Chapter 50: Recommendation Clashes

Xu Zijiang and his brother Xu Jing hosted the Mudan Review in Runan, where they evaluated famous scholars. Objectively speaking, although there was a strong element of hype involved, it indeed provided a pathway for individuals of humble origins to make a name for themselves.

Even Cao Cao felt quite pleased with himself after receiving the evaluation of "a hero in times of peace, an unprincipled hero in times of chaos" from Xu Zijiang.

This clearly showed the immense influence of the Xu brothers' Mudan Review.

It was difficult enough for an ordinary person to even catch a glance from Xu Zijiang, let alone receive a review from him, yet this Liu Ye had actively won Xu Zijiang's appraisal, earning the prestigious praise of possessing the talent to assist the world.

Although this was partly due to him depending on others at the time, Liu Ye's talent was later proven by history.

Xu Zijiang's piercing insight was evident from this alone.

Pity that this Xu Zijiang had already fled earlier that year to join Liu Yao, and was destined to die within the current year.

Otherwise, if Liu Bei could recruit him into his ranks to serve as a prestigious figurehead, the value would be immeasurable.

At this thought, Liu Feng's heart stirred. Since Xu Zijiang was going to die this year, could he find a way to make something happen?

While Liu Feng was lost in his private thoughts, Liu Bei suddenly burst into a loud laugh, interrupting him.

Lifting his gaze, Liu Feng saw that Lu Su opposite them also wore a puzzled expression, bewildered as to why Liu Bei had suddenly lost his composure when he had been fine just a moment before.

"Zijing, you might not know this, but I have long since known of Liu Ye's reputation. The carriage dispatched to recruit him has already set out; it has simply not returned yet due to the long distance. It remains to be seen whether Ziyang is willing to assist me."

A look of smug triumph appeared on Liu Bei's face, yet it was not repulsive; on the contrary, it made him appear frank and straightforward. This was undeniably one of the defining traits of the Big-Eared Brother.

True to form, upon hearing this, Lu Su was greatly astonished. Infected by Liu Bei's mood, he also smiled and said with amused disbelief, "I never expected that my lord would also know of Liu Ziyang and have even sent someone to recruit him. Have no fear, my lord; I shall pen a letter and dispatch it immediately to Yangzhou, urging Ziyang to head north to Xuzhou and serve alongside you."

Overjoyed, Liu Bei actually rose from his seat and bowed in gratitude.

Such an eager thirst for worthy scholars and this high regard for talent left Lu Su pleasantly surprised beyond measure.

"Zijing, are there any other persons you wish to recommend? Please tell me quickly."

Unable to contain his eagerness, Liu Bei urged Lu Su to continue his recommendations.

Respectfully complying, Lu Su replied, "I reside in Dongcheng, which is but a stone's throw from Jiujiang. I have often heard that there are two chivalrous heroes within Jiujiang Commandery, both possessing the valor of ten thousand men. My lord may send envoys to recruit them and employ them as your talons and teeth."

With a solemn expression, Liu Bei asked for instruction, "Oh, I wonder who these two men are?"

"One is named Zhou Tai, styled Youping, a native of Xiacai in Jiujiang. The other is named Jiang Qin, styled Gongyi, a native of Shouchun in Jiujiang. These two gathered local swashbucklers, holding sway over their region and running rampant upon the rivers."

After finishing his introduction, Lu Su felt a trace of apprehension.

This was because Zhou Tai and Jiang Qin were river bandits. The so-called gathering of swashbucklers was no different from a bandit gang, and holding sway while running rampant upon the rivers clearly marked them as river outlaws.

Yet these two men were indeed fierce, valiant, and exceptionally familiar with water conditions—born naval generals.

They formed a rather crucial link in the strategic plan Lu Su intended to submit later.

Therefore, while carefully observing Liu Bei's expression, Lu Su wondered how he should mediate if Liu Bei became displeased by their background as river bandits.

However, when Lu Su raised his eyes, he only saw Liu Bei's profile.

As it turned out, Liu Bei had actually turned his head to look at Liu Feng.

Lu Su was somewhat baffled, unable to fathom the situation. Did Liu Bei need to heed Liu Feng's opinions when employing people?

