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

Before the chill of early winter had fully enveloped Zhuojun, an even more intense wave of fever swept through the entire city, and with the official arrival of the imperial envoy and the imperial edict issued throughout the land, it spread to Youzhou and even further afield.

Although the ceremony for the Northern General and Marquis of Zhuo, Ji Xuanyuan, to establish his own government and be granted his title was not as grand and elaborate as that of the ancestral temple in Luoyang due to the limitations of the border region, it was still solemn and grand under the careful management of Guo Jia, Tian Feng, Ju Shou and others, and it demonstrated the emperor's boundless grace and the majesty of the new noble to the greatest extent.

The square in front of the prefect's mansion has been cleaned with water and paved with black soil.

An incense table was set up high, upon which sacrificial offerings and wine were laid out.

When the angel, carrying a ceremonial axe and dressed in bright court attire, arrived under the escort of the Imperial Guards, the entire city took notice.

Ji Xuanyuan, leading his civil and military officials and many scholars and commoners who came spontaneously, greeted them outside the gate of the mansion.

The angel solemnly proclaimed the decree, his voice clearly audible in the deliberately quiet atmosphere:

"...You, Ji Xuanyuan, General Who Subdues the Barbarians and Prefect of Zhuojun, are loyal, upright, and capable in both civil and military affairs... Now you are specially promoted to General of the Northern Central Army, enfeoffed as Marquis of Zhuo, with the fief of Zhuo County, bestowed with a gold seal and purple ribbon, your rank is equivalent to that of a high minister, you are permitted to establish your own office with the same rank as the Three Excellencies, and you are allowed to appoint your own subordinates, overseeing the military and political affairs of Zhuojun, and assisting in the defense of the northern frontier. Respectfully obey!"

After the imperial edict was read aloud, the angel solemnly bestowed upon Ji Xuanyuan the silver seal and blue ribbon representing his status as a General of the Palace Guard and the gold seal and purple ribbon representing his status as a County Marquis.

The seal was heavy to the touch, and the ribbon was of noble color, shimmering with a restrained yet dazzling luster in the pale winter sunlight.

Immediately afterwards, attendants presented ceremonial weapons such as halberds and banners, symbolizing the power to establish a government.

Ji Xuanyuan bowed in gratitude, raised his hands to receive the imperial seal and ceremonial regalia, and turned to face the dark mass of people below the steps.

At that moment, countless eyes were focused on his slender yet upright figure.

Lu Zhi stood at the forefront of the civil officials, looking at this young man who had once served under him in the Battle of Guangzong and whose status now far surpassed his own, and felt a surge of emotions.

I still remember when we first met, Ji Xuanyuan, though he was exceptionally talented, was still sickly and participated in the war as the leader of the righteous army.

In just a few years, he has risen to such heights, becoming a powerful figure who commands a large army, establishes his own government, and is granted the title of county marquis. The speed of his rise and the extraordinary circumstances he has encountered are nothing short of legendary.

Following the ceremony came the more practical exercise of power.

The newly decorated "Zhuohou Mansion" was originally the prefectural governor's mansion, which was expanded and rebuilt.

Inside the main hall, Ji Xuanyuan changed out of his elaborate formal attire and into a more practical everyday outfit, but he already wore the newly acquired gold seal around his waist.

Below the hall, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Dian Wei, Guo Jia, Tian Feng, Ju Shou, Lu Zhi, and others all wore expressions of excitement.

"We have obtained the power to establish our own government. This is due to His Majesty's trust and is also the foundation for our future," Ji Xuanyuan said calmly.

"While the imperial authority still exists and the world has not yet completely collapsed, this power allows us to legitimately recruit talented individuals, accumulate strength, and take the lead over other lords."

He swept his gaze across the crowd: "From this day forward, I will establish my own government to recruit talented individuals from all directions. Anyone who is knowledgeable in the classics, understands administration, is familiar with military strategy, is skilled in arts and crafts, or has a specialty, regardless of their background, may submit a letter of self-recommendation or be recommended by others. This matter will be overseen by Fengxiao, with Yuanhao and Gongyu assisting in its management."

"Yes, sir!" Guo Jia, Tian Feng, and Ju Shou responded in unison.

With this right to establish their own government, many talented individuals who were previously unable to be recruited or placed due to systemic limitations can now be openly and legitimately incorporated into the system.

"Military skills are the foundation of one's existence." Ji Xuanyuan looked at Guan Yu and Zhang Fei.

"Yun Chang and Yi De, I order you two to immediately begin recruiting brave and capable local militia in Zhuojun and Youzhou counties under the pretext of 'assisting in the defense of the northern frontier and preventing the Xianbei and Wuhuan from causing further disturbances.' Strictly select and intensify their training. Within six months, I want to see the Jingnan Army's infantry expand to 30,000! The Imperial Academy and the Military Workshop will provide full support for weapons and equipment. Yuan Hao and Gong Yu should prioritize ensuring the allocation of funds and provisions."

