Min Chun, sitting nearby, stroked his beard and said with a smile, "Marquis, Tian Feng is a good friend of mine. I met him once in Luoyang, and we had a very pleasant conversation."
"However, at that time, he served as an Imperial Censor in the court, a not-so-low official position. I subtly probed him, asking if he would be willing to serve my Marquis, but he refused."
"Some time ago, Tian Feng sent a letter, saying he had offended some Eunuchs in the court, and many virtuous officials were harmed, so he resigned and returned home."
"Taking this opportunity, I sent a reply, inviting him here to see if he could serve the Marquis."
"Since he didn't refuse and came in person, he clearly wants to meet the Marquis."
Liu Jin heard this and let out a slight 'oh,' realizing the situation.
He thought, 'I knew it, how could a talent like Tian Feng proactively come to pledge allegiance? So he's a good friend of Min Chun.'
Min Chun slowly stood up and said with a smile, "Marquis, I will go personally to welcome him."
Liu Jin heard this, quickly stood up, and said, "Since he's Bo Dian's good friend, let me accompany you to welcome him, to show respect."
Min Chun nodded at this, his smile growing even brighter.
His Marquis personally going to welcome him would show how much he valued him, and Tian Feng would surely be pleased.
The two quickly arrived outside the mansion gate, where a carriage was parked.
Several guards stood nearby, surrounding a middle-aged man of about thirty.
He had a stern, unsmiling face, wore a grey robe, and exuded the proud demeanor of a scholar.
Then, a hearty voice rang out, "Brother Yuan Hao!"
Tian Feng heard this, turned his head, and saw the two descending the steps and coming towards him.
A smile appeared on his serious face, and he quickly walked forward, saying with a smile, "Bo Dian, after our farewell in Luoyang, I didn't expect us to meet again so soon."
Min Chun smiled and nodded, then immediately introduced, "Yuan Hao, this is my Marquis Liu Jin, Liu Wenyi. I'm sure you've heard of him."
Tian Feng heard this, his face showing respect, and he clasped his hands in a polite bow, "Greetings, Marquis."
Liu Jin heard this, smiled, cupped his hands in return, and politely replied, "Yuan Hao, there's no need for such formality. I've long heard of your great name, a famous talent from Ji Province. I never expected to meet you here today."
Tian Feng heard this and secretly nodded, noting a certain air of valuing scholars, which made him think more highly of Liu Jin.
He said with a flattering smile, "The Marquis is too kind."
Min Chun, on the side, said with a smile, "Brother Yuan Hao, my Marquis has already prepared a banquet. Since you've come, you must drink until you're thoroughly drunk."
"Please, come inside."
Tian Feng heard this, flicked his sleeve, and followed the two into the mansion.
Upon entering the main hall, Liu Jin unhesitatingly took the head seat, while the others sat on either side.
Delicious dishes were soon brought to the table, neatly arranged.
Liu Jin raised his wine cup, looked at Tian Feng, and said with a smile, "Yuan Hao, since you are Bo Dian's good friend, you are naturally my good friend as well."
"Consider this place your own home; don't be shy. Eat and drink to your heart's content."
Tian Feng heard this, smiled, raised his wine cup, and said, "In that case, I won't be polite."
The few people in the hall raised their cups and drank them dry, appearing very forthright.
After a few cups of wine, everyone had become somewhat acquainted.
Tian Feng let out a burp, his cheeks slightly flushed, and his voice slowly came out, "Marquis, there's something I don't know, and I wonder if you would tell me."
Liu Jin heard this, smiled, and slowly said, "Yuan Hao, just ask whatever you want. This Marquis will tell you everything I know, and hold nothing back."
Tian Feng looked at Liu Jin in the main seat, stroked his beard, and asked with a smile, "Marquis, why don't you serve as an official in the court? Why must you go to Bing Province, Yanmen, to take charge?"
Liu Jin heard this and paused for a moment, then drained the wine in his cup and said loudly, "Since Yuan Hao asks, I will tell you truthfully."
"Although I am a member of the Han Dynasty imperial family, my foundation is weak, and it's difficult to achieve anything in the court."
"Moreover, treacherous officials are in power in the court, Eunuchs are causing chaos, and the situation is complex. I am merely a warrior and have no political acumen. Getting involved would be no different from seeking death."
"Rather than that, it's better to take charge of a region and protect the Han border; it's more carefree and enjoyable."
Tian Feng heard this, drained the wine in his cup, and said with a smile, "What the Marquis said is very good, but I have a different opinion."
"You came to Luoyang and have already pledged allegiance to the Great General. With his support, you can naturally gain a firm foothold in the court. Neither the Eunuchs nor the noble families would dare to offend you too much."
"Instead, by leaving Luoyang and insisting on taking charge of the border, you are merely harboring ulterior motives, wanting to hold significant military power and observe the world's situation."
"Marquis, don't you agree with what I've said?"
Liu Jin heard this, his heart trembled, his eyes unconsciously narrowed, and he looked at Tian Feng, feeling a chill in his heart.
The few people in the hall also paused, as these words were indeed quite shocking.
Especially Zhao Teng, Guan Yu, and others, who had unconsciously reached for the blades at their waists.
Min Chun, sitting nearby, frowned, his face showing anger, and he slammed his wine cup onto the table.
He coldly shouted, "Yuan Hao, I consider you a good friend, but what do you mean by these words?"
"Who in the world doesn't know that my Marquis is loyal to the Han Dynasty and loyal to the Emperor? How could he harbor such selfish intentions? Are you trying to frame my Marquis?"
Tian Feng heard this, his expression still calm and indifferent, as if he hadn't noticed the chilling atmosphere in the main hall.
He didn't bother with Min Chun on the side, but instead looked at Liu Jin in the main seat, seemingly waiting for his answer.
Liu Jin frowned, lost in thought.
What was Tian Feng's intention with these words? Had he seen through something, or was he intentionally trying to intimidate him?
After a moment of silence, his expression became somewhat gloomy, and he said coldly, "Yuan Hao, as a Marquis of the Great Han, you are now merely a commoner, yet you accuse me in such a way. Are you not afraid that I will punish you?"
Tian Feng heard this, his face still calm, and his firm voice came out, "I believe the Marquis will not kill me, because I can help you fulfill your heart's desire."
Liu Jin heard this and paused slightly, wondering if Tian Feng had truly seen through something.
His gaze involuntarily shifted to Min Chun beside him, and he secretly pondered, 'Did Bo Dian tell Tian Feng about my ideals?'
But looking at Min Chun's unaware expression, he likely hadn't told Tian Feng about this matter.
With a cold expression, he let out a faint 'oh' and said with a sneer, "Are you so confident that you know my heart's desire?"
Tian Feng didn't answer, but instead poured himself a full cup of wine, tilted his head back, and drained it.
His cheeks became even redder, and a somewhat sorrowful voice slowly came out, "In the imperial court, rotten wood serves as officials; within the palace, beasts consume salaries."
"Those with wolfish hearts and dog-like behavior are rampant in the court; those who fawn and grovel hold power, leading to the desolation of the state and the suffering of the people."
