The Heishan Mountains were a brooding presence,their peaks shrouded in the mist of dusk as Yu Du and Huang Silang stood in the dimly lit hall of the bandit stronghold.Yu Du,a man of formidable stature with a face etched by the harshness of a life lived outside the law,regarded Huang Silang with a mix of pity and calculation.

"What ails you,Master Huang?"Yu Du inquired,his voice a rumble that echoed through the hall as he stepped forward and courteously assisted Huang Silang to his feet.

"Chief Yu,the truth is dire.Cao Cao,the newly appointed Prefect of Dongjun,has ransacked the abodes of all of us noble clans!"Huang Silang lamented with great anguish,his voice trembling with the weight of his words.

"What?!"Yu Du's face blanched in horror,his expression undergoing a sudden and drastic change.In the tumultuous late Eastern Han Dynasty,the realm was in chaos.After the Yellow Turban Rebellion,numerous heroes emerged,and banditry ran rampant.Many noble clans across the land foresaw the approaching maelstrom of great change.Consequently,some began to secretly foster ties with bandits for self-protection.Even the Zhen family,to which Zhen Mi belonged,had intricate connections with Zhang Yan,the chief of the Heishan bandits.The Huang family was no exception.

The Huang family,in league with other families,had surreptitiously furnished Yu Du with provisions,weapons,and armaments for exigencies.Otherwise,with Yu Du's force of over a hundred thousand,how could they have endured in this remote mountain region?Now that Cao Cao had raided the Huang family and other noble clans,it was tantamount to severing the lifeblood of Yu Du's troops.

Yu Du's countenance immediately darkened.After a long and pensive silence,he finally spoke in a cold tone,"Master Huang,what would you suggest as a means of vengeance?"

"Chief Yu,simply muster your troops and march into Dongjun to annihilate Cao Cao,"Huang Silang proposed,his eyes gleaming with a desperate fervor.

"This...doesn't it seem rather perilous?"Yu Du hesitated,his brow furrowing in concern.

Although he boasted an army of over a hundred thousand,it was not entirely under his sole command.It was a conglomeration of forces from other chiefs such as Bai Rao,Sui Gu,and Yu Fuluo,which totaled over a hundred thousand.Moreover,a portion of them consisted of the old,the weak,the sick,and the disabled,unfit for the rigors of the battlefield.To recklessly invade Dongjun to attack a county town was indeed fraught with risk.

"Chief Yu,have no fear.During the previous campaign against Dong Zhuo,Qiao Mao was slain by Liu Dai,and his troops were absorbed by Liu Dai.Currently,in the entirety of Dongjun,Cao Cao commands only five thousand men!As for Liu Dai,since Cao Cao has occupied Dongjun,he harbors such animosity that he will not send troops to assist,"Huang Silang urged,his voice rising with each word.

Upon hearing this persuasion,Yu Du was sorely tempted.For years,they had been confined to the mountains,subsisting solely on the support from Huang Silang and others.If the situation was as Huang Silang described,they had a golden opportunity to turn the tables.

With this in mind,Yu Du resolved and said in a deep,resolute voice,"Someone,fetch Chiefs Bai Rao,Sui Gu,and Yu Fuluo hither!"

...

Cao Cao,Lin Yu,and their cohorts remained oblivious to the developments among the Heishan bandits.Having dealt with the affairs of the Huang family and other noble clans,they turned their attention to the vigorous development of internal affairs.The land reclamation efforts were in full throttle,and a large number of talented scholars from humble backgrounds were being enlisted.

Furthermore,Cao Cao had successively recruited two thousand able-bodied men and was preparing to train them into a new army.

One day,

On the official road outside Puyang County Town,three horses ambled side by side.The three riders were all attired as scholars.

Gazing at the peasants toiling arduously in the fields flanking the road,one of them nodded approvingly and remarked,"It appears that Cao Mengde is a man of great capability.He has managed to organize the common folk to reclaim wasteland."

Another's eyes alighted on the farming tools in the peasants'hands,and he furrowed his brow slightly."Behold the farming tools they are using.They seem different from what we've witnessed hitherto."

"Brother Wenruo truly has a discerning eye.These farming tools seem more conducive to land reclamation!"

The last man,with a delicate countenance and a somewhat pallid complexion,simply tugged on the reins,dismounted,and walked into the field.After a brief exchange with a peasant,he returned.

"According to these peasants,these farming tools and draft oxen are provided to them gratis by the government,"he informed his two companions,elaborating on the new policies implemented by Cao Cao.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Hearing this,the two men's eyes lit up,and they couldn't help but praise,"Such policies not only serve to suppress the local gentry and oppressors but also bestow genuine benefits upon the common people!"

"It seems that Cao Mengde not only holds the common people dear but is also a man of great sagacity!"The fair-complexioned young man couldn't help but chuckle.

"Judging from Brother Wenruo's words,it seems you are inclined to join Cao Mengde."

"Whether to join or not hinges on whether this man is worthy of my allegiance,"the man named Wenruo laughed.

The three of them continued their journey together.Before long,they entered Puyang County Town.

At the city gate,they naturally espied the notice posted by Cao Cao.

"Selecting talents based solely on merit,regardless of origin.Cao Mengde's vision is truly noble!"The man named Wenruo sighed softly.

The three of them soon arrived at the entrance of the county yamen.

"Stop!What business have you here?"The guards on duty barked.

