Chapter 1: Job Search

In this era, being able to recognize a few characters is already quite remarkable, qualifying one as a cultured individual, let alone someone who has genuinely pursued formal education

When Cao Cao rose to power, he actively sought out talented individuals, prioritizing merit above all else. He successfully recruited notable figures such as Guo Jia, Xun Yu, Xun You, Cheng Yu, Man Chong, Mao Jie, and Liu Ye.

For example, a certain General Lu from the south in the future feels quite frustrated

Heaven knows how long it will take Cao Sikong to completely settle these chaotic matters

For this past month, Zhang Xi and the servant Qibao have been residing in the inn. They have spent a considerable amount of money on medical treatment and purchasing medicine, and the remaining amount is barely sufficient to buy a month's worth of corn

Poor Zhang Xi, now financially constrained, has not even half a five-zhu coin to his name, and the rice at home is only enough for half a month's expenses; how could he have the heart to appreciate any snow scenery

But did this talent recruitment agency exist during the late Han Dynasty

The standard for the portal is whether there have been officials who have held a position of governance in one region.

Especially for Zhang Xi, in such a state of long-distance travel, both frightened and anxious, this illness lasted a full month

Moreover, Qibao also served as a reminder to Zhang Xi— we are individuals of status

Regarding the question of whether a modern time traveler can survive after returning to ancient times, Zhang Xi now believes he is qualified to provide an answer

At this moment, it was the most perilous time in Zhang Xi's life

After a long journey filled with hardships and uncertainties, being cautious and evasive, I finally arrived safely in Xinye County.

Fortunately, they were merely a few bandits among the displaced populace. Although some fright was experienced, it was not difficult to repel these individuals armed with wooden sticks and stones

The humble families cannot compare to the profound heritage of the aristocratic families, yet in this chaotic era, if one merely shuts the door and stays within, it is highly likely to be completely wiped out by others. Therefore, after careful consideration, the Zhang family of Yingchuan made the decision to split and develop independently

Moreover, according to the information gathered over the past few days in Qibao, the influential figure in Xinye County, Liu Shijun, has established a recruitment hall in a small courtyard next to the Xinye County government office

Local aristocrats certainly have wine at home, but in this day and age, wine itself is a luxury item. Zhang Xi has no connection with the local aristocrats, and they would not give it to you for free.

Such beautiful scenery, yet Zhang Xi had no mood to appreciate it

Soul transference is relatively easier; for instance, if you were to reincarnate as Emperor Xian of Han, it would be a direct transition.

Zhang Xi, having studied and practiced calligraphy since childhood, was also influenced by the cultural teachings of various scholars from Yingchuan. His soul, having been baptized by the modern information explosion, after a month of mutual integration, should not merely rely on making glass and distilling liquor to sustain his life

Upon arriving at this place, as soon as Zhang Xi relaxed, he fell ill

After a fierce struggle for survival, Zhang Xi managed to escape with the help of his servants and attendants. Not only did he lose more than half of his gold and silver valuables, but he was also left with only six attendants by his side.

Both the aristocracy and the humble families are, in fact, families of officials... Ordinary landlords are not even qualified to call themselves children of humble families

In simple terms, it refers to multiple bets, with the most famous being the "Dragon, Tiger, and Dog" three brothers of the Zhuge family

The reason for choosing the land of Jingxiang is twofold: on one hand, it is relatively close to Yingchuan, which will provide some support in the future; on the other hand, this area is favored for its consistent immunity from the ravages of war. As for the north... The current situation in the north is chaotic; today the Heishan army is causing turmoil, tomorrow Gao Gan and Yuan Tan will rebel, and the day after, the Wuhuan will disturb the borders.

However, in this era, a common cold can be fatal

Zhang Xihun has transmigrated into a humble scholar from Yingchuan

Um ... ... Talent Recruitment Hall ? !

Logically speaking, as a child from a humble background, and being in the miraculous place of Yingchuan where many great figures gather, Zhang Xi should not have to worry about food and clothing... If all else fails, it would still be possible to find a connection to get a minor official position with Cao Sikong.

