There were only a few military positions available, and attaching the title “fierce warrior” to his name was unique to Lu Bu alone!

At first glance, Lu Bu noticed Qiao Yan’s golden seal and purple sash, naturally drawn to the title that carried the most prestige.

“Fierce Warrior” — wasn’t this a perfect fit for him?

Qiao Yan studied Lu Bu’s expression.

It was hard not to notice that he wore his intentions on his sleeve.

She found it amusing but simply instructed, “Fetch Wen Yuan.”

News of the governor replacing the inspector had already arrived ahead of the procession to Jinyang, so Zhang Liao had been recalled early.

He awaited Qiao Yan’s directives.

Reflecting on how he had stood up to Zhang Yi was thanks to Qiao Yan’s support, he was prepared.

If Qiao Yan had other plans for the position of “fierce warrior,” he had no objections.

After all, in the past two and a half years, he had contributed to the military defense against the barbarians and had shown real achievements.

Unexpectedly, when Qiao Yan called for him, she said to the man before her, “This is the fierce warrior I have in mind. If you want this position, prove you are stronger than him.”

Lu Bu’s eyes lit up.

He immediately turned his gaze toward Zhang Liao.

In his eyes, Qiao Yan was indeed an open-minded person, fitting the style of the people of Bingzhou Province.

Want the position? Just prove you’re stronger than the person currently holding it!

Based on what he saw, Zhang Liao was not yet twenty, still a young lad.

Lu Bu could draw a bow strong enough to pull three stones; how much strength could this boy possibly have?

It seemed like an easy contest to predict the outcome.

However, Lu Bu then heard Qiao Yan continue, “But to serve as the fierce warrior, it’s not just about personal prowess. You need to lead troops with martial skill, understanding command, camp strategies, and tracking enemy movements. I can’t simply hand you soldiers without knowing if you’re capable. It would be irresponsible to their lives. Instead, here’s what we’ll do: I’ll give each of you five hundred bandits from the Hedong tribe. You’ll compete on the training grounds in three days.”

“These one thousand men were unable to claim the heads of the Xuitu tribesmen in the previous battle on the frontier. This time, you’ll fight with wooden staves. The side that reaches one hundred injured first will be deemed the loser.”

“Lu Bu,” she paused, addressing him directly.

Lu Bucalled his name, bringing Lu Bu back from the unexpected method of proving himself.

He promptly responded.

“You need not worry about fairness in this contest. The victorious side will be treated the same as those who redeemed themselves by taking heads in the previous battle. They won’t slack off; they’re strangers to Wen Yuan.”

“In that case, are you willing to compare with Wen Yuan?”

Qiao Yan’s application of what she learned from “training” in Luoyang was evident.

Lu Bu pondered.

True to Qiao Yan’s words, it was indeed a fair method.

Winter was not suitable for external warfare; the most they could do was defend against attacks from the northern nomads.

Using the Hedong bandits for this challenge and offering such stakes seemed appropriate.

He considered that since they were bandits, they could be persuaded with fists.

If there were any dissenters among them, he would have an advantage.

Still, Lu Bu felt a bit frustrated.

Bandits fought on foot, but he excelled in horseback combat.

Nevertheless, he would deal with Zhang Liao first.

After winning, he could proudly bear the title of “fierce warrior” and ride freely.

Seeing Qiao Yan assign someone to lead him away, Lu Bu bowed to her.

Despite his stubborn nature, he showed some courtesy to this particularly capable future superior.

Qiao Yan felt she couldn’t have been mistaken.

The man had glanced at her golden seal and purple sash one last time before leaving, his eyes full of longing.

This reminded Qiao Yan to be extremely cautious with such a person, especially to ensure the rope binding him was not loosened.

Therefore, she decided to teach him a lesson.

As she watched Lu Bu’s figure disappear from sight, she suddenly heard Guo Jia ask, “If others follow his example and recommend themselves in this way, will Lord Qiao adopt this method for all selections? If so, the Hedong Bandits might not be enough.”

“Does Lord Feng Xiao think everyone has Lu Bu’s bravery and straightforwardness?” Qiao Yan turned to look at him.

