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

In February of the first year of Jian'an (196 AD), Shuntian was appointed.

The spring chill lingered, and the snow had not yet melted.

On this day, Emperor Liu Xie issued an edict changing the era name to Jian'an.

The imperial edict stated: "Last year, the Grand Tutor led a northern expedition against the Wuhuan, pacified Yuan Shao in the east, and recovered Ji Province. The whole world submitted to him, and the people's hearts turned to him. Now, the era name is changed to Jian'an to show the will of Heaven and to comfort the people's hearts."

Jian'an.

In the history of Ji Xuanyuan's previous life, this era name should have lasted from 196 to 220 years, witnessing Cao Cao's glory of "holding the emperor hostage to command the princes", and also witnessing the final fall of the Han Dynasty.

In this time and space, it also ushered in a new era.

However, the protagonist of this era has changed to him, Ji Xuanyuan.

The Grand Tutor's Mansion, Study.

Ji Xuanyuan sat alone at his desk, toying with a small jade seal in his hand.

That was his official seal as the governor of Ji Province, which had just been delivered by the Ministry of Rites.

Governor of Ji Province.

He could have easily refused this position.

With his current achievements, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to grant him the titles of duke or king.

But he only held the position of governor.

Guo Jia pushed open the door and sat down opposite him.

"My lord, some people in the court are saying that your achievements are unparalleled and you should be granted a royal title." His peach blossom eyes curved into a smile that was neither a smile nor a frown.

"How come you only got the title of governor?"

Ji Xuanyuan put down the jade seal and smiled slightly: "Fengxiao, you know the answer in your heart, why ask me?"

Guo Jia was taken aback, then his smile faded, and he said seriously, "Is my lord afraid... that bestowing titles of kings and marquises will alienate the people?"

Ji Xuanyuan nodded, his gaze deep and thoughtful: "If I were to confer a title of king now, what would those ministers in the court who still have the Han dynasty in their hearts think? What would Wenruo and Liu Bei think? What would Cao Cao and Sun Jian think?"

He paused, his voice turning somber: "We still have Han Sui in Liangzhou to deal with, and I don't want to make unnecessary enemies at this time."

Guo Jia was silent for a moment, then slowly said:

"My lord has considered all this carefully, but... if you don't grant the title, others may not appreciate it. Those powerful families and influential figures won't be grateful just because you are humble."

A cold smile appeared on Ji Xuanyuan's lips:

"I know, so I'm ready."

He looked at Guo Jia, his gaze sharp: "How are things with the Embroidered Uniform Guard?"

Guo Jia said, "Ran Min is fully prepared and awaits your command, my lord."

Ji Xuanyuan nodded, stood up, and walked to the window.

Outside the window, snowflakes fluttered down, covering the entire city of Shuntian in a silvery white.

"Soon."

He muttered, "Soon, someone will jump out."

February of the first year of Jian'an (200 AD), Jizhou.

Ji Xuanyuan's worst fears came true.

He implemented new policies in Jizhou, strictly investigated land annexation, surveyed acreage, and pursued those who had concealed their households.

Those powerful and influential families who used to bully others suddenly found their interests under deadly threat.

Some were angry, some were afraid, and some... took desperate measures.

Changshan Prefecture, Zhending.

The local powerful families Zhang and Li, together with more than ten other prominent families in the surrounding area, gathered more than 3,000 private soldiers, occupied the county town, and openly rebelled.

"Ji Xuanyuan, a mere peasant, dares to mess with us?!"

"Our ancestors have lived on this land for generations, what right does he have to steal it?!"

"Rebellion! Rebellion!"

The news sent shockwaves through Ji Province.

Following suit, powerful families from Zhao County, Julu, Hejian, and many other places responded one after another.

Some occupied county towns, some gathered in the mountains and forests, and some even colluded with the remnants of the Black Mountain Army. For a time, war broke out all over Jizhou.

Shuntian, the Grand Tutor's Mansion.

Urgent reports arrived like snowflakes, piling up on Ji Xuanyuan's desk.

Xun Yu's expression was grave: "My lord, there are rebellions in many parts of Ji Province, and the situation is critical. If we do not suppress them as soon as possible, they may spread like wildfire."

Ji Xuanyuan remained silent.

He simply stared at the military reports, a cold smile playing on his lips.

"I finally couldn't hold back anymore."

He raised his head and looked at Xun Yu: "Wenruo, you are in charge of handling the aftermath in Ji Province. I only have one question: have the details of those rebellious powerful clans been investigated?"

Xun Yu nodded: "The Embroidered Uniform Guard has found out that the ringleaders are the Zhang and Li families of Changshan, the Wang family of Zhaojun, the Liu family of Julu, the Xu family of Hejian... a total of thirteen families, with about fifty vassal families."

Ji Xuanyuan stood up, walked to the map, and pointed to the place names.

"Changshan, Zhaojun, Julu, Hejian..." he murmured.

"Okay, very good."

He turned to Ran Min: "Fourth Brother."

