The world of counterfeit magistrates competes in the world

Chapter 233

After Ninghai City recovered, the anti-insurgency army dispatched 1 troops to garrison the city, and the remaining hundreds of thousands of horses began to prepare for their return to the court.

At this time, in the Ninghai City State Mansion, Cao Ziyan was entertaining the heads of the major families in the city.

After a lot of toasting and chatting, the topic gradually became the main topic.Holding a glass of wine, Cao Ziyan looked around at the crowd and said with a smile: "Everyone, Haizhou has completely recovered, but refugees are everywhere, and people's livelihood is dying. When this general went south, Prime Minister Cao told me that Haizhou is an empire. The fertile land in the southeast is a place where wealth gathers. Now the world is in turmoil, and all places need countless money and food to relieve difficulties. Nearly half of the imperial court’s financial resources come from Haizhou. It is necessary to restore people’s livelihood quickly after suppressing the rebellion. Therefore, I hope that the general will promote the local people Talented people, as local officials, through the understanding of the local customs, Haizhou's war wounds will be restored as soon as possible."

When everyone heard this, their eyes lit up, and their breathing gradually became short of breath.

Cao Ziyan looked at everyone's reaction with satisfaction, and continued: "Everyone knows that after Haizhou was occupied by King Jinghai, many officials turned to rebels one after another, which was despised by the world. Or run away, now the counties and counties are without officials and officials, and they are in chaos. It will take several months for the officials appointed by the imperial court to be confirmed, but Shengmin can't wait that long. The so-called rush to follow the power, I have to do it here Selecting suitable officials and entrusting them with heavy responsibilities to govern the region for the court will not only make meritorious deeds, but also give you a chance to display your ambitions. I also hope that you will firmly grasp this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and don’t miss it.”

"General Cao, you, are you telling the truth? We can still be officials, no, serve the court?"

"Yes, General Cao, is what you said true? We, what should we do to serve the court?"

"Prime Minister Cao is wise, this is a timely rain for the people of Haizhou. On behalf of the thousands of people in Haizhou, I would like to thank the Prime Minister for his kindness!"

With a smile on the corner of Cao Ziyan's mouth, he drank the wine in his glass proudly. This banquet will be an excellent opportunity to tie the Haizhou aristocratic family to the Cao family's chariot.In the name of the imperial court, the Cao family's forces were placed in Haizhou, and Haizhou was finally turned into the territory of the Cao family.

"Don't worry, everyone, this matter is absolutely true." Cao Ziyan put down his wine glass, raised his hand to press down on everyone, and after everyone calmed down, he said, "If you want to become a herdsman officer in Haizhou, you must show your loyalty to the court. Only in this way can the imperial court rest assured that you will be appointed to govern the people."

"Ah? Then, what should we do to show our loyalty to the imperial court?" a patriarch asked weakly.

"Hehe, it's too easy for you all to show your loyalty." Cao Ziyan laughed, "The empire has just gone through several wars, with the invasion of the Golden Werewolf in the north, the invasion of the Tianyun Kingdom in the west, and the rebellion of King Jinghai of Haizhou. As a result, the court's finances have dried up, and many people's livelihood relief and military rations are still not in place. After Haizhou was pacified this time, the imperial army will go north to recover the land of the three northern states occupied by rebels. Naturally, the expedition of Laoshi needs countless money and food to support it .If you can donate military funds to the imperial court to help the army suppress bandits, then your contribution will be great, and the imperial court will naturally appreciate your loyalty."

When everyone heard the words, their faces became tense, they looked at each other, and quickly asked: "General, I don't know how much money I have to donate to get an official position?"

Cao Ziyan showed a bright smile, "The general has no right to decide the official position above the county guard, but everyone below the county magistrate is under consideration. Anyone who donates more than 5 taels can be awarded the post of magistrate of a county, and more than 10 taels can get the post of county magistrate. For the position of the county government official, more than 50 taels will be able to sit firmly as the county magistrate or captain. Haizhou has 96 counties and [-] counties. The imperial court will make some adjustments to the amount of donations according to the gap between the rich and the poor. Bidding will definitely not let you suffer."

As soon as this remark came out, everyone in the audience was shocked, and at the same time, their hearts were filled with enthusiasm. Money was no problem for them at all, and becoming an official was their dream but elusive goal.Among all the families present here, which one did not spare no effort to train the nephews in the family for them to study.To get it is to go to high school and become an official in the court.Only when someone in the clan becomes an official can the clan grow continuously and last for a long time.

