Historical story

Huo Guang, styled Zimeng, was a powerful minister during the mid-Western Han Dynasty. Upon the death of Emperor Wu of Han, Huo Guang followed the late emperor's will and served as regent for Emperor Zhao of Han. After Emperor Zhao's death, Huo Guang first installed Prince Liu He of Changyi as emperor, and soon after installed Emperor Xuan of Han.

Luan Shu was a senior minister of the State of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period. Due to his repeated military achievements, he was promoted to commander-in-chief of the central army. In 585 BC, the State of Chu sent tens of thousands of elite troops to attack Zheng. Unable to resist, Zheng appealed to Jin for help. Duke Jing of Jin dispatched Luan Shu to lead the relief force.

During the reign of King Xuan of Western Zhou, there were two prominent ministers at court: Yin Jifu and Zhong Shanfu. They assisted King Xuan and achieved remarkable accomplishments. Yin Jifu's given name was Jia; "Yin" was his official title. He had led troops to repel invasions by the Youxian people from the northwest and had been commissioned to collect tribute from tribes such as the Nanhuaiyi around Chengzhou (modern-day eastern Luoyang, Henan). Zhong Shanfu was enfeoffed in the Fan region (south of modern-day Chang'an, Shaanxi).

During the Warring States period, the State of Zhao had two capable officials—one military and one civil. The military general was Lian Po, a brave and skilled warrior who led his troops to numerous victories against states such as Qi and Wei, earning a reputation for valor among the feudal lords.

Lord Pingyuan of the State of Zhao was one of the four renowned noblemen of the Warring States period. It is said he had several thousand retainers, among whom was Mao Sui. In 257 BC, the Qin army besieged Handan, the capital of Zhao. King Huiwen of Zhao sent Lord Pingyuan to the State of Chu to request military assistance. However, the King of Chu was not easily persuaded, so Lord Pingyuan took twenty of his retainers with him.

During the late Warring States period, the state of Chu had declined from its former strength and prosperity. After King Xiang of Chu ascended the throne, he spent his days in pleasure and entertainment, neglecting state affairs, and even appointed the corrupt minister Zilan as his chief minister. After Zilan seized control of the government, the court became corrupt and disordered, and the people suffered terribly.

At the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Cao Cao sought to unify the Central Plains and realize his political ambitions. He recruited soldiers, stockpiled grain, and went to great lengths to attract talented individuals.Cao Cao had two strategists under him: Mao Jie and Xun Yu. One day, they offered Cao Cao two suggestions. First, he should use the emperor's authority to command the feudal lords, a strategy known as "Holding the Emperor Hostage to Command the Vassals."

At the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, eunuchs monopolized power and the imperial government declined, causing heroes from all over the land to raise armies. Liu Bei, a member of the Han royal family, had been raising troops for many years. Many people came to join him, and he himself actively sought out talented individuals.

During the Spring and Autumn period, there was a man named Yu Boya in the State of Chu. He was highly skilled in music theory and an exceptional zither player, renowned as a master musician of his time. When Boya was young, he was bright and eager to learn. He had studied under a master musician and had already achieved a high level of technical proficiency.

During the Spring and Autumn period, there were two close friends in the state of Qi: one named Guan Zhong, the other named Bao Shuya. Guan Zhong came from a poor family and had to support his mother. When Bao Shuya learned of this, he invited Guan Zhong to go into business together. After making money, Guan Zhong took a larger share, while Bao Shuya received very little.