Liu Jin heard this, gave a slight 'oh', and said indifferently, "Why not arrest these people?"
The guard hesitated when he heard this, then continued, "The person before us claims to be a descendant of Prince Jing of Zhongshan, a member of the imperial clan. We dare not arrest him rashly, so we can only report to the Prefect's Mansion and let the noble decide the matter."
Liu Jin was very interested to hear this, that a descendant of Prince Jing of Zhongshan had appeared. He glanced forward.
He saw that the several people around them all looked flustered, lowering their heads, not daring to meet his gaze.
The young man leading them had a resolute face, prominent ears, hands that reached below his knees, and was dressed in coarse cloth.
He appeared dignified and solemn, showing no fear of authority, but his slightly trembling legs betrayed his strong exterior.
When he clearly saw his appearance, he was stunned. It was Da Erzei, Liu Bei.
Liu Jin let out a silent laugh, then immediately walked over, saying with a hearty laugh, "Xuande, long time no see."
Liu Bei heard this and looked to his side. It was Liu Jin, whom he hadn't seen in a long time.
When he saw the bronze seal and black ribbon hanging from his waist, he was completely stunned, realizing that Liu Jin was actually that Liu Sima.
He felt as if he had been struck by lightning, his head buzzing.
In just two months, Liu Jin had become a Thousand-Stone Sima Xu.
He, on the other hand, was still selling straw sandals in the city, working hard all day for a few copper coins. The gap between them was growing wider and wider.
After a moment of daze, he forced a smile, one uglier than crying, and said, "So it's Brother Wenyi. I didn't expect to meet again and find you've become a Thousand-Stone Sima Xu."
"Congratulations, congratulations."
Liu Jin looked at his expression and chuckled inwardly.
Although Liu Bei was smiling and speaking complimentary words, anyone with a discerning eye could see the envy.
However, he didn't mind. After all, the two of them had no real connection, just a casual acquaintance.
But Liu Jin had no intention of killing him, because at this time, Liu Bei was only selling straw sandals in the city. With him around, whether he could rise up was a question.
Moreover, it was a chaotic era that produced heroes, not heroes who created a chaotic era. Even if Liu Bei were killed, there would be other Liu Beis.
It would also affect the changes in the Han Dynasty, making it difficult for him to foresee future developments.
As it was now, apart from Liu Bei, nothing else had changed in other places; it was still exactly as in history.
After a moment of contemplation, a cold glint appeared in Liu Jin's eyes. He decided to keep Liu Bei in Zhuo Commandery to prevent him from running around and becoming a major enemy.
He said with a smile, "Brother Xuande, I see you've also brought gifts. Why not come with me into the mansion and pay your respects to the Prefect?"
"I can also introduce you to the Prefect and see if I can find a path for you."
Liu Bei was stunned to hear this, his eyes showing excitement, his body even trembling slightly.
He thought that Liu Jin was willing to recommend him to the Prefect. That was a golden opportunity to rise to prominence. If he could become an official of a few hundred stones, he might not be unable to catch up with Liu Jin.
Without any hesitation, he immediately said, "Then I thank Brother Wenyi."
Liu Jin waved his hand, a brilliant smile on his face, and said, "Since that's the case, Brother Xuande, let's go."
After saying this, Liu Jin directly stepped forward, with Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and others following behind him.
As they passed by Liu Bei, both of them glanced at him, but didn't pay much attention.
Liu Bei immediately greeted Liu Bi next to him, saying excitedly, "Uncle, that person just now is my sworn brother, Liu Jin Liu Wenyi, who pacified the Yellow Turban Rebellion and whose name resounds throughout Zhuo Commandery."
Liu Bi heard this, was overjoyed, and quickly stroked his beard, laughing, "I didn't expect Xuande to have such a good brother. As expected of the prodigy of our Liu family in Lousang Village. It seems his future achievements will certainly be extraordinary."
"Xuande, go to the banquet and I hope you can gain the Prefect's favor and revive our Prince Jing of Zhongshan lineage."
Liu Bei nodded solemnly, and after greeting a few people, he turned and walked into the mansion.
After Liu Jin entered the mansion, a guard quickly came to greet him, his face respectful, and he bowed slightly, saying loudly, "Liu Sima, please follow me. I will lead the way."
Liu Jin nodded, and with the people behind him and Liu Bei, who had just run in, he followed the guard forward.
Everyone looked at the vast Prefect's Mansion, feeling a bit like country bumpkins entering the city, as they had never lived in such a large residence.
The interior was extremely lavishly decorated, even with bamboo pavilions, ponds, and gardens.
Soon, everyone arrived outside the main hall. Dozens of guards stood at the entrance, and one of them, with a respectful expression, slowly said, "Liu Sima, you must hand over your sword to enter. This is the rule, please forgive me."
Liu Jin nodded, not surprised.
Because those attending the banquet were either rich or noble, and there was even Prefect Wen Shu, who had just been enfeoffed. Naturally, no one was allowed to carry sharp weapons, lest they get drunk and draw their swords, causing injuries or casualties.
Everyone unbuckled their weapons from their waists and placed them aside.
Led by Liu Jin, several people stepped inside.
The tables in the hall were already filled with wine and snacks, and many people had taken their seats on both sides, chatting in small groups.
When the sound of footsteps came from outside, everyone's gaze turned to see Liu Jin, dressed in a brocade robe, with a bronze seal and black ribbon at his waist.
Everyone was slightly stunned. It was an official of the Thousand-Stone level. It seemed Liu Jin had become a Sima after this battle.
His status among them was already very high, and this person was skilled in warfare, and so young. His future achievements would be great.
Many officials stood up, greeting him with smiles, "Congratulations on your promotion, Liu Sima."
Liu Jin, with a gentle smile, kept waving and greeting everyone, occasionally exchanging compliments.
He appeared calm and composed, with an extraordinary demeanor, no longer as reserved as he had been when meeting these officials before.
Just then, from a seat at the front, Liu Chong, with a smile on his face, quickly waved and said, "Nephew, come here to your uncle."
Liu Jin heard this, smiled, waved back, and walked forward, then sat down at a nearby seat.
Liu Chong stroked his beard, laughing, "Nephew, congratulations on becoming a Thousand-Stone Sima Xu."
Liu Jin said with a gentle smile, "Uncle is too kind. Nephew's current achievements are all thanks to your recommendation. Otherwise, I wouldn't be where I am today. Your great kindness, I will always remember."
Liu Chong heard this and laughed heartily. Hearing these words made him feel very comfortable, at least he hadn't forgotten his roots.
"Nephew is too modest, ha."
"A golden nugget will always shine. No matter where you go, you will radiate light. Even without my recommendation, you would still achieve great things."
Liu Jin smiled and nodded, not denying the matter.
So the two sat there chatting. From time to time, officials would come to greet them, showing courtesy to Liu Jin.