Volume 1, Chapter 20: Recommendation of Talent and Initiating the Summoning

After the banquet had dispersed, Liu Xie stood alone atop the high platform of Weiyang Palace, gazing at the vast starry sky, his brows deeply furrowed.

“Your Majesty, what troubles you so?” Jia Xu’s voice came softly from behind, like a gentle night breeze.

Liu Xie did not turn around. “Wenhe, look at the ten counties of Yongzhou. Though they have been reclaimed, there is not a single capable person to govern them. Candidates for the posts of county governor, commanders of troops... the talents at my disposal are but a drop in the ocean.”

Jia Xu pondered for a moment. “Indeed. However, after consulting with General Yue and Minister Yang, there are a few candidates we wish to recommend.”

“Oh?” Liu Xie’s voice held a note of surprise and hope. “Quickly, summon Minister Yang and General Yue to see me immediately!”

Weiyang Palace, Xuande Hall.

Liu Xie’s fingers tapped rhythmically on the desk.

“Minister Yang, you speak first,” Liu Xie said.

Yang Biao stroked his beard thoughtfully. “I recommend that Sima Fang, former Prefect of Jingzhao, be appointed Governor of Fengyi. His son, Sima Lang, is extraordinarily talented and suitable for the post of deputy governor. Also, Xun You, who had originally planned to evade the turmoil in the Central Plains and take up a post in Shu but was delayed by difficult roads...”

Indeed, an old family is like a treasure!

Let us consider those Yang Biao recommended.

The Sima family! The very Sima clan that would later seize the fruits of Wei and unify the Three Kingdoms!

Among the Sima brothers, Boda and Zhongda held pivotal positions in the Wei regime. Especially Sima Yi, a man of incredible patience and guile—he even donned women’s clothing without a flicker of hesitation when Zhuge Liang sent it. Only after Cao Pi, Cao Rui, and Cao Fang had passed did he finally reveal his hidden ambitions.

He should not be very old now, probably close in age to me.

If Sima Fang comes, surely his whole family will follow, or will they, like the Zhuge clan, scatter their talents among different powers?

Hmm, this requires careful maneuvering. I must arrange for Sima Yi to be close by, keeping a close eye on his movements at all times.

And the other recommended talent—Xun You, also known as Xun Gongda?

Liu Xie asked, “Is he the Xun You from the Yingchuan Xun family?”

Yang Biao nodded.

Xun You was one of Cao Cao’s five chief strategists, regarded by him as the master of strategy, with intellect comparable to Guo Jia.

However, Guo Jia excelled in bold, unpredictable stratagems, often achieving great results by surprise, while Xun You favored stability, seeking victory through steadiness. Thus, his plans were less conspicuous but no less effective.

If I could secure his aid, it would not only strengthen myself but also weaken Cao Cao’s power. In 196, just two years hence, Xun You was recommended by Xun Yu and became Cao Cao’s advisor.

Have I managed to forestall him and succeed in undermining Cao Cao’s influence?

I do love undermining others!

Liu Xie’s impatience showed. “Where is Gongda now?”

Seeing the emperor’s keen interest, Yang Biao smiled with relief. “Your Majesty, after receiving my letter, Xun You has set out and is expected to arrive the day after tomorrow!”

Though disappointed it would take two days, Liu Xie comforted himself that it was not long.

He thought of another strategist from the Xun family, Xun Yu, whom Cao Cao praised as possessing the talent of a king’s counselor. Was he already serving under Cao Cao?

He had recommended many talents to Cao Cao.

Could I not also recruit him?

Since the hoe has been raised, let it swing a few more times!

Liu Xie voiced his thoughts: “Within the Xun family, there is another great talent, Xun Yu, courtesy name Wenruo, endowed with unparalleled ability. Could a single imperial edict summon him to serve?”

Yang Biao, surprised by the young emperor’s grasp of talent, replied, “The Xun family is prominent in Yingchuan, but they are under Cao Cao’s sphere of influence. If Your Majesty issues a summons, Xun Yu might be inclined, but whether Cao Cao will permit it is uncertain.”

Liu Xie nodded thoughtfully.

Currently, Cao Cao’s chief strategist is still Xi Zhihai, but after his passing, there seems to be no one suitable, hence the recommendation of Guo Jia, then Cheng Yu, among others, enriching Cao Cao’s ranks with talent.

The matter of Xun Yu will await Xun You’s arrival before deciding.

General Yue then introduced several local heroes he had encountered during campaigns, such as Du Ji and Zhang Ji, men of ability suitable to serve as county governors.

Liu Xie had heard of these two; both were outstanding and could certainly govern well.

“Where are they now?” he asked.

“Already en route, expected within a couple of days,” Yue replied.

Good, very good.

The more talents we secure from the Three Kingdoms, the fewer remain for rival powers, thereby weakening them.

Jia Xu mused, “Your Majesty, there is a great figure, a fellow scion of the Han imperial family, who can be summoned with an imperial edict to aid you.”

Liu Xie’s interest piqued. A Han relative? Could it be Liu Da’er?

Jia Xu continued, “His surname is Liu, given name Ye, courtesy name Ziyang, a descendant of Liu Yan, Prince of Fuling, son of Emperor Guangwu. He is a man of deep strategy and keen insight, a rare choice for a military advisor, currently idling at home engaged in minor studies.”

At the mention of Liu Ye’s name, Liu Xie suddenly recognized him.

Indeed, such a man existed, even credited with inventing the siege catapult!

“Excellent! A worthy son of the Han to call upon. I must summon him to contribute to the great Han dynasty!”

With Liu Xie’s approval, Jia Xu grew excited and went on, “There is also a father and son in Chang’an, both capable, suitable for posts as county governor and deputy.”

Yang Biao, hearing they were from Chang’an, considered a moment. “The Wei family from Guanzhong?”

Jia Xu nodded. “Yes, Wei Duan and Wei Kang.”

Yang Biao praised, “Father and son hold considerable prestige among the people and can be entrusted with heavy responsibilities.”

Seeing their commendations, Liu Xie nodded repeatedly. “Good, send summons at once.”

Jia Xu added, “Ma Teng of Liangzhou has long been loyal to the Han. His son, Ma Chao, is exceptionally brave. Your Majesty might issue an edict to appease them; they could prove useful.”

Listening to the proposals, Liu Xie weighed the pros and cons carefully.

Suddenly, his eyes brightened. “System, how much national fortune do I currently have?”

[Current National Fortune: 325]

“Enough to summon several capable civil officials...” Liu Xie thought silently, then addressed the assembly. “Your counsel is wise. But before proceeding, I wish to meet one person first...”