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

Chapter 99 Quick Hands to Seize a Talented Man, Fa Zheng Becomes Liu Bei's Disciple (Seeking Follow-up and Monthly Tickets)
"That Zhou Cang, he even consults me about such a trivial matter. What could a mere young man like him possibly know? Humph!"

Upon receiving the news, Guan Yu, from the neighboring Wugong County, was deeply dissatisfied.

If it were Zhang Fei in Fufeng County, upon hearing that it was the grandson of the famous scholar Fa Zhen who was seeking an audience, he would not only be dissatisfied, but would probably have immediately spurred his horse and galloped straight to Mei County.

However, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei had completely opposite attitudes toward scholars.

Before meeting Liu Bei, Guan Yu was studying his family's learning. After meeting Liu Bei, he read books from various schools of thought. If Guan Yu were dressed in a Confucian robe, he would be no less accomplished than an ordinary Confucian scholar.

Therefore, Guan Yu was quite disdainful of scholars who claimed "so-and-so wants to harm so-and-so" or "I have urgent business to discuss with so-and-so," believing that they were just trying to raise their own status.

Just like how sorcerers often say things like, "I see your forehead is dark, it's a bad omen," these are all just gimmicks used to deceive people.

Just as Guan Yu was about to dismiss the messenger, Jia Xu suddenly spoke up: "Fu Feng Fa Zhen is known for his integrity and lofty character. Although his grandson Fa Zheng is young, he is also known as a child prodigy in the county. Now he is imitating Gan Luo to seek an audience with Lord Liu. He must be no ordinary person."

Upon hearing Jia Xu's words, Guan Yu's dissatisfaction instantly dissipated by more than half, and he asked, "Does Military Advisor Jia mean that I should meet this young man?"

Jia Xu nodded, his bright eyes full of calculation: "If Governor Liu wants to pacify the Three Auxiliary Regions, he will inevitably clash with powerful bandits. Now, there are powerful bandits who want to use Fa Zhen's descendants to harm Governor Liu, and there are also aggrieved people crying out for help."

"As the benevolent governor of Yongzhou, how could Lord Liu stand idly by? And how could Commander Guan, who was ordered to Fufeng County to pursue and capture thieves, remain indifferent to the powerful bandits harming the people?"

"If you can respect famous scholars, kill powerful bandits, distribute land and houses, and provide relief to displaced people, then all the people of Fufeng will admire Lord Liu."

While Guan Yu was still deep in thought, his deputy Liu Pi, who was standing beside him, was already trembling with fear.

In ordinary times, Jia Xu appears to be a gentle and amiable middle-aged Confucian scholar, taciturn and good-tempered.

Even if a soldier in the camp accidentally bumps into Jia Xu, Jia Xu will comfort the soldier and tell him not to worry about it.

In Liu Pi's memory, Jia Xu was kind and benevolent, and speaking with him was like being bathed in a spring breeze.

Yet this kind-hearted military advisor uttered the words, "Kill the powerful bandits and divide the land and houses!"

Where did the kind and gentle face go?

What happened to being kind to others?

Did I mistake you for someone else?

Liu Pi still knew too little about Jia Xu.

For Jia Xu, survival was of utmost importance.

The reason Jia Xu did not go to Luoyang with Dong Zhuo was that he was certain that going to Luoyang would bring about the extermination of his clan. Coincidentally, Liu Bei asked Jia Xu for help, so Jia Xu took the opportunity to return to Guanzhong with Liu Bei.

Having decided to follow Liu Bei, Jia Xu also had to think about his own survival.

That's why he reminded Liu Bei that "two tigers cannot share one mountain" and advocated for the expulsion of Zhang Wen.

After Liu Bei decided to implement sweeping reforms in Yongzhou, Jia Xu also insisted on eradicating evil completely.

Since we've already made our move, we can't hold back.

Jia Xu volunteered to accompany Guan Yu to Fufeng County to pursue thieves because he was worried that Guan Yu would not be ruthless and decisive enough when doing important things.

As far as Jia Xu was concerned, as long as Liu Bei could intimidate Yongzhou, it didn't matter if all the powerful bandits in Fufeng County died.

If the powerful bandit leader dies, the slave farmers who were oppressed by him will be freed, and the state government will be able to register them again.

