Chapter 63

The next day, the news of the magistrate of Zhang County in Yingchuan and the Zheng family, the dominant family in Yingchuan, being wiped out spread throughout the entire region. The murderer turned out to be Liu Yao, the Governor of Youzhou, causing a huge stir. Of course, the common people had no idea about the reasons behind these events. They only knew that Liu Yao was a cruel person. Of course, the powerful families and clans also played a significant role in fueling the rumors.

Early in the morning, Xu Shu bid farewell to Liu Yao and set off to study. Before leaving, Liu Yao gave Xu Shu a hundred gold pieces as travel expenses, and this time Xu Shu did not refuse. However, he had already made up his mind to study hard and serve Liu Yao in the future to repay his kindness.

When his old mother learned that Liu Yao supported Xu Shu's studies, she immediately agreed and made him swear to serve Liu Yao in the future. After all, aside from Liu Yao's kindness, his status as the successor to the Han dynasty was also a significant factor. Xu Shu's mother was a staunch supporter of the Han dynasty. Historically, Xu Shu served Liu Bei because he saw Liu Bei as a descendant of the Han royal family, whether true or not. Now, Liu Yao was the legitimate successor to the Han dynasty, making the difference between heaven and earth.

As for Liu Yao, he was also very confident about Xu Shu's departure for studies. He believed in Xu Shu's loyalty and filial piety. Since he had taken care of his filial son's mother, he was sure that Xu Shu would repay him in the future. Of course, if Xu Shu refused to serve him, Liu Yao would keep his word and let him take his mother away. However, what would happen next, Liu Yao could not guarantee. After all, he did not want to see such a talented person assisting his opponent.

After Xu Shu left, Liu Yao and Shi A went to the residence of Guo Jia and his companions. Guo Jia was well-known in Yingchuan, but his fame was mainly among the commoners. The children of the powerful families and clans, even if they knew of his talent, would not take him seriously.

Thanks to Guo Jia's reputation, Liu Yao easily found his residence. The two were just at home at that time.

When they arrived, they saw a small thatched cottage. Although it was not dilapidated, it looked quite old, reflecting the difficult lives of the commoners.

Liu Yao stood outside the thatched cottage and shouted, "A friend has come from afar. I wonder if the two of you are willing to have a chat?"

However, after Liu Yao's voice, there was no response for a long time, causing Shi A to frown. Given Liu Yao's status, the people inside dared to be so arrogant. If not for Liu Yao's prior instructions, he would have killed the two inside long ago.

However, Liu Yao was not in a hurry. He waited quietly. As long as he could recruit the two, waiting a bit longer was no problem.

Soon, a lazy voice came from inside the thatched cottage. "If you have good wine, you are a friend, and you may come in. If not, you are a commoner, and you should leave quickly."

Liu Yao couldn't help but laugh. He had long known that Guo Jia, also known as Guo Fengxiao, loved wine, and he was not much different from Zhang Fei. Therefore, he had prepared well. Shi A was carrying two jars of the finest Huoyun wine from Liu Yao's collection.

"Of course, I have good wine," Liu Yao laughed loudly. He took the wine from Shi A, stepped forward, and pushed open the door of the thatched cottage, walking in. He left Shi A waiting outside.

Upon entering, he saw a teenager and a man in his twenties, both wearing scholar's robes, sitting there drinking wine. The two had very similar auras, but one was a bit more unrestrained, while the other was slightly more composed. These two must be Guo Jia and Xi Zhong.

Seeing their frail bodies, Liu Yao couldn't help but frown. Historically, neither of them lived long. Guo Jia died at the age of thirty-eight, so he still had about twenty years left. However, Xi Zhong, according to Liu Yao's memory, died about ten years later. Liu Yao decided that if he recruited the two, he would have Hua Tuo examine them thoroughly upon returning to Youzhou.

Guo Jia smelled the two jars of wine in Shi A's hands and exclaimed excitedly, "Great! It's the finest Huoyun wine from the Huoyun Guild. Zhicai, we are in luck this time. Even Wenruo (Xun Yu) has never taken out even half a jar of this wine. Now we have two jars."

Xi Zhong gave Guo Jia a look and then turned to Liu Yao. "I am Xi Zhong, also known as Xi Zhongcai. He is Guo Jia, also known as Guo Fengxiao. May I ask for your name, sir?"

Liu Yao bowed and said, "I am Liu Yao. I have heard of your great names long ago."

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince of Youzhou, has honored us with your visit. We did not welcome you far enough, please forgive us," Xi Zhong quickly stood up and apologized. As for Guo Jia, his eyes were still fixed on the wine in Liu Yao's hands, showing no reaction.

Xi Zhong frowned at Guo Jia's behavior and pushed him a few times. "Fengxiao, Fengxiao, quickly pay your respects to the lord."

"Ah!!!" After being pushed a few times, Guo Jia finally reacted, looking at Xi Zhong with some dissatisfaction. He then casually bowed to Liu Yao.

"No problem. Today, there is no Crown Prince or Governor of Youzhou here. You can treat me as an ordinary person. I will call you by your courtesy names. If you respect me, you can call me Brother Liu," Liu Yao said casually and sat down without hesitation.

The two were somewhat surprised by Liu Yao's behavior. As a member of the royal family and a descendant of the most powerful clan, Liu Yao showed no arrogance and was very approachable, which was a stark contrast to most of the aristocratic young men they had encountered. This made them have a good impression of Liu Yao.

The two did not hesitate and sat down with Liu Yao. Liu Yao immediately opened the two jars of Huoyun wine, and the aroma of the wine filled the air.

"Smells great," Guo Jia kept sniffing the air, almost drooling. Even Xi Zhong was swallowing his saliva.

Liu Yao smiled at Guo Jia's praise. He took three cups from the table and filled them himself. He said generously, "Today is the day we meet. How about we drink to this cup?"

Guo Jia and Xi Zhong, who had been drooling over the wine, eagerly raised their cups with Liu Yao. "Cheers!!"

"Ah!!! Indeed, it is the finest Huoyun wine. I haven't had it since I tasted it once at Wenruo's place. I thought I would never have the chance again," Guo Jia said, savoring the wine. Even Xi Zhong looked intoxicated.

"Ha ha, if you like it, I have plenty of this wine at my residence. You can come and drink as much as you want," Liu Yao laughed, revealing his intention to recruit them.

Guo Jia looked at Liu Yao and smiled but did not respond directly. Xi Zhong asked, "Brother Liu, what brings you to Yingchuan?"

Liu Yao did not lose heart. If it were that easy to recruit them, they would not be worth his attention.

"I came to Yingchuan because the court ordered me to suppress the Yellow Turbans here. I also heard that Yingchuan is full of talented people, so I wanted to recruit some to serve me," Liu Yao said straightforwardly, stating his intentions.

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