The Three Kingdoms: I, Yuan Tan, intercepted Guo Jia's...

Chapter 3 wants me to serve them, in exchange for the position of general.

In Ye City, Ji Province, at Zhang He's residence.

Zhang He's face was gloomy, and his friend Gao Lan sat opposite him.

On the table were the hundred taels of gold and the silk letter with only eight characters.

"To be confined to a box, is that not the fate of a fine steed?"

This handwriting is absolutely hideous!

This was Zhang He's first reaction, followed by a cold smile appearing on his lips.

"Yuan Xiansi? He can barely protect himself, yet he has the leisure to recruit me? What a joke!"

Although he suffered repeated humiliations under Qu Yi's command, not only were his military achievements stripped, but he was also publicly reprimanded and told that he came from a humble background and was not fit for important tasks.

But at least he still has a real position. If he follows the eldest son down the same path to the end, he might end up with nothing.

Gao Lan was more composed. He picked up a gold ingot and weighed it in his hand:

"Junyi, don't speak too definitively. Although Yuan Tan is a trapped dragon, he is still the eldest son of our lord, and has the right to rule and the greater good in his hands."

Seeking allegiance now may seem like a risky move, but if the eldest son gains power in the future, this will be a meritorious act of supporting the emperor.

Compared to the humiliation we're currently suffering under Qu Yi's command, having to be subservient to him, isn't this a way out?

Zhang He snorted coldly:

"A way out? Seek refuge with a young master who can't even protect himself? What can he offer me? Just empty words?"

"He promised the position of general."

Gao Lan pointed out that,

"Although it seems like empty promises, the fact that he can offer such a position shows his boldness. Moreover, he at least sees your value, which is better than those Yingchuan gentry who only know how to appoint relatives and friends."

Zhang He remained silent for a moment, his anger subsided, and reason gradually took over.

Gao Lan's words make sense.

If he remained under Yuan Shao's command, with figures like Shen Pei and Guo Tu around, he and other non-core generals like Gao Lan would never have a chance to rise in the ranks.

Should we surrender to Cao Cao?

I did consider it, but it would be betraying my lord, and Cao Cao's side was full of talented people, so I might not be able to be given important responsibilities immediately.

The risks here at Yuan Tan's place are extremely high, but the potential rewards are also very tempting.

Offering help in times of need is always better than adding to someone's already good fortune.

"And what's your opinion?"

Zhang He looked at Gao Lan.

"Don't agree immediately, but don't make any definitive statements. You can propose conditions to test their sincerity and strength."

A glint of light flashed in Gao Lan's eyes.

"For example, ask him for a real general's position. If he can find a way to make it happen, it proves that he is not just a figurehead and still has some power. If he can't, then it's not too late to refuse."

Zhang He pondered for a long time, then suddenly slammed his hand on the table:

"Alright! As you say! Reply to the messenger that I, Zhang Junyi, am no ordinary person, and that his words are not enough to make me serve him."

If you can grant me the rank of general and real command of troops, then you can demonstrate your sincerity! Otherwise, there's no point in discussing anything further!

……

Ye City, the study of Shen Pei's residence.

The candlelight flickered, illuminating Shen Pei's somewhat harsh face.

A subordinate dressed in black is bowing as he reports.

"...The eldest son's men secretly contacted Zhang He, the garrison commander, the night before last. The mission was carried out by his subordinates Peng An and Cen Bi, who brought a large sum of money and a secret letter."

Shen Pei put down the bamboo slips in his hand, a slight, disdainful smile playing on his lips:

"Yuan Xiansi? He's really in a hurry. Of all people to look for, he had to come to Zhang Junyi."

He looked at his subordinates,

What was Zhang He's reaction?

"According to informants, Zhang He was initially arrogant and seemed disdainful. However, after his private conversation with Gao Lan, his attitude softened, and he neither refused on the spot nor expressed any opinion."

Upon hearing this, Shen Pei scoffed:

"Zhang He, a mere commoner, thinks he's something special just because he has some strength? He comes from a humble background, how can he compare to generals like Yan Liang and Wen Chou?"

As for Yuan Tan, he was a disgraced eldest son confined to his home, possessing only a title but no troops or power, like a toothless tiger.