"Okay, everyone go back and think about it first, and we will confirm the quota here tomorrow." Seeing the mixed expressions of everyone, Cao Ziyan knew that he still had doubts in his heart, so he didn't urge him immediately.

Walking out of the state capital, Gu Baichuan's face was gloomy, and he hurried back home sullenly.

As soon as he got home, Gu Xiong'an walked up anxiously, "Father, how are things going?"

"Sigh, today we didn't talk about any rewards for those who are upright like me." Gu Baichuan said with a sigh.

"Ah? Then, wouldn't our efforts be wasted?" Gu Xiong'an was very unwilling and said angrily.

"Hmph, what's your little effort yesterday?" Gu Baichuan glared at him and reprimanded him, "I understand that the imperial army could have taken Ninghai City easily, just because Mr. Cao wanted to fight for it." It is only the military merit that gives us rebellious people a chance, otherwise, once the army breaks through the city, our family will be destroyed."

"So, should we still thank him?" Gu Xiong'an sneered and said dissatisfied.

"Shouldn't we be grateful?" Gu Baichuan looked at him and said seriously, "If Mr. Cao hadn't taken the initiative to win us over, what would have happened to us at this time, do you know?"

"Well, we, I'm afraid our family will be ruined." Gu Xiong'an's face changed slightly, and he said with difficulty.

"That's right, if it wasn't for Mr. Cao, we would be guilty, and we would have no chance to do meritorious deeds and get rid of the crime of rebellion. Mr. Cao is even planning to select a group of talents from our major families to go to various places in Haizhou to serve as magistrates." .”

"What? Also, there is this matter? This, how is this possible?" Gu Xiong'an was shocked and shouted.

Gu Baichuan sneered, "Yes, this is what Mr. Cao discussed with our families today. But do you know what criteria he uses to select officials?"

"This, please tell my father."

"Mr. Cao actually marked the price of his official position and sold it openly, even though it was in the name of donating military funds." Gu Baichuan said bitterly, "Isn't this the so-called selling an official to sell a noble? It's ridiculous. The court actually allowed the sale of an official to sell a noble up?"

"Ah? That's the case?" Gu Xiong'an exclaimed, "Father, can this Mr. Cao have this ability? Could it be that Prime Minister Cao has really lost his power?"

"I'm afraid that's the case." Gu Baichuan nodded, his face extremely solemn, "The one who benefits the most from the first prince's ascension to the throne is Prime Minister Cao. Now most of the military power and regime are in his hands. The entire court, Most of them are his people. Tell me, how much power does Prime Minister Cao have now?"

"In that case, father, what should our Gu family do? Should we join the Cao family?" Gu Xiong'an frowned, with a confused look on his face.

"Xiong'an, the current world is no longer peaceful and prosperous, and the world is about to fall into chaos." Gu Baichuan looked at him with his hands behind his back, "From the invasion of the Golden Werewolves to the invasion of the Tianyun Kingdom; After the collapse, the princes competed for the throne; Tianwu was severely injured in the continuous disputes. Now, the northern heroes are divided, the southern rebellion is endless, the empire is in conflict, and the national power has declined and weakened. In the opinion of the father, troubled times are coming , we, the Gu family, must be prepared to survive in troubled times. Now that all the major families in Ninghai City are being wooed by Mr. Cao, anyway, in the eyes of everyone, they are already members of the Cao family. Whether we like it or not, the Cao family Already our only option, and at the same time the best option right now."

"Troubled times? Father, are you being too alarmist? After all, Tianwu established the country for 300 years, how could it fall so easily?" Gu Xiong'an retorted nervously.

"Huh, so what about 300 years? Which of the dynasties in the past can last forever?" Gu Baichuan shook his head and snorted coldly, "After 300 years, it means that 300 years of accumulated evils have accumulated. It's time to break out. In Xiong'an, in troubled times, force is paramount. If our Gu family wants to survive in this troubled world, we must master strong force, so that we can guarantee the fate of the family."

"Father's words are reasonable, but the boy is only a school lieutenant now, with only 2000 people under his command, which is not worth mentioning in troubled times." Gu Xiong'an shook his head and sighed with a slumped face.

"Because of this, I decided for my father that this time I must buy you the position of captain of the next county." Gu Baichuan's eyes burst into a fiery look, he hugged Gu Xiong'an's shoulders, and said excitedly, "Xiong'an , In troubled times, you must firmly grasp the military power to survive. The family will spend all their wealth to fight for a suitable place for you to strengthen your army. You must seize this opportunity, understand?"

"Father, the child understands, and he must live up to the great trust of the family!" Gu Xiong'an straightened his face and said in a deep voice.

(End of this chapter)