Chapter 42

“So, you really came over?”

“That’s right.”

“And Ye Ye and our lord accepted it?”

“That’s why I’m here with you now.”

Yu En and Jang Eok were chatting with me while riding horses. Turns out, they were the same age and quickly became close friends.

“You’re not so different yourself.”

“I’m just a military officer.”

“I’ve decided to become one too.”

“I’m not underestimating you, but are you sure? It’s going to be tough.”

“Tough, indeed. I’ve earned my place as a Yi Province officer. I’ve faced bandits and real battles. I heard another marching officer under the general is from Paju? We’ve roamed the mountains like our backyard, so marching is no big deal.”

“Is Deokshin from the Paser Army?”

“Paju or Paser, it’s all the same Sam-pa.”

Jang Eok was reappointed as a captain, just like Yu En. After the victory at the Tanggeu battle, our military gained more members, and we needed another captain. It worked out well. In the original history, he served under Ma Chong, but now he’s my comrade.

But from Jang Eok’s perspective, moving from Yi Province officer to military captain was a demotion. Yet, he chose to follow me.

Whether he thought long-term benefits were on my side or he was tired of paperwork and wanted to switch to military, I don’t know.

‘I’ll get you a higher position soon.’

I silently vowed.

“General, that village over there. We’re almost there.”

Yu En pointed to a village appearing in the distance.

Our destination this trip. The place where Wang Sha, recommended by Du Jeong, resides. Ganwei County, Zhaozhong County.

“Elder, may I ask you something?”

I stopped an old villager walking by.

“Do you know someone named Wang Sha?”

“Wang Sha… that young man? Of course, I know him. But why do you ask…”

The old man grew wary as he spoke.

“This man is a 3rd-rank Guangwei General. He’s here to see Wang Sha, recommended as a talent. Please don’t worry and tell us.”

Jang Eok stepped in, sensing the old man’s unease. The old man then smiled broadly.

“Ah, I see. This old fool didn’t recognize the noble guests…”

“It’s alright. Could you guide us?”

“Of course. Follow me.”

Following the old man, we soon saw a young man working in the fields. Zhuge Liang also used farming as a pastime, so I had high hopes.

“Is that Wang Sha?”

“Yes, that’s him. Hey, Seungjong! You have visitors!”

“My visitors?”

The young man wiped his sweat and looked our way.

Handsome looks. His physique was decent for a farmer. Maybe not as good as proper warriors, but certainly better than average soldiers.

“Noble guests have come to this humble place.”

The young man brushed off the dirt from his clothes. Unfazed by the unexpected visitors, even with the odd group of two men and one woman.

“You’ve come a long way. Let’s not stand here. Please come to my house. It’s modest, but I can offer you something.”

“Your hospitality is enough.”

He wasn’t surprised when I, the woman, spoke for the group. He already knew who I was.

Wang Sha’s house was ordinary. Compared to the mansions of Chengdu’s wealthy, it was modest but not shabby. Just a typical middle-class home.

“I was just working in the fields and sweaty. May I change my clothes?”

“If it bothers you, go ahead. I’m fine.”

“Then let’s talk as we are. The breeze is nice. Shall we sit there?”

He pointed to a bench in the yard.

“That’s fine.”

It reminded me of hanging out at a friend’s rooftop room, drinking beer in the breeze. Those were simpler times.

I wonder how that friend is doing. A bittersweet memory as I sat facing Wang Sha. The past is covered by new memories, and past failures are turned into future successes.

Gathering my thoughts, I spoke to the two standing.

“You two, sit down. Guests standing make the host uncomfortable, don’t they?”

“Haha, of course. Please, sit comfortably.”

Wang Sha, with a friendly smile, guided Jang Eok and Yu En to sit. Yu En first set aside his cumbersome True Sword and leaned it against the bench before sitting. Jang Eok followed.

“Let me formally introduce myself. I’m Jang Ran, using the name Myeonggyeong.”

“Yu En, courtesy name Hyuyeon.”

“Jang Eok, courtesy name Baekgi.”

As we took turns introducing ourselves, Wang Sha politely clasped his hands and introduced himself. He asked us to speak freely and then posed a question.

“How did Lady Jang Ran come to find this humble man?”

“Is there any other reason to seek talent?”

I didn’t mention Du Jeong’s recommendation. Du Jeong had asked me not to, and I wanted to evaluate Wang Sha as he was.

