Chapter Five: A Chance Encounter on the Road

On the road to Youzhou, Luo Ang led the way ahead, with Cai Yong and Cai Yan’s carriage in the middle, while Guan Yu and Pan Zhang brought up the rear to ensure their safety.

Luo Ang asked Cai Yong, who was seated in the carriage, “Sir, once we arrive in Youzhou, to which city should we go to assume office?”

Cai Yong replied from inside the carriage, “Jixian! That is the administrative seat of Youzhou.”

Hearing this, Luo Ang thought to himself, Jixian? Could that be Tianjin? It’s all because of my poor geography in middle school; otherwise, I would have known where Jixian is.

Before long, Luo Ang and the others entered the territory of Yuzhou.

From the carriage, Cai Yong’s voice came, “Zicheng, where are we now?”

Without looking back at the carriage, Luo Ang answered, “We have entered the borders of Yuzhou.”

Cai Yong’s voice carried a hint of puzzlement, “Why are we traveling through Yuzhou instead of Jizhou?”

Luo Ang reassured him, “Sir, rest assured, I have my reasons.”

Just as he finished speaking, in the distance, a farmer appeared, riding a yellow ox and humming a folk tune as he approached Luo Ang and his group.

Curious about the melody, Luo Ang asked the farmer, “Sir, may I ask who taught you this tune?”

The farmer pointed behind him and said, “Not far from here, there is a humble cottage where four gentlemen reside. They taught me this tune.”

Upon hearing this, Luo Ang’s mind flashed back to the well-known scholars who had already come of age since the Yellow Turban Rebellion. Quickly piecing it together, he clasped his fists in gratitude, “Thank you, sir!”

The farmer smiled and replied, “You’re welcome!” Then, urging his ox onward as he hummed, he continued on his way.

Luo Ang looked back toward Cai Yong and Cai Yan’s carriage and said, “Sir, please rest here. I will go ahead to scout the way.”

From inside the carriage, Cai Yong answered, “Very well.”

Turning to Guan Yu and Pan Zhang beside the carriage, Luo Ang said, “Yunchang, Pan Zhang, please guard Sir Cai here. I will go ahead to explore.”

Guan Yu and Pan Zhang clasped their fists and responded, “At your service.”

Riding forward, Luo Ang soon came upon the modest cottage the farmer had mentioned. He reined in his horse, dismounted, tied the reins to a nearby post, and knocked on the door.

A young, slender scholar opened it and asked, “May I ask who you are?”

Luo Ang introduced himself, “I am Luo Ang, courtesy name Zicheng. I am en route to Youzhou for official duty and heard that great talents have retired here, so I have come to pay my respects.”

The scholar looked him over with surprise. “Luo Ang, Luo Zicheng? Are you the same Luo Ang who wrote ‘Answering the Dream from the Boudoir’ and ‘Water Melody: When Will the Bright Moon Appear’?”

Luo Ang clasped his fists, “Indeed, that is I. May I ask your honorable name?”

“I am Chen Qun, courtesy name Changwen.” Chen Qun smiled, his surprise fading quickly. “General Luo’s arrival brings great honor to my humble abode. Please, come in.”

Luo Ang bowed, “Thank you kindly.”

With that, he entered the cottage.

Inside, Chen Qun introduced Luo Ang to the three others present. “Gentlemen, allow me to introduce Luo Ang, Luo Zicheng, the author of the famous ‘Answering the Dream from the Boudoir’ and ‘Water Melody: When Will the Bright Moon Appear.’”

Upon hearing Luo Ang’s name, the three immediately set down their wine cups, their faces lighting up with astonishment as they exchanged glances with Chen Qun and Luo Ang.

“General Luo, greetings to you,” Luo Ang said, clasping his fists in salute.

They returned the gesture in kind.

Chen Qun continued, “To the left is Xun Yu, courtesy name Wenruo; in the middle is Xi Zhicai; to the right is Chen Jiao, courtesy name Jibi. All are my close friends. General Luo, please, make yourself at home and drink freely.”

Luo Ang’s heart swelled with quiet joy, for these were men destined to become renowned figures. He thought to himself that this was a golden opportunity to recruit them all, for in any era, talent is the most precious resource.

After several rounds of wine, Chen Jiao spoke first, “General Luo, may I ask the purpose of your journey to Youzhou?”

