"Lord Guo, with so much to attend to, why have you come in person?"
Hearing the question from the man before him, Guo Chang hurriedly lowered his head. "I came to inform the General Who Guards the North of various matters. When I learned that you were here as well, I made a special visit to pay my respects."
Guanqiu Jian sat in the seat of honor, looking at the humble commandery governor before him, his expression gradually growing serious.
"Lord Guo, do you know why His Majesty sent you here to serve as commandery governor?"
Guo Chang hurriedly said, "His Majesty hopes that I can hone my abilities here, so that in the future I may assist the Sage King and usher in an age of prosperity..."
Guanqiu Jian nodded slightly. "That is not wrong, but there is another reason."
"Your ancestor, the Marquis of Zhen of Weiyang, contracted a grave illness while campaigning against the Wuhuan beyond the passes in Youzhou, and died in his prime."
"His Majesty holds the many civil and military officials of Emperor Wu's reign in great affection and esteem."
"When I had audiences with His Majesty, he often asked me about them, hoping to inspire himself with their virtues."
"He appointed you commandery governor here so that you could inherit your ancestor's aspirations and become a meritorious, loyal, and upright minister like him. You must not disgrace your ancestor's illustrious name."
Guo Chang trembled all over and hurriedly performed a deep ceremonial bow.
"Thank you for clearing up my doubts, Grand Marshal. From now on, I shall give my all and never fall short of those expectations!"
Guanqiu Jian nodded, then allowed him to leave.
After he left, Zhang Te could not help saying, "To my eye, this man is rather fond of