novelSusiti Chapter 55, Part 3: Gu Pingxian – A Pillar of the State
Chapter 55, Part 3: Gu Pingxian – A Pillar of the State
The third virtuous minister who greatly pleased Liu Bei was Guo Yuan, a highly accomplished disciple of Zheng Xuan.
Guo Yuan, courtesy name Zi Ni, was a native of Le'an State in Qingzhou and one of Zheng Xuan's most outstanding disciples.
Zheng Xuan once publicly praised Guo Yuan: "Guo Zini is a man of great talent. I believe he will become a pillar of the nation."
The weight of the words "national treasure" is just like He Yong's evaluation of Xun Yu as a talent fit to assist a king, instantly making him famous throughout the world.
As it turned out, Zheng Xuan's judgment was extremely accurate. Guo Yuan later served in Cao Wei, rising to the rank of Grand Master of the Palace and one of the Nine Ministers, becoming a pillar of the state.
What is most commendable is that, in this era that values public opinion, Guoyuan's talent lies not only in his profound knowledge of classical studies, but also in his rare practical skills.
His areas of expertise were arithmetic, agricultural administration, and land reclamation.
Historically, when he served as an aide in the Sikong's office, Cao Cao wanted to promote the Tuntian (military agricultural colonies) system, so he put him in charge of this matter.
Guo Yuan then repeatedly presented his views on gains and losses, assessed the local conditions and the people, assessed the population and appointed officials, and clarified the methods of performance evaluation. Within five years, the granaries were full, and the people were encouraged to work diligently.
It can be said that the Cao Wei's military-agricultural colonies truly began to take effect from this point onward.
Otherwise, even after years of farming and cultivating the land, they still lacked food when the Battle of Guandu took place right on their doorstep in Xuchang.
What's even more remarkable is that Guoyuan was an upright and honest man who lived a simple life, sharing his salary and rewards with his old friends and relatives, leaving no wealth for himself.
Although he held a high-ranking position among the Nine Ministers, he maintained the integrity of a poor scholar throughout his life and was known for his incorruptibility in the Cao Wei political arena. In the corrupt Cao Wei government, he was truly a breath of fresh air.
Upon realizing this, Liu Bei was both surprised and delighted, and couldn't help but clap his hands in praise.
In his letter, Zheng Xuan wrote: "Zini is of a pure and upright nature and is not good at socializing, so he has not yet taken office. I have heard that Xuande has the ambition to support the country and is also implementing the policy of settling down in the fields to pacify the people, which is exactly what Zini is good at."
"I have already ordered him to go north to Ji Province to lend you a hand. Once he arrives, the matter of establishing military farms will be as easy as a butcher carving up an ox."
This will be Liu Bei's most important pragmatic minister!
In the future, Tian Feng will be the chief strategist, Guo Yuan will handle practical matters, and Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, and others will serve as his henchmen.
With this team, he was able to dominate the region and lay the foundation for his hegemony, achieving feats that rivaled those of Emperor Huan and Emperor Wen!
All that's missing is a trusted minister to restore the Han dynasty and bring peace to the world!
But Liu Bei already had someone in mind for this important minister.
Zhuge Liang, the prime minister of Shu Han, was an unparalleled talent as a prime minister!
The only problem is that this unparalleled genius should still be a baby.
We need to find someone to fill in for a while.
Seeing Liu Bei so excited after reading the letter, Zhang Fei grinned as well.
He stepped forward, his leopard-like eyes full of expectation: "Brother, we have all recommended talented individuals, which has delighted you greatly. Among us, you are the most capable! Why don't you personally go and find the most outstanding and virtuous ministers to serve as your trusted advisors!"
A smile appeared on Liu Bei's lips as he looked at his third brother, whose eyes were filled with pure trust and admiration for his elder brother.
In Princess Feifei's eyes, her older brother is the most capable hero in the world.
Regardless of whether it was true or not, Zhang Fei's words certainly gave Liu Bei great inspiration.
To personally visit wise men?
That makes perfect sense!
He cannot simply wait for talented individuals to come to him or for his subordinates to recommend him.
Those top talents should be personally visited and invited, like the story of the man who visited a thatched cottage three times.
Moreover, he has experience from two lifetimes and understands the wise and talented people of the present age best.
If we're talking about the most outstanding talents and trusted advisors...
He immediately thought of someone—Ju Shou, Ju Gongyu!
Ju Shou's position in Yuan Shao's camp was undoubtedly equivalent to Xun Yu of Cao Wei, Zhuge Liang of Shu Han, and Lu Su of Eastern Wu; they were all strategic planners for their respective forces.
