Brother, stop curling up! You're curling up like the founder of the Han Dynasty!

Chapter 93 Liu Bei Deceives Dong Zhuo Again, Plots to Recruit Jia Xu (Seeking First Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets)
the other side.

After receiving the secret edict, Dong Zhuo returned to his camp in the city and spread it out again.

As he stroked the contents of the secret edict word by word, Dong Zhuo's excitement surged once more.

"The sorcerer once said that I would surely be ranked among the Three Dukes in the future. I thought it was just the sorcerer making empty promises to swindle me out of money, but now I realize that I have wrongly killed a virtuous man."

Although he claimed to have "wrongfully killed virtuous men," Dong Zhuo's tone showed no remorse whatsoever; rather, he seemed to be using the sorcerer's phrase "to be ranked among the Three Dukes" to express his inner joy.

"My lord, now that we have the secret edict, the agreement with Liu Bei can be nullified. In my estimation, Liu Bei doesn't want Huangfu Song to stay in Yongzhou because he wants to control Yongzhou alone. It would be better to keep Huangfu Song here so that the two of them can check each other. Lu Zhi is Liu Bei's mentor, so he should not stay in Luoyang. As for Huang Wan, the governor of Yuzhou, although I don't know what his relationship with Liu Bei is, as long as Liu Bei doesn't allow you to touch him, you can't go wrong by doing so."

Dong Yue spoke arrogantly, showing no regard for the agreement between Dong Zhuo and Liu Bei.

Having lived in Liangzhou for many years, Dong Yue has come to understand the most profound truth: one cannot take promises too seriously, for an honest gentleman cannot survive in Liangzhou.

Niu Fu also said, “We are all from Liangzhou, and Yongzhou is divided between Guanzhong and Longyou. If Liu Bei takes control of Yongzhou, our escape route will be cut off by him. Liu Bei claims today that his ambition lies in the Western Regions, but the rebellion in Liangzhou has not yet been quelled, and who knows how many years it will be before he realizes his ambition in the Western Regions. I do not believe that Liu Bei would give up the prosperity of the Central Plains to suffer in the barbaric lands of the Western Regions. Your Excellency must be cautious.”

Upon hearing this, Dong Zhuo laughed loudly: "How could I not know what you two are worried about? However, Huangfu Song is skilled in military strategy. If Liu Bei joins forces with Huangfu Song, I will truly have no way out. Huangfu Song absolutely cannot stay in Yongzhou! As for Lu Zhi and Huang Wan, I will decide based on the situation after I have carefully investigated them."

Changing the subject, Dong Zhuo sneered again: "What's more, Zhang Wen is still in Chang'an! Guanzhong already belongs to Yongzhou, and that old scoundrel Zhang Wen is still refusing to leave. He must be resentful. We can use Liu Bei to teach that old scoundrel Zhang Wen a lesson."

"Today I am hosting a banquet for Liu Bei. You two must not be impolite. Even if you want to eliminate Liu Bei, you must wait until I have supported the Crown Prince to ascend the throne. Please remember this." Dong Zhuo solemnly instructed.

Niu Fu and Dong Yue were both startled and clasped their hands in obeisance, saying, "We will obey your orders, Your Excellency."

Dong Zhuo then ordered a banquet to be prepared and summoned military and civilian officials to accompany him.

At noon, Liu Bei led Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Xu You, Chen Dao, and a hundred armored soldiers to a banquet.

Dong Zhuo had noticed Guan Yu and Zhang Fei in the pavilion, and upon seeing them again, he couldn't help but exclaim, "The brave warriors behind Liu Yongzhou are truly magnificent!"

Liu Bei laughed loudly: "These two are my sworn brothers. The one wielding the knife is Guan Yu, and the one wielding the spear is Zhang Fei. Although they have some strength, they are far inferior to the fierce warriors behind Dong Zhuo."

Dong Zhuo laughed loudly and introduced the civil and military officials behind him one by one: Duan Wei, Hu Zhen, Xu Rong, Li Jue, Guo Si, Zhang Ji, Fan Chou, Li Meng, Wang Fang, and Jia Xu.
etc--

Jia Xu?

Liu Bei was startled.

Whether it was Niu Fu, Dong Yue, Duan Wei, Hu Zhen, Xu Rong, or others, although they were brave and skilled in martial arts, Liu Bei did not envy them.

