Chapter 3: The Purpose of the Recruitment Hall

Wei Yan quickly got up and stood beside Liu Bei

Liu Bei felt a wave of bitterness in his heart upon hearing these words

Such an important official position is prefixed with the words "provisions"... This is quite peculiar, isn't it

Without rice, a steamed bun would be excellent as well

Bowing respectfully, I expressed my gratitude for the lord's invitation, and then took my place directly opposite Liu Bei, in the very spot where Zhang Xi had just knelt. I sat upright in a kneeling position, attentively listening to my lord's "instruction"

If at the beginning Liu Bei still had some expectations for the Recruitment Hall, nowadays, the greatest function of this hall is probably just to serve as a means for Wei Yan to temper his temperament

The fact is that Zhang Xi truly received the official position of "Grain and Supplies Registrar" from Liu Bei

The issue lies in Wei Yan's character, and Liu Bei actually had no good solutions.

Liu Bei was aware of Wei Yan's thoughts, as he was the commander of his troops and had followed him for many years. Therefore, he spoke to explain, "Regarding the matter just now, I know you do not favor that gentleman, but did you not also manage to restrain your temper and refrain from speaking hurtfully as you have in the past? This is your progress. However, since that person took the initiative to come, you should not show any signs of neglect, lest you hurt the feelings of the scholars."

However, if one wishes to cultivate Wei Yan into a capable general, or even to stand alone... this character will inevitably lead to significant losses sooner or later

As the leader of a faction and a trusted confidant of my lord, how could I possibly be unaware of what my lord intends to do now

As the leader of Liu Bei's troops, he preferred to stay by his lord's side rather than serve as the head of a talent recruitment hall here

Upon hearing this, the man from the Han dynasty immediately displayed an expression of disdain without any concealment, saying, "Just now, the person at the door pretended to be indifferent, yet that individual wore a flattering smile, is he not a sycophant? When the lord spoke with him about the art of numbers, he spoke in a pompous manner, as if afraid others would not know how many books he had read, is that not a pretense? The skills he claims to possess are unheard of, making it impossible to verify; how can we know he is not like the previous few, lying to deceive the lord just to earn a few coins? When the lord spoke with him about the art of numbers, he spoke in a pompous manner, as if afraid others would not know how many books he had read, is that not a pretense? The skills he claims to possess are unheard of, making it impossible to verify; how can we know he is not like the previous few, lying to deceive the lord just to earn a few coins?"

The Chief Clerk was a significant position during the late Eastern Han Dynasty, typically held by a trusted confidant of the chief official, akin to a secretary-general. The Chief Clerk was responsible for managing the reception and farewell of the chief official as well as handling all documentation tasks.

However, Liu Bei earnestly addressed the Han, saying, "Wenchang, it has been a few days since we last met, and you have indeed made progress. It seems that having you oversee this Talent Recruitment Hall is not a mistake after all! Yet, your knowledge is still shallow; the art of numerology is indeed a profound subject. I have heard my teacher say that among the great scholars of our time, only Zheng Xuan has a slight understanding of this art. If Mr. Zhang could possess even a fraction of that talent, it would be an honor for me. Furthermore, even if he is not well-versed in this field, judging by his words and observing his actions, he is still a person who has read poetry and books, a quartermaster of provisions, and he is certainly deserving of our respect!"

Liu Bei merely smiled and did not respond, but continued, "I am aware of your talents, which is why I appointed you to oversee this talent recruitment hall. Firstly, it allows you some time to read and gain wisdom; secondly, it is also to enable you to interact more with scholars and become accustomed to socializing with literati. Although your demeanor remains somewhat reckless, your words and actions have begun to exhibit a touch of scholarly elegance. In the future, when you interact with scholars, you will not find it difficult to engage in conversation, will you"

Without an army, there is no army; without territory and resources, there is no territory. What can attract truly talented individuals to pledge their allegiance

"It is true that you have a straightforward personality, and you do not enjoy reading or socializing with others," Liu Bei said, looking sternly at Wei Yan. "If you only wish to be a subordinate for your entire life, then that is one thing. However, with your abilities, remaining by my side as a guard would be a waste of your talents!"

However, Liu Bei was quite generous; before leaving, he gave Zhang Xi twenty guan of money, saying it was for Zhang Xi's "settling down expenses"... At least he wouldn't have to worry about not having millet to eat in half a month

Truly talented individuals would likely not come to a recruitment hall; they would have long since recommended themselves at their own residences

The burly man at the door asked Liu Bei with a face full of anger and confusion

Regarding Liu Bei, Wei Yan held a hundred respects. Whatever Liu Bei said, even if he internally disagreed a hundred times, he would still listen and act accordingly

Liu Bei looked up at the Han and slightly shook his head, smiling as he asked, "Wenchang, what brings you to say this?"

Within the Recruitment Hall ... ...

The man from the Han still wore an unhappy expression, but this time it was not due to Liu Bei appointing Zhang Xi to an official position. Instead, he spoke with a hint of annoyance, saying, "My lord, it is not that I am complaining, but you have asked me to guard this Recruitment Hall, claiming that it would be beneficial for me to engage more with scholars... Forgive my rudeness, but I still believe that training daily with my comrades in the army is far superior to sitting here and facing these pretentious scholars a hundred times over."

These four individuals each managed their own areas: Jian Yong was responsible for foreign affairs, Mi Zhu handled the economy, and Yi Ji took charge of internal affairs. Later, Sun Qian took over Jian Yong's position, also as a talent in foreign affairs

"My lord, this humble one..." Wei Yan scratched his head and said somewhat naively, "Since I pledged my loyalty to you, I have relied on my martial skills and my knowledge of books. It is by your grace that I have been allowed to stay by your side to protect you comprehensively... Where does my lord see any talent in me?!"

