"Mao Jie...?"
Upon hearing this person's name, Liu Hong's expression shifted, and he smiled, looking at Mao Jie with great interest.
Those familiar with the Three Kingdoms period know that Cao Cao's strategic plans of "military colonies for agricultural settlements" and "using the emperor to command the disobedient" originated from this man.
Moreover, this person is an honest and upright official, a rare talent with strategic vision.
At this moment, Liu Hong looked at Mao Jie and began to think about how to make good use of this person.
"This man and Tian Feng are a perfect match..."
Looking at Mao Jie, Liu Hong couldn't help but nod to himself.
Xi Zhicai then bowed to Mao Jie again, looking apologetic, and said:
"I have always dreamed of serving the country and being revered by future generations, just like the sages in the Martyrs' Shrine."
Just now, due to my habitual dissolute behavior, I was careless with my words and offended the esteemed elders. I hope Brother Xiaoxian can forgive me.
"Oh, I see. Come to think of it, I was quite impulsive..."
Seeing Xi Zhicai sincerely apologizing to him, Mao Jie did not doubt what Xi Zhicai said and returned the apology with a bow.
Seeing that the misunderstanding had been cleared up, and recalling how Mao Jie had remained unfazed by the powerful and unyielding demeanor in the face of Jian Shuo and the others, Liu Hong looked at Mao Jie with admiration.
Feeling the scrutinizing gaze from behind, Mao Jie couldn't help but look up and saw Liu Hong smiling at him. His expression changed slightly.
I was so focused on being angry that I didn't notice anything special about Liu Hong when we first met.
But upon closer inspection, the domineering aura that Liu Hong unconsciously exuded made Mao Jie feel a sense of awe.
In addition, Liu Hong's warm smile and wise, profound gaze made people feel as if they were bathed in a spring breeze and were completely impressed.
Thinking back to how Liu Hong had just scolded and reprimanded his servants, he was clearly a person who could distinguish right from wrong.
All of this made Mao Jie realize Liu Hong's extraordinary qualities. In his view, such temperament and demeanor were not something that ordinary noblemen could possess.
Therefore, Mao Jie put aside his previous contempt and bowed to Liu Hong.
"May I ask your honorable name, sir?"
When Mao Jie asked about his name, Liu Hong paused for a moment, realizing that he seemed to have forgotten to give himself a common name before leaving the palace.
"Uh... my name is..."
Just as Liu Hong was at a loss for words, Xi Zhicai quickly chimed in with a laugh:
"My young master's surname is Wang, and he comes from Pei County. As for his given name, due to family rules, I cannot mention it. I hope Brother Xiaoxian will not take offense!"
"Pei County, surnamed Wang?"
Upon hearing what Xi Zhicai said, Mao Jie couldn't help but look at Liu Hong with a puzzled expression. As far as he knew, there didn't seem to be any prominent families with the surname Wang in Pei County, so how could they have produced such an extraordinary person?
Although I had my doubts, since the other party was unwilling to elaborate, it would be impolite to ask further.
In the end, Mao Jie did not raise any questions, and Liu Hong bowed respectfully.
"Oh, so it's Young Master Wang. Please forgive my rudeness earlier!"
Recalling how he had angrily berated Liu Hong and the other man without asking any questions, Mao Jie couldn't help but feel ashamed.
Seeing this, Liu Hong quickly stepped forward and helped Mao Jie up with a smile.
"Ignorance is no excuse. I suppose Brother Xiaoxian is also going to the Martyrs' Shrine to pay his respects? Why don't you join us?"
Mao Jie smiled and nodded, "Since it is the young master who invited me, of course I can accept it!"
"Then please, Brother Xiaoxian!"
"Young Master Wang, please go first!"
As they were talking, Mao Jie turned to the side, offering the prize as a nod. Liu Hong nodded and, without any hesitation, walked straight ahead.
Liu Hong then walked in the middle, with Xi Zhicai and Mao Jie on his left and right sides respectively. Jian Shuo, Wang Yue, Shi A and others followed closely behind, and the group continued walking towards the Martyrs' Shrine.
As they walked, Liu Hong turned to look at Mao Jie beside him and asked:
"Judging from Brother Xiaoxian's appearance, it seems he has come to participate in the assessment?"
"Exactly!"
Liu Hong smiled. "Oh? May I ask which organization recommended you?"
Mao Jie shook his head. "No one recommended me, so I came here on my own!"
Liu Hong nodded, then, a thought struck him, and he said:
"I've heard that the imperial court will only admit five thousand people for this year's examination, but there are tens of thousands of students who have come to Luoyang on their own. Without a recommendation, it will be very difficult to stand out and pass the examination!"
"Young Master Wang is right. Although it is indeed not easy for students like us who have no one to recommend us to pass the assessment and get hired, it is still an opportunity!"
Mao Jie didn't care about the difficulties Liu Hong mentioned. For people like them, having one opportunity was enough. If they failed, it was because they lacked the ability and they couldn't blame others.
Then Liu Hong smiled and said:
"I have observed that Brother Xiaoxian's speech and demeanor are quite extraordinary. Although I am not talented, my words still carry considerable weight in the officialdom of Luoyang."
Why not have me recommend him to the court for direct employment? This would save Brother Xiaoxian the trouble of having to take the examination!
"Thank you for your kind offer, Young Master Wang. While a recommendation would certainly secure me a position, it could also lead to being looked down upon. Only by passing the assessment can I prove myself!"
Mao Jie smiled confidently and declined Liu Hong's offer. He was confident that he could pass even if it were only 500 last year, let alone 5,000.
"Brother Xiaoxian, you are indeed no ordinary person!"
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