Chapter 22: Beyond Words to Describe His Nobility

The Huang estate.

Huang Quan’s residence received a distinguished guest today: the renowned Confucian scholar of Yizhou, Dong Fu.

"Master Dong, how could you come to visit me? It should have been I who called upon you," Huang Quan said with characteristic humility.

The elderly Dong Fu was a man of great prestige. He was held in the same esteem as his fellow townsman Ren An, and both had studied prophetic texts under the famous scholar Yang Hou. Upon returning to his hometown to teach, students traveled hundreds of miles to learn from him. He had been summoned by the imperial court and nominated for various high offices—including the Virtuous and Upright and the Erudite—on numerous occasions, yet he had declined them all, citing poor health.

During the reign of Emperor Ling of Han, he had been recommended by General-in-Chief He Jin and appointed as a Palace Attendant; He Jin had held him in the highest regard.

That such a figure would visit him in person left Huang Quan somewhat astonished. In the past, had he dared to visit Dong Fu’s residence, he likely would not even have been granted entry. Yet today, Dong Fu had come to his door.

Dong Fu waved his hand dismissively and smiled. "I have long heard of your reputation, Gongheng. Your scholarship is profound and your insights exceptional. It is only because we both reside in Chengdu and I have seen so little of you that I decided to pay this visit myself, in order to draw closer to the younger generation."

Although his words sounded like a reproach, there was no true blame in his tone.

"Please forgive me, Master Dong. I have been traveling in Ba Commandery and only just returned to Chengdu today. I had intended to rest for a few days to shake off the dust of the road before coming to pay my respects at your estate. I never imagined you would come here yourself," Huang Quan replied, not daring to presume.

"It matters not. Regardless of who visits whom, we have met at last. I should always strive to be closer to the talented youth," Dong Fu chuckled. He did not dwell on the matter, as he had come for a different purpose and merely needed to pave the way.

"I hear that Governor Liu has appointed you as his Registrar. A Registrar oversees documents, manages affairs, and participates in confidential matters—a position of low rank but significant power."

"Since you have earned the Governor’s favor, I felt it only right that I meet such a promising young talent."

Huang Quan replied modestly, "You are too kind, Master Dong. The Governor has entrusted me with this position, and I only fear I may not be able to fulfill my duties."

At this moment, Huang Wan entered, personally carrying a tea tray. Serving a sage like Dong Fu was a task deemed too important for ordinary servants. She placed the tea before him and stood to the side.

Dong Fu took a sip and praised, "An excellent tea; it leaves a lingering fragrance on the lips." He cast a glance at Huang Wan, observing her attire, and formed his own conclusions. Pointing toward her, he asked, "And who is this?"

"This is my younger sister," Huang Quan introduced.

"I see." Dong Fu stroked his beard, thoughtful. After a moment, he said, "Your sister has a remarkable countenance." He left the sentence unfinished, waiting for an inquiry.

Huang Quan, sensing the cue, leaned in. "I pray you, Master Dong, speak plainly."

"Your sister’s forehead is broad and full, her head well-shaped, her nose bridge high, and her features refined. Based on my years of experience in physiognomy, she possesses an auspiciousness beyond words—truly, she is destined for greatness." Dong Fu delivered the lines he had rehearsed.

Hearing this, Huang Wan, standing to the side, suppressed the joy rising within her, reminding herself to remain composed. She knew that Master Dong was the foremost expert in prophetic texts and physiognomy in all of Chengdu. To have such a man declare her destined for great nobility filled her with immense delight.

Huang Quan, however, remained thoughtful. He spoke directly, "I have heard that the sister of Wu Yi is also said to possess an auspicious countenance of great nobility."

Dong Fu nearly choked on the tea he had just swallowed. His expression flickered, but his decades of mental cultivation allowed him to regain his composure instantly. He half-closed his eyes, stroked his beard, and assumed an inscrutable air.

"Indeed," he replied enigmatically. "Wu Yi’s sister does indeed possess a noble countenance, but the time is not yet ripe."

Dong Fu then revealed his true purpose: "Governor Liu has long been without a mistress of the house. In my observation, your sister is fit for the role. What is your opinion, Gongheng?"

He was acting as a matchmaker for the Governor. Huang Quan understood immediately. He turned to look at his sister, wishing to gauge her reaction. Though as her elder brother he stood in place of a father, he respected her feelings.

Huang Wan’s face had already flushed crimson at Dong Fu’s words. Seeing her brother’s inquiring gaze, she bowed her head. Unable to voice her true thoughts, she replied in a voice as soft as an oriole’s, "My brother is as a father to me; I shall leave the decision entirely to you."

Huang Quan understood. He turned to Dong Fu and said, "It shall be as you suggest. I am grateful for your efforts, Master Dong."

Dong Fu nodded in satisfaction. Now, he only needed to persuade the Governor. He had not expected his old bones to be doing such favors, though it was certainly a convenient way to further promote his art of physiognomy.

***

Within the residence of the Governor of Yizhou.

Liu Zhang was discussing matters with Wang Shang, the Administrator.

He looked at the middle-aged man before him, whose face was lean and whose eyes shone with keen intelligence. Unlike the General of the Household, Zhao Wei, who supported Liu Zhang under the assumption that his weakness would allow for an eventual usurpation, Wang Shang’s motivations were entirely different. He valued Liu Zhang’s gentle and benevolent nature, believing that under his rule, the people of Shu could enjoy peace and suffer less.

For this reason, Liu Zhang greeted the Administrator with genuine warmth.

"The Governor’s ability to restrain his troops and prevent the Eastern Soldiers from causing trouble in Chengdu is a true act of grace toward the people of Shu," Wang Shang began, praising Liu Zhang’s efforts to control the outsiders.

Recent events had changed his perspective on Liu Zhang. He had once thought him merely weak, but now he realized that great benevolence could be a form of great courage. His ability to restrain the Eastern Soldiers earned him Wang Shang’s deep respect.

Liu Zhang smiled and waved his hand. Fumbling for an appropriate way to address the man—as calling him by his courtesy name felt too informal—he finally settled on a respectful term: "Master Wang, when I assumed the governorship, I feared I might not be equal to the task."

"The Eastern Soldiers are under my command, and the people of Shu are under my protection. As Governor of Yizhou, I shall never favor one over the other."

Wang Shang was deeply moved. When outsiders entered Shu, they usually treated the locals with contempt. To hear Liu Zhang speak of fairness and equality was rare indeed. He bowed low, expressing his gratitude: "Hearing these words, I thank you on behalf of the people of Yizhou."

Wang Shang reflected on how, after the sudden death of Liu Yan, his choice of Liu Zhang now seemed to have been the correct one. As a native of Guanghan, his love for his homeland was unshakable, and he wished nothing more than for his people to thrive.

"Master Wang, there is no need for thanks. This is my true intent. The Han Empire is one; whether from the north or the south, we are all part of the same family. There shall be no prejudice."

"I have just taken up this post and require your guidance. If I err in any way, I ask that you speak to me directly and hold nothing back."

Liu Zhang humbled himself. Wang Shang was a man of great talent and the leader of the local literati; he was an ally Liu Zhang desperately needed. Perhaps, in time, Wang Shang would become the Xiao He of his reign.