Dong Zhao, courtesy name Gongren, entered officialdom through the recommendation of filial piety and integrity. Historically, he successively served Yuan Shao and Zhang Yang, and finally surrendered to Cao Cao.
Although Dong Zhao was not a top strategist under Cao Cao, he made an undeniable contribution to Cao Cao's success.
His greatest contribution was igniting the fire of desire in Cao Cao's heart, leading him to embark on the path of a powerful minister.
First, he proposed moving the capital to Xu County, ensuring that the strategy of "holding the Emperor hostage to command the Marquis" could be successfully implemented. Later, he suggested imitating the Qin Dynasty in establishing ranks, which led to the later titles of Duke of Wei and King of Wei.
This person was by no means loyal to the Han, but his strategic vision, insight, and methods of strategic planning were not to be underestimated!
Zhang Chen had originally overlooked this person, but he never expected that he would be the County Magistrate of Yingtao County, so close to himself.
Since that was the case, how could he let him go? Zhang Chen secretly pondered, perhaps he could take this opportunity to recruit this person under his command?
Thinking of this, Zhang Chen said, "Since he is a friend of Gongyu, why would I obstruct him? As fellow Han officials, we should naturally work together with one heart to resist the bandits."
After Zhang Chen finished speaking, he looked around at everyone and said, "Everyone, the bandit army is at our side now. Regardless of their purpose, we must not be careless. Fang Ping!"
"Zhang He is here!"
"I order you to settle the surrendered Soldiers. For those who are willing to join my army, register them and train them morning and evening without slackening," Zhang Chen said. "In addition, rectify military discipline. The past bad habits must not be allowed to exist again!"
"Zhang He accepts the order!"
Fang Ping responded and flashed out of the big tent.
"Gao Shun."
"Zhang He is here!"
"I order you to recruit Soldiers and expand the military strength," Zhang Chen said. "Time is of the essence now. Although there are two elite camps, First to Ascend and Trap Camp, we are still weak. War is imminent, and I can only give you three days to recruit 3,000 Soldiers to serve as reserves."
"Zhang He accepts the order!"
Gao Shun responded and also withdrew.
Zhang Chen then said to Qu Yi, "Brother Qu, war is about to break out. I wonder if you can still lend me a hand?"
"Brother, what are you saying? These Brothers of mine are at your disposal, without any second thoughts!"
"In that case, Zifan thanks Boss!"
As Zhang Chen spoke, he was about to bow, but Qu Yi quickly helped him up and said, "We are Brothers, there is no need for this. Think of me, Qu, who has traveled from Liang Province to here. These Brothers have followed me through life and death all the way until today. Brother is a person with great ambition, and it is not a loss for these Brothers of mine to be under your command!"
After hearing this, Zhang Chen couldn't help but feel grateful.
Pan Feng stood to the side, silent for a long time. Seeing Zhang Chen's orderly dispatch just now, he couldn't help but feel even more admiration.
However, he was full of contradictions in his heart and didn't know how to conduct himself.
After a long time, he sighed, then stepped forward, bowed to Zhang Chen and said, "Lord, the matter here is settled. Please allow General Pan to take his leave."
Zhang Chen knew his intentions were unchangeable, and he couldn't help but sigh with emotion in his heart. He turned around and returned the bow to him.
"General is truly a hero! If it weren't for General's message, at this moment, the lives of all the people in my city would probably be lost to the bandits. Zifan is here on behalf of the people of Guangping County to thank General for his great kindness."
"Lord..." Pan Feng said guiltily, "The Han Family was guilty first. General Pan merely did his best to redeem their guilt a little. How dare he speak of merit?"
"Merit is merit, and guilt is guilt. Han Xuan violated the national law and deserves punishment. General served the country and the people, and he deserves reward!" Zhang Chen said, "Someone, bring a thousand taels of gold and present it to General Pan!"
"Lord, how dare General Pan accept..." Pan Feng saw a plate of gold ingots carried by the Soldier and quickly declined.
"General should accept it," Zhang Chen said sternly. "Zifan has one more word of advice for General. If General goes to battle in the future, I hope he will never go to Sishui Pass."
"This... why is that?"
Pan Feng was a little confused.
Zhang Chen knew that Pan Feng's end was to be killed by Hua Xiong in front of Sishui Pass, but he couldn't bear it in his heart, and could only say these confusing words.
"General does not need to ask further, just remember it," Zhang Chen said, holding Pan Feng's hand. "After we part today, I hope to see General again in the future."
