Huan Wen was an interesting man. He hated being compared to Wang Dun, yet often styled himself after Emperor Wu of Wei and King Xuan. This became especially common after his Conquest of Shu, when he had effectively established his independence and openly arrayed his forces against the lower reaches. Yet hearing others call him Emperor Wu of Wei or King Xuan actually made him uneasy.
"Keep your voice down." Huan Wen seemed a little angry and slapped the table. "Do you really see me as someone so muddled about rewards and punishments? Are you truly afraid I'll kill you, so you're calling Jiabin to save you?"
Liu Cheng hurried inside with a smile. "Had I not seen you as a hero beyond your age, someone who could prop up the collapsing heavens, why would I have entrusted my life and fortunes to you? I know you mean to criticize first and praise afterward, commending how cleanly I handled this affair. But it's only human to feel wronged when confronted so suddenly."
Huan Wen seemed rather at a loss with him, too. He could only shake his head before calling out, "Bring a folding stool. Let Acheng sit."
Indeed, half a year after formally taking office, Liu Cheng finally had a seat in Great General Huan of the Western Expedition's presence... This really was no affectation. After joining Huan Wen's staff, he had discovered that no one in this western room could sit as an equal with Great General Huan of the Western Expedition—not even Huan Chong. Those he valued received a folding stool as a mark of respect. Most people stood to give their reports.
Liu Acheng had reason to believe this was a lingering shadow left by Xie Yi, who had frequently relied on his birth and their