Conversely, Liu Jin was barely an adult, having gained merit during the Yellow Turban Rebellion, but he was far from reaching the rank of a Provincial Governor.
He Jin furrowed his brow and slowly said, “Wen Yi, you are still young and lack sufficient experience. To serve as a Provincial Governor, I'm afraid you will face resistance from the officials in the court.”
He paused, then continued, “Why not settle for a Prefect, to pacify the common people and stabilize a region? After a few years of experience, I will then recommend you to the imperial court for the position of Provincial Governor, and I believe no one will object.”
Upon hearing this, Liu Jin, though a little regretful that he couldn't become the Bing Province Provincial Governor, was still able to accept it.
After all, since his debut, in just over half a year, he had been ennobled as a marquis and appointed as a general, becoming one of the most respected people in the world. This was an astonishing rise.
At this level, to continue climbing higher, he could only achieve greater merits, or wait for those above him to die and leave vacancies, before it would be his turn to take over.
Although there was already Zhang Yi, the Bing Province Provincial Governor, this man did not have much prestige in Bing Province. In fact, a few years later, he was killed by the Hu soldiers.
As long as he could establish his prestige, he might not be unable to replace him. Even if not, then he would let history repeat itself, allowing the Hu soldiers to kill him. With the General as his backer, he could then rightfully become the Bing Province Provincial Governor.
Having understood this matter, Liu Jin did not hesitate and immediately said, “If that is the case, can the General recommend me to the court as the Prefect of Yanmen?”
He Jin heard this, felt a little puzzled, and asked, “Wen Yi, Yanmen is too close to the north, with sparse population, and is often harassed by the Hu soldiers. Moreover, the surrounding commanderies have already been infiltrated by these Hu, making it a place where Han and Hu reside together.”
“Perhaps it's better to choose another place.”
Liu Jin heard these words, his face filled with determination, and he said loudly, “General, since the northern Hu soldiers are harassing the borders of our Great Han, as a general, if I wish to achieve great deeds, I naturally must start from here, to establish a formidable reputation and pave the way for the General.”
“If I were to be stationed in a stable place, this subordinate would have no opportunity to achieve merit, and would only live an unremarkable life. How would I be able to assist the General in the future?”
“Furthermore, the General's kindness to me is as heavy as a mountain. How can I fear danger and difficulties? Even if it means death, I must help the General.”
He Jin heard these words, trembled all over, and an inexplicable feeling of emotion arose in his heart. He looked at Liu Jin with increased regard.
He hadn't expected that Liu Jin wanted to be stationed at the border, and everything was for his sake.
Since that was the case, he could not let down Liu Jin's trust even more.
After a moment of contemplation, He Jin slowly said, “Since Wen Yi wishes to be stationed in Yanmen, I naturally must support you greatly.”
“The Yunzhong Commandery and Dingxiang Commandery have largely been occupied by the Xiongnu and Hu soldiers. Only a few troops are still stationed there, used to resist the invading Hu, fighting separately and achieving no effect. It would be better to unify them.”
“It just so happens that I will recommend you to the imperial court to be appointed as the Defender General of the Xiongnu, leading the Prefect of Yanmen, and commanding the troops of Yunzhong Commandery, Dingxiang Commandery, and Yanmen Commandery, all three regions.”
“Using the three commanderies as a defense to stabilize the borders of the Great Han, preventing these Xiongnu Hu soldiers from again moving south and invading the lands of our Great Han.”
Liu Jin heard these words, his body involuntarily trembled, and his eyes were filled with excitement.
It was actually the Defender General of the Xiongnu, and he also had the authority to command the troops of three commanderies.
Although Yunzhong Commandery and Dingxiang Commandery were mostly occupied by these Xiongnu and Hu cavalry, and could no longer be considered complete commanderies, they were nominally under his command.
Moreover, his third brother, Zhang Fei, was stationed in Dingxiang Commandery, and Zhang He was stationed in Cloud Middle Commandery. As long as he went to take office, he could effortlessly control these three commanderies, and their territories would be connected.
After accumulating strength, he would begin to eliminate these Xiongnu and Hu cavalry, stabilize these three commanderies, relocate displaced people, reclaim barren land, and recruit talented individuals. His strength would definitely grow explosively.
Liu Jin immediately stood up and bowed again, saying, “Thank you, General, for your promotion. This subordinate…”
He Jin quickly waved his hand with a smile and said, “Don't say those words of loyalty. I only hope you don't disappoint my great expectations.”
Liu Jin quickly nodded, completely showing the appearance of being devoted to He Jin.
After the matter was settled, He Jin hosted a banquet in his mansion to entertain Liu Jin.
He even gathered all the officials of the General's Mansion, preparing to introduce them to him.
Soon, officials arrived one after another. Among them, a young man, dressed in a brocade robe, with a handsome face, exuded a strong leadership aura.
He was accompanied by several people surrounding him, one of whom was short, with a round face, bright and intelligent eyes, revealing a shrewd demeanor, following closely with a chuckle.
Liu Jin saw this group of people arrive and began to guess in his heart.
The leading young man was probably Yuan Shao, Yuan Benchu, of the four generations of Grand Tutor.
From the moment he entered the General's Mansion, the surrounding officials bowed and clustered around him, and he displayed such a vibrant aura. In the entire Luoyang, it could only be this person.
Because the current Yuan Shao had a great reputation in Luoyang, praised by many scholars as a model for the world, receiving the admiration and praise of all.
The person following behind Yuan Shao was probably Cao Cao.
After all, the current Cao Cao was Yuan Shao's younger brother, following his lead, and there was a clear height difference among this group of people.
With his short stature, round face, and shrewd demeanor, who else could it be but the Cao Thief?
He Jin, seated at the head, saw this group of people arrive, immediately stood up, his face beaming with a brilliant smile!
He quickly walked down and said with a chuckle, “Benchu.”
Yuan Shao heard this, quickly approached with a smile, and respectfully said, “Greetings, General.”
He Jin quickly waved his hand and said cordially, “Benchu, there's no need for such formality. Please take your seat quickly.”
He then glanced at Cao Cao next to him. Although he was a little puzzled, not expecting this person to also arrive, he did not refuse, and said with a smile, “Mengde, please also take your seat.”
Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and others nodded, and then began to take their seats in the main hall. Yuan Shao took the seat below He Jin, symbolizing his identity and status.
Liu Jin saw this and couldn't help but sigh. As expected of the four generations of Grand Tutor, his status was indeed extraordinary.
Not only was he surrounded by so many civil officials and strategists, but even the General He Jin treated him with courtesy.
Even if he fought desperately, risking his life to achieve merits, he only barely managed to squeeze into the circle of these people.
Whereas they were born into this circle and had been navigating it since birth. Ultimately, there was no comparison.
Soon, everyone arrived one after another. They were all officials under the General's Mansion, totaling dozens of people.
They were Chief Clerk Wang Qian, Clerk Bian Rang, Sima Xu Liang, Acting Sima Wu Dang, Attendant Official Xun Shuang, Attendant Official Wang Yun.
Subordinates Wang Kuang, Subordinate Liu Biao, Subordinate Kong Rong, Subordinate Wang Lang, Chief Secretary Chen Lin, and so on.