What Liu Pi didn't know was that Jia Xu had an even more ruthless method: if a famous scholar colluded with a powerful bandit, he would first smear the scholar and ruin his reputation before killing the bandit and distributing the land and houses.

Upon learning that a powerful bandit was planning to abduct the descendants of the renowned scholar Fazhen, Jia Xu was overjoyed: "My sword hasn't even been drawn yet, and the enemy is already stabbing himself in the back. I would be doing this heaven-sent joy a disservice if I didn't kill the enemy."

If it were anyone else, even Xu You, Guan Yu wouldn't listen. Instead, he might think that Guan Yu was ruining Liu Bei's grand plan.

But after witnessing Jia Xu's talent and wisdom, Guan Yu also became very impressed with Jia Xu. At this moment, he not only listened to Jia Xu's advice but also carefully weighed the pros and cons.

a long time.

Guan Yu's phoenix eyes snapped open, clearly indicating that he had made a decision: "In that case, I, Guan, will personally make a trip to Mei County."

Jia Xu was very satisfied with Guan Yu's decisiveness.

Those who aspire to great things cannot hesitate; otherwise, they will lose the initiative and suffer the consequences.

As dusk approached, Guan Yu led his army to Mei County.

"Why has Commander Guan come in person?"

Zhou Cang was somewhat surprised and hurriedly went forward to greet him.

"Where is Fazheng now?" Guan Yu glanced behind Zhou Cang and frowned slightly.

Zhou Cang chuckled: "Fa Zheng just debated the Analects with me, and I won. He's pacing back and forth in his tent, deep in thought."

"Even you can't win the argument?" Guan Yu's impression of Fa Zheng dropped even further.

Jia Xu, who was standing nearby, coughed lightly and reminded him: "The Analects that Fa Zheng studied is slightly different from the Analects that Zhou Junhou studied."

Guan Yu then realized that the Analects that Liu Bei gave to the Western Garden Military Academy was divided into two parts: one with literary commentary and the other with military commentary.
For example, to debate the saying, "A person's words are good when they are about to die."

The annotation states: When people are nearing death, they tend to speak with sincerity and kindness as they let go of worldly attachments.

Wu Zhu means: People only say nice things when they are about to be killed by me.

If Zhou Cang were to debate with Fa Zheng using martial arts techniques, coupled with his massive, bull-like physique, it would be strange if Fa Zheng won.

Zhou Cang chuckled incessantly, clearly just as Jia Xu had predicted.

Guan Yu glared at Zhou Cang with annoyance, composed himself, and strode toward the main tent.

As soon as they reached the tent entrance, they heard Fa Zheng inside excitedly muttering:

"Confucius said, 'If you have any energy left after fulfilling your duties, then study literature.' There are interpretations of literature and martial arts, each with its own merits."

"According to the annotations, it means that one only studies literature after handling daily affairs and still has the energy to do so, following the established procedures step by step, which is a Confucian style with a Confucian core."

"According to the military commentary, one cannot study without a strong physique and formidable strength; one must cultivate both literary and martial skills, possessing the appearance of a scholar and the spirit of a soldier."

"Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! How could I not have thought of that? Lord Liu is a man of great talent; it would be my great fortune to have him by my side."

When he heard Fa Zheng's final words, "This is my good fortune," a smile returned to Guan Yu's lips.

Although Guan Yu was arrogant and looked down on scholars, he would smile at a scholar who respected Liu Bei.

"You are Fazheng?" Guan Yu strode in.

Fa Zheng was startled when Guan Yu suddenly appeared behind him. When he turned around to look at him, he saw that although Guan Yu was extremely strong and had the appearance of a bear or tiger, he had a scholarly demeanor in his every move, which made Fa Zheng feel uneasy.

Recalling Wu's commentary earlier, "If you have spare energy, then study literature," Fa Zheng felt an even stronger sense of agreement.

If I had such a strong and robust body, how would those bandits dare to block the door and cause trouble?

Fa Zheng secretly resolved that he must diligently practice martial arts from now on. Even if he could not be as strong as Guan Sima, he would at least reach a level where ordinary people could hardly get close to him. "Fa Zheng of Fufeng greets Guan Sima." Fa Zheng stepped forward and bowed.

While Fa Zheng was sizing up Guan Yu, Guan Yu was also sizing up Fa Zheng. Seeing that Fa Zheng did not have the arrogance commonly seen in scholars, Guan Yu's impression of Fa Zheng improved.