Guan Yu narrowed his phoenix eyes slightly, stroked his beard, and said in a deep voice, "Brother, rest assured, Yide and I will certainly live up to your expectations."

Zhang Fei, eager to get started, exclaimed, "Haha, it's long overdue to expand the army! This time, I, Old Zhang, will personally select the best men—those burly, strong, and capable fighters!"

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"The cavalry is the sharpest edge of our army, and we must not let our guard down," Ji Xuanyuan continued to deploy.

"Brother Yu and Fengxian have captured many fine horses on the grasslands and urgently need to equip them. Order the Academy of Natural Sciences and the Craftsmen's Camp to send a new batch of high-bridged saddles, double stirrups, and horseshoes to the front lines of Dai County and Shanggu as soon as possible to equip the entire army. In addition, the expansion of the cavalry should also be carried out simultaneously. Select those who are good at riding and archery, and train them strictly in horsemanship, formation warfare, and the use of the divine crossbow on horseback. This matter will be discussed in detail after Brother Yu and his men return, but at present, logistical preparations must keep up."

"Yes, sir!" The group accepted the order.

Lu Zhi listened quietly, his heart filled with turmoil.

Ji Xuanyuan's deployment was well-organized and had clear objectives, including both the immediate need for military expansion and preparation, as well as long-term talent reserves and technological support.

All his actions were bound by the noble cause of "defending the northern frontier" bestowed upon him by the imperial court, making it difficult for people to legally criticize him even if they knew that his intention was to expand.

His accurate grasp of the current situation and political maturity far exceed his age.

"By the way, Zilong is accompanying Zhen Tuo back to Wuji to observe mourning, which is expected to take some time. During this period, his troops will be temporarily managed by Yunchang. Tell Zilong that there is no need to rush back," Ji Xuanyuan added.

He trusted Zhao Yun implicitly and understood his character. Even though Zhen Tuo was not his wife and did not have to observe a year of mourning, he would probably not return so soon before fulfilling his duties as a son-in-law.

After the meeting, Ji Xuanyuan returned to his study, spread out a specially made piece of plain silk, picked up a pen, pondered for a moment, and began to write his first and most important letter of appointment after establishing his own government.

The writing style is steady, and the words are earnest and weighty.

"To Xun Wenruo of Yingchuan: It has been a long time since we last met, and my longing for you is deep. I have never forgotten the friendship we shared as classmates at Shuijing Villa and the times we discussed philosophy together. Now, I, Xuanyuan, have been fortunate enough to receive the Emperor's grace and hold the position of General of the Northern Army and Marquis of Zhuo, establishing my own government and recruiting scholars to secure the border. However, I am of meager virtue and talent and am always afraid of failing. I long for the assistance of a great sage to help us alleviate the national crisis. You, sir, possess both talent and virtue, the ability to be a prime minister, and a wealth of knowledge. Your virtue has benefited the people. At a time when the court is facing many difficulties and the northern border is not yet at peace, how can I bear to let such a bright talent go to waste and remain indifferent? I, Xuanyuan, have taken the liberty of offering the position of Chief Secretary of my government office. I hope that you will consider the suffering of the people and remember our past friendship, and come north to work together for a great cause. I eagerly await your reply. Respectfully, Marquis of Zhuo, Xuanyuan."

He put a lot of effort into writing this letter of rebuke.

This is not an invitation from a senior to a junior, but a lord's recruitment of talent.

Not only because Xun Yu was a top talent, but also because Xun Yu represented a type of person.

Scholars who valued orthodoxy, law, and the people's livelihood, were highly capable yet held their rulers to extremely high standards of character.

Whether or not Xun Yu could be recruited was, to some extent, a barometer of whether this "emerging force" could gain the approval of some traditional elites.

The letter was sealed with sealing wax and entrusted to the most reliable messenger, who carried generous gifts and rode at full speed to deliver it to the hometown of the Xun family in Yingchuan.

Yingchuan, Yangdi, Xun Mansion.

The warm glow of the charcoal fire in the study dispelled the chill of early winter.

Xun Yu sat opposite his father, Xun Kun, with a copy of the official gazette issued by the court and the newly delivered decree in front of them.

Xun Yu had already read the official gazette's account of the great victory in the northern frontier and the rewards bestowed upon him, but the words "General of the Northern Army," "Marquis of Zhuo," and "Governor of the State" still made it difficult for him to calm down when they came into view again.

The letter of invitation, personally written by Ji Xuanyuan, was sincere and extremely courteous. The chief secretary, as the head of the important officials in charge of the government, oversaw all the affairs of the government, making the weight of the invitation unmistakable.

