The Three Kingdoms: Hindsight is 20/20, and the Three Revivals of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 226 Jia Kui recommends his friend Sun Zi, and Liu Bei poachs more talents from Cao Wei (3rd update)
When strategists employ unconventional tactics, nothing is truly without cunning.

After learning about the relationship between Zhong Yao and Guo Yuan from Gao Rou, Pang Tong already considered Guo Yuan as part of a complex scheme.

The order for Zhang Fei to enter Jiangyi had two purposes:

If Guo Yuan were to obey Liu Bei's military orders without question, then Guo Yuan would be assigned to Zhong Yao to act according to Pang Tong's plan.

One possibility is that Guo Yuan disobeyed Liu Bei's military orders, which would force Guo Yuan to go to Zhong Yao and act according to Pang Tong's plan.

In other words, as long as Guo Yuan and Zhong Yao have a nephew-uncle relationship, regardless of whether Guo Yuan obeys or disobeys orders, he can only be led by the nose by Pang Tong.

Compared to Zhuge Liang's magnanimous use of power to intimidate others after the fact, Pang Tong, eager to stand out, was more insidious in his use of strategies and plans.

When Jia Kui asked about the reason for letting Guo Yuan and Hu Chuquan go, Liu Bei did not hide anything, but directly told Jia Kui Pang Tong's intention.

This made Jia Kui feel both touched by Liu Bei's trust and deeply wary of Pang Tong.

Jia Kui even speculated that if he hadn't chosen Liu Bei as his lord, Pang Tong would very likely have considered him a link in the chain of schemes.

Considering that Zhang Fei's scouts intercepted Magistrate Liu, who was on his way to Anyi to deliver a message, but then released him, Jia Kui became even more convinced of his suspicions.

If Jia Kui insists on becoming Liu Bei's enemy, then after Wang Yi reinforces Pi Shi, Pang Tong can deliberately let Jia Kui go, and then give Wang Yi an ambiguous letter. This would not only cause Wang Yi to misjudge the situation, but also allow Pang Tong to use Wang Yi to kill Jia Kui.

Jia Kui couldn't help but sigh inwardly: Pang Shiyuan of Xiangyang is no ordinary man, having been appreciated by the Left General and appointed as the General of the Army at just over twenty years old!
After a while.

Pang Tong also returned from the camp gate and reported to Liu Bei the results of the distribution of wealth with the envoys of the powerful families and the officials and people of Jiangyi. Liu Bei then informed Pang Tong of Jia Kui's new identity as the supervisor of thieves under the Left General.

Upon hearing that the Left General was in charge of overseeing thieves, Pang Tong looked at Jia Kui with a more enthusiastic gaze.

"Shiyuan, Liang Dao has just joined us and will only be in charge of military and civil affairs for the time being," Liu Bei coughed twice, reminding Pang Tong.

Pang Tong chuckled, suppressing his initial thoughts, and said with a smile, "Since the general has other plans, I will not interfere."

Jia Kui suddenly felt a chill run down his spine and thought to himself: Judging from what Governor Pang said, he probably didn't arrange anything good for me.

Thinking of Liu Bei's protection, Jia Kui felt even more grateful.

In fact, if Jia Kui had thought about it a little more deeply, he could have guessed Pang Tong's intention: to send Jia Kui back to act as an inside man.

However, this would damage Jia Kui's reputation: it is Jia Kui's freedom to choose a master, but it would be immoral to turn around and attack his former colleagues as soon as he has chosen a master.

Changing the subject, Pang Tong looked at Jia Kui and said, "Does Jia Kui have any friends in Hedong? Preferably those who haven't taken up official positions yet. I have a rich and honorable gift for him."

Jia Kui hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Is there any danger?"

Pang Tong laughed and said, "There is definitely danger, but if Jia Dudao's friend has enough courage, he can turn danger into safety."

Jia Kui gritted his teeth and said, “I do indeed have a good friend in Hedong. This man is from Taiyuan, named Sun Zi. He lost his parents at a young age and was raised by his elder brother and sister-in-law. He once studied at the Imperial Academy and was diligent and cautious. Because of his extensive learning, he was recruited by the court to serve as an official. However, on the eve of his appointment, my friend heard that his elder brother had been murdered by treacherous villains. So he abandoned his post and left, personally killing the enemy. Afterwards, he took his family to seek refuge in the mountains and fields of Hedong. I wonder if my friend is suitable for the position of military governor?”

