The Water is Too Deep, You Can't Control It

Yuan Shu was also somewhat curious. Would Xu Rong, such an excellent general, not even assess him? 

Moreover, Xu Rong had just pledged allegiance to him and already had a loyalty level of 90. How was that possible? 

Curious, he asked Xu Rong: 

"Xu Rong, you have the demeanor of a fine general. Why did you recognize me as your lord upon our first meeting?" 

Xu Rong answered straightforwardly: 

"The moment I first met Mister Xi, I was impressed by his bearing and strategy. 

In my view, if a wise man like Mister Xi acknowledges you as his lord, then you must be a wise ruler of the land. Naturally, I must serve such a master." 

Hearing this, Yuan Shu understood—it turned out he was benefiting from Xi Zhicai's reputation. 

In fact, this kind of herd mentality when choosing a lord was quite common in the Three Kingdoms era. 

The most typical example was after Xun Yu pledged allegiance to Cao Cao, nearly half of Yingchuan's talents followed suit. 

But thinking about it, Xi Zhicai was also his die-hard supporter, so in the end, it still proved how capable he was. 

Hmm, thinking this way felt much better. 

Just then, Ju Yi walked out from a room on the side of the courtyard. 

Seeing him, Yuan Shu called out: 

"Gongyi, come over here." 

Ju Yi walked up to Yuan Shu, who then introduced him to Xi Zhicai: 

"Mister, this is Ju Yi, the great general I recently recruited. He also has the qualities of an outstanding commander. 

Gongyi, Mister Xi is my trusted strategist. From now on, he will be your military advisor. Pay your respects to him." 

Ju Yi cupped his hands and greeted Xi Zhicai, "Ju Yi greets Mister Xi." 

Xi Zhicai glanced at Ju Yi and then smiled at Yuan Shu: 

"So my lord has already gathered such fine generals. 

And yet, I had Loyal still searching everywhere for commanders for you." 

Yuan Shu knew Xi Zhicai was joking and laughed as he replied: 

"Xu Rong and Gongyi are both outstanding generals. I, Yuan Gonglu, can never have too many such talents. I must trouble you, Military Advisor, to recruit even more for me." 

Hearing Yuan Shu's jest, everyone laughed heartily. 

Yuan Shu then turned to Zhang Cheng, who was attending to him, and said: 

"Zhang Cheng, it's rare for the Military Advisor to visit today. Invite Shi A and Wang Shi over as well. I want to host a grand banquet in the courtyard at noon." 

Zhang Cheng quickly responded, "Yes, my lord. I will make the arrangements immediately." 

Yuan Shu spared no expense and summoned several top chefs from Wan Shan Restaurant, owned by Shen Wansan, to his courtyard to prepare the feast. 

Around noon, a large table was set up in the courtyard, and everyone took their seats. 

Yuan Shu sat in the center, with Xi Zhicai seated first on his left and Wang Yue first on his right. 

Shi A, Ju Yi, Xu Rong, and the others sat in the lower seats. 

Looking around at his subordinates, Yuan Shu suddenly felt that he had an abundance of talent under his command, giving him a deep sense of satisfaction. 

No matter what the future held, for now, the talents under his command were undoubtedly superior to those of Cao Mengde. 

Clearing his throat, Yuan Shu began speaking: 

"You are all my trusted aides, so I will speak plainly. 

Next spring, I will leave Luoyang and take up a post in the provinces. 

Thus, training the army is now of utmost urgency. 

My father, Yuan Gong, has given me several estates about two hundred miles east of Luoyang. 

There, we have land and recruits available for military training. 

Barring any unforeseen events, we will soon be relocating to the estates. 

Please make the necessary preparations." 

As soon as Yuan Shu finished speaking, Ju Yi was the first to respond, cupping his hands: 

"My lord, there is nothing to prepare. I am ready to depart at any time." 

Xu Rong also said, "I am the same. Just waiting for my lord's command." 

Seeing both generals express their readiness, Yuan Shu nodded in satisfaction. 

The task of military training would largely depend on these two. 

Yuan Shu then turned to Wang Yue and Shi A, saying: 

"Master Wang, I want to form a special unit based on your group of warriors. What do you think of this idea?" 

Upon hearing Yuan Shu's plan, Wang Yue immediately flattered him: 

"My lord is wise. Using warriors as a foundation will surely produce an elite force." 

Yuan Shu's intention to form a special unit naturally meant putting Wang Yue in charge. 

This was an excellent opportunity for Wang Yue, as it would increase his importance, so he wholeheartedly supported the idea. 

… 

After several rounds of drinking, everyone dispersed to prepare for the upcoming military training outside the city. 

However, after the gathering ended, Shi A went to visit Wang Yue at his residence.

Wang Yue looked at his disciple and said with some curiosity: 

"Shi A, why are you coming to see me instead of guarding the lord?" 

Shi A respectfully said to Wang Yue: 

"Master, I have something I want to discuss with you." 

Wang Yue patted Shi A's shoulder and said: 

"You are my direct disciple. Our relationship may be called master and disciple, but in reality, it is not much different from father and son. 

Whatever it is, just speak your mind." 

Hearing Wang Yue say this, Shi A relaxed a lot. He organized his words and said: 

"Master, the lord just mentioned at the banquet that he wants to establish a special unit based on the youxia. 

I feel this is a great opportunity to achieve merit and success. Can I be the leader of this unit?" 

Hearing that Shi A came for this matter, Wang Yue felt a bit troubled. 

He had already decided that he himself would take that position. 

But now, his beloved disciple also wanted to be the leader. What should he do? 

Rejecting him outright? 

That didn't seem appropriate. 

It might discourage his disciple's ambition and drive. 

After thinking it through, Wang Yue spoke to Shi A with a serious tone: 

"My disciple, training an army is no trivial matter. It is far more complicated than it appears. 

Your swordsmanship has indeed become very strong, but training soldiers and practicing swordsmanship are two completely different things. 

I know you are eager to make achievements, 

but military training is too deep and complex. You won't be able to handle it yet." 

After hearing Wang Yue's words, Shi A felt that his master made some sense, so he asked: 

"Then, Master, what should I do now?" 

Wang Yue secretly breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that this kid was finally backing down and wouldn't fight him for the position. So he said: 

"You want to be the leader because you want to gain more merit, right? 

Do you lack merit right now? You don't. 

Just focus on staying by the lord's side and assisting him. Do you really think you won't have opportunities for merit? 

For now, I will lead this unit. After a few years, when you have matured more, I will hand it over to you." 

Shi A felt that something about Wang Yue's words didn't quite sit right, but he couldn't pinpoint what it was. 

However, thinking it over, he believed his master wouldn't harm him and was only doing this for his own good. 

He said to Wang Yue, "Master, I understand now. My thinking was too immature. Thank you for enlightening me." 

Wang Yue waved his hand and said: 

"This is what a master should do. 

If you ever have any doubts in the future, just come to me, and I will advise you." 

Seeing his master so considerate, Shi A was deeply moved, his eyes welling with tears. He said to Wang Yue: 

"Master, I will listen to you. 

I'll go back to guarding the lord now and visit you again later." 

Wang Yue nodded at Shi A, thinking that this boy was no longer the little kid he used to be—he even knew how to fight for leadership positions now. 

As he watched Shi A's departing figure, a slight smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. His heart was filled with both pride and a hint of disappointment.