Xun Kun's gaze was deep as he slowly stroked his beard: "Wenruo, your senior brother... is indeed no ordinary person. In three years, he rose from a commoner to a county marquis, a general, and a governor. Even the most outstanding generals and ministers of ancient times could not have achieved such extraordinary success."

"Breaking the Yellow Turbans, defeating the Wuhuan, intimidating the Xianbei, developing agricultural tools, opening hospitals, repairing roads, and recruiting poor scholars... each and every one of these things could not be accomplished by an ordinary local official, nor could it be achieved by a scholar who only talks about Taoism."

He paused, then looked at Xun Yu: "You often say that this young man is exceptionally talented and ambitious, but frail and sickly, and that he might not live long. Now it seems that his illness has been cured by a divine physician, and he has seized the opportunity to rise to power, commanding a strong army, controlling a powerful prefecture, and gaining the authority to establish his own government. His power is now firmly established. His letter of appointment this time is truly sincere. What do you... think?"

Xun Yu stared at the four characters "共图大業" (to work together for a great cause) on the document, his fingers unconsciously stroking the smooth silk surface.

He has been paying attention to what he has done in Zhuojun for the past few years, although he feels that some of his measures are too "radical".

However, suppressing rebellions, pacifying the people, developing production, and benefiting the people were all his ideal ways of governing.

The great victory in the northern frontier, in particular, demonstrated the strength of his army, his military prowess, and his tough stance against the barbarians. In the current atmosphere of a demoralized court and border troops, this was like a breath of fresh air.

"Father."

Xun Yu slowly began to speak: "My senior brother is a man of exceptional talent, possessing both courage and benevolence. Although his actions may occasionally be shocking, the core of his work remains the same: to 'pacify the people' and 'strengthen the country.' Now that he has gained the trust of His Majesty and has been granted the right to establish his own government, it is perfectly legitimate. Judging from the words in his edict, his ambition is not merely to defend the territory and protect himself."

He raised his head, his eyes gleaming with a resolute light: "The court is in decline, and the world is in turmoil. I have always thought that a great man should assist a wise ruler, bring peace to the people, and turn the tide."

"The Yuan family of Runan has produced three high-ranking officials for four generations, but internal strife is constant. Cao Mengde has great ambitions, but his foundation is too shallow to make a significant impact. Yu is still observing the situation."

"The Ten Attendants control the government, and there is no place for me in the court. He Jin, who comes from a butcher background, has no strategy and is not a worthy lord to serve."

"And my senior brother, Ji Wenlie."

Xun Yu emphasized, "I have a long history with him and know his background. His talent is enough to quell the chaos, and his ambition is enough to save the world. Now that he has gained power and position, he is eager to make a difference. This is truly the time for ambitious people to serve. Moreover, when he opened his office to seek out talented people, he valued me the most, which shows that we know and respect each other. I... am willing to go north to Zhuojun to serve under my senior brother, to lend him a helping hand, to fulfill the promise we made as classmates, and to seek the opportunity to display my lifelong learning in the world."

Xun Kun listened quietly to his son's words. After a long while, he slowly nodded, a look of satisfaction on his face: "I am very pleased that you have such insight and decisiveness. Ji Xuanyuan is indeed a wise ruler you can choose at present. His power is just beginning to take shape and he urgently needs talented people. Your departure is timely and you will surely be given an important position. However..."

He changed the subject slightly and instructed, "The situation in Zhuojun and even Youzhou is complicated. Liu Yu is about to take office, and his political views may not be compatible with Ji Xuanyuan's. There are also quite a few people in the court who are wary and suspicious of Ji Xuanyuan. Since you are going there, you should plan carefully. You should help Ji Xuanyuan succeed, but you also need to be careful and consider the overall situation. Don't let the conflict escalate and hurt yourself instead."

"Father's teachings are etched in my heart," Xun Yu said solemnly, bowing deeply.

A few days later, Xun Yu and Xun Wenruo, talented scholars from the Xun family of Yingchuan, politely declined several other offers of favor. They traveled lightly with only one or two servants and a book bag, quietly leaving Yangdi and embarking on the road north to Zhuojun.

Although this move was not publicized, it was undoubtedly a strong signal in the eyes of those who were interested.

The newly rising Marquis of Zhuo and General of the Northern Central Army, Ji Xuanyuan, has already begun to attract the attention and allegiance of top aristocratic families.

Meanwhile, in Zhuojun, Ji Xuanyuan did not stop after sending the letter of dismissal to Xun Yu.

The notice to recruit talented people for the establishment of the government has been widely disseminated through post stations, caravans and other channels.

At the same time, his various plans for domestic affairs, military affairs, and the economy are being carried out in full swing.

He knew that if Xun Yu was willing to come, it would be a significant milestone.