Pan Feng cupped his fists towards everyone, then turned and exited the big tent, rushed out of the camp gate, and left on his own.
Zhang Chen looked at his departing back in his heart and couldn't help but sigh secretly. He didn't know if he would have the chance to see him again after their parting today.
Although Pan Feng's martial arts were good, they were far from top-notch, but he was loyal and righteous, with a clear distinction between good and evil, and he had a great sense of righteousness in his heart. This was something Zhang Chen valued especially.
Well, let's hope that the words spoken today can save him from the disaster in his destiny.
Zhang Chen sighed lightly, turned his head, and looked at the map on the table, silently pondering.
In the second year of Zhongping, Zhang Niujiao and Chu Yan jointly attacked Yingtao County, and finally Zhang Niujiao died from a stray arrow.
This matter was only briefly mentioned in historical records and was not described in detail. Zhang Chen also didn't know how many troops they had or from where they advanced.
But the battle of Yingtao County was of great significance to the Black Mountain Army.
Zhang Niujiao was killed by a stray arrow and passed the leadership position to Chu Yan, who later changed his name to Zhang Yan and became the new leader. It was under his leadership that the Black Mountain Army gradually grew stronger.
The Black Mountain Army later grew uncontrollably, claiming to have "a million Soldiers." Although there were exaggerations, it is estimated that their main force still numbered two to three hundred thousand.
As a result, the Black Mountain Army frequently harassed the counties in Hebei, causing chaos in the Hebei area. If it weren't for this, the strength of Ji Province would probably be even stronger!
Zhang Chen thought to himself, why not nip the Black Mountain Army in the bud while its wings are not yet fully grown?
To subdue the Black Mountain Army, the key person is Zhang Yan. If this person can be subdued, the Black Mountain Army will not be a threat.
It seems that I must go to Yingtao County no matter what.
Just as Zhang Chen was lost in thought, a Soldier outside the tent reported that a General was leading several thousand elite cavalry outside the north gate at this moment.
Several thousand people?!
Zhang Chen was instantly startled.
Thousands of troops had reached the city gate without him knowing?
The Soldier then added that those people were wearing armor of the court's standard issue.
Only then did Zhang Chen feel relieved. Court troops, could it be that the reinforcements sent by the Prefect have arrived?
Zhang Chen quickly led his men directly to the north gate.
Not long after, everyone left the city gate and saw that the leader was a young General, looking to be about seventeen or eighteen years old, roughly the same age as Zhang Chen.
The young General had a fair complexion, handsome features, wore fine iron chainmail, held a red-tasseled spear in his hand, and rode a white horse. He was truly a young hero, full of imposing power!
Upon seeing this, Zhang Chen quickly stepped forward, bowed and said, "Young General. Zhang Zifan, Magistrate of Guangping County, greets you."
Upon hearing this, the young General couldn't help but be surprised. He quickly dismounted and looked Zhang Chen up and down.
"You... are the Magistrate of Guangping County, Zhang Chen Zhang Zifan?" the young General asked with a hint of doubt in his expression.
Zhang Chen said, "It is this subordinate. May I ask who General is?"
Upon hearing this, the young General quickly knelt on one knee and bowed, saying, "Lord, Zhang He, this humble General, has been ordered by Lord Li to lead troops here to help Lord defeat the bandits."
Zhang He!!!
Zhang Chen's eyes immediately lit up.
【Name: Zhang He】
【Traits: Pinnacle of Spear Skill (Gold), Unparalleled Adaptability (Gold), Hebei Four Pillars (Gold)】
【Pinnacle of Spear Skill (Gold)】: Your spear technique has reached mastery, reaching the peak of perfection, rarely seen in the world. (Greatly increases spear skill power)
【Unparalleled Adaptability (Gold)】: You understand tactical changes, are good at setting up camps and formations, and can arrange strategies and tactics based on terrain and weather. (The troops you command will not be negatively affected by terrain or weather)
【Hebei Four Pillars (Gold)】: One of the Hebei Four Pillars. You have deep bonds with each other and can gain different attribute boosts. (When in the same faction as Yan Liang, Wen Chou, and Gao Lan, intelligence is increased, making it easier to see through the enemy's schemes)
Three Gold Traits, truly worthy of being a generation's famous General!
It's truly "searching high and low without finding it, only to find it effortlessly." I was originally thinking of sending Gao Shun to make friends with this person, but I didn't expect him to deliver himself to my doorstep!