Song Xie was the first to discover Liu Yuan's change.

If yesterday Liu Yuan was still in a state of anxiety and unease, then today's Liu Yuan had clearly stabilized his emotions, displaying an unprecedented calmness and confidence.

Song Xie was a little surprised, but he didn't ask much. His many years in official circles had taught him when to speak and when to keep his mouth shut.

But the subsequent developments far exceeded his expectations.

Liu Yuan solemnly performed a grand kneeling bow to him.

“Governer, why are you doing this!” Song Xie was greatly shocked and hurriedly went forward to kneel as well.

“I am sincerely apologizing to you, Sir Song.” Liu Yuan looked at him and said, word by word, “Previously, because I harbored doubts, I revered you as my teacher but failed to trust you completely. This is my fault, so I have come specifically to apologize to you, Sir. I hope you can forgive me!”

Song Xie's lips moved twice. For someone of his eloquence, there were actually times when he didn't know what to say. After a long moment, he finally reacted, placing his hands on Liu Yuan's arms and trying to help him up.

“...Governer, you speak too seriously. Why go to such lengths?”

Liu Yuan took the opportunity to grasp his hand and said sincerely, “Back then, I asked you, Sir, to stay and assist me, making numerous solemn promises. In reality, I turned a deaf ear to your opinions and repeatedly failed to listen. This is my fault.”

Hearing these words, Song Xie was finally moved.

Since the uprising began, there were people everywhere who wanted to be emperor, and even more who wanted to establish themselves as kings. Liu Yuan was not the only one, nor would he be the last. His background was very humble, a frequent topic of gossip among the aristocratic clans of Yangdi. He also possessed no astonishing talents—let alone comparing him to the Hundred Schools of Thought from the Warring States period, he probably couldn't even recognize all the characters on a bamboo slip. But such a man possessed a virtue that others did not.

It could not be denied that although Song Xie had previously agreed to assist Liu Yuan, deep down, he had always maintained a superior, aloof attitude while observing him. Even when the other party did not agree with or adopt his opinions, he made no effort to persuade him. This was because Song Xie always believed that even if the world were to eventually be ruled by a new dynasty, or revert to the divided state before the Qin State's conquest of the Six States, Liu Yuan would not be one of the victors.

But thinking about it now, he had been far too self-righteous. A man who could face his own shortcomings and had the magnanimity to embrace others—how could he not have the air of a sovereign?

Although Song Xie had never personally seen Chen Sheng, Wu Guang, or the other former nobles of the Six States who had declared themselves kings, he would bet that among them, perhaps not a single one possessed this virtue of Liu Yuan's.

“If the Governer is at fault, then I am at fault as well.” Song Xie also lowered his stance and began to reflect. “Although the Governer has shown me favor and honored me as his teacher, I did not fulfill my duties. On the matter of sending troops to rescue Zhou Wen, I did not firmly remonstrate, which caused the Governer to be burdened by it and find it difficult to decide!”

For Song Xie to be willing to say such things showed that he sincerely wished to mend his relationship with Liu Yuan.

Liu Yuan smiled. This position of Governer of Yingchuan Commandery was like it had fallen from the sky and landed on his head. Before that, he hadn't received the slightest bit of basic training to be an official, and similarly, Song Xie had not yet adapted to the role of an advisor. No matter who it was, they were all slowly fumbling and learning. It was inevitable that there would be friction and obstacles along the way, but to be able to talk things out now meant that all past grievances could be resolved.

Not everyone is a born protagonist. It's not like you can just unleash the aura of a conqueror and have everyone immediately submit. If it hadn't been for Liu Zhen's words, Liu Yuan might not have realized his own limitations so quickly. But now, in Song Xie's eyes, this Governer no longer possessed his former hesitation and anxiety. What could be seen in him now was more composure and self-confidence.

And this was precisely what a leader should possess.

After a long talk, the two completely eliminated their mutual suspicion. This time, Song Xie was truly sincere about assisting Liu Yuan, tying himself to this ship surnamed Liu. He said, “May I ask the Governer, has the eldest young master's marriage been decided?”

Liu Yuan could now also manage a few refined phrases. He said, “My humble son is untalented and not yet betrothed.”

Song Xie smiled and said, “The Governer previously mentioned wanting to unite the Liu and Song families. I wonder if those words still hold true?”

Liu Yuan was overjoyed and said hurriedly, “They do, of course they do! To be able to have your esteemed daughter would be a blessing Liu Nan has cultivated for several lifetimes!”

Song Xie cupped his hands and laughed. “Governer, you speak too seriously. I have also met the eldest young master. The young man is open-minded and magnanimous, having inherited much from the Governer. It would also be my daughter's good fortune.”

The two looked at each other and smiled, and the marriage was thus settled. Although it was only a verbal agreement, given their statuses, there would basically be no changes barring any accidents.

When An Zheng and Xu Zhongfang successively arrived at the Governer's residence for a discussion, they discovered that an unprecedented layer of tacit understanding seemed to exist between Song Xie and Liu Yuan. The atmosphere was also more harmonious than before, to the point it could be described as joyful and congenial.

What happened? Xu Zhongfang asked An Zheng with his eyes.

How would I know? An Zheng shot him a look.

Before they could conduct a deeper exchange through “expressive glances,” they heard Liu Yuan say, “I have decided not to send troops to save Zhou Wen.”

In just one night, Liu Yuan had made up his mind. The announcement came so suddenly, and his tone was so resolute, that it seemed there was no room for maneuver.

Xu Zhongfang was startled. He couldn't be bothered to ponder the change in atmosphere between Liu Yuan and Song Xie, and hurriedly asked, “Eldest Brother, why is that?”