Before Pang Tong could speak, Liu Bei's voice of praise rang out: "To avenge his brother, to abandon his official post and uphold righteousness, he is truly a righteous man! If he is willing to come, I will treat him with the utmost respect! Shiyuan, Sun Zi's filial piety is commendable, and given that his brother has passed away, you should find someone else for your dangerous military duties." Seeing that Liu Bei valued talent and was unwilling to let Sun Zi take risks, Pang Tong cupped his hands in farewell and said no more.

Jia Kui was deeply moved and bowed again, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, General Zuo. My friend is now living in seclusion outside the city, and I am willing to go and persuade him to reconsider."

Liu Bei shook his head: "Those with great talent should not be humbled. Since they are in the wild mountains outside the city, I should go with Liang Dao to pay them a visit, to show my desire to seek out talent."

After arranging for everyone to guard the camp, Liu Bei led Zhang Fei, Pang Tong, Jia Kui, and several dozen cavalrymen to the wild mountains outside the city.

Upon arriving at Yeshan, Jia Kui continued, “There are many people in Yeshan who have hidden themselves to avoid corvée labor and taxes. Although I have repeatedly summoned them, not many are willing to come down the mountain. I do not want to force them, so I asked my friend to formulate some laws and regulations and etiquette in Yeshan. Therefore, my friend has quite a bit of prestige in Yeshan.”

Liu Bei nodded slightly, thinking of Tian Chou, whom he had met in Youbeiping. At that time, Tian Chou had also gathered people in the mountains and fields and formulated laws and rituals suitable for the people in the mountains and fields, forming his own system.

In this era of war and chaos, countless wise men and ordinary people like them hid in the mountains and fields.

Those who are lucky, like Tian Chou, may be reinstated; those who are unlucky may die in the chaos of war at any time.

The North has long suffered from chaos and loss, and its wise and virtuous people have fallen into disuse, which is a tragedy of the times.

After traversing the mountain path, Liu Bei and his companions arrived at a simple thatched hut, but the doors and windows were tightly shut, and there was no one in the courtyard.

Jia Kui apologized to Liu Bei and rode ahead, calling out, "Yanlong, it's me!"

Upon hearing Jia Kui's voice, the door of the thatched hut opened, and a burly man dressed in cloth came out with a happy expression. He pulled Jia Kui aside and spoke to him in a low voice.

Liu Bei then ordered his cavalry to stand outside the courtyard, not to approach and disturb them.

After a while.

Jia Kui then brought the burly man over and introduced him to Liu Bei, saying, "Reporting to General Zuo, this is my good friend, Sun Zi, also known as Sun Yanlong, from Taiyuan."

Liu Bei straightened his clothes, solemnly cupped his hands in greeting, and said in a loud voice: "Liu Bei, General of the Left of the Han Dynasty, Marquis of Yicheng, and Prefect of Zhuojun, admires Mr. Sun's virtue, filial piety, and lofty righteousness, and has come to pay my respects. I have heard that you have chosen to live in seclusion here to cultivate your mind, and I greatly admire you. If you would not mind your absence and would deign to assist me, I would certainly treat you with the utmost respect and work together to build a great enterprise."

Sun Zi had already learned from Jia Kui that Liu Bei was coming in person. Seeing the renowned General of the Left being so respectful and earnest in his words, he was deeply moved and quickly returned the greeting with a deep bow: "General of the Left! I am but a humble man from the mountains who has taken refuge from punishment. I am already overwhelmed with gratitude that the General has come to my humble abode. How dare I accept such a great courtesy from the General?"

Liu Bei stepped forward solemnly, his eyes filled with sincerity: "Deep valleys and secluded forests are home to many towering trees; lofty mountains and wild paths are often where wise and virtuous men who govern the country reside. Sir, you are learned and courteous, and your nature is filial and righteous. You are truly a remarkable person of our time! I admire you greatly! I fear that my humble etiquette is insufficient to express my respect. What is there for you to feel ashamed of?"

Sun Zi was even more shocked.

Grateful for Liu Bei's sincerity in seeking talent, and seeing Jia Kui's affirmative gaze, Sun Zi no longer hesitated and bowed deeply, saying, "I am willing to serve as a general and offer my utmost service!"

Liu Bei was overjoyed and took his hand, saying, "With your help, sir, I am as fortunate as to have an arm! I am so lucky!" He then turned around and called out, "Yide, quickly present the small gift!"

Sun Zi repeatedly declined, saying, "I am deeply grateful for your kindness, General. However, since I have already followed you, how dare I accept such a generous gift? Moreover, most of the people living here are suffering from poverty and hardship. You have always been benevolent, General. Why not share this wealth with them to relieve their immediate needs?"

　Update 3 is here!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)