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

Early September, Changshe Camp.

It had been more than a month since Ji Xuanyuan and Cao Cao arrived. During this time, Ji Xuanyuan and Cao Cao also helped Huangpu Song and Zhu Jun defeat several remnants of the Yellow Turban army.

Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun sat side by side in the main seat. Both of these famous generals of the time were over forty years old, their faces weathered, but their eyes were as sharp as eagles.

Cao Cao sat on the left side of the tent, while Ji Xuanyuan, dressed in silver armor and with a pale face, remained calm and composed despite being in front of two veteran generals.

"Wenlie has accomplished a great feat by capturing Zhang Bao alive this time," Huangfu Song said with a smile, stroking his beard.

"The imperial court will surely reward you handsomely."

Ji Xuanyuan bowed and said, "It is all thanks to the two generals' skillful command; this humble general dares not take credit."

Zhu Jun's eyes were sharp as he sized up the sickly young man: "I have heard that Wenlie defeated Zhang Jiao's 150,000 troops with only 5,000 soldiers in Guangzong, and also helped Mengde capture Zhang Bao in Yingchuan... Such military prowess truly amazes this old man."

"General, you flatter me." Ji Xuanyuan coughed twice.

"In truth, the Yellow Turban army's morale is in turmoil, and the soldiers are fighting with their lives on the line."

Cao Cao laughed from the side, "Wenlie, you are too modest. I saw it with my own eyes. Your general captured Zhang Baoru as easily as taking something out of a bag... Such a fierce and ruthless army could not have been defeated by chance."

This was a clever remark, both praising Ji Xuanyuan and highlighting the strength of his subordinates.

Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun exchanged a glance, both with meaningful looks in their eyes.

"Generals."

After discussing some military matters, Ji Xuanyuan suddenly stood up and bowed to Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun: "Since raising troops in Zhuojun, I have fought in Qingzhou, Guangzong, and Yingchuan. My soldiers have been fighting continuously for three months. Now that Zhang Bao has been captured, the enemy's strength has greatly diminished. I wish to... take my leave and return north so that my soldiers can rest for a while."

After these words were spoken, the tent fell silent.

Huangfu Song pondered, "Why don't Wenlie stay a few more days? Scouts have reported that Zhang Liang has gathered 80,000 to 90,000 of his remaining troops in Quyang. Although they are already at their wits' end, if Wenlie can help them, they will surely win this battle quickly."

Zhu Jun also said, "Indeed, I greatly admire your talent, Wenlie. Once the Yellow Turban Rebellion is quelled, I will recommend you to the court and guarantee you a bright future."

This is blatant courting.

Ji Xuanyuan sighed inwardly, but showed a troubled expression on his face: "I am deeply grateful for the kindness of the two generals, but... my health is failing me. I have been coughing up blood for days, and the physician said that I need to rest. Moreover, the foundation of Zhuojun has just been established, and tens of thousands of surrendered soldiers need to be reorganized and pacified... I really dare not stay any longer."

He was only half telling the truth.

His health was truly poor, and he was coughing up blood, but more importantly, he had not yet achieved his true purpose for this trip: he had not recruited a single talent from Yingchuan.

Cao Cao watched from the side, a thoughtful look flashing in his narrow eyes.

He had been fighting alongside Ji Xuanyuan against the remnants of the Yellow Turban Rebellion for some time and had long suspected that the man's ambitions were far from small. Now, seeing Ji Xuanyuan politely decline the offers of Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun, he was even more convinced of his judgment.

"If that's the case..." Huangfu Song sighed.

"I cannot force you to stay. Wenlie, take good care of yourself after returning to Zhuojun. If you need my help in the future, please don't hesitate to ask."

"Thank you, General."

Zhu Jun also said, "Zhang Liang's rebellion can be quelled in two months at most. At that time, I will recommend you for credit."

"This humble general thanks you."

After leaving the main tent, Cao Cao escorted Ji Xuanyuan to the camp gate.