At that time, Yuan Shao was the governor of Ji Province, so he appointed Ju Shou as his advisor and asked him, "Now, treacherous ministers are causing chaos, and the court has moved. I have been favored throughout the ages, and I have devoted my life to restoring the Han Dynasty. However, Duke Huan of Qi could not have become a hegemon without Ju Shou, and Goujian could not have survived his country without Fan Li. Now I wish to work with you to unite as one and secure the state. How can we save it?"
Ju Shou then replied, "When you entered the court at a young age, your name spread throughout the land; when the emperor was deposed or enthroned, you displayed loyalty and righteousness; when you fled alone, Dong Zhuo was terrified; when you crossed the Yellow River to the north, Bohai bowed in submission. You rallied the soldiers of one commandery and gathered the troops of Ji Province, your power shook the Hebei region, and your name was renowned throughout the world."
"Although the Yellow Turbans are treacherous and the Black Mountain tribes are arrogant, if we march eastward with our army, we can pacify Qingzhou; if we return to attack the Black Mountain tribes, we can destroy Zhang Yan; if we turn our troops northward, Gongsun will surely perish; if we intimidate the Rong and Di tribes, the Xiongnu will surely submit."
"By crossing the north of the Yellow River, uniting the lands of four states, gathering the talents of heroes, and commanding a million troops, we will welcome Your Majesty to the Western Capital, restore the ancestral temples in Luoyang, and issue commands throughout the land to punish those who have not yet been restored. With this in mind, who can rival us? In a few years, this achievement will not be difficult to accomplish."
Yuan Shao was overjoyed and immediately appointed Ju Shou as military supervisor and General of Valiant Might.
With this plan in place, Yuan Shao indeed dominated Hebei within a few years, with well-trained troops and ample supplies.
Then, at this time, Ju Shou suggested that since the troops in Hebei were strong and loyal, they should go west to welcome the emperor and establish an official post in Ye. By holding the emperor hostage and commanding the feudal lords, and by raising troops to punish those who disobey, who in the world could resist them?
It can be said that Ju Shou alone fulfilled the responsibilities of Xun Yu, Xun You, Mao Jie, and many others in Cao Cao's camp.
If Yuan Shao had continued to rely on Ju Shou and employ his strategies, Cao Cao would have had little chance at the end of the Han Dynasty.
Unfortunately, Yuan Shao, in the middle period, listened to Guo Tu's slander and developed suspicion and resentment towards Ju Shou.
As a result, the relationship between the ruler and his ministers soured, ultimately leading to defeat, death, and the loss of his ambitions.
If we could persuade this renowned scholar from Hebei to come out of seclusion, it would greatly benefit Liu Bei's great cause.
Moreover, finding this famous scholar is not difficult.
It's very difficult to find generals like Zhao Yun, Zhang He, and Gao Lan who are not well-known. Even though Liu Bei knew that Zhao Yun was in Zhengding, he was completely clueless at the time.
But Ju Shou was different; he was a renowned scholar in Ji Province, known throughout the prefectures and counties.
But that's precisely the problem: his reputation was too great. He had been recommended as a talented scholar by the state, served as the prefectural governor, and later as the magistrate of two counties.
It was not easy for Liu Bei to recruit him.
However, the favorable situation now is that although Liu Bei does not know when he took office as the Prefect of Ji Province, he can be sure that it is not now.
After Huangfu Song took office, he originally intended to appoint Liu Bei as either Chief Administrator or Assistant Administrator.
Although he was not appointed as an official later because of Liu Bei's strong will and his willingness to speak out for the people, the current position of Biejia Congshi is not Ju Shou's.
Now that Ju Shou is unemployed at home, it is Liu Bei's only opportunity to recruit him.
Admittedly, this is extremely difficult, after all, Liu Bei himself is currently only a 600-stone agricultural officer, and it is not an official appointment by the court, but rather an appointment by Huangfu Song, the governor of Ji Province.
But it is precisely because of the difficulties that we need the perseverance to visit Zhuge Liang three times.
After a moment's thought, Liu Bei rose from his seat and said to Zhang Fei, "What my third brother says makes sense! To restore the Han Dynasty, I must remain steadfast in my commitment, personally seek out talented individuals, and invite them to serve as my advisors."
"Prepare a visiting card and bring generous gifts, and come with me to Guangping to visit renowned scholars."
Zhang Fei quickly stood up and followed behind Liu Bei, his eyes filled with excitement. He asked, "Brother, you've already chosen someone? Is it a renowned scholar? I also want to go with you and see this scholar's demeanor."
Liu Bei naturally granted all of Princess Feifei's requests.