Fortunately, Liu Bei quickly recovered, turned back to Lu Su with a smile, and said, "To be frank with Zijing, I have long since heard of these two men as well, and have already dispatched envoys to recruit them. We shall have news shortly."

Lu Su's expression shifted slightly, and deep in his heart, he was greatly shocked.

These men were carefully selected by Lu Su as the opening grand gift he intended to present to Liu Bei.

Yet who could have imagined that Liu Bei had already recruited all of them?

Liu Bei was a northerner who had arrived in Xuzhou for barely a few months, half of which time he had actually spent in Yanzhou. How was he so well-informed about Xuzhou and Yangzhou?

Lu Su had originally thought he held a very high opinion of Liu Bei, but at this moment, he realized he had likely still underestimated this Youzhou warlord.

Do not underestimate this information gap. In an era like the Eastern Han dynasty, where communication was difficult and the transmission of information relied purely on human effort, information was even harder to come by than money.

Otherwise, there would not be the saying that a letter from home is worth ten thousand gold pieces.

This phrase did not merely express the importance attached to home letters and the sentiment behind them; it was also a literal measure of the human and material resources required to deliver a letter across a thousand miles.

Secretly, Lu Su raised his estimation of Liu Bei by another notch. This intelligence-gathering capability alone made it worth his while to increase his investment.

Hesitating for a moment, Lu Su could not hold back and probed, "I did not expect that although my lord has barely taken charge of Xuzhou for a month, you are already so thoroughly acquainted with the outstanding figures of Huai and Si. Such attention from my lord towards Huai and Si—how could we people of Huai and Si not be overflowing with boundless gratitude?"

Liu Bei smiled happily. Yet, after laughing, he explained to Lu Su, "Zijing flatters me too much. Having just taken control of Xuzhou, although I had the desire to recruit the talents of Xuzhou, I simply had nowhere to begin."

Following this, under Lu Su's increasingly puzzled gaze, Liu Bei pointed into the distance at Liu Feng. "Pardon the amusement, Zijing, but the three individuals you just recommended—including yourself—were all recommended by this foolish son of mine."

This time, Lu Su truly could not maintain his composure, shocked out of his demeanor for the very first time.

How could this be possible?

Since he intended to accept Liu Bei's recruitment, he naturally had to understand Liu Bei's situation.

To his knowledge, Liu Bei's eldest legitimate son, Liu Feng, had always been in Hebei and had only arrived in Xuzhou a month ago.

Yet Liu Bei was actually saying that all these people, including himself, had been recommended to Liu Bei by Liu Feng for recruitment.

Instinctively, Lu Su suspected that Liu Bei was lying.

However, Lu Su was no mediocre man after all, and he quickly realized that Liu Bei had no reason whatsoever to lie.

Even if Liu Bei wanted to elevate his son's reputation, there was no need to use a method bordering on sheer stupidity.

Thus, there was only one conclusion: everything Liu Bei said was true.

Gazing at the proud and triumphant expression on Liu Bei's face, Lu Su could already determine that he was speaking the absolute truth.

Lu Su's curious gaze converged upon Liu Feng. He could not comprehend how such a young man could be so thoroughly familiar with the heroes of Huai and Si.

Sensing Lu Su's gaze, Liu Feng returned the look with a smile. "My father has always had an eager thirst for worthy scholars. Therefore, ever since this junior arrived in Xuzhou, I have spared no human or material resources to inquire about the reputations of worthy talents, hoping to recommend them to my father's side."

A look of sudden realization dawned on Lu Su, his expression one of "so that was how it was."

Yet in his heart, he did not believe a single word of it!

If Liu Bei's abrupt words and actions earlier had seemed genuine, then this young man's seemingly reasonable explanation was nothing but a lie!

However, the other party was Liu Bei's biological son, and since the youth did not wish to speak the truth, Lu Su could hardly draw his sword and force the young master to confess.

Therefore, with a look of sudden enlightenment, Lu Su praised, "My lord and your esteemed son both possess an eager thirst for talent. This is truly the great fortune of us scholars from Huai and Si!"