Three Kingdoms: A Million Soldiers Grown from the Fields

Chapter 232 Taisheng

"What do I think?"

Chen Ji was taken aback, then thought for a moment before speaking.

"Chief Secretary, the students of the Imperial Academy in Luoyang, regardless of other factors, are certainly well-versed in literature. We should be cautious about their coming to serve us."

"If there is one, there will be two. If we can really win over these students, it will not be a pipe dream for Bingzhou to recruit talents from all over the world in the future."

Xun Yu nodded slightly; he had indeed thought about it that way too.

Although the Imperial Academy is now in decline and has many mediocre students, it is still the most sacred institution of learning in the Han Dynasty, and there are certainly many talented people among its members.

Moreover, Bingzhou is harsh and cold. Those who would abandon the prosperous Luoyang to serve in Bingzhou would certainly not be those who are merely pretending to be capable.

Therefore, those who come must be ambitious.

He thought for a moment and asked, "Approximately how much longer until we reach Jinyang?"

Chen Ji cupped his hands in greeting: "The messenger has informed us that it will arrive in Jinyang in about two days."

"Um"

"Two days. We can come up with some ideas. Bingzhou is not like other prefectures. Our lord has been in charge of administration for more than three years. Bingzhou officials are mostly practical and have few empty titles. These students may not be able to get used to it."

"Alright, let's treat it like an examination. When they arrive, you and I will greet them together. First, observe their character, then their abilities, and finally, we'll need to train them for a few months."

"The Chief Secretary is wise."

Chen Ji bowed again. He was the chief official in charge of the selection of officials in Bingzhou before. In the past two years, he has been promoted to the position of prefectural assistant and has become Xun Yu's deputy.

The two discussed the matter of the Imperial Academy students for a while, but soon they threw themselves back into their busy work.

It's a good thing that the imperial college students came to serve, but that's all there is to it.

Zhang Xian has been governing Bingzhou for three years and has already established a solid talent reserve system. Elementary schools, night schools, county schools, and prefectural schools are flourishing in various places, encompassing people of all suitable ages.

The current talent shortage in Bingzhou is simply because it's not yet time to reap the rewards.

As Xun Yu revised the official document, he looked up and asked Chen Ji.

"Has the acreage statistics for Zhaoyuze been completed?"

Chen Ji nodded, took out a booklet from a stack of official documents, and reported back: "The clerk of the Household Department, Wang, reports that the list of newly relocated people's land in Zhaoyuze has been fully verified. A total of 784,320 mu of land has been allocated, involving 19,605 households and 89,731 people. There are no errors or omissions, and the records have been filed and put into storage."

He placed the thick booklet on Xun Yu's desk.

"Ah."

Xun Yu glanced down at the document, his pen still in his hand, reviewing a preliminary opinion from the Ministry of Justice regarding a case of powerful clans encroaching on newly reclaimed land.

"Have the soybean seeds from Lüchi County been stored?"

"Reporting back to the prefect, Clerk Li of the granary reports that the five thousand bushels of soybean seeds have been inspected and found to be plump, free from mold and insect damage. They have been entered into the granary register and are ready for use at any time."

"Alright, inform Tian Cao that there is a shortage of bean seeds in the seven villages including Zhaobeitun and Zhaoxitun. They can collect them today with the allocation document from Tian Cao."

Xun Yu finished reviewing the documents from the legal department.

The handwriting was strong and vigorous. The evidence was conclusive. According to Article 7 of the New Reclaimed Land Order, the occupied land must be returned within three days. The equivalent harvest of this season will be confiscated to compensate the affected farmers. If the offense is repeated, part of their farmland will be confiscated!

He shook his head: "These parasites are starting to stir again."

After finishing his urgent business, Xun Yu looked up and said to Chen Ji, "Yuanfang, I have approved 70% of the iron materials that you requested over there. Go to the warehouse later to supervise the process, and they will be dispatched today."

Furthermore, there is a shortage of skilled craftsmen, especially those proficient in carpentry and ironwork. The previous recruitment by the prefectural government was insufficient. Therefore, an official document is drafted and sent to all counties in Bingzhou, stipulating that any craftsmen of such skill who apply and are employed by the craftsmen's workshop will have their families settled by the government, granted land according to the same standards as newly relocated residents, and their children given priority for primary school education. Their benefits… will be increased by 20% on top of the original recruitment order.”

