In the spring of the third year of Chuping (AD 192), Cao Cao issued an order.
Since ancient times, among the rulers who received the Mandate of Heaven and restored their realms, has there ever been one who did not first obtain worthy and noble women, and govern all under Heaven together with them?
Even if one seeks worthies, if they do not come out into the streets, how could one ever hope to chance upon them?
That a ruler fails to find capable women is, in a sense, only natural.
Since the Rebellion of the Jiazi Year, all under Heaven has been in chaos, and we must urgently seek out worthies to bring peace to the realm.
However, if we appoint only incorrupt scholars by the old methods, by what means could Duke Huan of Qi have become hegemon over all under Heaven?
Therefore, anyone who can aid me, even if their appearance is humble, even if their conduct is not upright—
So long as they have ability, I shall take them all in and use them greatly. Recommend talents by skill alone, so that I may employ them.
***
Xiahou Dun, the recruiting officer who had recited Cao Cao’s enlistment proclamation word for word, spoke to the man before her.
“Did you understand? If not for our lord’s unprecedented grace, someone of unknown origins like you would never have had the slightest chance to set foot in Cao Cao’s army.”
The man nodded blankly.
“That’s a relief. Then am I now under Cao Cao’s command as well?”
“What have you been listening to this whole time? Shut up and take this.”
Xiahou Dun held out a piece of wood.
“What is this?”
“Proof that you belong to Cao Cao’s army. Now go to the barracks on the left and receive your supplies.”
Despite Xiahou Dun’s kind explanation, the man did not even glance at her. He stared into empty air and muttered.
“Oh… I completed an achievement? Let’s see, first time joining Cao Cao’s army… They’re giving me 800 yuanbao? Nice! I can finally do a ten-pull!”
“Achievement? Yuanbao? What in the world are you talking about? More importantly, are you even listening to me?!”
A vein bulged at Xiahou Dun’s temple.
For a moment, murderous intent surged up within her toward the man who had ignored her words, but she endured it with superhuman patience.
Even so, she did not withdraw that terrifying killing intent. Any ordinary man would naturally have screamed and collapsed on the spot, yet this man merely grinned from ear to ear and clenched his fist.
‘He withstood my killing intent? This ordinary-looking man…?’
Sensing that the man before her was no ordinary talent, Xiahou Dun resolved to recommend him directly to her lord, Cao Cao.
“Well then, I’d like to leave Cao Cao’s army soon. Where should I go to say so?”
If only the man had not said that one more thing.