Free Web NovelChapter 45: Seeking Talents In Yingchuan
As expected, this journey northward greatly enhanced his strength, making him a capable warrior in the crisis-ridden world of "Great Lord"!
But Long Chen was more than just a warrior; he was a commander!
He was the soul of the entire army, so he wouldn’t put himself in danger unless absolutely necessary.
He meticulously studied the attribute panels of three major generals: Xu Chu, Zhou Tai, and Jiang Qin!
Xu Chu’s level had risen to 65, with a strength value reaching 83, comparable to a second-rate general.
Having spent the longest time with him, Zhou Tai had reached level 72, with a strength value of 81. Jiang Qin was at level 70, with a strength value of 76.
At this point, the gap between the five-star divine generals and the four-star famous generals had become evident.
Undoubtedly, Xu Chu had greater potential for development!
During regular training sessions at the barracks, Xu Chu often sparred with Zhou Tai and Jiang Qin.
Initially, the matches were fine, with Zhou Tai and Jiang Qin being on par or even stronger than Xu Chu.
Zhou Tai used to enjoy teaching this new tiger general a lesson. After all, Xu Chu was highly favored in front of Long Chen.
Zhou Tai, feeling upset, vented his frustration on Xu Chu, who, in turn, was unusually resilient, becoming Zhou Tai’s punching bag.
But as time went on, Xu Chu’s strength grew. What used to be three or four dozen rounds in the beginning turned into a hundred rounds, and later, within a hundred rounds, Zhou Tai and Jiang Qin would be howling in defeat.
Eventually, Zhou Tai and Jiang Qin refused to spar with Xu Chu, the tiger general.
If Xu Chu reached his maximum level, he could probably defeat them within several dozen rounds.
Xu Chu’s position within the Dragon Army had also become more stable, becoming the top commander!
While Long Chen was organizing his thoughts while seated on the Jade Lion, a distant report interrupted him.
"Report! My Lord, our troops have reached Yingchuan Prefecture!"
A scout dismounted and reported.
Long Chen touched his chin, pondering silently. Yingchuan Prefecture was an exceptional place.
It was near the capital, Luoyang, making its geographical location excellent.
Moreover, its developed private schools allowed even commoners’ children to access knowledge, fostering a culture of talent in Yingchuan.
The region boasted numerous prominent families, a thriving economy, and a strong learning atmosphere. These were the reasons Yingchuan became known as a land of talent.
There was an ancient saying: "In the East, they produce ministers; in the West, they breed generals; the Three Qins (referring to the region) are rich in talents, while the River Ying abounds with extraordinary people."
In a nutshell, it was a land blessed with talented individuals!
Outstanding strategists such as Sima Hui, Zhong Yao, Xu Shu, Xun You, and Xun Yu all hailed from this place.
Currently, Long Chen lacked strategists. Therefore, he had to make a trip to Yingchuan Prefecture!
After a brief contemplation, Long Chen instructed Jiang Qin, the most reliable one, "Gongyi, you and Youping lead the over six thousand troops back to Jiujian Prefecture."
"Leave behind a hundred Yellow Turban forces and Zhongkang to accompany me. I intend to seek out talented individuals in Yingchuan Prefecture."
"My Lord, you are the prestigious General of Zhen Nan. Can’t you simply send out a notice to attract talents to Jiujian Prefecture?" Zhou Tai scratched his head, asking.
"Ah, you don’t understand. While the title General of Zhen Nan sounds impressive, it’s merely an honorary position without real authority. It might attract ordinary talents, but not top-tier ones."
"I have to personally take action to demonstrate sincerity!"
"Alright, hurry back to Jiujian. Remember to manage the training of our soldiers promptly. In times of chaos, our soldiers are the foundation of our success!"
Seeing Long Chen’s solemnity, Jiang Qin calmly agreed.
The main reason Long Chen didn’t allow the Dragon Army to accompany him was mainly due to each day the army stayed, the more resources they consumed.
Moreover, Long Chen didn’t want to attract too much attention while entering the city, fearing it might scare off those famous scholars...
At this moment, Diao Chan also stepped out of the carriage, wearing a reluctant expression. She softly said, "Husband, when will you be back?"
Amid Diao Chan’s exclamation, Long Chen pulled her into an embrace, whispering gently into her ear, "Don’t worry, Chan’er. At most four or five days, at most ninety days, it’ll be quick."
"Oh, alright, husband, please put me down quickly," Diao Chan’s cheeks flushed. Her enchanting lips were so captivating that one couldn’t help but want to kiss her and savor the taste.
"Oh right, how is Zhang Ning doing?" Long Chen inquired.
Thinking about Zhang Ning, Long Chen felt a headache coming on.
Since she woke up, she’d been like someone suffering from severe depression, cold and indifferent. Especially towards Long Chen; if looks could kill, he didn’t know how many times he would have died under her gaze.
He could understand her emotions. After all, no matter what reasons he might have, he was the one who killed Zhang Jiao. For Zhang Ning, he was the avenger who killed her father!
But before Zhang Jiao died, he entrusted Zhang Ning to Long Chen, telling her she must stay with him. Otherwise, as a remnant of the Yellow Turbans, she’d likely be killed by roaming blades.
Hearing this, Diao Chan worriedly said, "Husband, she’s still the same, cold and distant..."
"It’s fine. Once we’re back home, as long as she has food, drink, clothing, it doesn’t matter." He just needed to fulfill his promise to Zhang Jiao. Regardless of whether Zhang Ning’s attitude toward him was good or bad.
...
