Three Kingdoms: A Million Soldiers Grown from the Fields

Chapter 234 There's not enough room to stand.
Yuwen Mowei's heart leaped into his throat, and he held his breath.

"Keep your head up."

Zhang Xian said in a deep voice.

Yuwen Mowei looked up as instructed, gazing up at the mountain-like figure on the high slope.

"Yuwen Mowei!"

"I consider your repentance and surrender, and your bravery; you are truly capable! I hereby appoint you as the Northern Expeditionary Colonel! You shall lead the remaining elite cavalry of this unit to reorganize the Righteous Cavalry! I bestow upon you a banner, seal, armor, and weapons!"

Yuwen Mowei's eyes blazed with wild joy!

The Northern Expeditionary Colonel! Though not a high-ranking official, he was a general with a formal military rank and the authority to command troops independently! It was even better than he had expected!

But Zhang Xian's next words were like a bucket of ice water poured over him.

"but!"

"Your merits and demerits cannot offset each other. Your Yuwen tribe has committed heinous crimes by slaughtering Han people! From this moment forward, hand over all the Han people you have captured! The Yuwen tribe members shall be relocated from their former homeland of Yunzhong and dispersed to Wuyuan and Xihebian County!"

To grant land and livestock, to register households and equalize the people, to teach Han etiquette, to wear Han clothing, and to send children to elementary schools! Is this even possible?!

The dispersal of tribes and complete Sinicization! This meant that the Yuwen tribe of Yunzhong was transformed from an independent tribal political entity into a vassal state. No, the price was even more severe than that of a vassal state: the complete annihilation of its cultural heritage!
The generals behind Yuwen Mowei looked grief-stricken, some even clenching their fists.

Yuwen Mowei's facial muscles twitched violently, and a struggle and pain flashed in his eyes.

He glanced at his son Yuwen Pu, then at the imposing Han cavalry on the high slope, and at that figure as deep and unfathomable as the sea.

A sense of powerlessness and awe of absolute power overwhelmed any remaining hope.

He kowtowed again, his voice hoarse yet incredibly clear.

"Your Majesty, I am Yuwen Mowei! I obey your command! I thank you, General, for sparing my life and for your kindness in saving me! Yuwen... we are willing to serve you, General, and the Han Dynasty forever! We would gladly give our lives for you!"

He chose to survive and to integrate, even at the cost of the tribe's demise.

But the surname Yuwen will become a new surname among the Han people!
He was going to take another gamble, betting that this former general, the Marquis of Jinxiang, who held power in Bingzhou and commanded the military affairs of three provinces, harbored another kind of ambition!

Choosing to be a dog is not respectable, but if you are the emperor's dog, or even the future emperor's dog, then it is a gamble that can change your fate!

Having already gambled once, Yuwen Mowei wouldn't mind gambling again, and this time the stakes would even be smaller!
"very good."

Zhang Xian nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the generals behind Yuwen Mowei, each with a different expression.

"What's your name?"

"This...this humble general is Yuwen Pu!"

The young Yuwen Pu quickly responded.

"Ah."

"Yuwen Pu is appointed as the Deputy Commandant of the Guiyi Cavalry to assist your father."

Then Zhang Xian named several powerful generals from the Yuwen tribe and appointed them as military commanders and garrison commanders, quickly incorporating the remaining military forces of the Yuwen tribe into the Han army's organizational structure.

"Thank you, General!" Yuwen Pu and the others kowtowed and accepted the order, feeling somewhat relieved.

At least, they and their people have temporarily saved their lives and a certain status.

Zhang Xian's gaze finally fell on the vast, endless grassland to the north, his voice carrying an undeniable authority.

"Commander Yuwen!"

"The general is here!"

"Your Guiyi Cavalry is hereby ordered to rest for ten days! After ten days, lead the Guiyi Cavalry as my vanguard, cross the Yin Mountains, and head straight into the northern desert!"

Yuwen Mowei suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with astonishment.

The northern desert? That's an even more dangerous and unknown land!

"There are two tasks!"

"Firstly, draw detailed maps of the mountains, rivers, and tribes in the northern desert! For every tribe encountered, regardless of size, record its location, population, livestock, fighting strength, and the temperament of its leader!"

Secondly, we must find the ancient road leading to the North Sea and explore the depths of the grasslands to see if any large tribes like the Xiongnu or Xianbei still lurk there! This is a perilous mission with a slim chance of survival! It is also your opportunity to pledge allegiance and achieve great deeds! Are you capable of undertaking this task?!

Looking into Zhang Xian's deep and ambitious gaze, Yuwen Mowei understood.

This Han Chinese general's ambition was not merely to reclaim Yunzhong and Wuyuan! He wanted the entire grassland to submit!
A surge of excitement and ambition welled up inside me.

