My brothers are all warriors capable of taking on ten thousand men; I'll roam freely in the Thr

On the seventh day of the ninth lunar month, at the Xun residence in Yingchuan.

The sound of two horses' hooves approached from afar. Ji Xuanyuan, dressed in white, was pale, but his extraordinary elegance was still evident between his brows. Guo Jia accompanied him, still carrying his signature wine gourd, but his expression was more solemn than usual.

At the mansion gate, the old gatekeeper scrutinized the two uninvited guests without invitations, his gaze lingering on Ji Xuanyuan's face for a long time. Such appearance and demeanor were definitely not those of an ordinary person.

"I'm sorry to trouble you to inform me," Ji Xuanyuan said, bowing slightly, his voice clear and melodious.

"Ji Xuanyuan of Zhuojun, accompanied by his junior brother Guo Fengxiao, has come to pay a special visit to Lord Xun."

The old man's gaze sharpened: "Could it be General Ji Wenlie, who decisively defeated the Yellow Turbans?"

"Exactly."

"Please wait."

Inside the hall.

Today, the Xun family is hosting a banquet for prominent figures from Yingchuan, and they are discussing the state of the world.

Xun Kun, the current head of the Xun family, sat in the main seat. Although this Jinan magistrate was over forty years old, he had a lean face and deep eyes, and was quite like his ancestor Xun Shu, the "divine ruler".

Xun Shu, courtesy name Jihe, was Xun Yu's grandfather.

The founder of the Xun clan of Yingchuan was a learned and virtuous man who served as the chancellor of Langling Marquis. He was known for his clear understanding of affairs and was revered as a "divine ruler" by his contemporaries. He had eight sons, all of whom were exceptionally talented and were known as the "Eight Dragons of the Xun Clan"—Xun Jian, Xun Kun, Xun Jing, Xun Tao, Xun Wang, Xun Shuang, Xun Su, and Xun Zhuan. Among them, the sixth son, Xun Shuang, was the most famous. He was a master of the Book of Changes and served as the Grand Minister of Works in the Eastern Han Dynasty.

"Among the eight dragons of the Xun family, none can rival Xun Shuang's (courtesy name Ciming) talent and learning." This proverb from Yingchuan perfectly captures the exceptional talent of Xun Shuang (courtesy name Ciming).

The old man quietly entered and whispered something in Xun Kun's ear, causing Xun Kun's wine cup to pause slightly.

"Ji Xuanyuan?" He pondered for a moment, a complex expression flashing in his eyes.

Recently, the name of this young general has spread throughout the land. He defeated 50,000 with only 2,000 men, captured Zhang Bao alive, and fought alongside Cao Cao against the enemy. However, the Xun family has been loyal to the Han Dynasty for generations. Should they befriend this newly rising star or keep their distance?

"Please come in," Xun Kun finally said.

When the mansion gates reopened, all eyes turned to them.

Ji Xuanyuan entered slowly, his demeanor composed despite his illness.

In the candlelight, her unparalleled beauty silenced all the distinguished scholars in the room. Guo Jia followed behind, a carefree smile on his face, nodding to several familiar faces from Yingchuan.

"I am Ji Xuanyuan, a junior, and I apologize for disturbing you. I hope you will forgive me, Master Xun."

Xun Kun rose and returned the greeting: "General Ji's name is renowned far and wide. Your presence at my humble abode today is an honor. However, I wonder..."

"Senior Brother Wenlie?" A clear voice rang out from the table.

Everyone looked over and saw a handsome young man of about twenty-one years old stand up; it was Xun Yu, Xun Wenruo.

He strode forward, his eyes filled with surprise and joy: "It really is you!"

Ji Xuanyuan smiled: "Junior Brother Wenruo, how have you been?"

Guo Jia also cupped his hands and smiled, saying, "Fengxiao greets Senior Brother Wenruo."

The room erupted in uproar.

It turns out these three are fellow disciples of the Water Mirror Manor!

Xun Yu turned to his father and explained, "Father, this is the senior brother Ji Wenlie that I often mention, who was proficient in the Five Classics at the age of eleven and was called a 'genius of all ages' by Mr. Shui Jing. This junior brother Guo Fengxiao is also a genius in the village."

The discussion at the table grew even louder.

Who in the world does not know the name of Sima Hui of Shuijingzhuang?

Those who could enter his school were all extraordinary, and Ji Xuanyuan's evaluation of him as a "genius of all ages" actually came from the mouth of Mr. Shui Jing!

Xun Kun's expression became much more serious: "I see. Please take a seat."

The banquet continued, but the topic had subtly shifted. Everyone was openly or covertly observing Ji Xuanyuan, testing his talent and knowledge. Ji Xuanyuan responded calmly, quoting classical texts and demonstrating his insight into the state of the world, which secretly alarmed the scholars present.