Ran Min strode forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Elder Brother!"

Ji Xuanyuan looked at him and said, word by word, "All those who participated in the rebellion, regardless of their status, shall have their entire families exterminated."

A fierce glint flashed in Ran Min's eyes: "Yes, sir!"

Ji Xuanyuan continued, "Those who are vassals will have their entire families executed, their property confiscated, and their wives and children stripped of their official positions."

"promise!"

"And then there are those who are watching from the sidelines, those who are wavering."

Ji Xuanyuan paused, his voice turning cold: "Let them see, let them know the consequences of rebellion."

"Don't worry, brother, I'll make sure they keep a close eye on things."

From March to May of the first year of Jian'an, in Jizhou.

For the first time, the swords of the Embroidered Uniform Guard were wielded freely on the land of Hebei.

Ran Min personally led 8,000 Imperial Guards, in coordination with the armies of Zhao Yun and Xiang Yu, and divided his forces into three routes to sweep across Ji Province.

The Zhang family of Changshan, with over three hundred members, was completely wiped out.

The skulls were piled up to form a mound of skulls, which stood outside the county town gate as a warning to passersby.

The head of the Wang family of Zhao County, Wang Lang, was beheaded in public, and his wife, children, and elderly parents were all exiled.

Their property was confiscated, their mansion was burned down, leaving only scorched earth.

All male members of the Liu family in Julu, regardless of age, were beheaded.

The woman was confiscated as a government slave and exiled to Youzhou.

The Xu clan of Hejian, relatives of Xu You, also participated in the rebellion.

Ran Min showed no mercy, wiping out the entire Xu family.

In just three months, all thirteen leading powerful families were wiped out.

More than fifty vassal families were executed along with their entire households. Countless others were implicated, with nearly 40,000 people having their homes confiscated and being exiled.

Blood flowed like rivers across Hebei.

The swords of the Imperial Guards were almost dulled from cutting.

Those aristocratic families who were watching from the sidelines and wavering were terrified when they saw the mounds of corpses and the ruins.

"Ji... Ji Xuanyuan really dares to kill..."

"Those were all centuries-old families... just gone like that..."

"Quickly! Surrender to Ji Xuanyuan! Go now!"

In an instant, letters of surrender from all over the country poured in like snowflakes.

Ji Xuanyuan accepted all who came.

"Those who surrender will retain their original official positions. Past transgressions will be forgiven."

Those aristocratic families who narrowly escaped disaster were extremely grateful and never dared to harbor any disloyal thoughts again.

In June of the first year of Jian'an, Ji Province was pacified.

This case, in terms of its wide reach and the severity of the killings, far surpasses the cases of Yoshimoto and Dong Cheng.

Since its establishment, the Embroidered Uniform Guard has never carried out such a large-scale operation.

Later historical records refer to it as such.

The "First Case of Jian'an", also known as the "Hebei Case".

The Grand Tutor's Mansion, Study.

Ji Xuanyuan sat at his desk, with a thick stack of files spread out in front of him.

It was a detailed record of the "Hebei Case" sent by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, every page stained with blood.

Xun Yu stood to the side, his expression complex.

"My lord."

He said softly, "This involves nearly 40,000 people, isn't that... too much?"

Ji Xuanyuan looked up at him: "Wenruo, do you think it's heavy?"

Xun Yu remained silent.

Ji Xuanyuan stood up, walked to the window, and looked out.

"Wenruo, do you know what the consequences will be if I soften my heart?"

He turned around, his eyes blazing: "Those aristocratic families will not be grateful for my mercy in sparing their lives. They will only think that I, Ji Xuanyuan, am weak and easily bullied. If one rebels today, two will rebel tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow there will be flames of war everywhere. At that time, Jizhou will be in complete chaos."

"Rather than letting them cause trouble repeatedly, it's better to scare them all at once."

He paused, his voice turning serious: "What I want is an obedient Ji Province, but the prerequisite for obedience is that they know the consequences of disobedience."

Xun Yu remained silent for a long time before slowly nodding: "Your subject understands."

With Hebei pacified, Ji Xuanyuan began to reorganize Ji Province.

He knew that killing alone could not solve the fundamental problem.

To truly make Jizhou a secure rear area, we must start with institutional reforms.

First, adjust administrative divisions.

The original Jizhou counties were split up, and new or merged administrative units were established to strengthen direct control over local areas.

The areas of Changshan, Zhaojun, and Julu, which were severely affected by rebellions, were re-divided, and the original powerful clans were completely dismantled.

Secondly, to rectify official corruption.

Officials left behind by the Yuan clan were dismissed, and trusted confidants and capable individuals were appointed to important local positions.

Xun Yu personally drafted a list, and a group of tested officials from the Youzhou faction were dispatched to various counties and prefectures in Jizhou.

From then on, the administrative system of Jizhou was completely controlled by the central government.

The influence of powerful clans on local governments was completely weakened.

Third, it leads to division and disintegration.

