Chapter Sixty-Three: Guo Jia Mocks Loyalty

The next day, news of the massacre of Magistrate Zhang of Yingchuan and the powerful Zheng family, the local tyrants, spread throughout the entire region. The culprit was none other than Liu Yao, the Governor of Youzhou, which caused a tremendous sensation. Of course, the common folk had no way of knowing the true reasons behind these events. All they understood was that Liu Yao was a ruthless man—a reputation further fueled by the deliberate efforts of the great clans and noble families.

Early that morning, Xu Shu took his leave of Liu Yao to embark on his scholarly travels. Before Xu Shu departed, Liu Yao pressed a hundred pieces of gold into his hands for traveling expenses; this time, Xu Shu did not refuse. In his heart, however, he had already made a firm resolve: he would apply himself diligently to his studies, and one day, he would repay Liu Yao’s kindness by serving him loyally.

His elderly mother, upon learning that Liu Yao was supporting Xu Shu’s journey, immediately gave her consent. She even made him swear that he would one day pledge himself to Liu Yao. For it was not only Liu Yao’s generosity but also his lofty status that weighed heavily in her mind. Xu Shu’s mother was a steadfast supporter of the Han dynasty. In history, Xu Shu had chosen to serve Liu Bei because he believed in Liu Bei’s supposed imperial lineage, whether it was real or not. Yet Liu Yao, now recognized as the true heir of Han, stood on an entirely different plane.

As for Liu Yao, he felt entirely at ease allowing Xu Shu to travel. He trusted Xu Shu’s loyalty and filial piety, and having cared for Xu Shu’s devoted mother, Liu Yao believed that gratitude would bind Xu Shu to his service in the future. Of course, should the day come when Xu Shu wished not to serve him, Liu Yao would honor his promise and allow him to take his mother away. But beyond that, Liu Yao could not guarantee what might happen next—for he would never willingly see such a great talent go to aid his rivals.

After Xu Shu’s departure, Liu Yao and Shi A set out for the residence of Guo Jia and his companion. Guo Jia’s reputation was well-established in Yingchuan, though it was mostly among the sons of humble families; the scions of the great houses, even if they recognized the pair’s talents, would never give them a second thought.

Thanks to their renown, Liu Yao quickly discovered where they lived. At that time, both men happened to be at home.

Arriving at their destination, Liu Yao beheld a modest thatched cottage—not dilapidated, but clearly aged, a testament to the hardships endured by men of humble birth.

Standing outside, Liu Yao called out in a loud voice, “A friend from afar has come—would the gentlemen within grant me an audience?”

But after his call, no reply came for a long while, causing Shi A’s brow to furrow in displeasure. For a man of Liu Yao’s stature to call personally and be met with such disregard—had he not been ordered to refrain from rash action, he would have dragged the two out by force.

Yet Liu Yao showed no sign of impatience. He waited quietly. To win the aid of those inside, what harm was there in waiting a little longer?

Soon enough, a lazy voice drifted from within, “If you bring good wine, you are a friend—please, come in. If not, you are but a commoner—best be on your way.”

Hearing this, Liu Yao laughed heartily. He had long known that Guo Jia, styled Fengxiao, was a lover of fine wine, no less than the boorish Zhang Fei. He had come prepared: in Shi A’s hands were two jugs of Liu Yao’s finest treasured Huoyun Spirits.

“Of course, I bring good wine!” Liu Yao declared with a laugh. Taking the wine from Shi A, he strode forward, pushed open the door, and entered, leaving Shi A to wait outside.

Inside, he saw a youth just past his teens and a frail-looking scholar in his twenties, both seated and drinking. They shared a similar aura, though one bore a touch of free-spiritedness, the other was more composed. These, Liu Yao surmised, must be Guo Jia and Xi Zhong.

Their sickly appearance made Liu Yao frown. In history, neither man lived long; Guo Jia died at thirty-eight, still with two decades ahead, while Xi Zhong, to Liu Yao’s recollection, would be dead in ten years. Liu Yao resolved that, should he win their allegiance and return to Youzhou, he would have Hua Tuo examine them both.

Guo Jia, catching the scent of the wine in Shi A’s hands, sniffed eagerly and exclaimed, “Marvelous! The very best Huoyun Spirits from the Huoyun Trading House—Zhicai, we’re in luck today! Even Wenruo (Xun Yu) rarely gets to taste such a fine vintage—why should we?”

Xi Zhicai shot Guo Jia a glance, then turned to Liu Yao. “I am Xi Zhong, styled Zhicai; this is Guo Jia, styled Fengxiao. May I ask the gentleman’s name?”

Liu Yao offered a polite bow. “I am Liu Yao. Your names have long been famed in my ears.”

“So it is the illustrious Prince, Governor of Youzhou, who graces us with his presence. Forgive us humble commoners for not welcoming you sooner,” Xi Zhicai said, rising hastily to apologize. Guo Jia, for his part, kept his eyes fixed on the wine in Liu Yao’s hands, oblivious to all else.

Seeing this, Xi Zhicai frowned and nudged him several times. “Fengxiao, Fengxiao, greet His Excellency at once!”

“Ah!” Only after several prods did Guo Jia respond, looking at Xi Zhicai with some annoyance, then giving Liu Yao a perfunctory bow.

“No matter,” Liu Yao replied casually. “Here, there is no prince, no governor—only friends. Address me by my courtesy name as you would any other. If you think me worthy, call me Brother Liu.” With that, he sat down unceremoniously.

The two were surprised by Liu Yao’s easy manner. He was, after all, of royal blood—scion of the greatest house in the land—yet lacked all arrogance, so different from the sons of nobility they had known. This alone greatly increased their regard for him.

They too took their seats. Without hesitation, Liu Yao broke the seals on the two jugs of Huoyun Spirits, and at once the rich aroma of wine filled the air.

“How fragrant!” Guo Jia breathed in deeply, nearly salivating, while even Xi Zhicai could not help but swallow.

Liu Yao smiled at their delight. Taking three cups from the table, he poured for each of them. “Today marks the beginning of our friendship. Let us drain these cups!”

Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai, long tempted by the wine, eagerly joined him in raising their cups. “Cheers!”

“Ah! As expected of the finest Huoyun Spirits! The only other time I tasted this was at Wenruo’s, and I thought I’d never have the chance again in my life,” Guo Jia said, smacking his lips in satisfaction. Xi Zhicai, too, wore a blissful expression.

“If you like it so much, my residence is full of such wine. You are always welcome; drink as much as you please,” Liu Yao said heartily, his intentions to recruit them clear.

Guo Jia smiled but did not answer directly. Xi Zhicai, however, asked, “What brings Brother Liu to Yingchuan?”

Liu Yao showed no sign of disappointment. Had they been so easily won over, he would not have valued them so highly.

“I have come at the imperial court’s command to pacify the Yellow Turbans in Yingchuan. And, hearing that Yingchuan is home to many men of talent, I seek to recruit capable people to serve by my side,” Liu Yao replied forthrightly.