Especially when he mentioned that "although the Yellow Turban Rebellion has been quelled, the order to recruit soldiers in the prefectures and counties has already created a situation where powerful clans are rising up one after another," Xun Yu's eyes gleamed. This senior brother saw things too clearly.

After the banquet, the guests gradually dispersed.

Xun Kun invited Ji Xuanyuan into his study.

By candlelight, the head of the Xun family cut to the chase: "General Ji, you've come today for more than just to reminisce about our shared roots, haven't you?"

Ji Xuanyuan said solemnly, "I dare not hide it from Lord Xun. I have indeed come here with a request."

"Oh?"

"I would like to ask my junior brother Wenruo to come out of seclusion and help me."

The study was quiet.

Xun Kun slowly set down his teacup, his gaze sharp: "Yu'er certainly possesses the talent of a king's advisor; He Yong of Nanyang made this assessment early on... But my Xun family has served the Han dynasty for generations, remaining loyal to the Han court. Wenruo has been well-versed in the classics since childhood, determined to serve the country... General Ji, in your opinion, how are you different from those who seize power and claim independence?"

That's a very serious question.

Ji Xuanyuan remained silent for a moment before slowly saying, "Xuanyuan raised an army for two reasons: first, to punish the traitors and bring peace to the people; and second, to... find a way to survive for the brothers who follow me in this chaotic world."

He coughed twice, a sickly flush rising on his pale face: "As for the future... if the Han dynasty can be saved, I will do my utmost; if not..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but Xun Kun understood his meaning.

"I cannot force Wenruo to do as he wishes," Xun Kun finally said.

"If he is willing to go with you, that is his choice. If he is not willing, please do not make things difficult for him, General. Although my Xun family is not the most powerful family in the world, we still have some influence in Yingchuan."

This is both a polite refusal and a warning.

Ji Xuanyuan rose and bowed deeply: "Rest assured, Lord Xun, Xuanyuan will never force anything."

Leaving the study, Guo Jia was already waiting in the corridor: "How did it go?"

"As expected," Ji Xuanyuan said calmly.

"Go and find Wenruo."

The two walked through the corridor and arrived at the backyard.

The moonlight, like water, spilled onto a stone table.

Xun Yu sat alone, deep in thought, staring at a game of chess with black and white pieces intertwined, the situation locked in a stalemate, a moment of utter uncertainty.

The attendant was about to announce the news, but Ji Xuanyuan stopped him. He and Guo Jia quietly walked behind Xun Yu.

Guo Jia also focused intently on the game, his brows slightly furrowed.

This endgame is ingenious. White seems to have the advantage, but in fact, it hides a deadly trap. Black only needs one brilliant move to turn the tide.

Xun Yu, oblivious to the danger, tapped the chessboard lightly with his fingers and muttered to himself, "This next move... if I play the center point, I might lose the initiative; if I defend the corners, it's too conservative..."

Ji Xuanyuan suddenly chuckled and pointed his paper fan forward: "Hahaha, those involved are often blinded by their own perspective."

Xun Yu suddenly turned around.

The paper fan pointed to a seemingly insignificant "3-3" position on the chessboard.

With this move, the black group of stones was immediately connected, and the white advantage crumbled instantly.

"Wenruo, you should be bold and break the deadlock!" Ji Xuanyuan laughed.

Xun Yu paused for a moment, then a look of realization flashed in his eyes. He stood up and bowed, "Senior Brother Wenlie, Junior Brother Fengxiao, when did you arrive?"

"We've been standing here for ages. We just didn't want to disturb Senior Brother Wenruo, who's so engrossed in his game," Guo Jia teased.

The three looked at each other and smiled.

Xun Yu ordered someone to brew tea again and sat down at the stone table.

The conversation started with the old stories of Shuijing Village and gradually shifted to the general situation of the world.

Ji Xuanyuan did not directly mention recruitment, but only occasionally touched upon military governance, civilian resettlement, and future plans during casual conversation...

"Youzhou is bitterly cold, but the people are simple and honest. If a great talent were to manage it, it might very well become a paradise."

"The way to govern an army lies in strict discipline and treating soldiers well. All the soldiers under my command are treated as brothers."

"After the Yellow Turban Rebellion, the imperial court lost all prestige, and local warlords are likely to harbor their own ambitions..."

Xun Yu listened quietly, his teacup growing cold.

How could someone as intelligent as him not understand the deeper meaning behind Ji Xuanyuan's words? This senior brother was telling him that he, Ji Xuanyuan, was not a commoner; he understood how to govern a country, how to command an army, how to grasp the overall situation, and, above all, how to value loyalty and righteousness.

But Xun Yu's heart was in turmoil.