After much effort, a distiller that seemed potentially viable was finally assembled, and money was spent to have a carpenter craft it. However, Zhang Xi unexpectedly discovered that there were no places selling alcohol in the entire Xinye County.

Running out of money

After all, it is merely a humble family, which cannot be compared to the scale of large aristocratic clans that involve the migration of hundreds of people when they divide their estates

In the previous life, I submitted my resume for a job, and in this life, I still have to submit my resume for a job... It is a cycle.

Isn't it just about survival? One can simply create some inventions and sell them for money

Sometimes it feels like watching a movie, and at other times it seems as if I am experiencing it myself... This state has persisted for a month.

It is manageable when there are many people, as there is organization and restraint

Throughout this month, Zhang Xi has felt as though he is in a state that blurs the line between reality and dreams, with various scenes swirling in his mind like a revolving lantern.

Wearing the scholar's robe and bringing one's own name card, which is equivalent to one's resume, one sets out to the Talent Recruitment Pavilion

Nevertheless, the Recruitment Pavilion does indeed exist; Qibao has even inquired about the address, which is located right next to the county office in a small courtyard. Then let us give it a try

In this day and age, those who do not stay at home on snowy days are all individuals striving for a living

However, if you wish to stand out and even aspire to reign and compete... well, don't even think about revealing your true self. Even if you claim to be a sage of the mountains or a disciple of hermits, it ultimately depends on whether others believe you.

After much contemplation, Zhang Xi decided to gather the remaining attendants together and made a decision—to divide the gold and silver into seven portions, keeping one portion for himself and evenly distributing the other six portions among the six attendants, taking only his servant on the journey.

Neither the family nor Zhang Xi anticipated that the journey from Yingchuan to Xiangyang would be so difficult to traverse

It is possible, but it is also not possible.

Without the time to ponder the ultimate philosophical questions of "Who am I? Where am I? What do I want to do?" Zhang Xi's first consideration is what he will eat a month from now

The family did not intend to treat Zhang Xi poorly; at the time of the division of the family estate, they provided ample gold and silver, and arranged for twenty to thirty attendants to ensure safety along the journey

Zhang Xi is the embodiment of soul transference

Children of humble families, you must at least have a household name to be able to call yourself a child of humble origins

It is not anything particularly serious, just a cold

After a month of torment and integration, Zhang Xi finally made it through, his mind restored to clarity. However, he also came to understand his current situation.

Not long after leaving Yingchuan, the division team led by Zhang Xi encountered bandits who attempted to rob them

One can always survive; a person possesses a certain strength. Even as a hidden resident for a prominent family, one can still get by. After all, these noble families do not require you to have identification. In this day and age, the mountains are filled with fleeing villagers, and no one comes to investigate the origins of a commoner.

However, Zhang Xi still found herself in a situation where there was no food left at home

Zhang Xi's grandfather once served as a governor of a prefecture, but since no descendants in later generations entered officialdom, the family gradually became impoverished

On the third attempt ... before Zhang Xi could speak, Xiao Qibao hurriedly knelt on the ground, holding onto Zhang Xi's ankle without letting go, pleading with tears and snot for their master, we only have half a month’s worth of corn money left, please stop the turmoil.

The reason is quite simple—this is a time of chaos

Thus, Zhang Xi, who has just turned 20 years old and is the eldest among the younger generation of the family, has been dispatched by the family to settle in Jingzhou, continuing the family's legacy of survival

Lack of money is a significant problem

The most common strategy employed by prominent families to cope with chaotic times is to divide their households

A soul from the modern era occupies this body

It was only after inquiring that I learned that since Liu Shijun came to Xinye County, private taverns have not been allowed to sell alcohol anymore. Even selling secretly is not permitted. It is said that Liu Shijun has a black-clad subordinate who is exceptionally skilled at detecting the smell of alcohol. Once someone is caught selling alcohol secretly, they will be taken to the county office for punishment.

