Chapter 40: Gentry
This text appears to be in Chinese, and it seems to be a passage from a novel or a historical fiction piece. Here is the translation into English:
"Shi A's appearance is not stunning, but he exudes a sharp temperament, like a drawn sword, with a dazzling edge. It seems that although his skills are amazing, he has not yet reached the level of returning to the basics like his master.
Without waiting for Lu Bu to ask, Shi A dismounts and bows to Lu Bu, then says, "Master, observing the expressions of Xun Yu and the others in the court, he knew that they harbored resentment against you. Seeing that you are eagerly seeking talents, he couldn't bear to stop you and secretly instructed me to gather the wandering warriors in the capital to search for the whereabouts of Xun Yu and others."
Upon hearing this, Lu Bu feels a strange melancholy. Although Empress Dowager He defended his background in the court, in the eyes of those aristocratic youths, his origin might be inferior to Liu Bei, who sells straw shoes, or the mutated grandson of the eunuch Cao Teng, Cao Cao. He is far behind Yuan Shao, who has held high positions for four generations. However, what can Lu Bu do? Blame himself for not being born into a better family?
Lu Bu increasingly hates the aristocratic system from the Eastern Han Dynasty to the Sui Dynasty.
Shi A continues, "Efforts pay off, and soon someone reported seeing those four in front of Yuan Wei's mansion. I hurriedly rode over. Arriving at Yuan Wei's mansion, I saw from a distance that Xun Yu and the others were blocked by Yuan Wei's servants, apparently demanding money before reporting to their master. Zhong Yao wanted to leave immediately, but Hua Xin stopped him, saying, 'Do you really want to serve that uncouth warrior?' Zhong Yao thought for a moment and no longer insisted on leaving."
A surge of killing intent rises in Lu Bu's heart. Hua Xin, I will kill him.
In history, Hua Xin was able to become one of the Three Excellencies of Cao Wei, relying half on political talent and literary reputation, and the other half on actively assisting Cao Pi in usurping the Han. Regardless of how history justifies him, in Lu Bu's heart, this person is talented but lacks virtue, and he is not needed.
Shi A, startled by the sudden burst of killing intent from Lu Bu, thought that under the master, he had no opponents. Feeling the fear, Shi A lowered his head.
Seeing Shi A's expression, Lu Bu knew that he was intimidated by his killing intent. He couldn't help sighing that this kid's experience was too shallow, far from being as calm and composed as his master. He coughed lightly, signaling Shi A to continue.
Shi A continued, "The four of them waited outside for half an hour but still couldn't get in. Just as they were about to leave, Cao Cao, the Chancellor, came out from inside. First, he paid them a great courtesy, then apologized sincerely, and warmly inquired about their well-being. It seemed very friendly. Moved by Cao Cao's sincere attitude, the four followed him into Yuan's mansion."
Upon hearing about Cao Cao's appearance, Lu Bu despaired. Those four talents had already slipped away from him, and perhaps they would never be recruitable again. The day they meet again will be a hostile one.
Looking at the sky, Lu Bu realized that he had been waiting for Xun Yu and the others until the moon was above the willow tips. Staring at the bright moon, Lu Bu couldn't help but sigh, "I originally directed my heart towards the bright moon, but alas, the moon shines on the ditch!"
Wang Yue, seeing Lu Bu's dejected look, couldn't help but angrily say, "These four wise men, blind to true talent. I will go to Yuan Wei's residence and kill them to avenge your grievances."
Lu Bu waved his hand, "Wang Hubei, if the talents don't come to join me willingly, I will kill them. How will the future talents view me, Lu Bu? I cannot afford to be labeled as envious and narrow-minded."
Seeing Lu Bu saying this, Wang Yue shook his head at Shi A, abandoning the original assassination plan.
Lu Bu shook his head, self-mockingly said, "In the end, it is my lack of self-awareness, foolishly hoping to recruit such talents."
