“Mengsun, have you heard about the strange incident in Jinyang?” The door of the small courtyard was pushed open with a creak, and a young man dressed in a swallow-tailed robe barged in, calling out loudly.
The man referred to as “Mengsun” didn’t even lift his head, still looking at the scroll in his hand, casually saying, “What has Lord Liang done this time?”
“Oh, it’s naturally Lord Liang! It’s said that Jinyang has just issued a decree. The governor’s office is selecting officials, setting questions for people to answer. Who ever heard of selecting officials being so troublesome? And they even bypassed the chief official! It’s said that many people from Shangdang and Jinyang have gone, hoping to seize this opportunity to secure an official position!”
The young man spoke with excitement, a gossip-like demeanor. However, upon hearing this, the man reading the book suddenly lifted his head, asking, “Governor’s office selection? How are they setting the questions?”
“This…” The young man couldn’t help but hesitate. After a moment of thought, he said, “Did they instruct people to write the answers on paper? It seems like that’s how officials were selected in Shangdang before. This time, Governor Liang’s promotion to the inspector of Bing County, did Jinyang follow the same procedure?”
“Is it just selecting officials? What are they testing?” The other person continued to inquire swiftly.
“There are exams in Confucian classics, calculations, and medicine. Confucian classics can be reasoned out, but what about calculations and medicine?” The young man only heard hearsay; how could he know the details?
This answer obviously didn’t satisfy the man. He furrowed his brow, dropped the book in his hand, and suddenly said, “I want to visit Jinyang!”
“What?” The other person was stunned. “Didn’t you just become unemployed? Why are you going out again? Bing County is not exactly peaceful now…”
Zhang Bin was not an ordinary person. Well-versed in history and literature, with broad aspirations and disdain for the idle chatter of the influential and privileged, he had clashed with Sima Shuo under Marquis Zhongqiu’s command and eventually resigned due to their discord. Since then, he spent his days at home reading, seemingly uninterested in going out.
Why suddenly decide to go to Jinyang upon hearing this news?
“There is no place of peace in the world.” Zhang Bin stood up, his eyes gleaming with determination. “I often compare myself to Zifang. Now that I have encountered a wise lord, shouldn’t I go and meet him in person!”
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Ignoring his friend’s bewildered expression, Zhang Bin turned and entered the room, quickly packing his belongings.
Although he was proactive, the journey from Zhaojun to Bing County would still involve some complications. The current situation in Ji County was utterly chaotic. A herdsman named Jisang rose in rebellion and quickly became a leader with thousands of followers. This group had joined forces with Gongshi Fan, a general under Prince Chengdu Sima Ying, and even declared themselves emperors, causing a great uproar.
Commander Wang Jun of You County had sent troops several times to help Sima Teng, who guarded Ji County, to eliminate the bandits. However, rebels were like resilient weeds; even if you burned them, they would sprout anew, and each time, they grew more vigorously.
It’s thanks to Zhang Bin’s exceptional skills and boldness that he ventured alone, riding through the chaotic Ji County territory, reaching Baijing. Beyond this lies Shangdang, leading to Jinyang. Unexpectedly, near Baijing, there were quite a few refugees.
This was indeed a strange occurrence! Bing County was one of the first provinces to descend into chaos, not only establishing a Xiongnu state but also harboring countless nomads, with military conflicts erupting everywhere. Even if people were fleeing, shouldn’t they seek refuge in You County? Why choose to join Bing County?
What’s even more peculiar is that the guards at Baijing did not show any intention of blocking them. They only set up checkpoints, checked the refugees, and allowed them to enter after inspection. As a scholar, Zhang Bin was somewhat different from the others and underwent scrutiny from the guards, declaring that he was going to Jinyang for an examination. Only then did they let him through.
Following these people into Bing County, Zhang Bin quickly learned why the refugees were migrating here.
Just across the Taihang Mountains, it felt like a demarcation between the supernatural and the mortal world! The stability and prosperity of Shangdang far exceeded imagination!
Advertisement
Throughout the journey, farmers reclaiming fields were seen everywhere. Every ten miles or so, one could spot a water-powered mill, drawing water from the canal to irrigate the fields. There were also newly built wubao1, some large enough to accommodate thousands of households, resembling small cities. Smaller ones could still house over three hundred people, not much different from villages. They were scattered like pearls, strewn amidst the mountains and fields.
With every action and stillness, every encampment and defense, the whole of Shangdang was flourishing. Just looking at these wubao and farmlands made it easy to imagine how the common people in the fields managed to safeguard their lives in the face of enemy threats.
What’s even more astonishing is that the farmers in the fields weren’t just cultivating crops. One could often see them gathering to practice formations and train with knives and bows. If all the people in this county were like this, how significant a military force would it be?
He arrived too late! Zhang Bin couldn’t help but feel regret. He had heard of the fame of Liang Zixi in Shangdang before. However, equally renowned were the rumors about his compassionate Buddhist beliefs. The lord he sought was never a “virtuous minister.” This was precisely why he had never truly been interested in Governor Liang.
But now, it seemed like this was more than the deeds of a mere minister! Even if it were Emperor Han Wen or Wei Wu, it might only be a semblance!