He immediately ordered his men to prepare visiting cards and generous gifts, and then, together with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, led a few riders south.
Guangping is located south of Xiaquyang, only a few counties away, much closer than the six major agricultural settlements.
As the spring snow began to melt along the way, farmers on both banks of the Zhang River were already driving oxen to plow the fields. In the distance, wisps of smoke rose from the chimneys, creating a peaceful and tranquil scene.
The three rode off, with Zhang Fei being the most excited, constantly asking, "Brother, just who is this Ju Gongyu? How does he compare to Mr. Tian?"
Liu Bei laughed and said, "Yuan Hao is upright and dares to speak frankly and directly; Gongyu is resourceful and skilled in strategizing. Both of them have their strengths and are unparalleled in the nation."
Guan Yu stroked his beard without speaking, but a rare hint of curiosity flashed in his phoenix eyes.
He always had unwavering faith in his elder brother's judgment—a person who could earn such high praise from his elder brother must possess extraordinary qualities.
After entering Guangping County, Liu Bei went straight to the county temple to pay his respects to the county magistrate.
The county magistrate, surnamed Zhao, upon hearing that Liu Bei had arrived, hurriedly straightened his clothes and went out to greet him, bowing and saying, "Commander Liu's name is renowned far and wide. Your presence today is an honor to our humble abode. May I ask what brings you here?"
Liu Bei explained his purpose, and Magistrate Zhao immediately clapped his hands and said, "Lord Ju is a renowned scholar from Guangping. He has great ambitions and is very resourceful, and everyone in the prefecture and county knows him. I will lead the Commandant there now."
This was a joyous occasion, and he immediately ordered someone to invite the three elders to go together.
Before long, several elderly men with white hair arrived upon hearing the news. When they heard that Liu Bei wanted to visit Ju Shou, they were all delighted and rushed to lead the way.
Ju Shou's residence is located in the east of the county town. It has blue bricks and plain tiles, and two old locust trees in front of the gate have strong branches but have not yet sprouted buds.
There were no servants at the door, so the three elders stepped forward and knocked. After a short while, the door creaked open, and an old servant poked his head out.
"Is Mr. Ju here? Liu Xuande from Zhuojun has come to visit." The three elders spoke in loud voices, their tone tinged with a hint of pride.
The old servant was taken aback, seemingly not expecting such a person to visit, and quickly replied respectfully, "Sir is not here; he has gone out to visit a friend."
Liu Bei didn't take it seriously. He had Guan Yu and Zhang Fei put down their visiting cards and gifts, and then instructed his servants, "If you return, tell them that Liu Bei has come to visit."
The magistrate, eager to curry favor with Liu Bei, quickly said, "I will send a county official to wait here. If Mr. Ju returns, I will inform the Commandant immediately."
Liu Bei nodded and said, "Then I thank you, Lady Ju. I will be inspecting the military farms in Guangzong. Once Mr. Ju returns, please be sure to send someone to inform me immediately."
Liu Bei was a kind and generous man, and he would not let the county magistrate work for nothing. He immediately gave her a fine horse and a bolt of Shu brocade.
These were all valuable items, and the magistrate was overjoyed. He immediately agreed and promised to personally oversee the matter.
Guangzong and Guangping are separated by only one county.
When Liu Bei arrived in Guangzong to inspect the military farms, less than five days later, the county magistrate sent a messenger to report that Mr. Ju had already returned from visiting his friend.
He has already dispatched more than ten county officials to guard the surrounding area, so Mr. Ju's whereabouts must be well known.
Upon receiving the letter, Liu Bei smiled. Indeed, money can make the devil turn the millstone.
With such generous gifts paving the way, the county magistrate was even more attentive than Liu Bei himself, so Liu Bei didn't need to make several trips.
So Liu Bei ordered that more generous gifts be prepared and that he be ready to visit.
Zhang Fei's eyes widened, and he said anxiously, "Brother, we already prepared generous gifts last time, worth several hundred gold coins. Are we going to prepare more generous gifts just a few days later? These two visits have already cost us a thousand gold coins. Even if we were rich, we couldn't afford to be so extravagant."
Liu Bei laughed heartily, patted Zhang Fei on the back, and said, "If we can truly persuade Mr. Ju to come out of seclusion, let alone a thousand pieces of gold, even if we spend all of this gold, it will be worth it!"
Upon hearing this, Guan Yu's phoenix eyes snapped open, a glint of light flashing within them; he had already decided against going any further.
He always treated his soldiers well but was arrogant towards the literati. It was not easy for him to visit a scholar with such pride.
Moreover, he has come to visit again with humble words and generous gifts!
Listen to your elder brother's words, and you will not hesitate to spend all your money.
