Chapter 12: The Naturally Gifted Workplace Saint (Please Keep Reading!)

Both Guan Yu and Zhang Fei had flaws in their characters.

Guan Yu was proud and aloof, looking down on scholars and officials, yet he sympathized with the common people.

Zhang Fei, on the other hand, was the exact opposite. He admired gentlemen and scholars but showed no concern for commoners. He held great respect for literati but looked down upon soldiers, stable hands, and other lower-class folk.

The notion, often dramatized on television, that Zhang Fei targeted Zhuge Liang is utterly baseless.

Zhang Fei genuinely admired scholars.

To what extent, one might ask?

Once, he visited the renowned scholar Liu Ba with utmost respect, only to be completely ignored—Liu Ba wouldn’t utter a single word to him.

Zhang Fei’s warm approach was met with cold disdain, which infuriated him greatly, prompting even Zhuge Liang to step in and defend Zhang Fei’s honor.

He said, “Sir, you should not treat Yi De (Zhang Fei’s courtesy name) this way. You ought to show him some respect. Though he is but a soldier, he holds you in great admiration.”

Liu Ba, however, scornfully replied, “A true man of the world befriends heroes from all quarters; how can one stoop to converse with a mere soldier?”

In Liu Ba’s eyes, no matter that Zhang Fei was a general and marquis on the battlefield, he would always remain just a soldier in the eyes of such intellectuals.

Though Zhang Fei had a notoriously fierce temper, being snubbed by Liu Ba only made him silently angry. This reveals that deep down, he truly respected scholars.

In reality, many people are like this—those who have suffered hardship themselves often regard laborers and common folk as inherently worthless, while holding scholars as naturally noble.

Zhang Fei was a quintessential example.

He only admired scholars for their refinement and grace.

When encountering coarse and vulgar commoners, he felt like lashing out.

When he met someone like Li Yi, a scholar of elegant speech and manner, Zhang Fei’s attitude was naturally one of utmost respect, hoping to learn from him.

Li Yi, possessing far more social tact than Liu Ba, would not embarrass Zhang Fei in front of so many people. He immediately said, “I have long heard that General Zhang is a fierce warrior, a match for ten thousand enemies. Today, seeing you in person, you truly live up to your reputation!”

Zhang Fei was delighted to hear this. Being recognized by a scholar was one of his greatest joys in life.

“...Ha ha ha, sir, you truly understand my heart!”

Zhang Fei thus earned much face in front of the crowd and, in great spirits, embraced Li Yi warmly.

“Come, come, let us drink a thousand cups together! We shall not part until drunk!”

Heh.

Liu Bei, observing this scene, couldn’t help but smile.

This was exactly the picture he wished to see.

Soon after, everyone entered the mansion.

The seats were filled with both civil and military officials.

Aside from Cao Bao and some local generals from Xuzhou, the rest were core members of Liu Bei’s group who had followed him for many years.

Naturally, Liu Bei took the seat of honor but deliberately invited Li Yi to sit beside him.

This “sharing the same seat” treatment astonished all the generals present.

Many of them were seeing Li Yi for the first time and wondered why such a young man deserved such special favor.

While they speculated, Liu Bei began to speak.

“This battle has dealt a crushing blow to Cao Cao, severely dampening the morale of his forces.”

“All this was made possible by the bravery and selfless dedication of you, my generals and soldiers. I am deeply grateful!”

Raising his cup, he solemnly toasted everyone in thanks.

Li Yi thought to himself, “This surely isn’t about me—I wasn’t on the battlefield.”

Indeed, he felt somewhat hungry. This was the first major victory since Liu Bei entered Xuzhou, so the banquet was quite lavish.

Before Li Yi lay steamed buns, roasted lamb leg, prime venison, and various fruits.

Since dog meat was popular during the Han dynasty, a dish of dog meat was also placed on the table.

In ancient times, the only way for common folk to eat meat more regularly was to join the army.

Of course, the cost was that their lives could be lost at any moment.

But compared to risking his life on the battlefield, Li Yi preferred using his mind.

Having been a senior executive in his previous life, his expertise was in management, and in this ancient era, he should make full use of his strengths.

But for now, he had to fill his stomach first.

Li Yi picked up his chopsticks and put a piece of dog meat into his mouth.

The taste was somewhat salty and sour but rich and flavorful, tender and smooth—indeed, better in texture than pork.

After the dog meat, he moved on to the venison.

The flavor was a bit dry, likely from an old deer, but given the circumstances, having any meat was a blessing.

Li Yi suddenly remembered he had a bottle of Lao Gan Ma chili sauce in his backpack. If only he could have it now to complement his meal, the flavor would be superb.

Seeing Li Yi’s refined appearance yet hearty appetite, many of the generals couldn’t help but laugh at the contrast.

Liu Bei took advantage of the moment to introduce him to the group.

“Surely you have all noticed the gentleman beside me. He is a native of Xuzhou.”

“From childhood, he trained under great masters, only recently descending from the mountains to enter the world.”

“Mr. Li is a talent of governance and world-saving wisdom, possessing the ability to strategize and secure victory from afar.”

“The plan that led to our pursuit and defeat of Cao Cao’s forces was devised by this very Mr. Li.”

Liu Bei spoke at length, praising Li Yi endlessly.

Everyone exchanged glances, finding it hard to believe.

To speak of a genius strategist capable of overseeing operations and winning battles from miles away—it was rare indeed, and to think they had such a youth in their midst!

Raising his cup with a smile, Liu Bei’s tone grew solemn.

“Since entering Xuzhou, I have clashed with Cao Cao many times without success.”

“Yet this young man, having arrived only two days ago, has led our army to a great victory.”

“Our soldiers can finally hold their heads high. Therefore, I propose we all raise a cup in honor of this gentleman!”

The generals rose, raising their cups to toast Li Yi.

“Please, sir!”

Noticing all eyes on him, Li Yi put down the roasted lamb leg and stood, cup in hand.

He understood Liu Bei was building him up.

He must seize this opportunity.

He was no stranger to the culture of wine and banquets as a former executive.

Though such customs are often dismissed as outdated, they have endured for millennia.

Those who wield them well can indeed rise step by step.

Li Yi lifted his cup, solemn and clear, and spoke.

“This great victory owes everything to Lord Liu’s commanding presence and the unwavering dedication of the soldiers.”

“I merely played with words behind the scenes and cannot compare to your valor on the battlefield!”

His words gave the soldiers their due credit.

Many of the generals were rough and straightforward in nature, unlike Zhang Fei who revered scholars.

They truly believed strategists were just talkers, while they risked their lives fighting. Yet the strategists often took the credit.

Why was that fair?

Therefore, when Li Yi humbly claimed he only fiddled with words and was no match for the soldiers, he both downplayed his own prominence and acknowledged their efforts.

This alone won him their favor.

“...Ha ha ha.”

Laughter rang out heartily from the crowd as a general stepped forward.

...

...