Chapter 13: Lu Zhi: Could This Young Man Be a Born Genius?

Hearing Lu Zhi's praise, Wang Yan felt a surge of joy in his heart, knowing that his visit was worthwhile. He bowed respectfully once more.

"General Lu, you overpraise me. To deal with Zhang Jiao, I used his methods against him, employing some tricks to enlighten the misguided commoners and bring them back to the right path."

Lu Zhi waved kindly, "Ziwen, come here. You have made significant contributions to this campaign against the Yellow Turbans. I will surely recommend you to His Majesty."

Such high praise from the esteemed Lu Zhi astonished everyone present. In the Three Kingdoms era, the most valued asset was reputation, apart from bloodline and family background. If one received endorsement from a great scholar, the path to officialdom would be smooth.

Lu Zhi's endorsement instantly made Wang Yan the center of attention.

Seeing the confusion among the crowd, Lu Zhi explained, "Gentlemen, you may not know, but Ziwen is the son of Inspector Wang Fen. Despite his young age, he risked his life to persuade the commoners, showing a rare dedication to serving the country and caring for the people. If not for his efforts in cutting off the Yellow Turbans' recruitment sources, we would not have been able to trap Zhang Jiao here."

Lu Zhi thought from the perspective of the overall situation, aiming to quell the rebellion and spare the commoners from the suffering of war.

However, his subordinates saw things differently. To them, quelling the rebellion meant fighting and killing enemies. They sought military merits, a stepping stone for their advancement, built on the heads of the Yellow Turban rebels.

Among the generals present, including Liu Bei, their expressions grew sour. They thought:

"We risk our lives in battle, yet this youngster just talks and performs some tricks to gain merit?"

"So what if he is the son of an inspector? He holds no official position, has no reputation, and looks barely of age. Does he expect to share the military merits of quelling the rebellion?"

For a moment, their gazes towards Wang Yan were full of hostility.

"Ziwen, on the way here, I received a letter from your father, Inspector Wang, expressing deep concern for your safety and urging me to ensure your safe return to Ye City. What are your thoughts on this?" Lu Zhi asked.

Wang Yan's heart was moved; his father had provided such timely support. This was an opportunity not to be missed.

After a brief consideration, Wang Yan replied solemnly, shaking his head slightly:

"Now that the Yellow Turban rebellion is rampant, the common people suffer immensely. How can I sit idly by and seek comfort?"

"Though Ye City is safe, my heart cannot find peace. Though young and inexperienced, I will do my utmost to assist you, General, in eradicating Zhang Jiao and restoring peace to the land."

"This is the duty of us scholars!"

"For the country's benefit, how can I avoid danger for personal gain?"

[Emotion Value +1]

[Emotion Value +2]

.....

"Oh? Ziwen, you truly are a young hero!" Lu Zhi praised.

It seemed Wang Yan's speaking talent worked on Lu Zhi, though not as effectively as on ordinary villagers.

Suddenly, Wang Yan noticed something strange on his system panel.

[Emotion Value -32]

[Emotion Value -66]

[Emotion Value -99]

.....

Wang Yan: ???

What was going on? Emotion values could drop? They could even be negative?

Looking around, Wang Yan saw the unimpressed expressions of the generals and realized the issue. His speech, though heartfelt, came across as arrogant to these battle-hardened men. They saw a young, unproven scholar claiming he could help them in war.

As expected, Deputy General Zhong Yuan of the Wuhuan Middle Army said coldly, "Do you understand the military strategy? Can you fight? Can you lead troops?"

Liu Bei tried to mediate, "Ziwen, war is bloody and brutal. As a noble young man, it might be best to heed General Lu's advice and return to Ye City for your safety and to ease your father's worries."

Behind him, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei nodded in agreement.

Although Liu Bei's words were kind, Wang Yan sensed the underlying disdain. Everyone thought he was merely seeking attention and had no actual capability.

Realizing he needed to use facts to earn their respect, Wang Yan stood tall and addressed Lu Zhi directly:

"General Lu, during my travels persuading the commoners, I convinced five thousand Yellow Turban soldiers to defect. They are now under my command, waiting outside Guangzong."

The tent fell silent. Everyone looked at Wang Yan in disbelief.

Is it convincing five thousand Yellow Turban soldiers? With just words? On the way?

Gasp!

Gasp!

This statement left everyone stunned.

Liu Bei, momentarily speechless, swallowed hard.

Zhang Fei's eyes widened as he exchanged looks with Guan Yu, wanting to confirm they hadn't misheard.

How many soldiers?

Zhang Fei, Guan Yu, and Liu Bei had struggled to gather five hundred volunteers through immense effort. Yet Wang Yan claimed to have persuaded five thousand with mere words?

Zhong Yuan's face froze, growing more incredulous. How were these soldiers fed and sustained?

Feeling humiliated, Zhong Yuan snapped, "Wang Yan, there are no lies in the army!"

Wang Yan remained calm, "Three thousand fully armed, two thousand irregulars, and an additional three thousand villagers, all sustained at my expense."

Seeing Wang Yan's composed demeanor and confident assertion, no one dared doubt him anymore.

They were left only with shock and amazement.

[Emotion Value +99]

[Emotion Value +99]

[Emotion Value +99]

.....

Lu Zhi, equally surprised, thought, "Could this young man be a born genius?"

Talent is hard to come by, Lu Zhi thought.

He said, "Ziwen, you are right. I plan to use the encirclement tactic to destroy the Yellow Turban remnants in Jizhou."

"Ziwen, I will temporarily appoint you as a vanguard, leading your five thousand troops to assist in the suppression."