The pause before the word “straightforwardness” almost made Guo Jia laugh out loud. “Lord Qiao’s words are very true.”

Qiao Yan continued, “But you’re right. If people can so easily take such tests to replace current officials, although it may create competition and is a method of selecting the best, it could become too routine…”

Qiao Yan paused, her gaze shifting to the two iron weights by the door mentioned during the conversation with Lu Bu.

She added, “Make these two weights heavier. Unless they can be lifted, there won’t be any consideration for such challenges.”

Additionally, she needed to quickly fill the position of Chief Selection Officer.

If the position remained vacant, self-recommended candidates would continue to seek her out.

However, among her current subordinates, everyone had practical tasks to manage.

She wasn’t sure where to find a suitable Chief Selection Officer.

Qiao Yan couldn’t come to a conclusion right now, so she set it aside for the moment and gestured to Guo Jia, “Come with me for now.”

Normally, she would have spoken with Qin Yu one by one, but since Guo Jia had come to her, she decided to clarify matters with him first.

Guo Jia didn’t need much instruction either.

On the journey back from Luoyang to Bingzhou, he had already guessed the responsibilities he might be entrusted with.

Now, he was just formalizing the path forward.

Despite his young age and somewhat reckless demeanor, Guo Jia couldn’t help but show a serious expression when he received the official appointment documents from Qiao Yan.

Qiao Yan couldn’t help but repeatedly gaze at the titles “Yunzhong County Officer” and “Xihe County Officer.”

In terms of calligraphy, Qiao Yan’s handwriting was passable, but it couldn’t compare to the masterpieces of renowned calligraphers, especially when compared up close to someone like Cai Yong, a true master.

Yet, the trust and responsibility conveyed in those few words left Guo Jia feeling uplifted.

From confronting the Hedong Bandits, improving the merit-based promotion system, to the surprise attack on Xiu Tu Ge, and meticulously planning within Luoyang, Guo Jia had seen enough of her abilities and potential.

But it was in this moment of assigning responsibilities according to each person’s strengths that he truly recognized her as a capable ruler.

He tucked the document into his sleeve and bowed to Qiao Yan.

Given his temperament, he didn’t speak grandiose words like pledging to devote heart and soul to Lord Qiao at this moment.

However, his actions now were a commitment in themselves.

After composing himself, he asked, “May I ask, Lord Qiao, could I be provided with a good horse for my travels between these two places?”

Qiao Yan raised an eyebrow, “Xihe County has plenty of fine horses. With your abilities, Guo Fengxiao ( Jia’s nickname), can’t you acquire one?”

She had already instructed him to deal with the intimidation of the Southern Xiongnu, and besides that, to bring back some warhorses.

With Guo Jia’s intellect, it shouldn’t be impossible.

Under Qiao Yan’s straightforward leadership that encouraged subordinates’ initiative, Guo Jia… didn’t doubt his capabilities.

He pondered

Qiao Yan, who was still young and somewhat inexperienced, did not grasp the sorrow of being a “company slave”.

He happily rode off to take up his new responsibilities.

Feeling pleased with himself, he also considered the tactics used by Xi Zhicai before and was tempted to emulate them.

Unfortunately, emulation couldn’t be done lightly.

Qiao Yan’s ambitions and actions in Bingzhou seemed to be pushing boundaries.

Now that she had offended some people over her appointment as Governor of Bingzhou and entered into competition with others, certain correspondences seemed untimely.

Xi Zhicai obviously understood this point well.

After luring in his “fish”, he had stopped writing letters altogether, demonstrating his unfriendly intentions perfectly.

After careful consideration, Guo Jia decided that now, while Qiao Yan was expanding her influence from Leping into the entire province, was not the time to complicate matters.

Feeling uneasy, he resolved to retrieve something from the Xiongnu.

What was the name of that Southern Xiongnu noble who had reportedly been intimidated by Lord Qiao before?

He decided to consult with the Protector of the Xiongnu and find a good opportunity to supervise whether he had kept a certain “wine cup” safe!