The Rebellious Officials and Traitors of the Late Han Dynasty

Chapter 412 Zhang Song's Defense Is Broken

Zhang Song nodded. He naturally knew Fa Zheng's abilities.

But what’s funny is that even Qin Shou knew about Fa Zheng’s abilities, but Liu Zhang turned a blind eye to it. After he came to Xichuan, he stayed there for a long time before becoming a county magistrate and later became a military advisor. What kind of official is this?

Zhang Song knew that Fa Zheng was talented enough to be a strategist. If Liu Zhang had used Fa Zheng, he would have defeated Zhang Lu long ago, completely controlled Yizhou, and become the most powerful ruler in the world.

It’s a pity that Liu Zhang would not use such a person.

"If Liu Zhang can use Fa Xiaozhi, I won't dare to attack Yizhou in the short term." Qin Shou sighed.

He acknowledged Fa Zheng's ability, but if he said that Fa Zheng could resist his attack, defeat him, and seize Yizhou, that would be impossible.

"What the Prime Minister said is very true. Although Liu Zhang is kind, he is unable to employ people. He controls the wealthy land of Xichuan, but is unable to defend the border and keep the people safe. It is truly a pity." Zhang Song also nodded.

In fact, no one wanted to be a traitor. It was because Liu Zhang was too useless. Otherwise, there would be no Zhang Song coming to Guangyuan to meet Qin Shou.

Qin Shou nodded, but he understood the implication of Zhang Song's words. Although Zhang Song was talking about Liu Zhang on the surface, he was actually asking about Qin Shou.

Liu Zhang didn't know how to use people, so all the scholars in Shu betrayed him. But if you can't use the cavalry, these people will also betray Qin Shou in the end.
There was a hint of coldness in the depths of Qin Shou's eyes.

This Zhang Song is so arrogant. No wonder he was severely taught a lesson by Cao Cao in the novel. How he employs people is his own business. Do he need the consent of the scholars in Yizhou?
The world is so big, is there no one left without you people from Bashu? No wonder Liu Zhang couldn't handle the people from Dongchuan and Xichuan. In such a small place, they were still fighting among themselves, and the war had already reached their doorstep.

"The court recruits people based on their talents and clearly distinguishes between rewards and punishments. As long as there are talented people willing to serve the court, the court will not treat them unfairly." Qin Shou said solemnly.

This is the national policy, and it is suitable for anyone. It doesn't matter if I tell Zhang Song.

"Prime Minister, the scholars of Bashu have long admired the imperial court, but because Zhang Lu is blocking the way, they cannot go to Chang'an to serve the imperial court. It is really a pity." Zhang Songyou sighed.

"Prime Minister, although there are many scholars in Bashu, if they want to occupy a high position, they may need to make contributions to the court." Xun You was secretly angry as he listened on the side. This guy was asking Qin Shou for an official position, and a high-ranking one with generous salary.

Why?
Just because you joined later? Does the Cavalry really need you to join? Now that the enemy is at the gates of the city, it's fine if you don't know what's good for you, but you still dare to take advantage of others. Who gave you the courage?

"Does surrendering Yizhou count as a merit?" Zhang Songchou showed dissatisfaction on his face and snorted coldly: "The scholars of Yizhou have longed for a wise ruler! The Prime Minister is a wise ruler, so he should make the decision for the scholars of Yizhou."

"The famous scholars of Yizhou should naturally be employed. The court will not mistreat anyone who has made contributions to the court. As for the future? The court will still hold imperial examinations to recruit scholars, and all talented people can serve the court."

Qin Shou said with a smile.

Now that the techniques of papermaking and printing have been passed down, with a few years of effort, we can increase the number of scholars and it is not impossible to hold imperial examinations to recruit scholars.

The filial and honest system will also fade out of the court's selection of talents.

Qin Shou prepared papermaking and printing for the imperial examination. Zhang Song did nothing wrong in promoting talents in Yizhou, but he wanted more, which Qin Shou did not like.

Zhang Song was stunned when he heard this, but when he saw Xun You's thoughtful expression, he knew that Qin Shou had not discussed the imperial examination with the cabinet. "Zi Qiao, when you go back, you can sort out the list of officials and celebrities in Yizhou, and then appoint them after I arrive in Chengdu. What do you think?"

Qin Shou suddenly laughed.

"I obey my orders."

Zhang Song felt relieved when he heard this. He immediately took out the scroll from his sleeve and handed it to Qin Shou, saying, "Prime Minister, Song has been in Bashu for a long time and is very familiar with the mountains and rivers of Bashu. I have specially drawn a map and presented it to you."

I have already gotten everything I could get, and I have also received the courtesies I deserve, so naturally I have to offer the map of Yizhou.

Qin Shou took it, opened it and took a look, nodded, and gestured to Xun You beside him.

Then, under Zhang Song's curious eyes, the curtain beside him was pulled open, and a huge map appeared in front of Zhang Song. Looking at the familiar symbols and terrain on it, he was stunned for a moment.

The mountains and rivers, geography, passes, city defenses, etc. of Yizhou all appeared before him. Some places were even more detailed than the maps he had presented, and there were some trails that he didn't even know about.

However, it is clearly shown here.

Zhang Song was shocked when he saw this. When did the Cavalry enter Yizhou? They knew the situation in Yizhou very well and even found some secrets.

Compared with the map in front of him, his own Xichuan topographic map was simply a child's play, which instantly made Zhang Song's sense of pride disappear completely.

Thinking about it carefully, it seemed like I had done nothing. I only came to Guangyuan to meet Qin Shou. On the contrary, I made so many requests to him. It was very generous of him that the other party did not get angry.

"Zi Qiao has worked hard." Qin Shou said with a smile: "Although it is of no great use, I understand Zi Qiao's thoughts. If this thing is given to Liu Bei, no, even if it is given to Liu Zhang, it can also resist an army of 100,000. However, it is different for my Cavalry. When I formed Qin Feng, I sent people to spy on the world and collect information about the world's mountains and rivers. Therefore, the court has a very clear grasp of the passes and cities in Yizhou."

Zhang Song was truly convinced at this time, and he bowed quickly and said, "Song is arrogant and underestimated the people of the world. I beg the Prime Minister to forgive me."

He felt very aggrieved now, as if he had nothing and no advantage over Qin Shou, as if he had become a joke.

"Zi Qiao, our lord has the world in his heart and plans for the world, no one can match him." Xun You was secretly happy when he saw this, and said with a smile while sitting aside.

"Shisong underestimated the people of the world. When I returned to Shu, I had already spoken for the Prime Minister and persuaded the scholars in Shu to submit to the Prime Minister."

Zhang Song secretly made up his mind to persuade the people in Shu to help Qin Shou enter Chengdu, so that he could make a contribution.

"Zi Qiao, you don't have to do that. If possible, when our army reaches Chengdu, you and Fa Xiaozhi can persuade Liu Zhang to surrender." Qin Shou quickly dissuaded him, "Although Liu Zhang is weak, he is also the ruler of Yizhou, and some people have defected to him. If the news leaks, Zi Qiao's life will be in danger."

"I understand." Zhang Song responded nonchalantly.

(End of this chapter)