The Master said: When the granaries are full, one knows the rites; when clothing and food are sufficient, one knows honor and disgrace

It is merely uncertain how long a person can survive under such living conditions

From now on, anyone who claims that burning sand can produce glass will have to contend with Zhang Xi

In the words of Qibao, the distinguished descendants of the Zhang family from Yingchuan, who uphold the tradition of farming and education, do not seek fame and recognition among the feudal lords, nor should they engage in commercial enterprises... It is as if they are on the verge of uttering words about being obsessed with strange skills and tricks.

In contrast to the common people, who are left with the sole option of becoming wild inhabitants in the mountains and surviving on their own, the choices available to the aristocratic families are much broader.

He only knew that before going to sleep, he was revisiting the 1994 version of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms"; however, upon waking up, he found himself feeling dazed and confused

Now there are only six attendants left, there is still gold and silver, but there is no hope for advancement, and retreat incurs punishment... How the people's hearts are, Zhang Xi does not dare to guess

This is... well, it is actually a very strange thing

However, Zhang Xi's "reincarnation" skills are not very good, as he was unable to be reborn as someone like Cao Pi or Sun Quan, who had vast family fortunes waiting to be inherited.

Please note, it is the children of humble origins, not the common people of Qian.

Zhang Xi is somewhat special; he is a time traveler

In the tenth year of Jian'an, the year 205, during the harsh winter

Zhang Xi is no exception either

As a time traveler, Zhang Xi at this moment still possessed a unique sense of superiority—armed with the experiential advantages of predecessors in certain aspects, Zhang Xi felt that survival issues were hardly a challenge for him

Second attempt—constructing a high-proof liquor distiller ... Zhang Xi had been stuck in the inn room for several days, unable to recall what the internal structure of the distiller looked like. He could only rely on his meager knowledge of chemistry to explore on his own.

Zhang Xi, feeling helpless, can only temporarily give up on the attempt to produce the curved plow... It is not that he finds Qibao's reasoning convincing; the main issue is that he truly lacks the funds to continue experimenting.

If one does nothing, they can still end up living comfortably like a wealthy person, and lying flat is not a loss

Only Zhang Xi himself knows that this body has already changed its master

In order to prevent his followers from being overly greedy and harboring ill intentions along the way, Zhang Xi deliberately stated that he intended to pass through Nanyang, head south to Fancheng, and then cross the river to seek refuge in Xiangyang. In reality, however, he was taking his servants eastward, heading straight for Xinye County.

In the eyes of Zhang Xi's servant, Qibao, Zhang Xi had finally recovered after suffering from a serious illness for a month, which greatly relieved this loyal servant who had always been by Zhang Xi's side

No one likes a chaotic era; it is unfriendly to everyone, whether common people or noble families.

Furthermore, did Liu Bei not claim that "he would always oppose Cao"? How is it that he has learned this instead?

The land of Jingxiang has just experienced a heavy snowfall, with the mountains draped in silver and the trees adorned with snowflakes, presenting a scene rich in the charm of a silver-clad landscape

The matter of distilling high-proof liquor must be temporarily set aside

Routed soldiers and bandits are much more difficult to deal with than mountain bandits. Most mountain bandits are common people who cannot survive, while some routed soldiers and bandits are even impersonating official troops, fully equipped with armor and weapons

I have indeed heard of the "Recruitment Order"; this practice has been utilized since the time of Duke Xiao of Qin, and many have employed it. The most recent notable figure to do so is the renowned Cao Sikong from the north

Where has the master gone? Is he already dead? Modern Zhang Xi does not know.

Is it right to become an official by taking the civil service exam

However, shortly after repelling the mountain bandits, the unfortunate Zhang Xi and his group encountered a band of fleeing soldiers.

The first attempt—glassmaking... Zhang Xi, accompanied by Xiao Qibao, spent several days burning river sand and charcoal, which cost a considerable amount of money, yet they produced absolutely nothing.