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Cheng Yu sat across from Xun Yu in the residence, discussing the state of the world with sharp words and profound insights. Suddenly, Cheng Yu paused, his expression serious as he said to Xun Yu, "Xun Yu, I have some humble opinions that I dare not claim as your recommendation. However, there is a remarkable talent from your region, named Guo Jia, who is exceptionally intelligent and deeply knowledgeable about worldly affairs. If this person could serve the Lord, he would surely help establish a great enterprise."
Xun Yu was taken aback by these words and immediately slammed his hand on the table, exclaiming, "What you say is absolutely correct! Guo Jia is indeed a remarkable figure of our time; I nearly forgot about him!" He hurriedly went to see Cao Cao that very night to present Guo Jia's talents.
Upon hearing this, Cao Cao's spirit was instantly lifted. He declared loudly, "Since we have such a person, we must send someone to recruit him immediately and earnestly invite him to Yan Province!"
Before long, Guo Jia received Cao Cao's invitation and gladly accepted. Upon arriving in Yan Province, he engaged in candlelit discussions with Cao Cao, exchanging brilliant words. Cao Cao was so impressed that he exclaimed, "Guo Jia is truly a rare talent in this world!"
Guo Jia smiled slightly and humbly replied, "My Lord overpraises me; I am but an ordinary person. However, if you wish to achieve great things, you still need to gather more talented individuals. In Huainan, there is a man named Liu Ye, a direct descendant of Emperor Guangwu. He possesses extraordinary talents and could be a great asset to the nation."
Cao Cao was delighted upon hearing this and immediately sent someone with generous gifts to Huainan to bring Liu Ye to Yan Province. Liu Ye indeed had an extraordinary demeanor, and Cao Cao greatly admired him, personally hosting a banquet in his honor. During the feast, Liu Ye respectfully spoke up, "My Lord, I have heard of a man from Changyi in Shanyang named Man Chong, who is known for his loyalty and wisdom; there is also Lu Qian from Wucheng, who is cautious and resolute. Both are pillars of society; if you can acquire them, it would certainly enhance your strength."
Cao Cao laughed and said, "I have long heard of these two names; starting today, I will send people to recruit them."
Soon after, both Man Chong and Lu Qian arrived in Yan Province. Cao Cao personally met with them and held them in high regard. Grateful for Cao Cao's recognition of their talents, they jointly recommended another individual: "My Lord, there is a scholar named Mao Jie from Pingqiu in Chenliu. He has exemplary character and is highly esteemed by scholars; he would surely be a good minister for the court."
Cao Cao immediately ordered someone to bring Mao Jie over so they could discuss matters together. He felt that acquiring such people was like gaining treasures. Mao Jie was touched by Cao Cao's respect for talented individuals and expressed his willingness to serve.
While Cao Cao was actively recruiting talented scholars one day, someone reported: "There is a general outside leading hundreds of troops who wishes to come and pledge allegiance."
Cao Cao personally went out to welcome him. The man was tall and imposing with a commanding presence; his demeanor exuded an extraordinary air. He introduced himself: "I am Yu Jin from Juping in Taishan. Hearing that the Lord is recruiting talents, I have come to offer my service!"
Cao Cao examined Yu Jin closely and saw that he was skilled with both bow and horse; his gaze was sharp and bright. Overjoyed in his heart, he immediately appointed him as the Chief Military Officer to lead the troops. With emotion, Cao Cao said to everyone present: "Today I have gained so many talented individuals; how can I worry about not achieving great things?"
One day, Cao Cao was in his study organizing military affairs when a guard came to report, "Xiahou Dun requests an audience with a strong man." Cao Cao set down the bamboo slips in his hand and looked up, saying, "Let him in!"
Xiahou Dun strode in, followed by a burly man. The man was tall and robust, with a resolute face and piercing eyes, his appearance marked by the hardships of life. Cao Cao's gaze swept over him, and he couldn't help but take an interest, asking, "Xiahou Dun, who is this person?"
Xiahou Dun clasped his hands in salute and replied, "My Lord, this man is Dian Wei. His surname is Dian and his given name is Wei; he is exceptionally brave. He once served under Zhang Miao but fled into the mountains after killing dozens of men due to discord with his comrades. Recently, while I was out hunting, I saw him chasing deer on foot and leaping across ravines, so I took him under my wing and have come to introduce him to you."
Cao Cao looked at Dian Wei with great interest and smiled, "Indeed, he has an extraordinary appearance; he must possess remarkable abilities. Xiahou Dun, what other deeds has this man accomplished?"
Xiahou Dun continued, "He once avenged a friend by charging alone into the enemy's bustling market, emerging with the head of his foe while hundreds dared not stop him. His weapons are two iron halberds, each weighing forty pounds, which he wields effortlessly from horseback with tremendous might."
