My brothers are all warriors capable of taking on ten thousand men; I'll roam freely in the Thr

"What a celestial being, and what two valiant generals!"

Tian Feng clapped his hands and laughed, "May I ask your honorable name? This poem... was it your work?"

"Gentlemen," Ji Xuanyuan said, bowing respectfully in a clear voice.

"My name is Ji Xuanyuan, courtesy name Wenlie, a native of Zhuojun. I apologize for my intrusion in visiting you and hope you will forgive me."

Tian Feng and Ju Shou exchanged a glance.

Ji Xuanyuan? I think I've heard that name before.

Ju Shou suddenly remembered something and blurted out, "Is that the Commandant Ji who decisively defeated Cheng Yuanzhi in Zhuojun and relieved the siege of Qingzhou?"

"It is I," Ji Xuanyuan said with a smile.

A glint of light flashed in Tian Feng's eyes: "The name of Commandant Ji is renowned far and wide, but I wonder, if the Commandant is not in the army, what brings him to my humble mountain hut?"

"I'm going to seek out a wise man," Ji Xuanyuan said bluntly.

"I have heard that there are two gentlemen in Julu, Tian Yuanhao and Ju Gongyu, who are great talents of our time. Therefore, I have come to invite you to come out of seclusion and help me."

These words were so direct that both Tian Feng and Ju Shou were taken aback.

Ju Shou frowned: "Commander Ji is indeed straightforward. However... we men of the mountains and fields are probably not up to the task."

"Sir, you are too modest."

Ji Xuanyuan said solemnly, "Although I am not talented, I know the abilities of you two gentlemen. Mr. Tian is upright and incorruptible, and Mr. Ju is far-sighted. Both are talents fit to be kings' advisors. Now that the Yellow Turban Rebellion has broken out and the world is about to fall, this is the time for great men to make achievements. Are you two willing to grow old and die in the mountains, wasting your talents?"

Tian Feng stroked his beard, remaining noncommittal: "Does Commandant Ji know why we have chosen to live in seclusion here?"

"I would like to hear the details."

"The court is corrupt, and the Ten Attendants are causing chaos in the government. Even if we have talent and learning, it will be difficult for us to realize our ambitions if we enter the court," Tian Feng said calmly.

"Besides... after the Yellow Turban Rebellion, the world will surely undergo great changes. If I were to leave the mountain at this time, the outcome would be unpredictable."

Ji Xuanyuan nodded: "What you say is absolutely right, sir. It is precisely because the world is about to undergo a great change that we need wise men to help us. I, Xuanyuan, am not talented, but I am willing to use my sword to quell the chaos and bring peace to the people. However..."

He looked at the two of them with sincere eyes: "A single tree cannot support a forest; it needs the assistance of wise men to succeed."

Ju Shou suddenly asked, "What are Commandant Ji's aspirations?"

Ji Xuanyuan was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "At first, it was only to protect myself and find a way to survive for my brothers. Later, seeing the people suffering, I couldn't bear it and wanted to quell the Yellow Turban Rebellion and restore peace to the world."

He paused, his voice lowering: "Later... seeing the corruption of the court and the rise of local powerful clans, I realized that this chaotic world was not just about the Yellow Turbans. I wanted to fight for a clean land for the people in this chaotic world, so that the people of my Han Dynasty would no longer have to exchange children for food or be displaced."

These words, though spoken plainly, carry immense weight.

Tian Feng and Ju Shou were moved.

They had seen too many heroes—some who spoke of loyalty and righteousness but were actually self-serving, some who were ambitious and wanted to conquer the world, but few who put the word "common people" on their lips.

"Does Commandant Ji know that if these words were to spread, it would be a grave act of treason?" Ju Shou said in a deep voice.

Ji Xuanyuan laughed, a hint of helplessness in his smile: "Treasonous? If allowing the people to live in peace and prosperity is treasonous, then this 'way' is not worth upholding."

He coughed twice and continued, "Gentlemen, Xuanyuan has come today with sincere intentions to invite you. My army currently has several fierce generals, but lacks a strategist. If we can obtain your assistance, it will be like adding wings to a tiger."

Tian Feng suddenly asked, "Colonel Ji just said, 'When you meet a true friend, you can ride together.' Do you think we are true friends?"

"Whether someone is a true friend or not depends not on words, but on shared ideals." Ji Xuanyuan looked directly at Tian Feng.

"Xuanyuan wishes to hear your views on the general situation of the world. If you share the same ideals, you will be kindred spirits. If you do not share the same ideals, Xuanyuan will take his leave immediately and will not bother you again."

That's a very frank statement.

Tian Feng and Ju Shou exchanged glances, both with approval in their eyes.

"If that's the case..."

Tian Feng gestured for him to enter: "Captain, please come inside for a detailed discussion."

The thatched hut was simple, with only a table and two chairs. Ji Xuanyuan sat opposite Tian Feng and Ju Shou, while Zhao Yun and Dian Wei stood outside the door.

This conversation lasted for two hours.

From the root causes of the Yellow Turban Rebellion to the gains and losses of the imperial court's policies, from the local powerful clans to the future world order, Ji Xuanyuan, though young, possessed extraordinary insight. Every time he spoke, he hit the nail on the head. What was even more remarkable was that he was not only knowledgeable in military affairs, but also had unique insights into civil administration, economy, and agriculture.

Tian Feng and Ju Shou became increasingly alarmed as they listened.

Is this boy really only sixteen years old?

Some of their insights were things that even seasoned strategists like them might not have come up with.

