The gods began by supporting Guo Jing to become emperor

Chapter 318: Bashu Recruits Officials and Talents, Li Jing Enters the Song Clan
Kou Zhong didn't notice Su Ming's subtle expression, and asked tentatively, "Senior, the war you are talking about is the Li Clan or the Yuwen Clan?"

"Do you think it's the Yuwen clan or the Li clan?"

"I think it's the Li clan." Kou Zhong clenched his fists, a little resentment in his eyes, "Behind the Li clan are those stinky monks. Ziling has become a Taoist disciple. Our Song clan is cooperating with the Taoist sect. They won't let us become too powerful."

"Why not them together?"

Kou Zhong had never thought about this and said uncertainly, "This? Didn't the Li clan and the Yuwen clan fight a war last year? Both sides fought for Guanzhong and suffered heavy casualties. How could they cooperate? There can only be one winner in the north."

"Senior, what you mean is that in order to deal with us, the Li clan and the Yuwen clan will unite to deal with us? No, it must be those people from the Buddhist sect who are behind this." When Kou Zhong mentioned Buddhism, he felt so angry that his teeth itched.

"You are right. The driving force behind this is Buddhism."

Kou Zhong was not worried at all. Instead, he said in a heroic tone, "Ha, come if you want. Do you think we, the Song clan, are afraid of them? When the time comes, Zi Ling and I will attack together. I don't believe anyone can stop us."

Unexpectedly, Su Ming said, "Zi Ling is traveling in the north and can't come back for the time being."

Kou Zhong smiled awkwardly and scratched his head, "Well, I'm not afraid of them even if I'm alone."

After saying that, he clasped his fists towards Su Ming again and said, "Thank you very much for clearing up my doubts. I will take my leave now."

After Kou Zhong left, Su Ming looked at his back in a daze. The reason why Li Tang unified the world in the original work was very ridiculous, because if Li Tang was not allowed to unify the world, if Li Shimin was not allowed to ascend the throne, the Turks would invade the Central Plains and cause chaos in the world.

According to Buddhists, only if Li Shimin ascends the throne and unifies the world can the Turks be resisted and peace be restored in the Central Plains. Only Li Shimin is the true emperor. This kind of designated reason is enough to make people laugh out loud, but anyone with a normal brain would not give up the fight for this reason.

But Kou Zhong and his men believed it, and gave up half of their already conquered territory, letting their years of hard work go to waste. The Song clan's years of hard work went to waste, and the plan had to end in disgrace.

Those political figures in Cihang Jingzhai, their so-called selection of emperors on behalf of heaven and their consideration for the people, are just because it is more in line with the interests of Buddhism for the Li family to unify the world.

But now, Kou Zhong’s hostility towards Buddhism cannot be easily resolved. He has seen a lot and experienced a lot. He is no longer the "young marshal" who can be easily fooled.

The so-called fight for hegemony over the world is not just about fighting for one's own life, but also about the future and destiny of everyone. It is a heavy responsibility. No matter what the reason is, once you have chosen to fight for hegemony, you must shoulder the responsibility, and this is true at all times.

……

Inside the warm room, Song Que was reading reports, while Su Ming was sitting not far away checking the grain and fodder harvesting situation in various places.

"Sir, Pei Changshi suggested that the government of Bashu is short of officials, and the government offices are not functioning properly. I want to hold an imperial examination to select officials. What do you think?"

Su Ming said without thinking, "The imperial examination system is the general trend. The Song clan took the lead, which was a wise move. However, this system has too many flaws and it is difficult to select truly talented people."

He didn't say it before, not because he didn't know, but because the Song clan had just taken control of Bashu and had not yet established a firm foothold, so it was the time to win over the various families, and it was not convenient to conduct the imperial examination. Now it was different, Song Que was training the army outside Chengdu, and the children of the Song clan and the Lingnan families were in important positions in Shu, firmly controlling the money and food, so it could be said that the foundation was already established.

At this time, the implementation of the imperial examination system would help stabilize people's hearts and win over the poor and common people in the middle and lower classes.

Song Que put down the report and said with emotion, "The disadvantage of the imperial examination is that it is biased towards personal gain. It has become the private domain of the rich and powerful, while the real common people have difficulty entering the hall. If this continues, it will not be a good thing."

"It is human nature to be partial to one's own interests. It will take time to eliminate this through institutionalization."

Su Ming had already prepared a plan, and said in a deep voice, "Brother Song, what you said makes sense. Then we can change the imperial examination system to the selection of officials, and supplement it with the order to seek talents. When we gain control of the country in the future, we can use the imperial examination system to justify our reputation. What do you think?"

During the Warring States Period, Duke Mu of Qin issued an edict to recruit talented people, which welcomed Shang Yang and enabled the Qin State to carry out reforms, laying the foundation for Qin's unification of the world. During the Three Kingdoms Period, Cao Cao issued an edict to seek talented people, and a number of civil and military officials came to join him, allowing the Cao Wei Group to dominate the Central Plains.