Wang Sha didn’t seem interested in how I knew of him.

“I worry if I might disturb Lady Jang Ran’s peace.”

“Modesty is good, but I want to hear your honest thoughts now. If you don’t want to answer, that’s fine.”

Welcoming talent is always good, but I won’t force anyone who doesn’t want to join. Unless they’re collaborating with Wei or Wu.

“What do you think is the first thing we need to achieve our great undertaking?”

Wang Sha answered promptly, unlike his earlier modesty.

“The ethnic tribes. To the west, we should stabilize the borders by befriending the Qiang. Collaborate with the Nanman to enrich our resources. To the east, guard Jing Province with Wuling. And ally with the northern tribes like the Xianbei and Xiongnu to oppose Wei.”

His words aligned with Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang’s actual strategies. Unlike Wei and Wu, who sought to subjugate the tribes, this was a different approach. Of course, it wasn’t purely altruistic but due to a lack of strength.

But even here, Zhuge Liang would maintain this stance until Wei was defeated. He was all about efficiency. Overcoming the population shortage was a priority.

Jang Eok followed up with a question.

“How should we make them our people?”

“Hmm… Must we decide how to treat them?”

Wang Sha’s response would make any scholar of the time gasp.

“Accept them as they are. The tribes are different from us, but no one is wrong. Why force them to change to fit us? What makes us so superior?”

“But they are barbarians.”

Yu En spoke with some discomfort. Wang Sha countered.

“The Qiang are better horsemen. The Pa excel in mountain travel. The Di? They’re probably the most knowledgeable about insects and animals.”

“That’s just trivial knowledge, not comparable to the Hundred Schools of Thought.”

“They are people too. They love their families and respect the heavens. They just didn’t record it in writing or scholarship. They already know. It’s us Han who might not understand.”

Wang Sha’s thoughts went beyond assimilation to mutual respect. He took a breath and concluded.

“Don’t try to teach; learn. Don’t seek to receive; give. Sincerely, not as servants but as friends. Who wouldn’t join then?”

Jang Eok, calmly listening, nodded.

“Wang Sha’s words are wise.”

But he added.

“However, your words are too idealistic. If everyone respected each other as you say, no one would long for the times of Yao and Shun. There are two types of people: those who gratefully return kindness and those who take it for granted and demand more. We must approach them sincerely but always have the power to control them.”

“That’s just deceit. It’s not sincere.”

I stepped in between their debate.

“Let’s stop here. Arguing won’t solve this. Both of you have valid points.”

They still seemed reluctant.

“Then let me propose a solution.”

“Do you have a suggestion?”

“Where there’s a will, there should be action.”

Knowledge in the head is dead without action. Action without purpose is meaningless. Words have power but limits; baseless claims are hollow.

So, to prove one’s point, nothing beats putting it into practice.

“Join me, and you’ll naturally interact with the tribes. Sometimes, you might even handle local governance. I’ll give you both opportunities. Prove whose method is right in reality.”

Not just confirming their learning but gaining experience to become even better talents. What a joyous opportunity.

“Of course, given the times, military affairs will dominate, but conflicts with the tribes won’t be frequent. We don’t send expeditions unless they invade first.”

And Wang Sha, like many later talents, had both civil and military qualities. To my eyes, seasoned in martial prowess, Wang Sha’s potential was evident.

A scholar-general like Ma Chong. While he might not reach the level of vanguard generals like Yu En or commanders like Wang Ping and Gu Bu, Wang Sha could still contribute significantly as a military officer.

Moreover, as the Northern Expeditions progress, dealing with the tribes will be inevitable. He’ll be the right man for the job.

‘Is this what it means to have an eye for talent?’

Surrounded by outstanding people, perhaps I’ve naturally developed this ability. Though I don’t recall historical records of Wang Sha, I instinctively know.

He must have left his mark somewhere. That’s why my offer was sincere.

“You answered promptly when I asked how to achieve our great undertaking. You must have thought about this too. How about it? Join me and unfold your noble aspirations?”

With sincerity, not pretense, who wouldn’t join?

Wang Sha, true to his words, accepted my sincerity.

He straightened and respectfully clasped his hands, bowing to me.

“Wang Sha of Zhaozhong County humbly seeks to follow the general’s esteemed name and rise in the world. Will you accept me?”

Rising in the world.

Choosing to step out from seclusion, I will fulfill my duty to guide him through the world’s storms.

“Of course.”