Zhang Chen heard that a Gongzi from the Zhen family had come to visit and couldn't help but feel surprised. He had already become engaged to Zhen Jiang, so that Gongzi from the Zhen family was his future brother-in-law. Thinking of this, he quickly went to the entrance to personally greet him.
Upon arriving at the entrance, he saw a handsome young man standing by his horse in front of the mansion gate.
Zhang Chen glanced at the young man, seeing his handsome face, eyes like bright stars, and a green robe, giving him a somewhat refined air.
【Name: Zhen Yan】
【Traits: Erudite (Purple), Gentle Gentleman (Gold), Prestigious Family (Gold)】
So, he was Zhen Yan!
Zhen Yi, the head of the Zhen family, originally had three sons. The eldest, Zhen Yu, unfortunately died young. The second son, Zhen Yan, and the third son, Zhen Yao, grew up and were both recommended as Filial and Incorruptible. This Zhen Yan was the eldest brother in the family, and would be the future head of the Zhen family.
After reading, Zhang Chen quickly walked over, bowed to Zhen Yan, and said, "Brother, you grace us with your presence. Zifan failed to welcome you from afar. Please forgive me."
Zhen Yan couldn't help but be surprised, and he carefully looked at the person before him.
"You... you are Zhang Chen?"
Zhang Chen smiled slightly and said, "Exactly."
Upon hearing this, Zhen Yan was completely startled and quickly returned the bow, saying, "This subordinate, Zhen Yan, greets the Prefect."
The Zhen family's customs were extremely strict and placed great importance on etiquette. Although Zhen Yan was a General's subordinate, his official rank was lower than Zhang Chen, a Prefect of a commandery. When a subordinate met a superior, it was natural that the rules of etiquette could not be disregarded.
Zhang Chen quickly said, "Brother, there's no need for so much ceremony. This is not the place to talk. Please come into the mansion for a chat."
As Zhang Chen spoke, he invited Zhen Yan into the mansion.
The two came to the front hall. Zhang Chen ordered someone to serve fragrant tea and snacks for their reception.
After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Zhen Yan said, "I have long heard that you, my brother-in-law, are skilled in governing a commandery. As soon as I entered Ye City today, I felt its prosperity and flourishing state. It is truly magnificent."
"Brother, you flatter me. The reason Ye City has such a magnificent appearance is entirely due to the efforts of the former Prefect, Lord Li Wen. I merely took over an established foundation and would never dare claim credit," Zhang Chen said. "Brother, did you come from Zhongshan? I wonder if my sister-in-law is doing well?"
Zhen Yan laughed and said, "Haha, no, I didn't come from home this time, but from Loyang."
"Loyang?"
Zhang Chen was surprised, but then suddenly remembered that Zhen Yan had been summoned to serve as a General's subordinate and was working at the General's Residence.
"Brother, did you come from the General's Residence? Could it be that the General sent you?"
Zhen Yan nodded and said, "That's right. I was sent by the General's command to invite you, my brother-in-law, to come with me to Loyang to meet with the General."
"What? General He Jin... wants to see me?" Zhang Chen was startled upon hearing this.
Zhen Yan laughed and said, "Haha, brother-in-law, isn't this because you are young and accomplished? This time, you thoroughly defeated the Yellow Turbans and shook the world with your might. When the General received your report, he was overjoyed and repeatedly praised that the Great Han had gained another talent! The General knows that you are already engaged to Jiang'er, so he ordered me to come and invite you to the capital for a meeting. Please pack up, and you can come with me tomorrow."
Zhang Chen was overjoyed upon hearing this.
He had long wanted to find an opportunity to go to Loyang. Within Luoyang City, there were countless high officials and noblemen, as well as many future warlords who would carve out their own territories, their prominence not yet apparent. Going to Loyang would be a chance to build connections. If he could befriend one or two high officials or noblemen, things would be much more convenient for him in the future.
He Jin was a good choice. Since he sent someone to summon him, he must already have a favorable impression of him. This opportunity must be seized!
Zhang Chen immediately said, "I didn't expect such a small achievement to earn the General's favor! Brother, please rest here for the night. I will pack my things and arrange the affairs of the commandery. Tomorrow, I will accompany you to Loyang!"
"That is excellent."
"Someone!" Zhang Chen immediately called out to an attendant, "Quickly prepare a wing room for Lord Zhen to stay in. Also, inform the kitchen that there will be a banquet at the mansion tonight to welcome Lord Zhen!"