Nowadays, although the world is not divided into three parts, nor is there a Warring States period, the forces that can really come to the fore are none other than the Li family, the Song family, and the Yuwen family. On the one hand, these three families inherited the power of the previous dynasty, and on the other hand, they have the support of Buddhism and Taoism behind them, and they have a group of loyal families.

In comparison, whether it is Dou Jiande in Hebei, Wang Shichong in Luoyang, Li Mi in Wagangzhai, or Li Zitong in Jiangdu, although they are entrenched in a place, their upper limit is just that and they can't accomplish anything big.

Forces like the Four Great Clan have strong foundations and can fail many times, but if they lose just once, their upward momentum will be interrupted and they will never recover.

Song Que raised his narrow and long eyebrows slightly, and nodded immediately, "This plan is very good. The name of selecting officials is obvious. The purpose of the imperial examination is to become an official. However, for the reform of the system, we must first come up with a charter. I will call everyone to discuss it tonight and decide it as soon as possible."

"I have an idea about this system."

"Please come to my room, sir."

Then, Su Ming explained in detail the procedures of the imperial examinations in later generations, such as copying under anonymous names, temporarily appointing chief examiners, body searches, prohibiting the submission of papers, isolating examiners, etc.

After he finished speaking, Song Que, who was always serious, couldn't help but laugh out loud, "Sir, your words are better than my many clever ideas. This matter is settled."

But Su Ming shook his head and said frankly, "No, I think this matter needs to be discussed with everyone, and the selection of officials is limited to low-ranking ones."

Song Que was puzzled for a moment, and looked surprised, but then he suddenly understood and couldn't help but sigh, "Sir, you are far-sighted, Song Que admires you."

In fact, Su Ming's meaning is easy to understand. Selecting officials is no trivial matter, and everyone should be involved. By the way, the news should be spread in advance. Those aristocratic families may not value these low-level positions, but for those poor families and declining aristocrats, this is a great opportunity to change their destiny.

The aristocratic families have intertwined interests, so the matter will spread naturally without the need for official publicity. It is also a way to divide the benefits and share equally.

……

A few days later, Song Que summoned the main officials of the Zhennan Mansion to discuss matters, and all the core members of the Song family were present.

When he talked about the matter of selecting officials, everyone was talking about it, but Shi Zhixuan glanced at Su Ming imperceptibly. He had proposed the matter of imperial examinations a long time ago, and Song Que had been considering it. As soon as Su Ming came back, Song Que made up his mind to implement it. This man's influence on Song Que should not be underestimated.

Song Lu stroked his white beard lightly, looking worried, "Brother, selecting officials is a good thing, but we have finally stabilized Bashu, and if we transfer officials again, what if something goes wrong?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Song Zhi retorted, "They are just some low-level officials. It's not easy for them to make mistakes. You think too much. Brother, this move can solve the problem of lack of manpower in the government. It's not enough to rely on the children of the Song family and other aristocratic families alone."

"Besides, I don't believe you don't know that many of the children we sent down relied on the prestige of the Song family to bully the people. My eldest brother dismissed them and used family law. In the end, they were driven back to their hometown in Lingnan."

"Our family is like this, let alone other families. In my opinion, it is time for them to elect officials."

Song Lu was immediately choked by the conversation, and the others also talked about it. In the end, more people supported it. Although people from various families had complaints, it was difficult to compete with the Song family and the interests harmed were not great, so it was passed as a matter of course.

Then everyone discussed the official selection system and changed Yang Guang's imperial examination. In general, it was still in accordance with the rules mentioned by Su Ming, and some places were even stricter. A few days later, the counties under the jurisdiction of Chengdu Prefecture posted official documents and the Song clan's recruitment order, which caused an uproar. Some of the lower-class common people watched the show, while others made up their minds to participate in the official selection. Those who were well-informed and had connections began to prepare early.

……

"Recruitment order?"

One day, Li Jing, exhausted from his journey, arrived at the city of Chengdu. When he saw the notice posted outside the city wall, his eyes lit up with wonder. They were indeed a clan of the Song Dynasty, and were different from those aristocratic families in the north.

As wise as he was, he saw at a glance the impact and changes brought about by the selection of officials. It would definitely bring more benefits than disadvantages to the Song clan, and the order to recruit talents was only for seeking talented people, which was quite in the style of Duke Mu.

Zhaoxianguan is a three-story restaurant not far from the Song Mansion. It was bought by the Song family to entertain people from all sides.

As soon as Li Jing stepped in, someone led the way for him and explained a number of matters. With his and Kou Zhong's identities, and Su Ming's guidance, they could have avoided going through the Talent Recruitment Hall.

