The ability of someone to hold the position of provincial governor often reflects their qualities in recruiting talents.

Even Dong Zhuo, with his fierce generals from Liangzhou and advisors like Li Ru and Jia Xu, couldn’t just sit back and expect people to come to him.

A judicious approach to recruitment that aligns with mutual benefit between lord and subject is essential.

Xi Zhicai toyed with the chess pieces in his hand, examining the board in front of him as he spoke: “This governor’s arrival in Bingzhou is like tossing a stone into a pond already swirling with hidden currents.

“It’s a bit regrettable,” Xi Zhicai continued, “I see Jiao Hou appreciates Zhang Liao. Now, forging a bridge between him and the provincial government means relying on the goodwill of others. It won’t be easy to recruit him under one’s command. If another provincial governor were to show him great favor and provide ample opportunities, Zhang Liao would be even more dedicated.”

Qiao Yan noticed Xi Zhicai’s expression of regret didn’t hold much true regret.

She smiled and said, “Sir, you’re not speaking from the heart. Leping already has Zhuge Liang, which is sufficient. Given Zhuge Liang’s temperament, he could gradually take over the Black Mountain bandits to form a county defense force within two or three years. Having Zhang Liao would be a waste of talent.”

“The situation in Bingzhou is similar to that of Youzhou and Liangzhou. The more talented individuals with potential for warfare, the sooner they should be placed in suitable positions for training. If they can kill a few more enemies in battles against the barbarians, it would be a boon to the borderlands. This is the truest use of their talents.”

As she spoke, Qiao Yan heard Xu Fu leading Zhang Yang upstairs and paused, choosing not to continue.

Zhang Yang had already cleaned himself up from the bloodstains of the previous day’s battle on Mount Yunzhong.

He stood before Qiao Yan, bowed, and thanked her.

To be honest, Qiao Yan hadn’t expected to see Zhang Yang so soon.

According to her previous thoughts, both Zhang Liao and Zhang Yang should seek positions within the provincial government of Bingzhou.

Especially Zhang Yang.

Due to his age and outstanding martial prowess, he was originally destined for a good position under Zhang Yi’s administration.

Now, having joined Zhang Liao in eradicating the bandits on Mount Yunzhong, their combined feat against hundreds further solidified his eligibility.

But what surprised Qiao Yan even more was that Zhang Yang didn’t just come to report news or share credit to highlight Zhang Liao’s qualifications for the provincial government.

“Do you think Leping has a suitable position for you?”

Qiao Yan almost thought she had misheard.

She had criticized Zhang Yang’s political acumen, but his military talent wasn’t deficient to such an extent.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been involved in campaigns like the suppression of the Partisan Band or escorting the emperor.

He could indeed take on significant responsibilities within the provincial government.

Choosing Leping under these circumstances would undoubtedly be settling for less.

But Zhang Yang felt his reasons were justified. “If both Zhang Liao and I go to the provincial government together, having two at once is never as precious as having only one.

I’m not as adept as Zhang Liao in understanding the right timing and situation. It’s better to choose a place where I just need to follow orders.”

“Moreover, as Marquis Qiao previously mentioned, she didn’t award us for our actions against the bandits out of mere kindness.

It was also to pave the way for her own recommendations. I don’t think she intends for us to confine ourselves to Leping alone.

Considering her arrangements during the Yunzhong Mountain expedition, I admire her intentions.”

Zhang Yang’s reasoning didn’t entirely suggest he lacked ambitions for achievements; rather, he aimed to maneuver within a platform that could accommodate his capabilities.

Qiao Yan assessed Zhang Yang for a moment.

Although there was a hint of ruggedness in his demeanor, his expression was resolute.

Particularly, his frank statement about the value of one versus two going together impressed Qiao Yan greatly, prompting her to consider this possibility.

If she were to accommodate his request, were there positions in Leping suitable for him?

Perhaps there were.

Currently, qiao Yan had appointed Zhao Yun as a county official, managing tasks gradually transitioning the Black Mountain bandits, who were still engaged in “Leping manufacturing,” into a cohesive military force.

Selecting individuals among the county residents would eventually form a systematic unit for Leping.

However, Zhao Yun was young and relied primarily on his martial prowess, which might not necessarily command respect from others.

Moreover, his straightforward style might not be suitable for leading a force composed largely of former Black Mountain bandits.

