With a determined look in his eyes, he raised his wine cup, gave a slight nod of respect to Zheng Qian across from him, and then drained it in one gulp.
He declared loudly!
“Thank you both, Prefects, for your immense kindness. I, Liu Jin, will engrave it in my heart and never forget it. If you ever need anything, just command me.”
Wen Shu and Zheng Qian smiled and nodded. After spending this time together, they were very satisfied with Liu Jin. He was humble, polite, unpretentious, and even knew how to be grateful.
He was not the kind of ungrateful person who would forget those who helped him once he achieved a high position.
Therefore, they had no reservations about investing in him.
To put it another way, even if these investments went to waste, it didn't matter.
After all, both of them had already reaped sufficient benefits; one had been ennobled as a Marquis, and the other had obtained the position of Prefect.
However, Liu Jin also didn't forget to recommend Liu Bei, though he wasn't that kind-hearted. He merely arranged for him to be a minor official, keeping him in Zhuo Commandery to prevent him from getting lucky and rising quickly.
Furthermore, he would gain a good reputation for himself, being willing to support a fellow clan member, which would make him very worthy of support in the eyes of the Liu clan.
And Liu Bei had already received his favor of promotion; no matter what, he could not forget this kindness in the future, otherwise, he would have no credibility, and his future path would not be long.
After the matters were settled, the banquet gradually came to an end.
Liu Jin was flushed from drinking; he was truly happy today to have received so much support, so he drank heartily.
After bidding farewell to Wen Shu and Zheng Qian, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and others quickly stepped forward to help Liu Jin, leaving the Prefect's Mansion, and then rode a carriage towards the military camp outside the city.
As for Liu Bei, Liu Jin informed him to wait at home, and an official would notify him then.
Upon hearing this, Liu Bei was overjoyed. It seemed his 'convenient brother' was worth befriending; he truly helped when needed.
A sense of gratitude grew in his heart, and he would definitely lend a hand if needed in the future.
Early the next morning!
In the military camp outside Zhuo Commandery city, Liu Jin stood outside his large tent, stretching.
Looking at the bright sunlight shining down, a smile played on his lips. Everything was developing in a good direction now.
Just then, Zhao Ergou ran over quickly and said urgently!
“Big Brother, the one thousand soldiers that the Prefect promised to give you have arrived. They are now waiting outside the military camp for you to receive them.”
Liu Jin was delighted to hear this. He hadn't expected the troops to be allocated so quickly. It seemed Wen Shu had been prepared.
The feeling of gratitude in his heart grew stronger; at the very least, he was genuinely willing to help him.
Without further ado, he immediately took his personal guards and Zhao Ergou and walked outside.
However, when he walked out of the military camp, he was somewhat surprised to see Wei You as the leader of the group.
Wei You saw the approaching person, a wry smile appearing on his face, but he still cupped his hands and respectfully said!
“Your subordinate greets Liu Sima.”
Liu Jin was puzzled by this. Could it be that the Prefect had assigned Wei You to him?
Logically speaking, Wei You leading soldiers out of the city to fight should have earned him some merit. If someone had supported him, he might have been able to obtain the rank of Military Sima.
When his gaze fell upon the bronze seal and yellow ribbon at Wei You's waist, he seemed to understand. He had not been promoted and was still serving as a Military Marquis.
Liu Jin smiled and said softly!
“I never thought that the Prefect would transfer Brother Yuan Cheng to my command. This is quite a surprise.”
Wei You nodded, his stern face looking a little unnatural.
When they first met, both held the rank of Military Marquis and addressed each other as brothers. Now, he was his superior.
He felt a mix of emotions, sensing the unfairness of fate.
In that battle, he had fought bravely, leading two thousand men to charge the enemy camp. Even if there was no merit, there was hard work.
If those above were willing to help, he might have been able to become a Thousand-Stone Sima based on that battle.
However, no one above was willing to help, so even with some merit, he could only remain stagnant.
Liu Jin looked at the somewhat distressed Wei You, immediately walked over, patted him on the shoulder, and comforted him!
“Brother Yuan Cheng, although I don't know what happened, I have some guesses in my heart.”
“Since you are under my command, if you achieve merit in the future, I will naturally request rewards for you and will never erase your achievements.”
“Moreover, I, Liu Jin, would not do such a thing, so please do not worry.”
Wei You felt much better after hearing this. Although it was only their second meeting, he still had great faith in Liu Jin's character.
That generous and straightforward personality was genuine, not feigned.
Especially since many people in the commandery praised Liu Jin for being generous, open-minded, and valuing loyalty and righteousness.
After a moment of silence, Wei You slowly said!
“General, it was not the Prefect who transferred me here. It was I who voluntarily wished to follow the General to Jizhou to quell the Yellow Turban Rebellion and establish merits.”
Liu Jin was stunned to hear this. He had thought that Wei You was being ostracized in the commandery, which was why he was assigned to follow him.
He hadn't expected him to come voluntarily, indicating that this person had some thoughts about him, and even valued him highly. Joy appeared in his heart.
Historically, Wei You was a talented general. If he could be recruited, it would naturally be a good thing.
However, he was not in a hurry. As long as Wei You was in the army, he would not escape his grasp. In due course, he would eventually follow him.
It was just like Han Dang at the beginning, who did not declare allegiance but was later impressed by him, becoming a retainer and serving him as master.
Liu Jin laughed loudly!
“Good, with Yuan Cheng's help, it's like having a hundred thousand brave soldiers. Quelling the Yellow Turban Rebellion will be twice as effective.”
Wei You's face flushed upon hearing this. Although it was somewhat exaggerated flattery.
However, his heart still felt warm. At the very least, it showed that Liu Jin still valued him greatly.
Presumably, by following him to quell the Yellow Turbans, he should be able to gain merit.
Liu Jin's voice continued!
“Since Yuan Cheng has arrived, I naturally must host a banquet for you.”
“Order the kitchen to prepare some good wine and meat and bring them to my main army tent. Also, summon Yun Chang, Yide, Yi Gong, Wu Xing, and the others. We shall drink heartily.”
“As for these one thousand soldiers, bring them into the army and settle them properly. Treat them all equally and do not oppress them. Those who disobey will be punished by military law.”
After saying this, Liu Jin took Wei You's hand and walked into the military camp.
Zhao Ergou, standing nearby, smiled, naturally knowing that his Big Brother wanted to win over Wei You.
However, he did not neglect his duties and immediately went to handle these matters.
Inside the main army tent, Liu Jin sat at the head seat, with everyone else seated on either side.
Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Han Dang, and the others observed Wei You. They naturally knew this person.
He had fought alongside them outside the city, leading soldiers to charge the enemy camp, displaying great bravery, and had already earned their recognition.
Liu Jin, seeing that the wine and meat had been served, said with a smile!
“Wei You, I believe everyone knows him, so I won't introduce him further.”
“Now he is also under this Sima's command and will follow us to Jizhou to quell the Yellow Turbans. You must treat him equally and not oppress him, otherwise, do not blame me for being impolite.”