High Martial Arts Three Kingdoms: The Incompetent Strategist

"I'm afraid it's not that my uncles and elders are giving me advice, but rather that I'm here to be their guiding light, right?"

Yang Ci said in a low voice, "What are you saying? If you can marry into the He family, and He Shizhong can become a general, then you will have double happiness. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Yin Yixue sighed softly and said nothing more.

The cool breeze at midnight was both cold and chilly.

In the past, when officials came to the He residence, He Jin would greet them with his shoes on backwards and with full courtesy. It was precisely because of this that his reputation for being courteous to scholars spread far and wide.

For some reason, everyone waited in front of the hall for a long time today, but the host did not come out.

At first, the officials gathered in twos and threes and whispered among themselves, but later they gradually fell silent and no one spoke, only glancing repeatedly towards the back hall.

"Thank you for waiting, everyone!"

After a long while, He Jin finally came out of the back hall in a hurry and repeatedly bowed to everyone in apology.

Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and Tang Ke followed closely behind, reassuring the officials present. The officials in charge of Luoyang's security were all He Jin's men, so the chances of winning the position of Grand General were very high.

Yang Ci laughed heartily: "It's alright. Attendant He is about to make another great step forward, and there are so many important matters of state waiting for you to attend to. What harm is there in us waiting here?"

His words were tantamount to publicly stating his position: I, Yang Ci, support He Jin's rise to power. What other official didn't understand this? With the Grand Commandant's support, He Jin's chances would naturally increase significantly.

Moreover, at this critical juncture, those who came here after receiving the invitation from the He family were there to demonstrate their loyalty to He Jin, and they all echoed his sentiments.

He Jin helped Yang Ci to sit down in the main seat, his expression very respectful: "Grand Commandant, you are too kind. It's still too early to say! Besides, whatever position I hold, I will be under your leadership. I will need your guidance in the future."

The two exchanged a knowing smile, their words flowing seamlessly into each other's conversation.

He Jin then ordered his men to set up a banquet and invited the officials to sit according to their rank. Everyone toasted each other, and the atmosphere was extremely harmonious.

As the wine flowed more and more freely, Yang Ci's slurred speech became somewhat slurred: "General He, I've heard that your son is still unmarried. How about I shamelessly propose to you today?"

"Please speak, Grand Commandant!" He Jin had already spotted Yin Yixue sitting upright beside him and secretly applauded her. This woman was truly of outstanding character and elegant demeanor.

Cao Cao stared intently, drinking and staring without blinking, which annoyed Yin Yixue, who glared at him fiercely, but he remained oblivious.

Tang Ke couldn't stand it any longer and stomped hard on the back of his foot to draw his attention back.

Yang Ci pointed to Yin Yixue and said, "This is my sister's daughter, named Yin Yixue. She is quite pretty. Recently, because her mother passed away, she came from her hometown of Huayin to come and stay with me. I have been thinking about finding her a good home. I heard that your son is both scholarly and martial, and is unparalleled in Luoyang. I wonder if it is possible to entrust her to your son?"

Tang Ke couldn't help but feel ashamed. This old fox was exaggerating too much. He had met He Jin's son before. He knew a little about both literature and martial arts, but nothing special. He was a scoundrel who was good at hunting hawks and dogs. He spent his days either harassing respectable women or swindling and extorting money. He was a typical playboy.

He Jin was quite pleased. Although he knew his son's character, the fact that Grand Commandant Yang spoke of him made even a stubborn rock seem as noble as a precious jade.

"We are honored by the old Grand Commandant's kindness. If Miss Yin has no objection, our He family would be honored to have such a prestigious position."

"General, what are you saying? If we're talking about climbing the social ladder, then we're climbing the social ladder by marrying into the imperial family. I'll make the decision for my niece. It's settled then!" Yang Ci raised his wine cup and stood up to toast He Jin.

Yin Yixue looked a little embarrassed and said coquettishly, "Uncle, I've never even met Young Master He before!"

Yang Ci said solemnly, "Your parents have already passed away, so your uncle will make the decision for you. Young Master He is a man of noble character, so there is nothing to worry about."

Yin Yixue was about to say something, but swallowed her words back, causing everyone to burst into laughter again.

Seeing that the atmosphere was just right, He Jin gave Yuan Shao a wink.

Yuan Shao understood immediately, stood up and clapped his hands, and servants immediately carried in ten large boxes in succession.

He Jin waved his hand, and the servants beside the box opened the lid in unison. In an instant, the room was filled with brilliance, and the gold and silver jewels shone brightly.

The officials present were all dumbfounded and stood there stunned.

Seeing this, He Jin smiled and said, "My lords, I invited you all here today for no other reason than to take this opportunity to get together with you all and to say a few words from the heart."

Unsure of what he was going to say, no one dared to interrupt.

He Jin continued, “Everyone is probably well aware of the current state of affairs and the political situation. There are rebels outside and traitors within. It’s not that I’m greedy for the position of Grand General, but there’s simply no one to take control of the situation. If we’re not careful, something terrible could happen.”

"Publicly, I hold the position of Attendant-in-Ordinary and have the responsibility to offer advice. Privately, I am also a member of the imperial family, and it is my duty to be loyal to the country. However, many ministers do not trust me, which has led to mutual suspicion between superiors and subordinates and has delayed the affairs of the state."

"My lords, these gold and silver treasures are a small token of my appreciation, which I, He Jin, wish to give to you all. From now on, whatever I, He Jin, possess, I wish to share with you all. I only ask that you, my lords, lend me a hand and recommend me for the position of Grand General to repay the country's kindness."

Upon hearing this, the officials hesitated greatly, for publicly bribing officials was a serious crime if discovered by the court.

Tang Ke shook his head inwardly, realizing that he had ultimately lost He Jin's trust in no time.

The original plan was for Yuan Shao to make a list, while he would purchase the items and secretly give them to the relevant people. This was relatively safe, and even if it failed, it wouldn't affect his reputation. Unexpectedly, after being persuaded by Yuan Shao, he chose to bribe in public.

This is tantamount to putting the officials who came here on the hot seat. Those who agree will leave evidence and be firmly tied to the same boat from then on. Those who do not agree will not accept this pledge of allegiance and may even have trouble leaving the He residence.

Yang Ci, an old fox like him, naturally understood this principle. He had always supported He Jin's appointment as general. At this moment, he took the lead and walked to the treasure chest, reached out and took a handful of gold and silver jewelry, and said with a smile: "General, to be frank, these mundane things are not worth my attention. However, since you have given them to me, I cannot refuse. I will take this handful as a souvenir!"

Seeing that Yang Ci had taken it, the others were even more uneasy. If they did not express their opinion in time, they would not only offend He Jin, but also the Grand Commandant.

Moreover, faced with such dazzling gold and silver jewels, how many people could resist the urge to compromise? After all, the odds of winning by siding with He Jin were far greater than those of Huangfu Song.