Zhang Yang’s political vision was clearly flawed, but just by mentioning that Leping might be a good place to go, he improved Qiao Yan’s impression of him.

Although he said this mainly to comfort Zhang Liao, who was rejected because of his young age, it also meant that Leping had become an option for people from other parts of Bingzhou to consider.

This was different from Zhao Yun coming to seek her help to quell the Heishan bandits after hearing about her assistance in suppressing the Yellow Turbans.

This showed not just hope for her abilities but also an expectation for the entire Leping region.

Bingzhou produced many brave warriors, a result of the threat from the Xiongnu and the martial spirit in the north.

Qiao Yan had always coveted these special resources, but due to the current need for strategic patience and development, she couldn’t recruit openly yet.

But what if people came to her on their own?

Zhang Yang’s words reassured her.

Whether they came or not was another matter, but being considered an option by others validated her efforts in Leping over the past few months.

After all, this was only her first year in Leping.

Qiao Yan could hear the conversation of the two men passing by below.

Sitting across from her, Xu Zhicai also heard it clearly and could see the brief sparkle in Qiao Yan’s eyes.

The next moment, she raised her hand and tapped the window frame.

Zhang Liao and Zhang Yang hadn’t walked far when they heard a voice call from above, “Gentlemen, would you care to come upstairs for a chat?”

Zhang Liao looked up and saw two figures through the slightly open window, silhouetted by the setting sun, making it hard to see their faces clearly.

He could only confirm from the hand resting on the window sill that he wasn’t imagining the voice, and it was indeed directed at them.

What puzzled him was that the voice sounded very young.

However, he had nothing to lose and confidence in his own abilities, so he responded, “Since a noble person has invited us, we shall come.”

As Zhang Liao and Zhang Yang entered the building and approached the corresponding residence, they exchanged glances, easily understanding each other’s thoughts—

The person inviting them seemed quite extraordinary.

Judging by the location and scale of this residence in Jinyang, it wasn’t somewhere just any wealthy person could live.

Yet, there were no servants around, only a young man who opened the door for them, which was quite unusual for someone of high status.

However, this young man, similar in age to Zhang Liao, didn’t seem like a servant at all.

It should be known that ever since Xu Fu started studying under Qiao Yan and Cheng Li’s guidance, his demeanor had become more composed, although his adventurous spirit hadn’t diminished.

During the winter in Leping, Qiao Yan’s nutritional supplements weren’t just for Xi Zhicai.

Xu Fu also benefited, gaining a more scholarly appearance due to his growth and muscle development.

But this young man named Xu Yuanzhi ( Xu Fu ) was not the most remarkable person there.

As Zhang Liao and Zhang Yang ascended the stairs, they met the person who had invited them.

It was a girl barely over ten years old.

For convenience, she wore an outfit resembling male attire, but her hairstyle and facial features clearly indicated her gender.

This wasn’t her most remarkable trait.

Although she and the young man across from her were seated as equals, their roles were immediately apparent.

Her dominant presence made her seem more like a leader than the daughter of an aristocratic family.

This was unusual.

Having just heard Zhang Yang mention Leping, Zhang Liao instinctively thought of the Lord of Leping.

Being observant and quick to judge, Zhang Liao didn’t show any outward reaction but noticed the thin book in Qiao Yan’s hand.

It seemed different from the books made of Caihou paper he had seen before.

However, he couldn’t quite pinpoint exactly what made it different.

Zhang Liao, having assessed the situation and confirmed that the inviter was indeed extraordinary, cupped his hands and said, “I am Zhang Liao from Yanmen, and my friend here is Zhang Yang, also known as Zhang Zhishu from Yunzhong. May I ask why you have invited us here?”

Qiao Yan replied, “I heard you both intended to seek service under the new Bingzhou Governor, who is yet to arrive, and went to the governor’s office only to be turned away due to age. Is that correct?”

Perhaps it was her noble demeanor, but neither Zhang Liao nor Zhang Yang found her failure to introduce herself offensive.

Zhang Yang answered, “As you can see, although the governor’s office acted according to regulations, my brother here is already fifteen. By the old Han dynasty standards, he could be considered for military service. Given his abilities, it seems a pity to wait a few more years.”

The Han dynasty’s conscription age started at fifteen, following the Qin system, which was a necessity due to the precarious population numbers during the Qin-Han transition.

However, Emperor Jing of Han, during the Wen-Jing period of rest and recuperation, raised the age to twenty, later extended to twenty-three.

Due to natural disasters and border conflicts, the age was often adjusted back to twenty, but fifteen was indeed quite young for military service.

“Speaking to me like this, aren’t you afraid I’ll take you both as rebels for criticizing the governor’s office?” Qiao Yan asked, raising her eyes.

Zhang Yang glanced around the room.

He wanted to retort that she and the scholar opposite her looked incapable of overpowering him and Zhang Liao, but her confident tone made him reconsider.

Perhaps the scholar, Xi Zhicai, who appeared weak, was actually quite strong.

