Xun Yu,Guo Jia,and Xi Zhicai were all men of keen perception.They could sense a hint of insincerity in Cao Cao's words,yet they were astute enough to refrain from prying further.

Subsequently,the group engaged in a conversation within the main hall,and this exchange proved to be a revelation for both parties.

For Cao Cao,Xun Yu and his two companions spoke with an elegance and quick-wittedness that was truly remarkable.Whether the topic was internal affairs or the broader state of the world,they expounded with eloquence and proffered unique insights.Among the many people Cao Cao had encountered,few could rival Xun Yu and his comrades,save for Lin Yu.After all,these three had been highly recommended by Lin Yu.

In the eyes of Xun Yu and his fellows,Cao Cao's eagerness,demonstrated by his running out barefoot to greet them upon hearing of their arrival,was a clear sign of his thirst for talent.This was a stark contrast to Yuan Shao.Moreover,Cao Cao's words also revealed his great intellect and bold vision,marking him as a hero capable of upholding the Han Dynasty and bringing peace to the world.

This conversation was a true delight for both host and guests.

"Meeting you all today,I truly lament that we did not cross paths earlier!"Cao Cao exclaimed with a hearty laugh."Gentlemen,do stay.I shall host a banquet tonight,and we shall drink to our hearts'content!"

"That is precisely what we desire!"Xun Yu and the other two replied with smiles.

Cao Cao summoned a few servants and instructed them to arrange lodgings for Xun Yu and the others.Xun Yu and his companions followed the servants with pleasure.

After they were settled,the servants took their leave,leaving Xun Yu,Guo Jia,and Xi Zhicai alone in the room.

"Brother Wenruo,what think you of this Cao Mengde?"Guo Jia inquired with a faint smile.

"Compared to Yuan Benchu,he is the true hero and worthy of our allegiance,"Xun Yu replied deliberately.

He had formerly served under Yuan Shao.Although Yuan Shao styled himself as a hero and had recruited many talented individuals,he was inept at appointing people based on their abilities and thus failed to provide Xun Yu with a stage to showcase his talents.

This was the reason Xun Yu had left Yuan Shao,accompanied by Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai.The three had initially planned to return directly to Yingchuan Prefecture.It was only by chance that they had heard of Cao Cao's capabilities while passing through Dongjun,prompting them to pay him a visit.

They had not anticipated that Cao Cao would outshine Yuan Shao.

"What say you two?"Xun Yu turned to the other two.

"Cao Mengde shows respect for the wise and is courteous to scholars.Presently,his camp lacks advisers.If we were to join him,we would surely be held in high regard,"Xi Zhicai said with a chuckle.

The two then looked at Guo Jia,who had yet to speak.

Guo Jia stroked his chin,mused for a moment,and then burst into laughter."I do not oppose joining Cao Mengde,but there is one matter that puzzles me."

"Oh?What might that be?"

"I do not deny that Cao Mengde is resourceful,yet these actions-the extensive use of scholars from humble families,the improvement of farming tools and their free distribution to the people,and the encouragement of land reclamation-these do not seem like ideas that could have sprung from his own mind,"Guo Jia said slowly.

Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

Xun Yu's eyes brightened."Do you mean there is another adviser in his camp?"

"Precisely,and this person is of extraordinary talent,on a par with any of us!"

"Since that is the case,we should all the more join Cao Mengde and make the acquaintance of this remarkable individual!"Xi Zhicai laughed heartily.

...

On the other side.

After concluding his conversation with Xun Yu and the others,Cao Cao rushed excitedly to the side wing of the Prefect's Mansion to seek Lin Yu.

"Sir!"

Lin Yu was bent over,writing with a brush on a piece of paper.Hearing the call,he looked up and,seeing Cao Cao,couldn't help but feel a mixture of amusement and exasperation.

Goodness,Boss Cao,you're the prefect of a region.Logically,you should be inundated with work.

Why do you keep coming to see me every few days?

He laid down his brush and said with a sigh,"Greetings,Prefect!"

"What are you occupied with,Sir?"Cao Cao,with his sharp eyes,caught sight of the words"When the enemy advances,we retreat;when the enemy halts,we harass..."inscribed on the paper.

Before he could finish reading,Lin Yu rolled up the paper with a smile and waved his hand."I'm organizing military strategies."

"Sir also understands military strategies?!"Cao Cao was deeply moved.

Although Lin Yu had previously demonstrated numerous abilities,most of these were in comprehending the overall situation of the world and handling internal affairs.

Cao Cao had not expected Lin Yu to possess knowledge of military strategies and to be in the process of compiling them into a book.

"Well,just a smattering,"Lin Yu replied offhandedly.Noticing that Cao Cao's gaze remained fixed on the paper in his hand,he added,"Rest assured,Prefect.Once I've completed this,I'll surely let you peruse it."

"Marvelous!"Cao Cao beamed with joy.Then he slapped his forehead."Nearly forgot the crucial matter.Sir,do you recall Xun Yu,Guo Jia,and Xi Zhicai,of whom we spoke before?"

"Certainly.What of them?"

"They have just paid a visit.After conversing with them,just as you said,Sir,these three are all of exceptional talent!"Cao Cao explained.

Huh,according to historical records,Xun Yu should have joined Cao Cao at the start of the next year.

Xi Zhicai became Cao Cao's adviser after being recommended by Xun Yu.

As for Guo Jia,he only stepped in after Xi Zhicai's passing.

It seemed that the fluttering of his own butterfly wings had indeed caused a shift in history.

"I've invited them to stay.I'll be hosting a banquet tonight to entertain them.Would you care to join,Sir?"

"No!Most definitely not!"Lin Yu shook his head vigorously.

He was joking,of course.

People like Xun Yu and Guo Jia were top-tier advisers,each brimming with countless schemes!

Especially Guo Jia,who was adept at discerning the hearts of others!

Apart from his comprehensive knowledge of history and vision that spanned a millennium,Lin Yu was no match for them!

Moreover,he himself preferred to keep a low profile and enjoy a more laid-back existence.

"Very well,Sir is truly a paragon of modesty,"Cao Cao sighed.

"Prefect,these three are rare talents.You must not let them slip away.Ensure they remain here!"Lin Yu said with solemnity.

If these three could be retained,not only would they better assist Cao Cao's development,but it would also afford Lin Yu some respite.

So that Cao Cao wouldn't come pestering him every day.

"Agreed!"Cao Cao nodded vigorously.Just as he was about to depart,Lin Yu called him back.

"Also,please request the Prefect to find a skilled physician to examine Guo Fengxiao and Xi Zhicai's health first."

Although Cao Cao was perplexed,he knew that Lin Yu always had his reasons.So he refrained from asking further and left to execute the order.

...

That night.

The main hall was ablaze with the light of candles.

Cao Cao hosted a banquet and personally attended to Xun Yu and the other two.

After several rounds of wine and a sumptuous array of dishes had been served,Cao Cao smiled and asked,"I wonder what plans you three gentlemen have for your journey?"

Xun Yu smiled faintly."Prefect Cao,to be candid,the three of us formerly served under Lord Yuan.However,Lord Yuan could recognize talent but was poor at utilizing it.Thus,we three left Jizhou in search of a worthy master to serve."

Hearing this,Cao Cao was elated.Suppressing his excitement,he inquired tentatively,"If you three have no objections and deem me worthy of your loyalty,would you be willing to remain in Dongjun?"

The three exchanged glances and then chorused,"That is precisely our intention!"

Cao Cao was overjoyed and clapped his hands with a laugh."Splendid!With your assistance,I shall be like a tiger that has sprouted wings!"