Lu Ming quickly arrived at the tent and immediately bowed, saying, "Thank you all for coming; it's an honor to have you here! Yuanzhi, it's been a long time!"
"Greetings, My Lord. My Lord, it's been almost a year since we last met. Thanks to your help, I was able to complete my studies. My Lord, let me introduce you. This is Shi Tao, courtesy name Guangyuan. This is Meng Jian, courtesy name Gongwei. This is Cui Jun, courtesy name Zhouping," Xu Shu introduced them one by one, then added, "These three are all my friends and renowned scholars of Yingchuan. They accompanied me here today, hoping to witness your esteemed presence."
"Greetings, gentlemen," Lu Ming said respectfully, bowing with his hands clasped.
"All three gentlemen are men of great talent. The people of Liangzhou have long suffered; plague rages, bandits are rampant, rebellions are frequent, and natural disasters have resulted in poor harvests. The people are homeless, and the elderly have no one to rely on. I earnestly request that you three gentlemen stay and take a look, to see for yourselves, and to pray that I, in governing Liangzhou, may transform this land into a paradise."
Shi Tao, Meng Jian, and Cui Jun were all men of talent and good character; like attracts like.
The three exchanged glances and spoke briefly.
"I dare not accept such praise, but we are merely of limited talent and learning, and fear we might mislead those who are learning from us."
"Haha, there's always something to learn from others. Please, gentlemen, have a seat." After offering this compliment, Lu Ming turned to the several burly men beside him, "It is an honor for me, Lu Ming, that you gentlemen have come. I am deeply grateful. May I ask each of you to introduce yourselves, so we can get to know each other?"
Talking to scholars is exhausting; it's much better to talk to military men—direct and straightforward, no need for beating around the bush.
One of them, a burly man nearly 1.9 meters tall, dressed in brocade robes and wearing a feathered hat, with muscular arms and large, bell-like eyes, said, "I am Gan Ning, courtesy name Xingba. It is an honor to meet you, Governor!"
"So it is Gan Xingba in person! My apologies for my rudeness. I, Lu Ming, also come from humble origins, therefore I never judge people by their background, only by their ability and loyalty. Humble origins are not a disgrace; true men are those who can bend and stretch!" Lu Ming laughed heartily, then looked intently at Gan Ning, "I wonder if Xingba could bless me with the pacification of Liangzhou, the cleansing of the world, and the restoration of peace?"
Gan Ning was strong from a young age, fond of chivalry, and committed many crimes in the region. He formed a bandit gang to rob ships and their valuables, indulging in extravagance, and was known as the "Brocade Sail Bandit."
Although Gan Ning was rough, fierce, and bloodthirsty, even breaking promises and disobeying orders, he was also cheerful, generous, courageous, resourceful, indifferent to wealth, respectful of scholars, and kind to his soldiers, earning their deep respect and loyalty.
Historically, Gan Ning had once served under Liu Biao, but was never given a position of importance. With powerful clans and influential families, even those from humble backgrounds had few opportunities to rise, let alone someone from such a lowly position.
Gan Ning felt valued. He hadn't expected Lu Ming, who had been invincible on the battlefield, to be so young, so hospitable, and so attentive to him.
He immediately knelt on one knee, clasped his hands, and said, "Thank you for your kindness, sir. Gan Ning will swear to serve you to the death, even unto death!"
"Good. With Xingba, I'll be like a tiger with wings. I'll arrange your position later. I, Lu Ming, guarantee we'll share both hardship and wealth." Lu Ming's words were direct: let's make money together.
Then he looked at another man, a man nearing forty, with sharp, unsmiling eyes, standing beside him like an iron tower. "May I ask who this valiant warrior is?"
"I dare not presume. I am Huang Zhong, courtesy name Hansheng. From Nanyang, Jingzhou." Huang Zhong's words made Lu Ming's eyelids twitch several times. Lu Ming hadn't expected this powerful figure to come seeking refuge with him!
You see, he had previously sent some wandering knights to various places to open restaurants, maintaining the family business while also recruiting other talents.
Some frustrated talents, especially those from humble backgrounds, could theoretically be recruited by him, but he hadn't expected to catch so many big fish.
Actually, Huang Zhong was taking a gamble. Although he was from a branch of the Huang family in Jingzhou, there were many members in this branch, and he was already a marginal figure, insignificant.
He had no foothold in Jingzhou, and heard that a wandering knight had come to him, saying that Lu Ming, the Western Garden Commandant, wanted to recruit him.
But who was Huang Zhong?
A tiger general of our time!
Let alone the Western Garden Colonel, even General He Jin would have to think twice.
He had initially thought the man was just passing the time, but unexpectedly, the man spoke.
"My lord once said, 'You are merely a chivalrous figure among the states, renowned among the feudal lords, how can that compare to holding the position of one of the Nine Ministers, bringing glory to your ancestors?'"
In this era, no one could refuse a proposal that could bring glory to their ancestors and benefit their descendants.
In this world, family is the core and foundation of society and the nation.
Even the most arrogant and capricious person would be cautious when faced with the future and honor of their family.
So Huang Zhong came, initially somewhat dismissive, just trying his luck.
Later, after entering the military camp, he realized he was wrong.
The military camp was completely different from other soldiers' camps; everything was arranged in an orderly manner, without panic or commotion.
Soldiers never remove their armor, never put down their swords, always ready for battle—this is an elite army!
"So it's Huang Hansheng in person! I've long heard of Hansheng's divine archery skills; meeting him today, I can confirm his reputation is well-deserved!" Lu Ming laughed heartily, his excitement and joy genuine. This is Huang Zhong! One of the Five Tiger Generals!
Faced with Lu Ming's enthusiasm, Huang Zhong scratched his head somewhat shyly. "I wonder where you heard this, sir?"
Lu Ming casually fabricated a rumor. "Years ago, I devoted myself to my studies, diligently learning not only characters but also unusual skills. One day, I heard of a wandering Taoist priest and struck up a conversation with him. I learned that he had traveled throughout the land, visiting Liaodong, venturing deep into Goguryeo, reaching Jiangdong, and even sailing to Yizhou. His experiences were beyond imagination. He mentioned several figures and their deeds, including Xingba and Hansheng, which is why I specifically sent someone to find them. Today, having met them, I am overjoyed, and we shall drink three large cups!"
A wandering Taoist priest?
A rumor?
It sounds very unreliable.
But is the person truly capable?
It doesn't matter. On the contrary, Huang Zhong and Gan Ning would feel proud; their deeds being circulated meant they were capable.
"Incompetent good-for-nothings aren't worth wasting your breath on."
"Hansheng, would you be willing to lend me a hand?" Lu Ming asked sincerely. He genuinely lacked talented individuals and military commanders. Having generals stationed locally or tasked with conquering territories was perfectly acceptable; he didn't need to do everything himself, as that would be like his own...