Chen Jiao, originally surnamed Liu but adopted into his maternal clan to become Chen, had fled east to avoid the chaos of war in his youth. He later served under Governor Chen Deng of Guangling, was recruited by Cao Cao as a chancellor’s attendant, then held various posts including county magistrate, chief historian, and commandant. During Cao Cao’s eastern campaign, he served as the chancellor’s chief historian and secretary. After Cao Pi ascended the throne, Chen Jiao was appointed Minister of Personnel, ennobled as Marquis of Gaoling Pavilion, and promoted to Minister Steward.

Luo Ang did not hide the truth and replied candidly, “I dare not conceal anything. I have merited victories in battle, and the Son of Heaven has appointed me governor of Youzhou, to take office in Jixian. I have long heard that the region around Yingchuan is rich with talents. Moreover, just now, I met an old farmer who told me of great talents here. Thus, I took the liberty to pay a visit.”

Xi Zhicai spoke admiringly, “General Luo, not only have you composed two famous works, but you also ride into battle. I admire you.”

Xi Zhicai was a strategist under Cao Cao, recommended by Xun Yu, who held great trust in him but died young.

Chen Jiao asked, “General Luo, with the Yellow Turban Rebellion ongoing and the court dispatching troops to suppress it, are you not afraid that commanding troops might lead to rebellion?”

Luo Ang took a sip of wine and said, “The Yellow Turban Rebellion arose because the Son of Heaven favored the Ten Eunuchs and heavily relied on his in-laws. After the rebellion, the lords of the land inevitably carved out their own territories. Among them, the most powerful is Dong Zhuo from Xiliang. He is brutal and ruthless, merciless and cruel—since ancient times, few have matched his savagery. I have heard that when he was in Xiliang, he was fond of making friends, was skilled with the bow, and politically astute. But once he gained power, he became arrogant, cunning, greedy, and violent. If given a high rank, he would dominate all.”

Chen Jiao, Chen Qun, Xi Zhicai, and Xun Yu listened, stunned beyond belief.

Seeing their shock, Luo Ang continued, “I am certain He Jin will summon Dong Zhuo to the capital to help eliminate the Ten Eunuchs, then kill Dong Zhuo himself. However, He Jin refuses to heed advice and will surely perish at the hands of the eunuchs.”

Xun Yu said, “General, isn’t that a bit exaggerated?”

Luo Ang shook his head, “No. I serve alongside He Jin at court. This man ignores loyal counsel and warnings—how is he different from the tyrant Xia Jie?”

Returning to his purpose, Luo Ang said, “It is fate that we meet today. I see you are all learned men with ambitions. May I ask if any of you intend to serve in officialdom?”

He spoke clearly, confident that Xi Zhicai and the others understood his intent to recruit.

The four exchanged glances. Though aware of Luo Ang’s intentions, none had yet decided whether to enter government service.

After a long pause, Xi Zhicai spoke first, “General Luo, if we were to serve, would it be under your command or for the Han dynasty?”

Xun Yu, displeased, slammed the table and said, “Zhicai, we are all subjects of the great Han. If we serve, it must be for the Han. Don’t forget, General Luo is also appointed by the Son of Heaven.”

Xi Zhicai ignored Xun Yu and fixed his gaze on Luo Ang. Chen Jiao and Chen Qun also awaited Luo Ang’s answer with interest.

Luo Ang put down his cup and spoke frankly, “If the Han can be saved, then we serve the Han. If not, then we must first break it down before rebuilding.”

He did not mince words, laying his position bare.

Xun Yu’s face darkened, but Chen Qun, Chen Jiao, and Xi Zhicai showed signs of respect.

Chen Jiao asked with interest, “What exactly do you mean by ‘can be saved’ and ‘cannot be saved’?”

Luo Ang replied, “If the Son of Heaven values his loyal ministers, shuns eunuchs, and cares for the people, then the dynasty can be saved. If he confuses loyalty and treachery, cannot discern right from wrong, and neglects the people, then it cannot.”

Chen Qun interrupted, “General Luo, in your eyes, is the Han now savable or not?”

Luo Ang smiled wryly, “You gentlemen are all talented. Perhaps you understand better than I. The people across the four regions suffer terribly, willing to eat their own children, misery is everywhere. Yet the Son of Heaven not only turns a blind eye but favors Zhang Rang and the eunuchs, alienating loyal ministers and generals. General-in-Chief He Jin only seeks power and profit. Men like Cai Zhonglang have heart but lack strength. The Han dynasty is like a setting sun, its fate nearly run out!”