Zhang Liao, unaware of his companion’s outlandish thoughts, responded, “Regardless of whether Zhishu gives another explanation, you have already heard our conversation downstairs. If you intended to apprehend us, you could have done so then. Why wait until now?”

This was a more dangerous proximity for Qiao Yan.

The saying “a commoner’s wrath can spill blood within five steps” indicated the peril of confronting anger up close.

Seeing the situation was under control, Qiao Yan smiled and said, “I have no intention of apprehending you. In fact, I’m quite impressed by your determination and skills. I invited you here because I believe you both have potential. Would you consider serving under me in Leping? I see great things in both of you, and with the right guidance, you could achieve much.”

Zhang Liao and Zhang Yang exchanged glances.

They had come seeking opportunities, and here was one presenting itself in an unexpected manner.

Zhang Liao, thoughtful as always, considered the offer seriously.

If Leping could truly offer what they sought, it might be worth the risk.

“Your proposal is intriguing,” Zhang Liao said, “but we need to understand more about what you expect from us and what you can offer in return.”

Qiao Yan nodded, “Of course. Let’s discuss this further. I believe we can find a mutually beneficial arrangement.”

Qiao Yan scrutinized Zhang Liao’s expression, her tone carrying a hint of approval. “Just from that response, it’s clear that the Taiyuan governor’s office made a grave mistake in turning you away.”

She could easily guess that it was this narrow-minded view of age that delayed Zhang Liao’s potential until Ding Yuan became the Bingzhou Governor.

For a talent like his, this was truly regrettable.

After contemplating for a moment, she asked, “If I have a way to get you both into the governor’s office, would you be interested?”

Zhang Liao wanted to prove his worth despite his youth by joining the governor’s office, but he wasn’t solely focused on the outcome.

He asked seriously, “If what you say is true, it would be a good thing for us. But what do you gain from this?”

He doubted he possessed any unique qualities that would make her willing to support him so earnestly.

Qiao Yan could see his thoughts from the youthful expression on his face and replied, “Saying I don’t want to see a great talent wasted, especially when Bingzhou faces many threats, might sound unbelievable to you. So let me be frank.”

“I want to see if this new governor is someone worth supporting by helping you get recognized.”

This statement seemed quite audacious.

She was even younger than the person she claimed to “support.”

But Qiao Yan’s next words dispelled Zhang Liao and Zhang Yang’s doubts, “I am the Marquis of Leping.”

This revelation clarified her actions.

As the Marquis of Yueping, it was natural for her to be concerned about Bingzhou’s future.

However, Zhang Yang felt a bit awkward.

He had just advised Zhang Liao to consider seeking service in Leping as a backup plan, and now they were standing in front of Qiao Yan herself the Marquis.

Fortunately, her attention remained on Zhang Liao as she continued, “I want to give you an opportunity to earn a merit. Take this merit as your credential and see if the new governor will value you. Specifically, I want to see if he will recognize the potential in someone young.”

Seeing Zhang Liao about to speak, Qiao Yan raised her hand to add, “Don’t think I’m just handing you something for nothing. I’ll only give you a suggestion and some support. Whether you succeed will depend on your own efforts.”

“Before that, I also need to ensure you have a reasonable chance of success and won’t risk your life needlessly.”

Having said this much, Zhang Liao realized he had no reason to refuse.

If, as she said, he lacked the ability, even meeting a benefactor wouldn’t propel him to success.

She was merely providing a path to advancement.

Moreover, this was clearly not just beneficial for Zhang Liao.

It was also Qiao Yan paving the way for her own future.

Due to the rarity of county lords, even though Yunzhong and Yanmen are the northernmost counties in Bingzhou, Zhang Liao and Zhang Yang had some knowledge of Qiao Yan.

Knowing that this county lord was concerned about national affairs and the well-being of the people, it was understandable that she would want to assist the Bingzhou Governor given the troubled state of Bingzhou.

And if Zhang Liao was considered too young, wasn’t Qiao Yan also young?

As the head of the county, she couldn’t make a rash move like personally visiting to pledge loyalty.

Instead, she chose to use someone she met by chance, like Zhang Liao, to test the waters.

This was a very understandable approach.

Having figured out Qiao Yan’s intentions, Zhang Liao responded, “If it is as you say, I am willing to accept this challenge to earn the credentials to meet the governor.”

Zhang Yang quickly added, “I am also willing to act with my brother. We hope you can guide us, Lord.”

Qiao Yan glanced westward, in the direction of the window, and then asked Xi Zhicai, “In your opinion, is it feasible to send them to Yunzhong Mountain?”

During his stay in Jinyang, Xi Zhicai had traveled to both Luliang Mountain and Yunzhong Mountain.

Although Yunzhong Mountain was known as a mystical place, it harbored a nest of bandits.

After revealing his identity in Leping, he had mentioned this in casual conversation with Qiao Yan.

