Chapter 225

To have achieved such high standing at the same age as Chen Qing'an and the others was, of course, due to his own capabilities, in addition to his background.

Zhang Liao's family were powerful local magnates in Mayi.

Since the early Han Dynasty, they had been wealthy merchants in Mayi.

It was just that back then, Zhang Liao's Zhang family was not surnamed Zhang, but Nie.

The reason they changed their name to Zhang was to escape the pursuit of the Xiongnu.

The "Mayi Plot" during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han was initiated by Zhang Liao's ancestors.

It was just that it failed later on.

Consequently, the Xiongnu began a frantic retaliation, and it was at that time, to avoid the Xiongnu's revenge, that the Nie family changed their surname to Zhang.

"Wenyuan, your righteousness is something I admire from the heart," Duan Yu said with a smile.

Being praised by Duan Yu in front of Gao Shun and the others, Zhang Liao felt a bit embarrassed for a moment.

"Brother Duan, you overpraise me," Zhang Liao replied with an embarrassed smile.

"Wenyuan, I have another presumptuous request; I wonder if Wenyuan could agree to it," Duan Yu took the opportunity to speak.

Chen Qing'an turned his head to look at Zhang Liao, his gaze filled with expectation.

"Brother Duan, please speak," Zhang Liao said, straightening his expression. "If it is within Zhang Liao's power, I will not refuse."

This was exactly what Duan Yu was waiting for, so he smiled and said, "Yanmen Commandery is Wenyuan's hometown."

"I have come from Taiyuan on this trip and have no guide."

"Because the matter was urgent, I had no time to prepare. If Wenyuan could lead the way, it would be very secure."

"Wenyuan could serve as a vanguard together with Qing'an. I will write to the Prefect immediately to recruit you."

"Qing'an has already mentioned that Wenyuan has already written a resignation."

"For this act of slaying Wang Han, Wenyuan has rendered meritorious service. I will report it to the Prefect and request rewards for your merits."

"If it is inconvenient for Wenyuan, then that is fine, but the merits must be reported."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Liao first glanced at Chen Qing'an beside him.

Chen Qing'an nodded vigorously.

Zhang Liao then cupped his hands and said, "I dare not disobey."

"Haha!"

Duan Yu laughed happily.

If it had been when he first transmigrated, he might have already directly opened his mouth to recruit Zhang Liao.

After all, isn't that how it's written in books? The protagonist shakes his tiger-like body, and then famous ministers and fierce generals bow down to him.

Famous ministers and generals from medieval aristocratic families bowing down before the protagonist, who was born a commoner.

Although Zhang Liao was not from an aristocratic family.

He was still a powerful magnate in Mayi, and the number one magnate in Yanmen Commandery at that.

To put it bluntly, the only identity he could show off right now was being Dong Zhuo's son-in-law.

But Dong Zhuo, like Zhang Liao, was also from a background of powerful magnates.

If Zhang Liao just resigned and went home to wait, sooner or later, officials would come to recruit him.

And him?

If he didn't have the status of Dong Zhuo's son-in-law, he would probably still be a village patrol officer right now.

Moreover, during the Han Dynasty, the concept of one's hometown was particularly strong.

"While parents are alive, one does not travel far."

Why, after the chaos at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, did most of the Yingchuan and Guanzhong gentry defect to Cao Cao instead of the more powerful Yuan Shao?

One of the reasons was that Cao Cao occupied Guanzhong and Yanzhou.

Regional power was an extremely important factor in the Eastern Han Dynasty.

Recruiting Zhang Liao with his current status and position—not to say there was no chance of success, but it was extremely small.

But an invitation was different.

Looking at the current relationship between Zhang Liao and Chen Qing'an, if they spent more time together and he then made an offer, the chance of success would be much higher.

Developing a subordinate's friend into a subordinate is a common occurrence.

Xi Zhicai and Xun Yu were good friends; Xun Yu introduced Xi Zhicai to Cao Cao. Guo Jia and Xun Yu were good friends; Xun Yu also introduced Guo Jia to Cao Cao.

Li Dian, Yue Jin, and others were all fellow villagers and friends, which is why they defected to Cao Cao together.

First, let Chen Qing'an and Zhang Liao cultivate their relationship, and everything else will follow naturally.

Just imagine if Chen Qing'an and Zhang Liao worked together.

What kind of scene would that be in the future?

Chen Qing'an has a style similar to the Confucian general Chen Qingzhi, combined with an ancient "Zhao Hu" Zhang Wenyuan.

Tsk tsk... ===== CHAPTER 227 =====