Chapter 17

Now, Youzhou is in a state of renewal, with everyone busy to the point of being at their wits' end. Only Liu Yao is leisurely strolling around, completely relaxed.

One day, Ju Shou finally couldn't bear the pressure and came to complain to Liu Yao.

"Lord, I've been swamped for half a month. Look, my hair is turning white from worry," Ju Shou said resentfully, looking at Liu Yao, who was sitting in a chair sipping tea, while continuously grumbling.

Liu Yao put down his teacup and said leisurely, "Gongyu, you know we have very few capable people, especially in internal affairs. Even Yuan Hao has been pulled in. You'll just have to work harder."

Ju Shou was so angry that his beard stood on end. He said irritably, "Lord, if you don't solve this, I'm going on strike."

"Listen, Gongyu, let me think of a solution," Liu Yao quickly stopped the angry man.

Liu Yao thought for a long time, then a light bulb went off in his head. "Gongyu, what if we issue a call for talents? Build a hall to attract them?"

"Lord, you mean to recruit talented people from the Han Empire to serve here?" Ju Shou asked, somewhat puzzled.

"Exactly. No matter who they are or where they come from, as long as they have a special skill, whether they are farmers, blacksmiths, or warriors, we need all kinds of talents. What do you think, Gongyu?" Liu Yao asked.

"Whatever Lord commands. I believe that with your status, many talents will come to join us," Ju Shou said excitedly, believing that his heavy burden would soon be lightened.

"Alright, let Tian Feng handle this. After all, it's his job as the Chief Clerk," Liu Yao said casually.

"Understood."

In Zhuo County, Youzhou, a group of people was walking on the road. Among them was a beautiful young man in his teens and a cold, sword-wielding youth. Behind them, about 10 armored soldiers followed, but they were at least 100 steps away.

The group consisted of Liu Yao, Shi A, and ten squad leaders from Liu Yao's personal guard. As the Governor of Youzhou, Liu Yao's arrival in Zhuo County was no small matter. The city guard wanted to accompany him and provide protection, but Liu Yao firmly refused. He didn't want to draw too much attention, although the ten men behind him were already quite conspicuous.

Liu Yao came to Zhuo County because he saw that Tian Feng and the others were all busy, while he had nothing to do. He decided to go out and look for talents. Historically, the most famous person from Zhuo County was Zhang Fei, also known as Zhang Yide. Such a top-tier warrior, Liu Yao didn't want to miss.

As they walked, they saw people running in one direction. Liu Yao, curious, grabbed a young man in his teens. "Young man, what's happening ahead? Why are you all in such a hurry?"

The young man, about to get angry, saw Liu Yao's attire and the tall, imposing guards behind him. He immediately swallowed his anger. "Sir, there's a commotion at Zhang the Butcher's meat shop. I don't know the details." He then ran off. It's worth noting that even in ancient times, people still had the same curiosity for spectacles.

"Zhang the Butcher? That must be Zhang Fei," Liu Yao thought. "Shi A, let's go see what's happening."

The two quickly walked to Zhang Fei's pork shop, where a crowd had already gathered. By a well, a muscular man and a shop assistant were arguing.

"What do you mean, why isn't the pork shop selling meat?" the muscular man shouted angrily.

The assistant scratched his ear, which was ringing from the man's shouting. "My master said our pork isn't for sale. See that well and the millstone? The pork is hanging inside. If you can move the stone, you can take the pork, and it will be free."

"Is that true?" the muscular man asked, clearly excited, confident in his strength.

"Of course it's true," the assistant said proudly.

"Alright, watch me move it." The muscular man rubbed his hands, took a stance, and pushed with all his might. "Lift!" But the millstone didn't budge. He gritted his teeth and tried even harder. "Lift!" The millstone remained immobile, and his face turned red from the effort, whether from exertion or embarrassment.

The assistant couldn't help but laugh at the muscular man's efforts, and the crowd began to murmur. The muscular man, unable to bear the ridicule, pushed through the crowd and ran away.

"Ha, anyone else want to try? It's free if you can move it," the assistant said arrogantly.

As the crowd murmured, a voice called out, "I'll try."

Everyone turned to see a young nobleman, about 12 or 13 years old, who looked frail. This was Liu Yao.

"You... ha ha ha ha..." The assistant laughed dismissively, as if he had seen something amusing. Shi A, standing behind Liu Yao, gave the assistant a fierce glare, making him shiver as if he had fallen into an ice pit. He dared not speak again. Shi A then retracted his killing aura.

Liu Yao didn't even glance at the assistant. He walked to the well, examined the millstone, and estimated it to weigh about 500 to 600 pounds. An ordinary person couldn't lift it, unless they were a top-tier warrior or had superhuman strength.

Although Liu Yao wasn't either, his enhanced body was stronger than even Huang Zhong.

Liu Yao took a stance, sank his breath to his dantian, and grabbed the millstone with both hands. With a burst of strength, he effortlessly lifted the massive stone and tossed it aside.

The crowd gasped in surprise, amazed that such a frail-looking person could lift such a heavy millstone.

"Master, Master, bad news, the millstone has been moved," the assistant shouted.

"Who, who moved my millstone?" A thunderous voice came from inside the house, and soon a figure rushed out. This man had a swallow's chin, tiger whiskers, a leopard's head, and round eyes, with a voice like thunder and a presence like a galloping horse. It could only be Zhang Fei, also known as Zhang Yide. "Who?"

The assistant pointed at Liu Yao. "It's him."

Zhang Fei glared at Liu Yao. "Nonsense, who are you trying to fool? A weakling like you can lift such a heavy millstone?" He slapped the assistant on the head.

The assistant, holding his head, said miserably, "Master, it's really him. I'm not lying."

Zhang Fei still couldn't believe it and asked Liu Yao, "Is it really you?"

"Yes, it's me," Liu Yao nodded. "Now, are you going to stop me from distributing the meat?"

"Rubbish!!!" Zhang Fei roared, the sound making Liu Yao's ears ring. "I may not be well-read, but I know the importance of keeping my word. Come, let's distribute the meat." He personally cut the pork into several pieces and gave them to the surrounding crowd.

The people, having both entertainment and pork, left happily.

After resolving the matter, Zhang Fei said heartily, "I admire making friends, especially with someone as capable as you. How about coming to my estate for a drink?"

"Sure, I'd be honored. Please lead the way."

"Please."

Thus, the two walked into Zhang Fei's estate, with Zhang Fei's assistant and Shi A following silently behind.