After thinking it over for a long time, Zhang Xin ultimately shook his head.
Forget it.
The stigma of "a son worrying his father to death" was simply too great.
Even setting aside later dramatized portrayals, Lü Bu's historical record alone was enough to make anyone wary. He had killed not one, but two of his own superiors.
Dong Zhuo, of course, had descended into madness in his later years. On one hand, he treated Lü Bu extremely well—granting him high rank and entrusting him with guarding the inner palace. Such trust was extraordinary.
On the other hand, he frequently insulted him while drunk, even hurling halberds at him in fits of rage. If Lü Bu hadn't been quick to dodge, he might have died long ago.
In that sense, his killing of Dong Zhuo was understandable.
But Ding Yuan was another matter entirely. He had treated Lü Bu generously, even giving him a close and important position. Yet Lü Bu, after accepting bribes, turned around and murdered him.
That single act destroyed his reputation.
Even men as shameless as Yuan Shu despised him for it.
Afterward, his constant betrayals only worsened things—drifting from one lord to another, stirring chaos wherever he went.
Zhang Xin didn't dare use such a man.
He exhaled slowly.
"Zhao Yun, Dian Wei, Zhang Liao, Gao Shun, Zhang He…"
He murmured the names one by one, then paused before adding another.
"Gao Lan."
There was little recorded about Gao Lan—only that he had served under Yuan Shao and later surrendered alongside Zhang He. But being mentioned together with such a figure suggested he had real ability.
Zhang Xin didn't know his exact whereabouts, so he could only send people to search. If they found him, all the better.
As for others—either too far away, or still too young.
Zhuge Liang, for example, was only four years old. Recruiting him now would be absurd.
With just one prefecture under his control, this was already enough talent to seek.
After finishing his arrangements, Zhang Xin summoned Guan Yu.
When Guan Yu arrived, Zhang Xin dried the ink on a bamboo document, stamped it with the official seal of the Prefect of Yuyang, and handed it over.
"I ask Brother Yunchang to serve as a military clerk under my command."
"Please refrain from calling me 'brother,' my lord. It is improper," Guan Yu replied.
He accepted the document with both hands. Seeing the seal, his emotions stirred.
The Guan family had once been prominent, but had declined by his grandfather's time. Even so, his grandfather had been a respected scholar, teaching the classics.
From a young age, Guan Yu had studied the Spring and Autumn Annals, shaping his character around loyalty and righteousness.
Yet fate had forced him into exile.
Now, at last, he had cleared his name—and entered official service.
Zhang Xin smiled. "Now that you are restored, you can finally return home and see your family."
Guan Yu pressed his lips together, stepped back, and bowed deeply.
"Guan Yu of Hedong thanks you, my lord!"
Zhang Xin felt a surge of satisfaction.
All his earlier restraint and humility—it had paid off.
He stepped forward and helped Guan Yu up.
"I have a task for you."
"My lord, please command me."
Zhang Xin straightened his expression.
"It is already June. In a few months, the Xianbei will begin their raids. I want you to lead two hundred cavalry from the northern frontier, scout their settlements, and map the terrain."
Guan Yu clasped his hands. "Understood."
At that moment, a voice sounded from outside:
"If my lord wishes to map the Xianbei lands, allow me to guide the way."
Zhang Xin turned to see Yan Rou standing at the doorway.
"You know the terrain?" Zhang Xin asked, motioning him forward.
Yan Rou bowed. "I was once captured by the Xianbei and forced to herd sheep for several years. I know their lands well."
Zhang Xin nodded. "Then you will accompany Guan Yu."
He then added, "I will establish supply points at two locations. You may draw provisions there as needed. But you must return before September."
"Yes, my lord."
Zhang Xin handed over the military tally, authorizing Guan Yu to mobilize troops.
After they left, Zhang Xin glanced at the sky and ordered a banquet prepared.
Zhang Rang was still in the city.
Unaware of his true status, Zhang Xin treated him as an ordinary eunuch—neither disdainful nor overly flattering.
To Zhang Rang, this was refreshing.
Unlike the scholars who masked contempt with politeness, Zhang Xin treated him with genuine ease.
This left a favorable impression.
After several days, Zhang Rang prepared to depart.
Before he left, Zhang Xin presented him with a chest containing fifty million coins.
"His Majesty has decreed that officials must offer tribute upon assuming office," Zhang Xin said quietly. "I dare not disobey."
"With the ongoing wars, the court is in need of funds. Please deliver this as a token of my loyalty."
Zhang Rang was startled—but quickly understood.
"Does Prefect Zhang have any message for His Majesty?"
Zhang Xin smiled faintly.
"I am young and inexperienced, yet entrusted with great responsibility. I fear failing His Majesty's expectations."
He paused.
"Therefore, I hope to invite a capable man to serve as Chief Clerk of Yuyang, to assist in governance."
"Whom do you have in mind?"
"A renowned scholar from Jizhou—Tian Feng."