Just then, several footsteps were heard from outside the main tent.
County Magistrate Fan Fang arrived with the county officials, all of them looking excited.
Because they too had received the news: Liu Jin, leading a large army last night, had crushed the Yellow Turbans outside the city in one battle, resolving the crisis in Yi County.
Therefore, everyone in the city, from top to bottom, was filled with excitement and a sense of security, all praising Liu Jin for his brilliant military tactics.
Fan Fang, with a smile on his face, clasped his hands and said!
"Congratulations, Military Marquis Liu, for pacifying the Yellow Turbans outside the city!"
Hearing these congratulatory words, Liu Jin, despite his fatigue, quickly stood up and said with a smile!
"This battle was not my achievement alone. It was also thanks to County Magistrate Fan and all the officials for maintaining stability among the people in the city and providing money and grain, which allowed the entire army to be united. Only then was this Military Marquis able to pacify the Yellow Turban Rebellion outside the city. All of you are meritorious officials."
Upon hearing this, everyone smiled, clearly quite pleased.
Although the Yellow Turbans outside the city were pacified by Liu Jin leading his troops, as officials of Yi County, they also had some credit. To receive praise from the person involved naturally made them very happy.
Even Fan Fang secretly praised in his heart that this young man was experienced, neither arrogant nor impatient, willing to share military achievements, and good at building relationships with others. He was indeed a rare individual.
Liu Jin looked at the smiling crowd, a smile on his face, and said softly!
"Since County Magistrate Fan and everyone have arrived, let us jointly report the results of this battle to the Prefect in the commandery, so that he may reward us."
Upon hearing this, Fan Fang had no intention of refusing. He had brought everyone here precisely to gain some military merit.
After all, Liu Jin had killed over a thousand and captured over a thousand in one battle. Such a massive achievement, if reported to the imperial court, would be enough for a promotion and commendation.
Although they were not the main generals, it was a major battle that took place in Yi County. At the very least, they could gain some credit, which would make it much easier to climb the ranks in the future.
So, the few of them in the military tent tallied the military achievements. Liu Jin took the largest share, followed by County Magistrate Fan Fang, and then Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Han Dang, and others.
Soon, a messenger was dispatched to deliver the battle report to the commandery city. With so many officials from the county jointly endorsing it, there was no room for falsehood, and Liu Jin's credit was undeniable.
After discussing the matters, Fan Fang and the others did not linger in the military camp outside the city, but returned to the county yamen to prepare to appease the people of Yi County.
After all, Deng Mao had incited so many people to rebel, and the surrounding villages had been largely destroyed. It would take considerable time to restore calm.
Three days later!
The bright sunlight shone down, making the entire military camp sparkle with golden light.
Liu Jin walked out of the main tent, stretched, and looked refreshed.
After a few days of rest, the entire army had returned to normal.
In addition, compensation and rewards had been distributed, and the army's morale was very high.
They were even sharpening their swords, eager to eliminate more Yellow Turbans and earn merit.
Just then, Han Dang, clad in armor, walked over with a smile on his resolute face, and immediately clasped his hands and said!
"Military Marquis!"
Liu Jin nodded slightly, smiling, and asked gently!
"May I ask, Brother Yi Gong, what brings you to me?"
Han Dang seemed a bit hesitant, unsure where to begin.
However, he had already made up his mind.
He gritted his teeth, knelt on one knee, clasped his hands, and said loudly!
"After this period of acquaintance, I have come to know that the Military Marquis is fair and just, cherishes his soldiers as his own children, and is no ordinary man. His future achievements are immeasurable. Therefore, this subordinate is willing to follow the Military Marquis, serving him diligently, swearing to follow him to the death, and never betray him!"
After saying this, he raised his hands above his head and bowed his head slightly.
Liu Jin heard this and felt a hint of surprise. He had not expected Han Dang to want to follow him so soon.
He had originally thought that Han Dang would only choose to pledge allegiance after he had pacified the entire Zhuo Commandery Yellow Turbans and established great achievements.
Nevertheless, it was good. The sooner Han Dang was brought under his command, the more at ease he would feel.
If he were to encounter Sun Jian, the Jiangdong Tiger, he truly wasn't confident he could contend with him.
With a smile on his face, he immediately reached out and helped him up, laughing heartily!
"Hahaha!"
"Having Yi Gong's assistance is like having a hundred thousand mighty soldiers. This is truly a great fortune!"
Han Dang heard this and was overjoyed. Although it was a compliment, it also indicated that Liu Jin valued him.
He quickly said respectfully!
"Thank you for your praise, Ming Gong. This subordinate does not dare to accept it."
Liu Jin held Han Dang's hand, his eyes full of admiration, and said with a chuckle!
"Yi Gong, there is no need to be modest. You will naturally display your abilities in the future. This Military Marquis's words are absolutely not false."
After saying this, he led Han Dang towards the main tent and said to the personal guards beside him!
"Go tell the kitchen to prepare a table of good wine and meat. Today, I want to drink with Yi Gong until we're both drunk!"
Inside the main tent!
The two sat on the ground, and soon wine and meat were brought to the table.
Liu Jin raised his wine cup, gestured to Han Dang, and then drained it in one gulp.
The burning alcohol flowed continuously down his throat.
The two exchanged smiles and chatted with each other.
After a few cups of wine, Han Dang's cheeks were slightly flushed, and he asked,
"Ming Gong, now that the Yellow Turbans in Yi County have been pacified, what are our plans next?"
"After a few days of recovery, the army's morale is soaring, and its spirit is high. Should we head to Zhuo Commandery to deal with the Yellow Turban Qu Shuai Cheng Yuanzhi and claim the first achievement of this battle?"
"If the news reaches the imperial court in Luoyang, Ming Gong's reputation will definitely resound throughout the north, and he will certainly be promoted and ennobled, perhaps even granted a marquisate."
Liu Jin heard this, and a hint of longing appeared in his eyes, but he still smiled and shook his head!
"Yi Gong, you think too simply. I am merely a Military Marquis. Above me are the Prefect and the Prefect."
"Even if I personally kill the Yellow Turban leader Cheng Yuanzhi and annihilate these tens of thousands of bandits, establishing world-shaking achievements, I'm afraid it won't reach the level of being ennobled as a marquis."
"Most of the credit will be taken by the Prefect and the Prefect. I will at most get a little bit of the leftovers. To be promoted by one rank and serve as a Thousand-Stone Sima would already be a great blessing."
Han Dang heard this, frowned, thought for a moment, and could only sigh!
It had always been like this in the army. As long as one was not leading an army independently, even if one achieved world-shaking merits, the people above would claim them, and one would at most receive a nomination and a small portion of the credit.
For generals like them, without any backing and without high-ranking officials to support them, climbing the ranks in the army was indeed extremely difficult.
He raised his wine cup, drank deeply, and said with a sigh!
"In the end, we can't compare to these aristocratic sons. With a little bit of merit, they are either ennobled as marquises or appointed as generals. We fight to the death, gain merit, but it's only a fraction of theirs."
Liu Jin looked at the dejected Han Dang, clapped his hands, smiled, and comforted him!
"Yi Gong, there's no need to overthink it. As long as we have the ability, one day we will shine brightly and become esteemed nobles, looked up to by others."
(Explanation: The title 'Lord' (Lord) can only be used during the period of contention among warlords. In the current stable imperial court, calling someone 'Lord' implies you have aspirations for independence, which is tantamount to seeking death.)