Three Kingdoms: A Million Soldiers Grown from the Fields

Chapter 90 Buying and Selling Official Positions (Please read 4k words)

Zhang Xian, upon receiving the Overlord Halberd, was like a child who had just acquired a novel toy.

For the past few days, he has taken it everywhere he goes, never letting it out of his sight. The last time he felt this way about it was when he was in high school and made a Gundam model that he was satisfied with.

The halberd stands right next to you when you eat, it can be used to pick fodder when you're farming or raising livestock, and you even have to hold the handle of the halberd while you sleep!

This feeling persisted until Han Ji returned.

It's mid-October, and the weather has started to change from warm autumn winds to chilly autumn winds.

After being away for more than half a month, Han Ji brought back even more exciting news.

The way to buy an official position has been found!
After half a month of searching, Han Ji finally found a county official who only cared about money and not people.

After much deliberation and consideration, Han Ji learned that this person had previously handled the matter of buying an official position for someone else, except that at that time the target of the sale was not the imperial court.

Having already established a good reputation, Han Ji naturally followed suit.

He first visited the family as a member of the Han family in Nanyang, presented gifts, and chatted with them, then subtly brought up the topic.

After a pleasant conversation, the county magistrate also gave his own hint.

Connecting the dots is no problem, but it will cost a hundred gold coins.

Han Ji naturally agreed, and even hinted that he would give an extra sum, but only on the condition that the purchase of the official position be successful.

The county magistrate thought about it briefly and agreed, and so the two made a date.

A deposit of thirty taels of gold is required. The county magistrate will help Han Ji contact the official sales office. The details of the official positions will be discussed by Han Ji himself. After the deal is completed, the remaining balance of one hundred taels of gold will be paid, and there will be no further contact afterward.

In the main hall of Taoyuan, Zhang Xian felt quite gratified as he listened to Han Ji recount his experiences and gains over the past half month.

He patted Han Ji's arm and said with some concern, "It's been tough on you, Gongzhi, having to run around everywhere."

Han Ji smiled and bowed: "It is important to be able to help my lord. However, my lord, we still need to think carefully about this official post."

As he spoke, he used water as ink to draw a few lines on the table, the lines were simple and showed no particular skill.

"My lord, look." He withdrew his hand and pointed to a point right in the center.

Zhang Xian looked over and heard him say, "This is Luoyang, this place is Chang'an, and the surrounding passes are heavily guarded against the Central Plains!"

Looking at those dots, Zhang Xian nodded: "I see."

"Alright." Han Ji smiled, then dipped his finger in the water and drew a circle northwest of Chang'an and Luoyang: "This is Xiliang. I heard that my lord originally intended to go to Xiliang?"

Zhang Xian nodded: "I have such an idea."

He knew what would happen to the Han Dynasty a year and a half later. After seeing Zhang Jiao in person and discussing the Dao with him for a night, he greatly admired Zhang Jiao's ambition and did not want to gain merit by slaughtering a bunch of ants. So he thought of going to Xiliang to quell the Qiang rebellion.

"Although I don't know why our lord wants to go to Xiliang, based on what our lord said before, what our lord wants is nothing more than to quickly accumulate merits and gain advancement."

"My lord says that the Han Dynasty will surely fall into chaos, but he does not wish to be involved in the source of that chaos," Han Ji sighed.

Zhang Xian looked at the sighing Han Ji and chuckled: "Does Gongzhi think I'm being pedantic and womanly?"

Han Ji shook his head, sighed softly, and then smiled: "A true man knows what he can do and what he cannot do. Being able to stick to one's principles already puts one far ahead of ordinary people."

"It's just a pity, but that's precisely why you are my lord. If you were like an ordinary person, resorting to any means to achieve your goals, you would just be a mortal."

"I prefer the current lord to that kind of lord."

He stood up, bowed, and then sat down with a solemn expression.

"Then I can guess somewhat why our lord went to Xiliang: foreigners!"

He dipped his finger in water again and crossed out the circle representing Xiliang.

"We must not go to Xiliang!"

Zhang Xian was startled: "Why?"

Han Ji bluntly stated, "If our lord wishes to gain merit by sacrificing the heads of foreign tribes, that path is now blocked."

"The current court is indifferent to the scourge of foreign tribes!"

"No matter how many foreign tribes you slaughter, the officials in the court will not even give you a second glance."

"Besides, Xiliang is too poor and deserted for miles around. Rather than going there, it would be better to head west or north!"

"Does Your Excellency already have a plan?"

Zhang Xian was delighted and asked.

"I dare not speak of my plan; it was merely a matter of quick wit."

He moved his hand diagonally from the point representing Luoyang and said, "This place is Changshan, the location of our lord's foundation, but Changshan is an important prefecture, and we cannot seek an official position here."

Using Changshan as a reference point, lines were drawn to the north and west: "After half a month of long deliberation on suitable places, considering both the distance and the location for hiding, there are several places in total."

