Three Kingdoms: Start by marrying Cai Yan, then vie for supremacy.

33

"The focus should be on recruiting sons of gentry families and students from humble backgrounds; they are the primary target group. As for the legitimate sons of gentry families, we won't force them. If someone is willing to come, it means their family intends to curry favor, and it's good to have a backup plan."

Lu Feng understood his image in the eyes of most aristocratic families and was prepared for it.

"That's true."

Xun You and Xi Zhicai both agreed with this focus.

"Furthermore, the reputation of Duke Kangcheng might attract some scions of prominent families."

Xun You speculated.

"That would be perfect!"

Lu Feng smiled upon hearing this.

If this can be achieved, then his efforts to persuade Zheng Xuan to come out of seclusion will not have been in vain.

"So, what's the situation on Liu Bei's side? Has Tao Qian made any moves?"

Lu Feng muttered to himself, then sent someone to summon Lu Yi.

Previously, Liu Bei was repeatedly defeated by Ji Ling's 300,000-strong army; I wonder how he is now.

It would be troublesome if we were actually kicked out of Xuzhou.

Lu Yi quickly returned, panting, and asked, "What did you summon me for, young master?"

Lu Feng joked, "Are you slacking off because of your health?"

"No way!" Lu Yi said urgently, "I've been practicing diligently these past few days, but I'm in a hurry to get back and report." He quickly changed the subject, "What do you need me for?"

Lu Feng put away his jokes and asked seriously, "What's the situation with Liu Bei in Xuzhou? Has Ji Ling managed to break through?"

"Thanks to Tao Qian's assistance, otherwise Ji Ling would have already succeeded," Lu Yi replied. "General Zilong was about to ask whether to send troops to help."

"Tao Qian has made his move?" Lu Feng scoffed. "Does this old fox think he can absolve himself of responsibility by sending Liu Bei to lead the charge?" After a moment's thought, he ordered, "Let them remain locked in a stalemate; it's good for them to wear each other down."

Lu Yi added, "General Zilong shared the same thought, which is why he chose to remain on the sidelines."

"Oh, right," Lu Yi suddenly remembered, "Chen Deng has finished his inspection of Qingzhou and is currently inspecting Yanzhou. He requests an audience with you today, young master."

Lu Feng nodded: "Bring him over."

Only then did Lu Feng remember that Chen Deng was still there, and he quickly nodded in response.

"Having only recently taken over Rencheng County, if it's convenient for you, shall I summon him here now?"

Lu asked for instructions cautiously.

"Can!"

Lu Feng readily agreed.

"I will go and summon him immediately."

Lu Yi strode away from the prefect's residence and sent someone to inform Chen Deng. About a quarter of an hour later, he led Chen Deng to Lu Feng.

"Chen Deng (Chen Yuanlong) of Xiapi pays his respects to Lord Wu!"

Upon seeing Lu Feng, Chen Deng immediately bowed deeply in greeting.

While surprised by Lu Feng's youth, they were even more impressed by his extraordinary demeanor.

This man clearly possesses the qualities of a powerful ruler!

"Haha! Yuanlong, why such a grand gesture? Please rise!"

Lu Feng laughed heartily and stepped forward to help Chen Deng up, looking him over carefully. "I've heard you came to Qing and Yan prefectures for an inspection, but I missed the meeting in Huang County last time. I'm so glad to see you today!"

"What are your impressions of your inspection tour of my jurisdiction over the past few days?"

He knew that Chen Deng was a pillar of society, and with a little training, he would surely be able to take on the responsibilities of the prefecture and county.

In a previous life, this person died young, perhaps before contracting the disease; therefore, careful diagnosis and treatment are necessary.

Upon hearing this, Chen Deng exclaimed, "To be honest, it's truly astonishing!"

"Back in Xuzhou, I heard many misunderstandings about the Marquis's new policies, thinking they were intended to suppress powerful clans and gentry."

"Now, after experiencing it firsthand for half a month, I finally understand the Marquis's profound meaning and the brilliance of his new policies!"

"Chen Deng is completely convinced!"

"I have come today specifically to meet with Your Excellency, to formally pledge allegiance on behalf of the Chen family of Xiapi. I wonder if Your Excellency would be willing to accept me?"

Only by witnessing and investigating firsthand can one truly understand the subtleties of Lu Feng's new policies.

Its ability to understand and guide people's hearts is unparalleled!

Under this new policy, the people of Qing and Yan have long become the Marquis's most steadfast supporters.

The army was strictly disciplined, and no one was allowed to commit any offenses against them. The relationship between the army and the people was harmonious, and the people received comprehensive support and assistance. The soldiers under Lord Wu were brave and skilled in battle, and everyone considered serving in the army an honor.