But Li Jing is Li Jing after all. He had never surrendered in the first place, but he risked his life to draw the map of Jiangdu and took it as an achievement. Now that he has the access to the Talent Recruitment Hall, he is even more unwilling to take the back door.

Taking the back door means taking a shortcut. People who are incompetent will try their best to take this path, but most talented and proud people will certainly not bother to do so.

He rested here for one night, and all the necessary food, hot water, clothes, etc. were provided.

The next day, the Song clan sent people to entertain him and took him to the Song Mansion.

At the banquet, Li Jing happened to meet Kou Zhong.

"Brother, why did you come just now? I have been waiting for you for a long time."

Li Jing patted Kou Zhong's chest and smiled happily. "Let's talk about this later. I just came from the Talent Recruitment Hall and will be selecting people soon. Please wait for a while."

Kou Zhong grabbed him and said, "Why are you still participating? I don't know your talents. Come, I will take you to see my master."

Li Jing put his hand down, "Xiao Zhong, I appreciate your kindness, but since I, Li Jing, want to join the Song family, I must come in openly and honestly based on my ability. You know what I am like."

Kou Zhong didn't force it, "Okay, I'll wait for you!"

……

In the room, Song Zhi was reading the essays submitted by the people in the Zhaoxian Hall. Suddenly, he picked up an essay, read it for a while, and shouted excitedly, "Brother, look at this essay, it's really well written."

"Let me see." Song Que took the policy paper and looked at the name first: Li Jing.

This name, he is Kou Zhong's elder brother? Why did he go to Zhaoxian Hall?
Song Que was surprised and opened the policy paper to read it. It described the future military strategy and direction of the Song clan, and even mentioned the future response to the Turks.

Just mentioning the Turks, this vision is far beyond that of others. After all, the Song clan is still hiding in Bashu, who can imagine what will happen in the future? In Li Jing's strategy, the Song clan will first unify the south of the Yangtze River and then march north. As long as they follow the steps, there will basically be no problems.

"Tell this Li Jing to come to my house tomorrow, and I will personally test him."

……

In the hall, Song Que sat on a couch, looking relaxed, "You are Li Jing, Kou Zhong's brother?"

Li Jing stood not far away, clasped his hands together, and said, "Master, I am Li Jing." He lowered his head, his body trembling slightly, and he was very excited. He didn't expect that he would meet Song Que, the most powerful military commander in the world, so soon.

In terms of military strategy, the person he admired most was Song Que, who used a corner of Lingnan to fight against the Sui army, winning ten battles in a row and forcing Yang Jian to acknowledge his independence, which was rare in the world.

Song Que was keenly aware of the other party's emotions. "You wrote a very good strategy. It mentioned dealing with the Turks, but you only wrote a few words, and most of them were focused on defense. If it was an attack, what would you do?"

The deep voice was filled with the kindness of an elder, and Li Jing's mood immediately calmed down. After thinking for a moment, he replied, "Make friends with those far away and attack those near. Use cavalry to control cavalry, and use the Hu to control the Hu."

After just twelve words, Song Que's eyes sparkled. What a good military strategist, just what I like.

He stood up and walked to Li Jing. "Well said. There will be opportunities to fight the Turks in the future. Are you willing to serve me?"

Li Jing suddenly raised his head, with an unstoppable smile on his face, and knelt on one knee, "I am willing to serve the master of the clan!"

Song Que also laughed out loud, feeling very happy, and helped Li Jing up, "Okay, I have Li Jing, it's like adding wings to a tiger."

The order to recruit talents actually attracted great talents.

Then, Li Jing took something out of his sleeve and said, "Master, I have a gift for you."

Song Que took it and opened it. It turned out to be a map of Jiangdu. The mountains, rivers, and important buildings on it were very clear. After just one look, several ways to capture Jiangdu City emerged in his mind. "Okay, I accept this gift."

……

In the courtyard, Li Jing and Kou Zhong sat opposite each other, with wine and food on the table.

At this moment, Kou Zhong seemed to have become the young man he was before. He drank several bowls of wine with Li Jing. "Brother, I have been waiting for a long time but there is no news from you. I thought you were not coming."

Li Jing explained with a wry smile, "You are a disciple of the clan leader, and Ziling is even more famous in the martial arts world. How come I don't know where you are? But I have no merits, and it is difficult for you to be valued if you come here rashly."

"I'm almost 40 years old and don't want to waste any more time."

Kou Zhong laughed and said, "You should have come to the Song Clan earlier. Once you come, you can lead the army. The master values ​​you very much."

Li Jing poured himself a glass of wine and said in a deep voice, "Xiao Zhong, not everyone has the same fate as you. When I joined Du Fuwei, I made many contributions but was not given important positions. The aristocratic families controlled the important positions, and it was difficult for a humble family like me to be given important positions."

"I was able to be granted the official position this time because I presented the Jiangdu map. I was preparing this before I came here."

(End of this chapter)