He immediately led out his warhorse, eager to see if the man truly possessed talent and ability.
It should be known that with ten thousand catties of gold, he could train a cavalry force of several hundred men, or even a heavy cavalry force of over a thousand men.
Is there truly someone in this world who possesses both armor and weapons, capable of defeating a thousand iron cavalry?
This time, Liu Bei was already familiar with the place, so he didn't bother the county magistrate again.
He personally knocked on the door of Ju Shou's residence. A moment later, footsteps came from the courtyard, and a middle-aged scholar dressed in a dark black robe and wearing a headscarf came out to greet him. It was Ju Shou himself!
Ju Shou was about thirty years old, with a tall and imposing appearance, dressed in flowing robes and a dignified bearing.
Judging from the commotion and sounds of carriages and horses at the gate, he guessed that Liu Bei had come again. So he remained calm and bowed, saying, "I did not expect that Commander Liu would take time out of his busy schedule to grace my humble abode. I apologize for not being able to welcome you properly."
In the open streets and alleys, a large number of neighbors, women, and children had already gathered nearby to watch the spectacle.
Therefore, Liu Bei humbled himself before his subordinates, showing great respect, and said, "I have long admired your esteemed reputation, sir. I have come here today with great trepidation, and I wish to ask you for your advice on matters concerning the world."
Sure enough, upon hearing Liu Bei's words, those around him began to whisper among themselves.
"Even Liu Bei, a renowned scholar, admires Mr. Ju? Just how great is Mr. Ju?"
"Is it as high as Mount Tai?"
"Mr. Ju lives in this village, and I hadn't noticed anything unusual about him before, just thinking of him as an unassuming scholar. I never imagined he would bear such a reputation! Isn't he famous throughout the land?"
"Someone had previously proposed marriage, wanting to give my daughter to Mr. Ju as a concubine, but I refused. Haven't I missed an opportunity?"
Clearly, given Liu Bei's current reputation as a renowned scholar, this act of humbly deference to a subordinate would greatly enhance Ju Shou's reputation.
However, Liu Bei did not take credit for his achievements. Although he is now highly regarded, he is still far inferior to Yuan Shao.
In the early stages of his life, Yuan Shao treated Ju Shou and Tian Feng with humility and generosity, inviting them to his court several times.
Liu Bei naturally wouldn't have any intention of taking it lightly.
Ju Shou politely returned the greeting, stepped aside to invite Liu Bei, and said, "Commander, you are a renowned scholar throughout the land. Your two visits to my humble abode have been an honor. Please come inside for a chat."
Liu Bei ordered Guan Yu and Zhang Fei to wait in the courtyard, while he followed Ju Shou into the inner hall.
The room was simply furnished, with almost nothing except for a lacquered table, bamboo slips, and a copper lamp.
Ju Shou invited Liu Bei to take a seat. An old servant served two cups of warm tea, and then calmly said, "My humble abode is simple and unpretentious, and I hope the Commandant will not take offense."
His hospitality was composed and neither servile nor arrogant, truly demonstrating remarkable demeanor.
Liu Bei immediately said solemnly, "A mountain is not famous for its height, but for the immortals dwelling there. Water is not sacred for its depth, but for the dragons residing within. As Confucius said, 'Where a virtuous person dwells, how can it be considered lowly?'"
Ju Shou's eyes lit up, and he pondered, "A mountain is not famous for its height, but for the immortals who dwell there. Water is not sacred for its depth, but for the dragons that inhabit it. Commandant, you truly are a man of extraordinary talent."
He truly believed that Liu Bei had come to visit him with sincerity. Otherwise, he wouldn't have uttered such a famous saying.
He then solemnly cupped his hands and asked, "Commander, you have twice visited us with lavish hospitality. I fear you have not come for friendship or fame. What is the deeper meaning behind your visit?"
Liu Bei immediately sat up straight and said, "The Han Dynasty is in decline, and treacherous officials are in power. I, Liu Bei, have overestimated my abilities and wish to uphold righteousness throughout the land, but my wisdom and strategies are limited, and I have yet to achieve anything. Sir, you are a renowned scholar of the realm, with military expertise in your heart. I have visited you twice with sincere intentions to seek your guidance—may I ask you, sir, what strategy should I employ to restore the Han Dynasty and bring peace to the world?"
Upon hearing this, Ju Shou remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking: "I have long heard of the Commandant's reputation for benevolence and righteousness. To gather righteous troops from humble beginnings, defeat the Yellow Turbans, capture Zhang Liang, and slay Zhang Bao—his bravery is unparalleled in the entire army."