In terms of martial prowess, Liu Bei had Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Dian Wei, Zhang Liao, Zhang Yang, and Chen Dao under his command, who were in no way inferior to the valiant generals under Dong Zhuo.

In terms of wisdom and strategy, Liu Bei currently only has Xu You.

Although Xu You's wisdom was first-rate, even among first-rate strategists, there are differences in skill level.

Xu You was a mediocre first-rate strategist, while Jia Xu was a top-tier first-rate strategist, and even a top-tier strategist who could break through the limits!
Liu Bei subconsciously thought of later generations' evaluation of Jia Xu: Never provoke Jia Xu. If you provoke Jia Xu, it is unclear whether Jia Xu will die, but those who provoke Jia Xu will definitely suffer a great loss.

For example, a certain Wang Yun, after killing Dong Zhuo, became arrogant and willful. He ignored Lü Bu's good advice to appease Dong Zhuo's former subordinates and insisted on pursuing them to the brink of death. He was directly attacked by Jia Xu's "Wen He Luan Wu" move and died.

For example, a certain Cao woman, having nothing better to do, took Zhang Xiu as her husband's concubine, leaving Jia Xu, who could have peacefully submitted, with no way out. With a night raid, she was branded as someone who killed three sages with a single cannon shot.

[Jia Xu is far too dangerous. I cannot let Jia Xu remain under Dong Zhuo's command! Otherwise, if he becomes my enemy in the future, even if I win, I will surely suffer heavy losses.] Liu Bei pondered to himself.

Although they are currently cooperating with Dong Zhuo, conflict between them is inevitable, so caution is necessary.

As they took their seats.

Liu Bei whispered to Xu You, "Ziyuan, later find an opportunity to talk to Jia Xu, and don't let him find an excuse to leave. We need his help to pacify Yong and Liang. You are free to use any means necessary to persuade him to join us."

Xu You was slightly surprised: "I have never heard of Jia Xu before. Is this man really so capable?"

Liu Bei fabricated a story: "Lu Shi once told me that Jia Xu of Wuwei has the talents of Zhang Liang and Chen Ping. He was recommended as a filial and incorrupt official in his early years, but resigned due to illness. I never expected that he would become an official under Dong Zhuo."

Xu You understood.

To reach Yongliang, one always needs a local guide.

Since Lu Zhi believed that Jia Xu possessed the talents of Zhang Liang and Chen Ping, it was essential for Liu Bei, who lacked connections in Yong and Liang, to recruit Jia Xu.

"I already know your intentions, Your Excellency, and I will certainly not let them escape under any pretext." Xu You's eyes became fervent.

Behind Niu Fu, Jia Xu, who had been keeping a low profile, suddenly felt a chill of unease. He subconsciously looked up and met Xu You's burning gaze.

Xu You even smiled and nodded to Jia Xu, which made Jia Xu's scalp tingle: Could this person be someone I have a grudge against? Better to be wrong than to take chances. I need to think of an excuse to leave the table later.

Before he could think of an excuse, Xu You took advantage of the singing and dancing at the banquet to come to Jia Xu's seat, raised his cup and said respectfully, "I am Guo Youzhi of the Five Pecks of Rice Daoist of Hanzhong, and I am currently serving as a military advisor under Liu Yongzhou. Greetings."

Jia Xu immediately became wary and cautiously replied, "Jia Xu of Wuwei, greetings."

Xu You poured himself a cup of wine, sat down, and said, "Although I have never met Brother Jia, his name is renowned far and wide. Brother Jia has the talents of Zhang Liang and Chen Ping, so why are you content to be a mere clerk in the tent?"

Jia Xu was even more alarmed: Could this person really have a grudge against me? Otherwise, how would he know my talent and wisdom? I'm already sitting at the very end of the table, why would he come looking for me?
Unable to discern Xu You's purpose, Jia Xu answered with even greater caution: "Guo, you flatter me. How could I compare to Zhang Liang and Chen Ping? I am merely a poor scholar from Wuwei County, destitute and destitute. Because I am from the same hometown as General Duan, he saw that I was pitiful and literate, so he recommended me to be a clerk under Prefect Dong."

Xu You secretly despised him.

