Chapter 83: Guo Jia vs. Jia Xu

Following Yuan Shang’s instructions, early the next morning, Guo Jia set out by carriage to visit Jia Xu, eager to meet this renowned scholar.

Upon reaching Jia Xu’s residence, Guo Jia handed his calling card to the gatekeeper. “I am Chief Clerk Guo Jia, here to call upon the Grand Commandant.”

“Chief Clerk?”

The gatekeeper, a somewhat stern-looking middle-aged man, immediately displayed contempt upon hearing Guo Jia’s title and tossed the calling card back. “Apologies, but my master is not receiving visitors today.”

In recent days, only high-profile individuals had come calling—either holding significant positions or hailing from prestigious families. For a mere Chief Clerk to dare approach without even offering any gratuity and expect him to announce the visit? Dream on!

Guo Jia frowned as he looked at the returned calling card, feeling rather vexed. He had come today solely under his own name, without invoking Yuan Shang’s authority. It was no surprise that a humble Chief Clerk visiting the Grand Commandant would be met with disdain by the gatekeeper.

“As expected, it’s easier to face the king than appease his minions.” Guo Jia shook his head when suddenly, a voice called out:

“Secretary Guo?” The tone carried a hint of surprise.

Guo Jia turned and saw Jia Xu approaching—an imposing figure with a neatly trimmed beard—his gaze filled with curiosity.

Guo Jia promptly bowed in greeting. “Greetings, Grand Commandant.”

Jia Xu was about to leave for another advisor’s residence when he unexpectedly encountered Guo Jia at his gate. Surprised yet delighted, he had been waiting for this young man’s visit. Among all the advisors, aside from Xu You who was close friends with Yuan Shao, only Guo Jia hadn’t called upon him yet.

Smiling warmly, Jia Xu stepped forward. “No need for such formalities, Secretary Guo. Why stand outside? Please come in and take a seat.”

Guo Jia grinned. “I was just about to call on you, but the gatekeeper said the Grand Commandant isn’t receiving visitors today, so I planned to return another day.”

“Oh?”

Jia Xu narrowed his eyes, directing them towards the pale-faced, trembling gatekeeper nearby. Without a word, he swiftly slapped him hard!

Despite being a scholar, Jia Xu possessed considerable strength, leaving the gatekeeper’s face visibly swollen from the strike.

“How dare you presume to make decisions for me, you blind fool?” Jia Xu’s expression brimmed with anger, his voice chillingly stern.

Jia Xu always believed in avoiding unnecessary grudges and maintaining good relations with all sides. Yet this gatekeeper had presumptuously turned away his guests at the door! Even if he was appointed by Yuan Shao, arrangements must be made to replace him.

“Spare me, sir! Spare me!” The gatekeeper banged his head repeatedly on the ground, soon drawing blood.

“Get out!” Jia Xu kicked him aside, then turned to Guo Jia with a courteous smile. “My servant’s rudeness is regrettable; please come inside for some refreshments, Secretary Guo.”

Smiling, Guo Jia replied, “I gladly accept your invitation.”

Thus, they entered the estate together.

In the main hall, Jia Xu personally served Guo Jia fine tea and instructed the housekeeper to prepare lunch.

“You must stay for a meal today, Secretary Guo,” Jia Xu said apologetically, showing no hint of condescension despite their differing statuses. “It will allow me to apologize for my servant’s discourtesy.”

Guo Jia chuckled lightly. “Grand Commandant, you’re being too gracious. It was merely a trivial matter, hardly worth mentioning.”

Jia Xu closely observed Guo Jia’s demeanor throughout, noting how composed and natural he remained. There was no sign of discomfort or anger over the gatekeeper’s insult; instead, he exuded a calm detachment. This only elevated Jia Xu’s opinion of him further.

With poise and confidence, neither overly humble nor arrogant, Guo Jia proved himself a true talent.

Internally praising Guo Jia, Jia Xu continued, “What brings Secretary Guo here today?”