After changing into plain clothes, Long Chen, Xu Chu, and the hundred Yellow Turban soldiers all dressed as commoners.
Only Long Chen wore luxurious clothes, presenting himself as a noble young man.
This was to ensure that when visiting these scholars, they wouldn’t be thrown out as mere idlers.
Long Chen: "Remember, just call me Young Master from now on!"
Xu Chu: "Yes, sir!"
Long Chen: "...?! Remember, it’s Young Master, not sir!"
...
Among all the strategists Long Chen eagerly anticipated, none were as sought after as Guo Jia, also known as Guo Fengxiao, who was hailed as "talented in strategy, a rare genius in the world."
However, over the next few days, despite traversing half of Yingchuan Prefecture, Long Chen couldn’t find a trace of Guo Fengxiao.
"Where in the world is this ghost hiding?" Long Chen was deeply troubled.
He asked people wherever he went but received consistent replies that they didn’t know this person.
Because the Yellow Turban Rebellion had just ended, Guo Jia was not even twenty years old, and it was normal that no one knew him.
Moreover, Guo Jia was born into a poor family, receiving little attention.
Long Chen knew that Guo Jia had secluded himself after coming of age, secretly associating with extraordinary individuals, avoiding contact with the world. It would be even harder to find him now.
Alas! Luck and timing were lacking; he failed to track down this genius.
Not finding Guo Jia, Long Chen stayed in Yingchuan Prefecture for a few more days, intending to find other talented individuals within the region, such as the four famous figures of Yingchuan: Zhao Yan, Xin Pi, Chen Qun, and Du Xi.
Whether it was due to their contempt for Long Chen’s background, already having been contacted by the Yuan family for future official positions, or simply not being found, he hit a dead end.
After hitting walls everywhere, Long Chen was finally resigned. Although there were many talents, none belonged to him...
In this era, unless one was from a prominent family, it was as difficult as reaching the heavens to recruit these talents that were considered for family considerations!
"Young Master, in my opinion, it’s these arrogant scholars who don’t know their place. A good beating would straighten them out!" Xu Chu swung his strong arms in frustration.
Hey, I damn well want to give them a good beating too, but the problem is, if I beat them, it’ll be hard to leave the city!
"All right, Zhongkang, let’s go to the tavern for a meal and then return to Jiujian!" freewebnσvel.cøm
Long Chen didn’t want to linger too long in Yingchuan Prefecture. He needed to return to Jiujian to organize his territory and consolidate his base!
Moreover, having just taken up the position of Jiujian Prefecture’s governor, there must be many forces below that didn’t submit, manipulating things in the dark. He needed to return soon to eliminate these hidden dangers!
At the mention of food, Xu Chu’s eyes immediately lit up with joy. He happily followed Long Chen to the nearest tavern.
As they entered the red doors of the tavern, they heard a commotion.
"Dear guest, we operate on a small scale and do not offer credit, so..."
"I will definitely settle the bill in three days. Today, I just happened to forget to bring silver."
"Do you know any famous figures among the gentry?" The waiter tentatively asked.
"I do not." The man replied calmly.
"Then you must not have any backing! Coming here without any backing..." The waiter rolled up his sleeves, angrily staring at the man.
Long Chen and Xu Chu had already entered the tavern and witnessed the scene.
Seeing the man who wanted to borrow money, Long Chen found him to be refined, with a handsome appearance and a divine aura. Just one glance increased Long Chen’s good impression of him.
However, his clothing was simple, even bordering on poverty. The clothes looked like they had been washed repeatedly and were turning white.
Frowning, Long Chen thought, "This person has an extraordinary temperament, with simple attire. He’s probably a talent from a humble background..."
Seeing the atmosphere become tense, the waiter was ready to call someone to give this man trying to dine and dash a lesson.
Long Chen extended his hand to stop him and said, "Wait, I’ll pay for this gentleman’s meal."
Saying that, he opened his palm, and there lay a silver ingot.
Seeing this, the waiter’s face lit up with joy. Moreover, noticing Long Chen’s luxurious attire, he thought that this person was probably a young master from a prestigious family.
He hurriedly bowed respectfully and said, "Guest, please follow me!"
Taking the silver ingot from Long Chen’s hand without leaving a trace, the waiter turned around and said to the man in plain clothes, "Today, you’re fortunate to encounter a noble person; otherwise... hmph!"
Although the man in plain clothes maintained his calm and ethereal demeanor, when he looked at Long Chen, he slightly bowed in gratitude, saying, "Thank you, young master, for your assistance!"
Long Chen returned the gesture, saying, "It was a small effort, not worth mentioning."
Then he turned to the man in plain clothes and said, "This gentleman, would you like to join me for a drink?"
As soon as he heard the word "drink," the man’s spirits lifted. Without hesitation, he expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, young master!"
The waiter eagerly approached Long Chen and the others, asking what dishes they wanted.
"Bring us all your signature dishes!" Long Chen waved his hand.
"Alright, please come inside, honored guests..."
After everyone had taken their seats, Long Chen asked, "May I know this gentleman’s surname?"
After sipping some wine, the man in plain clothes squinted his eyes and said, "For me, surnames are just labels. General, why bother caring about them?"
As soon as these words were spoken, Long Chen’s pupils suddenly dilated.
General!?
Could this person already know my identity?!
But I haven’t disclosed it!
Goosebumps suddenly rose all over his body, giving him a chilling feeling...
"Check the attribute panel!" Long Chen silently commanded, curiosity about the man in front of him surging.
"Ding! Unable to check due to an unknown skill..."
A warning sounded in his sea of consciousness.
Damn, I can’t see it!
