Chapter 23: Guiding Liu Bei in His Search for Talent

Speaking of Deng Fan, few might recognize the name, but mention his other alias, and it would be like a thunderclap to the ears: Deng Ai.

He was a formidable figure, equally adept at literature and war, well-versed in military strategy, and highly accomplished in domestic governance. Zhang Bo vividly recalled the skill name associated with Deng Ai in a certain "thriving" game: "Tuntian" (Military Agriculture). It could be said that the state of Shu Han met its demise at the hands of Deng Ai, who famously trekked through the Yinping pass to launch a direct strike on the heart of the kingdom. It was precisely this achievement that earned Deng Ai a place among the seventy-two generals in the Martial Temple. Enshrinement in the Martial Temple is arguably the highest honor for a military commander, requiring not only prowess in battle but also a reputation for loyalty and integrity. This further underscores the extraordinary caliber of Deng Ai.

As for the current Deng Ai, though he hailed from the Deng clan of Xinye, his father had passed away early, leaving him to rely solely on his mother. Despite their poverty, his mother ensured he received a proper education, which instilled in him grand ambitions from a young age. According to the historical trajectory recorded in annals, Cao Cao would conquer Jingzhou in the thirteenth year of the Jian'an era and forcibly relocate its populace to the north; Deng Ai would have been swept up in that tide. However, if Liu Bei could recruit him into his ranks now, it would undoubtedly sever an arm from Cao Wei. Of course, in this lifetime, there might not even be a need for Deng Ai to take the stage.

Deng Fan? A boy of about ten?

"Proprietor, I have never heard the name Deng Fan. Is he a man of great talent in the future, which is why you ask if I recognize the name?" Liu Bei’s mind raced, quickly grasping the implications.

"Exactly, Lord Xuande. It was Deng Fan who led the Wei forces to destroy Shu Han."

Ah... Liu Bei was stunned. He had never expected this Deng Fan to hold such a status. Yet, if what the proprietor said was true, he could indeed recruit the young Deng Fan now and utilize him in the future. Zhuge Liang, meanwhile, felt a stir of appreciation for talent. Deng Fan was only ten; with a little polishing, he would surely become a pillar of support for Shu Han.

*Cao Cao, your Wei minister is excellent, but he belongs to my Shu Han now.*

"Many thanks for your guidance, Proprietor. I will send men to Xinye and the surrounding areas to gather information."

"There is one more person I would like you to keep in mind, Lord Xuande."

Another one! Liu Bei stood with his hands at his sides, listening intently. If the proprietor deemed this person worthy of such gravity, they must be no less significant than Deng Fan.

***

He wondered if this next person would be a civil official or a military general.

"May I ask who this person is?"

"His name is Hua Tuo."

Hua Tuo was an extraordinary figure, proficient in internal medicine, surgery, gynecology, pediatrics, and acupuncture. He was particularly skilled in surgery, and his invention, the "Mafeisan" (anesthetic powder), was the world's earliest anesthetic, making him the first in history to perform surgery under anesthesia. For this, later generations dubbed him the "Hand of the Surgical Sage," the "Progenitor of Surgery," or simply "Divine Physician Hua Tuo." Moreover, his achievements extended beyond medicine to medical sports; he not only advocated for regimens of longevity and preventative care but also devised a series of exercises known as the "Five Animals Play," which could even prevent disease. Yet, such a brilliant man was eventually executed by Cao Cao. It was a great tragedy that his medical texts were not passed down.

"Hua Tuo!" Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang exclaimed in unison. Clearly, they both recognized the name.

"Could it be Master Yuanhua?"

"Indeed."

"But Master Yuanhua is a wanderer; finding him will not be easy. Furthermore, even if found, he likely wouldn't remain in the army but would prefer to travel and practice medicine. Why does the proprietor wish to find him?"

What else could Zhang Bo want? It was, of course, to save Hua Tuo’s life. Otherwise, in history, Hua Tuo would be executed by Cao Cao’s blade next year. As for Liu Bei’s concern that Hua Tuo wouldn't stay, Zhang Bo was not worried. He knew how to bait a hook. Once he showed Hua Tuo the staggering medical wonders of the future, he didn't believe the physician would have the leisure to wander anymore; he would surely settle in one place to dedicate himself to research. With a master of longevity like Hua Tuo around, perhaps Zhuge Liang’s lifespan would also be significantly extended.

*If I present the longevity methods of Hua Tuo to the Zhuge Liang of the future, how will you respond, sir?*

"Lord Xuande, have you forgotten? I am from a thousand years after the Eastern Han. Our medical arts are incomparable to those of your time. Once you explain this to Hua Tuo, he will be intrigued. By then, I suspect even if you tried to drive him away, he wouldn't want to leave. Having Hua Tuo stay with the army will be a blessing for you, Lord Xuande."

Liu Bei’s eyes brightened upon hearing this. Indeed, Hua Tuo’s reputation was widespread; having such a medical master by his side would mean no more worries about epidemics in the army.

"Very well, Proprietor. I will do my utmost to find Master Yuanhua."

After seeing Liu Bei off, Zhang Bo tidied up the slightly cluttered courtyard. As for the seeds, he had let them take a portion, saving the rest for when Liu Che and his group returned to the Western Han. Once the cleaning was finished, Zhang Bo opened his phone to check on the Wuzhu coins he had listed online.

***

Unfortunately, even though he had set the price very low, there were few takers. A pity. However, thinking about the large sum of gold beans he would soon receive, his mood improved significantly.

In the midst of his cleaning, he noticed an elderly man in his fifties or sixties walking slowly into the farmhouse restaurant. Dressed in a tailored suit and wearing a pair of glasses, he looked quite refined and scholarly. Clearly, he was not a man of the ancient era. Zhang Bo put down his broom and dustpan and went to greet him.

"Sir, are you here for a meal or for lodging?"

The old man shook his head, saying nothing, and pulled a business card from his pocket. Zhang Bo took the card and, upon seeing the title, was quite startled: Zhou Ruihai, Curator of the Lintai City Museum.

Lintai City Museum? Why did that sound so familiar? Wasn't that the museum associated with the person who had been cosplaying as Liu Bei? It seemed highly likely that "Liu Bei" had sold him out.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit, Curator Zhou?"

"No need for such formalities, Proprietor. I heard from young Wang that you have a piece of jade bi suspected to be from the Western Han dynasty, so I came to take a look."

Just as he thought, that "Liu Bei" fellow had betrayed him. Denying it now would only pique the man's curiosity further. In any case, to Zhang Bo, the jade pendant looked quite new; it shouldn't be mistaken for an antique. He immediately replied nonchalantly, "Of course, of course. Please, have a seat, Curator, while I go fetch the jade bi."

A moment later, Zhang Bo returned with the jade and handed it to Zhou Ruihai. The curator had already taken off his glasses and put on a pair of gloves, beginning to examine the piece carefully. Before long, sounds of amazement began to escape the lips of Curator Zhou.