This character can serve as a subordinate without any issue, as long as all actions are acceptable to Liu Bei, the lord, there will be no problems at all

It can be said that Liu Bei had many chief clerks by his side, but he assigned Zhang Xi to manage the grain and provisions. This is different from the modern concept of a deputy managing a specific area, as it reflects a detailed division of responsibilities within the position of chief clerk

Without officially assuming office, Zhang Xi was truly unable to discern Liu Bei's intentions, nor did he understand the scope of his responsibilities; everything could only become clear once he took office.

The esteemed Governor of Yuzhou, the Marquis of Yicheng, and the Left General, has fallen to the point of having to rely on the hospitality of Liu Biao, the Governor of Jingzhou, as a guest general. Even the small county of Xinye was lent to him by Liu Biao to help him withstand the pressure from Cao Cao in the north

The proud can stand shoulder to shoulder with Yun Chang, and the straightforward can be compared to Yi De

Liu Bei is very clear about Wei Yan's character

Whether the Recruitment Hall has truly attracted talented individuals is of no importance to me Liu Bei slowly rose and said softly to Wei Yan, who was standing nearby This is originally a task assigned to you, and you must take it seriously from now on There must be no further negligence, regardless of whether one is talented or not, everyone should be treated with kindness

What is even more fantastical is the official position of "Grain and Supplies Registrar" itself

From sitting down to standing up to take leave, the entire process took only fifteen minutes

Liu Bei looked at the increasingly furious man and couldn't help but burst into laughter

It is not impossible, after all, Liu Bei had three left generals, namely Jian Yong, Mi Zhu, and Yi Ji, and in the future, there will be an addition of Sun Qian, making a total of four individuals

However ... ? ... `` Grain Supply Ledger '', isn't this a bit too casual ? !

It seems that I am not the only one who did not understand, as seen on https://www.hetushu.com. This makes me feel a bit better.

Wei Yan quickly lowered his head and said, "Yes!"

You could explain it to him in detail, but he might not fully understand it himself; it would be more effective to give him a direct order instead

The facts are indeed as Wei Yan stated; the Recruitment Hall has been open for more than two years, yet not a single decent talent has been recruited. Most are merely here to take advantage of free food and drink, and occasionally there are a few who genuinely seek to ally with us, but their abilities are also lacking

Taking advantage of having a bit of money on hand, Zhang Xi plans to improve his meals

Without delving into distant matters, Yuan Shao's chief scribe was named Chen Lin, who, in a single piece of memorial, managed to scold Cao Cao's headache into submission

Look at you, do you still say there are no benefits?! Liu Bei, still smiling, said to Wei Yan, "A year ago, when did you ever speak to me in such terms?! When did you possess such insight to evaluate people?!"

Under the jurisdiction of the county magistrate, the chief clerk and the deputy officer are also responsible for maintaining public order and discipline. When the county magistrate is on an official tour, they are tasked with overseeing the county office, effectively serving as the second-in-command of the county

No!

"Wenchang, come here!" Liu Bei made up his mind and called for Wei Yan

Although he truly does not believe that he can engage in conversation with a group of pedantic scholars

Certainly, my lord! Wei Yan could not help but interject, saying, "My lord, you have established this academy for talents for over two years, yet those who come and go are all mediocre individuals. Some even come merely to earn a few coins, not genuinely seeking to ally with you. Why bother being polite with such people?"

According to Zhang Xi's concept of an interview, a fifteen-minute interview signifies that the interview has already failed, and when they say "we will get back to you," it is merely a consolation.

Although it is said that the official positions during the late Eastern Han Dynasty, especially at the middle and lower levels, underwent significant changes, Liu Bei was particularly fond of creating original titles for officials. For instance, the title "Military Strategist Zhonglangjiang" held by Zhuge Liang was an original creation of Liu Bei

It is truly fantastical

My lord, why do you still grant an official position to such sycophants who feign sophistication and are utterly unlearned?

Just as he was about to say something more, Liu Bei gestured to stop Wei Yan and said, "Wenchang, the snow has just stopped today, the weather is cold, and there are no urgent matters in the army. You should sit down and accompany me for a couple of drinks."

This official position ... . ... Zhang Xi finds it strange no matter how he thinks about it

Ke Yunchang is proud above and does not insult below, while Yide's straightforwardness reveals a hint of shrewdness... By the time it comes to Wei Yan, only the two traits of pride and straightforwardness remain.

Wei Yan immediately became anxious

Speaking of this corn... To be honest, the taste is really quite ordinary. Eating it occasionally for a change is fine, but after having corn every day for the past month and a half since arriving here, Zhang Xi is now really longing for rice.

Liu Bei nodded in satisfaction and continued, "In that case, tomorrow you shall personally go to the inn and invite Mr. Zhang to take up a position in the army... Remember, he must be treated with respect."

Upon hearing this, Wei Yan immediately realized that there was no hope for this matter

The interview went very smoothly... or rather, it went more smoothly than Zhang Xi had anticipated

Wei Yan remained silent.

First, they returned to the inn to call for their little companion, Qi Bao. The master and servant then descended the stairs, preparing to find a tavern for a good meal. Meanwhile, Zhang Xi also wanted to take this opportunity to address the trust issues that had arisen with Qi Bao since their arrival in this world.

Liu Bei understood all these principles, yet he remained unwilling to accept his fate. The desire to restore the Han dynasty lingered in his heart, refusing to be forgotten. Thus, even though he knew the chances were slim, he still established the talent recruitment hall. However, Liu Bei did not hold out much hope that he would find truly capable individuals there

But who can be blamed for this