Only after a long conversation did Cao Qi bid the man farewell.
"That man seemed stingy to the extreme. Why waste so many words on him?"
Shu Jinen spoke unhappily.
Cao Qi shook his head. "Don't say that. His family is poor, that's all. That's why he acts that way."
"Life isn't easy for people from humble families."
After finishing their meal, they stayed at a nearby establishment for the night, then headed to the local commandery school the following day.
By the time they arrived, the place was already a sea of people.
Literati from all over had gathered there, and the local officials hurried back and forth.
As the crowd continued to grow, a large contingent of armored guards suddenly appeared.
The commotion made the literati realize that someone important was about to arrive.
Sure enough, once the armored guards had taken up orderly positions throughout the commandery school, a man walked in smiling, surrounded by officials.
Everyone bowed in greeting when they saw him, even the great famous scholars.
The newcomer was Pei Hui, Inspector of Ji Province.
He had spent many years in Ji Province and enjoyed immense prestige. Smiling, he returned everyone's greetings, then ascended the platform specially used for debates on the classics, surrounded by the crowd.
He looked around, then said, "So many famous scholars have gathered in Ji Province. This is a grand occasion. As it happens, our province is also preparing to hold assessments to promote officials. In addition, the schools throughout the region need a great many Academic Instruction Official Officials..."
Pei Hui was a very direct man.
He barely beat around the bush at all, stating his purpose quite openly.
The reason he had allowed so many famous scholars to gather in Ye City this time was to recruit