In the spring of 210, Cao Cao issued an order seeking talent. “If only men of integrity could be used, how could Duke Huan of Qi have become hegemon?” There might be men who “stole from their sisters-in-law and took bribes” and had not yet been discovered. “Help me bring the obscure to light. Raise men only for their talent, and I will use them.” (Records of the Three Kingdoms)
Cao Cao himself had begun his career as a xiaolian, a man recommended as filial and incorrupt.