There is a quick way (in terms months spent in game) to max out your fame to 60,000 so you can quickly recruit soldiers, after creating a band, then go after all of China for yourself.

All you do is choose a general (preferably someone with decent war stats. I chose Zhao Yun) and resign. Then save your game and choose a random ruler and apply (preferably a ruler that doesn't have a general with equal or better war stats ex. Lu Bu). The ruler may or may not choose to test your strength in a duel (this is where you might need to reload in case he just decides to throw you a banquet). If you win the duel, you instantly get 3,000 fame (PER FIGHT!). That's equivilent to recruiting like 15 generals a month, or sucessfully executing 15 plots (too bad you can only do it once per counsel meeting). You can keep switching in between two rulers (ex. Gongsun Zan and Gongsun Du). The computer is dumb so it will keep recruiting you IF you came from another town already. LOL!

When you get your fame maxed out, go find someone extremely compatible to your character (I chose Ma Chao) and make him a sworn brother. From that point, you will be able to sucessfully create a band w/ that general joining you (make sure you choose him). Afterwards, just move to a city (I chose Chang An) with high population and keep recruiting soldiers while leeching off their economy for free gold and supplies. The high fame will allow you to rake in alot more soldiers when recruiting from the tavern! During that time you can visit various cities to recruit other generals in preparation of declaring a city.