Xu Shu, styled Yuanzhi

Whom did Su Ming intend to seek as his strategist?
This man was named Dan Fu.
No, to be precise, he was currently using the name Dan Fu.
In reality, he was none other than Xu Shu, Xu Yuanzhi, the historical figure whose body was in Cao’s camp but whose heart remained loyal to Han.
At this point in history, there were very few first-rate strategists who could still be found and put to Su Ming’s use.
In the region of Jingzhou, Xu Shu was, in truth, the most suitable choice for Su Ming.
Xu Shu was fond of the life of a wandering knight, loyal and chivalrous.
In his youth, after avenging a friend by killing a man, he fled into exile, living under the alias of Dan Fu, a Taoist priest.
According to historical records, Xu Shu first went to Jingzhou to seek refuge with Liu Biao. Unfortunately, Liu Biao, blind to talent, did not put him to proper use.
Xu Shu saw through Liu Biao’s mediocrity, recognizing him as a mere caretaker, destined never to accomplish great things, and sooner or later to end up a skeleton in a coffin.
Upon realizing Liu Biao’s true nature, Xu Shu resigned and continued his wandering.
After the Battle of Guandu, Cao Cao defeated Yuan Shao.
Liu Bei, who had turned to Yuan Shao for support, became a fugitive, and with no other option, fled to Jingzhou to seek Liu Biao’s protection.
Once under Liu Biao’s wing, Liu Bei was assigned to Nanyang Commandery, in the county of Xinye.
It was at this time that Xu Shu, under the name Dan Fu, came to serve Liu Bei.
Currently, the Battle of Guandu had not yet begun, and Liu Bei had not yet arrived in Xinye.
In other words, Xu Shu had certainly not yet met Liu Bei.
Xu Shu was either still serving under Liu Biao, or had already resigned and resumed his wanderings.
Finding Xu Shu would not be difficult.
Historical records state that, during his travels under the name Dan Fu as a Taoist priest, he would treat the sick for free as he journeyed.
Thus, among the common people, the name Dan Fu was well-known.
Xu Shu was Xu Shu.
Before his wings were fully grown, before he possessed absolute strength, Su Ming had no desire to alter history, at most only to hasten its course.
His knowledge of history—apart from his system—was his greatest advantage.
Moreover, until the Sima clan usurped the throne, the trajectory of history favored the state of Cao Wei.
Su Ming saw no need to change history.

Let history take its intended course, perhaps with the pace slightly quickened, and then, at the opportune moment, deal with the hidden threat of the Sima clan.
This was Su Ming’s true intention.
For this very reason, when it came to choosing a strategist, Su Ming did not seek out the likes of Wolong Zhuge Liang or the Phoenix Chick Pang Tong.
These men rightfully belonged to Liu Bei; if Su Ming were to take them, he would, to some extent, alter the progression of history.
To sacrifice his familiarity with history for the sake of a single strategist would be like trading a watermelon for a sesame seed.
Xu Shu, however, was different.
Xu Shu, though he served in Cao’s camp, remained loyal to the Han in his heart.
Historically, Xu Shu only briefly served Liu Bei before being tricked by Cheng Yu into joining Cao Cao.
By choosing Xu Shu as his strategist, Su Ming would not greatly disrupt history.
He would simply turn a discarded piece into a living one.
“I must find Xu Shu as quickly as possible,” Su Ming thought. After a moment’s deliberation, he decided to send Gan Ning on this task.
Gan Ning, once a pirate of the Brocade Sails, was well-connected in the world of the martial underclass, with friends from all walks of life.
He was the perfect choice to inquire after Xu Shu’s whereabouts.
Without delay, Su Ming summoned Gan Ning.
Gan Ning had only just returned to Xiling Ferry after securing all of Jiangxia when Su Ming’s summons came.
Not daring to delay, Gan Ning hurried to see Su Ming.
His loyalty to this new lord was rising rapidly.
While serving under Huang Zu, not only was Gan Ning unappreciated, but he was also despised by Huang Zu and Huang She due to his pirate origins.
Under Su Ming, however, his background was of no concern; Su Ming trusted and relied on him, granting him substantial authority.
Thus, Gan Ning grew deeply devoted to Su Ming, ready to die for a worthy lord.
At the government office, Su Ming sat in the center of the main hall as Gan Ning entered from outside.
“My lord, you summoned me?” Gan Ning saluted.
Su Ming nodded and said, “I’ve heard you were once of the Brocade Sails. You must have many friends in the martial world, yes?”
At these words, Gan Ning was momentarily stunned, his heart skipping a beat.
He wondered if, like others, his lord would look down on him for his origins.

“My lord, since I joined the army, I have long since severed ties with my old friends from the martial world!” Gan Ning quickly declared.
Seeing his anxious demeanor, Su Ming realized Gan Ning had misunderstood.
“No, that’s not what I meant,” Su Ming quickly clarified. “I want you to use those old connections to help me find someone.”
Gan Ning, who had always felt belittled for his background, never imagined that it could now be of use to Su Ming.
“My lord, whom do you seek?”
“Although I haven’t contacted those friends in a long time, if I ask for their help, I’m sure they’ll give me some respect,” Gan Ning said confidently.
Before joining the army, Gan Ning’s reputation had been formidable; in the martial world, who hadn’t heard of Gan Xingba the Pirate of the Brocade Sails?
To him, tracking someone down was no great matter.
Seeing Gan Ning’s confidence, Su Ming got straight to the point: “This man is called Dan Fu. He dresses as a Taoist priest and treats the poor for free.”
“I believe he is quite renowned among the common people.”
After hearing the description, Gan Ning beat his chest in assurance, “My lord, rest easy. In as little as ten days, or at most a month, I will find this Dan Fu for you.”
Su Ming nodded and instructed, “Once you find him, don’t startle him. Have someone shadow him in secret.”
“When the time comes, inform me at once. I wish to personally invite him.”
Upon hearing this, Gan Ning was surprised.
Just who was this Dan Fu, for the lord to go to such lengths and even wish to issue the invitation personally?
“No need for my lord to go in person!”
“I, Gan Ning, will fetch him for you. If he refuses, I’ll tie him up and bring him here!” Gan Ning thumped his chest.
He thought, Who does this Dan Fu think he is, to warrant the lord’s personal attention? If I go myself, that’s honor enough for him.
Su Ming quickly shook his head. “Absolutely not. This is a man of great wisdom. He must not be treated with disrespect.”
Gan Ning thought to himself, A man of wisdom? Wandering about treating the sick—he seems more like a man of leisure than a man of wisdom to me.
Su Ming couldn’t be bothered to explain. Gan Ning had probably never heard of Xu Shu.
Xu Shu belonged to the circle of renowned scholars, Gan Ning to the world of outlaws.
Their circles were entirely different; even if Su Ming named Xu Shu, Gan Ning wouldn’t recognize the name.
All that mattered was that Gan Ning went to find Dan Fu.