"Is Wenlie really leaving?" Cao Cao asked with a half-smile.

"My body can't take it anymore," Ji Xuanyuan said with a wry smile.

"Brother Mengde, you know I'm frail and sickly..."

Cao Cao nodded: "Then I won't see you off. Who knows when we'll meet again? Once the Yellow Turban Rebellion is quelled, you must come to Luoyang to find me. I'll prepare a fine wine and sweep the bed to welcome you!"

It's a deal.

The two bowed to each other in farewell.

Cao Cao watched Ji Xuanyuan's carriage depart into the distance, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his narrow eyes.

Xiahou Dun leaned closer and whispered, "Mengde, this Ji Xuanyuan..."

"Well hidden," Cao Cao said calmly.

"But it's alright. There's plenty of time in the future."

......

Ji Xuanyuan led his troops to set up camp thirty miles outside Yingchuan City, announcing that they would rest for three days before returning north.

That night, inside the central command tent.

Ji Xuanyuan was discussing the recruitment of talented individuals with Xiang Yu and Zhao Yun when a personal guard suddenly came to report: "General, a young man outside the camp is requesting an audience. He says he has a past relationship with you and has come to seek your help... He also says he is from the Guo family of Yingchuan, named Guo Jia, courtesy name Fengxiao."

Ji Xuanyuan paused in his teacup.

Guo Jia? Fengxiao?

He suddenly stood up, forgetting his illness, and strode towards the camp gate. Xiang Yu and Zhao Yun quickly followed.

Outside the camp gate, a young man stood in the moonlight.

The boy was about fifteen or sixteen years old, thin and with delicate features. He had a free spirit in his eyes, wore a blue robe, had a wine gourd hanging from his waist, and was looking up at the moon with a smile on his lips.

Hearing footsteps, the boy turned around.

Eyes facing each other.

"Senior brother, it's been four years since we parted ways at Water Mirror Manor. How have you been?" The young man cupped his hands, his smile as cunning as a fox.

Ji Xuanyuan stood there stunned, then overjoyed, stepped forward, grasped the boy's hands, looked him up and down, and then hugged him: "Fengxiao!"

Guo Jia was taken aback at first, then chuckled and whispered in Ji Xuanyuan's ear, "Four years have passed, and you still smell so good, Senior Brother... and that face..."

He stepped back slightly, looked Ji Xuanyuan up and down, and shook his head and sighed, "He is truly a scourge to the country and the people, even worse than he was in the village."

These words were ambiguous, and Ji Xuanyuan shuddered. He quickly let go and took two steps back. He was still traumatized by Zuo Feng.

"Ha ha ha ha!"

Guo Jia burst into laughter, his eyes full of mischief: "Senior brother, don't misunderstand! Although I am dissolute, I have no homosexual tendencies. No matter how handsome you are, you can't compare to the women in Liuxiang Courtyard... Hahahahahaha."

Guo Jia didn't finish speaking, but those who understand will understand.

"You bastard, Guo Fengxiao!"

Ji Xuanyuan laughed and scolded, his pale face regaining color: "Four years have passed, and you're still as disrespectful as ever! You even dare to tease your senior brother?"

Guo Jia smiled and cupped his hands in a gesture of begging for mercy.

"Quickly, come inside and talk!"

Upon entering the tent, Ji Xuanyuan ordered wine to be prepared.

Guo Jia didn't stand on ceremony. He picked up his wine cup, took a sip, and said with a smile, "Senior brother is still the same as always, offering to drink as soon as we meet."

"You're the same old you, always carrying your wine gourd wherever you go." Ji Xuanyuan laughed, then coughed.

Guo Jia frowned: "Senior brother's health..."

"It's an old problem," Ji Xuanyuan waved his hand.

"Fengxiao, how did you know I was here?"

"How big is Yingchuan?" Guo Jia leaned against the table, his posture languid.