"He drew his sword at the Zhang River, sacrificing his life to save over 100,000 surrendered soldiers; this is an act of benevolence and forgiveness."
"He abandoned his military merits to atone for his sins and escorted his beloved teacher a thousand miles to the capital. This is true loyalty and righteousness."
"Loyalty, righteousness, courage, and fierceness—these four qualities perfectly embody the spirit of Xiong Jie."
But then he gently shook his head, sighed, and said, "However, the current court is corrupt, with the Ten Attendants causing chaos within and heroes rebelling without. The sky is about to fall, and no single tree can hold it up. Although the Commandant has the will to restore order, given the current situation, I fear I am powerless. I am merely a leisurely scholar; what virtue or ability do I possess to presume to guide the world for the Commandant?"
Seeing that Liu Bei was about to ask another question, he raised his hand and pointed to the fields outside the window where spring was just beginning to bloom. In a distant tone, he said, "Since you are implementing the policy of military farming, it is enough to have Tian Yuanhao assisting you. Tian Yuanhao is upright, resourceful, and skilled in practical matters. With him around, the military farming will surely proceed steadily. There is no need to give him any additional benefit."
Upon hearing this, Liu Bei knew that recruiting this top strategist would be no easy task.
Ju Shou's attitude was clear: Liu Bei was currently in a lowly position with little power, merely a military commander in charge of agricultural settlements, with only a few counties under his command and a mere few thousand soldiers. With Tian Feng's assistance, he was already more than capable.
Ju Shou, a man of great talent with a mind full of military prowess and ambitions for the world, would be like a thoroughbred horse confined to its stall if confined to this small place. Even if he had the ambition to soar to the clouds, he would have no place to gallop.
Liu Bei was not in a hurry to deal with this, but calmly said: "The scholars of the world all say that the Han Dynasty is about to fall into chaos and that the prefectures and counties are in danger of being slowly sliced to death. Although I am not talented, I have the heart to restore order and support the country. I want to establish a moral order for the world, establish a destiny for the people, and create peace for all generations."
"We are eager to stand with you, sir, through thick and thin, but you refuse to come forward. What will become of the common people?"
Upon hearing Liu Bei's words, Ju Shou dropped his teacup, the warm tea staining his robes without him even noticing!
He stared at Liu Bei in awe, feeling that Liu Bei's words were like a thunderclap, filling him with ambition!
To establish a moral compass for heaven and earth, to secure a destiny for the people, and to usher in an era of peace for all generations!
These are truly earth-shattering words, fully expressing his aspirations.
But if the gentleman does not appear, what will become of the common people? This made him feel ashamed of himself.
Such was Liu Bei's heroic ambition; his heart was filled with the Han dynasty and the people of all corners of the land.
But Ju Shou was like a scheming, petty person who was concerned with the profit of a rotten rat!
He immediately rose from his seat, bowed to Liu Bei, and said, "Commander, you are a descendant of the Han dynasty, renowned for your integrity and loyalty throughout the land. You possess lofty ambitions and noble character, command heroes, and are eager to find worthy men. You aspire to establish the legacy of Emperor Gaozu and save the lives of the people. Although I am dull-witted, I am willing to serve you with utmost loyalty and lend you a helping hand."
Liu Bei quickly helped him up and asked, "Sir, do you have any advice for me?"
Ju Shou straightened up, his tone becoming increasingly magnanimous: "In my opinion, although the Commandant is of low rank and little power at present, his foundation is solid and the people's hearts are with him. Although Ji Province is in ruins, it is a place where heroes can display their talents."
"Now that the Qiang and Hu tribes in Liangzhou are in rebellion, the imperial court has deployed all its elite troops, leaving Hebei vulnerable. This is a golden opportunity for the Commandant!"
"At this time, you can lead your elite troops of a thousand men, with righteous and martial spirit, to quell the bandits and bring peace to the people—whether it be rebellious bandits or the Wuhuan people beyond the Great Wall, you can defeat them one by one."
"With the Captain's bravery and strategy, and the valor of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, defeating the enemy is as easy as taking candy from a bag. With such military achievements, how could the court not reward him with a substantial reward?"
"At that time, the Commandant will no longer be confined to the position of Commandant of Agriculture with a salary of 600 shi, but will become a regional commandery, in charge of a prefecture, or stationed in a state. He will have a legitimate right to accumulate strength and then recruit talents and heroes from all over the world to serve him."
"Then, emulating Emperor Shizu, you can revive the Han dynasty three times, and your hegemony will be achieved!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Bei smiled with delight and said, "This is exactly what I wanted to say. Having you, sir, is like a fish finding water. I will remember your words today and vow to work with you to bring peace to the world!"