I, Zhou Cang, am the number one tank in the Three Kingdoms.

"Junior Zhang Quan greets all uncles and elders." After being scolded to his face, Zhang Quan was not angry at all. Instead, he politely bowed to Liu Biao and the others.

The man who stood up wasn't buying it at all and continued pointing at Zhang Quan, saying:

"In the past, your father followed Zhang Ji to invade our territory, intending to seize our grain supplies. He died in a hail of arrows. Our lord treated his people with kindness and compassion, not only not blaming them, but also sending people to comfort them."

"When Cao Cao attacked, it was my lord who sent troops to help. Your father has received many favors but did not think of repaying them. Instead, he was greedy for wealth and surrendered to Cao Cao."

"Such a person who betrays his master for personal gain dares to come to my Jingzhou as a guest? Does he think that there is no one else in Jingzhou?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Biao's face immediately darkened, and he shouted loudly, "Cai He, how dare you be so rude! Since Zhang Quan has come with my brother, he is an honored guest of Jingzhou. What kind of behavior is this?!"

Cai He snorted and sat back down at his seat.

Zhang Quan's gaze passed over Zhou Cang and landed on Xu Shu and his lord Liu Bei.

Liu Bei nodded slightly, and Zhang Quan understood. He stepped forward from his seat, bowed to both Liu Biao and Liu Bei, and then turned to Cai He and said:

"I have heard what General Cai said. I am young and would not dare to speak presumptuously in front of my elders."

"However, since my father's reputation is involved, I have no choice but to plead my case before Governor Liu, and earnestly hope for your forgiveness."

Liu Biao nodded slightly upon hearing this, and Zhang Quan continued speaking.

"When my late uncle passed away, Liu Jingzhou, with his benevolence of 'accepting condolences but not congratulations,' brought peace to my people. Whenever my father spoke of this, he would often sigh that Liu Jingzhou possessed the demeanor of an elder and the magnanimity of a king."

"However, given the circumstances at the time, our tribe and Jingzhou were truly interdependent: Jingzhou needed the northern vassal state to defend against the Central Plains, and our tribe needed a stronghold to preserve our bloodline."

"This is a friendship of mutual respect among heroes and working together to overcome difficulties. Liu Biao never regarded my father as a subject, and my father often said, 'Lord Jingsheng (Liu Biao) is my leader.'"

"Since they were not ruler and subject, how can there be any talk of 'betraying one's master'?"

Upon hearing this, the room fell silent, and Liu Biao showed an expression of appreciation.

Cai He remained unconvinced and stood up, saying, "However, your father first submitted to my lord, then surrendered to Cao Cao, and now he has surrendered to Liu Bei. Isn't that fickle and capricious?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Quan said loudly, "General Cai spoke of 'fickleness.' Please allow me to ask: In today's world, what is 'loyalty'? What is 'treason'?"

Before anyone could react, Zhang Quan continued loudly, "My father's lifelong devotion has never been to any one person or family, but to the Emperor of the Han Dynasty!"

"When Cao Cao brought the emperor to Xuchang, my father surrendered, which meant he was surrendering to the legitimate Han dynasty."

"However, in recent years, Cao Cao's acts of deceiving the emperor, usurping power, and acting tyrannically have become increasingly blatant, causing every loyal official in the land to lament his actions."

"Liu Bei, having received a secret edict hidden in his belt, was determined to quell the rebellion and was personally recognized by the emperor as a loyal subject of the Han dynasty!"

"Our troops have now abandoned Cao Cao and joined Liu Bei, which is to abandon the usurper of power and follow the imperial edict—this is not a betrayal, but a righteous act of abandoning darkness for light and supporting the Han Dynasty!"

Zhang Quan's words left all the officials and military officers of Jingzhou speechless.

Zhou Cang was also completely shocked. He couldn't remember ever seeing any information about Zhang Xiu's son before. He never expected him to be such a talented young debater!

Zhang Quan bowed deeply to Liu Biao again and said, "Liu Jingzhou is wise! In this siege of Wancheng, Liu Huangshu was able to quickly stabilize the situation, thanks in large part to the support of the Jingzhou troops."

"This kind of righteous cause—to uphold the Han dynasty and jointly resist traitors—is far beyond what the old vassal alliances could compare to!"

"Jin Quan has come with the Imperial Uncle for two reasons: first, to express our gratitude for the assistance from Jingzhou; and second, to declare that our troops are willing to work together with Jingzhou and Liu Huangshu to support the Han Dynasty."

"As for personal grudges and suspicions... Back when Liu Biao took in our troops, his heart was as vast as the ocean; how could he be bound by sectarian schemes?"