Cao Cao laughed heartily, filled with admiration. "If that's the case, let him demonstrate his skills before us!"
Dian Wei cupped his fists in acknowledgment and stepped into the arena. He drew two iron halberds from his horse and began to twirl them; the sound of the wind whistled around him as if a dragon were soaring through the air, mesmerizing everyone present. Then he mounted his horse again, brandishing the halberds as he galloped forward like thunder, his posture agile and commanding instant respect from the crowd.
Just as everyone was marveling at his prowess, a sudden gust of wind arose that nearly toppled the large flag in front of the tent. Several soldiers rushed forward to support it, but the flagpole swayed dangerously and could not be stabilized. Seeing this, Dian Wei shouted, "Stand back!" He leaped off his horse and took a step toward the flagpole, gripping it firmly with one hand as he stood resolutely against the wind. Despite the howling gusts that made the banner dance wildly, Dian Wei remained as steady as a rock, leaving everyone dumbfounded.
Cao Cao laughed loudly, full of praise. "This man is comparable to the ancient warrior E Lai!" He then removed his brocade robe and ordered someone to bring forth a fine horse with a saddle to personally reward Dian Wei on the spot by appointing him as Commandant before him.
Dian Wei knelt down in gratitude, his voice booming like thunder. "I am willing to serve you with utmost loyalty until death!"
Cao Cao took Dian Wei into the tent and turned to address the assembled generals. "Today I have gained this fierce general; who dares defy me?" The crowd erupted in cheers, boosting morale throughout the camp.
Later, Cao Cao sat in the Yan Province Office and unfolded a sealed letter with a furrowed brow. The letter contained news about his father, Cao Song. Since the turmoil in Chen Liu began, Cao Song had hidden away in Langya to avoid danger and had been out of contact for some time. Now that order had been established in Yan Province, thinking of his family made Cao Cao resolve to bring his father to Yan Province for a safe settlement.
"Summon Ying Shao!" Cao Cao commanded in a low voice.
Before long, Governor Ying Shao arrived at the residence and bowed to Cao Cao. Without delay, Cao Cao got straight to the point, his tone serious: "My father, Cao Song, is living in seclusion at Langya and facing hardships. I hereby appoint you to go to Langya Commandery, deliver a letter to my father, and invite him and his family to settle in Yan Province. This matter is of great importance and must not be taken lightly."
Ying Shao cupped his hands in acknowledgment and set off immediately. Soon after, Cao Song received the letter in Langya. Seeing his son’s earnest invitation, he couldn't help but weep for joy. He discussed with his brother, Cao De: "Now that Yan Province is stable and Mengde wishes to honor his father, we should not disappoint him." They quickly prepared to depart, bringing along over forty family members and more than a hundred attendants and vehicles, setting off grandly towards Yan Province.
As this procession reached the borders of Xuzhou, the news reached Xu Province Governor Tao Qian. Tao Qian had long admired Cao Cao and wished to form a connection but had found no opportunity. Upon learning that Cao Song was passing through, he sprang to action, ordering horses to be prepared and personally going out to greet them.
When Cao Song's convoy arrived, Tao Qian was already waiting by the roadside. Upon seeing Cao Song, he dismounted and bowed deeply with both hands in respect, saying with admiration: "Lord Cao is a noble man; it is truly a stroke of fortune to meet you today!" Seeing Tao Qian's humility, Cao Song hurriedly helped him up in return. The two exchanged pleasantries and found much common ground in their conversation.
Tao Qian laughed heartily: "I have long heard of Cao Mengde's great ambitions and military prowess. To see Lord Cao today is indeed serendipitous!" He then invited Cao Song into the city for a banquet.
In Xuzhou City, Tao Qian treated Cao Song's family with utmost courtesy, hosting a lavish feast filled with fine food and drink. They laughed and chatted amiably, creating a warm atmosphere. Grateful for the hospitality, Cao Song praised Tao Qian: "Tao Taishou truly lives up to his reputation; your generosity and virtue are exemplary of a local leader."
Two days later, as Cao Song prepared to set off for Yan Province, Tao Qian personally escorted him outside the city gates. Reluctantly bidding farewell, he said to Cao Song: "You are Mengde's father; I treat you as an esteemed guest. To ensure your safe journey, I have specially dispatched Commandant Zhang Kai with five hundred Elite Troops to escort you and ensure your family's safe arrival in Yan Province."
Cao Song was deeply moved and repeatedly thanked him: "I am truly grateful for your kindness, Governor; I will remember this in my heart." With that, the convoy continued its journey towards Yan Province under Zhang Kai's protection.
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