Zhang Chen then ordered the jailer to release Han Xuan and told Pan Feng to take him away that very night to avoid being discovered.
Pan Feng bowed in thanks, and immediately took Han Xuan away. When Han Xuan left, he no longer had any of his former arrogance; only endless fear remained in his eyes.
It seems that the torture in prison during this period had completely destroyed his pathetic will.
This person can no longer accomplish anything significant.
Looking at the figures of the two walking away, Zhang Chen couldn't help but sigh softly.
"Someone."
"What are Lord's orders?" an attendant came over.
"Spread the word that Han Xuan colluded with the Black Mountain bandits, plotting to invade Guangping County. However, the Han Family suppressed me with their power, and my position is low and my voice weak. In my helplessness, I had no choice but to release him. I feel ashamed towards the people and filled with endless regret."
"Yes."
"Make sure it spreads as street gossip, so that it becomes a topic of conversation in every street and alley, after meals and tea."
"This subordinate understands."
Han Fu, since you want to save him, you must bear this price. After this incident, the Han Family will likely no longer be able to gain a foothold in Ji Province!
Zhang Chen sneered and left the prison.
The next day, just as Zhang Chen finished handling official business, Ju Shou arrived with a middle-aged man to seek an audience.
Zhang Chen looked over and saw that the man was around fifty years old, his beard and hair already slightly gray. He wore a dark green robe, and his eyebrows were sharp, seemingly exuding vigor and determination.
【Name: Tian Feng】
【Owned Traits: Adaptable Strategist (Gold), Utmost Loyalty and Wisdom (Gold), Scholar (Blue), Rigid and Offending Superiors (Blue)】
【Adaptable Strategist (Gold)】: Your thinking is sharp, and you are skilled at adapting to changed situations with expedient plans. You often propose strategies beneficial to the current situation when it changes.
【Utmost Loyalty and Wisdom (Gold)】: You are loyal and righteous. Once you choose a Lord, you will never betray him, and will offer him counsel until death.
【Rigid and Offending Superiors (Blue)】: You are naturally upright and too stubborn. Once your opinion differs from others, you usually speak frankly and are easily angered by others.
It's actually Tian Feng!
Zhang Chen's eyes couldn't help but light up.
Ah, Tian Feng, this is a top strategist under Yuan Shao!
These three traits are quite fitting for him, especially the 【Rigid and Offending Superiors】 one. Historically, Tian Feng offended Yuan Shao due to his excessive rigidity and ultimately died in prison.
But Zhang Chen is not Yuan Shao; he is confident he can be magnanimous. As for plundering this trait, Zhang Chen thought about it and decided against it. Without this rigid character, would Tian Feng still be Tian Feng?
Zhang Chen recalled that Ju Shou had previously mentioned that he and Tian Feng were old friends and could introduce him to pledge allegiance. If not for many things happening later, Tian Feng would probably have come long ago.
Now that Ju Shou has brought him here, has he perhaps already persuaded him?
It seems I can gain another talent!
As Zhang Chen was feeling happy, Ju Shou had already bowed and saluted, saying, "Lord."
Zhang Chen smiled and said, "Gongyu, who is this Sir?"
Ju Shou said, "Lord, this is the old friend I mentioned to you before, Tian Feng, Tian Yuan Hao. This man is learned and talented, with good strategies in his belly. His talent is ten times mine. Today, this subordinate specially invited him to meet with Lord."
After hearing this, Zhang Chen quickly stood up, walked down, and bowed to Tian Feng, saying, "So it is Mr. Yuan Hao. Zifan has long admired Sir's great name. I am extremely honored to meet you today!"
Seeing Zhang Chen so humble, a hint of brilliance flashed in Tian Feng's eyes. He immediately bowed and saluted, saying, "This commoner, Tian Feng, pays respects to Prefect."
Zhang Chen quickly invited the two to sit down, and ordered an attendant to serve tea, saying, "I have long heard Gongyu mention that Mr. Yuan Hao is a worthy Scholar of Ji Province, with the talent to manage the world. Zifan should have visited you earlier, but I have been constantly busy these days and truly could not spare the time. I have neglected Sir, and it is Zifan's fault. Now that Sir has condescended to come here, Zifan sincerely requests Sir to assist me in governing Wei Commandery and bringing blessings to the people of this region."
Upon hearing this, Tian Feng immediately said, "Lord, you are too kind. I have long heard of Lord's prestige and have admired you for a long time. Seeing you today, I am even more surprised that Lord is so young. It is truly rare to see someone as young and accomplished as Lord. In this commoner's opinion, Lord possesses the bearing of a ruler. In time, you will surely achieve great things!"