Qiao Yan originally intended to recruit Chu Yan or Zhang Niujiao, having them assume the responsibilities of deputy commanders.

However, she was concerned about entrusting the reformed Black Mountain bandits to them, fearing they might develop unsuitable ambitions in Leping without significant authority restrictions.

In contrast, appointing Zhang Yang allowed her to manage another person effectively.

In a brief moment, she completed her assessment and acknowledged that recruiting isn’t straightforward.

She replied, “Leping is still a small place. Zhishu’s accomplishments against the Yunzhong Mountain bandits highlight his talent as a fierce warrior. It would be a pity to place him in Leping. Let’s observe the character of this provincial governor first. If he proves worthy of direct service at the provincial government, there’s no need for him to compromise in a small county.”

Seeing Zhang Yang about to speak, she raised her hand to stop him.

“Zhishu has my sincere appreciation for his aspirations. However, starting at the provincial government would be an excellent career move.

The decision shouldn’t be taken lightly. If the provincial governor demonstrates leadership, even if Zhishu claims not to understand political maneuvering, he can still shine under his command.”

Respecting Qiao Yan’s firmness and her unwillingness to let talent go to waste,

Zhang Yang didn’t press further on the matter.

Instead, he decided to wait until he met Zhang Liao.

After leaving the small building, he waited at the inn where he and Zhang Liao had stayed the previous night.

It took almost half a day before Zhang Liao returned.

Upon seeing Zhang Liao’s expression, which lacked any signs of joy, Zhang Yang couldn’t help but ask, “How is the provincial governor?”

Zhang Liao replied, “He has offered me a position overseeing military affairs in the province.”

“Isn’t that a good thing?” Zhang Yang was puzzled by his reaction.

The role of overseeing military affairs already indicated significant responsibilities and authority.

It was a direct subordinate position to the provincial governor, involving substantial power and influence over military matters.

Although the provincial governor lacked direct military command authority, such positions often allowed considerable flexibility in handling border situations, offering ample opportunities for learning and action.

This is like going directly from being an ordinary soldier to the highest position he could currently hold, considering his age and experience.

Normally, upon hearing such news, even if Zhang Yang felt he had nothing to his name, he would still celebrate with Zhang Liao.

But it seemed that what he thought was good news didn’t quite sit the same with Zhang Liao.

Shaking his head, Zhang Liao replied, “This matter is rather complicated. Let’s meet with Marquis Qiao first before discussing further.”

Since Qiao Yan had been supportive of Zhang Liao in the past, he didn’t hide anything and recounted everything he had witnessed today in front of Qiao Yan.

Perhaps in his actions, it seemed more like the governor’s actions hadn’t satisfied him, at least not meeting Zhang Liao’s definition of what an official should be like.

“When I entered the provincial office earlier, the governor immediately asked if I was interested in a position in Luoyang, saying that with my military abilities, I could shine in the capital,” Zhang Liao said, furrowing his brow.

Not everyone was eager to serve in the heart of the empire, seeking fame and fortune among the nobles.

For instance, Zhang Liao wanted a position in the provincial office mainly to defend the border against raids by the Xianbei and the Xiongnu, not to become just another soldier in the Northern Army.

Naturally, he preferred to stay and work in Bingzhou.

However, while the governor praised his abilities, it seemed like he didn’t prioritize Zhang Liao’s desire to defend Bingzhou, instead praising his achievements in exterminating the bandits of Mount Yunzhong before directly asking—did he have any intention of going to Luoyang?

Qiao Yan didn’t feel that Governor Zhang Yi’s actions were intended to elevate Zhang Liao in reverse, nor did he feel any sense of satisfaction.

After considering it for a while, he replied, “In theory, no matter how wrong his evaluation may be, or how eager he is to recommend talents to the capital, he shouldn’t have said it at this time. This isn’t a conclusion that would normally be reached.”

Even if Zhang Yi thought Zhang Liao’s conduct was too overbearing and wanted to pass this difficult situation to someone else, he shouldn’t have done it at this moment.

This wasn’t beneficial to him at all.

Qiao Yan then asked, “May I ask if there are any other people around him?”

Zhang Liao replied, “Marquis Qiao is discerning. If not, I wouldn’t have to complicate matters by discussing it with Zhi Shu. There’s also a captain beside this governor, who should be protecting him on his visit here.”

