Cheng Li looked at the victorious figure before him who had returned from the capital.

Upon hearing the reminder about changing the name, a knowing smile crept onto his face.

He recounted the dream of supporting the sun atop Mount Tai to Qiao Yan.

Her response, not finding anything inappropriate in his suggestion, was enough to reassure Cheng Li that he had made the right choice.

In his heart, amidst his lamentations about the foolish populace being unfit to conspire with, Qiao Yan was the sovereign he deemed most worthy to follow.

Indeed, she had not disappointed.

Even in the face of potential irreparable missteps in the capital, she had proven herself.

Though Cheng Li did not know the intricacies of her strategies step by step, the results before him made the process less significant.

Through her actions, she had indeed proven herself capable of this “sun.”

The position of Governor of Bing Province and Marquis of Leping were entirely different concepts.

The Marquis of Leping represented her ability to establish herself as a ruler of a county, but at most, it was an elevation of social status where people merely referred to her as a lord.

However, the Governor of Bingzhou Province held real power as the local authority.

This signified that the current emperor considered her worthy of entrusting with significant responsibilities, no longer just a loyal descendant deserving of reward for pacifying the Yellow Turban Rebellion.

Having emerged from under the shadow of gratitude owed to Qiao Xuan, she was now officially developing into an independent political force.

Furthermore, in practical terms, while bandits from the Black Mountain and the Hedong might submit to her because Bingzhou and Leping provided them with sustenance, those from humble origins or the frontier might wager on her promising future.

Educated individuals, especially those from noble families, however, would never abandon their prospects for advancement to work under her.

Unless they were like the Wei family of Hedong, lacking substantial roots and facing existential crises, they might seek her assistance and enter temporary cooperative relationships with her.

Or unless they were like Yang Xiu, driven more by the desire for victory rather than consideration for their future…

But when knowledge and education were monopolized by noble families, regardless of the risks involved, it was necessary to attract them to her banner.

Now, with the position of Governor of Bingzhou Province in her hands, regardless of how long Qiao Yan could maintain this position, officials under her authority became a valuable political asset.

This was a trend where clouds dispersed and the sun emerged, a truly auspicious sign for the name change.

Cheng Li, or rather Cheng Yu, asked once more, “Aren’t you afraid, my lord, that others might suspect you of harboring ambitions?”

Cheng Yu was not a Han official,

And he was more fearless in asking this question than anyone else.

He truly believed that the Han court was beyond salvation now.

The emperor’s sole focus was on balancing power, without considering the heavy burden his taxes imposed on the common people.

As for the officials, they only cared about the balance of power within their own small territories.

The so-called purging of eunuchs and pacifying the four seas was merely for the benefit of the aristocratic class.

The wealthy hid their wealth, bandits plundered freely, and the common people had no land of their own.

This was not an environment that a slogan like “supporting the Han court” could change!

He saw Qiao Yan’s ambition and was greatly relieved to see such ambition at this time.

Therefore, while he was surprised by Qiao Yan’s achievements, he also worried that bringing certain matters to light might lead to unfavorable consequences.

But Qiao Yan’s response to him was simply, “Mr. Zhongde, you’re mistaken. I, Qiao Yan -Ye Shu of the North, dare to adopt this title because I aspire for brilliance like jade to shine forth.

Now, Bingzhou Province awaits revitalization, bandits await elimination. We need a clear vision for tomorrow, a grand and resplendent stance.

How could we not make such a change?”

This was an explanation that could justify her actions to outsiders and reassure her subjects internally with the change in name.

Understanding the implications in Qiao Yan’s words, Cheng Yu responded, “Then Yu will obey the Marquis’s words.”

“We still have much work ahead,” Qiao Yan handed over the papers that determined each person’s position to Cheng Yu, sighing, “We still need to finalize these remaining positions. I’ll rely on you and Zhicai to make the decisions together.”

Cheng Yu took the papers and saw the vacant positions listed:

Assistant Censor,

Assistant to the Six Counties,

Grand Superintendent,

Postal Supervisor,

Accountant, and Auxiliary Official.

As Qiao Yan had mentioned, there was a shortage of personnel.

Previously, the manpower allocated to Leping seemed somewhat crowded, but now it appeared there were several vacancies.

This made Cheng Yu both relieved and also filled with a sense of urgency.

As the right-hand man of the Governor of Bingzhou Province, overseeing the affairs of state was indeed his responsibility.

“In addition, there’s another matter you need to be aware of,” Qiao Yan didn’t see a need to hide this matter, so she continued, “The Jia Xu who I brought back from Luoyang. He was highly praised by the scholars of Liangzhou in his youth, likened to talents such as Zhang Liang and Chen Ping.

However, he has always adhered to a principle of prudent self-preservation and longevity.

He avoids standing out unnecessarily. I’m not pressing him to change his approach immediately, but I’d like you to keep an eye on him for me.”

“Fortunately, the reason I brought him from the Ministry of War was that he is proficient in administrative documents and is of a similar age to you, sir. He could serve as your deputy.”

Qiao Yan’s hesitant pause in her speech indeed conveyed much, and it was rather intriguing.

