Chapter 80: Unfit for a Sovereign

For several consecutive days, Jia Xu’s residence was abuzz with unending visitors.

Ju Shou, Shen Pei, Guo Tu, and others came calling one after another. Even Tian Feng, typically reclusive, personally paid him a visit.

These individuals represented not only themselves but also the influential families and factions behind them. As a newcomer to Yecheng, Jia Xu had no established connections yet posed little threat to existing interests. However, his prominence caught Yuan Shao’s attention, making him a sought-after talent by all parties.

At the Jia Residence:

After seeing off Feng Ji, who had come to pay respects, Jia Xu returned to his study and took a sip of tea to soothe his parched throat.

“This is already the eighth batch of visitors today.”

Jia Xu sighed deeply, instinctively rubbing his temples.

Over these few days, various factions under Yuan Shao had been eager to extend goodwill, nearly wearing out the threshold of his home.

While adept at navigating social dynamics, Jia Xu didn’t necessarily enjoy it. The constant exchange of pleasantries and formalities grew tiresome and monotonous.

“Well, such is expected upon arrival here.”

“It should settle down soon enough.”

Jia Xu shook his head, suppressing his slight discontent.

However, these days weren’t entirely fruitless. Apart from receiving lavish gifts from various factions, he had gradually unraveled the intricate web of relationships and power structures within Yuan Shao’s command.

This knowledge would greatly aid his pursuit of a peaceful life in the future.

With this thought, Jia Xu felt considerably more content. He leaned back against his pearwood chair, contemplating his next steps.

On the wall behind him hung a calligraphy piece inscribed with a large, forceful character: “Stability” (穩), penned by his own hand.

“But why haven’t I seen that Guo Jia around lately?” Suddenly, Jia Xu recalled the young man he had met briefly at the banquet in the Yuan Manor.

In recent days, he had managed to ascertain the individual’s identity. Named Guo Jia, courtesy name Fengxiao, he hailed from a branch of the once-prominent Guo Clan in Yingchuan, now long diminished—essentially considered of humble origins. Despite serving under Yuan Shao for several years, he hadn’t received much recognition.

Furthermore, Guo Jia hadn’t visited Jia Xu during these past few days either.

Although they hadn’t interacted directly, Jia Xu’s intuition told him that this young man was no ordinary talent.

If given the chance, it might be worthwhile to establish connections with him.

As Jia Xu pondered this, his steward suddenly entered the study and reported, “Sir, the second young master of the Yuan family has arrived for a visit.”

“Hm?”

Jia Xu paused mid-sip, lifting his gaze and raising an eyebrow as he asked, “Do you mean the Great General’s second son, Young Master Yuan Xi?”

“Indeed.”

Jia Xu slightly furrowed his brow, contemplating briefly before setting down his teacup. He instructed, “Please receive him in the main hall; I will join shortly.”

“Yes, sir.” The steward acknowledged and withdrew.

Remaining unhurried, Jia Xu finished his tea, waited for a moment, and then proceeded to the main hall.

By now, Yuan Xi had been waiting patiently inside. Upon seeing Jia Xu approach, he hastily rose and bowed respectfully, saying, “Yuan Xi greets the esteemed scholar!”

He paid Jia Xu the deference due to an elder.

Jia Xu raised an eyebrow but did not shy away, accepting the gesture gracefully. With a smile, he replied, “There’s no need for such formality, Second Prince. Please, have a seat.”

After both took their seats, Jia Xu said, “I was just resting earlier, unaware of your visit, which made you wait quite some time, my apologies.”

“Not at all, Sir,” Yuan Xi responded promptly, shaking his head. “It is I who am imposing upon you.”

Yuan Xi shook his head and earnestly replied, “Father often teaches me to respect the wise and our elders. No matter how long I must wait for someone like you, Sir, it is entirely appropriate. How could I harbor any resentment?”

His demeanor displayed utmost humility.

A smile spread across Jia Xu’s round face as he asked, “I wonder what brings Second Prince here today?”

He had no interest in prolonging this conversation with Yuan Xi. As the second son of the esteemed Yuan family, adopting such a deferential stance clearly indicated his intent to seek assistance. Thus, it was best to address the matter directly and decide whether to accept or decline based on the situation.

