When later generations speak of Tian Feng, they mostly remember his fate during the Battle of Guandu—how he advised Yuan Shao to delay the attack, angered him with his bluntness, and was imprisoned.
He had once predicted calmly: if Yuan Shao won, he would live; if Yuan Shao lost, he would surely die.
Few, however, remember that Tian Feng had been exceptionally talented from a young age. Years earlier, he had already been recommended as a Maocai—one of the most outstanding scholars of his time.
Originally called Xiucai, the title had been renamed Maocai to avoid the naming taboo of Emperor Guangwu, Liu Xiu.
Like the Xiaolian system, Maocai was part of the Han Dynasty's recommendation system. The difference lay in scale—Xiaolian candidates were recommended by commanderies, producing hundreds each year, while Maocai candidates were recommended by the thirteen provinces, yielding only thirteen individuals annually.
This alone spoke volumes about Tian Feng's talent.
Zhang Xin picked up a small box and handed it to Zhang Rang.
Inside were jewels and valuables seized from Qiuliju.
"A small token of respect," Zhang Xin said with a smile. "I hope you will accept it."
Zhang Rang glanced inside and smiled knowingly. "Prefect Zhang certainly has a keen eye for talent. I will mention this matter to His Majesty."
He closed the box and handed it to his attendant.
Given Zhang Xin's relationship with the emperor—and the weight of the gift—Zhang Rang saw no reason not to help.
"Many thanks," Zhang Xin said, bowing.
"No need," Zhang Rang replied. "But if Tian Feng refuses, do you have another candidate?"
In the Eastern Han, recruitment was not compulsory. Even if the emperor issued a summons, the candidate could refuse if the position did not meet his expectations, without punishment.
Tian Feng, as a Maocai scholar, would normally begin as a county magistrate or a court official. A mere Chief Clerk position of six hundred shi might not appeal to him.
Zhang Rang's reminder was well-intentioned.
"In that case…" Zhang Xin pondered. "Ju Shou of Ji Province would also be suitable."
Like Tian Feng, Ju Shou was a top strategist under Yuan Shao, later praised as comparable to the likes of Chen Ping and Zhang Liang—though tragically underutilized.
"And if Ju Shou refuses?" Zhang Rang pressed.
Zhang Xin hesitated.
At this point in time, truly outstanding strategists were few.
Xun Yu was likely already in service. Guo Jia was still too young. Zhuge Liang was practically still a child.
Strategists required time to mature—unlike warriors, they could not be rushed.
He mentally reviewed the warlords of the era.
"Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, Liu Bei… no, Liu Bei has few talents at this stage… Lü Bu, Yuan Shu, Sun Jian…"
Suddenly—
"Oh! How could I forget him!"
Zhang Xin slapped his forehead.
"A renowned scholar from Liangzhou—Jia Xu!"
Zhang Rang raised an eyebrow. "You seem well-informed."
"Just things I heard while traveling in my youth," Zhang Xin replied with a smile.
"Very well. Leave it to me," Zhang Rang said, nodding before boarding his carriage.
As the carriage prepared to depart, a servant quietly slipped Zhang Xin a letter.
Zhang Xin paused, glancing up—but the man had already disappeared into the crowd.
Curious, but unable to read it immediately, Zhang Xin instead summoned the officials to formally escort Zhang Rang out.
He had deliberately avoided gathering them earlier—after all, bribery was not something to display openly.
Once the farewell was complete, Zhang Xin took out the letter—
—but before he could open it, a messenger rushed in.
"My lord! Tian Kai has arrived!"
Zhang Xin's face lit up.
He stuffed the letter away and mounted his horse, racing back to the prefectural office.
"Brother Shifan! Where is Brother Shifan?"
His voice arrived before he did.
Inside the hall, Tian Kai stood waiting. As Zhang Xin entered, Tian Kai bowed.
"Tian Kai of Wuzhong greets Your Excellency."
Zhang Xin quickly helped him up, laughing. "At last, I've been waiting for you!"
Seeing Zhang Xin covered in dust, Tian Kai was moved.
"My lord, you look travel-worn. Was there urgent business?"
"I just escorted an imperial envoy out of the territory."
After taking their seats, Zhang Xin asked, "Now that you are here—have you come in response to my summons?"
Tian Kai immediately stood, stepped forward, and bowed deeply.
"Your subject, Tian Kai, greets Your Excellency."
"Haha, no need for such formality," Zhang Xin said warmly. "From now on, I will rely on you to help govern this prefecture."
"How could I not serve you with all my strength?" Tian Kai replied with a smile. "But now that you hold a rank of two thousand shi, propriety must be observed—you should no longer call me 'brother.'"
Zhang Xin nodded, pleased by his tact.
"With the support of you and your clan, I have reached this position," Zhang Xin said modestly.
Tian Kai shook his head. "Even without us, it was only a matter of time for you, my lord."
After some pleasantries, Zhang Xin leaned forward.
"I am young and inexperienced in governance. What guidance can you offer?"
Tian Kai smiled.
"Since ancient times, governing a prefecture comes down to three things: agriculture, administration, and education."
"I have observed the fields on my way here—the land is thriving, and the people live in peace. This is thanks to your victory over the Wuhuan. Agriculture needs no immediate concern."
Zhang Xin nodded.
"As for officials," Tian Kai continued, "their role is to guide and educate the people. If governance is clean and efficient, prosperity will follow."
"With your prestige, no one in the prefecture would dare disobey. If you enforce discipline and provide guidance, good governance is assured."
He added:
"When granaries are full, people learn propriety. Strengthen agriculture and administration, and education will naturally flourish."
Zhang Xin was deeply impressed.
This was the value of a true strategist—clarity in a few simple words.
"Anything else?" he asked.
"The rest are merely bandits and wandering fighters," Tian Kai said with a faint smile. "With your reputation, my lord, they will not be difficult to deal with."
"I will remember your advice," Zhang Xin said.
"Please rest—you must be tired from your journey."
"Thank you, my lord."
Tian Kai bowed and withdrew.
Afterward, Zhang Xin had his official robes and seal delivered to Tian Kai.
Then he unrolled a bamboo slip and wrote three large characters:
Agriculture. Administration. Education.
He circled the final character.
"Education…"
He murmured to himself:
"It's time to make paper."
After a pause, he shook his head.
"No rush. First, I should deal with Zhang Niujiao and the others."