Let's take a look at the backgrounds of Xun Yu and Xun You. Xun Yu's grandfather was Xun Shu, known for his high moral character and profound knowledge. He was referred to as a "wise man" in his hometown, appointed as a Langzhong, and later promoted to the position of Dangtu Magistrate. Respected by scholars like Li Gu and Li Ying, he eventually became the Marquis of Langling. Xun Shu was known for his clear reasoning and was called the "Divine Lord." He had eight sons, collectively known as the "Eight Dragons." Xun Yu's father, Xun Gun, served as the Prefect of Jinan, and his uncle, Xun Shuang, held the position of Minister of Works. Xun Gun, wary of eunuchs, arranged for Xun Yu to marry the daughter of the Palace Attendant Tang Heng. Despite Xun Yu's lack of fame, people did not mock him for marrying the daughter of a eunuch. When the famous scholar He Yong saw Xun Yu, he was greatly surprised and praised him as a "talent worthy of assisting a ruler." In history, Xun Yu recommended talents such as Zhong Yao, Xun You, Chen Qun, Du Xi, Sima Yi, and Guo Jia to Cao Cao, making him a central figure among these talents. Imagine, someone like him would not easily pledge allegiance to a nouveau riche like Lu Bu.
Zhong Yao also came from a prominent family in Yingchuan. Zhong Yao's grandfather, Zhong Hao, taught poetry and literature to over a thousand students. Despite repeated invitations to take official positions, he consistently declined. Due to his high moral character and extensive knowledge, he, along with Chen Shi, Xun Shu, and Han Shao, were collectively known as the "Four Elders of Yingchuan," admired by scholars of that time.
Hua Xin was a renowned scholar, and he, along with Bei Hai's Bing Yuan and Guan Ning, formed a close trio known as the "Three Dragons." Hua Xin was considered the leader, Bing Yuan the belly, and Guan Ning the tail. Over a year ago, when the Inspector of Jizhou, Wang Fen, plotted against Emperor Ling, he invited Hua Xin to join the rebellion. However, Hua Xin believed Wang Fen lacked political acumen and military strength and declined the offer. Later, Wang Fen's plot failed, and he committed suicide. Subsequently, Hua Xin was appointed as a filial and incorruptible official, serving as a Gentleman in the Imperial Secretariat.
As Lu Bu contemplated, he realized that these individuals all hailed from distinguished and noble families. How could they easily serve a coarse and uncultured martial leader like himself? Perhaps those from humble backgrounds, the offshoots of prestigious families, might be willing to join him.
At this moment, in Yuan Wei's residence, Xun Yu, Xun You, and the others were engaged in lively discussions with Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, Chunyu Qiong, and advisors such as He Yong, Feng Ji, Xu You, and Guo Tu.
Yuan Shao, with a mocking tone, said, "Currently, Lu Bu enjoys the favor of the Empress Dowager, holding the positions of General Who Guards the North, Inspector of Ji Province, and concurrently, the Marquis of Guanglu. He wields great military and political power, ranking as the foremost power figure in our dynasty. Lu Bu is actively seeking talents, so why are all of you looking at him with disdain?"
Xun Yu felt deeply disappointed. Although they had sincere intentions, Yuan Shao displayed arrogance and disrespect. He made a faint smile, showing indifference to the provocation.
Hua Xin sensed the arrogance in Yuan Shao's words, as if saying, "Aren't you all here to join forces with me, Yuan Shao?" However, he had to respond, "In the court, Lu Bu's every word and action is under our scrutiny. Lu Bu, a low-ranking military officer with a humble background, lacks education. He allows the unscrupulous to thrive, and he is arrogant and self-satisfied. He lacks respect for nobility and is always at odds with the scholars and ministers of the aristocracy. By glimpsing at a small detail, we can see that Lu Bu, with his humble background, harbors resentment towards the aristocracy. Furthermore, under Lu Bu's command are a bunch of rough warriors like himself. We, scholars from noble families, cannot associate ourselves with such people, nor can we be driven by them!"
Present, Xu You, Feng Ji, and others nodded in agreement. When they chose to follow Yuan Shao, they valued not only Yuan Shao's humility but also his noble lineage.
Cao Cao, on the other hand, sneered in private. Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang was once just a local constable, and Xiao He was a minor official in the county. They achieved great things. If the only consideration is the family background, why bother discussing anything here? It would be better to go home early and commit suicide, striving for a better rebirth and avoiding serving under mediocre people like Yuan Shao.
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