A Cordial Affair

Li Xian had the court where they usually held deliberations on provincial affairs converted into a feast hall. Tables were laid down on the floor and comfortably cushions behind them. He spared no expense on the alcohol as well, dragging in the alcohol of local taverns into the fray while the cooks from Liu Zhang's mansion handled the food.

Amongst them were drunken prawns, fried buns and other delectable delicacies that will make one's stomach growl. With the harvest season in full swing and for some mysterious reason, the agricultural reports have yet to come in from Chengdu and Hanzhong, Li Xian put his attention on pleasing the military officers.

After all, there was nothing that would be worse than being overthrown in a coup. In most cases of political instabilities, whoever had the backing of the military emerged victorious.

Some people have pointed out in history before that often, it was another minister that plotted a coup within the party that overthrew the leader or often, ministries that dealt in internal affairs.

However, Li Xian was not going to risk a South Korean-esque scenario. Before South Korea as we know it today, there were three military coups that succeeded, with one of them overthrowing the former conspirator who was involved in the assassination of the previous President of South Korea.

Li Xian was looking into the future. He wanted the military loyal to him because he was afraid of one thing happening.

Zhang Lu.

Zhang Lu, in reality, had seized control of Hanzhong later on in Liu Zhang's life and in response, Liu Zhang beheaded his whole family. However, their fate was that of surrender to Liu Bei in the end. As it is now, Zhang Lu was not a threat but he wanted the strategic city of Hanzhong to stay in Yi Province's influence.

In fact, sometimes Li Xian deliberated if he should just post him to a remote location and have him rot there but it would not be proper and people would demand explanations, especially the city officials who will be afraid that it is the start of a purge.

Therefore, Li Xian wanted to make sure that things are all well internally as well, especially with the military.

As night fell, the military men turned up in robes, ditching their usual attire of armour and sword, leaving their weapons at home. They spoke in much more coarse languages, cursing and swearing while roaring loudly, something that civil servants will not be caught doing even at the threat of death.

However, Li Xian appreciated them for this trait as well. They were generally more straight-talking while even the more restrained ones who are older have a certain "roughness around the edge" quality to them.

"Gentlemen, first of all, let me raise a toast to all of you, pillars of the Han Dynasty!" Li Xian held up his cup of wine and held it high and the generals present hastily stopped whatever they were doing and raised their cup as well.

"For your health! For your success! Drink up!" Li Xian cheered and the generals roared in reply, downing their cup.

"That is good wine!" Wu Yi called out as he tasted the wine and the generals present murmured in agreement. The scent of the Shaoxing Jiu was strong in the air as well as the smell of the roast pork which made a crunching noise as one bit into it, making it the perfect thing to have wine alongside with.

"I spared no expense for all of you heroes, but I am asking all of you here not just to be closer with all of you, but in general I want to hear which part of our military can money help?"