The carriage stopped, and a man and two women slowly stepped out.
The man was seven feet tall, looked to be only in his twenties, and was dressed in bright, luxurious clothes, clearly from a renowned aristocratic family.
The two women beside him were not particularly outstanding in appearance, but their makeup was gaudy, their clothes revealing, and their behavior and speech were very frivolous. They did not look like women from respectable families.
Zhang Chen squinted his eyes and quietly cast an "Insight Eye".
It wasn't a big deal after looking, but it turned out this person was not Han Fu!
【Name: Han Xuan】
【Owned Traits: Impatient and Quick to Kill (Green), Greedy and Lustful (Green), Scholar (Blue)】
【Impatient and Quick to Kill (Green)】: Naturally impatient throughout life, quick to kill; people around you don't like you much. (Subordinate loyalty slightly reduced)
【Greedy and Lustful (Green)】: You are both greedy for wealth and lustful for women. (If others bribe you with money or women, your favorability towards them can be significantly increased)
【Scholar (Blue)】: You are a regional Scholar with a certain reputation. (Reputation slightly increased)
Oh! It's actually Han Xuan!
This person is also a famous figure, having once served as the Prefect of Changsha in the history of the Three Kingdoms.
He himself had nothing remarkable about him, but under his command were two fierce generals, Huang Zhong and Wei Yan.
After the Battle of Red Cliffs, Liu Bei swept across Jing and Xiang. When taking the four commanderies south of Jing, Guan Yu led his five hundred blade-wielding guards and fought Huang Zhong three times outside Changsha City.
Seeing that Huang Zhong could not be defeated after a long battle, this Han Xuan actually suspected him of colluding with the enemy and wanted to behead him. This action enraged Wei Yan, who then led a mutiny, killed him, and defected to Liu Bei.
But how is this Han Xuan related to Pan Feng?
Zhang Chen's heart was full of doubts.
Right! Han Xuan and Han Fu are both surnamed Han, could they be from the same clan?
Although Han Fu's ability was insufficient, his background was not low; he came from the Wuyang Han Clan, one of the four great clans of Yingchuan.
Although history does not record the background of this Han Xuan, since he could serve as Prefect, he must have come from an aristocratic family. Perhaps he really is from the Wuyang Han Clan!
If so, it's not hard to guess. This fellow is an Imperial Censor, serving under Han Fu. This trip out is likely to gain some experience and polish his resume, so he can seek an external appointment or promotion in the future.
Perhaps that position as Prefect of Changsha came about this way!
Zhang Chen squinted his eyes, smiled slightly, and looked at those traits again.
These traits are quite interesting.
There's no need to mention 【Impatient and Quick to Kill】, it's definitely a useless skill. No wonder Han Xuan was ultimately killed by his subordinates; it seems to have a great deal to do with this trait.
But as for this 【Greedy and Lustful】, does it mean you can buy him off just by giving him money or women? Haha, someone so easy to manipulate is truly likable!
As for this 【Scholar】, Zhang Chen's eyes couldn't help but light up.
This is actually a trait that can increase reputation!
You must know, reputation is something that couldn't be more important in this era.
If your reputation is high, talented people will be willing to follow you, Soldiers will be willing to join you, and the common people will be willing to welcome you... Why did Yuan Shao have so many capable people under him, command a million troops, and occupy four provinces? Wasn't it because he had the immense reputation of "Four Generations, Three Dukes"!
Zhang Chen knew the importance of reputation perfectly well. No wonder, even with just a slight increase, this trait is of Blue quality.
Hehe! Since it's delivered right to my doorstep, I won't be polite. I'll gladly accept this 【Scholar】 trait!
Zhang Chen thought to himself, walking up and bowing deeply to Han Xuan.
"Hand of Plunder! Activate!"
As Zhang Chen's thought arose, an invisible hand instantly reached out towards Han Xuan, easily seizing the 【Scholar】 trait.
【Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully plundering the Blue trait "Scholar", gaining 150 Plunder Points!】
Han Xuan couldn't help but shiver. His demeanor seemed to dim instantly, showing no hint of aristocratic Gongzi's bearing; instead, he looked like a profligate son.
