Yingtao County.
After the celebration banquet, Zhang Chen ordered Gao Shun and others to return to the Military Camp and settle their troops. Dong Zhao also ordered Jiang Qi to bring much wine and meat to reward the soldiers.
As night fell, Zhang Chen stayed alone in a side room in the back hall of the County Government. Just as he was about to rest, he suddenly heard a knock at the door.
"Zhang Chen, are you resting?"
It was Dong Zhao!
Zhang Chen quickly opened the door, only to see two people standing outside.
One was Dong Zhao, and the other was Ju Shou.
"Dong Zhao," Zhang Chen cupped his hands towards Dong Zhao, then looked at Ju Shou beside him, "Gongyu, why have you come?"
Ju Shou bowed and cupped his hands, saying, "Your subordinate heard that Lord had defeated the bandit army and lifted the siege of Yingtao County, so he rushed here overnight to meet an old friend. After chatting briefly, he learned that Lord was also here, so he specially came to pay his respects."
"Come in and talk," Zhang Chen said, inviting the two into the room.
As soon as they entered, Zhang Chen eagerly asked, "Gongyu, how are Cheng'an and Linzhang County?"
Ju Shou replied, "Lord, please rest assured. General Qian Zhao and General Fang Ping have cleared out the bandits and taken the two cities. They are currently comforting the people."
"Good!" Zhang Chen felt relieved upon hearing this.
Although he had long been confident, only when Ju Shou said it did he truly feel at ease.
Ju Shou subtly glanced at Dong Zhao and saw that he was also surprised upon hearing this.
Immediately, Ju Shou's eyes darted around, and he continued, "Lord's strategy this time not only lifted the siege of Yingtao County but also recovered the two counties of Cheng'an and Linzhang County, which were occupied by the bandits. It can truly be said that Lord planned strategies within the tent and won battles a thousand miles away! Lord's talent truly makes your subordinate admire him greatly. Your subordinate is truly fortunate to be able to follow Lord!"
Ju Shou's words made Zhang Chen slightly stunned, thinking that Ju Shou usually didn't talk like this, what was wrong with him today?
At the same time, Dong Zhao, who was beside him, looked surprised and said, "Gongyu, are you saying that lifting the siege of Yingtao County this time was all Zhang Chen's plan, not yours?"
"Haha, Dong Zhao, my Lord has his own strategies; I merely assisted him from the side," Ju Shou said. "This time, the recovery of the two counties in one fell swoop has made the people of both counties immensely grateful to my Lord."
"I never expected Zhang Chen to be so young yet possess such strategic depth," Dong Zhao sighed. "I originally thought that Zhang Chen was merely benevolent, unable to bear the suffering of the people, and thus sent troops to rescue them, but the one who devised the plan must have been Gongyu. Unexpectedly, Zhang Chen is actually skilled in both civil and military affairs, possessing both wisdom and courage! Please accept my bow."
"Dong Zhao, there's no need for this," Zhang Chen quickly helped Dong Zhao up and said, "I have long heard Gongyu mention your great name. You have governed Yingtao County for several years, making the people prosperous and live in peace and contentment. When I entered the city today, I saw how flourishing and beautiful it was, and I knew what was said was true. You are a great talent for governing the world. It is the fortune of the state and the fortune of the myriad people to have such officials in the imperial court!"
Upon hearing this, Dong Zhao's expression darkened, and he sighed, "It's just a pity that the current imperial court is decadent and corrupt. His Majesty trusts eunuchs like Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong, selling official positions, blocking off advice... Even if there were truly capable officials to govern the world, they would likely just be pearls covered in dust."
Zhang Chen could tell that there was a lot of complaint in Dong Zhao's words.
He was nearly thirty years old, yet only held the position of a County Magistrate, making it difficult for him to fully display his talent.
It seems he was also deeply disappointed with the imperial court, which is why he wholeheartedly helped Cao Cao establish a new dynasty after following him.
Since this is the case, only by showing his ambition can he win him over.
Zhang Chen thought to himself, having already made up his mind, he said, "When the world is in turmoil, heroes will emerge. Why does Dong Zhao worry about 'pearls covered in dust'?"
Dong Zhao was stunned upon hearing this. "Zhang Chen's words, are you not saying that the world is about to fall into great chaos, and various Marquis will rise up to contend for the world?"
Zhang Chen smiled slightly. "Hehe, I didn't say that. However, whether it is so, Dong Zhao should already have some idea in his heart."
"Then... I wonder if Zhang Chen is also one of those who will contend for the world?"
Dong Zhao finished speaking and looked at Zhang Chen.
Zhang Chen's expression was normal, but Ju Shou beside him slightly frowned.
This Dong Zhao, how could he bring up such a matter openly?
Zhang Chen raised his eyes, looked at Dong Zhao, and said softly, "The sword is in my hand, why not contend?"
Dong Zhao was slightly taken aback and couldn't help but ask again, "Then after that... what will happen?"