"My senior brother has defeated Cheng Yuanzhi and Zhang Jiao, and captured Zhang Bao. He is already famous throughout the world. When I returned to Yingchuan to visit my relatives, the whole city was talking about 'Ji Wenlie'... After inquiring, I found out it was indeed you."

He paused, a hint of reminiscence flashing in his eyes: "I remember back in Shuijing Manor, my senior brother always said that once I graduated, he would treat me to the strongest liquor... I've always remembered those words."

Ji Xuanyuan felt a warmth in his heart.

At that time, his condition worsened, and Mr. Shuijing sent him down the mountain.

On the day he left, a group of his junior brothers came to see him off.

Eleven-year-old Guo Jia tugged at his sleeve, his eyes red-rimmed: "Senior brother, you must get better..."

He patted Guo Jia's head and said, "When my senior brother recovers, I'll treat Fengxiao to the strongest liquor."

Four years have passed since we last met.

"We have plenty of wine." Ji Xuanyuan ordered someone to bring over three jars of strong liquor.

"But Fengxiao, you didn't come here today just to drink, did you?"

Guo Jia straightened his face, rose, straightened his clothes, and bowed deeply to Ji Xuanyuan: "When I was young, I was taken care of by my senior brother at Shuijing Manor. Later, I heard that my senior brother raised an army to fight against traitors and save the people... I admire such righteousness and have come to join you today. I wonder if there is still a place for me in your army?"

This was said with great seriousness.

Ji Xuanyuan quickly helped him up: "Fengxiao's talent surpasses mine tenfold! If you are willing to come, I would be more than happy to have you!"

He immediately ordered: "Effective immediately, Guo Fengxiao shall be the Military Advisor and Chief Advisor of our army, serving as an advisor on military affairs, with a status equal to that of Tian Yuanhao and Ju Gongyu! Furthermore, he is specially permitted to bring wine when discussing matters!"

Upon hearing this, all the generals in the tent laughed.

Xiang Yu’s double pupils flashed with curiosity. This young man looked so frail, yet his elder brother valued him so much?

Guo Jia smiled too, his smile still sly: "Senior brother knows me well. However..."

He looked at the generals in the tent: "Who are these gentlemen...?"

Ji Xuanyuan introduced them one by one: "Xiang Yu, my second brother, is the bravest in the army; Zhao Yun, my seventh brother, has godlike spear skills; Dian Wei, my newly recruited bodyguard, is a match for ten thousand men..."

Guo Jia's gaze swept over the crowd, finally settling on Xiang Yu's Heavenly Dragon City-Breaking Halberd. A glint of light flashed in his eyes: "General Xiang's halberd... it must weigh at least a hundred pounds, right?"

Xiang Yu was taken aback: "It weighs 144 jin."

"What a fine halberd!" Guo Jia praised, then looked at Zhao Yun.

"This must be General Zhao Yun, who took Cheng Yuanzhi's head from the midst of a massive army, right?"

Zhao Yun clasped his hands in a fist salute: "Indeed."

Guo Jia nodded, then looked at Dian Wei one last time, "This brave warrior Dian is clearly a fierce general."

Dian Wei scratched his head and chuckled sheepishly, "Strategist, you flatter me."

Ji Xuanyuan laughed loudly: "How about it? Do my brothers meet Fengxiao's approval?"

"A fierce and powerful army is the foundation of a great empire," Guo Jia said solemnly.

"With such a valiant general as my senior brother, what is there to fear in achieving great things?"

That night, Ji Xuanyuan ordered a banquet to be prepared.

After several rounds of drinks, Ji Xuanyuan and Guo Jia sat facing each other and talked at length, from the old stories of Shuijing Manor to the general trend of the world, from the Yellow Turban Rebellion to the future pattern.

"Fengxiao, what do you think will happen to the world after the Yellow Turban Rebellion is quelled?" Ji Xuanyuan asked.

Guo Jia finished his wine and said, "The court has lost its virtue, eunuchs have disrupted the government, and relatives of the empress have seized power... This Yellow Turban Rebellion is merely the opening of this festering sore. In my opinion, a great upheaval is inevitable within five years."