He clasped his hands in a fist salute, his voice trembling with excitement: "Your humble servant Yuwen Mowei! I obey your command! I will lead the Guiyi Cavalry across the northern deserts to draw a complete map of the grasslands for the general and ascertain the strength and weakness of the northern frontier! If I fail, I will bring my head to your face!"

"Alright!" Zhang Xian waved his hand: "Zhao Yun, Zhang Liao!"

"The general is here!"

"I hereby order you two to lead the guerrilla army to assist Commandant Yuwen in reorganizing your troops, identifying prisoners, and resettling your clansmen! You must complete this within ten days! Lü Bu!"

"Your subordinate is here!" Lü Bu's voice boomed like a bell.

"Take your men and go clean up those remaining rabble from the Tuoba tribe!"

"Order!"

Lu Bu grinned maliciously, his eyes gleaming with ferocity.

Zhang Xian stopped looking at Yuwen Mowei kneeling below and gently spurred his horse.

With a long neigh, Mo Ying turned his horse around and galloped away like a black lightning bolt.

Zhao Yun and Zhang Liao led their mobile troops down the hill and into the Baihe River mudflats after the bloody battle.

Below the high slope, only Yuwen Mowei and his generals remained, still kneeling on the cold, blood-stained ground.

Yuwen Mowei raised his head, watching Zhang Xian's departing figure in black armor, then turned back to look at the wolf cavalry who had begun slaughtering the remaining Tuoba tribe remnants.

The next step was to divide, drive away, and identify the itinerant troops of the Yuwen tribe.

He slowly stood up, pulled the scimitar from the ground, and rubbed the cold blade with his fingers, feeling the mottled bloodstains and the bone-chilling cold.

Commandant of the Northern Expedition...Guiyi...Northern Desert...

He suddenly plunged his scimitar into the soil!

"Pass on the order!" Yuwen Mowei's voice rang out, carrying a ruthless edge.

"Gather all the able-bodied men who can still fight! Hand over all the Han people and valuables we have captured! As the general commands...prepare for...the northern expedition!"

"Yes!"
-
The two-month internship and examination period was like a giant furnace, reforging the students of Luoyang.

The original twenty-six spirited students gradually diverged in the daily grind.

Some people thrive like fish in water.

Ruan Yu was one of the best among them.

He is quick to humble himself and has an exceptional learning ability.

When he was in the household affairs department checking accounts, he was able to quickly master the skills of counting rods. When he was in the workshops department, he was able to humbly learn from the old craftsmen and try to learn the crafts that were previously regarded as strange and ingenious skills.

On the field ridges, he not only gritted his teeth and completed the task of clearing silt, but also carefully observed the details of using the curved plow. After consulting with the agricultural official, he even made a practical suggestion in his logbook: "Add an adjustable scraper to the plowshare."

His diary entries were practical, detailed, and insightful, and he repeatedly received Xun Yu's comments that "his thoughts are good and his ideas are useful."

Some people are struggling to keep going.

For example, Xu Chen, who came from a poor family in Yingchuan, was a man of exceptional literary talent.

He was skilled at writing eloquent articles, and when he was a court official observing proceedings, he could cite classical texts and refute powerful figures until they were speechless, winning applause from the audience.

However, when the granary official was inspecting the grain and fodder, he complained about the dust and dirt and his sluggish movements. The granary official clerk publicly reprimanded him for being "showy but impractical and unfit for important tasks."

While clearing silt from the fields, he was so tormented by the stench and coldness of the mud that he almost vomited. He barely managed to endure half a day before feigning illness and withdrawing, and was given a grade of "D" in the evaluation.

The huge gap between his expectations and reality made him depressed, and his diary was filled with resentment at being underappreciated.

Some also collapsed.

A student named He Cang had a high opinion of himself and looked down on "lowly labor".

During his internship at a pharmacy, he vomited on the spot when he saw a homeless man with a festering, oozing wound on his foot. Although vomiting is nothing unusual, he later accused the medical staff of being "crude and vulgar."

This move angered the medical officials and also sparked discontent among some ordinary people.

Upon hearing the report, Chen Ji directly wrote on the evaluation that the person was "lacking in benevolence, arrogant and conceited, and unfit to be an official," and ordered him to withdraw from the probationary period.

Filled with resentment, He Cang packed his bags that very night and left without saying goodbye.

The daily pressure, the stark contrast in environment, and the clash between ideals and reality are constantly eroding the will of these young people.

Some people began to complain about the coarse food and poor accommodations, while others couldn't stand the officials' blunt reprimands and felt that their dignity had been damaged.