Xun Yu defended the dynasty, “General Luo’s words are harsh. The Han has lasted hundreds of years and survived many crises. I believe the Son of Heaven will see the light and save the people.”

Luo Ang countered, “Wenruo, you are a wise man. How much do you truly believe your own words?”

Xun Yu faltered.

In truth, he knew Luo Ang spoke the truth, but the Han dynasty’s centuries-long reign had firmly ingrained loyalty in his mind.

Xi Zhicai coughed several times and posed a question, “General Luo, if the Han’s fate is sealed, what then will become of the realm?”

Luo Ang answered, “The land will surely become a battleground of competing warlords. Dong Zhuo dominates Xiliang, formidable and unyielding. The Yuan family, with four generations of Three Excellencies, controls Hebei. Sun Jian, the fierce tiger of Jiangdong, is gradually uniting the south; his son Sun Ce inherits his spirit and will surely become a great general. Liu Biao holds Jingzhou, controlling nine commanderies. Chenliu’s Cao Cao awaits his moment. The Han royal Liu Yan will take Shu commandery, the land of abundance. Beyond these, Gongsun Zan in Beiping, Yuan Shu in Nanyang, Ding Yuan in Bingzhou are regional heroes. Kong Rong in Beihai, Tao Qian in Xuzhou, and Kong Zhou in Yuzhou may lack ambition to dominate but command troops and cannot be underestimated.”

Luo Ang’s simple words laid bare the entire political landscape, astonishing his audience.

Though they had their own insights, none had analyzed the situation with such clarity.

Seeing their astonishment, Luo Ang was deeply satisfied.

After a long pause, Chen Jiao regained composure and said, “I did not expect General Luo to be not only skilled in siege and battle but also so insightful about the realm’s affairs. I am truly impressed.”

Xi Zhicai pondered further, “As General Li said, with so many heroes rising, why should we choose you?”

Luo Ang replied, “Observing the realm, though heroes abound, few can truly succeed. Yuan Shu of Nanyang has troops and supplies but is petty and vengeful. Gongsun Zan of Beiping is intelligent but arrogant. Liu Biao of Jingzhou claims to command eight talents but it is mere reputation. Sun Jian is brave but lacks strategy. Liu Yan of Yizhou has fertile lands but is weak and lacks initiative. The Yuan clan in Hebei holds high offices but Yuan Shao himself is timid and indecisive, cautious of danger, greedy for small gains, unfit for great deeds. Dong Zhuo, though commanding fierce troops, is brutal and reckless—just a common brute. Except for Cao Cao and Liu Bei, the rest are mediocre.”

Luo Ang spoke with the confidence of one who grasped the whole situation, as if he were shaping the fate of nations.

This time, they were truly convinced, impressed not only by his analysis but by his intimate knowledge of the major players.

“General Luo, your concern for the people and grand strategy move me. Though our status is humble, we are willing to assist you for the sake of the realm,” Xi Zhicai knelt and bowed. “I, Xi Zhicai, pay respects to my lord.”

“General Luo’s wisdom surpasses mine. Though our talents are modest, for the people’s sake, we also pledge to follow you,” Chen Qun and Chen Jiao knelt and bowed.

“Ha! With Changwen, Jibi, and Zhicai, I feel like a fish in water. Rise, rise quickly!” Luo Ang helped them to their feet.

“Congratulations, General Luo, on recruiting two great talents. As a loyal subject of Han, my heart remains devoted to the dynasty. I understand your intent, but I must regretfully decline,” Xun Yu said apologetically.

Though reluctant to lose Xun Yu, Luo Ang knew he could not force anyone. With Xi Zhicai, Chen Qun, and Chen Jiao by his side, he was already content.

Waving his hand, Luo Ang said, “No matter. As they say, fine birds choose the trees where they perch; worthy ministers choose the lords they serve. It is my good fortune to have met you all today.”

After a hearty drink, Luo Ang concluded his visit to Yingchuan and departed with Xi Zhicai, Chen Jiao, and Chen Qun.

Soon, Luo Ang and his new companions returned to the carriage where Guan Yu, Pan Zhang, Cai Yan, and Cai Yong waited, introducing Xi Zhicai, Chen Jiao, and Chen Qun.

Upon learning Cai Yong was traveling with them, the three were both surprised and pleased, for Cai Yong was a famed sage of the late Han.

Together, they resumed their journey toward Youzhou.