Zhang Chen was very pleased to hear Tian Feng say this and quickly asked, "In that case, has Sir agreed?"
Tian Feng smiled slightly and said, "Under Lord's command, you have Gongyu and Gongren for civil affairs, and Zhang He and Gao Shun for military affairs. Why would you need an old man like me?"
Indeed, great talents are never easy to recruit! Listening to Tian Feng's words, there was quite a bit of testing involved.
Zhang Chen said, "Mr. Yuan Hao, please do not say that. Sir's great talent is known to everyone in Ji Province. I have just taken charge of Wei Commandery and am eager for talented people. If I can have Sir's assistance, it will be a blessing for the people of Wei Commandery!"
"Lord, how difficult is it to govern a single commandery?" Tian Feng couldn't help but laugh, "Gongyu and Gongren both have the talent to govern a commandery. If Lord only intends to govern a single commandery, having them two is enough."
Hearing this, Ju Shou, who was beside them, said, "Brother Yuan Hao, that is incorrect. My Lord possesses strategic vision and excellent plans. A mere commandery is but a shallow shoal and clear pond. How can it confine a golden scale?"
After hearing this, Tian Feng couldn't help but ask in surprise, "Oh? What does Gongyu mean?"
"What Gongyu means is that for the golden scale to transform into a dragon, it needs to wait for the right time!" Zhang Chen's eyebrows furrowed slightly, "When the time comes, the situation will change drastically. The golden scale will surely transform into a flying dragon, sweeping across the land!"
Tian Feng's body couldn't help but tremble, and the hand holding the teacup also shook. He seemed to see an extraordinary aura rising from the person before him.
Zhang Chen smiled as he looked at Tian Feng and said, "Mr. Yuan Hao, are you willing to join Zifan in sweeping away the filth in this world for the sake of the common people and restoring a bright and clear Great Han?"
This!
Tian Feng was stunned at this moment.
He really couldn't imagine how a sixteen or seventeen-year-old boy could utter such words?
Every word, every sentence, seemed to be engraved in his heart, deeply shocking him.
This is... the bearing of a ruler!
The emotions that had been dormant within Tian Feng for a long time suddenly became restless at this moment.
Once upon a time, he was also full of ambition.
He was talented and originally wanted to work for the welfare of the world and the people.
He was summoned by the Grand Commandant's office, recommended as a 'Mao Cai' (Flourishing Talent) to enter officialdom, and was promoted to Attendant Censor.
Originally, he also wanted to make a big difference, but what he saw was eunuchs in power and virtuous officials being persecuted. Disheartened, he had no choice but to resign and return home, living in seclusion.
Now, he is nearing the age of destiny. Must all his talent truly be taken to the grave with him?
He was unwilling, but there was nothing he could do.
The young man in front of him, despite his youthful face, why could he stir up the emotions buried deepest in his heart?
Could it be that all this was truly predestined?
Tian Feng pondered for a long time, then raised his head, his eyes filled with determination, as if he had made an important decision.
He slowly stood up, cupped his hands, bowed deeply to Zhang Chen, and said, "Thank you for Lord's kindness in not abandoning this old man. I am willing to serve like a dog or horse."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Chen was overjoyed. He quickly walked to Tian Feng's side, bowed, and said, "It is my great fortune in three lifetimes to have Sir's assistance. Currently, I am just a Prefect of a commandery, with a low position and rank. I cannot yet offer Sir a high official position and generous salary. I will have to trouble Sir to temporarily hold the position of Officer of Merit, so that I can listen to your teachings morning and evening. When I take Ji Province in the future, I will certainly not treat Sir unfairly."
"Lord, you are too kind. How could this old man be someone who craves fame and fortune? Having pledged allegiance to Lord, I will naturally exert my utmost loyalty and wisdom to offer strategies for Lord."
"Hahaha, good!" Zhang Chen was overjoyed and immediately issued an order, "Pass on my order, set up a banquet in the mansion! I want to hold a welcoming feast for Mr. Yuan Hao!"
Having gained another strategist, Zhang Chen was naturally overjoyed.
Hebei has always produced many talented people. Historically, among the eight great strategists under Yuan Shao, two of the most top-tier ones are now under his command.
Now, he can be considered to have both civil and military talents ready. It is time to make a big move. Once the candidates for the officials in the three counties are finalized, he will vigorously develop them, making them the core strongholds of Wei Commandery. Then, he will gradually reclaim the remaining counties and firmly hold Wei Commandery in his grasp!
As Zhang Chen was contemplating, an attendant suddenly came to report that Qu Yi was seeking an audience at the gate.