Guo Jia got straight to the point. “I won’t hide anything from you, Grand Commandant. I am visiting on behalf of the third young master.

“The third young master has long admired your reputation and held you in high esteem. However, due to his overwhelming responsibilities lately, he couldn’t spare the time to call upon you personally. Therefore, he tasked me with this visit and asked me to present a modest gift, celebrating your move to the new residence.”

As Guo Jia spoke, he retrieved a list of gifts from his robes.

Jia Xu glanced at it; the offerings were as generous as those sent by Yuan Xi.

“These impetuous Yuan boys, really…” Holding the gift list, Jia Xu felt somewhat irked. He had no desire to get entangled in their familial power struggles. In such disputes, one misstep could easily lead to ruin amidst the brothers’ rivalry. It contradicted his lifelong principles.

He bluntly told Guo Jia, “I can accept the gifts, but please understand that I decline any underlying intentions. I have no intention of involving myself in matters between the two young masters, nor will I accept overtures from either.”

“I will convey your message truthfully to the third young master,” Guo Jia nodded, readily agreeing without further comment.

As a newly appointed advisor, it would not be wise to bypass aiding Yuan Shao and hastily involve oneself in his sons’ power struggle.

Guo Jia’s firm stance caught Jia Xu off guard; he looked at him with surprise. “Isn’t Secretary Guo here as an envoy for the third young master?”

Guo Jia smiled. “One should always act within their capabilities. If the Grand Commandant is unwilling to accept the young master’s overtures, my lowly position leaves me powerless to persuade him.”

“Attempting persuasion would only invite humiliation and risk arousing the Grand Commandant’s disdain. In the end, I’d likely be driven out before even sharing a meal.”

Jia Xu burst out laughing. “Secretary Guo, you truly have a knack for humor! Based on this exchange alone, today’s lunch shall definitely be on me.”

Those skilled in conversation invariably win favor. Engaging in dialogue with Guo Jia intrigued Jia Xu greatly.

“However, there is one thing I don’t quite understand, and I hope Secretary Guo can enlighten me.”

“Please go ahead, Grand Commandant,” replied Guo Jia.

Jia Xu observed, “From Fengxiao’s speech and demeanor, you clearly stand above the ordinary. Why then remain obscure under the Great General’s command? And why support the third young master? Does the third young master possess exceptional talents that have genuinely impressed you?”

There exists a commonality among intelligent minds.

From just a brief exchange, one could gauge their interlocutor’s intellect. In Jia Xu’s eyes, Guo Jia was undoubtedly a clever man. He wondered why such an individual remained obscure under the Great General and what motivated him to assist someone like Yuan Shang.

This time, instead of addressing Guo Jia as “Secretary Guo,” he used his courtesy name, indicating it was a personal question that Guo Jia could choose to answer or not.

Smiling, Guo Jia tucked his hands into his sleeves. “And you, sir, why did you join the Great General’s service? Could the Great General truly command someone of your caliber, Mr. Jia? Or perhaps…do you have ulterior motives?”

The smile gradually faded from Jia Xu’s face as he began scrutinizing the young man before him intently. Guo Jia remained composed, showing no hint of unease.

“Well then…” Sitting upright, Jia Xu looked deeply into Guo Jia’s eyes and asked slowly, “May I inquire, Fengxiao, what ambitions do you harbor?”

“Nothing grand.” Facing Jia Xu’s probing question, Guo Jia replied with a grin, “Only to uphold the Han Dynasty and punish traitors!”

Jia Xu maintained an impassive expression, but internally, waves surged within him.

Guo Jia’s words held dual meanings:

Firstly, to support the Emperor and restore the Han Dynasty by waging war against all disloyal vassals, including Yuan Shao.

Secondly, to aid Yuan Shao in restoring the Han Dynasty by targeting those who opposed him.

These intentions aligned perfectly with Jia Xu’s own thoughts.