This scene is truly breathtaking.

Looking across the land of warlords, military service has always been a grueling profession. Who would willingly risk their life unless driven to desperation?

What's even more astonishing is the scene in Qingzhou. The Donglai region is thriving in all sectors, and the speed at which its commerce is booming is astounding.

Chen Dengshi could hardly believe it; the once impoverished Donglai had surpassed the former glory of Luoyang. In just a few short years, Lord Wu seemed to have been divinely inspired, turning stone into gold.

Having witnessed the atmosphere under Lu Feng's rule, Chen Deng felt deeply that its momentum was unstoppable. Such vigorous vitality and the light of hope shining in the eyes of the people were truly rare in the territories of warlords in this chaotic world.

Thinking of this, Chen Deng secretly made a decision: "The world will eventually fall to Lord Wu. How can my Chen family miss this opportunity?"

"Yuanlong and the Chen family are willing to serve you like dogs and horses, which is more than I could ask for!" Lu Feng welcomed them with pleasure and invited them to take a seat.

"Thank you for your kindness, my lord." Chen Deng sat up straight and inquired, "How should the Chen family be settled? Should the entire clan come to surrender immediately, or should they remain in Xuzhou temporarily in preparation for future support?"

Lu Feng immediately replied, "For now, maintain the status quo and continue as usual! I will surely be able to conquer Xuzhou within a year at most, and then it will be time for the Chen family to serve!"

Wouldn't it be foolish to leave an inside agent readily available?

"Just what I wanted!"

Chen Deng smiled and nodded: "Since serving our lord, I have not achieved any merit. This is a perfect opportunity. Would you like us to make arrangements secretly in Xuzhou?"

Lu Feng waved his hand again: "No need for now. If assistance is needed, I will send my bodyguards to make contact."

"Thanks to the previous management by the Mi family, the layout of Xuzhou is already nearly complete. The only thing lacking now is mid- to lower-level officials to implement the new policies. Once they are trained, not only Xuzhou, but even Yuzhou will be within our grasp!"

He never took either Yuan Shu or Tao Qian seriously.

"I see!"

Chen Deng suddenly realized: "I was wondering why our lord had remained inactive after taking Yanzhou."

"Before Qingzhou, other aristocratic families speculated that our lord's forces were insufficient. But seeing it with our own eyes, we realized that this was far from the truth."

"But little did we know that the crux of the problem lay here. Logically speaking, recruiting lower- and middle-ranking officials shouldn't have been difficult, right?"

Lu Feng chuckled upon hearing this: "Yuanlong's observation still has oversights! In order to ensure the implementation of the new policies, our dynasty extends power directly to the villages and towns, truly bringing imperial power to the countryside. Every decree must be implemented down to the household level, and we will not allow the elders and powerful clans to obstruct it."

"This would require a large number of low-ranking officials who are familiar with the new policies. Such talents are nowhere to be found, so we have to cultivate them ourselves."

Chen Deng clapped his hands and said, "No wonder our lord has established so many schools, building an educational system from village schools to state schools!"

Lu Feng praised, "Exactly!"

Lu Feng looked approvingly at Chen Deng: "That's exactly right! The talented individuals selected through this system are mostly from impoverished backgrounds. The new policies are fundamentally related to them and safeguard their well-being."

Therefore, only by having these personally trained and capable officials in charge of new policies at the grassroots level can we ensure that reforms take root and flourish.

Those with vested interests are at the core of implementation; when grassroots officials benefit, government orders will naturally be implemented without hindrance.

"My lord is wise!"

Chen Deng couldn't help but sigh.

In terms of magnanimity and breadth of mind alone, no one among the feudal lords could match Lu Feng, not to mention his other talents.

"Yuanlong, you flatter me! I was merely doing my duty! This chaotic world should have been transformed long ago, otherwise it will inevitably repeat the mistakes of the Han Dynasty!"

Lu Feng waved his hand and laughed, "This reform aims not only to break the cycle of fate, but also to bring happiness to the people and restore China's former glory."

"Such ambition is even more commendable!" Chen Deng exclaimed sincerely. "The other lords are obsessed with power struggles; how can they be compared to our lord?"

It's a world of difference!

The two had a long talk that day.

Chen Dengduo asked Lu Feng for advice on the details of the new policy, and Lu Feng answered all his questions patiently.

The next day at dawn, Chen Deng came to say goodbye.

Why not linger a few more days?

Lu Feng insisted on staying.

To prevent their whereabouts from being leaked, a farewell banquet was held only inside the government office.

Time waits for no one!

Chen Deng resolutely replied, "Now that we have witnessed the true essence, we should quickly return to Xiapi and inform my father."

