Zhang Xin's gaze lingered for just a moment before settling.
Pang Ji.
Compared to the brilliance of Xun You or the reputation of Xun Yu, this name didn't shine as brightly in later generations—but that didn't mean he was insignificant.
Zhang Xin knew very well:
Pang Ji was no ordinary scholar.
He was someone who would later serve under Yuan Shao, rising to a high position and participating in major strategic decisions. Though his ultimate fate wasn't as glorious, anyone who could stand in Yuan Shao's inner circle during the turbulent end of the Han dynasty was far from mediocre.
And more importantly—
Right now, Pang Ji was still in Luoyang, still unclaimed.
That alone made him valuable.
Zhang Xin immediately adjusted his expression, stepping forward with a polite smile and a respectful bow.
"Zhang Xin greets Mr. Pang. I have long heard of your reputation in Nanyang."
Pang Ji returned the gesture, his demeanor calm, eyes quietly observing.
Unlike Xun You's seemingly dull exterior masking sharp intelligence, Pang Ji gave off a different feeling—measured, composed, with a hint of ambition beneath restraint.
At this moment, Zhang Xin's thoughts were already moving quickly.
He had just met:
Xun You — a top-tier strategist He Yong — a leading figure among the literati And now Pang Ji
This wasn't just a banquet.
This was a talent pool at the center of the empire.
Zhang Xin understood something very clearly now:
Luoyang wasn't just dangerous because of politics—
It was also the place where the future of the Three Kingdoms was quietly taking shape.
Every person in this hall might one day:
become a pillar of a राज्य or an enemy across the battlefield
He Jin, standing nearby, laughed heartily.
"Ziqing, these are all men of talent. You young people should interact more."
Zhang Xin smiled outwardly, but inwardly remained cautious.
He Jin's words sounded casual—
But in reality, this was a test.
A test of:
who Zhang Xin would befriend who he would draw close and indirectly… which faction he might lean toward
Zhang Xin raised his cup slightly.
"Meeting so many talented gentlemen today is truly my fortune."
His tone was modest, but his eyes swept across the room once more—
lingering briefly on Xun You.
Because deep down, he already knew:
If he could only take one person from this room—
It had to be him.