Liu Chong said politely, a smile on his face!
"My Nephew actually has such an opportunity, in such a short time, to be appointed as a Military Marquis. As your Uncle, I am both surprised and delighted for you."
When Liu Jin heard the address "Nephew," he naturally knew that Liu Chong wanted to get closer to him, but he was happy to do so.
Although Liu Chong and he were both six-hundred-stone officials, the other party was a Prefectural Supervisor, managing financial matters within the commandery, and a confidant of the Prefect. His status was naturally a notch higher.
If he wanted to climb higher and become a Military Sima, he would have to rely on Liu Chong to introduce him to the Prefect, only then could he make a name for himself in the imperial court.
Otherwise, no matter how great his achievements, as long as they were not reported to the imperial court, he would forever only be able to serve as a Qu Junhou.
Liu Jin's tone remained polite and respectful as he said!
"All of this is thanks to Uncle's recommendation. Without you, even if this junior had more opportunities, it would be impossible to serve as a Military Marquis."
"Uncle's great kindness, this junior will absolutely never forget. If there is anything in the future, just command, and I will do my best to accomplish it."
Liu Chong heard these words of flattery, and satisfaction appeared in his eyes. It seemed this young man had not forgotten his roots and knew who had promoted him.
Although they were both six-hundred-stone officials of the imperial court, within Zhuo Commandery, he was a confidant of the Prefect, managing his purse strings, and his status was comparable to a thousand-stone official.
If anyone offended him, he might not have the power to investigate and punish them.
But he had full confidence in making sure they stayed in that position until they died, unable to advance any further.
Liu Chong stroked his beard and said with a chuckle!
"Ah."
"Nephew, you and I are of the same clan, and our ancestors were the same person. We should help each other and restore our ancestors' glory."
Liu Jin quickly nodded in agreement!
"Uncle is right. This junior will never forget the ancestral teachings and will certainly keep them in mind to restore our ancestors' glory."
Liu Chong smiled and nodded, then gestured for Liu Jin to sit beside him, while he himself knelt down in the seat of honor.
As for Guan Yu and Zhao Ergou, they stood to the side and did not sit down.
Firstly, their status was too low. Even as a Tuncun, in Liu Chong's eyes, it was barely acceptable. Without permission, they were not qualified to sit.
Liu Chong picked up a cup of tea, took a small sip, and asked indifferently!
"Nephew, how old are you this year?"
Liu Jin did not hide anything when he heard this, but answered truthfully!
"Uncle, this junior is eighteen this year."
Liu Chong was a little surprised to hear this. He hadn't expected Liu Jin to be only eighteen; his appearance looked at least in his early twenties.
But his style of doing things and his composure were like an old fox of over fifty, no wonder he could achieve such success.
Indeed, one cannot judge a book by its cover, nor measure the sea with a dipper.
He exclaimed!
"He truly is a young hero. To be able to serve as an imperial official at such a young age, wearing a bronze seal and yellow ribbon, his future achievements are immeasurable."
"Now, holding the position of Military Marquis, if you don't have a courtesy name, it would seem a bit ostentatious. If you were to guard a region, it might even make people look down on you a little."
"It just so happens that Uncle is your elder, so I will give you a courtesy name. What do you think?"
Liu Jin heard this and did not hesitate. Taking a courtesy name involved many traditions, either from the father's side of the clan or from a highly respected person.
Since Liu Chong was helping him choose a courtesy name, it showed that he thought highly of him and even wanted to cultivate him.
Moreover, high-ranking officials and nobles did not need to be twenty to take a courtesy name; they could do so in their teens.
He immediately nodded and said!
"Uncle's words, this Nephew could not ask for more."
Liu Chong laughed heartily, stroked his beard, and pondered for a moment!
"Nephew, since you are the eldest son of the family, with a gentle and refined character, and a chivalrous heart."
"How about Wen Yi?"
"It represents your emphasis on loyalty and righteousness, not forgetting your original intentions, and prioritizing the restoration of your ancestors' glory."
"Coupled with the meaning of 'Jin' (brocade) as colorful and magnificent, 'Wen Yi' can mean refined and profound. The meanings are linked, representing outward splendor and inner elegance."
When Liu Jin heard the words "Wen Yi," he couldn't help but inwardly grumble.
Wouldn't that make him Liu Wen Yi (plague)?
However, he didn't object. Plague it is, since it was just a courtesy name and wouldn't affect him much.
At that time, he would be like a plague, sweeping across the entire Han dynasty and replacing it, which was actually a good meaning.
Thinking this way, Liu Chong still had some foresight, knowing his ambition was not small.
He immediately bowed respectfully and said!
"Let it be Wen Yi."
"Thank you, Uncle, for bestowing the name."
Liu Chong saw this and nodded with satisfaction. His agreement to the chosen name indicated that this young man also wanted to be close to him, and could help him in the commandery in the future.
He said with a smile!
"Wen Yi, now that you are a Military Marquis, where will you be stationed?"
Liu Jin quickly replied!
"The commandery's official document has been issued, instructing me to proceed to Yi County immediately, take over a unit of soldiers there, and then be stationed there to suppress the surrounding mountain bandits and protect local security."
Liu Chong nodded upon hearing this and slowly said!
"Yi County is indeed a good place, with a dense population and prosperous people. After you arrive there, be sure to establish good relations with the local officials and avoid any conflicts."
"Stay there for a few good years, and if you achieve any merits, Uncle will then recommend you to the Prefect, to see if we can petition the imperial court to appoint you as a Military Sima."
Liu Jin heard this and secretly muttered to himself!
If only he could stay for a few years, it was now Guanghe Year Seven, March. The Zhang Jiao brothers seemed to have risen up at this time, sweeping across various states of the Han dynasty.
At this time, even if they hadn't yet started the uprising, it was probably close. Within a month, people all over the world would know.
Even Zhuo Commandery would be surrounded by the Yellow Turbans. How could he be safe and sound?
He still had to use this time to properly train his troops, integrate the army, and at least build an elite force to face the Yellow Turban invasion.
However, he didn't voice it, as this matter was somewhat shocking. If you knew about it before they even revolted, you would likely be treated as a Yellow Turban rebel.
Not to mention Liu Chong wouldn't be able to protect him, even the Prefect of Zhuo Commandery wouldn't be able to.
He immediately said respectfully!
"Nephew, thank you, Uncle, for your guidance. I will certainly guard the region well, eliminate bandits, and protect the common people."
Liu Chong nodded, and after they chatted for a few more moments in the main hall.
Liu Jin bowed, then left the residence with Guan Yu and Zhao Ergou, though he left behind several boxes of money.
Liu Chong watched Liu Jin leave, stroking his beard, a smile on his face.
After today's interaction, he was quite satisfied with this young man. He could bend and stretch, was neither arrogant nor impetuous, and had a meticulous mind. His future achievements would definitely not be low.
Just then, a guard came over and whispered a few words in his ear!
After listening, Liu Chong chuckled. It seemed he had to add one more thing.
He understood human relations and knew how to handle things.
After leaving the mansion, Liu Jin, Guan Yu, and Zhao Ergou got into the carriage and slowly drove away into the distance.
Zhao Ergou grumbled!
"Big Brother, I think this Prefectural Supervisor is a bit hypocritical, seeing that you're gaining power, he deliberately tries to get close to you."
"Calling you 'Nephew' repeatedly, and even forcing a courtesy name on you."
"Although he helped Big Brother secure an official position, you've also sent him a lot of money twice now, and the favor has already been repaid. There's no need to be so subservient."