Jia Xu was now thoroughly convinced of Bai Xiaowen's worth.
Twice they had matched wits, and twice Jia Xu had failed to outthink Bai Xiaowen. That had won his respect for Bai Xiaowen's intellect.
Bai Xiaowen had overlooked Jia Xu's private schemes and entrusted him with a vital task at a critical moment. That had won his respect for Bai Xiaowen's breadth of mind.
Zhang Xiu asked, "If the Duke of Yan wanted to appoint you, sir, a single edict would have sufficed. Why send this sword as well? Does it carry some deeper meaning?"
Jia Xu replied:
"There are two reasons. First, I was a fugitive. If I suddenly become a senior officer under the Duke of Yan, I need a token from him. Zhang Liao and Xu Huang once served Lord Cao, so they'll recognize the Heaven-Reliant Sword. Second, most of the officers and soldiers at Hefei are the duke's longtime followers. If someone who has only just joined him takes command, some may refuse to accept it. Divided obedience is a grave danger in war."
Zhang Xiu understood. He nodded and said, "So by giving you this sword, the duke has given you something like the staff of authority carried by a provincial governor."
"With this sword," Jia Xu said, "I can borrow the duke's authority. Not a soldier in the army will dare defy me. The duke thinks far ahead and has a generous spirit. I can't help but admire him."
Zhang Xiu suddenly smiled. "The duke has never met you or tested your loyalty, yet he dares entrust you with such responsibility. Isn't that a little rash? What if you intended to defect to Eastern Wu? That would be disastrous."
Jia Xu laughed. "General, even if you don't know the duke, surely you know me?