Xun Wenruo was praised as a "talented advisor to the king" from a young age and was determined to support the Han Dynasty. However, the current Han Dynasty was incompetent, with eunuchs holding power, powerful relatives of the empress dowager, and the Yellow Turban Rebellion. The court had to rely on allowing prefectures and counties to raise their own troops to quell the rebellion, which was tantamount to drinking poison to quench thirst!

Just as my senior brother said, chaos is coming.

So, who should we choose?

Yuan Shao? A man from a family that held high office for four generations, he was the most prestigious, but he was good at scheming but lacked decisiveness, and was not a wise ruler.

Cao Cao? I met him in Yingchuan Road a few days ago. He was indeed a remarkable man, but... I always felt that something was missing.

Where is this senior brother in front of me?

Despite his frail health, he possessed extraordinary talent. Starting from scratch, he now commanded thousands of soldiers, including numerous fierce generals. Even more remarkable was his deep sense of loyalty and righteousness; his soldiers were all willing to die for him...

But can he really restore the Han Dynasty?

Or... will he become another warlord in a chaotic era?

Xun Yu dared not make a hasty judgment.

"Senior brother," he suddenly spoke.

"Are you familiar with the Xun family precepts?"

Ji Xuanyuan nodded: "Loyal to the Han Dynasty, and devoted to the world."

"What are your ambitions, Senior Brother..."

"To save the people from suffering and bring peace to the world in times of chaos." Ji Xuanyuan looked directly at Xun Yu.

"As for whether the world belongs to the Liu family or something else... if the emperor is wise, we will wholeheartedly assist him; if the emperor is foolish..."

He paused, then said, word by word, "We should select the virtuous for the sake of the world."

These words were almost rebellious, but Xun Yu did not change his expression; instead, a thoughtful look flashed in his eyes.

"Selecting virtuous people for the world..." This statement subtly echoes the spirit of my grandfather Xun Shu, who "did not covet power and wealth, but only promoted the talented."

The three of them chatted for a long time.

When the moon was high in the sky, Xun Yu suddenly said, "Tomorrow there will be painted boats on the Ying River. If you and Fengxiao have nothing important to do, why don't you go together? We are brothers, and we can catch up again."

A smile flashed in Ji Xuanyuan's eyes: "That is exactly what I wish for."

After leaving Xun's residence, Guo Jia asked in a low voice, "Senior brother, what about Wenruo...?"

"He's observing." Ji Xuanyuan coughed as Guo Jia helped him into the carriage.

"Observe whether I am the wise ruler in his heart, and whether I am worth Xun Wenruo risking the Xun family's century-old reputation."

"So, what does Senior Brother think..."

"There's no need to rush." ​​Ji Xuanyuan leaned back in the carriage, gazing at the moonlight outside the window.

"A man like Xun Wenruo is loyal to the Han Dynasty, and even more so to the world. What he wants is not temporary wealth and honor, but... a lord who can realize his political ideals."

Just like in history, he chose Cao Cao because Cao Cao in his early years truly had the ambition to restore the Han Dynasty.

But later...

Ji Xuanyuan closed his eyes.

In this life, he will never let Xun Yu end up like that.

The carriage slowly drove away from the Xun residence, while inside the study, Xun Kun and Xun Yu sat facing each other in silence.

"Father," Xun Yu finally spoke.

What do you think of Ji Wenlie?

Xun Kun remained silent for a long time before slowly saying, "He is exceptionally talented, ambitious, and even more remarkable... loyal and righteous. Observing his soldiers, they are all willing to die for him, which is beyond the reach of ordinary people."

"But his body..."

"This is precisely what worries me most," Xun Kun sighed.

"Such a great talent, if Heaven does not grant him a long life... Wenruo, if you follow him, you will be entrusting the Xun family's century-old reputation to someone who may perish at any moment."

Xun Yu remained silent.

"You should decide for yourself," Xun Kun said, standing up.

"I will only remind you of one thing: the Xun family is loyal to the Han Dynasty, but more importantly, they are loyal to the people of the world. If the Han Dynasty is beyond saving, but someone can save the world..."

He didn't finish speaking before pushing open the door and leaving.

Xun Yu sat alone in his study, gazing at the unfinished chess game.

The "third position" that Ji Xuanyuan referred to was particularly conspicuous under the candlelight.

Boldly break the situation...

He repeated those four words softly, and a decision gradually formed in his eyes.

We'll go boating on the lake tomorrow and see it again.

If this senior brother is truly as he claims, able to save the people from suffering and bring peace to the world in times of chaos... then why not entrust Xun Wenruo's lifelong learning and aspirations to him?

The moon was setting in the west.

The night in Yingchuan is so quiet that you can hear the rolling wheels of history.