Xin Lin's death caused an uproar in Ji Province.
Guo Jia's worries were indeed confirmed. Zhang Chen had previously sent people to build good relations with the major aristocratic families, but now several family heads claimed illness and refused to meet with the visitors.
Zhang Chen, however, was not bothered by this.
He killed Xin Lin according to the law. If the aristocratic families did not abide by the law and follow the government's orders, they were useless to him. What he needed were people who were truly on his side.
However, this disturbance subsided quickly.
The successor head of the Xin Clan submitted a memorial stating that Xin Lin had violated national law and disregarded discipline and should be punished. The Xin Clan had no complaints about this and would strictly abide by the law and follow orders in the future.
The person who submitted the memorial was Xin Lin's younger brother, Xin Ping.
Zhang Chen was very pleased after reading it. He immediately issued an order to appoint Xin Ping as a clerk, transferring him to Ye City for duty, and appointed Xin Bi as the County Magistrate of Nanpi County.
Both of these Xin brothers were people who left their mark on history. The younger brother, Xin Bi, later became a crucial minister in Cao Wei and was extremely capable, but Zhang Chen had some reservations due to his act of betraying his lord. The elder brother, Xin Ping, however, was a loyal and righteous man who consistently refused to surrender to Cao Cao, but ultimately died of grief and anger due to Yuan Tan's suspicion.
Therefore, Zhang Chen wanted to keep such a person by his side even more.
After the Xin Clan incident subsided, Zhang Chen quickly gained the support of many aristocratic families. The Qinghe Cui Clan expressed their willingness to form good relations, and the Pingyuan Hua Clan also expressed their submission.
Hua Xin was summoned and appointed as the Magistrate of Pingyuan. Zhang Chen had gained another talented individual.
Everything was developing for the better.
But Zhang Chen always had some concerns.
He was worried about the words Xin Lin said just before his death.
"...Zhang Shuai and the Holy Maiden will definitely avenge me!"
Zhang Shuai? Holy Maiden?
Zhang Shuai refers to Zhang Yan, but who is the Holy Maiden?
Could it be Zhang Ning?!
The Black Mountain Army and the Yellow Turbans already had intricate connections, so this was not impossible.
Furthermore, the person who rescued Zhang Yan outside Yingtao County that day was wearing a Yellow Turban, a yellow robe, and could use magic. They were most likely from the Yellow Turbans!
It seems the mastermind behind the Black Mountain Army is the Yellow Heaven Holy Sect, it is Zhang Ning!
Zhang Ning had previously used his power to eliminate Guan Hai and his followers. Now, she was supporting the Black Mountain Army to strengthen her own forces. It must be said that this move of hers was truly brilliant!
"Lord."
A soft call pulled Zhang Chen's thoughts back. He looked up and saw that it was Ju Shou, who had walked in without him noticing.
"Gongyu, is something the matter?"
"Lord, Lord Liu Yu, the Chancellor of Ganling, has come by order."
"Oh? Quickly, serve tea in the front hall." Zhang Chen stood up, straightened his clothes, and walked out of the study towards the front hall.
Upon reaching the front hall, he saw a middle-aged scholar standing in the hall with his hands behind his back.
Even before approaching, just by looking at his back, Zhang Chen felt that the person before him had a certain elegance.
"Brother Bo'an, a pleasure to meet you, a pleasure to meet you."
Zhang Chen walked forward with a smile, and Liu Yu also turned around. The moment he saw Zhang Chen, a hint of surprise appeared in his eyes.
Zhang Chen observed Liu Yu's face; he was indeed refined and gentle, looking like a true gentleman.
Liu Yu was nearly forty, his figure slightly thin but still upright. He wore a long, dark green robe without much ornate decoration, appearing simple and elegant.
【Name: Liu Yu】
【Possessed Traits: Benevolent Heart (Gold), Descendant of the Han Empress (Gold), Disaster-Free (Gold)】
【Benevolent Heart (Gold)】: You implement benevolent policies and are highly regarded by the people. (Reputation increases, popular support in your territory increases)
【Disaster-Free (Gold)】: Due to your good implementation of benevolent policies and your noble and simple character, there are no bandits and no disasters in your territory. (Public order in your territory will not decrease, and no disasters will occur)
He is indeed a capable minister! Although slightly inferior to Liu Bei's 【Zhaolie Benevolence (Red)】, he is not far behind. Moreover, he has the attribute of no disasters occurring. No wonder Liu Yu was able to govern even a harsh and cold place like You Province in an orderly manner.