He pointed again: "Bingzhou's Sisi County and Yangqu County are strategically located. If we capture these two places, the only gateway east of Changshan will be Jingxingkou. Moreover, when returning to Zhen, we can take the Hutuo River waterway directly from Jingxingkou!"

Furthermore, it is noted that "the journey to Youzhou is quite long and involves many waterways. If you are going to Youzhou, it is best to go through the coastal areas."

After saying that, he looked directly into his lord's eyes.

What is your opinion, my lord?

Zhang Xian remained silent for a long time, lost in thought.

After a long silence, he sighed: "It is so difficult for a county to gain power. If one wants to gain a foothold in a chaotic world, one must at least control several counties. If one can obtain the title of prefect, then one has the right to do so."

"Your Excellency has stated that the achievements of foreign tribes are not valued by the officials of the court. What then should we do?"

Zhang Xian frowned.

"Our lord seems to have hit a dead end. Merit is merit, but does that mean one cannot make progress even without merit?"

Han Ji chuckled lightly.

His words stunned Zhang Xian.

Yes! Who says only merit can get you promoted!

Could it be that all the officials in the thirteen prefectures of the Han Dynasty rose through the ranks based on merit?

That can't be right. How many of these incompetent officials got promoted by flattering others and paying bribes?

money?
He doesn't need it!

Once you've bought an official position and acquired a government post, why worry about not being able to buy your way up?
It's simply a matter of how much money you have!
As long as Liu Hong is alive, he has nothing to fear about not being able to buy the position of prefect!
A single sentence seemed to clear away the fog and awaken him. Yes, he had only thought about the righteous path of getting promoted through merit, but he had forgotten that in this turbulent era, crooked paths were even easier to take!
"Hahaha! Gongzhi is truly my Zhang Liang! Your words have awakened me from my dream!" "Very well! Then let it be as Gongzhi says, we will abandon our decision regarding Xiliang and change our route."

His eyes swept over the gradually drying waterline on the table before he finally made his decision.

"Change course to Bingzhou!"

"promise!"

Han Ji stood up and bowed.

Zhang Xian finally decided to go to Bingzhou. There were many rivers and waterways in Youzhou, making it too inconvenient to travel back and forth. But if he went to Bingzhou, there was only one dangerous place, Jingjing Mountain. If he could establish himself in Bingzhou, Changshan would be a good place to turn around. Once he entered Changshan, all roads to the east, west, north and south would be smooth!
Moreover, as a border prefecture, Bingzhou's official positions are much easier to buy than those in the Central Plains. This was also a factor Han Ji considered. In other wealthy places, those positions would probably have been vacated long ago, but the border prefecture is different. With the chaos caused by foreign tribes, those who only want to make money will not go there.

With a plan in mind, he felt much more at ease. No wonder Liu Bei had spent half his life wandering before he got Zhuge Liang; having someone who could devise a plan was truly more important than any favorable condition.

So what if he claims to be a time traveler? In his previous life, he was a beast of burden after leaving school. Even in this era, if it weren't for his cheat-like abilities, he probably would have been arrested as a runaway before he could even settle down.

No one is perfect. With my current skills, I might be able to play aggressively and push things out, but if I want to use my brain, I still need to practice!
The following day, Zhang Xian summoned all the key figures from Taoyuan.

The group of young men who initially followed him from the small mountain village included Zhao Yun, Huang Zhong, Xiahou Lan, and Han Ji.

In the main hall, he gave several instructions.

First: Taoyuan can recruit another 200 households of refugees.

Second: Taoyuan will expand its ranks by 300 new members, with experienced members mentoring new ones. Fifty members will be selected from the existing members to serve as squad leaders. The new members will be under the full command and training of Xiahou Lan.

Third: The training time for riding in Taoyuan has been increased, with riders running at least 20 li (10 kilometers) per day to quickly master riding skills.

fourth
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No one knew what was being discussed in the main hall of Taoyuan that day, but when they came out of the main hall, the villagers of Taoyuan noticed that these people had a look of realization and excitement on their faces.

But these things were irrelevant to the farmers, who continued to live a peaceful, idyllic life where they had enough to eat and enough clothes to keep them warm.

Time flew by quickly.

Zhang Xian from Zhen Ding has already sent people to occupy those shops.

However, pottery firing has not yet started, so these shops have all become general stores.

Some perishable seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as rattan woven utensils, are sold here.

The source is naturally farmers from the surrounding countryside of Taoyuan. Selling to Zhengding is the same as selling to Taoyuan, and no one in Taoyuan charges them stall fees or city entry fees. Plus, it's closer, so most people naturally choose to sell here.

Recently, the slaughtering of pigs and cattle in Taoyuan has become more and more frequent, and the demand for rosin has also increased. Fortunately, Zhang Xian has found a way for the surrounding people to make a living: he can find some rosin in his spare time and purchase it from Taoyuan.

