He Jin was momentarily puzzled, and with a scrutinizing gaze, he asked Zhang Chen.
Zhang Chen said, "As Her Imperial Majesty the Empress's brother and the First Prince's maternal uncle, your position, Esteemed Uncle, is now at its zenith. Everyone in the world considers it an honor to enter the General's Residence. However, Esteemed Uncle only holds great power internally, but you do not have external assistance."
"External assistance?" Upon hearing this, He Jin couldn't help but ponder, "You mean..."
Zhang Chen continued, "It's well known that Esteemed Uncle and Zhang Rang and the Ten Attendants have always been at odds. Those treacherous eunuchs, though despicable, are nonetheless close ministers to His Majesty. They only need to whisper a few words to obscure His Majesty's hearing. This nephew fears that if a change occurs in the future, Esteemed Uncle will have no external assistance and no one to use!"
"Hmm..." He Jin listened and began to think carefully.
What Zhang Chen said was not without reason. Although the General's Residence was full of talented people, without military power in hand, it would all be in vain. Although he was the Grand General, in charge of the world's military, he still needed to cultivate a few loyal individuals who could serve him wholeheartedly. Otherwise, in the event of a change, this was a matter of entrusting one's life!
As Zhang Chen said this, Zhen Yan, who was beside him, was also surprised. What Zhang Chen said was very pertinent, yet why had he not thought of these things before?
Zhang Chen, at such a young age, actually possessed such foresight, even thinking of this layer?
He Jin looked at Zhang Chen, his eyes also revealing the same surprise, and immediately said, "What my virtuous nephew said is correct. Then, in your opinion, who can be an external assistant?"
Zhang Chen smiled and slowly stood up, "If Esteemed Uncle does not mind, this nephew is willing to be an external assistant. In the future, whenever Esteemed Uncle has an order, the troops of Wei Commandery will all obey your command!"
Upon hearing this, He Jin couldn't help but ponder deeply.
Wei Commandery was south of Ji Province, not far from Luoyang City. If it truly came to war, it would only take a few days to reach Luoyang City. If, as Zhang Chen said, he had a loyal and strong army outside, it would not be a bad thing.
At this moment, Zhen Yan also spoke from the side, "Grand General, your subordinate believes that Zifan's words are very true. Zifan governs Wei Commandery, in charge of a commandery's troops. Although their numbers are few, he previously heavily defeated the Yellow Turban, which shows his bravery. If such a strong army could serve the Grand General, wouldn't that be wonderful?"
"Hmm." He Jin nodded repeatedly upon hearing this, then said, "What Zhen Yan said is correct, good! It will be as my virtuous nephew said. Don't worry, since you are willing to help, I will naturally not treat you unfairly. Wei Commandery... hmm, it's really too small. Since my virtuous nephew has great talent, he should be given a good important position."
After He Jin finished speaking, a satisfied smile appeared on his face.
There was an unexpected pleasant surprise! Listening to He Jin's meaning, he was likely going to promote him and grant him a higher title. Could it be that he intended to give him the position of Governor of Ji Province?
Zhang Chen was secretly pleased and unconsciously looked at Zhen Yan.
This Zhen Yan was truly a divine assistant!
He Jin then said, "A mere commandery is not enough to display my virtuous nephew's talent. Coincidentally, a few days ago, Liu Yan submitted a memorial requesting the restoration of the Prefect system. His Majesty has been hesitating about this for the past few days. At tomorrow's court assembly, I will persuade His Majesty. As long as His Majesty grants approval, I will immediately recommend you as Governor of Ji Province!"
Zhang Chen was startled upon hearing this.
He remembered that Liu Yan's proposal of "Abolishing History and Establishing Governors (Purple)" should still be a few years away. Why was it brought up now?
Could it be another "butterfly effect"?
It seems that the further along, the less the development of the situation would be under his control. Relying solely on his understanding of that period of history would not be enough to keep him invincible.
However, bringing it up now was also a good thing. If he could truly seize this opportunity to become Governor of Ji Province, then he could develop in peace for the next few years.
A Prefect held immense power, with all military and political affairs of a province in his hands. More importantly, after the Prefect system was restored, the appointment and dismissal of officials within the province would all be decided by the Prefect.
In this way, he could act freely and no longer be constrained!
If this matter could be achieved, then his trip to Luoyang City this time would truly be worth it!