He waved his hand, clearly not caring about it.

"Just keep an eye on him. This combination won't cause any trouble. The key is to keep an eye on when he goes to the lord to complain and beg for mercy, or when he does anything else that might cause trouble."

As for Zhang He, there's no need to pay too much attention to him; he's just a clown jumping around.

……

Ye City, the residence of Yuan Tan.

Outsiders believed he was living in constant fear or drowning his sorrows in alcohol.

In reality, the room was brightly lit, and Yuan Tan was writing furiously at his desk, his expression focused and showing no sign of dejection.

Peng An has brought back Zhang He's initial response.

His attitude softened, but he demanded a general's official position as a pledge of loyalty.

"A general's actual rank..."

Yuan Tan put down his pen and tapped his fingers on the table.

This is indeed a difficult problem. Given his current situation, it would be extremely difficult for him to influence the appointment of a general.

Moreover, having the authority to command troops is no easy task.

He himself had no soldiers to use, so where would he find soldiers to lead?

But this reaction was expected; if Zhang He were to surrender so easily, it would be suspicious.

"Let's keep Zhang He hanging for now. Tell him that the position of general isn't something that can be achieved overnight; we need to wait for the right opportunity and let him see our efforts and sincerity. Right now, there are more important things to do."

Yuan Tan turned his gaze to another secret report that had just been delivered.

"Sir, we have made progress in our investigation of Guo Jia, the scholar from Yingchuan whom you inquired about."

Cen Bi said in a low voice.

Previously, in addition to having him recruit Zhang He, Yuan Tan also had him search for Guo Jia's whereabouts.

Guo Jia had previously served under Yuan Shao, so even if he resigned, finding him wouldn't be too difficult.

In addition, he also came to a realization.

With his current strength, it would be very difficult for him to recruit Guo Jia.

But sincerity is the most important quality in a heart, isn't it?

It's always beneficial to show the other party your sincerity first.

"According to investigation, he is indeed in Jizhou, living in seclusion in the mountains a hundred miles north of Ye City. He is aloof and rarely interacts with others. He loves reading, especially military strategy books, and also enjoys wine."

A glint of light flashed in Yuan Tan's eyes.

found it!

Guo Jia, that's the key to breaking the deadlock!

Compared to Zhang He, a brave general, Guo Jia, a top strategist, was the brain that could help him formulate strategies and turn the tide!

"Prepare the gifts."

Yuan Tan did not hesitate.

"Prepare those rare military treatises from my archives, along with that set of fine writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones. Also, select a few jars of aged wine. Be quick and discreet."

Peng An hesitated for a moment:

"Young master, Zhang He has not yet fully submitted to you, and now you are making such a grand show of recruiting an unknown scholar. Is this not... Moreover, this person lives a secluded life and has no reputation. Is he worthy of such a generous gift?"

Yuan Tan looked at him and said solemnly:

"Remember this: it's easy to find a thousand soldiers, but hard to find a general! And a strategist who can plan and win battles from afar is even rarer! Zhang He is a general, and Guo Jia may be a strategist!"

Having Guo Jia is better than having 100,000 soldiers!

King Wen of Zhou humbled himself to invite Jiang Ziya; I, Yuan Xiansi, am now in dire straits. If I cannot treat the virtuous with respect and recruit talented individuals, how can I compete with Yuan Shang? How can I stand firm in this chaotic world?

He took a deep breath:

"All actions must be taken with utmost care. To the outside world, I will remain that good-for-nothing playboy, indulging in wine and women and reflecting on my mistakes behind closed doors. Understand?"

"promise!"

Peng An and Cen Bi were shocked. Although they did not fully understand, seeing Yuan Tan's resolute decision, they dared not say anything more and immediately went to make preparations.

Yuan Tan walked to the window; the night was deep.

Shen Pei looked down on him, Zhang He observed him, but he had already set his sights on something much further ahead.

Recruiting Guo Jia would be extremely difficult, but he had to try.

This is not only to counter Yuan Shang, but also to pave the way for the future.

Otherwise, relying solely on the original owner's existing team, they would likely have been doomed to defeat.