Some people find that the scriptures they have studied diligently for ten years are of no use in solving practical problems, and thus fall into deep self-doubt.

Two months, sixty days and nights.

The day of the final evaluation finally arrived.

The atmosphere was somewhat somber in a side hall of the prefectural governor's mansion.

Xun Yu sat in the main seat, with Chen Ji, Wang Lie, Wang Xiang, and other key clerks from various departments sitting on either side.

As Mr. Wang Lie grew old, he handed over the position of Prefectural Magistrate to Chen Ji before the beginning of spring this year and then devoted himself to education.

He also took time to give his final comments on the examination of the students.

Twenty-five students from the Imperial Academy stood solemnly below the hall, awaiting the moment when their fate would be decided.

Chen Ji first announced the interim evaluation results and attendance records of each department.

Next, the clerks and officials from each department gave their comments on the trainees based on their observations. The evaluations were extremely direct and merciless.

"Ruan Yu is eager to learn and ask questions, quick-witted, skilled in writing, proficient in music, and also has an aptitude for craftsmanship. Although he knows very little about the study of things, he is a promising talent. (A)"

"Zhang Sheng is meticulous and astute. He is patient and confident in his work in the granary, field, and collection departments. Although his work progress is slightly slower, it is steady and he makes few mistakes. Grade A."

"Zhou Wen is of excellent character, diligent in his work, good at communicating with the people, and possesses high moral virtue. (Jiazhong)"

"."

"."

Chen Ji read aloud the conclusions drawn from the logs, work situation, and personnel observations one by one.

After the comments were finished, Chen Ji announced the final results.

"After comprehensive examination, those who passed the internship and were approved for retention are nineteen people: Ruan Yu, Zhou Wen, Wu Ke, Zhang Sheng, Qian Jia..." He read out a string of names.

The six people whose names were not called, including Xu Chen, whose face was deathly pale, instantly turned ashen.

"The remaining six," Chen Ji said calmly, his tone devoid of emotion.

"Those who fail to meet the retention standards in the evaluation will be provided with travel expenses by the prefectural government and may return to their hometowns immediately. Alternatively, those who wish to remain in Bingzhou may temporarily reside in Jinyang. Although there are no vacancies in the prefectural government, they may also study at the prefectural school. Whether to stay or leave is entirely up to them."

silence.

A profound sense of loss enveloped the six people.

Some people opened their mouths in resentment, but ultimately lowered their heads in dejection.

Two months ago, they were spirited and ambitious students; two months later, they were deemed unqualified by this pragmatic system.

Xun Yu's gaze swept over the crowd below, lingering for a moment on the faces of those who would be retained, such as Ruan Yu, before sweeping over those who would not be selected. He spoke slowly, his voice still calm.

“Your failure to be selected does not mean you are a failure. Bingzhou is different from other places. To adapt, you need to get used to it. Your abilities are not much worse than those who stayed. You are just a little less adaptable to the environment.”

My suggestion is that you stay a little longer and truly experience the hardships of ordinary people, so that you can understand what your ambitions are really about.

After he finished speaking, he looked at those who were qualified.

"Those who pass the test may choose to stay or leave as they see fit. Those who stay, please guard against arrogance and impetuosity. You have only just begun to understand the basics, and the road ahead is long. I hope you will always keep this in mind, be down-to-earth, and keep the suffering of the people in mind."

Those who have gone, do not be discouraged. This experience may serve as a lesson for your future. The world is vast, and there is more to it than just Bingzhou. When you return home, do not forget the hardships you have witnessed and the difficulties you have encountered in these two months.

Serving the people and governing the country is easier said than done; it is difficult to put it into practice. I hope you will take this seriously.

The side hall was completely silent.

The nineteen who remained were filled with the excitement of being recognized, as well as the tension of responsibility and expectations weighing on them.

Of the six who failed, three chose to pack their bags and leave.

The romantic scenery of Luoyang is ultimately more irresistible than the harsh winds and bitter cold of Bingzhou.

A northward journey that began with idealism ultimately came to a cruel end due to the harsh realities of practical testing.

Those who remained, including Ruan Yu, knew that their journey had only just begun, and that this journey was destined to be muddy and full of challenges.
-
Wuyuan.

By mid-May, the weather had become warm and pleasant, like springtime.

In the residence of the Protector-General of the Xiongnu.

Huang Zhong glanced at the military report at times, and then looked at Zhang Xian at others.

The frequent turning of his head eventually attracted the attention of Zhang Xian, the ruler of Bingzhou, the benevolent magistrate, the slaughterer of the grasslands, the whipper of the Hu people, the enthusiast of building Jingguan, the favorite of the heavens, the believer of the yellow heaven, the warrior of the gods, the former general of the Han Dynasty, the Marquis of Jinxiang, who was sunbathing and drinking tea.