On the contrary, in an instant, Zhang Chen seemed to gain a few points of spirit. Ju Shou, who was beside him, slightly turned his head, feeling an unusual sensation in his heart.
"Lord, the county is simple and crude, and I have not been able to serve you well; that is my subordinate's responsibility. If you have any needs, please feel free to instruct your men."
After Zhang Chen finished speaking, he slowly stood up. He now carried an air of humility and respect, with a dignified and generous presence.
When the surrounding people saw this, they all cast sidelong glances.
Han Xuan was also startled and paused for a moment before saying, "Hmm, you, this County Magistrate, are quite courteous. I, this Lord, am tired today, so you may withdraw for now. Wait at the County Government tomorrow; I, this Lord, will question everyone one by one."
"Understood." Zhang Chen smiled slightly and bowed again.
Han Xuan turned around, wrapped an arm around the two women, and swaggered into the inn.
The surrounding crowd of onlookers pointed and whispered about Han Xuan.
And Pan Feng, who was off to the side, his face had already turned red, and his brows were tightly furrowed.
Seeing Han Xuan's behavior, he truly felt extremely ashamed.
This Pan Feng was originally a retainer of Imperial Censor Han Fu, and Han Xuan was a descendant of the Wuyang Han Clan. In terms of seniority, he was Han Fu's nephew.
This time out, Pan Feng was specifically ordered by Han Fu to protect Han Xuan.
It turned out that the matter of inspecting various places by imperial decree was precisely the responsibility of the Censorate, which was overseen by Han Fu.
The inspecting official originally sent to Ji Province, while passing through Anxi County in Zhongshan Prefecture, was somehow severely beaten, nearly losing his life.
After that person returned, he was bedridden, sometimes convulsing, sometimes delirious. Seeing that he was difficult to use for important tasks, Han Fu had no choice but to appoint another inspecting official. Coincidentally, at this time, the clan recommended Han Xuan.
The Han Family naturally thought to use this matter to let Han Xuan accumulate some political achievements, so he could secure a future career later.
But the previous inspecting official was beaten half to death, so Han Fu naturally didn't feel at ease about his nephew, which is why he sent Pan Feng to accompany and protect him all the way.
But along the way, this second-generation scion was truly a disgrace!
Not only did he abuse his authority and put on airs, but he also openly solicited bribes from officials. Now it's even worse; he actually abducted two singing girls from a brothel and carried out illicit acts in the carriage in broad daylight!
Pan Feng considered himself a hero and truly did not wish to travel with him. However, he had already sworn to serve Han Fu to the death and could not disobey his orders.
At that moment, Pan Feng let out an angry snort, turned, and also walked into the inn.
Gao Shun said indignantly, "Lord, this fellow surnamed Han acts so absurdly, why do you still indulge him?"
Zhang Chen said, "He carries an imperial decree; it is unwise to make an enemy of him. As long as he doesn't go too far, let things be."
Ju Shou added, "Lord, you are kind-hearted, but in my subordinate's opinion, this person shows signs of greed and lust. Tomorrow, he will surely demand money from you. If you don't give it, it may be difficult to resolve peacefully."
"Let me go teach him a lesson, and that will settle it!"
As soon as Gao Shun heard this, he was about to rush into the inn, but Zhang Chen quickly stopped him.
"Don't be impulsive!" Zhang Chen said, "Gao Shun, quickly return to the Military Camp and dispatch 30 Trapped Camp Soldiers. Have them change into the clothes of County Government runners and come to the County Government for duty. Additionally, dispatch another 50 Soldiers, disguised as common people, and have them closely monitor this inn for me! I want to know who this fellow surnamed Han meets and where he goes!"
"Your subordinate obeys!" Gao Shun took the order and left.
"Lord, is this..."
"Gongyu, don't worry, it's just having two plans. If he knows when to stop, there's no harm in giving him some money to keep the peace. But if he dares to cause trouble, I'll let you see a great show tomorrow!"
After Zhang Chen finished speaking, he smiled slightly.