"Brother Bo'an, I have long heard of your great name, and I am fortunate to finally meet you today, Zifan is very pleased," Zhang Chen said with a smile. "Please, quickly take a seat and let's talk."
Zhang Chen's words and actions were all generous and proper, which surprised Liu Yu.
This person has an extraordinary demeanor and speech. Looking at him, he seems like a lord!
Liu Yu observed Zhang Chen and said, "Are you perhaps the new Governor of Ji Province, Lord Zhang Chen?"
"It is I," Zhang Chen said with a smile. "I have long heard that Ganling is well-governed, thanks entirely to Brother Bo'an's capable administration. Therefore, I took the liberty of inviting you here for a meeting, so I could learn from you in person."
"Your Lordship overpraises me," Liu Yu said. "As a subject, this is my duty. Your Lordship is young and promising. When I was in Ganling, I had already heard of your various deeds. Killing corrupt officials, pacifying refugees, defeating bandits, rushing to the aid of Yingtao County, defeating a hundred thousand Yellow Turbans... every single one of these matters fills this humble official with admiration!"
Zhang Chen smiled and said, "These are just minor matters, not worth mentioning. I heard that before Brother Bo'an arrived in Ganling, the people's lives were in decline, the treasury was empty, and refugees were scattered. In just one year since you took office, the people's lives are stable and the granaries are full. I have just taken charge of Ji Province, and there are many complex matters. I truly need a capable minister like Brother Bo'an to assist me. I would like to invite Brother Bo'an to serve as the Chief Clerk of Ji Province, to offer me counsel. What do you think?"
Liu Yu was stunned upon hearing this and quickly stood up, saying, "Your Lordship's favor is deeply appreciated by this humble official. However, Ganling has just begun to improve, and at this time, this humble official truly cannot abandon the people. I hope Your Lordship understands."
Zhang Chen nodded and praised, "Brother Bo'an cares for the people; you are truly a benevolent and righteous man. Since that is the case, I will not insist. However, there is one more matter I need to discuss with Brother Bo'an."
"Please speak, Your Lordship."
"Recently, bandits have been rampant within Ji Province. I have found that there seems to be a powerful force secretly supporting these bandits, and that force has already gathered many of them. Brother Bo'an must be on guard!"
"What! Is that true?" Liu Yu was immediately startled. "Then, has Your Lordship found out what force is behind these bandits?"
"Black Mountain, Yellow Turban!"
"Ah!" Liu Yu was so shocked upon hearing this that he suddenly stood up. "Didn't the Black Mountain Army disappear after the battle at Yingtao County? Why have they reappeared? Yellow Turban... Didn't Your Lordship just recently wipe out a hundred thousand Yellow Turbans?"
Zhang Chen sighed lightly and said, "The remnants of the Yellow Turbans are spread throughout the land. One hundred thousand is just a drop in the bucket."
"These damned rebels!" Liu Yu said with hatred.
"The troublesome matters don't stop there. I presume Brother Bo'an knows about the matter of me executing Xin Lin a few days ago?"
Liu Yu nodded and said, "That Xin Lin violated national law and deserved to die. Your Lordship was not swayed by the power of the aristocratic families and enforced the law impartially, which this humble official admires."
"I killed Xin Lin because he was reselling military supplies and violating the law," Zhang Chen said. "However, the people who bought the military supplies are even more terrifying. What do these people want to do by buying so many military supplies? Naturally, they are plotting something sinister! I have already found out that Xin Lin sold that batch of military supplies entirely to the Black Mountain Army!"
"What!" Liu Yu was greatly shocked. "So, does this mean the Black Mountain Army has at least tens of thousands of well-equipped armored soldiers? This matter is no small thing. How does Your Lordship plan to deal with it?"
"This is another reason I invited Brother Bo'an here," Zhang Chen said. "Currently, within Ji Province, besides the fifty thousand troops in Wei Commandery, the only available troops are in Zhao Commandery and Ganling. But these two are feudal states, and although I am the Prefect, I cannot directly mobilize them. Therefore, I wanted to discuss with Brother Bo'an that if there is any change in Ji Province, I hope you can send troops to assist me."
Upon hearing this, Liu Yu quickly said, "So that is the matter. Your Lordship can rest assured. Although Ganling is a feudal state, it is still under the jurisdiction of Ji Province and part of the Great Han's territory. If any bandits dare to cause trouble and harm the people, this humble official and the thirty thousand soldiers of the state are willing to be at Your Lordship's command!"
Zhang Chen was overjoyed upon hearing this. "With Brother Bo'an's words, I have no worries!"