Ji Xuanyuan issued an edict: "Those who share the same evil as the Yuan family shall be punished again."

It means that as long as one is willing to repent and start anew, past mistakes will be forgiven.

Those aristocratic families who did not participate in the rebellion or whose participation was not deep, as long as they sincerely submitted, were all treated leniently.

This policy divided the resistance forces and reduced the obstacles to rule.

Fourth, he invited renowned scholars from Hebei.

After the killing comes appeasement.

Ji Xuanyuan knew that to truly win over the hearts of the people of Hebei, the swords of the Embroidered Uniform Guards alone would not suffice; he also needed the pens and words of these renowned scholars.

Cui Yan, courtesy name Jigui, was a native of Qinghe. He was a former subordinate of Yuan Shao and the foremost scholar in Hebei.

This man is handsome and highly respected, and enjoys a good reputation among scholars.

After Yuan Shao's defeat and death, he went into seclusion and refused to submit.

Ji Xuanyuan personally wrote a letter, earnestly requesting him to come out of seclusion.

After receiving the letter, Cui Yan remained silent for a long time before finally setting off for Shuntian.

Ji Xuanyuan personally came out to greet him, taking his hand and saying, "To have Ji Gui is like having Zhang Liang!"

Cui Yan was appointed as a junior official in charge of talent selection nationwide.

He was upright and honest, and recommended virtuous people, thus becoming the representative of the aristocratic class in the Ji Xuanyuan Group.

Chen Lin, courtesy name Kongzhang, was a native of Guangling and was originally Yuan Shao's secretary.

This man is a skilled writer; he was the one who drafted the proclamation against Cao Cao last year.

After Yuan Shao's defeat, Chen Lin was captured and taken to Shuntian.

Ji Xuanyuan met with him in person and said with a smile, "Kong Zhang, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your proclamation."

Chen Lin pleaded guilty in fear.

Ji Xuanyuan waved his hand: "A scholar's pen is like a knife, each serving his own master. If you are willing to surrender, I would be more than happy to oblige."

Chen Lin was deeply grateful and, after submitting to Ji Xuanyuan, became his chief scribe, drafting various proclamations and edicts, thus becoming Ji Xuanyuan's "penman".

In addition, famous scholars from Hebei such as Tian Chou, Xing Yong, and Qian Zhao were also recruited and appointed.

Tian Chou was from Youbeiping. He once served as an aide to Liu Yu. After Liu Yu was sidelined, he joined Yuan Shao. After Yuan Shao's death, he went into seclusion.

Upon hearing of his talent, Ji Xuanyuan sent people to invite him three times, finally persuading him to come out of seclusion and appointing him as an advisor.

Xing Yong, a native of Hejian, was renowned for his talent and was appointed as the Prefectural Governor of Ji Province.

Qian Zhao, a native of Anping, was once a general under Yuan Shao, but was later captured and surrendered.

Ji Xuanyuan recognized his abilities and appointed him as the Protector of the Wuhuan Cavalry, assisting Taishi Ci in guarding the northern frontier.

Ye City, the prison.

Zhang He and Gao Lan were imprisoned for several months before finally receiving their fate's judgment.

The prison door opened, and Ji Xuanyuan walked in personally.

Zhang He raised his head and looked at the man who had caused Yuan Shao's downfall, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

Ji Xuanyuan stopped in front of him and looked down at him.

"Junyi, are you willing to surrender?"

Zhang He remained silent for a long time before slowly saying, "How dare a defeated general speak of surrender?"

Ji Xuanyuan smiled slightly: "Even a defeated general is still a general. I am in dire need of a general like Junyi under my command."

Zhang He raised his head and looked at him.

Ji Xuanyuan's gaze was honest and sincere.

There was no arrogance of the victor, no contempt of the conqueror.

There is only one kind of... irresistible openness.

Zhang He slowly knelt down, clasped his hands in a fist and said, "This humble general is willing to surrender."

Gao Lan, standing to the side, also knelt down and surrendered.

Ji Xuanyuan stepped forward and personally helped the two up, saying gently, "With Junyi and Yuanbo, it's like adding wings to a tiger."

In the seventh month of the first year of Jian'an, Shuntian.

Ji Xuanyuan stood on the city tower, overlooking the city he had built with his own hands.

Behind him stood Xun Yu, Guo Jia, Tian Feng, Ju Shou, Cui Yan, Chen Lin, and others in turn.

In the distance, the glazed tiles of the palace gleamed in the sunlight.

Nearby, the faint sounds of bustling city life can be heard, a testament to the people's peaceful and prosperous lives.

"My lord."

Xun Yu said softly, "Ji Province is now pacified, and Hebei is unified. What should be the next step?"

Ji Xuanyuan did not answer.

He simply gazed westward, towards Liangzhou.

There, too, was Han Sui.

That old fox is still amassing troops under Dong Zhuo's command, eyeing him covetously.

"Wait a minute."

He said slowly, "Let Han Sui jump for a while longer."