his only sister, but as she was of marriageable age, he had been worried about finding her a suitable match. Lately, however, no one had come to propose. This was partly due to Governor Liu, who had sent gifts of Shu silk in such a public manner that all of Chengdu whispered that the Governor had taken a fancy to the Huang girl. But after today’s meeting, Huang Quan was certain the Governor had no such romantic intentions—his interest was purely professional.

The public rumors, however, had clearly left his sister smitten. The girl was interested, but the man was not. *This is a difficult situation,* he thought with a silent sigh.

He changed the subject. "Furthermore, the Governor has appointed me as his Chief Clerk."

"Chief Clerk?" Huang Wan’s voice rose with surprise. It was a position of great trust and influence.

Huang Quan nodded to confirm. Seeing this, Huang Wan’s joy deepened. "The Governor truly has a sharp eye for talent, to recognize your worth after only one meeting." She held a deep respect for Liu Zhang, and seeing her brother—who had raised her like a father—attain such an important post filled her with pride. "We must arrange a feast today to celebrate your appointment, brother."