"General, there’s no need for you to waste your effort..." The man in plain clothes said calmly.

"How did you know that I am a general?" Long Chen asked with a keen gaze.

At this point, he didn’t feel it was appropriate to conceal it any longer and thought it better to be straightforward. More importantly, he was curious about how this man identified his identity.

"It’s simple. I observed the strength of the men around you; ordinary nobles do not usually have such formidable warriors by their side. Besides, they seem to be more like personal guards rather than scholars," the man in plain clothes calmly analyzed.

"Additionally, I’ve heard that the youngest general of the Han Dynasty recently left Luoyang. Considering the timing, it’s likely that he’s arrived in the Yingchuan area."

"The youngest general of the Han Dynasty?"

"Yes, the one who shone brightly in the Guangzong Battle, General Long Jueming!"

Long Chen widened his eyes slightly in surprise.

This person was truly remarkable; merely from his appearance and the presence of Xu Chu by his side, he could deduce his identity to such an extent. Such individuals couldn’t have gone unnoticed in the annals of the Three Kingdoms.

"So, who exactly are you?" Long Chen asked, leaning in closer.

"I am Xi Zhicai! The General might not be familiar with me."

"What?! You are Xi Zhicai?!" Long Chen was ecstatic.

Xi Zhicai was a top-tier strategist, a mythical figure in the world of the Three Kingdoms in his previous life. However, it was also due to his own exceptional abilities.

"Where Xi Zhicai lives, there’s no need for Guo Jia to emerge!" That was the evaluation of him.

It meant that this person’s strategical acumen was on par with Guo Jia, not inferior to the genius himself. However, both shared a tragic similarity: their premature deaths.

Later, Xi Zhicai was recommended by Xuan Huo to Cao Cao, helping him formulate the early strategic policies that laid a solid foundation for future developments.

After Xi Zhicai’s death, Cao Cao mournfully said, "Since Xi Zhicai’s passing, no one can replace him in terms of strategy."

It highlighted just how excellent his capabilities were.

Upon hearing Xi Zhicai revealing his surname, Long Chen’s heart surged with excitement.

"How? Do you know me?" Xi Zhicai was puzzled.

In theory, he hadn’t yet revealed any exceptional abilities, so there weren’t many who knew of his great talents. Therefore, Long Chen’s expression left him somewhat pleasantly surprised. After all, Long Chen was now the General of Zhen Nan appointed by the Han Dynasty and the Governor of Jiujian Prefecture. Coupled with the continuous output of "Dragon and Phoenix Among Men" and Long Chen’s recent good deed, Xi Zhicai’s favorable impression of him soared.

"Ding! Strategist Xi Zhicai’s goodwill towards you is 60."

Long Chen was delighted; there was an opportunity!

Firstly, Xi Zhicai was not from an extravagant noble family but rather a talent from a humble background, freeing him from the constraints of a family legacy.

Next, the previous good deed had an effect, and now the goodwill towards oneself is 60, indicating an inclination to join one’s ranks, but it still requires further effort to win him over.

In the Three Kingdoms of the past, Liu Xuande paid three visits to the thatched cottage, with sincerity, grand ambitions in his heart, successfully recruiting the strategist Zhuge Liang.

My current conditions are much better than his; I have territory and a court-appointed title! Liu Xuande at that time was only a frequently defeated general.

Most importantly, in terms of vision, aspirations, and personal charisma, Long Chen is not inferior to Liu Bei.

"Zhicao! It’s truly fortunate to meet you today! Come, let’s share this drink!" Long Chen filled up a cup for Xi Zhicai, expressing his enthusiasm.

Xi Zhicai felt a warmth within.

He was just an ordinary commoner from a humble background, while Long Jueming was an appointed official of the court with splendid achievements!

Yet, he treated him like this...

"Ding! The strategist Xi Zhicai’s goodwill towards you is 63."

Hey, it worked!

After exchanging this cup of wine.

Long Chen asked with a bow, "May I ask, sir, what are your plans next?"

After pondering for a moment, Xi Zhicai said, "I plan to retreat to the mountains, study military strategies, and governance..."

"Hahaha!"

Xi Zhicai frowned and asked, "General, why are you laughing?"

"I’m laughing because you’re too rigid. If you proceed according to this plan, it won’t contribute much to your personal growth!"

"I hope the General will enlighten me," Xi Zhicai replied with a bow.

"Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles; learning should be combined with practice... Instead of secluding yourself in the mountains for rigorous studies, you’ll only grow into someone like Zhao Kuo, who only talks about warfare on paper."

To be honest, before saying this rebuttal, Long Chen was somewhat worried. What if Xi Zhicai didn’t like his words?

But the truth proved to be above all.

After Long Chen proposed the advanced concept of "unity of knowledge and action" by the future Ming dynasty’s Wang Yangming, Xi Zhicai’s eyes lit up, and his goodwill significantly increased.

"Ding! The strategist Xi Zhicai’s goodwill towards you is 68."

Indeed, in front of scholars, if you can surpass them in ideological depth, you’ll gain greater favor.

Xi Zhicai paused for a moment, took a deep breath, and asked, "May I know, General, how do you view the current situation of the world?"

Here it is, he’s coming!

Long Chen knew this was a question strategists must ask before choosing a lord, observing if they have a long-term vision and can see through the world’s situation!

If it were someone like Kong Rong, they would still be singing praises of the Han Dynasty’s peace and prosperity.

As Long Chen stood up, his pale-colored brocade seemed to shimmer with a golden hue, significantly increasing his likability.

In a deep voice, he said, "Although the Yellow Turban Rebellion has been suppressed, on the surface, the Han Dynasty seems to have returned to its previous stable days. But, according to my inference, in the coming decades, the world will inevitably fall into chaos!"