These bandits differed from the typical Yellow Turbans, who rose in rebellion due to heavy taxation and survival struggles.

They were more akin to traditional robbers.

With the presence of the Southern Xiongnu settlers in the western Xihe County displaying greater martial prowess, these mountain bandits focused their activities on the eastern Taiyuan region, often plundering the nearby villages.

Yunzhong Mountain’s terrain was complex, and the bandits never strayed far from their mountain stronghold, quickly returning after each raid.

The Taiyuan governor had repeatedly failed to eliminate them.

Xi Zhicai, having wandered penniless through the mountains, had encountered these bandits.

When he met them, he claimed he was looking for a feng shui spot to end his life.

Even the lawless bandits didn’t bother him after hearing this.

Upon hearing Qiao Yan’s sudden question, Xi Zhicai looked at Zhang Liao and Zhang Yang and replied, “I think it is feasible.”

Satisfied with his assessment, Qiao Yan turned back to Zhang Liao and Zhang Yang. “There is a nest of bandits in Yunzhong Mountain. They have been a persistent threat to the local populace, evading being captured again and again. If you can eliminate them and bring back proof of your success, it will serve as a strong credential to present to the new governor.”

Zhang Liao nodded resolutely. “Understood. We will take on this task and prove our worth.”

Zhang Yang added, “We appreciate the guidance and will do our best to accomplish this mission.”

Qiao Yan smiled. “Remember, this is not just a test of your martial prowess but also your strategy and leadership. Plan carefully and act wisely. I look forward to hearing of your success.”

With a clear mission ahead, Zhang Liao and Zhang Yang prepared to set off for Yunzhong Mountain, determined to prove their mettle and earn their place in the governor’s service.

Of course, Qiao Yan didn’t intend to send someone to their death.

She needed to ensure that the fifteen or sixteen-year-old Zhang Liao was truly capable in terms of martial prowess.

If he were to die in the bandit’s lair, prematurely ending the career of the future legendary General, it would indeed be a great loss.

Since she didn’t have high-caliber fighters like Zhao Yun or Dian Wei with her to use as a benchmark, she turned to the Wang family for assistance.

After all, borrowing their residence and asking a few household guards to spar with a young man wasn’t too much trouble, or so Wang Yang thought.

However, after seeing Zhang Liao and Zhang Yang easily defeat his household guards, Wang Yang couldn’t help but smile wryly at Qiao Yan and say, “If I didn’t know that the Qiao family and the Wang family are on friendly terms, I might have thought you brought people to cause trouble.”

Zhang Liao’s performance was exceptional.

But perhaps this wasn’t surprising.

In the sixth year of Xiping, the military and civilians of Yanmen County attempted to counterattack the forces of Tanshihuai but failed, suffering heavy casualties.

This made Tanshihuai, who was rising in power outside the Great Wall, increasingly believe that Bingzhou was within his grasp.

Under such pressure, Zhang Liao had no choice but to become stronger.

He had even considered, if he couldn’t gain the governor’s favor this time, starting as a minor official in Yanmen County to make a name for himself.

Meeting Qiao Yan by chance might be a turning point for him.

After defeating the skilled fighters of the Wang family in Jinyang City, Zhang Liao wasted no time.

Holding the “token” given by Qiao Yan, he headed straight for Yunzhong Mountain.

Before climbing the mountain, he opened the “token” and examined it closely, recalling the instructions Qiao Yan had given him to ensure he hadn’t missed anything.

“Do you really think this plan will work? Isn’t this token a bit too simple?” Zhang Yang asked, leaning over.

Zhang Liao responded the same way he had when he first saw it.

He furrowed his brow and sighed.

What is this…?

The “token” in Zhang Liao’s hand could also be considered a letter.

It was a piece of paper torn from a book made of Qiao Yan’s mulberry paper.

On this page, which had been written on, a single character “合” (meaning “unite” or “join”) was circled with charcoal, and the signature at the bottom was—

A drawing of a bull’s horn.

---

After confirming Zhang Liao’s abilities, Qiao Yan decided to use him as an envoy to test the waters with the new governor.

She knew that Bingzhou was a land of warriors, and the governor would need young and capable people like Zhang Liao.

By helping Zhang Liao gain recognition, she could also gauge the new governor’s attitude towards talented youth.

Zhang Liao, now more confident in his mission, knew the significance of his task. If he succeeded, it would not only prove his worth but also demonstrate that Qiao Yan’s support could make a difference.

As he made his way to Yunzhong Mountain, Zhang Liao reflected on the journey ahead.

The “token” may have seemed simple, but it carried Qiao Yan’s endorsement.

It was a test of his abilities, strategy, and determination.

He would have to navigate the treacherous terrain, outwit the bandits, and bring back proof of his success.

With Zhang Yang by his side, they prepared for the challenges ahead.

The mission was not just about eliminating the bandits but also about proving themselves and their potential to the new governor and to Qiao Yan.

The future of Bingzhou, and perhaps their own, depended on their success.