But no matter how much the mention of Lu Bu’s name at this moment might evoke thoughts of his many victories and defeats, Qiao Yan needed to see the man himself before making any judgments.

Finding brave generals and renowned commanders has always been a challenge.

Despite having warriors like Dian Wei, Zhao Yun, Zhang Liao, and Xu Huang under her command, Qiao Yan faced multiple tasks.

She had to suppress the Southern Xiongnu, severing their ties with the Northern Xiongnu, defend against the invading Xianbei on the border, secure the Taihang Mountain pass, and build a robust defense system in the Bingzhou Province.

Yet, she found herself with fewer hands than she had hoped.

Perhaps, for her, it wasn’t necessarily about famous top-tier generals from history.

Even second-rate generals who could handle border duties might suffice after proper training.

Seeing Lu Bu was inevitable.

If she could tame and utilize him, she would.

Qiao Yan was not one to fear the unknown.

After a brief pause, she resumed her stride outward.

Even Xu Fu, who was closest to her, thought her pause was merely a greeting to passing Guo Jia.

Continuing forward, she reached the outermost courtyard of the provincial government where Lu Bu had been escorted.

At her first sight of Lu Bu, her immediate impression was:

Now, there stands a Grand general!

His physique, arm span, and the muscular tension exhibited in his stance were sufficient to judge him as a capable warrior in just one glance.

Qiao Yan herself practiced martial arts, so she could easily discern the tight and solid coordination of wrists, arms, waist, and legs in Lu Bu’s posture.

Based on this initial impression, Lu Bu was indeed an excellent prospect as a Cavalry General.

Moreover, Lu Bu’s appearance alone made him a notable figure in Bingzhou Province.

In his twenties or thirties, he was in prime condition.

If he had come here unarmed instead of wielding the Fangtian Huaji polearm, anyone would have thought he had not come to offer his services to the provincial government but to stir up trouble.

Qiao Yan clapped her hands together.

“What’s this? If I hadn’t come out, would the two of you have started fighting?”

At her words, the two confronting men immediately stepped back.

Why did Lu Bu display such tense muscles?

It was because standing before him was none other than Dian Wei.

As soon as Lu Bu entered, it was as if he had met his match.

If not for him

It was the newly appointed mansion of the Governor of Bingzhou Province, not a place where he could casually challenge someone to a duel.

Though he did feel a bit itchy for a fight, he knew it wasn’t appropriate, at least not now.

He had come to offer his services and couldn’t just pick a fight with the rumored top bodyguard of Marquis Leping.

Moreover, Qiao Yan was not just Marquis Leiping anymore; she was now the Governor of Bingzhou.

The rank of provincial governor far surpassed that of a county magistrate, of which there were only four in the entire empire.

Previously, when Qiao Yan triumphantly returned from her military expedition beyond the frontier as Marquis Leping, Lu Bu had admired her aura and prestige.

He had even resigned from his minor county position just to come and pledge his service.

Now, seeing her as the provincial governor, Lu Bu couldn’t help but wonder why she had suddenly become the governor after her brief visit to Luoyang.

Nevertheless, this added another layer of intimidating mystery to her presence, dispelling any lingering doubts or regrets about his abrupt resignation and two-month wait here.

With Qiao Yan’s voice and Dian Wei’s step back, Lu Bu’s attention turned to Qiao Yan as she walked forward.

She was dressed in black, a color she was accustomed to, and Lu Bu’s eyes immediately fell on the emblem at her waist.

This wasn’t a rude gesture.

In this era, people placed great importance on symbols of status.

Without a formal system of uniform colors based on rank, badges were the most visible indicator.

Lu Bu had seen some of the most distinguished figures, such as the Prefect of Wuyuan Commandery, who wore a silver seal and a blue sash.

But Qiao Yan was different.

As a Marquis, she wore a golden seal and a purple sash, a truly magnificent display of wealth and status.

He forcefully restrained himself and redirected his gaze to Qiao Yan’s face.

As the Governor possessed both civil and military authority, distinguishing whether Qiao Yan belonged to civil or military ranks was challenging, especially since she had led troops herself.

She disregarded the conventions of wearing the appropriate headgear for civil or military officials. Instead, she simply tied her long hair into a bun, distinguishing her status by the way her hairpin was positioned.

Thus, although youthful, her face exuded a strong aura of valor.

What a remarkable young Governor!

Just as Lu Bu had discussed with his compatriots and as Qu Yi had conveyed to Han Fu, in the martial land of Liangzhou and Bingzhiu Province, Qiao Yan’s actions only earned admiration and respect from the people of the province, not any form of disdain towards the young Governor.

When Lu Bu had previously seen Qiao Yan ride through Wuyuan Commandery, he had this impression.

Now, seeing her up close, his impression remained unchanged.

He even believed that with Qiao Yan

The reverence due to a governor was evident in how quickly she appeared upon hearing someone had come to pledge allegiance.

Considering her achievements in campaigns against the Black Mountain Hedong Bandits and the Xuitu tribes, she could truly be called one who respects talent and welcomes the worthy.

Quickly composing himself, Lu Bu adjusted his demeanor and bowed respectfully. “Lu Bu of Wuyuan pays respects to Your Excellency.”

Lu Bu was who he was, but Qiao Yan was not Ding Yuan.

She took two steps forward, formally approaching Lu Bu and began speaking, “Competing in martial prowess is natural, and your name is impressive, but…”

“I heard you came here to offer your services. If so, it’s not just about having a good name; you must demonstrate real skills,” Qiao Yan interrupted, her tone firm.

Hearing this, Lu Bu straightened his chest.

Setting aside everything else, he was confident in his strength and equestrian skills, ready to prove himself.

“Wait,” Qiao Yan raised her hand to halt his response, cutting in first. “Let me ask you a question.”

“Please ask, Your Excellency,” Lu Bu replied respectfully.

As Qiao Yan scrutinized him sharply from head to toe, Lu Bu felt the intensity of her gaze.

Despite being significantly taller than Qiao Yan, who was not yet fourteen, he couldn’t help but feel the weight of her scrutiny, unable to discern the difference in stature under her sharp gaze.

Listening to her direct question, “What do you seek?”, Lu Bu was momentarily taken aback.

The question seemed unusually direct, at least compared to what he had heard of the typical discussions during such visits to offer service.

Yet, strangely, perhaps due to the uncompromising nature that Qiao Yan exuded in all her actions, Lu Bu’s deepest impression of her was from the spirited ride through the city.

He had an instinct that this wasn’t a question that required a humble answer.

What did he truly seek?

In his more than twenty years in Wuyuan, Bingzhou Province, he had faced over ten incursions by nomadic tribes during the current emperor’s reign alone.

He had personally participated in seven instances when all civilians were mobilized for defense along the northern border of Bingzhou Province.

Naturally, he sought a military position!

Ideally, he wanted to emulate the past General Wei Huo, achieving victories on the battlefield!

But now, facing Qiao Yan remarked that aiming to become a general was too ambitious, as the authority of a provincial governor couldn’t grant such a position.

After pondering, Lu Bu replied, “I am willing to serve under Your Excellency in campaigns to the north, as a fierce warrior!”