The Three Kingdoms: The Oath of the Peach Garden, the Rise of the Han Dynasty

Jinyang City.

The governor's office has been replaced by the prefectural governor's office.

The government office, which used to be somewhat simple, now exudes a thriving atmosphere, even though there is no major construction going on.

In the main hall, Liu Bei sat upright in the governor's seat.

Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Li Chang stood on the left and right respectively, while below them, civil and military officials such as Jia Xu, Cheng Yu, Xun Chen, Yue Yin, Zhao Yun, and Huang Zhong gathered together.

Apart from Xu Rong, who was still guarding Yanmen in the north, Xu Huang and Qian Zhao were still in the Taihang Mountains.

Meanwhile, Xiahou Lan had already begun to take charge of the affairs of a prefecture in Yanmen!

This is all thanks to Li Chang's dedicated training! Whether it's literature or martial arts, he's indispensable in almost every aspect!

In just over two years, Xiahou Lan was forced to expend a negligible amount of his lifespan to be cultivated into such a multifaceted genius!

This is Liu Bei's first formal meeting since assuming the post of Governor of Bing Province!

The excitement on everyone's faces was impossible to hide!

From a few hundred local militiamen who started their rebellion in Zhuojun to a powerful official who now governs a province and nine counties, they only took a little over two years!

Liu Bei immediately began bestowing rewards upon his followers.

"Li Chang served as the Prefect of Bingzhou and concurrently as the Prefect of Taiyuan."

The Prefectural Governor was essentially the second-in-command to the Governor, while the Governor could not directly appoint a Prefect since Liu Hong was still alive. Moreover, Li Chang was the Prefect of Yanmen.

He could only temporarily take over as the governor of Taiyuan. Just then, Ding Yuan had already done a good job in his previous post, even though he had offended many people.

"Jia Xu served as Military Advisor and concurrently as a Military Advisor!"

He can focus all his energy on military affairs!

Liu Bei continued:

"Xun Chen served as the Chief Administrator and concurrently as the Literary Master."

"Cheng Yu was appointed Prefect of Shangdang."

"Xiahou Lan's Deeds as Governor of Yanmen"

"Le Yin devoted himself to literature."

"Jian Yong was the chief clerk."

This is mainly a reshuffle of civil officials. The change from governor to prefect has altered the level of power and influence in various aspects, so adjustments are necessary.

As for military positions, apart from some material rewards, there are no immediate opportunities for action.

Even the prefect had to submit a memorial before he could be officially appointed or dismissed.

After the rewards were bestowed, everyone felt not only joy but also greater sorrow! They could all feel that the burden on their shoulders had become even heavier!

The entire prefecture and nine counties were on their shoulders!

"Gentlemen," Liu Bei raised his hand to gesture for them to stop, his gaze sweeping over the crowd:

"Now that we rightfully hold power in Bingzhou, we should prioritize the people and strive to restore the Han Dynasty. The reason we have summoned you all here today is to discuss the future policies for Bingzhou."

Everyone looked at the map of Bingzhou on the wall, which was still drawn by Li Chang.

He frowned slightly.

Because...they can't stand it!

This map is upside down!

Seeing that Li Chang had no intention of speaking for the time being, Xun Chen stepped forward:

"Now, I am officially in charge of all nine prefectures, but I can only truly control Yanmen, Taiyuan, and Shangdang. Yunzhong, Wuyuan, Dingxiang, and Shuofang are just empty titles. Most of Xihe and Shangjun are in the hands of the Hu people."

In particular, the number of county officials is reduced by 30%.

Xun Chen looked unexpectedly tired, as if he had aged several years.

"With the autumn harvest approaching these days, the documents from various counties have piled up like mountains, all requesting the dispatch of officials. Zhongde, Le Gong, and I have been working non-stop for three days and three nights, but we are still overwhelmed."

It's a pity that their talent pool has grown so large, and before they could even relax for a few days, they've already had to deal with a lot more areas that need to be addressed!

Le Yin raised his bloodshot eyes: "Many people fled in the previous battle, and although some people volunteered to fill in afterward, the current officials can barely manage the affairs of one prefecture."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

This is Bingzhou's biggest weakness right now.

