Zhang Xin sat in the tent, brush hovering mid-air.
Names flowed through his mind like a river of history—
but reality was far less convenient than memory.
Not everyone was where they were "supposed" to be.
Not everyone was even available.
He tapped the table lightly.
"Too early… or too scattered."
—
Take Cheng Yu—at this time, still going by Cheng Li. A man of firm character, but not someone easily swayed by a simple summons.
Then there was Yu Jin—disciplined, strict, but likely still serving locally, not yet prominent.
Mao Jie—useful in administration, but again, not someone who would casually leave his post.
As for Chen Gong…
Zhang Xin snorted softly.
"That one… better leave him alone for now."
Some people were capable—
but came with too much baggage.
—
He leaned back and looked at the tent ceiling.
"Yanzhou really is a treasure land…"
So many future pillars—
yet most were either unknown, tied down, or not ready.
Recruiting them now wasn't impossible—
but it required timing, reputation, and sometimes… luck.
—
Just then, footsteps approached outside.
"My lord!"
It was Wang Ling.
"Enter."
Wang Ling walked in, slightly out of breath, followed by two attendants.
"My lord, we asked around the county. There is a man named Le Jin, courtesy name Wenqian, from this area."
Zhang Xin's eyes lit up slightly.
"And?"
"He's known locally as a brave and upright man," Wang Ling continued. "Skilled in riding and archery, but… not yet holding any official position."
Perfect.
Zhang Xin immediately sat up straighter.
"Where is he now?"
"In the county outskirts. We've already sent someone to invite him. He should arrive soon."
Zhang Xin smiled.
"Good."
—
Not long after—
a man was brought into the camp.
He was not tall, but sturdy, with sharp eyes and a steady posture. His clothes were simple, but his bearing was anything but ordinary.
The moment he entered, he cupped his hands.
"I am Le Jin of Wei State. I was told the General summoned me?"
Zhang Xin studied him carefully.
So this—
was Yue Jin.
One of the future Five Elite Generals.
Unassuming in appearance—
but iron in execution.
—
Zhang Xin smiled warmly.
"Wenqian, no need for formality."
"I have heard of your name. Today, seeing you in person—indeed extraordinary."
Le Jin was slightly surprised—but remained composed.
"General flatters me."
"I do not flatter," Zhang Xin said directly. "I am marching to Qingzhou to suppress the Yellow Turbans. I lack capable men."
He paused—
then spoke plainly:
"Are you willing to follow me?"
No long speeches.
No empty promises.
Just a straightforward offer.
—
Le Jin fell silent.
He had expected a casual summons—
not a direct recruitment into a military campaign.
Qingzhou…
Yellow Turbans…
That was no small matter.
After a moment, he asked:
"If I follow you… what do you require of me?"
Zhang Xin's answer was immediate:
"Discipline. Courage. Obedience."
Then, after a brief pause:
"And results."
—
Le Jin looked up.
Their eyes met.
For a moment—
neither spoke.
Then—
Le Jin suddenly knelt on one knee.
"I, Le Jin, am willing to serve!"
—
Zhang Xin laughed.
"Good!"
He stepped forward and personally helped him up.
"From today on—you will serve under my command."
Outside the tent, the night wind blew softly.
Inside—
another piece had just fallen into place.
—
But Zhang Xin knew—
this was only the beginning.
Yanzhou still had more to offer.
And ahead—
Qingzhou was waiting.