“Prefect, adding another 20%... isn’t that too generous? I’m afraid it will encourage other officials to compete with each other,” Chen Ji cautiously reminded.

Xun Yu shook his head slightly, his gaze calm.

"In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures must be taken. Steam engines, new agricultural machinery, and repeating crossbows are all vital to Bingzhou. The importance of the craftsmen's camp is even greater than that of a thousand soldiers!"
A few preferential treatments, if they can earn the trust of skilled craftsmen and allow them to work with peace of mind, thus accelerating the construction, will be beneficial in the long run. If other officials have any complaints, they can be reasoned with, explaining that the craftsmanship is crucial to the foundation of the military and the nation and should not be taken lightly.

If someone truly possesses exceptional talent, each department may recommend them, and the Performance Evaluation Office will review and approve their applications, promoting them according to their abilities.

"Understood, sir." Chen Ji understood immediately.

Xun Yu was building a talent evaluation and incentive system based on actual contributions and scarcity, breaking away from the old practice of seniority-based promotion.

“There’s one more thing.” Xun Yu pulled out a document from another stack of documents on his desk.

"The medical staff's pharmacy account showed a huge expense last month. The medical staff explained that due to the sudden change in weather at the beginning of spring, there was a surge in illnesses among migrants and local poor households, especially colds and acute childhood illnesses."

You should personally go to the pharmacy to verify. If it is indeed a necessary expense, the budget can be increased accordingly, but you must strictly investigate whether there is any false reporting or misappropriation of funds, or waste of medical resources! If so, no matter who is involved, they will be severely punished! Doctors should have a benevolent heart, and their accounts must be transparent!

"Yes! I will do it immediately!" Chen Ji solemnly replied.

He knew that the pharmacy was an institution that concerned people's livelihood and well-being, and it was directly under the General's Office with generous funding, but the supervision should also be the most stringent, as this was a set of regulations personally set by the lord.

Inside the signing room, the sound of pens and paper rubbing together was constant, and occasionally concise and clear verbal instructions were issued.

Xun Yu was like a ruthless signing machine, constantly sending official documents and orders from here to various parts of Bingzhou.

Two days later.

In late spring, Jinyang is bathed in a gentle, warm breeze.

On the official road outside the city gate, a group of weary figures caught the attention of the county soldiers guarding the gate.

The group of more than twenty people were all young men, most of them dressed in worn-out scholar's robes and carrying book bags. Although they looked tired from the long journey, their eyes sparkled with excitement and curiosity.

The leader, a man in his early twenties with a clear face and a calm demeanor, was none other than Ruan Yu, who had generously submitted his resignation at the Imperial Academy that day.

He wasn't a student of the Imperial Academy, but he still appeared in the group of Imperial Academy students.

After giving his generous resignation in front of the Imperial Academy that day, he returned to the Cai residence and exchanged a few words with his teacher, Cai Yong. Cai Yong then invited him to come to Bingzhou to gain experience.

Therefore, he came with the students of the Imperial Academy.

"Halt! Where are you from? What brings you to Jinyang?"

The county garrison commander stepped forward, sword in hand, and began his routine questioning, his sharp gaze sweeping over the group of uninvited guests who looked like scholars.

Ruan Yu stepped forward and bowed respectfully with clasped hands: "I am Ruan Yu, a student of Cai Yong, a renowned scholar from Luoyang."

"Those behind me are all students of the Imperial Academy, hailing from Sili, Yuzhou, and other places. We admire the illustrious name of General Zhang, and are moved by his great deeds of driving back the barbarians, pacifying the borders, and caring for the displaced people. We have come to Bingzhou specifically to offer our humble assistance!"

His voice was clear and bright, and his words carried the elegance of a scholar.

"Serve the general?" The sergeant raised an eyebrow, scrutinized them carefully, and softened his tone.

"Do you have any proof? Or a letter of introduction?"

Ruan Yu took out a name card and a collective recommendation letter bearing Cai Yong's private seal from his bosom: "These are our name cards and Cai Yong's private seal recommendation letter to prove our identities. The General's Mansion is a high-ranking family, and we dare not disturb you rashly. Therefore, we have come to the Prefect's Mansion first to see Prefect Xun and await his arrangements."

After checking the name card and recommendation letter and confirming that they were correct, the squad leader nodded and said, "Since you are a scholar who has come to serve, go in. The prefectural governor's office is in the east of the city. Just walk straight along the main street. When you enter the city, you must abide by the rules and not cause trouble."

