Cao Cao shamelessly flattered:
"Brother Gonglu is the foremost young master of Luoyang, wealthy and renowned. Who in the world doesn't know you? The evaluation fee is 100,000 coins per person, so for the two of us, it's a total of 200,000. That shouldn't be a problem, right?"
Yuan Shu was taken aback by Cao Cao's words. That's it? After all the effort, it's just 100,000 coins per person?
He had been planning to use this month's evaluation to complete his mission of squandering money, but now it seemed he could only spend 200,000 in total—far from his goal.
Feeling somewhat disinterested, he waved his hand at Cao Cao and said:
"That amount is no issue. When is this month's evaluation? I'll be there on time."
Cao Cao noticed Yuan Shu's enthusiasm had suddenly turned into impatience, which struck him as odd.
Could 200,000 coins be too much?
Hmm, even for the direct heir of the Yuan family, parting with such a sum might cause some heartache.
Having benefitted from Yuan Shu, Cao Cao had always treated him with courtesy. He clasped his hands and said:
"This month's evaluation will be held at the Huayuxuan Teahouse in the northern part of the city, starting at dawn in three days. I'll be there waiting for you, Brother Gonglu."
Yuan Shu nodded in acknowledgment, thinking that no wonder Xu Shao had invited Cao Cao—he must have invited a local big shot from the northern part of the city. So even a famous scholar is practical at times.
This scheming Cao Cao was really going all out to rope him in.
The foremost young master of Luoyang? Even Yuan Shu, shameless as he was, couldn't agree with that. The foremost spendthrift of Luoyang sounded more accurate.
Though the amount to squander was a bit too small, even a mosquito is still meat. Fine, 200,000 it is. He'd think of a way to deal with the remaining 800,000.
Three days later, at dawn.
Yuan Shu arrived at the Huayuxuan Teahouse in the northern city, riding his ostentatious carriage as usual.
The teahouse was a stylish little building with three floors. The ground floor was made of stone, while the upper two floors were wooden. The overall appearance was elegant and refined.
At this moment, a variety of carriages were parked outside Huayuxuan. Many young noblemen and high-ranking officials had gathered there.
Even some young scholars, intrigued by the evaluation, were waiting outside.
Cao Cao's entire garrison from the northern Luoyang commandery had been mobilized. Fully armed soldiers in black armor stood guard, maintaining order.
Yuan Shu quickly spotted Cao Cao at the entrance of the teahouse. Today, Cao Cao was dressed in a simple gray outfit, greeting and chatting with the arriving dignitaries.
Noticing Yuan Shu, Cao Cao immediately approached him with enthusiasm, smiling as he said:
"Brother Gonglu, you're right on time. I've been waiting here just for you. Come in quickly; the best private table has already been reserved."
Under Cao Cao's lead, Yuan Shu went up to the second floor and sat at a table by the vermillion railing. The spot offered a prime view of the stage in the center of the teahouse.
Today's evaluation was not an occasion for private rooms. Everyone had come to interact with Xu Shao and observe him closely, making private rooms unsuitable.
Once Yuan Shu and Cao Cao were seated, a server from Huayuxuan served tea. At this point, the people waiting outside began to enter the teahouse one after another.
Yuan Shu enjoyed a taste of VIP treatment. It seemed that Cao Ah-Man, as the local power in the northern city, indeed wielded some special privileges.
While everyone was chatting, Yuan Shu noticed a young Confucian scholar sitting in a corner on the second floor.
The spot was inconspicuous, and most people would easily overlook it.
However, the young scholar was strikingly handsome. Dressed in a blue cloth robe, his skin was fair, and his long hair was tied back, flowing gracefully behind him.
He casually fanned himself with a folding fan, exuding an ethereal and refined demeanor.
He picked up a teacup to sip occasionally, glancing at the bustling crowd in the teahouse with a calm and composed air.
A person with such bearing was unlikely to be an ordinary individual.
Yuan Shu quietly asked the system, "System, check this person's attributes!"
"Ding! Querying... Query successful!"
"Talent Name: Xi Zhong (Note 1)
Xi Zhong's Attributes: Force: 32, Leadership: 79, Intelligence: 98, Politics: 95, Charm: 72, Luck: 51.
Xi Zhong's Skills: First Assistant (Awakened): If Xi Zhong is the first strategist to assist his lord, his intelligence increases by 3 points, luck by 10 points, and loyalty locks at 100 points.
Insight (Awakened): Anticipates enemy strategies and perceives worldly affairs. Can nullify enemy strategists' skills; each activation reduces the intelligence of an enemy strategist by 1 to 5 points (dependent on their strength)."
This revelation astonished Yuan Shu. This young scholar was Xi Zhong, also known as Xi Zhicai?
Wasn't he Cao Cao's chief strategist during his early rise?
With such dazzling attributes and skills, it wasn't just Cao Ah-Man who would value him—Yuan Shu found him highly desirable too.
Especially since Yuan Shu currently lacked any strategists under his command. The First Assistant skill would be perfect for him without going to waste.
Yuan Shu thought to himself: With these attributes, Xi Zhicai was undoubtedly a top-tier strategist of the Three Kingdoms era. Such strategists were often highly individualistic and would only serve a lord they truly respected.
To earn Xi Zhicai's recognition, he would need to put in considerable effort.
At that moment, Xi Zhicai seemed to sense Yuan Shu's gaze. He smiled faintly at him, his eyes radiating a wisdom that seemed to see through human nature.
"Gonglu?" Cao Cao noticed Yuan Shu staring blankly and asked tentatively.
"Ah, Mengde, what is it?" Yuan Shu snapped out of his thoughts and responded.
Cao Cao said to Yuan Shu, "The monthly critique is about to begin. I noticed you seemed lost in thought, so I asked."
Yuan Shu thought to himself, "I was just pondering how to poach your top strategist. If you knew, you'd probably beat me with a colorful punishment stick."
He smiled at Cao Cao and said, "I was just curious about all the scholars here."
Cao Cao smirked disdainfully, saying, "These young scholars are eager for fame. A good reputation can make success much easier, so they idolize Xu Shao.
Most of them lack true talent or learning and are just fame-seeking opportunists."
Yuan Shu glanced around at the noisy young scholars downstairs and nodded in agreement. Cao Mengde had keen judgment, but Xi Zhicai clearly didn't belong in this category.
"Everyone, please settle down. The monthly critique is officially beginning!" An elderly man stepped onto the stage and addressed the crowd. Judging by his demeanor, he seemed to be Xu Shao's steward.
As his voice fell, the surroundings grew quiet.
A man in a dark gray cloth robe stepped forward. He had a medium build, a slightly sallow complexion, and a few long whiskers. His demeanor was scholarly and refined—this must be the esteemed Xu Shao.
Xu Shao began, "I thank you all for attending this monthly critique.
As per tradition, those who wish to participate in the talent evaluation can register in the inner hall. We will proceed in order of registration.
Registration starts now and will close after ten participants."
Yuan Shu turned to Yuan An beside him and said, "Go to the inner hall, pay the twenty thousand coins, and register both mine and Mengde's names."
"Yes, young master," Yuan An nodded quickly and headed downstairs to pay the fee.