Chapter Five: Gathering Worthy Talent

System, system...

Xu Mao Gong, where is he now? Hurry and bring him before me.

Host, do not be anxious. Xu Mao Gong is already under your command, but you spend your days in confusion, only practicing martial arts and idling, leaving all the affairs of Youzhou to Guo Jia, so you know nothing...

Who says so, who says so... Zifan’s face was full of embarrassment. After speaking, he ordered Dian Wei to quickly ask Guo Jia to bring Xu Mao Gong here.

After a while, Guo Jia slowly entered, reeking of wine and looking thoroughly intoxicated.

My lord...

I have brought Xu Mao Gong as requested. Guo Jia saluted with both hands, then stood groggily to the side.

Guo Jia, why do you smell so strongly of wine? Did you just come from the tavern? Zifan feigned reproach, though inwardly he sighed. Placing all the matters of Youzhou in Guo Jia’s hands made him suffer bitterly, while Liu Yan, the governor of Youzhou, merely shrugged and wandered off to enjoy himself.

My lord, you wrong me. There are countless duties in Youzhou, and official business is overwhelming. With your heart set on the world, how could I drink alone? If I were to drink, it would be with you. Your fine wine still lingers in my memory; I wonder when you will grant me more so I may drink to my heart’s content.

Very well! Very well!... Even now, you still covet my wine. Seeing your diligence, I have ordered two jars of the finest wine to be delivered to your home today. “I wonder if you are satisfied, Guo Jia?” Zifan laughed.

Thank you, my lord.

It seems my lord truly understands me...!

Guo Jia’s face instantly lit up with joy, no trace of the elegant youth remaining—he was now the image of a true drunkard.

Is this Xu Mao Gong? Zifan gazed at the old man: kindly brows and gentle eyes, hair as white as a crane’s, youthful in countenance, eyes bright and clear, dressed in flowing white robes, an ethereal bearing, three thousand strands of silver hair cascading over his shoulders, shimmering softly.

What a sage-like figure, an immortal recluse—though well past sixty, one would not dare show disrespect. Zifan could not help but marvel.

The old man smiled gently, bowed with a hand on his waist. “My lord flatters me. I am but a humble man of the mountains, fortunate to hold a minor post in Youzhou and grateful beyond measure.

To meet my lord today is a great honor. I see your stride like a dragon, your bearing rare in this world, armored warriors and iron steeds, your spirit like a tiger devouring the land—a truly extraordinary figure, a hero above all, whom I deeply admire.”

Zifan was delighted. He had long heard tales of an elder in Youzhou with the air of an immortal; now, seeing him, the reputation was well deserved.

“At present, I have too few talented men under my command—only Guo Jia for civil affairs, and Ding Feng and Dian Wei for military. I wonder if you, sir, would help me govern Youzhou?” With that, Zifan bowed deeply.

“Absolutely not... absolutely not...”

Ah!

“My lord, this would shorten my life! Yet I am grateful, and wish only to assist you, to help you achieve your great ambition.”

Then Zifan thanked the old gentleman.

“With Guo Jia organizing Youzhou, I am at ease. Now, with Xu Mao Gong as well, surely Youzhou will enjoy peace and prosperity, year after year.

I appoint Xu Mao Gong as Grand Commandant of Youzhou, to govern the regions of Yan, Fanyang, and Yuyang.”

“I accept your command, my lord...”

Guo Jia...

“Yes, elder brother, what are your instructions?”

“The Yellow Turbans are fierce and have already reached the borders of Youzhou. I fear they will invade soon. Have you made all necessary preparations? Are provisions and weapons in place?” Zifan murmured softly.

“Brother, the Yellow Turbans are many but not skilled. Our army, though small, is composed of elite soldiers and commanders; we will surely defeat the enemy and achieve remarkable victories. Rest assured, elder brother.”