"Thank you for your guidance, brother!"

Ruan Yu and the others quickly expressed their gratitude, packed their belongings, and stepped into the legendary, newly renovated city with great excitement.

The scene inside Jinyang City was a pleasant surprise for these students from the capital city of Luoyang.

The streets are wide and clean.

The shops are lined up with bright signs, and the flow of people is bustling, yet everything is well-organized.

Peddlers pushing carts, farmers carrying loads, officials on horseback, children playing... all sorts of people move among them, their faces rarely showing the numbness or cautiousness commonly seen in Luoyang, but rather a busy and peaceful spirit full of ambition.

The air was filled with the aroma of noodles, the clanging of metalwork from the blacksmith shop, and even the faint sound of students reciting their lessons in the distance.

"Well-ordered...vibrant...completely different from the glitz and clamor, the undercurrents of Luoyang!"

One student couldn't help but whisper in admiration, "I've heard that the local officials are honest and upright, and the people live in peace and tranquility. Seeing it today, I can confirm that the rumors are true."

echoed another.

Ruan Yu remained silent, but his keen eyes observed the peaceful interaction between the street vendors and the patrolling soldiers. Watching the officials in their uniforms hurrying along with their clear goals, his fervent desire to serve them was further fueled by anticipation.

What they were looking for seemed to be more than just Zhang Xian, this enlightened ruler; it was also a new atmosphere on this land that was completely different from the chronic illnesses of Luoyang.

Taiyuan Prefectural Governor's Office, Signatory Office.

Xun Yu put down the official document in his hand, and an official came to report to him that the students from Luoyang had entered the city.

"Lead them to a side hall to wait, then inform Yuanfang and tell the students in Luoyang that I will arrive as soon as I finish dealing with my urgent business."

Xun Yu spoke in a flat tone.

He did not show any extra enthusiasm or eagerness just because the other party was a student of the Imperial Academy.

He had thought about it two days ago: regardless of one's background, whether one could be employed by Bingzhou depended on one's true talent and character.

Inside the side hall, Ruan Yu and the others sat upright, looking somewhat awkward.

The hall was simple, with tables and chairs made of hardwood. On the wall hung a map of Bingzhou and four large banners in clerical script with the characters "勤 (diligence), 慎 (prudence), 清 (integrity), 明 (enlightenment)" inscribed on them. There were no other decorations.

The waiter served only ordinary plain tea from Bingzhou.

About an incense stick later, Xun Yu and Chen Ji entered the side hall.

He was still dressed in a blue robe, walking with composure and exuding a calm and collected demeanor.

His gaze swept over the crowd, and although it was not serious, it had an imposing presence that silenced the students who had been whispering.

"Students of the Imperial Academy in Luoyang, you have come a long way and have had a long journey," Xun Yu said gently.

"I, Xun Yu, am honored to be the Prefect of Taiyuan and the Chief Clerk of the General's Office. Your willingness to abandon the prosperity of Luoyang and dedicate yourselves to the cause of war in the north is commendable."

Ruan Yu quickly led everyone to stand up and bow: "Student Ruan Yu."

"Student Ma Xiang."

"student."

"Greetings, Prefect Xun!"

After announcing their names, Ruan Yu, as the representative chosen by the students of the Imperial Academy, continued to speak.

"We have long admired the Prefect's extraordinary talent and ability to govern the country and bring peace to the people. It is our great fortune to meet you today! We are unworthy, but we are willing to follow the example of Ban Chao, who threw down his pen and threw down his sword, and follow General Zhang and the Prefect under his command, to do our best to serve the country!"

His words were eloquent and sincere; if spoken in Luoyang, they would have won the praise of the high-ranking officials present.

However, Xun Yu merely nodded slightly, his expression remaining unchanged.

"Everyone has the heart to serve their country, but Bingzhou is not Luoyang. This place is in dire need of reconstruction, and the military and political affairs are complicated. What is needed is not idle talkers who sit and discuss theories, but down-to-earth, capable officials who can solve the people's problems and manage the affairs of the people."

You are all outstanding students of the Imperial Academy, well-versed in literature, yet…

He changed the subject.

"Have you ever personally held a plow? Have you ever checked the granaries? Have you ever mediated land disputes? Have you ever faced the plowing of displaced people and epidemics?"

