The name of Zhuge Liang needs no introduction—his fame has echoed through the ages.
He devoted his entire life to his cause, working tirelessly until his final breath. For generations, emperors have upheld him as the ideal minister, praising his loyalty and brilliance. His Chu Shi Biao secured his place in history—who, for a thousand years, could rival such renown?
Such praise is perhaps the highest honor one could give him.
Yet at this time, Zhuge Liang still remains in his hometown in Xuzhou. Zhang Xin knows he must bring him into his fold.
Compared to the son's enduring legacy, however, his father, Zhuge Gui, is barely mentioned in the records.
After some thought, Zhang Xin summoned two men and ordered them to depart at once for Langya in Xuzhou to investigate the situation of Zhuge Gui and his brother, Zhuge Xuan.
If they could bring Zhuge Gui directly, that would be ideal.
Even if he were to pass away soon after arriving, Zhang Xin could still say:
"I will care for your wife and children."
If that failed, then they were to bring Zhuge Xuan instead.
Zhang Xin could not recall exactly when Zhuge Gui died, but he remembered that after his death, Zhuge Jin led the family to join Zhuge Xuan.
If Zhuge Xuan could be secured, then Zhuge Liang would hardly be able to slip away.
And with that, Zhuge Jin would come as well.
Perfect.
At that moment, the officer in charge of provisions returned. The soldiers slaughtered pigs and sheep, and soon the entire camp was filled with the rich aroma of meat.
Dian Wei brought over a bowl of steaming meat soup.
Zhang Xin drank deeply.
As the weather turned colder, nothing was more comforting than a bowl of hot broth.
"Hm… perhaps we should ask Hu Cai and Li Le to send some winter clothing…"
While he was still thinking, Wang Ling returned to camp.
"My lord, Yue Jin has arrived."
Zhang Xin stood up in surprise and looked around, but saw no one.
"Where is he?" he asked.
From below came a voice:
"Wei officer Yue Jin pays his respects to the Governor."
Zhang Xin looked down.
Before him stood a small, slender man—so slight he could hardly be distinguished as either boy or adult—bowing respectfully.
"No need for such formality."
Zhang Xin quickly helped him up. "You are Yue Jin, courtesy name Wenqian?"
"Indeed," Yue Jin replied with a nod.
Zhang Xin examined him closely.
Historical accounts had described Yue Jin as short, but seeing him in person was still surprising. He was even shorter than Wang Ling—barely over 1.6 meters.
Yet despite his stature, his expression was firm, and his eyes shone with sharp resolve.
One look was enough to confirm it—this was indeed Yue Jin, a man of rare courage.
Zhang Xin chuckled inwardly.
Perhaps being small made him harder to target—no wonder he always charged first in battle.
Smiling, Zhang Xin said:
"I have been ordered by the Emperor to govern Qingzhou. The Yellow Turbans there are powerful, and I need capable men at my side."
"I have heard of your bravery. Would you be willing to join me?"
"I am willing to serve with utmost loyalty!"
Without hesitation, Yue Jin bowed deeply.
While Zhang Xin observed Yue Jin, Yue Jin was also studying him.
He had never expected the famed Marquis Xuanwei to be so young.
A man of such youth, already holding the posts of Governor of Qingzhou and General Who Pacifies the East—yet showing no arrogance, even sending someone personally to invite him.
With such a lord, how could he refuse?
"Good! Good! Good!"
Zhang Xin exclaimed three times in succession.
"I appoint you as an officer under my command. You will lead fifty men for now—prove your ability, and you will be promoted."
"Thank you, my lord!"
Yue Jin, overwhelmed with gratitude, bowed again.
Though the position was modest, it placed him close to Zhang Xin and gave him command—clearly a stepping stone for greater responsibility.
"You have arrived at just the right time."
Zhang Xin personally ladled a bowl of meat soup and handed it to him.
"The camp has just prepared this—consider it a welcome."
"I would not dare trouble you so, my lord," Yue Jin said, deeply moved as he accepted it with both hands.
Zhang Xin then drew upon all the courtesy he had learned in Luoyang, speaking warmly until Yue Jin was nearly in tears.
The army set out the next day.
Zhang Xin was in high spirits after gaining Yue Jin.
When they reached Yangping, he sent men across the river to Dong'e to recruit Cheng Yu.
By the following day, the envoys returned—Cheng Yu had refused.
Zhang Xin was not surprised.
Cheng Yu was known for his pride, and having once fought the Yellow Turbans, it was only natural he would look down on someone of that origin.
The attempt had merely been a gamble.
Success would have been welcome—but failure was no loss.
Zhang Xin ordered the army northward, entering Qingzhou through Boping.
Upon arrival, he removed his armor, donned official robes, and rode in the governor's carriage—strictly observing court protocol.
Authority must be displayed.
Without it, his rule in Qingzhou would lack legitimacy.
But when they reached the border—
No one came to greet them.
Zhang Liao, leading the vanguard, was furious.
"How dare the officials of Qingzhou show such disrespect!"
By custom, even a county magistrate would be welcomed at the border upon taking office—let alone a provincial governor.
This was not merely etiquette—it was a matter of authority.
Zhang Liao rode up.
"My lord, allow me to lead troops into Pingyuan and seize the prefect. I will drag him here to apologize!"
The surrounding generals burned with anger.
If this insult went unpunished, how could the officials of Qingzhou ever be expected to obey?
"Wenyuan, restrain yourself."
Though equally displeased, Zhang Xin remained calm.
"The Yellow Turbans are strong in Qingzhou. Something may have happened. We should investigate first."
Zhang Liao suppressed his anger and dispatched scouts.
The army camped at the border.
As night fell, reports came in.
"My lord—the Yellow Turbans have captured Gaotang and Luoyin counties!"
"And Pingyuan?" Zhang Xin asked quickly.
"It still stands."
Zhang Xin let out a breath of relief.
"What of the other counties?"
"We do not know. The region is overrun—we dared not go further."
So serious already?
Zhang Xin frowned.
"Continue investigating."
At that moment, Xun You, who managed the supply lines, arrived.
"My lord, what is the situation in Qingzhou?"
"You came at just the right time, Gongda."
Zhang Xin spread out the map before him.