Pigs and cattle are slaughtered to make dried meat.

In the past, when Zhang Xian had not yet made up his mind, he would slaughter pigs and cattle on the spot. But ever since he discussed it with Han Ji that day, he has regarded Bingzhou as his first asset.

Bingzhou is not like Changshan. Although the Hu people do not often cause trouble there, it is never peaceful. Moreover, the more chaotic the place, the more bandits and strongmen run rampant. If the people of Taoyuan go to Bingzhou, they will inevitably experience bloodshed.

Military equipment and medicines must be prepared in advance.

He wouldn't take Taoyuan with him; he would leave it in Changshan. Before the Yellow Turban Rebellion, Changshan's security would be good, and with his reputation, Taoyuan could still serve as a major rear base, continuously supplying him with resources.

In the past few days, Zhao Yun, under his instruction, has frequently led the Taoyuan light cavalry to race through Jingjingkou and estimate the distance.

The journey from Taoyuan to Jingjingkou passes through Huolu County, which is only about 40 li. However, the journey to Jingjingkou is about 100 li. A round trip by light cavalry takes about two hours.

This is the journey within Changshan County, it's not far.

The only problem is the wellbore opening.

After all, once you cross Jingxing Pass, you'll reach Bingzhou. This strategic location is jointly governed by two prefectures: east of Jingxing Pass belongs to Changshan in Jizhou, while west of Jingxing Pass belongs to Taiyuan in Bingzhou.

Both gorges have passes, but the passes themselves are not dangerous; the danger lies in the gorges themselves, which stretch for over twenty miles.

The narrowest part of the canyon, carved by a knife and axe, is just the width of a car. The journey is arduous, and one must always be on guard against thieves.

Taoyuan was busy with preparations. The newly formed Taoyuan soldiers were there to prepare for the defense, and Zhang Xian planned to entrust the safety of the rear to Xiahou Lan.

My brother Lan knows everything about Peach Blossom Spring, and his martial arts skills are beyond the reach of ordinary people. Although he is a bit young, he will be seventeen this year and will be a responsible adult.

Moreover, since the establishment of Taoyuan, he has been busy with various tasks, and Zhang Xian has seen that his management is impeccable. Furthermore, since Han Ji arrived, he has often consulted Han Ji on literature. It can be said that Xiahou Lan is now both literate and skilled in martial arts, and is a true general.

As for the issue of trust, Zhang Xian was naturally completely at ease.

If even his brothers who have followed him from the beginning cannot believe him, there is only one possibility: he has failed so badly that even these people would betray him.

If such a thing were to happen, Zhang Xian would immediately suppress any inappropriate thoughts he might have, focus on building his reputation, and wait for the time when the struggle for power begins to begin so he can find a good boss to serve.

He understood that people can change, so from the time he started telling stories during morning exercises in the small mountain village, he would often incorporate some ideological education into them.

Human beings are not subject to change; if guided properly, they can achieve great things.

As for how to guide him, as someone born under the red flag, someone has already provided the answer for him.

Everything in Taoyuan is proceeding smoothly, with pork and beef jerky and fat being produced and stored daily.

Zhang Xian, the founder of the pharmacy, personally prepared the medicines. Doctors who came to visit him would sometimes be asked to do manual labor for him, and of course, he would still pay them.

It wasn't until the end of October, when Taoyuan was preparing for the late harvest, that the county magistrate's letter arrived in Taoyuan.

After the matter was accomplished, Changshan Puwu met with him, and his visiting card was as follows.

The people from the gambling den have arrived!

Three days later, the letter arrived, and Zhang Xianhan and the other two prepared gold ingots, Taoyuan wine, and white sugar and headed to Puwu County.

Upon arriving at the Puwu County government office, they met the official in charge of selling titles, who had no beard and whose demeanor was somewhat effeminate.

The magistrate of Puwu County arranged for several people to be placed there. He was one of the people who had contributed to the purchase of the official position, so the location was chosen to be here.

The elegant room of the county government office.

The eunuch looked at Zhang Xian and Han Ji with a flirtatious expression, and asked in a effeminate tone, "Which of you two was the one who bought the official position this time?"

Zhang Xianhan and the other man remained standing without sitting down. They weren't angry at the arrogant eunuch, but instead humbly replied, "Reporting to our superior, we both purchased the official positions this time."

Zhang Xian cupped his hands in greeting.

"Oh~" The eunuch raised an eyebrow and said in a long, thin voice, "Is the price list clear? I don't have time to repeat it to you. My backside is almost worn out from all the jostling to get here."

"Shangguan, you've worked hard. This is a small token of our appreciation. We hope you will accept it."

Han Ji stepped forward and handed over a box of white sugar in a gilded box and a bottle of wine in a porcelain bottle.

The eunuch chuckled sinisterly, his fingers scraping against the box, making a clicking sound.
"Oh, you two are very thoughtful. I wonder what's inside?"

(End of this chapter)