"Furthermore, Duke Xuande has managed Ba Commandery on General Yan's behalf, keeping everything in good order and earning unanimous praise from the people. I believe we might as well have Duke Xuande concurrently serve as Administrator of Ba Commandery in recognition of his achievements."
At these words, several other advisers under Liu Zhang, including Liu Ba, Wang Lian, and Huang Quan, immediately paled.
Ba Commandery was one of the few great commanderies of Yi Province.
It ranked alongside Shu Commandery and Hanzhong.
Its original administrator had been Yan Yan, a senior general under Liu Zhang, but after Zhang Lu rebelled, Yan Yan had been transferred to fight him.
However, Ba Commandery could not go ungoverned, so after Liu Bei entered Yi Province, Liu Zhang had assigned him there. Over this time, he had governed the entire commandery remarkably well, and it was flourishing.
"My lord, this would be inappropriate!"
Before Liu Zhang could respond, Huang Quan rose in opposition. "General Yan merely went to suppress Zhang Lu's rebellion, which left him no time to govern Ba Commandery."
"Although Duke Xuande has rendered meritorious service, directly replacing General Yan and having him concurrently serve as Administrator of Ba Commandery would hardly be appropriate."
As he spoke, he signaled Liu Ba and Wang Lian with his eyes.
The two immediately understood and rose in succession. "My lord, Registrar Huang is absolutely right. This matter requires careful consideration."
Liu Bei's expression remained unchanged upon hearing this.
Zhang Fei and Guan Yu, however, were displeased.
Zhang Fei slammed the table and glared furiously at Huang Quan. "Why can't my elder brother concurrently serve as Administrator of Ba Commandery? Does he lack ability or merit? Go on, explain it to me!"
"If you can't give me a proper accounting, I won't let you off!"
Huang