"I have spoken presumptuously, and I humbly request that you, my esteemed elders, forgive my indis

After Zhang Quan finished speaking, he stood with his hands at his sides, his posture respectful and his expression calm.

Liu Biao laughed heartily and said, "Excellent! What a fine 'jointly supporting the Han Dynasty'! My nephew, every word you speak is reasonable and resounding, truly in the style of your father!"

"Come, gentlemen, drink this cup to the brim—today's banquet is for discussing the greater good, not for dwelling on trivial matters!"

"Cao Cao is an enemy of the world; we should all work together and not create discord among ourselves."

After bowing to Liu Bei, Zhang Quan returned to his seat, and the banquet quickly resumed with the clinking of glasses.

Xu Shu looked at his lord Liu Bei with admiration, his lord's discerning eye for talent was indeed outstanding.

On the day Zhang Quan came to surrender on behalf of Zhang Xiu, as soon as Zhang Quan left, while Xu Shu was still struggling with the request to enter the city alone on horseback, Liu Bei was already so excited that his eyes were shining, revealing his determination to bring this talent under his command.

Faced with Xu Shu's admiring gaze, Liu Bei simply smiled in response, picked up his wine cup, and drank it all in one gulp.

During the gathering, the four of them met Liu Qi, Liu Cong, Wang Can, Kuai Liang, Cai Mao, Zhang Yun, Pang Ji, Song Zhong, Yi Ji, Yang Yi, Xiang Lang, and others.

Most of the well-known garrison commanders of later generations, such as Huang Zu, Han Xuan, Zhao Fan, Liu Du, and Jin Xuan, were still in their original prefectures and did not come to the capital.

After the banquet, Liu Biao arranged for Liu Bei and the other three to stay in a separate courtyard in his mansion.

The sight of Liu Biao's many talented subordinates stung Liu Bei, keeping him awake all night.

The next morning, just as Liu Biao came to invite Liu Bei to an event again, Liu Bei went to Xu Shu to decline, only to find that Xu Shu had already left, jokingly leaving behind a letter saying that he was visiting an old friend.

Left with no other choice, Liu Bei, along with Zhou Cang and Zhang Quan, met a large group of scholars who had come to see Liu Biao's residence after hearing of his reputation.

Xu Shu had already arrived alone in a field outside Xiangyang City. After several detours, he stopped in front of a bamboo grove.

The faint sound of a zither drifted from the bamboo grove. Xu Shu dismounted and stepped lightly into the bamboo path.

At the end of the path, there was a manor. Just as Xu Shu was about to knock on the door, the music slowly stopped.

After knocking twice on the door, Xu Shu waited quietly for his old friend to open it.

"Where does Yuanzhi come from?" A middle-aged man with a slender build opened the courtyard gate and asked Xu Shu with a cheerful smile.

"I apologize for disturbing Mr. Decao's refined taste," Xu Shu said with a fist and palm salute, responding with a smile.

The person who opened the door was none other than Sima Hui, nicknamed "Mr. Water Mirror." Sima Hui led Xu Shu into the room, and the two sat down.

"I've heard that Yuanzhi has displayed great skill under Liu Bei. What brings you to my humble abode today?" Sima Hui asked with a ruddy complexion and a smile.

"Why do you tease Yuanzhi, sir?" Xu Shu smiled and said, "Yesterday, I came to Jingzhou with Liu Huangshu to thank Liu Jingzhou in person, so I took the opportunity to come and visit you."

Sima Hui gave Xu Shu a meaningful look and deliberately asked, "Is that all?"

Xu Shu laughed heartily: "I can't fool Mr. De Cao."

"My purpose in coming to Jingzhou this time is also to seek out virtuous scholars for my lord."

Sima Wei laughed loudly, "Yuanzhi has the talent of a king's advisor; why would he need someone else?"

Xu Shu said, "To be honest, this was truly the beginning of my uncle's great undertaking. Although I have achieved some minor victories, they are insufficient to pacify the world. I always feel that my strength is inadequate and dare not delay my uncle's great cause."

Upon hearing this, Sima Hui pondered for a moment and said, "Yuanzhi, are you perhaps planning to seek out that virtuous scholar on this trip?"

Xu Shu immediately realized what Sima Hui meant and shook his head, saying, "With Zhuge Liang's great talent, and his hasty arrival this time, it would be difficult to persuade him to come out of seclusion. I suggest we find someone else first."

Sima Hui stopped speaking, but instead did some calculations with his fingers. After a short while, he slowly opened his eyes and said, "Hmm, if Yuanzhi wants to invite him, he has the advantage of both location and people."

"only……"

"But how?"

"However, the timing may not be optimal!"

Upon hearing this, Xu Shu, who had been quite excited, immediately frowned and his straight back relaxed.

"Please, Mr. De Cao, explain further!"