Cheng Yu had a rough idea about such a person, considering his own long absence from official duties.

He could probably guess Jia Xu’s intentions.

However, it was clear that Jia Xu valued his life much more than Cheng Yu did.

“I’m afraid unless the situation becomes chaotic and his life is at stake, he won’t speak rashly,” Cheng Yu remarked.

“That’s alright,” Qiao Yan showed considerable tolerance towards this reputed strategist with a poisonous tongue, “At present, Bingzhou Province needs his skills and experience in governance more than his strategic abilities. There’s plenty of time ahead.”

Hearing Qiao Yan’s assurance, Cheng Yu felt reassured as well. “Then, Marquis, I’ll take charge of him.”

Even if Jia Xu was currently underutilizing his talents, Bingzhou Province was severely short-staffed.

Cheng Yu couldn’t afford to reduce the workload, and sooner or later, he would force this old fox to reveal his true colors.

At the very least, he could start by bringing his sons in as strong young men.

Qiao Yan remembered that Jia Xu’s eldest son, Jia Mu, had accompanied him to Leping.

He had served as a county magistrate and had even held the position of Administrator of Hedong for a time.

It seemed he had some talent for administration, so perhaps he could start from a minor official position now.

When Xi Zhicai arrived in sequence, he saw Qiao Yan at her desk, picking up and setting down her pen, as if deep in thought.

Previously, she had been calculating the political situation, but now she was calculating how to make people serve her.

This seemed much easier now.

Of course, when Qiao Yan proposed that Xi Zhicai be appointed as the Chancellor, second only to Cheng Yu’s position, Xi Zhicai also felt much relieved.

When he first proposed the system of meritorious service, Xi Zhicai sighed that his salary of nearly 600 dan was barely enough.

But now…

A County Position replaces a provincial governor’s position, but the salary is higher than that of a provincial governor, equivalent to a true 2,000 dan, which is on par with the princes.

The Chancellor’s position is slightly lower than that of a county governor, which is equivalent to 1,200 dan compared to 2,000 dan.

The Chancellor is the same as the Chief Minister’s Chief Secretary, with an official salary of 1,000 dan.

With the arrival of Qiao Yan, not only did he have a legitimate official position, but his salary almost doubled.

In addition, as the second person under the provincial governor assistant (Cheng Yu), the chancellor’s authority often brings substantial benefits.

This does not mean that Xi Zhicai intends to engage in any corrupt behavior, but rather that in a province, if the water is clear, there are no fish.

It’s much easier now.

Unfortunately, it’s unlikely we’ll taste such sweetness a second time in the short term.

Xi Zhicai composed himself and spoke to Qiao Yan in a serious tone: “Lord Qiao’s attainment of the position of provincial governor of Bingzhou was somewhat influenced by opportunity and fate. To ensure this position lasts, we must be vigilant.”

“Previously, Lord Qiao was merely the Marquis of Leping, confined to one county and often engaging in risky actions.

The Qiao clan of Yanzhou wished him far away.

We need to carefully observe Lord Qiao’s situation.

Occasionally, in letters, we must be mindful of propriety, showing respect without drawing too close, lest it become a burden when accounts are settled.”

“But the situation is vastly different now. Lord Qiao’s actions have won the Emperor’s praise, elevating him to the governorship of a province.

Even if the Qiao clan is not in Bingzhou, they must understand the current situation.

With the Emperor’s high regard for Lord Qiao, they must be certain that Lord Qiao remains loyal to the Qiao clan, able to uphold their honor rather than sever ties.”

“This relationship must be maintained, but not overly intimate, lest Lord Qiao cease to be the Emperor’s trusted minister.

Lord Qiao’s previous approach was appropriate—neither too close nor too distant, maintaining respect without cutting off avenues.

His mourning period for three years previously restricted interactions, but now we cannot completely isolate ourselves.”

“As for family matters, I won’t speak too much. Lord Qiao understands.”

Qiao Yan nodded in response, “Rest assured.”

During the Han Dynasty, encouraging separation of family estates was actually intended to increase tax revenues from the populace, making it not difficult for Qiao Yan to reduce interactions with a legitimate reason.

But as Xi Zhicai said, such refusal does not mean severing ties completely.

The existence of clan ties is a social relationship that also allows those in power to show humanity.

“Currently, among those holding official positions in the Qiao clan, there are only Qiao Mao and Qiao Rui.

However, Qiao Rui has joined Yuan Shu’s camp as a Colonel, which seems inappropriate for our connections.

I intend to write a letter to Qiao Mao, asking if he would be willing to send his younger daughter to Leping for schooling, to accompany Zhao Ji. What do you think, sir?”

Xi Zhicai replied, “Lord Qiao, this gesture is appropriate.”

This gesture shows goodwill without fostering too close a connection.

“Additionally, there’s another matter I’d like to entrust to you.” Seeing Xi Zhicai’s approval of her previous actions, Qiao Yan continued, “Previously, we only resided in Leping and didn’t need to fully understand the powerful clans within Bingzhou’s territory. But now things are different.”