Keep pretending!
Do you really think I, Xu You, have traveled all over the country and have no experience?
If a poor scholar like you didn't have any reputation or ability, would Duan Wei dare to recommend you to Dong Zhuo as a clerk?
Xu You chuckled: "Brother Jia, you are too modest. You are a man of talent and wisdom that even Minister Lu praised. Rest assured, with all this singing and dancing, no one can hear our conversation from your seat. What comes out of your mouth goes into my ears, and only heaven, earth, you, and I know."

Jia Xu became even more wary: "Guo, we've only just met, there's no need for such familiarity. Haven't you heard the saying, 'Don't speak too intimately with someone you barely know'?"

I don't know you well.

Can you please stop trying to get too close to me?

I don't want Governor Dong to think too highly of me.

Jia Xu felt helpless. He didn't want to talk to Xu You at all, because if Dong Zhuo noticed, he wouldn't be able to stay out of trouble.

"That's not right!" Xu You pretended not to understand and said seriously, "Since ancient times, there have been many fine horses, but few discerning judges of horses. A discerning judge of horses can speak profoundly even to those with whom one has little acquaintance; otherwise, how could one have the discerning eye to recognize a fine horse?" Jia Xu's eyes showed a strange look.

I may be a thoroughbred horse, but are you the discerning eye to recognize its talent?

"Guo, the military advisor, has a novel perspective. I have learned a lot." Jia Xu increasingly felt that Xu You might be an enemy he had inadvertently offended, otherwise why would he keep bothering him?
After exchanging pleasantries, Jia Xu rose and bowed again, saying, "I have a bit of a stomachache and need to change my clothes. Please excuse me."

“Let’s go together. Let’s go together.” Xu You shamelessly got up as well.

That damned woman!

Jia Xu was so angry he wanted to curse!
Are you coming to come while I'm changing?
What grudge do you hold against me?

Helpless, Jia Xu could only sit down again and lower his voice: "Guo, do you have a personal grudge against me?"

Xu You shook his head and chuckled: "Brother Jia, you misunderstand. I have always been kind to others and do not make enemies."

Jia Xu suppressed his impatience: "What exactly do you intend to do?"

Xu You glanced at Liu Bei, who was having a pleasant conversation with Dong Zhuo, and then said solemnly, "Liu Yongzhou wants to pacify Yongliang, and he needs Brother Jia's help. Brother Jia, don't be in a hurry to refuse. Although I don't understand why someone as talented as you would be willing to be a mere foot officer, I do understand that Luoyang is more dangerous than Chang'an. If you go to Luoyang with Dong Bingzhou, your life or death is uncertain."

While Xu You was speaking, Jia Xu had already thought of more than a dozen reasons to refuse, but when he heard that Dong Zhuo was going to Luoyang, those reasons vanished instantly.

Jia Xu was startled and asked in a low voice, "You just said that Lord Dong is going to Luoyang? How did you know?"

This is quite strange of Jia Xu; why did he suddenly change his attitude?
Xu You, puzzled, carefully said, "As the saying goes, one should not speak too deeply with someone one has only known for a short time."

Jia Xu's lips twitched, suppressing the urge to punch someone.

It seems I've been quiet for too long; everyone thinks I have a good temper.
After carefully observing Jia Xu's reaction, Xu You changed the subject: "Brother Jia is a great sage whom Liu Yongzhou is seeking to recruit. Even though we are not acquainted, we can still speak frankly. I will speak frankly."

Then, Xu You leaned closer to Jia Xu and lowered his voice: "Liu Yongzhou gave the late emperor's secret edict to Dong Bingzhou."

That damned woman!

Jia Xu nearly dropped the wine cup in his hand.

The Prince of Bian has already ascended the throne and become emperor, and now a secret edict from the late emperor has arrived?
As the governor of Bingzhou, Dong Zhuo didn't go to Bingzhou but instead lingered in Hedong. Now he's come to Shanxian to welcome Liu Bei. Jia Xu could guess with his toes what Dong Zhuo, who received the late emperor's secret edict, would do!
Dong Zhuo is too risky; we can't follow him anymore!
We need to find a way to leave!

The rebellion in Liangzhou is not yet quelled, and I cannot return!
Although Jingzhou is a good place, it will not be peaceful once Dong Zhuo goes to Luoyang!
Yangzhou, Yuzhou, Xuzhou, Yanzhou, Jizhou, Youzhou—good heavens, none of these places will be peaceful!