So, walking and observing along the way for several days, he finally arrived at the city of Jinyang. Compared to Shangdang, Jinyang appeared somewhat disorderly, but the desolation of post-war times was nowhere to be found. It was as if there had been no fierce battle besieging the city just a month ago. Inside and outside the city gates, everything was in perfect order. There were even many vehicles loaded with goods, waiting in line for inspection.
The flow of trade goods was an important symbol of local stability. Unexpectedly, in just a short two months, Governor Liang had revived Bing County.
After verifying his identity once again, Zhang Bin entered this prominent city in the northern region. Instead of rushing to the governor’s office, he settled in a residence. The dwelling was not small and offered food. Zhang Bin casually ordered a bowl of lamb soup to satisfy his hunger. Seeing his scholarly appearance, the waiter wasn’t shy and asked with a smile, “Is the guest here to take the examination at the governor’s office? You might be a bit late!”
Curious, as even the servants were aware of this matter, Zhang Bin asked, “Why, has the imperial examination already concluded?”
“That’s right. Over a hundred people came, and most of them had already had their meals in the small restaurants!” The waiter boasted a bit before continuing, “Ten days ago, these scholars just finished their exams in the governor’s office. It’s said that the exam questions were the same for all subjects, and it depends on who answered them exceptionally well. We’re eagerly waiting for the list to be posted these days. If they pass, they can all become officials in the governor’s office!”
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These attendants couldn’t distinguish between officials and clerks. However, upon hearing this news, Zhang Bin inwardly nodded in agreement. It truly seemed to be a test with uniform exam papers. With a bit of effort, it wouldn’t be difficult to discern the extent of scholars’ knowledge. But why include a medical section?
Zhang Bin casually remarked, “It’s a pity I arrived late. I can understand the subjects of Confucian classics and calculations, but why include a medical section?”
The waiter chuckled, “Guest, you might not know. There’s a hospital in Jinyang. The head doctor, Dr. Jiang, was the miraculous healer who treated the major epidemic in Jinyang! Every now and then, the hospital holds free clinics to help people with their illnesses. Did you not see when those barbarians attacked Jinyang before, and they left thousands of corpses outside the city? Yet, there was no outbreak of disease in the city. It’s all thanks to the protection of the governor and the divine doctors!”
So, Jinyang placed significant importance on physicians. Hearing this, Zhang Bin couldn’t help but shudder. In terms of maintaining public peace, there might not be a more effective method. Despite practicing military agriculture, conducting exams for scholars, and dealing with significant affairs, how could they maintain such a benevolent heart?
Could it be that he had miscalculated? After giving some reward money, he dismissed the waiter. Zhang Bin finished his meal leisurely and began to wander around. After waiting for two days, the notice was finally posted by the governor’s office. This time, they selected thirty-two Confucian scholars, five arithmetic scholars, and a more substantial number of medical scholars, totaling twelve. Those who didn’t pass the exam, while disappointed, didn’t harbor much resentment. The questions were uniform, and their answers were self-evident.
Moreover, the governor’s office had already stated that there would be similar opportunities for selection next year. For those who wished to retest, they could return home or enroll in the county school in Shangdang and wait for the next examination. The libraries and county schools in Shangdang had become notable attractions, with a flourishing literary atmosphere that captivated many, encouraging them to stay in Bing County and seek opportunities.
Seeing the hopeful expressions on the faces of these low-born scholars, Zhang Bin heaved a long sigh. No time to worry about so much! Even if Governor Liang turned out to be different from what he had imagined, he had to make an attempt! Such a remarkable figure should not be missed!
That day, he wrote a letter of application and submitted it to the governor’s office.
※
“This time, the number of people admitted to the examination is really limited,” Liang Feng said, looking at the list and letting out a soft sigh.
Even if low-born scholars were diligent, their opportunities were limited. However, for the strategy of casting a wide net, this examination could be considered successful. The number of admissions was secondary; the crucial point was undoubtedly that this had opened a door for the lower-class scholars, a door not easily closed.
After all, the high-born didn’t care much about these positions for common officials. However, starting at a lower rank, those with exceptional abilities could gradually rise under his leadership. The situation in Bing County was not comparable to the early years; many counties had experienced sieges, and those with both ability and integrity had mostly sacrificed themselves for the country. Those who had defected to the enemy could now be conveniently replaced. In this way, the grassroots of the entire Bing County fell into his hands, and his policies and measures could be implemented step by step.
However, even though they selected lower-class scholars, the high-born and noble families also needed to receive corresponding benefits. However, those in high positions had to be extremely cautious. Both capability and character could not be underestimated. Otherwise, when the enemy arrived and the city gates opened, all would be lost!
While thinking about what other talents Bing County had to offer, Duan Qin suddenly requested an audience, “Lord, there is a scholar seeking an audience. This young man used to be a commander under Prince Zhongqiu, and his father served as the Prefect of Zhongshan. He is of humble origin. However, the letter of request is somewhat unusual…”
Recently, with the establishment of the examination system, there were indeed many scholars seeking audiences. However, most of them followed the connections of people like Duan Qin and Sun Li. Those who directly posted their requests to the governor’s office were indeed few. It was even rarer for Duan Qin to urgently come and report such a matter!
