Three Kingdoms: Cao Cao is stunned when he reveals his time-traveling identity.

In fact, from the perspective of the gentry...

This notice is not just about some kind of trial.

In their eyes, this was more like a warning.

This kind of public announcement has a similar feel to the old days when people were looking for talented people everywhere.

To put it bluntly, it's just a tactic to attract scholars from poor families.

In order to recruit heroes from all over the world, Cao Cao sought out talented people everywhere and only selected the best.

It has attracted outstanding talents such as Xi Zhicai.

Only those who joined Cao Cao's ranks after this recruitment process gained his trust.

This is completely different from the virtuous and talented individuals recommended by the aristocratic families.

One was chosen by Cao Cao himself, and the other was someone he had to use because of his reputation.

Unless the virtuous and talented individuals recommended by the aristocratic families possess unique qualities, they can never compare to those who come seeking talent.

Although the wording has changed this time, it is obvious that it is no different from the previous search for talent.

To put it bluntly, Cao Cao wanted to expand his own power base.

Those who can do this are the talents Cao Cao values.

While his future treatment might not be as good as Xi Zhicai's, it certainly wouldn't be too bad.

At least he gained Cao Cao's trust.

It took Sima Yi a long time to explain this theory before Sima Fang finally understood it.

Sima Fang stroked his chin, pondered for a moment, and then spoke:

"Zhongda, since that's the case..."

"So, do you have a way to overcome the challenge stated on this notice?"

"Twenty copper coins, enough to last a month..."

As Sima Fang spoke, his brows furrowed involuntarily.

In his view, this was simply impossible.

However, as long as this is done.

After that, the Sima family was able to rely on the Cao family.

Cao Cao was at the height of his power, and his territory was growing larger and larger.

Now they are expanding their own power base.

It goes without saying what he might do next.

As a large and powerful family, Sima Fang would naturally prioritize the survival of his family.

The Sima family is now barely surviving.

If we can gain Cao Cao's trust through this channel, things will be much easier.

"Son... I need to think about this for a while longer."

"I haven't decided yet."

Sima Yi's expression immediately turned somewhat disappointed, and he murmured to himself.

Sima Fang didn't blame him; he just sighed softly.

Sima Yi was, after all, from a prominent aristocratic family.

His usual spending habits made it impossible for him to complete this task.

Even though Sima Yi, for the sake of his reputation, said he would think about it for a moment.

But Sima Fang had already made up his mind.

The situations of the Yang family and the Sima family were remarkably similar.

Both families entrusted the issue to the younger members of their households for consideration.

If someone can succeed in this challenge.

That will save your home a lot of trouble in the future.

……

However, time marched on day by day.

The notices are still posted all over Xudu City.

But a full six days passed, and no one dared to accept the challenge.

For this reason, countless aristocratic families, including the Sima and Yang families, racked their brains.

Many of them planned to secretly try it out on their own with twenty copper coins first.

However, twenty pills wouldn't last them even half a day.

Sima Yi persisted the longest, holding out for a full two days.

However, because it was simply unbearable, it ultimately exceeded the budget.

As for the others, let's not even talk about them.

Let alone the aristocratic families.

Even ordinary people shook their heads when they saw these conditions.

It's simply impossible!

Ordinary people can't even manage to survive a month on such a small amount of money!

Of course, many people also take a different approach, intending to find some shortcuts.

For example, you could make good use of the limited money you have to start a business, since the notice didn't mention any other restrictions during this month.

Without exception, they all failed.

With such little capital, you'll starve to death if you don't recoup your investment in a few days.

Six days passed, and the notice was almost blown away by the wind, yet still no one dared to take on the challenge.

Inside the Sikong Mansion at this time.

Upon hearing this news, Cao Cao's face immediately fell.

He summoned Xun Yu, Xun You, and others to his residence again to discuss the matter.

Six days passed, and no one dared to accept the challenge.

"Do you have anything to say?"

Xun Yu and the others exchanged bewildered glances, their expressions incredibly strange.

How could they dare to say a word?

No one would be able to save face after something like this happened.

"Ahem, Yuan Chang."

Just then, Cao Cao coughed twice and looked at Zhong Yao with a solemn expression.

Zhong Yao tensed up immediately.

What good can come from calling yourself at a time like this?

"You don't have many other advantages in your daily life, and you spend very little."

"If you grit your teeth and persevere for a month without writing, you might succeed."

"Things can't go on like this. Why don't you give it a try?"

Zhong Yao's face immediately turned green:

"Sikong, this..."

"It's not that I'm unwilling to go, but... but..."

Zhong Yao was truly on the verge of tears.

Even if he could really refrain from using pen, ink, paper, and inkstone for a month.

But just on food alone, he couldn't possibly spend that little in a month.

"Lord Sikong, in my opinion..."

"This challenge was just too difficult."

Zhong Yao coughed lightly and said solemnly:

"Twenty coins? Not to mention the gentry, even the common people couldn't last a month."

"How about we lower the difficulty a bit?"

Before he could finish speaking, Cao Cao glared at him:

"I am the Minister of Works of the current dynasty. The proclamation I issued is known throughout the city. How can it be taken back?"

But despite saying that, Cao Cao really didn't want to give up on promoting frugality.

After all... after incorporating so many troops from Zhang Xiu's forces, in addition to the troops that had already expanded significantly.

This has led to a persistent shortage of funds in the military.

This is a good opportunity to take advantage of the momentum and accumulate some wealth.

But given the current situation, with no one even daring to take on the challenge, how can we proceed to the next step?

"Ridiculous, utterly ridiculous!"

"The entire city of Xuchang was filled with gentry."

"At most, there must be ten thousand people, right?"

"Not even one person dares to stand up?!"

Seeing this, Cao Cao was already furious and embarrassed, and said with a displeased expression.

Seeing everyone with their heads down and silent, Cao Cao sighed softly and turned to Jia Xu, saying:

"Wenhe, can you do it?"

Jia Xu's expression immediately froze.

Can he do it?

It would be a miracle if someone could do that!

Ever since she found out about this, she's been trying to avoid him as much as possible, for fear of finding him.

Now look what's happened, exactly what I feared has come to pass.

"Ahem... Sikong."

"In my opinion, this matter is indeed quite difficult."

"However, it's not like there's no way..."

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao's eyes lit up.

He knew that Jia Xu was definitely hiding his true abilities.

"Wenhe, what brilliant ideas do you have? Speak up!"

Before Cao Cao could speak, Cheng Yu spoke up urgently.

He was afraid that Jia Xu wouldn't be able to say anything, and that he would be the one to ask next!

I don't want to lose face!

The one who tied the knot must untie it.

"No...the master has to go!"

……