Billowing Winds and Surging Clouds

Wang Xuan's Talent Recruitment Order was ultimately different from those issued by Duke Xiao of Qin and King Zhao of Yan back then.

Those two had relied on playing the victim, lowering their postures, and offering high office and generous rewards. As for Wang Xuan's version, to sum it up, it was simply: "Are kings, marquises, generals, and ministers born to their stations?"

A slogan once used to incite rebellion four hundred years ago had been polished up by Wang Xuan and released as a talent recruitment notice.

In truth, what did virtue have to do with becoming an official?

Anyone with sense knew that becoming an official depended on ability and political instincts. What use was there in bringing over someone of lofty moral character?

Kindness could not command an army, sentiment could not establish undertakings, righteousness could not manage finances, and benevolence could not make an official. These were eternal truths.

Did these heads of the great clans and officials truly not understand this?

They did, but that did not mean they would offer their support.

Thus, this scene came about: the Talent Recruitment Order was posted in various places for only a brief day before being torn down on a massive scale. Of course, one day was enough. People themselves were the best channels of communication. Whether the notices were torn down or not was irrelevant; everyone who needed to know would learn of it eventually.

The great clans and feudal lords understood this as well, but even if tearing it down was useless, they still had to do so. That was how they made their stance clear.

With this move, Wang Xuan spread Liu Bei's reputation throughout the entire Han in the shortest possible time. It was no exaggeration to say that there was hardly anyone