A barrage of questions caught Ruan Yu and his team off guard.

They read the books of sages and virtuous men, studied the classics and articles, and discussed the general trend of the world. They never thought about these trivial matters.

"This...the students..." Ruan Yu was speechless for a moment.

"What you learn from books is always shallow."

Xun Yu's tone remained calm, without much disappointment. He himself had been like these students, only gradually adapting to the real process of governing a region after experiencing it firsthand.

He solemnly said: "In governing Bingzhou, the most important thing is to focus on practical matters. Laws and regulations must be implemented in practice. Officials in Bingzhou must resolve the doubts of the people, teach them farming methods, understand their hardships, and do things personally."

The knowledge here is not found in scriptures, but in the fields, in the workshops, and in the hearts of the people.

He paused, looking at the group of young people in front of him whose faces still carried a scholarly air and a hint of bewilderment.

"I see that you all have commendable aspirations, but your talents and character are unknown. Bingzhou does not value empty reputations, but only practical results. Therefore, I suggest that you all undergo a two-month probationary period for evaluation."

"Only after passing the examination will you be qualified to serve as officials in Bingzhou."

"Internship exam?" The students looked at each other in bewilderment.

"good."

Xun Yu reached out and led Chen Ji towards him.

"Prefect Chen will arrange for you all to take turns to learn from each of the various departments: the Revenue Department will check the land registers, the Granary Department will check the grain and fodder, the Works Department will observe the craftsmen's work, the Land Department will go to the fields, the Market Department will patrol the market, the Medical Department will visit the sick and needy, and the Legal Department will handle lawsuits."

A daily internship log is required, detailing what is seen, done, thought, and felt.

Every ten days, the clerks and officials of each department and the Prefect of Chen County will conduct an evaluation. After two months, those who pass the comprehensive evaluation can be assigned a position according to their abilities and officially enter the government as officials.

Those who fail... will either be kept under observation or given travel expenses and politely sent back to their hometowns.

Xun Yu's words were clear and unambiguous: this was not a courtesy to invite famous scholars, but a rigorous process for selecting practical talents.

Whether they stay or leave depends entirely on whether they can humble themselves and integrate into the Bingzhou system within these two months.

An invisible pressure instantly enveloped the side hall.

Some students looked indignant, feeling slighted, while others were eager to try, seeing it as a challenge. Ruan Yu took a deep breath, his eyes becoming even more determined, and he bowed deeply.

"We students will obey the prefect's arrangements! We will certainly devote ourselves to our studies and live up to your expectations!"

"So good."

After hearing the last sentence, Xun Yu finally smiled.

Soon, under Chen Ji's arrangement, the twenty-six students from Luoyang were all settled in the dormitory of the prefectural school.

The Jinyang Prefectural School now has 3,200 students and covers a large area, but it has been relocated outside Jinyang City.

The county school was designed by Zhang Xian himself, modeled after the academy layout of his previous life.

It has walls, a playground, teaching buildings, a canteen, and dormitories.

The building material was concrete, so the academic studies of the county school seemed somewhat out of place in Jinyang.

This was also Zhang Xian's way of experimenting with the lifespan of cement buildings, which led to the construction of new cement buildings in various parts of Bingzhou.

If these buildings have no problems within a year, it proves that the cement is of good quality and can be used on the grassland.

This grassland doesn't refer to the Bingzhou grassland, but rather the desert grassland.

To control the desert, building cities is inevitable. However, building cities with earth and wood is time-consuming and labor-intensive. If the steppe people harass the city during the construction process, it will definitely cause a lot of casualties.

But it's different with cement. If the training is proper, and a city is built in a place with water, as long as there is enough cement and bamboo reinforcement, a fortress can be completed overnight.

Cement has been developed in Bingzhou for a long time, but it has not been put into large-scale use yet because the cement formula is constantly being improved.

The same applies to steam engines. Once something is manufactured, it cannot be used immediately. It requires continuous modification based on practical needs and the accumulation of experience in its use.

Otherwise, Zhang Xian could have started laying railway tracks right now and ushered in the era of steam trains.

Did he not want to?
No, it's that the system isn't mature yet. It doesn't have enough professional talent, support staff, or technological systems to support it in ushering in the railway era.

However, steam engines are already being used in forging, water pumping, and exhaust systems, so it shouldn't be long before he has enough steam engine workers under his command.

(End of this chapter)