Troops, provisions, and weaponry are all in order, but the shortage of talent is alarmingly large.

Of course, the main reason for this was that Li Chang wanted to do too many things at once, and wanted to quickly spread the Yanmen model to the entire Bingzhou.

Just then, Li Chang slowly spoke:

"If we're short of people, we'll ask the whole world for them."

He walked to the map, his gaze sweeping across the nine provinces:

"Brother, I suggest that we immediately issue a recruitment order to the whole country in the name of the Governor of Bingzhou."

Regardless of background, social status, or place of origin, as long as one possesses a skill—whether it be governing a country, leading an army, farming, blacksmithing, or accounting—Bingzhou welcomes them all.

"After they arrive, they will be hired according to their abilities; the capable will be promoted, and the incompetent will be demoted. Their families will be allocated land and housing."

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone in the room was astonished.

"Recruiting talent from all over the world?" Jian Yong's eyes widened. "Mingdao, isn't that too ostentatious? Won't Luoyang have objections?"

Jia Xu also cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "My lord, I am unwell and would like to ask if I may return to Liangzhou to recuperate."

Judging from the situation, Li Changyi knew it was definitely going to fail! It seemed they had moved too quickly!

Or rather... Liu Hong died too slowly!

Why don't you find someone to pay more respects to Liu Hong?

Li Chang gently shook his head, casting aside his distracting thoughts, expressing his helplessness, and shrugged:

"I know that too! But there's really no one available! We can only submit a memorial to Luoyang and request permission."

If it doesn't work...

He looked at the crowd and asked, "Do any of you have a few friends here? How about we invite them?"

"Not only should we recruit, but we should recruit in a grand and ostentatious manner." Li Chang smiled. "Furthermore, I will add another condition—all those who come to serve, regardless of whether they are recommended by anyone, must pass a unified examination. The examination will cover classical texts, arithmetic, law, and practical skills, and the best candidates will be selected."

Le Yin almost cursed, "My three or five close friends almost broke off all ties with me! They're willing to work for me now, but they're not willing to accept official positions for the time being!"

At this moment, Xun Chen was still in a daze.

Since the founding of the Han Dynasty, the selection of officials has always been based on the recommendation system, relying on recommendations from powerful and influential families.

Official appointments through examinations?

This is unprecedented!

Xun Chen's lips moved, as if he wanted to object. This was undoubtedly undermining the foundation of the aristocratic families and cutting off their monopoly on officialdom!

But then again, what are you good for if you, a scion of a prestigious family, can't even pass the exams as well as those from humble backgrounds?

Although they may take away some official positions, as long as their lineage continues, the family will continue.

Li Chang looked at Xun Chen with utmost sincerity: "Brother Youruo, I've heard of the Eight Dragons of the Xun Clan..."

Xun Chen's eyes widened as he pointed at Li Chang: "Mingdao, you even want my father's generation?"

"No, what I mean is, like father, like son, their..."

"They won't be coming," Xun Chen shook his head.

Li Chang met his gaze and understood his thoughts.

Xun Chen felt a little guilty after refusing twice, so he said, "I can write to three or five of my friends and the Yingchuan Private School, but I'm not sure if they will come."

After listening, Li Chang smiled with satisfaction.

People's moral standards are much higher nowadays!

After advising them to leverage their personal networks, Liu Bei was given a list to continue recruiting privately.

This time, the focus is shifting to small and medium-sized families, rather than just those from humble backgrounds or local powerful families as before.

Nowadays, regardless of whether it's acknowledged or not, apart from military generals, top or high-level talents are mainly concentrated in aristocratic families.

Liu Bei agreed immediately, without even considering why Li Chang knew which talents were useful:

"Alright! Then let's do as Fourth Brother says. Draft the recruitment orders immediately and send them to the various prefectures and counties by fast horse."

Having resolved the issue of talent, Li Chang changed the subject and became serious:

"There is something more important than recruiting talent."

"Brother, we must immediately write to Luoyang and request His Majesty to send a eunuch to Bingzhou to supervise the army."

"What?!"

The room erupted in uproar.