Xi Zhicai’s eyes gleamed, and he asked, "Why is that?"

"The current emperor’s decree of establishing provincial governance has led to various regions arming themselves, resulting in numerous warlords, which is the fundamental cause of chaos; furthermore, the emperor is inept, and the court is controlled by the empress’s relatives and the Ten Attendants, leaving the people in dire straits!"

"Although the Yellow Turban Rebellion lasted for a short time, it has already damaged the root of the gradually weakening Han Dynasty!"

"Therefore, I infer that the Han Dynasty won’t survive for more than ten years!"

As Long Chen spoke confidently, Xi Zhicai was momentarily puzzled.

How could this person be a military general?

How could he be a commander-in-chief?

He believed that Long Chen possessed an exceptional vision for the bigger picture, making him a strategic genius rarely seen in a century!

"Zhicao deeply admires the General’s great talent!" Xi Zhicai exclaimed.

"Ding! Xi Zhicai’s goodwill towards you is 75."

"Do you still not know the General’s aspirations?" His gaze was intense.

This was the final question. In truth, Xi Zhicai had already acknowledged Long Chen, as seen from his goodwill of 75. But he wanted to see his future lord’s true intentions!

Did he want to uphold the Han dynasty?

Or did he want to vie for supremacy, establish a new dynasty? 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

If it was the former, it somewhat contradicted his unconventional thinking. He believed the Han dynasty was thoroughly corrupt, and only through revolutionary change could it be saved!

Long Chen gazed calmly at Xi Zhicai and said, "I desire to rally the forces of our great nation, pacify the troubled times, and establish a new dynasty!"

The gleam in Xi Zhicai’s eyes showed his intent to pledge allegiance.

But Long Chen continued, "Afterward! I intend to expand our influence globally, elevate the prestige of our nation, and embrace all nations! So that when the world hears of our nation, they will all respectfully honor it!!!"

This statement lingered in Xi Zhicai’s mind for a long time, even penetrating deep into his thoughts!

"Ding! The strategist Xi Zhicai’s goodwill towards you has reached 87."

"My lord, please accept my obeisance!"Xi Zhicai respectfully knelt down.

After letting him finish bowing, Long Chen quickly helped him up and laughed heartily, "Hahaha! Xi Zhicai, you don’t know, I love you!"

Xi Zhicai: "..."

"I obtaining Xi Zhicai is like Liu Bang obtaining Zhang Liang and Xiao He!"

"Thank you for your graciousness, my lord! Zhicai is grateful!"

The conversation between master and servant was delightful. Even Xu Chu, who followed behind Long Chen, murmured, "What’s so great? I’m also quite amazing..."

After recruitingXi Zhicai, Long Chen and the others hurried back to Jiujian Commandery.

Since Xi Zhicai’s parents had long passed away, he was the only one in the family and didn’t bring any family members along to Jiujian Commandery due to their poverty. He hadn’t married either, even after reaching adulthood, remaining a confirmed bachelor without a wife or children to bring along.

Thus, his departure was quite effortless.

Amidst the mountains and fields, the grass was fresh and lush, creating a picturesque landscape.

Long Chen and Xi Zhicai sat on their horses, discussing the grand plans for their future development!

"Zhicai! Do you have any good strategies for our future development?" Long Chen asked, pulling the reins.

"My lord, after many days of planning, Zhicai has a rough outline in mind for our development!" Xi Zhicai smiled.

"Good! I’ve been waiting for your words. Please, speak!"

After organizing his thoughts, Xi Zhicai, while seated on his horse, said, "My lord, establishing your territory in Yangzhou was truly ingenious!"

"Yangzhou has an extremely advantageous geographical location, situated in the southwest of Huaxia, facing the sea to the east and south, so there’s no need to worry about attacks from all sides."

"Furthermore, Yangzhou has a favorable climate, with crops maturing quickly, often yielding two to three harvests a year. The fertile fields and abundant resources make it an excellent base."

"Initially, Xiang Yu, the Hegemon-King of Western Chu, accumulated substantial wealth through the Jiangdong region, which served as a necessary foundation for later overthrowing the Qin Dynasty."

"The most valuable aspect is that your jurisdiction is Jiujian Commandery, situated in the northern part of Yangzhou, one of the most developed areas. If you were allocated to the southern or central parts of Yangzhou, it might be somewhat tricky. One is underdeveloped, inhabited by uncultivated people..."

In summary, Xi Zhicai first analyzed the multiple advantageous conditions of Jiujian Commandery’s geographical location and other aspects for Long Chen.

He proposed first consolidating control over Jiujian Commandery, then advancing south to seize Lujiang Commandery, gradually expanding influence across Jiangdong territory. Building upon Jiangdong as a stronghold, leveraging the Yangtze River as a natural barrier, Long Chen could confront other warlords from a secure position.

Additionally, he suggested early and rigorous training of a navy. By doing so, Long Chen could potentially defeat other warlords with his navy, while they might not be able to counter his naval strength.

At this point, the effectiveness of the top strategist’s overall planning became apparent. Though Long Chen had some strategies, compared to a top-tier strategist, there was still a vast gap in terms of details and other aspects!

With Xi Zhicai, Long Chen felt as though he had found direction. Xi Zhicai was his guiding light!

After this discussion, Long Chen was roused with fervor, itching to grab his weapons, gather his fierce soldiers, and take on those troublesome warlords with real battles and expand his territory.

However, the immediate priority remained stabilizing Jiujian Commandery. Without a stable rear base, how could he conduct battles at the frontlines with peace of mind?