Zhang Chen stood up, walked lightly in front of him, patted his shoulder, and said.
"Restore peace to the people."
!!!
Dong Zhao suddenly looked up at Zhang Chen, feeling that the person before him was enveloped in a special aura.
Dong Zhao pondered for a moment, took a step back, bent his knee, and bowed, saying, "My Lord has the ambition to swallow the world. Your subordinate is deeply impressed. Today, I am willing to abandon this office and from now on follow My Lord, offering my humble service."
Haha, another talent gained!
Zhang Chen was overjoyed. He quickly helped Dong Zhao up, held his hand, and said, "If I have Dong Zhao's assistance, I will surely accomplish great things in the future!"
"Lord!"
"Dong Zhao!"
The two held hands and looked at each other, unable to help but weep with joy. Ju Shou, seeing this, also nodded silently.
Dong Zhao immediately said, "Since your subordinate has pledged allegiance to Lord, I will now submit a memorial to resign from my official position and return to Guangping County with Lord tomorrow."
Zhang Chen listened, thought for a moment, and then advised, "Dong Zhao, there's no need to rush this."
Dong Zhao asked in confusion, "This... why is that?"
Zhang Chen said, "Currently, the chaos in the world is not yet apparent; it is not the time for heroes to display their prowess. At this time, we should lie low, accumulate wealth and grain extensively, so that we can be one step ahead when the chaotic world arrives. Dong Zhao, you govern Yingtao County, making the people prosperous and accumulating vast wealth and grain. If you abandon it, wouldn't it be a pity?"
Zhang Chen paused, then added, "Within three years, I will be promoted to Prefect, taking charge of Ji Province. At that time, it will be the time for us to fully exert ourselves."
Upon hearing this, both Dong Zhao and Ju Shou were startled.
Although they knew Zhang Chen had great ambitions, how easy was it to go from being a County Magistrate to a Prefect in charge of a province in just three years?
Wasn't this just wishful thinking?
Zhang Chen smiled, thinking to himself.
In fact, he wasn't deliberately saying something astonishing; he had long had a plan in mind.
It was currently the second year of Zhongping. According to historical development, Emperor Ling would die in the sixth year of Zhongping, which was only a little over three years away.
After Emperor Ling's death, the young emperor would succeed, followed by the He clan's power struggle, leading to the conflict between He Jin and the Ten Attendants. He Jin would summon Dong Zhuo to the capital to execute the eunuchs, and the chaotic world would officially begin.
He must control a province before Emperor Ling's death; otherwise, when the chaotic world arrives, he would have no capital to contend for dominance!
To achieve this, the first point was that he must be able to make a name for himself in the capital.
He had now pacified the bandits and greatly defeated the Black Mountain, earning many merits, but it was still far from reaching the level where it could reach His Majesty's ears.
Only by achieving truly great merit would it be possible to enter the capital, have an audience with His Majesty, and gain the favor of His Majesty and the powerful figures in the capital.
Speaking of great merit, Zhang Chen did remember one matter.
Soon, the incoming Prefect of Ji Province would come to offer him merit.
Wang Fen, a Scholar of the time, with a great reputation throughout the world, served as the Prefect of Ji Province during the reign of Emperor Ling of Han.
This person should have had a bright future, but unfortunately, he had a wild idea and actually plotted to depose and establish a new emperor!
In the fifth year of Zhongping (188 AD), Wang Fen colluded and plotted with Xu You from Nanyang and Zhou Jing from Pei State, among others, to depose Emperor Ling and establish the Marquis of Hefei as emperor. Ultimately, the plot failed, and he committed suicide.
Zhang Chen thought to himself, since I have already seen through this person's conspiracy, as long as I capture him alive and bind him in the capital...
A Prefect plotting rebellion would surely attract the attention of the world. With such great merit, he would surely become famous in the capital, and even throughout the world!
Thinking of this, Zhang Chen couldn't help but smile and said, "If you two don't believe me, I will make my words clear here: within three years, I will definitely take charge of Ji Province! However, to achieve this, I need your strong support."
Upon hearing this, the two looked at each other and said, "Your subordinates will do their best to assist Lord."
"Good!" Zhang Chen was overjoyed. "In that case, I ask Dong Zhao to remain in Yingtao County, accumulate wealth and grain extensively, recruit soldiers and horses, and await the change of times. Yingtao County has just experienced a major battle, so expanding the army now is perfectly justified."
"Your subordinate obeys," Dong Zhao replied, and then added, "Lord, the County Commandant of this county, Jiang Qi, has long admired Lord's prestige. Please allow your subordinate to persuade him. With your subordinate's eloquent tongue, I will surely be able to convince him to pledge allegiance to Lord!"
"That's excellent!" Zhang Chen was overjoyed upon hearing this. "I see him as a loyal and righteous person as well. If he can pledge allegiance to me, it would naturally be even better. Now is precisely the time to employ people; I am truly eager for talented individuals!"