"I heard from Zhou Cang that there are some powerful bandits who want to kidnap the descendants of Fa Gong to harm Lord Liu. Since you are pleading for the aggrieved party, are you willing to testify with your own body?" Guan Yu got straight to the point and directly defined the nature of the matter.

Is this how Zhou Junhou reported it?

Fa Zheng was stunned for a moment, but quickly recovered and pretended to cry, saying, "Although I am young, I have heard that Prefect Liu is benevolent and respectful of scholars. Now I am being threatened by powerful bandits. I can neither let my grandfather's spirit rest in peace nor help my parents get rid of the bandits. I only wish to go to Chang'an to ask Prefect Liu to uphold justice and restore a bright and clear world to Fufeng County."

"No need to cry now." Guan Yu's lips twitched.

"Yes, Commander Guan." Fa Zheng straightened his clothes and wiped away imaginary tears.

Guan Yu nodded secretly: This boy is indeed more astute than ordinary people, but to deal with the bandits of Fufeng, it is necessary for you, my elder brother, to come in person to reduce the turmoil.

After carefully understanding the situation from Fa Zheng, Guan Yu looked at Jia Xu, who had been listening silently in the tent. Seeing the latter nod, Guan Yu then summoned Liu Pi and ordered him to return to Chang'an that very night to deliver the message.

Liu Pi received the military order and rode back to Chang'an at full speed, reporting all the events in Mei County.

"Fa Zheng?"

Upon hearing the name Fa Zheng, Liu Bei was overjoyed and stood up.

Both Xu You and Jia Xu were people Liu Bei poached by taking advantage of his foresight.

Fa Zheng, on the other hand, was Liu Bei's personal strategist.

Even though he's only a thirteen-year-old boy, he can't miss this opportunity.

Otherwise, after Fazheng fled to Yizhou to avoid disaster, it would be a long time before we met him again.

Liu Bei didn't care whether the young Fa Zheng was as capable as the middle-aged Fa Zheng.

What makes a genius a genius is that their innate talent and comprehension far surpass those of ordinary people, and geniuses can also be cultivated.

How could Fa Zheng, who fled to Yizhou to avoid disaster and was not given important positions, compare to Fa Zheng, who stayed in Guanzhong and was trained by Liu Bei?

Why was Huo Qubing so powerful when he was young?
Firstly, Huo Qubing was a rare genius; secondly, Huo Qubing received training from Emperor Wu of Han from a young age.

Born into wealth and privilege, they can win no matter what!
If Zhuge Liang hadn't been younger than Fa Zheng and lived so far from Guanzhong, Liu Bei would have wanted to bring him to Guanzhong as well.

"Zhou Cang is quite lucky this week, managing to run into Fazheng."

Although this Zhou Cang is not the same as the Zhou Cang of the past, Liu Bei did have his own selfish motives when he selected eighty warriors in Ye City.

Since they had coincidentally encountered a fierce warrior named Zhou Cang, who happened to be both imposing and honest, how could he not be worthy of their second brother?

Guan Yu without Zhou Cang is like Guan Yu without the Green Dragon Crescent Blade; he always lacks a certain charm.

This small selfish motive led Liu Bei to meet the young Fa Zheng.

What a lucky charm!
"Wenwei, Shuzhi, quickly muster the troops and follow me to Mei County!"

Wenwei was the courtesy name Liu Bei gave to Dian Wei. Wei signifies his bravery, while Wen represents Liu Bei's expectations for Dian Wei.

A fierce general who is not literate can only be a lowly soldier charging into battle.

Even if one makes great contributions, one cannot actually be promoted to general.

As for guards, Chen Dao is sufficient.

Liu Bei preferred to send out his fierce generals to command troops independently, so that Zhao Yun would no longer be relegated to the position of Central Protector of the Army due to the lack of cavalry, and Dian Wei would no longer be relegated to the position of Commander of the Personal Guards due to his lack of literary skills.

There are countless heroes in the world; if Liu Bei cannot cultivate all the fierce generals, he will find it difficult to conquer all directions.

Although Dian Wei held only the position of a civil official in the military, he enjoyed the same treatment as a military officer.

The warhorse chosen was the "Ferghana" horse, a fine breed from the Western Regions; the weapon was a pair of iron halberds selected by Liu Bei from the armory in Chang'an; and the armor was fish-scale armor, which offered better protection than the Liangdang armor.

