Upon hearing this, Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong were overjoyed. They quickly agreed to do their utmost and told him not to worry.
Do our utmost?
Seeing that the time was ripe, Zhang Chen decided to add more fuel to the fire. He took off the bundle he was carrying and spread it on the ground.
When he opened it, he saw it was full of gold!
All of this was brought by Zhang Chen from Wei Commandery. Since he wanted to befriend powerful figures, how could he not invest heavily?
However, the Han Dynasty did not have banknotes, and carrying this gold around was really troublesome. Using boxes would be too conspicuous and inconvenient.
Therefore, Zhang Chen only brought two bundles, a full twenty catties of gold.
Today, he gave away half of it in one go.
When Zhao Zhong saw the gold, his eyes immediately widened, and Zhang Rang also quickly came closer, a look of greed appearing in his eyes.
Zhang Chen put on a fawning expression and said, "Two Lords, this subordinate came out in a hurry this time and did not prepare too much. This ten catties of gold is just for the two Lords to have tea money. When this subordinate returns to Wei Commandery, there will definitely be a generous gift to thank you!"
"Zhang Chen is young and promising, young and promising! We see that you have the potential of a great man and will surely achieve great things, surely achieve great things! Don't worry, the candidate for Prefect of Ji Province must be you! Hahaha!"
As Zhang Rang spoke, he picked up two gold ingots, tapped them lightly, and a crisp sound rang out. A look of enjoyment immediately appeared on his face.
Zhao Zhong also said with a smile, "Very good, very good. Zhang Chen, please rest assured and stay in Loyang for a few days. With us and Zhang Changshi here, there will surely be good news within a few days."
Done!
Zhang Chen was secretly delighted. He immediately thanked the two, bid farewell, and went directly to the General's Residence.
Along the way, Zhang Chen pondered silently in his heart.
If He Jin recommended him as Prefect of Ji Province, Emperor Ling might not necessarily make up his mind, but now with Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong speaking on his behalf, Zhang Chen was certain this matter would succeed!
At present, this major matter was settled. Next, who should he befriend?
The first to befriend, of course, should be the Yuan Family, known as the "Four Generations and Three Excellencies."
Currently, among the elders of the Yuan Clan, Yuan Feng has resigned from office for many years, and Yuan Wei also resigned due to illness at the beginning of this year and is now idle at home. Those still holding office in the court are the younger generation, Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu.
However, Zhang Chen knew well that when Emperor Ling passed away and Liu Bian ascended the throne, Yuan Wei would be reinstated and even take on important positions like Grand Tutor.
The Yuan Family, the "Four Generations and Three Excellencies," even if temporarily in decline, was still the foremost prestigious clan in Great Han!
If he could establish a good relationship with the Yuan Clan, just being a "Yuan Clan protege" would be enough for him to rise to fame!
Zhang Chen pondered as he returned to the General's Residence. That night, he slept soundly.
The next day, Zhang Chen went to find He Jin and expressed his desire to get to know the court officials.
He Jin had long considered Zhang Chen one of his own and naturally intended to support him. He then asked, "There are many civil and military officials in the court. Getting to know more people will be beneficial to you in the future, but I wonder who my virtuous nephew intends to visit?"
Zhang Chen thought for a moment and said, "The Yuan Clan, Four Generations and Three Excellencies, holds significant weight in the court. This nephew heard that my esteemed uncle has always been on good terms with Lord Yuan Wei, the Minister of Works. Lord Yuan resigned due to illness at the beginning of this year and is now idle at home. This nephew intends to personally visit him to befriend the Yuan Clan. What does my esteemed uncle think?"
"Hmm." He Jin pondered, then nodded and said, "I didn't expect you to be so familiar with affairs in the capital even though you are not here. That's right, the Yuan Clan has extremely high prestige in the court. Befriending them will definitely be greatly beneficial to you in the future. Speaking of which, I haven't seen Ciyang in a long time. Let's go together today."
"Thank you, esteemed uncle, for the introduction."
Before long, Zhang Chen was ready. He and He Jin took a carriage and headed straight for the Yuan mansion.
The Yuan Clan truly lived up to their name of "Four Generations and Three Excellencies"; their mansion was no less impressive than the General's Residence.
He Jin and Zhang Chen got out of the carriage. The servants guarding the gate saw it was He Jin and quickly came forward to pay respects. One went inside to report, while the other welcomed the two into the mansion.
Before He Jin reached the front hall, two people had already come out from inside.
One of them was quite old, with white hair and a silver beard, appearing to be over sixty years old. The other was a young man, seemingly just over thirty.
The old man saw He Jin from afar, cupped his hands, and repeatedly said, "Oh, Lord He, what wind has blown you here today? This old man failed to welcome you properly, please forgive me, forgive me."
