Chapter Seventeen: The Journey to Zhuojun

At present, Youzhou was in a state of reconstruction, with everything in need of attention, and everyone was busy to the point of exhaustion. Only Liu Yao seemed to have nothing pressing to do, wandering about at his leisure as if the world weighed nothing upon his shoulders.

On this day, Ju Shou finally reached the limits of his endurance and came to complain to Liu Yao.

“My lord, I truly cannot manage all these affairs on my own anymore. Just look—my hair is turning white with worry,” Ju Shou lamented, casting a resentful glance at Liu Yao, who sat comfortably sipping his tea, voicing his grievances without pause.

Setting down his cup, Liu Yao replied in an unhurried tone, “Gongyu, you know as well as I do that we have far too few capable people under us, especially those skilled in administration. Even Yuanhao has been pressed into service. You, my friend, will have to bear with the burdens placed upon the capable.”

Ju Shou’s beard bristled with indignation as he retorted, “My lord, if you don’t find a solution to this, I’m afraid I’ll have no choice but to stop working altogether.”

“Hear me, Gongyu. Let me consider a solution,” Liu Yao quickly placated him, not wanting to provoke a scene.

After pondering for a while, a flash of inspiration struck Liu Yao. “Gongyu, what if we issue a proclamation to seek out the talented? Build a Hall of Recruitment?”

“You mean, my lord, to call forth all those with ability throughout the Han to serve in office here?” Ju Shou asked, somewhat puzzled.

“Exactly. It matters not who they are or their backgrounds—so long as they possess a particular skill. Be they farmers, blacksmiths, or generals, all talented people must be welcomed. What do you think?” Liu Yao inquired.

“I await your command, my lord. I believe that, with your reputation, many men of talent will be drawn to join us,” Ju Shou replied, his face alight with excitement. It seemed he might soon be relieved of some of his burdens.

“Very well, let Tian Feng handle this matter. After all, as Chief Secretary, this falls within his purview,” Liu Yao said offhandedly.

“As you wish.”

In Zhuo County, Zhuojun, Youzhou, a handsome youth of about fifteen and a cold, sword-bearing young man were walking along the road, followed at a distance of a hundred paces by ten armored soldiers. This party was none other than Liu Yao, Shi A, and ten squad leaders from Liu Yao’s personal guard. The governor of Youzhou had come to inspect Zhuo County, and the city’s warden dared not be negligent, eager to accompany and protect him personally. But Liu Yao refused, wishing to avoid attracting too much attention—though even the ten men behind him made for a conspicuous enough escort.

This time, Liu Yao came to Zhuo County because, seeing that everyone else—Tian Feng and the rest—were busy, he found himself idle, and so he decided to venture out in search of talent. Zhuo County was famed in history as the home of Zhang Fei, Zhang Yide, the renowned general. Liu Yao was not about to let such a figure slip through his fingers.

As they walked, they noticed people hurrying in the same direction. Curious, Liu Yao stopped a youth of about fifteen and asked, “Brother, what’s happening up ahead? Why is everyone in such a rush?”

The youth, at first annoyed at being grabbed, caught sight of Liu Yao’s attire and the imposing guards behind him. Swallowing his anger, he replied, “Young master, there’s some excitement at Butcher Zhang’s meat shop up ahead. I’m not sure of the details.” With that, he dashed off. It seemed that, even in ancient times, the love of spectacle was the same.

“Butcher Zhang? Isn’t that Zhang Fei?” Liu Yao mused. “Shi A, come with me and let’s see for ourselves.”

The two hurried to the pork shop, already surrounded by a crowd. Near a well, a burly man and a shop assistant were locked in a heated argument.

“What’s the meaning of this? Why won’t the shop sell any pork?” the burly man roared in anger.

The assistant, a bit dazed from the shouting, replied, “My master said the pork is not for sale. See that millstone over the well? The pork is hung inside. If you can remove the stone, the pork is yours, free of charge.”

“Are you serious?” The man’s excitement revealed his clear confidence in his own strength.

“Of course,” the assistant replied, full of pride.

“Very well, watch me move it!” The man rubbed his hands, braced himself, and with a shout, strained at the millstone. But it did not budge an inch. Stunned, he gritted his teeth and exerted all his strength, but still, it remained unmoved. His face reddened, whether from the effort or the shame, it was hard to say.

The assistant burst out laughing, unable to contain himself, and the crowd whispered among themselves. The strong man, mortified, pushed through the crowd and fled.

“Anyone else care to try? Move it, and the pork is yours for free,” the assistant announced proudly.

As the crowd whispered, a voice spoke up, “I will.”

Everyone turned to see a delicate, refined youth of twelve or thirteen—Liu Yao himself.

“You? Ha!” The assistant scoffed, as if finding the suggestion ridiculous. But Shi A, standing behind Liu Yao, shot him such a fierce glare that the assistant shivered as if plunged into an icy lake, falling silent at once. Only then did Shi A withdraw his intimidating presence.

Liu Yao ignored the assistant and approached the well, sizing up the millstone. It must have weighed five or six hundred catties—far beyond the strength of an ordinary man, unless one were a top-class general or blessed with extraordinary might.

Though Liu Yao was neither of these, his body had been strengthened, and in terms of raw power, even Huang Zhong would be no match for him.

He squatted into a horse stance, focused his energy, gripped the millstone with both hands, and with a single, effortless motion, lifted the massive stone and tossed it aside.

The crowd gasped in astonishment; no one had imagined such a frail-looking youth could lift such a weight with ease.

“Master! Master! Something terrible has happened—the millstone’s been moved!” the assistant shouted.

“Who? Who moved my millstone?” boomed a thunderous voice from within the house. Out stormed a man with a swallow-tail beard, tiger whiskers, a leopard’s head, round eyes, and a presence as fierce as a wild horse. Who could it be but Zhang Fei, Zhang Yide himself? “Who was it?”

The assistant pointed at Liu Yao. “It was him.”

Zhang Fei glared at Liu Yao with eyes as big as saucers. “Nonsense! Who are you trying to fool? How could a pale-faced youth like you lift my millstone?” He cuffed the assistant on the head.

The assistant, clutching his head, protested, “Master, it truly was him. I wouldn’t dare lie to you.”

Still incredulous, Zhang Fei turned to Liu Yao. “Was it really you?”

“Yes, it was,” Liu Yao replied. “Now, do you intend to stop me from dividing the pork among the people?”

“Rascal!” Zhang Fei roared, his voice ringing in Liu Yao’s ears. “I may not be a learned man, but I know the value of keeping my word. Come, everyone, let’s share out the pork!” With that, Zhang Fei took it upon himself to divide the meat into dozens of portions, handing it out to the onlookers.

The townsfolk, delighted with both the spectacle and their share of pork, returned home in high spirits.

When the matter was settled, Zhang Fei declared heartily, “What I admire most is making friends, especially with those of true ability. How about coming to my manor for a drink?”

“Gladly—I accept your invitation,” Liu Yao replied.

“Please!”

With that, the two walked side by side into Zhang Fei’s manor, with the assistant and Shi A following quietly behind.