Monthly Critique

At the hour of Shen, Yuan Shu arrived at Cao Cao's North Warden Office in his signature luxurious carriage.

Even if it was just maintaining appearances, the feast at Zui Xian Lou had indeed brought them somewhat closer.

Now, Yuan Shu could go directly to find Cao Cao without searching all over the city.

"Brother Gonglu, it's only been a day, but I've missed you terribly," Cao Cao warmly greeted Yuan Shu as soon as he entered the office, speaking with apparent sincerity.

Cao Cao, wearing a simple black outfit, clearly had just finished work.

Hearing Cao Cao's words, Yuan Shu's facial muscles twitched. He had seen shameless people before, but none as brazen as Cao Cao.

Missed this young master after just one day? Such shamelessness—it must be my silver you're thinking about.

Forcing a stiff smile, he replied, "Brother Mengde, Yuan Benchu said you had something to discuss with me. Surely it's not just this?"

Cao Cao suddenly slapped his forehead as if realizing something. "Ah, indeed, there is an important matter. Come, let's discuss inside."

Then, turning to the soldier beside him, Cao Cao instructed, "Quickly, serve tea to my good brother—the best tea we have!"

"Yes, sir!" The soldier, trained to obey without question, promptly brought the tea.

Yuan Shu took a sip, but it was not even as good as the tea from his own house.

He thought to himself, Cao Cao, I treated you to a meal worth tens of thousands of coins, and this is how you host me?

In truth, Yuan Shu was somewhat wronging Cao Cao this time. The tea served to him was already the finest tea in the North Warden Office, even purchased out of Cao Cao's own pocket.

But such things could not compare to the wealth of the Yuan family.

Cao Cao took a sip of tea and smiled at Yuan Shu. "Brother Gonglu, I have good news for you this time."

Yuan Shu thought, What good news could there be from you, Cao Cao? Outwardly, he maintained a calm demeanor and said, "Oh? What kind of good news? Do tell, Brother Mengde."

Cao Cao, clearly excited, said to Yuan Shu, "Brother Gonglu, have you heard of the 'Monthly Critique'?"

The Monthly Critique was an event where the scholar Xu Shao evaluated talents every month.

Xu Shao was a renowned figure in the late Eastern Han, widely known for his extraordinary ability to assess people.

Whatever Xu Shao said about someone often proved to be true.

As a result, Xu Shao gained great admiration from officials and noble families.

People are naturally curious, especially about their own prospects, so many sought Xu Shao to evaluate their character and future.

At first, Xu Shao was enthusiastic about providing evaluations for these nobles and young heirs.

Gradually, more and more people sought him out. But Xu Shao, being only human, became exhausted from these constant evaluations.

Unable to bear it any longer, he devised a solution: he would set aside one day each month to conduct evaluations.

Outside of that day, he was unavailable to anyone, no exceptions.

Unexpectedly, this rule only boosted his fame throughout the Han Dynasty.

The ancient people didn't understand modern marketing strategies like creating scarcity. The stricter Xu Shao's conditions, the more people wanted him to evaluate their abilities.

Yuan Shu nodded and said to Cao Cao, "I've heard a little about it."

Cao Cao continued, clearly energized, "In that case, Brother Gonglu, you must know how rare the opportunity to participate in the Monthly Critique is.

I was lucky enough to secure a chance to join this month's event. However, I'm somewhat lacking in funds.

So I thought of you, Brother Gonglu. With your vast wealth, why don't we participate together this month?"

The demand for Xu Shao's evaluations was overwhelming, but Xu Shao could only handle so many people. Thus, each month he would carefully select a few participants for the Monthly Critique.

Those selected can bring up to two friends, but even then, it's just an opportunity to participate. To have Xu Shao evaluate your talents, you still need to pay an exorbitant fee.

Even so, this draws countless dignitaries and elites, eager to join.

Now, having secured a spot for this month's evaluation, Cao Cao couldn't contain his excitement.

Yuan Shu finally understood why Cao Cao was being so courteous—he wanted Xu Shao to evaluate him, but couldn't afford it, so he planned to milk Yuan Shu for funds.

He smiled at Cao Cao and said, "Mengde, Xu Shao may have a great reputation, but his evaluations are just one person's opinion. Do you really believe in this stuff?"

Cao Cao clapped his hands and laughed.

"Whether I believe it or not doesn't matter. What matters is that the world believes it, and that's enough."

Yuan Shu thought to himself: So that's his plan—to use Xu Shao's reputation to build his own image and fame. No wonder he's so excited.

At this moment, Cao Cao wasn't yet the cunning warlord of chaotic times, but he already demonstrated such strategic thinking. It seems some talents are indeed innate.

Yuan Shu shrugged and said, "It does sound reasonable, but what benefit does it bring me, Mengde? You know I'm not an official right now."

Yuan Shu wasn't in politics at the moment and had no need for fame. Even if he were in office, he doubted Xu Shao would have anything nice to say about him.

After all, Xu Shao's reputation as a talent evaluator wasn't just hype—he had real skills and wouldn't flatter anyone for money.

Yuan Shu knew himself better than anyone. Just look at the names of his "skills," and it was clear that if Xu Shao had anything nice to say about him, it would be a miracle.

Seeing that his potential sponsor seemed uninterested in the evaluation, Cao Cao grew anxious.

"Brother Gonglu, how can you say it's of no benefit to you? Think about it—if Xu Shao gives you a glowing evaluation, your reputation will soar. Wouldn't your father look at you with new respect? And wouldn't your cousin Yuan Benchu stop underestimating you?"

Yuan Shu secretly nodded. Cao Cao's ability to manipulate others was extraordinary, always targeting their weaknesses. If this were his predecessor, they would surely be intrigued by the results Cao Cao described.

Though Yuan Shu scoffed at being swayed by such persuasion, the opportunity to let Cao Cao spend big fit perfectly with his goal of squandering wealth. Plus, he could blame the whole thing on being misled by Cao Cao. Perfect.

Pretending to be swayed, he said, "Mengde, you're absolutely right! My father has been giving me trouble lately, and it's so annoying. This is a great chance to show him that I, Yuan Shu, am full of untapped potential."

Cao Cao, seeing Yuan Shu finally convinced, was secretly delighted. He thought, You, a spendthrift, full of potential? What a joke. Outwardly, however, he remained polite and said, "Brother Gonglu, then it's settled. I'll take you to the evaluation, and you cover the costs. Together, we'll make our names known far and wide."

Yuan Shu, like a nouveau riche, said, "Money is no problem. Just tell me how much you need, Brother Mengde."