“When a provincial governor takes office, influential figures within the province will surely come to pay their respects. However, it’s crucial to discern who is friend and who is foe,

It should be clear who comes first and who comes later, and we must establish regulations. We can’t turn the provincial government into a social salon.”

Since the chancellor is responsible for managing personnel, assigning this task to him now would be appropriate for his position.

Upon hearing Qiao Yan’s words, Xi Zhicai neither accepted nor rejected directly.

Instead, he smiled and said, “To be frank, someone mentioned this to me before I arrived. If Lord Qiao has such a need, she could be of assistance. Since you have raised this issue, why should she continue to hesitate?”

Qiao Yan inferred from Xi Zhicai’s words whom he was referring to.

She spoke thoughtfully, “Let… let Lu Yuan come to see me.”

Since her position had already been determined, Qiao Yan revealed this when Xi Zhicai was about to send someone to relay the orders.

When Lu Yuan entered, Qiao Yan noticed her composed demeanor, indicating she had no worries about sharing this burden, as discussed with Xi Zhicai.

Qiao Yan had initially intended for Lu Yuan to serve as her assistant magistrate, and it seemed she had chosen the right person.

Before discussing the reception regulations, Qiao Yan first greeted Lu Yuan with a nod and said, “It was improper to conceal this from you earlier, but now it can be said. Lu Yuan is from the Lu clan of Wujun, to be precise, from Huating.”

“Who are your family elders?”

“My father is Lu Jining.” Seeing a hint of confusion in Qiao Yan’s expression, Lu Yuan continued, “My father’s given name is Kang. Years ago, after being recommended as a talented scholar by the Governor of Yangzhou, he served as the magistrate of Gaocheng County, which is in Jizhou. It was during this time that my father arranged my marriage to the Deputy Magistrate of Xiaquyang County.”

“During the Guanghe period, my father was successively promoted to Governor of Wuling, then transferred to Guiyang. Due to his memorial on the bronze statue constructed by the Emperor, he was dismissed. However, he was later reinstated to suppress rebellion in Lujiang. When we received assistance from Lord Qiao during the Yellow Turban Rebellion, I feared it might tarnish my father’s reputation, so I did not disclose this.”

Qiao Yan did not feel that Lu Yuan’s sudden revelation of being Lu Kang’s daughter, Huaiju’s eldest sister, and the aunt of Jiangdong’s famous general Lu Xun required any change in her status.

She just shook her head and sighed, “There’s no need for you to worry like this.”

Lu Yuan replied firmly, “Indeed, there’s no need for me to harbor such concerns of bringing shame to my family. Therefore, I’ve come today to ask Lord Qiao to entrust this matter to me. I will ensure it is managed properly on behalf of Lord Qiao.”

Her resolute tone prompted Qiao Yan to smile and applaud, “Very well, with your determination, I will support you fully. I’ll return to Leping for now and await Master Cui’s preparation of supplies within three days. I’ll need certain manpower to accompany me, but after three days, I expect to see progress.”

Since she decided to take on this task, she needed to demonstrate sufficient capability.

Without hesitation

She accepted the offer.

Having delegated a significant task, Qiao Yan felt a sense of relief.

Now, the next person she needed to meet…

Just as she was thinking this, Xu Fu’s voice suddenly came from outside the door, “Lord Qiao, there’s someone outside who wishes to meet you, saying they want to present themselves.”

Self-recommendation?

“We were just discussing the need for personnel with Mr. Zhongde, and now someone has come to offer themselves.”

She exchanged a smile with Lu Yuan and immediately walked out towards the visitor.

Whether the person had intended to come earlier but missed her when she left Bingzhou for Luoyang, or whether they were drawn by her new position as provincial governor, as long as they were truly talented, it didn’t matter.

As she walked, she asked Xu Fu who was passing on the message, “What do you think of this person?”

Xu Fu replied, “He claims to be from Wuyuan County in Bingzhou.”

Considering the distance between Wuyuan and Taiyuan, it seemed unlikely he had rushed here on a whim, suggesting he had planned this beforehand.

This thought led Qiao Yan to regard him with initial respect.

He seemed to be a discerning person.

However, the mention of Wuyuan County triggered a subtle intuition in her—a feeling she couldn’t quite determine as ominous or intriguing.

Unaware of Qiao Yan’s thoughts, Xu Fu continued, “He goes by the name of Lu Bu, claiming to have the strength to lift a tripod and the ability to fight against the Xiongnu. He was deeply impressed when he saw Lord Qiao defeat the Xuitu barbarians and immediately resigned from his minor post in the county to come and join Lord Qiao’s service.”

“I have observed that what he says is not entirely false. Judging from his stature, he does seem capable of confronting tigers and driving away wolves, as he claims. If Lord Qiao is concerned about exaggeration, we could simply put him to the test.”

Qiao Yan instinctively halted his steps.

Upon hearing the name “Lu Bu,” Qiao Yan knew that, regarding falsehoods, there were none.

Indeed, the phrase “one man battling five barbarians” might even be an understatement.

However, for some reason, at the mention of this name, Qiao Yan couldn’t help but think:

‘Fortunately, there is currently no vacancy for a chief clerk under her command. Otherwise, I would not be able to act as Lu Bu’s foster father!’