"Hansheng, is your neck stiff? Shall I take a look?"

Huang Zhong put down the battle report and asked with some doubt.

"Lord."

It's already mid-May!

"Yeah, I know it's mid-May. What's going on?"

Zhang Xian looked at Huang Zhong with utter confusion.

Huang Zhong was now certain that his lord had lost his mind in battle, and he said it directly.

"My lady is due to give birth in a month or two, my lord, aren't you going back yet?!"

“Ah! Ah!!”

Zhang Xian, who had been comfortably basking in the sun, was suddenly startled.

I've been focused on dealing with the situation in the cloud for the past few months and haven't written many letters home. I'd almost forgotten about it!

He suddenly stood up.

"If you hadn't told me, I would have forgotten!"

"It's time to go back. I'll leave the strategy for Wuyuan to you!"

Huang Zhong clasped his hands in a fist and said, “My lord, rest assured, there are only Shuofang and Shangjun left in the Bingzhou grasslands, and neither of them is a threat.”

Zhang Xian nodded: "With you all in charge, it's only a matter of time before the Bingzhou grasslands are completely recovered. I'm not worried about that."

"The main issue is the Guiyi Cavalry. I completely dispersed the Yuwen tribe and divided them into Wuyuan and Xihe. Yuwen Mowei and his men can only rely on the Protectorate of the Xiongnu for logistics."

"You must make a concerted effort to completely subdue them as soon as possible, whether by force or by winning their hearts. In short, our department can only have one voice!"

"I will finally understand!"

Huang Zhong's face also showed a solemn expression.

The surrender of Yuwen's troops, taking advantage of their victory, was something none of the generals had anticipated.

However, this did reduce some unnecessary casualties for the Bingzhou army.

The most capable tribes on the Bingzhou grasslands were basically wiped out.

Almost the entire Bingzhou region has fallen into Zhang Xian's hands.

The next steps were simply to follow the established procedures, relocate people, and develop the economy.

Today, Bingzhou has a population of 1.3 to 1.4 million, which is not a large number, but it is not a small number either. It is enough to control the land of an entire prefecture.

Of course, it's unrealistic to expect all the counties in Bingzhou to farm. People's energy is limited. Even if you give each person two or three hundred acres of land, they can only cultivate a few dozen acres in the end.

If the population is to grow again, the only future opportunity will be natural growth.

Ji Province had a large population, and the Yellow Turban Rebellion alone led to an unprecedented population increase in Bing Province.

But this opportunity only comes once. In the following seasons, although natural disasters continued to occur in the Han Dynasty, it was relatively stable.

It all depends on how many more years Liu Hong can hold on. Only when he dies will the situation in the court undergo a dramatic change.

The next few years will be a precious period of development.

It's time to start thinking about what to do next.

What kind of changes this butterfly will bring to the world is still unknown!

Will Liu Hong die of illness a few years later, as is the original historical account?

Would Yuan Shao still plot to instigate a conflict between the Grand General's Mansion and the eunuchs in order to consolidate his position in the Yuan family and become the leader of the Qingliu faction?

Now that Bingzhou is under his control, would He Jin still invite outside troops into Luoyang just to intimidate Empress Dowager He?

These things all need to be planned out carefully.

If these things that should have happened didn't happen because of him, then he needs to secretly push them to happen.

The Han Dynasty lasted for four hundred years, and the emperor's reputation was deeply rooted.

If no one were to tear off the fig leaf covering the big man, how difficult it would be to change the world.

and so.

Dong Zhuo must enter Luoyang!

He must fulfill his historical mission.

Whether it's a matter of letting nature take its course or something that's out of necessity.

Zhang Xian did not intend to participate in the rebellions that followed Youzhou, at least not before the implementation of the provincial governor system.

刘焉
He needs to pay more attention to this matter, as he is also a promoter of the state gubernatorial system and needs to fulfill his historical mission.

Great Han
Zhang Xian's eyes also held a more complex expression.

This era gave birth to many unforgettable things and laid the foundation for a nation.

But he quickly reaffirmed his belief.

Looking at history through the lens of history, not a single feudal dynasty was any good.

When a dynasty prospers, the people suffer; when a dynasty falls, the people suffer!
Since he has already decided to bring about change, he should persevere and do so, even if he only brings about change to this land during his lifetime, it will be worthwhile!
Some things just have to be done by someone!

In Bingzhou today, more than a million people have already been transformed as a result.

This is the best outcome of doing it.

This is also irrefutable proof that he did nothing wrong!
What's wrong with wanting to live like a human being?

[Volume Two ends, Volume Three begins: the waves wash away the heroes, and the era of great strife begins!]

(End of this chapter)