He Jin also cupped his hands and laughed, "Brother Ciyang, I haven't seen you for many days. How have you been?"
"Thanks to Lord He's concern, this old man is doing well."
The young man behind him also bowed to He Jin and said, "Greetings, General."
"Haha, good, virtuous nephew, no need for such courtesy."
"Lord He, please come inside for a chat."
"Brother Ciyang, please." While exchanging pleasantries, He Jin entered the reception hall with the old man.
Zhang Chen followed behind He Jin, quietly observing the old and young man.
【Name: Yuan Wei】
【Possesses Traits: Four Generations and Three Excellencies (Red), Prudence and Self-Preservation (Purple), Disaster of Extermination (White)】
【Four Generations and Three Excellencies (Red)】: The Runan Yuan Clan, a prestigious clan of the world. Within four generations, as many as five individuals held positions as "Three Excellencies" (Minister of Works, Minister of Education, Grand Commandant), hence the name "Four Generations and Three Excellencies." (Reputation greatly increased)
【Prudence and Self-Preservation (Purple)】: You are clear-headed and good at protecting yourself. In power struggles, you try to avoid getting involved as much as possible to ensure your own interests are not harmed.
【Disaster of Extermination (White)】: You ultimately get involved in disputes and suffer the disaster of extermination.
It really was Yuan Wei! This old man was a shrewd character, adept at navigating the officialdom. He had been an official for many years and always avoided disputes, fawning over whoever was in power. When Dong Zhuo was in power, he even expressed support for the dethronement of the Emperor, showing no loyalty as a subject.
Unfortunately, despite this, he was ultimately implicated by his two nephews, and his entire family, over fifty people, were all executed.
Zhang Chen couldn't help but sigh softly and then looked at the young man.
【Name: Yuan Ji】
【Possesses Traits: Four Generations and Three Excellencies (Red), Smooth Career Path (Gold), Disaster of Extermination (White)】
So it was him!
Yuan Feng's eldest legitimate son, the elder brother of Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu.
This Yuan Ji was a true son of a noble family. Since inheriting his father's title, his career path was smooth sailing. At a young age, he held the position of Grand Coachman, one of the "Nine Ministers."
Unfortunately, his end was also tragic. He was also implicated by his two younger brothers and was killed by Dong Zhuo along with Yuan Wei's family.
As Zhang Chen walked, he looked around. Why didn't he see the brothers Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu?
At this time, Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu were still young and impetuous, spending their days hunting and indulging in pleasure, only obtaining official positions through their family's influence. It wasn't until Dong Zhuo caused chaos that the two of them changed their temperament and developed ambitions to contend for the world.
Entering the room, Yuan Ji helped Yuan Wei sit down and then stood by his side.
He Jin sat in the guest seat on the right, while Zhang Chen consciously stood beside him.
Yuan Wei casually raised his eyes, looked at Zhang Chen, and said, "Lord He, who is this?"
He Jin smiled and said, "I was just about to introduce him to Brother Ciyang. This is a nephew of mine, named Zhang Chen, courtesy name Zifan. He currently holds the position of Prefect of Wei Commandery."
As soon as this was said, Yuan Ji, who was standing nearby, changed his expression and said, "Could it be that this is the Prefect of Wei Commandery, Lord Zhang Chen, who defeated the one hundred thousand Yellow Turban rebels a few days ago?"
Zhang Chen stepped forward, bowed to Yuan Wei and Yuan Ji, and said, "It is indeed this subordinate. This subordinate was summoned by the General to Loyang and was also favored by him, considering me as a nephew. This subordinate has long admired the prestige of the Yuan Clan. Today, I specially came with the General to visit you, Lord."
"So, the Lord Zhang who defeated one hundred thousand rebel troops is actually so young! Truly young and promising!" Yuan Ji smiled, cupped his hands, and bowed, saying, "I am Yuan Ji. I inherited my father's title and currently humbly serve as the Marquis of Anguo Pavilion and hold the position of Grand Coachman."
As Yuan Ji spoke, there was a hint of pride in his eyes.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Chen stepped forward and bowed deeply, saying, "So it is the Marquis. This subordinate is disrespectful. The Marquis is young and promising, a man of outstanding talent, truly a dragon among men, the backbone of Great Han."
Upon hearing this, Yuan Ji felt secretly pleased, and a bright smile appeared on his face.
"Zifan, this is Lord Yuan Wei." He Jin looked at the old man and said, "Although Lord Yuan is idle at home, his disciples and former subordinates are spread throughout the court and the land. The Runan Yuan Clan is the foremost prestigious clan in our Great Han. It is a great blessing for you to see him today. Quickly pay your respects."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Chen pretended to be surprised and quickly bowed once more towards Yuan Wei.
"Lord above, please accept this junior's bow!"