"...Therefore, Xuanyuan believed that in times of chaos, the foundation lies in the people," Ji Xuanyuan concluded.

"He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world; this is no exaggeration. That is why Emperor Xuanyuan governed his army by strictly ordering that no one should disturb the people. Among the prisoners of war, those who wished to return home were given travel expenses, and those who wished to join the army were treated equally."

Ju Shou clapped his hands: "The captain's insight far surpasses that of ordinary people, but... does the captain know that to pursue this path, one needs a base of operations? Although Zhuojun is a good place, it is not a place to stay for long."

"What you say is absolutely right, sir."

Ji Xuanyuan nodded: "Xuanyuan already has a plan. After the Yellow Turban Rebellion is quelled, we will seek a province as our base. Youzhou is bitterly cold, Jizhou is rich but it is a place of constant warfare, and Qingzhou... still needs to be considered."

Tian Feng suddenly said, "If you, Captain, do not mind, I am willing to offer a plan."

"Please speak, sir."

"Although Youzhou is bitterly cold, its people are fierce and brave, so we can get elite soldiers. Moreover, it borders the northern nomadic lands, so we can get warhorses. More importantly..."

A sharp glint flashed in Tian Feng's eyes: "Liu Yan, the governor of Youzhou, is quite ambitious but lacks the courage. If you, as the captain, use the pretext of suppressing the rebels to accumulate strength in Youzhou, you can wait for the world to change, then head south to conquer Jizhou and east to take Qingzhou, thus laying the foundation for your hegemony."

Ji Xuanyuan's eyes lit up: "Sir, your insight is brilliant!"

The three talked for a long time until the sun began to set.

Finally, Tian Feng stood up and said solemnly, "Captain Ji, I am willing to serve under your command for the time being, but... if I feel that our goals are different in the future, I will leave at any time."

Ju Shou also said, "I feel the same way. If the captain does something unjust, I will absolutely not condone it."

Ji Xuanyuan was overjoyed and bowed deeply: "It is my great fortune to have received your assistance, gentlemen! As for whether you stay or leave... I will not force you to stay, but I am confident that I can make you both stay willingly!"

He spoke with such confidence that Tian Feng and Ju Shou both laughed.

Just then, Dian Wei suddenly said in a muffled voice, "General, what if they go out and spread rumors..."

Zhao Yun also gripped his silver spear tightly, his gaze sweeping over the two men.

Tian Feng and Ju Shou's expressions changed slightly.

Ji Xuanyuan waved his hand, saying, "Zilong, Elai, you mustn't be rude. Since you two gentlemen have already agreed, you are now on my side. If I, Ji Xuanyuan, don't even have this much trust, how can I accomplish anything?"

He looked at Tian Feng and Ju Shou and said sincerely, "Gentlemen, Xuanyuan trusts you."

A simple sentence, yet it shook Tian Feng and Ju Shou to their core.

In times of chaos, trust is of utmost value.

Tian Feng took a deep breath and solemnly returned the salute: "Feng will certainly not fail the captain's trust."

Ju Shou also said, "Shou is the same."

At that moment, Tian Feng and Ju Shou packed their belongings simply—there wasn't much to pack, just a few scrolls of books and a few pieces of clothing.

On the way down the mountain, Zhao Yun whispered to Ji Xuanyuan, "Brother, do you really trust them that much? What if they..."

"Zilong".

Ji Xuanyuan smiled: "Trust those you employ, and don't employ those you don't trust. These two are both intelligent people; they know what to do. Besides..."

He looked at the backs of Tian Feng and Ju Shou ahead and said softly, "I am confident that I can show them how different we are from others."

Dian Wei, carrying his double halberds, said in a simple, honest voice, "Whatever the general says goes! If they dare to have any disloyal thoughts, I'll be the first to twist their heads off!"

"Erlai, don't talk nonsense." Ji Xuanyuan laughed and scolded.

It was dusk when we returned to the camp.

Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and the others were all surprised to see their elder brother bring back two scholars. Ji Xuanyuan introduced them to the group, and when they heard the names Tian Feng and Ju Shou, Guan Yu stroked his beard and nodded: "So they are famous scholars from Hebei. It is truly a blessing from heaven that my elder brother has the assistance of these two gentlemen."

That night, Ji Xuanyuan hosted a small banquet to welcome Tian Feng and Ju Shou.

During the meal, Tian Feng asked, "What are your plans next, Captain?"

Ji Xuanyuan put down his chopsticks, his gaze resolute: "We must march south to Guangzong. Zhang Jiao's main force is there, and General Lu Zhi is confronting them. We cannot miss this great battle."

Ju Shou pondered, "The Battle of Guangzong is crucial to the fate of the Yellow Turbans. If the captain can achieve great merit in this battle, he will surely become famous throughout the land."

"Exactly."

Ji Xuanyuan nodded: "Therefore, we need to hurry. We've already been delayed in Qingzhou for too long."

Tian Feng suddenly said, "Captain, I have something to say."

"Please speak, sir."

"The captain is physically weak and should not overwork himself," Tian Feng said solemnly.

"From now on, you can leave the trivial matters in the army to us. Captain, you should take care of your health for the long term."

Ji Xuanyuan felt a warmth in his heart: "Thank you for your concern, sir."

After the banquet, everyone went to rest.

Ji Xuanyuan lay in his tent, listening to the chirping of insects outside, pondering in his heart.

With Tian Feng and Ju Shou already captured, the next... opportunity lies with Guang Zong.