Liu Yuan said, “I have considered it carefully. The signs of defeat are already showing in Zhou Wen's battle. Even if we rush to reinforce them now, I'm afraid distant water cannot put out a nearby fire. It would be better to garrison our troops, fortify the city, and defend Yangdi. If the Qin army cannot defeat Zhou Wen's forces, that would be for the best. If Zhou Wen is defeated, the Qin army will most likely advance east. At that time, we can wait at ease for an exhausted enemy and fight them. We might not be without a chance of victory.”

Song Xie stroked his beard and nodded in appreciation. “What the Governer says is very true. Given the current state of the world, Yingchuan Commandery cannot remain isolated. Sooner or later, it will be drawn into war. Since that is the case, it is better to prepare early!”

An Zheng was already on Song Xie's side. It was three against one. Xu Zhongfang was outnumbered. Besides, Liu Yuan had already made his decision, so saying more would be pointless. He asked, “Eldest Brother, then how should we reply to Wei Bao?”

Liu Yuan: “Whether he wants to stay or go is up to him. Go and explain it to him. If he wishes to stay, the great Yingchuan Commandery can certainly afford to support an idle person. If he wishes to leave, that's even better. I will assign you five hundred soldiers. You will lead them to escort him to Xingyang and then return.”

Xu Zhongfang nodded. “I understand.”

Liu Yuan added, “Third Brother, if you encounter the Qin army on the way, you must prioritize your own safety. Those five hundred soldiers are to protect you, not him.”

Xu Zhongfang was moved and said loudly, “Eldest Brother, rest assured, I will not fail your expectations!”

As early as yesterday, after Liu Yuan rejected his request, Wei Bao had already had the thought of leaving. He had even instructed Madam Bo to pack their luggage. When Xu Zhongfang came over and confirmed that Yingchuan would not be sending troops to reinforce Zhou Wen, a look of indescribable indignation finally appeared on his face.

“I didn't expect Liu Yuan to be so short-sighted, only knowing how to stay in Yingchuan and live his comfortable life, even ignoring his close allies! If this continues, when General Zhou can no longer withstand the Qin army's offensive, Yingchuan Commandery will surely suffer! A mere prison warden's brat, does he really delude himself into thinking he can occupy territory, become a king, and contend for the empire?”

Because Liu Yuan had once been a Prison Warden, Wei Bao called him a “prison warden's brat,” a title with clear derogatory connotations.

Although Xu Zhongfang had gotten along well with Wei Bao these past few days, finding him agreeable, no matter how good their friendship, it certainly couldn't be closer than his bond with Liu Yuan. He was immediately displeased upon hearing this. However, he still remembered Liu Yuan's instruction not to completely fall out with Wei Bao, so he suppressed his displeasure and said coldly, “The Governer holds Young Master Wei in high regard. If you wish to leave, I will dispatch troops tomorrow to escort you all the way to Xingyang!”

Wei Bao originally wanted to refuse, but he hadn't brought many personal soldiers on this trip. The situation outside was chaotic, and he also had to look after the accompanying Lady Bo and other female relatives. More people naturally meant more security, so in the end, he didn't stubbornly refuse.

The two parted on bad terms. The next day, Wei Bao prepared to depart. Xu Zhongfang accompanied him to the gates of Yangdi city, where they saw An Zheng approaching on horseback, followed by a small-sized convoy of carts.

“Young Master Wei,” An Zheng cupped his hands toward Wei Bao. “The Governer has a message. The situation in Yingchuan is severe, so we are afraid we cannot grant your wish to borrow troops. However, the Governer considered that the righteous armies should watch over and help one another. Therefore, he has requisitioned a batch of grain from the granary and ordered me to deliver it to you, so that you may have something to report to the King of Wei upon your return. It's not much, I hope Young Master Wei will not disdain it!”

Wei Bao was not a scheming person by nature, which could be seen from some of his actions. He hadn't expected that after his relationship with Liu Yuan had become so strained, Liu Yuan would still be willing to give him a shipment of grain. Although he still wouldn't lend troops in the end, just as An Zheng said, he would at least be able to report back to his elder brother upon his return and not be completely empty-handed. In contrast, he himself had mocked Liu Yuan in front of Xu Zhongfang yesterday, which was truly ungracious.

Wei Bao felt very embarrassed. He cupped his hands and bowed deeply to An Zheng, sighing, “Governer Liu is magnanimous and doesn't hold grudges. I am truly his inferior!”

An Zheng smiled. He also felt that Liu Yuan was indeed acting with increasing magnanimity. In the past, Liu Yuan would definitely not have been willing to part with this grain.

“In that case, I wish the Young Master a safe journey!”

During these days, Madam Zhang and Lady Bo had also gotten along well. Lady Bo's background was better than Madam Zhang's, but she had never flaunted it in front of her. When they were together, Madam Bo would instead always smile and listen patiently to what Madam Zhang had to say. Therefore, Madam Zhang was quite reluctant to see her leave. One had to know that in all of vast Yangdi, it would be impossible to find another person of comparable status who was also so easy to get along with.

After Lady Bo left, Madam Zhang grumbled to Liu Zhen for several days, saying she didn't know if Lady Bo and the others had arrived safely or if they had encountered any dangers on the road.

However, Madam Zhang soon had no energy to worry about others. Because at the end of the twelfth month, news came from the west that the righteous army led by Zhou Wen had been defeated by the Qin army at Mianchi. And the defeat was disastrous. As the leader of that force, Zhou Wen had not received any reinforcements. Surrounded, he finally committed suicide in despair.