Chapter Sixty-Four: Two More Talents Acquired

Guo Jia’s eyes flashed with a sharp glint upon hearing these words, but it disappeared as quickly as it came. With a self-deprecating smile, he said, “Since Brother Liu wishes to recruit the talents of Yingchuan, why bother coming to us? We are merely common folk who spend our days drinking, idly eating, and waiting for death.” As he spoke, he downed another cup of wine.

“Heh, everyone knows that most of Yingchuan’s scholars hail from noble families, just as you said—Xun Yu, Xun You, and so on. But among them, only you two have truly distinguished yourselves by your own merit. The others rely on their lineage for prestige.” Liu Yao smiled as he spoke.

The words stirred something within the two men. They knew they possessed talent, yet in this era, ability was not valued; only family lineage mattered. Within Yingchuan Academy, only Xun Yu dared to compete openly, while the rest relied on their heritage. The truth was undeniable.

“Brother Liu overestimates us.” Xi Zhicai said with gratitude. “Since you know of Wenruo’s talents, why not seek to recruit him?”

Guo Jia, curious as well, looked to Liu Yao, eager to hear his answer.

“Tell me, Fengxiao and Zhicai—what do you think of the noble families?” Liu Yao did not answer directly.

“These families leave much to be desired,” Xi Zhicai replied helplessly.

Liu Yao snorted in disdain, his voice filled with anger. “Zhicai, you’re still giving them face. In my view, all such families are parasites—the root of the Han’s decline. Were it not for them, the people would not suffer so. Were it not for them, there would have been no Yellow Turban Rebellion. Were it not for them, I would not have had to labor alone in Youzhou, striving to wrest back the power that rightfully belongs to the Han from their grasp.” He laid his heart bare without reservation.

His words shocked the two men. They had never imagined that Liu Yao, at the age of twelve, had ventured to the harsh lands of Youzhou with the intention of saving the Han and restoring its former glory. His candor, and the trust he placed in them, moved them deeply.

“Is this why you won’t recruit Wenruo? The Xun family is not like those other nobles,” Guo Jia remarked casually. Of all Yingchuan’s families, only the Xun family had a decent reputation, and their friendship was genuine.

Liu Yao nodded. “You’re right; I know the Xun family is well regarded, and I know Xun Yu’s loyalty is steadfast. But he is not the one I seek.”

“If I issue decrees in the future, they will surely conflict with the interests of the noble families. Even if I could recruit Xun Yu, his loyalty would be torn between me and his family. I do not wish to put him in such a position, nor do I wish to see his heart divided. My aim is clear: to reclaim every power the Han has lost to the nobles.” Liu Yao spoke with conviction.

The two men were at a loss for words. From their observations at Yingchuan Academy, almost no noble scion had any fondness for Liu Yao.

Liu Yao looked at them and bowed. “The noble-born will never serve me. I came to Yingchuan solely for you two. May I be so fortunate as to win your support?”

“I have one more question for you, Brother Liu. If you answer to my satisfaction, I will serve beneath your banner.” Xi Zhicai frowned as he spoke.

“Ask, Zhicai,” Liu Yao replied casually.

Zhicai asked, “I wish to know if the rumors this morning are true—that you killed the head of the Zheng family and Magistrate Zhang without cause, and then had their entire household wiped out?”

“Heh. Do you believe it?” Liu Yao smiled.

“No.” Xi Zhicai shook his head. “But I want to hear it from you.”

“Very well. I did kill Zheng Jian and Magistrate Zhang, but not without cause. The deeds of the Zheng family over the years need not be recounted. What matters is that, after I revealed my identity, both men still dared to act against me. That alone warranted their deaths.” Liu Yao spoke with righteous indignation.

Xi Zhicai breathed a sigh of relief; at least Liu Yao was not a man who killed without reason.

“But as for their families, yes, I ordered their extermination.” Liu Yao continued.

“You…” Xi Zhicai stood up in fury, pointing at Liu Yao. “It’s one thing to kill them, but why kill their families? They were innocent!”

Liu Yao shrugged indifferently. “Magistrate Zhang’s family consisted only of himself. As for the Zheng clan, their lawless behavior was evident in Zheng Jian. Every member was a villain, a scourge on the land. Keeping them alive would only waste food. Besides, I know the wisdom of eliminating the root. I have no wish to deal with vengeful survivors seeking retribution. I do not fear them, but I dislike unnecessary trouble.”

“You, you, you…” Xi Zhicai was livid. “So, if we refuse to join you, must we die as well?”

Liu Yao merely smiled, saying nothing. The meaning was clear.

Before Xi Zhicai could speak further, Guo Jia’s eyes flashed, and he dropped to his knees. “Jia bows before my lord.”

Liu Yao had been expecting to argue with Xi Zhicai, but Guo Jia’s sudden acceptance filled him with joy. He hurried to help Guo Jia up. “Fengxiao, rise! I have awaited this day for so long.”

“You—Fengxiao, what are you doing? Since when have you become so spineless? I am ashamed to call you a friend!” Xi Zhicai, thinking Guo Jia had been intimidated by Liu Yao’s threats, turned his back in indignation.

Guo Jia, knowing well the years of friendship between them, smiled. “Zhicai, when have you ever seen me act without backbone?”

“Hmph!” Xi Zhicai, though angry, knew Guo Jia was not one to fear death. He pointed at Liu Yao. “Then why agree to serve him?”

“Because the lord is a ruler worthy of support,” Guo Jia declared firmly.

Xi Zhicai was so exasperated that his nose nearly twisted. “He’s a man who kills the innocent, and yet you call him wise? Forgive me, but I cannot accept that.” Though Xi Zhicai was a scholar of exceptional talent, he lacked Guo Jia’s insight into human nature.

Guo Jia smiled. “First, the lord is candid—he shared such vital matters upon first meeting us, proving he trusts those he employs. Second, his ambitions are grand; his desire to restore the dying Han is proof enough. Third, he is benevolent to his own people. Who does not know that after years of his rule, Youzhou is prosperous, rivaling even the great province of Jizhou?”

“Fourth, he is ruthless—he does not hesitate to eliminate opponents, preventing future harm. Mercy cannot govern soldiers, nor righteousness finances. I believe you understand this, Zhicai. Fifth, he has the strength—he defeated the Wuwan, then the Yellow Turbans of Yingchuan. With such capable warriors, how could he lack ability?”