Zhang Xin was overjoyed and personally went out to receive him.
Among the renowned generals of the era, Yu Jin's ability was unquestionable. In the early years under Cao Cao, aside from the Cao and Xiahou clans, he was the only outsider entrusted to command troops independently. From the campaigns against Xuzhou, to defeating Lü Bu and Gao Shun, and later crushing Zhang Chao, Liu Pi, Huang Shao, Qiao Rui, Yuan Shao, Chang Xi, and others—his record was formidable.
Before the disaster at Fancheng, Yu Jin had fought for over thirty years without a single defeat.
Even that infamous flood was not truly his fault. The common tale credits Guan Yu with breaching dikes and flooding Yu Jin's army due to poor positioning—but this version oversimplifies reality. In truth, Yu Jin had camped on higher ground at Dengsai. No competent general would deliberately station troops in a flood-prone lowland, especially in the Jianghan Plain where seasonal floods were well known.
What no one anticipated was the sheer scale of the torrential rain.
Historical records describe over ten days of continuous downpour, causing the Han River to overflow and flood the plains to depths exceeding ten meters. Yu Jin's forces, scattered across isolated high points, lost cohesion and morale. Without a navy and unable to resupply, they were helpless when Guan Yu launched attacks by boat.
Under such circumstances, defeat was inevitable.
Even so, the Wei court later acknowledged this. Cao Pi issued an edict stating that the loss was due to natural disaster, not incompetence, and restored Yu Jin's rank. Strategists like Sima Yi also argued that the defeat did not harm the overall strategy of the state.
Yu Jin's only real blemish was his surrender—but in a hopeless situation, surrender was often the only rational choice.
With these thoughts in mind, Zhang Xin arrived at the camp gate and examined the man before him.
"So you are Yu Jin, courtesy name Wenze?"
The man before him was stern and composed, exuding a quiet dignity. He reminded Zhang Xin of Gao Shun—serious, disciplined, and not one to smile easily. Truly worthy of the historical description: resolute and solemn.
"Yes," Yu Jin replied, bowing. "This humble one greets the Prefect."
"Come, let's speak inside."
Zhang Xin grasped his hand and led him into the tent side by side.
Yu Jin was immediately taken aback.
Zhang Xin was a Marquis, Governor of Qingzhou, and General Who Guards the East—yet he treated a mere commoner with such respect. It spoke volumes of his regard for talent.
Inside the tent, Zhang Xin gestured to a seat.
"Wenze, sit."
"Thank you, my lord," Yu Jin said, bowing before sitting carefully.
Zhang Xin took the main seat and smiled. "When I passed through Yanzhou, I heard of your skill in military affairs. Would you be willing to share your insights?"
Yu Jin understood immediately—this was a test.
"My lord, please ask."
What followed was two hours of intense questioning and discussion.
Zhang Xin was thoroughly impressed.
Yu Jin is indeed exceptional… but how should I employ him? he wondered.
Though he held high rank, Zhang Xin lacked the authority to formally establish a full general's staff. Giving Yu Jin a minor post would be an insult, yet requesting an official appointment from the court would take months.
After careful thought, Zhang Xin made his decision.
He would appoint Yu Jin as Zhizhong (Chief Administrator of Qingzhou)—a seemingly modest title, but one that carried significant authority, effectively placing him as the third-ranking official in the province.
Yu Jin was stunned. Rising from a commoner to such a position in one step—it was beyond anything he had imagined.
He immediately stood and bowed deeply.
"I will serve with utmost loyalty!"
Zhang Xin helped him up with a smile and explained that this was only temporary. In time, he would recommend Yu Jin for an even higher military post.
Yu Jin was deeply grateful. To him, either position was already a tremendous honor.
Zhang Xin then summoned Gao Shun and introduced the two.
"Since Wenze excels in training troops, he will assist you in drilling new recruits."
"Yes," Yu Jin accepted without hesitation.
The two departed together.
Left alone, Zhang Xin laughed to himself.
With this, I've secured yet another great general… only Zhang He remains.
Afterward, he sent word to Youzhou, summoning Xiahou Lan to help establish military discipline and educate the newly surrendered Yellow Turban soldiers.
Meanwhile, Zhang Xin focused on training.
The surrendered troops proved highly cooperative. Having been spared and even given food, they were deeply grateful. Zhang Xin took the opportunity to formally incorporate them, granting them a new identity:
Qingzhou Soldiers.
They were treated the same as regular Han troops, with no discrimination.
Morale soared.
Days later, Zhang Niujiao and Xu He returned, bringing with them an additional five to six thousand men.
Hebei was pacified.
Zhang Xin stationed these new arrivals outside the city before entering Pingyuan and summoning the local prefect to present the land registers.
The prefect, trembling, complied.
After reviewing the records, Zhang Xin frowned.
The official registry showed less than four million mu of farmland.
But Pingyuan, with a population exceeding one million, could not possibly survive on such a small amount of land.
Where did the rest go?
The answer was obvious.
The powerful local families had concealed it.
Zhang Xin's expression darkened.
It was time to have a "conversation" with the great clans.