"What's the fuss?"

"The prefectures and counties are fragmented, and powerful clans are rising up everywhere," Guo Jia said slowly.

"The imperial court has granted permission for each prefecture to recruit soldiers. Once this order is issued, it cannot be taken back. Today you can recruit soldiers to quell the bandits, and tomorrow you can amass power and become your own... Senior brother, the four-hundred-year reign of the Han Dynasty is probably coming to an end."

These words were so bold that all the generals in the tent turned pale.

Ji Xuanyuan nodded: "Fengxiao's view coincides with mine, so... I need to make preparations as soon as possible."

Guo Jia looked at Ji Xuanyuan, a look of inquiry flashing in his eyes: "What are your ambitions, Senior Brother?"

Ji Xuanyuan remained silent for a long time before waving away his attendants.

Only he and Guo Jia remained in the tent.

He coughed violently, covered his mouth with a handkerchief, and when he removed it, there were specks of scarlet blood on it.

Guo Jia's expression changed: "Senior Brother!"

"It's alright." Ji Xuanyuan waved his hand, a bitter smile appearing on his pale face.

"Fengxiao, do you know... I won't live past thirty."

Guo Jia's body trembled.

"The physician said that I was born with a deficiency, and my illness was caused by overwork... It is a miracle that I have lived to this day." Ji Xuanyuan's voice was calm, but it was heavy.

"So I don't have time to take my time."

He looked out of the tent, his gaze deep and far-reaching: "I have these brothers, each one a hero of our time: Yu Di, Yong Zeng, Jing Si, Feng Xian, Zong Xing... and Yun Chang, Yi De, Zi Long, E Lai... They follow me, trust me, and respect me. I cannot let them wander aimlessly in this chaotic world, living a life of uncertainty like I have."

He turned back to look at Guo Jia, his eyes flashing with determination: "While they are still young, while I can still walk, I want to fight for them a way to survive, a way to walk with dignity, even if it means bearing the blame... I don't care."

Guo Jia listened intently, his eyes gradually reddening.

He recalled that four years ago, at Shuijing Manor, this senior brother was always the gentlest one.

Despite being frail and sickly, he always took care of his junior brothers; despite possessing exceptional talent, he never acted arrogantly...

"Senior brother..." Guo Jia's voice choked with emotion.

"So, Fengxiao." Ji Xuanyuan grasped his hand.

"I need your help. Mr. Yuanhao is upright and honest, and Mr. Gongyu is cautious. Both are very talented, but you... Fengxiao, you are resourceful and have a brilliant plan. You are the strategist I need most."

He paused, then said, word by word, "I need your help, to help my brothers... to carve out a path to survival in this chaotic world."

Guo Jia was in tears.

He stood up, straightened his clothes, knelt down, and bowed three times and kowtowed nine times.

"Jia, I'm willing to serve you like a dog! If you want to bring peace to the world, Jia will scheme for you; if you want to save your brothers, Jia will devise every plan for you! Even if it means defying fate, Jia will find a way... to let you live past thirty!"

The voice was firm and resounding.

That night, Guo Jia remained in the camp.

The next day, Ji Xuanyuan summoned his generals and officially appointed Guo Jia as the military advisor.

Seeing how highly their elder brother valued Guo Jia, the generals, though still harboring doubts about his youth, respectfully bowed to him.

Guo Jia accepted the offer readily and immediately presented his first strategy:

"My senior brother wants to recruit talents in Yingchuan. I think we should start with the Xun family. Senior brother Wenruo has also come out of seclusion. Master often says that he has the talent of a king's advisor. Xun You and Xun Gongda are profound and wise. If we can get these two, we can gather all the talents in Yingchuan."

Ji Xuanyuan's eyes lit up: "Fengxiao, are you confident?"

Guo Jia smiled and said, "The Xun family will be hosting a banquet in three days. Perhaps you could attend, Senior Brother."

"good!"