“The governor’s position is far above that of the captain, but when I refused to serve in the capital and preferred to start as a county official on the border, he first glanced at the captain’s expression.”

Obviously, Zhang Liao was also puzzled by this situation.

Perhaps if he hadn’t been so alert, he might not have noticed this subtle exchange between the two.

Zhang Yi clearly withdrew his decision to send him to Luoyang only after obtaining the person’s consent, instead appointing him to a significant military position in the province.

This move aimed to appease the people of Bingzhou by rewarding a brave warrior who had just eliminated bandits, showing that Zhang Yi judged people based on their achievements.

For the crowds outside waiting for the outcome, this might have seemed like a perfect end to the governor’s appointment, but after this ordeal, Zhang Liao found it hard to feel submissive towards Zhang Yi due to this delayed official appointment.

This indicated not only Zhang Yi’s lack of consideration for the talent he encountered but also the fact that as a governor, he still had to consider the opinion of a mere captain in the capital, which seemed lacking in dignity.

How could such a person be entrusted with the authority of a province?

Although Zhang Liao felt it was unfair to judge based on a single incident, he acknowledged his young age and lack of experience to form a solid judgment.

He relied more on intuition at this point, but this initial impression inevitably led to some prejudice against Zhang Yi.

Fortunately, Zhang Yi’s new appointment allowed him to start with a position overseeing military affairs.

Ignoring Zhang Yi’s recent behavior, this could still be a promising beginning.

As Zhang Liao spoke, he began to console himself, intending to focus on his new role.

Yet, recalling Qiao Yan’s earlier words, she intended to determine how to assist the governor based on Zhang Liao’s treatment.

Now, with Zhang Yi’s actions, he couldn’t help but worry about the situation of Marquis Leping.

However, Qiao Yan didn’t seem unsettled by this unexpected news.

She simply asked, “Could you describe the appearance of that captain to me?”

Recalling the person he had seen before, Zhang Liao replied, “He appeared to be around thirty years old, with a striking appearance and an unusual demeanor. If I were to compare…”

Zhang Liao thought back to the day when Qiao Yan had him and Zhang Yang spar with others at the Wang family mansion and found a reference point, “He resembles a nobleman’s son.”

A nobleman’s son?

This wasn’t an ordinary observation, but Zhang Liao spoke with certainty, suggesting it might indeed be the case.

Considering Qiao Yan’s earlier deduction regarding the appointments of these provincial governors, which seemed to balance the influence of noble families after Liu Hong reinstated the provincial governor system, Zhang Yi’s inquiry about the position of a captain from a noble family when speaking to Zhang Liao didn’t seem difficult to understand.

Being around thirty years old, with remarkable appearance and demeanor, suitable for the role of captain…

In Qiao Yan’s impression, there really was a suitable candidate!

She quickly contacted the head of the Wang family.

In Taiyuan City, Qiao Yan couldn’t personally keep watch, so she had to rely on local informants.

Fortunately, she didn’t have to wait long.

The escort team that brought Zhang Yi to Bingzhou didn’t need to wait for the completion of the ancestral temple rites like Bao Hong’s team did in Leping.

As soon as Zhang Yi arrived and secured the loyalty of a brave warrior, and possibly after settling all necessary matters, the troops from Luoyang departed just two days later.

The procession passed through the southern gate of Taiyuan in a single file, catching Qiao Yan’s attention nearby.

Earlier, Qiao Yan had focused almost entirely on Zhang Yi when the team entered the city, inadvertently neglecting the soldiers behind him.

Now, as her gaze roamed over the faces of each soldier, she spotted one indeed dressed as a captain, not at the forefront of the procession but mingling among the troops.

His face was partly obscured by the brim of his helmet, lowering his visibility.

This explained why Qiao Yan hadn’t noticed him before.

But having seen him, how could she fail to recognize him just because of a bit of cover?

Zhang Liao’s judgment that he was a nobleman’s son was not wrong.

This was Yuan Shao’s son, Yuan Benchu!

If Zhang Yi valued his opinion highly, then this provincial governor of Bingzhou was a disciple of the Yuan family from Runan?

Qiao Yan furrowed her brow briefly before relaxing it.

This seemed like both bad news and good news at the same time!