After a moment of hesitation, Yuan Xi said, “Currently, my father has entrusted Third Brother and me with overseeing military affairs, administration, and logistics. However, due to my limited knowledge and experience, I fear I am truly inadequate.”

“Sir, your reputation resounds like thunder. I do not expect detailed strategies from you but merely hope for occasional guidance.”

“In that case, Yuan Xi would be eternally grateful!” As he spoke, Yuan Xi produced a list of gifts from his robes and placed it gently on the table with both hands.

“A modest offering, humbly seeking your acceptance, Sir.”

The presence of Guo Jia assisting Yuan Shang deeply concerned Yuan Xi. After Xu You’s enlightening words, he realized that without finding his own capable aide, he stood little chance against his third brother.

Jia Xu was his chosen target.

Despite sensing Yuan Xi’s sincere and fervent gaze, Jia Xu remained unperturbed, though he did feel surprised when scanning the gift list.

“Second Prince, this is hardly modest.”

Yuan Xi merely smiled and replied, “If I could secure your assistance, Sir, these gifts pale in comparison.”

However, Jia Xu shook his head, pushing the gift list back across the table. “Second Prince, I cannot accept such presents. The Great General assigned you both responsibilities to assess your capabilities. How can I overstep my bounds by aiding you? Please take back this offering, Second Prince.”

As a seasoned strategist, upon hearing Yuan Xi’s words, Jia Xu immediately understood Yuan Shao’s intentions. He had no desire to involve himself in the power struggle between potential heirs.

Yuan Xi grew anxious at Jia Xu’s response and stood up hastily. “Sir,” he pleaded, “Father never explicitly forbade us from seeking external help. My third brother has enlisted the advisor Guo Jia, which gives him the upper hand.”

“I’ve run out of options; please assist me, sir!”

Yuan Xi was genuinely desperate, unable to find anyone else for help.

Jia Xu seemed like his last lifeline.

“You mean… Guo Jia, also known as Fengxiao?” Jia Xu’s eyes lifted at the mention of this name.

It was indeed that young strategist.

Yuan Xi nodded fervently. “Yes, exactly him! Although he lacks fame, his abilities are exceptional!”

“Last time, when I planned to forge an alliance through marriage with the Zhen family, it was Guo Jia who advised Yuan Shang and orchestrated its sabotage, causing great harm to me!” Yuan Xi gritted his teeth, recounting the incident bitterly.

As Jia Xu listened, his interest grew significantly.

This Guo Jia sounded intriguing.

However, he still did not commit to helping Yuan Xi, instead saying, “Allow me some time to consider it. Please take back your gift, Second Prince.”

“No, no, no! Once a gift is given, there’s no reason to take it back. You must accept this, sir!” Yuan Xi exclaimed joyfully. Despite Jia Xu neither agreeing nor declining outright, it was enough to give him hope!

As for the gift, Yuan Xi had no intention of taking it back. Winning Jia Xu’s favor was reward enough.

“Then, Sir, I shall take my leave now. Please forgive any inconvenience today.” Yuan Xi bowed respectfully once more before departing.

Jia Xu watched Yuan Xi depart, his thoughts already drifting away.

He smacked his lips and muttered, “Yuan Shao has grand ambitions but lacks strategy, not fit to be a ruler. Now let’s see if the Emperor is worthy of assistance.”

During their days-long discussions, Jia Xu closely observed Yuan Shao and met with several strategists under his command. Additionally, he gleaned some insights into the sibling rivalry from Yuan Xi’s visit.

Jia Xu no longer entertained the idea of aiding Yuan Shao if the Emperor proved unworthy, having concluded that Yuan Shao could not secure the empire.

His impression of Yuan Benchu now starkly contrasted with the man who led the campaign against Dong Zhuo—it felt like dealing with two different individuals.

“If the Emperor proves unsuitable, then perhaps it’s time to move on.”

Jia Xu leisurely strolled towards the rear courtyard. While he enjoyed wealth and prosperity, he valued his life above all else.