Zhang Chen was immediately overjoyed and immediately bowed, saying, "In that case, this nephew will first express his gratitude to Esteemed Uncle here. If this matter can truly be facilitated, Ji Province will surely follow Esteemed Uncle's lead. In the future, this nephew will also present generous gifts every year to show his filial piety."
Zhang Chen spoke respectfully, even feeling a bit obsequious himself.
But it didn't matter. This He Jin was not some upright gentleman. There was no need to speak in riddles in front of an honest person, and since there were no outsiders here, there was no need for so much circumlocution.
He Jin was clearly very pleased with Zhang Chen's straightforwardness, and immediately said with a beaming smile, "My virtuous nephew is indeed a forthright person, good, good! Zhen Yan, your Zhen family has gained such a distinguished son-in-law, you will surely be blessed in the future!"
Zhen Yan smiled, also delighted in his heart.
If Zhang Chen could truly take charge of Ji Province, then the Zhen family's position in Ji Province would surely be stable, and he was naturally happy to see it happen.
He Jin then said to Zhang Chen, "Virtuous nephew, since you have come to Luoyang City, why not stay a few more days and experience the prosperity of this capital city? Just stay at my residence, treat it as your own home."
"Esteemed Uncle's kindness, this nephew respectfully accepts." Zhang Chen said, "Esteemed Uncle, upon arriving in the capital, this nephew still has some matters that I would like to trouble you with."
"Just say it. In this Luoyang City, there is nothing I cannot handle."
"To be honest, Esteemed Uncle, this nephew wishes to make the acquaintance of some court officials in the capital to accumulate some connections. After all, being in officialdom, these social engagements are always necessary."
"Hmm." He Jin nodded, "What you said is correct. I didn't expect you, at such a young age, to already understand human nature and social etiquette. It's truly rare. Very well, it is indeed time to introduce you to some connections. Otherwise, at your age, being recommended as Governor of Ji Province, I fear it would be difficult to gain the respect of others. However, I wonder which court official my virtuous nephew wishes to befriend?"
"This nephew plans to visit one person first."
"Oh? Who is it? Just tell me. In this Luoyang City, no matter who he is, he must give me some face."
"Central Attendant—Zhang Rang!"
"What?!" He Jin's face instantly fell upon hearing this, and he "thumped" as he stood up.
Zhen Yan, who was beside him, was greatly alarmed and frantically kept winking at Zhang Chen.
Oh, my dear brother-in-law, why do you always bring up sensitive topics? You know that the Grand General and the Ten Attendants are at loggerheads, yet you want to befriend Zhang Rang? Are you tired of living?
Although He Jin was angry, he suppressed his rage and did not explode. He just said coldly, "Virtuous nephew, what do you mean by wanting to befriend those eunuchs?"
Zhang Chen said, "Esteemed Uncle, please do not be angry. Befriending eunuchs is naturally not my true intention. However, if I don't, I fear this nephew will not be able to leave this Luoyang City."
"Hmm? Why is that?"
Zhang Chen said, "Esteemed Uncle, as I came along, I noticed many suspicious people around the General's Residence. You and the 'Ten Attendants' have been openly and secretly fighting for many years, so you must know their methods."
He Jin was startled and said, "You mean, outside the General's Residence, there are spies of those eunuchs?!"
Zhang Chen laughed, "I'm afraid that as soon as this nephew enters the residence, Zhang Rang will already know. With their methods, they can investigate me thoroughly without any effort. At that time, if he slanders me in front of His Majesty, let alone me becoming Esteemed Uncle's external assistant in the future, I fear I won't even be able to return to Ye City!"
Upon hearing this, He Jin suddenly realized. He had indeed overlooked this point earlier.
With the cunning of the "Ten Attendants," it would be no difficult feat to ascertain Zhang Chen's identity. Now that Zhang Chen had heavily defeated the Yellow Turban, it was known throughout the capital. Once the "Ten Attendants" learned that he had pledged allegiance to him, they would surely be extremely wary of him.
Fortunately, my virtuous nephew is astute and thought of this layer early on.
He Jin pondered for a moment and said, "That Zhang Rang has an outer residence in the west of the city. He returns there on the first and fifteenth of every month. Tomorrow is the fifteenth; you can go there to find him."
Zhang Chen was overjoyed upon hearing this and immediately bowed in gratitude, "Thank you, Esteemed Uncle."
Hmph, as long as I can meet him, with my eloquent tongue, I'm not afraid of not being able to win over you, you dead eunuch!