The attendant immediately took the order and left. Zhen Yan also bowed and followed the attendant away.
Zhang Chen then summoned Guo Jia and Tian Feng, told them about the matter, and fully entrusted the commandery's political affairs to them.
Both were surprised to hear that He Jin had summoned Zhang Chen.
Tian Feng stroked his beard and smiled, "Lord, this summons by the General can be said to be a heaven-sent opportunity. We can use this chance to build connections in the capital for future use."
Zhang Chen nodded and said, "Exactly, that's what I was thinking too. Going to Loyang this time, I must make some connections with the ministers in the capital to pave the way for the future."
Guo Jia thought for a moment and said, "Lord, although this is a good opportunity, there is also trouble."
"Oh? What trouble?" Zhang Chen quickly asked.
Guo Jia said, "He Jin holds immense power in the court. This summons to the Lord is simply because of the Lord's achievement in defeating the hundred thousand Yellow Turbans, which has attracted worldwide attention. Upon going to Loyang, He Jin will surely hold the Lord in high regard. This is a good opportunity, and the Lord can take this chance to make connections with high officials and noblemen and establish contacts in the capital."
Zhang Chen nodded, "That was my intention as well. But how does this trouble arise?"
Guo Jia continued, "The trouble is that He Jin has such a favorable impression of the Lord that he likely intends to recruit him. If the Lord enters the capital to become an official, it would undoubtedly be like a dragon trapped in a deep pool or a bird confined to a cage. The current foundation would be completely lost, and the grand ambition would all turn into nothing..."
Zhang Chen was startled upon hearing this and quickly said, "Fengxiao is absolutely right. In your opinion, how should this be resolved?"
Guo Jia said, "Lord, do not worry." Guo Jia said, "He Jin wants to recruit the Lord simply because the recent defeat of the Yellow Turbans has created a huge stir. In fact, with He Jin's power, whether he recruits the Lord or not doesn't affect him. What he needs is the benefit the Lord can bring him. If the Lord can bring him greater benefits by remaining outside the capital, then he naturally won't keep the Lord in the capital."
Zhang Chen nodded silently, "Fengxiao's words, I understand. Don't worry, watch how I negotiate with him this time."
"We wish the Lord smooth sailing in all matters."
...
After one night, early the next morning, Zhang Chen packed his bags and, together with Zhen Yan, rode quickly towards Loyang.
Loyang, the capital of the Eastern Han Dynasty for two hundred years, the most prosperous and wealthy place in the world, I have finally arrived...
Zhang Chen's heart was full of anticipation.
Along the way, Zhang Chen and Zhen Yan traveled together.
The original owner had never left Ji Province, so Zhang Chen was unfamiliar with the areas outside Ji Province. On the contrary, Zhen Yan was knowledgeable and introduced him to many local customs and practices along the way.
After traveling for about ten days, the two finally arrived at Loyang.
As soon as he entered the city, Zhang Chen was immediately stunned by the magnificent sight before him.
The wide and flat streets were paved with neat bluestones, more than twice as wide as the streets in Ye City. The streets were bustling with traffic, coming and going incessantly. At times, people rode fine horses, parading through the market, while others pushed carts, selling goods along the streets.
Shops lined both sides of the streets. From the noisy taverns, intoxicating aromas of wine wafted out. Inside the shops, customers sat and drank heartily.
Zhang Chen followed Zhen Yan, heading north all the way. They walked for a long time but still hadn't reached the end.
This Luoyang City was several times larger than Ye City!
Before long, the sides of the road became a little quieter. Zhen Yan turned his horse eastward, while Zhang Chen saw a magnificent and grand complex of buildings not far ahead in the distance.
Zhang Chen couldn't help but stop and look in that direction.
"Brother, what is that place over there?" Zhang Chen couldn't help but ask.
Zhen Yan looked in the direction he was pointing and smiled, "That is the Imperial Palace, where His Majesty resides."
So that was the Imperial Palace. It was indeed extraordinarily grand. No wonder everyone wanted to be emperor!
Zhang Chen thought to himself.
"Let's go, the General's Residence is this way," Zhen Yan said, urging his horse forward. Zhang Chen also spurred his horse and followed closely behind.
Before long, the two finally arrived outside the gate of the General's Residence.