Liu Bei did not show favoritism and also selected the fine horse "Wusun" from the Western Regions for Chen Dao.

As Liu Bei's personal guard cavalry, the warhorses, armor, and weapons of ordinary guards, though not as fine as those of Dian Wei and Chen Dao, were still quite excellent.

Less than two days later, Liu Bei led his troops to Mei County.

Upon hearing the news, Fa Zheng was both surprised and delighted, and in his heart he cried out: Father, you are wrong! Magistrate Liu has even come to Mei County in person!

"You are Fazheng of Fufeng? Indeed, you have an impressive appearance." Liu Bei praised him generously.

Fa Zheng suppressed his delight and bowed, saying, "I have long admired Lord Liu's name. It is an honor for me to meet you today."

Liu Bei stepped forward and helped Fa Zheng up, sighing, "When your grandfather was alive, he was known as 'Master Xuande.' My courtesy name is Xuande. I have always felt that I am not virtuous enough and have often wanted to pay my respects to Master Xuande. However, circumstances are beyond our control. I was just the governor of Yongzhou when I heard that Master Xuande had passed away last year. It is truly regrettable."

Upon hearing this, Fa Zheng thought of his grandfather and subconsciously recalled the scene of Fa Zhen teaching him to read and understand principles. He sighed, "My grandfather lived to be eighty-nine, which can be considered a peaceful death. It's just a pity that my grandfather didn't get to know Liu Shijun. If 'Xuande' had met 'Xuande,' it would have been a wonderful story."

Liu Bei grew increasingly fond of Fa Zheng, saying, "Although I come from a humble background, I once studied under Lord Lu of Zhuojun, who in turn was a disciple of Lord Ma of Fufeng. I am delighted to meet you, Fa Jun. If you do not find me uncouth, would you be willing to become my disciple?"

Fa Zheng was even more surprised and hurriedly said, "Lord Liu is a distinguished disciple of Lord Lu and a descendant of Emperor Jing. Now he is also the Governor of Yongzhou. I am just a young man. How dare I presume to be worthy of his position?"

Liu Bei laughed loudly: "Lord Fa is too modest. You are the grandson of Master Xuande, and the Fa family of Fufeng are descendants of King Xiang of Qi. How can you claim to be above him? Now that you intend to help me kill the powerful villains, how can I not protect your life? If you become my disciple, who among the villains of Yongzhou would dare to act recklessly?"

Seeing that Liu Bei had put it this way, Fa Zheng no longer declined and immediately bowed, saying, "If you would not mind, Fa Zheng would like to take Lord Liu as my teacher!"

Liu Bei was overjoyed and helped Fa Zheng up again, saying, "To have Lord Fa Zheng today is a great joy in my life!"

Fa Zheng was also moved: "It is my good fortune to have met such a virtuous teacher!"

Liu Bei then asked, "Did your father choose a courtesy name for Fa Jun?"

Without hesitation, Fa Zheng replied, "Before my grandfather passed away, he gave me the courtesy name Xiaozhi."

Liu Bei praised, "Your grandfather was truly an extraordinary person, establishing himself with filial piety and upholding righteousness with integrity."

In a short while, Fa Zheng became Liu Bei's disciple, which made Jia Xu, who was watching from behind, secretly admire him.

With Fa Zheng becoming a protégé of Prefect Liu, Prefect Liu had even more reason to deal with the powerful bandits of Fufeng County. How could a teacher stand idly by while his protégé was humiliated?
Moreover, by standing up for the descendants of the renowned scholar Fazhen, the noble people of Fufeng County will surely praise Governor Liu's virtue.

Compared to Dong Zhuo, Liu Shijun's actions are much more reassuring.

For Jia Xu, survival was always the top priority.

Liu Bei's current behavior shows that although he is ruthless towards his enemies, he is kind and protective of his own people.

Putting everything else aside, Liu Bei had no need to take Fa Zheng as his disciple, but he did anyway. In Jia Xu's eyes, this was Liu Bei protecting his own!
He took Fazheng as his disciple because he was worried that Fazheng would suffer retaliation from the powerful bandits of Fufeng in the future.

It is my good fortune to have met Magistrate Liu!
A smile crept onto Jia Xu's lips.

(End of this chapter)