That fool Dong Zhuo, did he really think that he could defeat those powerful families in the Central Plains just by having the late emperor's secret edict?
Why do you think I resigned due to illness?

Jia Xu kept thinking about where to go, but after much deliberation, he finally realized that he couldn't find a place to stay.

"Guo, the military advisor, is a Taoist priest from Hanzhong. Is Hanzhong still considered peaceful these days?" Looking at Xu You's calm expression, Jia Xu's smile suddenly became bright.

“Liu Yan has gone to become the governor, and he will inevitably clash with the powerful bandits in Hanzhong. Things will definitely not be stable,” Xu You said in a flat reply.

Want to go to Hanzhong?

No way!
If I cannot persuade you to submit to Lord Liu and instead send you to Hanzhong, how will I, Xu You, maintain my position under Lord Liu in the future?
Jia Xu sighed and subtly expressed his stance: "Although I intend to help Liu Yongzhou pacify Yongliang, Governor Dong may not be willing to release him."

"It's alright. As long as Brother Jia is willing, Governor Dong will definitely release him." Xu You secretly breathed a sigh of relief. After much persuasion, he had finally convinced the man before him.

After confirming Jia Xu's attitude, Xu You got up and returned to Liu Bei's side, giving Liu Bei a wink.

Liu Bei was overjoyed. He rose and went to Dong Zhuo, raised his cup respectfully, and said, "Dong Bingzhou, I have a favor to ask."

Dong Zhuo was taken aback.

An unkind request?

What was Liu Bei planning to do?
Could it be that they want the secret edict back?
"Liu Yongzhou, you are too kind. Please speak frankly if there is anything I can do to help," Dong Zhuo cautiously promised.

Liu Bei feigned embarrassment and said, "Although I am the governor of Yongzhou and have my sights set on the Western Regions, I know nothing about the situation in Yong and Liang. I observe that all the civil and military officials in Dong Bingzhou's camp are from Liangzhou. Could you lend me one person to lend me a helping hand? Dong Bingzhou, rest assured, I will definitely return the person you lend me, and I will never break my promise."

Borrow someone?

Liu Bei actually asked someone to lend him a man?

How can someone be lent out so casually?
Why don't you lend your sworn brother to me?

Dong Zhuo wanted to refuse, but he couldn't find a reason to do so.

After all, Liu Bei had just given Liu Hong a secret edict to Dong Zhuo, and the exchange conditions he proposed were very simple. If he couldn't even lend a person, it would seem too stingy.

"I wonder who Liu Yongzhou has taken a fancy to? Please speak frankly." Dong Zhuo took a deep breath, feigning composure.

Liu Bei remained calm and asked, "What about General Duan Wei?"

Dong Zhuo was startled and quickly refused: "Liu Yongzhou, General Duan has served me for many years. How can I bear to let him lose the opportunity to make merit?"

Liu Bei chuckled: "No problem. Zhang Ji, the Colonel, will also be fine."

Dong Zhuo shook his head again: "Liu Yongzhou, to be honest, the generals in this tent have served me for many years. It would be unfair of me to keep any of them. As you know, I returned to Luoyang with a secret edict, which was a meritorious service in supporting the emperor."

"Then..." Liu Bei hesitated for a moment, then said, "Does Dong Bingzhou have any civil officials under his command who understand the situation in Liangzhou but do not command troops?"

Dong Zhuo suddenly thought of someone, and the tension on his face relaxed: "I do have one under my command. This person is Jia Xu from Wuwei, whom Liu Yongzhou just met. He was originally a poor scholar from Wuwei County, and he was from the same hometown as General Duan. General Duan saw that he was pitiful and could read and write, so he recommended him to be a clerk under my command."

"I once heard General Duan mention that when Jia Xu was young, the famous scholar Yan Zhong said that he had the talents of Zhang Liang and Chen Ping. Although he is now old, he should still be able to lend a helping hand to Liu Yongzhou."

Although Dong Zhuo claimed that Jia Xu had the talents of Zhang Liang and Chen Ping, Liu Bei could tell that Dong Zhuo's words were disdainful, and seemed more like a deliberate mention to convince Liu Bei that Jia Xu was capable.

(End of this chapter)