"Pray,inform the Prefect that Xun Yu,Xi Zhicai,and Guo Jia from Yingchuan have come to pay a visit,"Xun Yu,who led the group,said with a respectful cupping of his hands.

"Very well.Wait here a moment,"the guard replied and then departed.

The three men waited patiently at the entrance.

Before long,the sound of approaching footsteps could be heard.

"Where are the three gentlemen?"

The three of them looked closely and beheld a man with disheveled garments running out barefoot from within.It was Cao Cao!

"Are you the three gentlemen,Wenruo,Zhicai,and Fengxiao from Yingchuan?"

Cao Cao excitedly grasped their hands and then turned to berate the guards beside him."How could you be so discourteous as to keep these three gentlemen waiting for so long?!"

Even though the three men were of proud disposition,they couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth towards Cao Cao upon witnessing this scene.

"Please,enter,three gentlemen!"

Cao Cao welcomed them enthusiastically.

After the three men were seated in the main hall,Cao Cao retreated to attire himself properly and then returned,greeting them with a genial smile."I have long been acquainted with the great reputations of the three gentlemen.I never expected that you would grace me with your visit today.It truly does honor to my abode!"

The three men exchanged glances.The youthful Guo Jia couldn't help but inquire,"May I ask Prefect Cao,how did you come to know my name?"

Xun Yu and Xi Zhicai also wore expressions of puzzlement.

Among the three,Xun Yu was undoubtedly the most renowned.He hailed from the Xun family in Yingchuan,a descendant of Xunzi.When He Yong,the famous Nanyang scholar,laid eyes on Xun Yu,he was astounded and exclaimed,"This is a talent fit for assisting a ruler!"

However,Xi Zhicai and Guo Jia were young and relatively unknown.Guo Jia,in particular,had chosen to live in seclusion after reaching twenty,secretly befriending heroes while shunning the secular world,making it even less likely for him to be recognized.

Cao Cao had learned the names of Xi Zhicai and Guo Jia from Lin Yu.Previously,he had inquired of Lin Yu if there were other talents worthy of recommendation.Lin Yu had proffered several names,including Xun Yu,Guo Jia,and Xi Zhicai.Especially Xun Yu,whom Lin Yu had praised as a talent fit for assisting a ruler.

Since even a person like Lin Yu held Xun Yu in such high esteem,he must be an extraordinary talent indeed.

"Well...I have merely heard of your great talent,sir,"Cao Cao chuckled,withholding any mention of Lin Yu.Firstly,because Lin Yu preferred to keep a low profile,and secondly,he was yet uncertain of the intentions of Xun Yu and the other two.Firstly,because Lin Yu preferred to keep a low profile,and secondly,he was yet uncertain of the intentions of Xun Yu and the other two.

"Ah,I have merely heard of your great talent,sir,"Cao Cao chuckled,withholding any mention of Lin Yu.Firstly,because Lin Yu preferred to keep a low profile,and secondly,he was yet uncertain of the intentions of Xun Yu and the other two.

"Indeed,I have heard much about your reputation,Prefect Cao,"Xun Yu replied with a respectful nod."Your swift actions against the Huang family and your bold reforms have certainly caught our attention."

Cao Cao's eyes sparkled with interest."Gentlemen,I am eager to hear your thoughts on the current state of affairs in Dongjun and beyond."

Xun Yu,Xi Zhicai,and Guo Jia exchanged glances,each recognizing the opportunity before them.Here was a leader who not only valued talent but also sought counsel,a rare combination in these tumultuous times.

"Prefect Cao,"Xun Yu began,his voice steady and confident,"the situation in Dongjun is precarious.The gentry,while weakened,still hold significant influence.Your actions have been bold and just,but they have also made you many enemies."

Cao Cao listened intently,nodding in agreement."I am well aware of the challenges we face.That is why I seek the counsel of wise men like yourselves."

Xi Zhicai,known for his strategic acumen,spoke next."To secure our rule and win the hearts of the people, we must show our strength and mercy. "He paused,allowing his words to sink in before continuing,"We must also be vigilant against external threats.The Heishan bandits,now emboldened by the escape of Huang Silang,may seek to capitalize on the unrest."

Guo Jia,the youngest of the three,had been observing the interaction with keen interest.His pale complexion and delicate features belied a sharp mind and a keen understanding of human nature."Prefect Cao,"he said,his voice soft but clear,"your greatest strength lies in your ability to inspire loyalty and your willingness to adapt.However,you must also be cautious of those who may seek to use your generosity for their own gain."

Cao Cao's expression grew serious as he considered their words."Gentlemen,your insights are most valuable.I am honored to have such wise counsel.I propose that we work together to address these challenges and secure the future of Dongjun."

The three men bowed in unison,a sign of their acceptance and commitment."We are at your service,Prefect Cao,"they declared in harmony.

With the meeting of minds complete,Cao Cao led his new advisors in a detailed discussion of strategies and policies.They spoke of land reforms,military training,and the importance of winning the hearts of the people.As the sun set and the shadows lengthened,their determination only grew stronger.

Outside the yamen,the people of Puyang went about their business,unaware of the pivotal moment that had just transpired within the walls of the county yamen.The future of Dongjun,and perhaps the entire realm,hung in the balance,but with Cao Cao at the helm and the wisdom of Xun Yu,Xi Zhicai,and Guo Jia to guide him,there was hope for a brighter tomorrow.