"Although the double was arranged by the secret guards, there's a risk of complications if left unattended. (Li Ma Zhao) It would be better to return as soon as possible!"

"When our lord's army arrives at Xuzhou, the Chen family will surely offer generous gifts to welcome him!"

"We await good news!" Lu Feng clapped his hands and laughed.

(

Lu Feng turned to Lu Yi beside him and instructed, "Send elite troops to secretly escort Mr. Yuanlong back to Xiapi. Make sure the journey is safe! Understand?"

"Yes, sir!"

Lu Yi clasped his hands in agreement, then gestured to Chen Deng, "Mr. Yuanlong, please follow me. The carriage and horses are ready."

Thank you for your trouble.

Chen Deng bowed to Lu Feng to say goodbye and left with Lu Yi.

One day, while alone, Lu Feng activated the system: "Use special sign-in opportunity."

[Ding! Special check-in successful. You have received: Aptitude Enhancement Card x1, Amine Yellow Preparation Process]

"Oh?"

Lu Feng raised an eyebrow slightly: "The aptitude card is indeed a wonderful item. It can be kept for Zhao Ji or future offspring, or it can be rewarded to meritorious soldiers."

"This amine yellow is a real treasure! As a miraculous anti-infective drug, it can significantly improve the survival rate of wounded soldiers."

He eagerly picked up the technical manual, studied it carefully, and clapped his hands in admiration: "Although mass production is difficult under current conditions, it's still worth a try!"

He immediately summoned Lu Yi and handed him a manual: "Quickly dispatch elite troops to Lu Ling's location in Huang County, and order him to immediately assemble a team to develop it. Provide all necessary resources as long as they are reasonable!"

Lu Yi took the book, puzzled, and asked, "Young Master values ​​this item so highly, could it be some kind of divine object comparable to cement?"

Lu Feng smiled but did not answer.

Lu Feng laughed heartily and replied, "Not at all! However, this technology is no less valuable than cement. It can be used to produce an effective antibacterial medicine, which can significantly improve the survival rate of wounded soldiers."

"hiss--"

Lu Yi gasped in shock, his grip on the book tightening unconsciously. "Such a miraculous medicine exists in the world? This is a blessing for the entire army! Young master, I will arrange it immediately!"

Two days later,

Inside the city of Xiapi,

In the study of the Chen family mansion,

"Father, your son has returned!"

After the bodyguard disguised as Chen Deng left, the real Chen Deng respectfully bowed to Chen Gui.

"It's good that you're back! It's good that you're back!"

Chen Gui smiled and nodded, then asked with concern, "What did you gain from your half-month trip to Qing and Yan provinces?"

"It's a complete transformation! If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I would never have imagined that Lord Wu had managed Donglai to such an extent!"

Even at its peak, Luoyang could not compare!

Chen Deng excitedly recounted his experiences on the trip to his father.

He meticulously analyzed the current situation in Qing and Yan, concluding, "Father, please forgive me. Two days ago, I formally pledged allegiance to Lord Wu and had not had time to discuss this with you."

Chen Gui waved his hand and said, "If the situation under Lord Wu's rule is truly as you say, not only is it without fault, but it is a wise move!"

"The powerful clans have underestimated this Marquis of Wu! Judging from the fact that his new policies have taken root and flourished, they are clearly the result of careful consideration. Even more remarkable is that his various decrees complement each other. It seems that Xuzhou will fall into his hands sooner or later."

"You did the right thing. Only by serving us as soon as possible can the Chen family gain the upper hand. Who knows, we might even break out of the Xuzhou situation and reach a higher level in the future."

Chen Dengshen agreed wholeheartedly: "That's exactly right! We must not miss this opportunity! In the future, many prominent families will likely envy the Chen family's decisive action today."

"When will Lord Wu launch his campaign against Xuzhou? When should our clan relocate to Qing and Yan? Also, has Lord Wu granted us any official positions?"

Chen Gui glanced sideways at Chen Deng.

Chen Deng sighed softly and shook his head, replying, "There's been no movement yet! Judging from the current situation, Lord Wu will not launch an attack on Xuzhou for at least a year."

What do you mean?

Chen Gui frowned slightly.

"Lord Wu has just acquired Yanzhou, and his new policies are facing a shortage of capable leaders. It will take at least another year of training to ensure sufficient personnel," Chen Deng explained. "Lord Wu has always valued the foundation of his new policies and will only act after thorough preparation."

This is indeed a prudent approach. If we act hastily and cause the new policies in Xuzhou to be abandoned halfway, it will become a major hidden danger.

Chen Gui clapped his hands in sudden realization, but then asked with concern, "Then how should the Chen family conduct itself? Should we continue to lie low in Xuzhou? Has Lord Wu given any instructions?"