Zhuge Guanqi said, "All the better that she came. One more person makes the New Year that much livelier."
Hu Xiaotian told him about spending New Year's Eve at Chang Fanqi's home. Zhuge Guanqi said, "Chang Fanqi is an outstanding military officer of Great Yong. His abilities are no less than those of the ten fiercest generals. If you could win him over, nothing could be better."
Hu Xiaotian sighed. "He's rather stubborn. Winning him over won't be so easy."
Zhuge Guanqi smiled. "True sincerity can split metal and stone. As long as you show enough sincerity, my lord, you will surely move him."
Hu Xiaotian said, "I understand the principle. It seems I can only wait patiently."
Zhuge Guanqi smiled. "You really should be gathering talented people from across the land, my lord. If you wish to grow stronger, the people currently at your disposal won't be enough."
The mention of talent suddenly reminded Hu Xiaotian of Zuo Xingjian, and he told Zhuge Guanqi how Zuo Xingjian had gone to Wuxing Commandery to join him. Zhuge Guanqi said, "Gao Yuan stayed in White Spring City. Though the boy is young, he handles matters steadily and has the bearing of a great general in his dealings with others. With him watching over things there, there shouldn't be any major problems."
Hu Xiaotian said, "Zuo Xingjian may be a despicable scoundrel, but he does have his strengths."
Zhuge Guanqi nodded. "Choosing talent requires looking beyond fixed rules. No one in this world is absolutely flawless. Everyone has shortcomings, just as everyone has strengths that set them apart. How to employ them so that they can bring their greatest abilities to bear depends entirely on your wisdom, my lord."
Hu Xiaotian said, "If I do anything improper, Brother Guanqi, you must remind