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Liang Feng took the letter of request, glanced at it, and raised his eyebrows.
There was only one sentence written on it.
“Lord, have you employed the strategies of Zhang Liang, who walked on hot coals and waded through boiling water?”
“Mengsun, have you heard about the strange incident in Jinyang?” The door of the small courtyard was pushed open with a creak, and a young man dressed in a swallow-tailed robe barged in, calling out loudly.
The man referred to as “Mengsun” didn’t even lift his head, still looking at the scroll in his hand, casually saying, “What has Lord Liang done this time?”
“Oh, it’s naturally Lord Liang! It’s said that Jinyang has just issued a decree. The governor’s office is selecting officials, setting questions for people to answer. Who ever heard of selecting officials being so troublesome? And they even bypassed the chief official! It’s said that many people from Shangdang and Jinyang have gone, hoping to seize this opportunity to secure an official position!”
The young man spoke with excitement, a gossip-like demeanor. However, upon hearing this, the man reading the book suddenly lifted his head, asking, “Governor’s office selection? How are they setting the questions?”
“This…” The young man couldn’t help but hesitate. After a moment of thought, he said, “Did they instruct people to write the answers on paper? It seems like that’s how officials were selected in Shangdang before. This time, Governor Liang’s promotion to the inspector of Bing County, did Jinyang follow the same procedure?”
“Is it just selecting officials? What are they testing?” The other person continued to inquire swiftly.
“There are exams in Confucian classics, calculations, and medicine. Confucian classics can be reasoned out, but what about calculations and medicine?” The young man only heard hearsay; how could he know the details?
This answer obviously didn’t satisfy the man. He furrowed his brow, dropped the book in his hand, and suddenly said, “I want to visit Jinyang!”
“What?” The other person was stunned. “Didn’t you just become unemployed? Why are you going out again? Bing County is not exactly peaceful now…”
Zhang Bin was not an ordinary person. Well-versed in history and literature, with broad aspirations and disdain for the idle chatter of the influential and privileged, he had clashed with Sima Shuo under Marquis Zhongqiu’s command and eventually resigned due to their discord. Since then, he spent his days at home reading, seemingly uninterested in going out.
Why suddenly decide to go to Jinyang upon hearing this news?
“There is no place of peace in the world.” Zhang Bin stood up, his eyes gleaming with determination. “I often compare myself to Zifang. Now that I have encountered a wise lord, shouldn’t I go and meet him in person!”
Advertisement
Ignoring his friend’s bewildered expression, Zhang Bin turned and entered the room, quickly packing his belongings.
Although he was proactive, the journey from Zhaojun to Bing County would still involve some complications. The current situation in Ji County was utterly chaotic. A herdsman named Jisang rose in rebellion and quickly became a leader with thousands of followers. This group had joined forces with Gongshi Fan, a general under Prince Chengdu Sima Ying, and even declared themselves emperors, causing a great uproar.
Commander Wang Jun of You County had sent troops several times to help Sima Teng, who guarded Ji County, to eliminate the bandits. However, rebels were like resilient weeds; even if you burned them, they would sprout anew, and each time, they grew more vigorously.
It’s thanks to Zhang Bin’s exceptional skills and boldness that he ventured alone, riding through the chaotic Ji County territory, reaching Baijing. Beyond this lies Shangdang, leading to Jinyang. Unexpectedly, near Baijing, there were quite a few refugees.
This was indeed a strange occurrence! Bing County was one of the first provinces to descend into chaos, not only establishing a Xiongnu state but also harboring countless nomads, with military conflicts erupting everywhere. Even if people were fleeing, shouldn’t they seek refuge in You County? Why choose to join Bing County?
What’s even more peculiar is that the guards at Baijing did not show any intention of blocking them. They only set up checkpoints, checked the refugees, and allowed them to enter after inspection. As a scholar, Zhang Bin was somewhat different from the others and underwent scrutiny from the guards, declaring that he was going to Jinyang for an examination. Only then did they let him through.
Following these people into Bing County, Zhang Bin quickly learned why the refugees were migrating here.
Just across the Taihang Mountains, it felt like a demarcation between the supernatural and the mortal world! The stability and prosperity of Shangdang far exceeded imagination!
Advertisement
Throughout the journey, farmers reclaiming fields were seen everywhere. Every ten miles or so, one could spot a water-powered mill, drawing water from the canal to irrigate the fields. There were also newly built wubao1, some large enough to accommodate thousands of households, resembling small cities. Smaller ones could still house over three hundred people, not much different from villages. They were scattered like pearls, strewn amidst the mountains and fields.
With every action and stillness, every encampment and defense, the whole of Shangdang was flourishing. Just looking at these wubao and farmlands made it easy to imagine how the common people in the fields managed to safeguard their lives in the face of enemy threats.
What’s even more astonishing is that the farmers in the fields weren’t just cultivating crops. One could often see them gathering to practice formations and train with knives and bows. If all the people in this county were like this, how significant a military force would it be?
He arrived too late! Zhang Bin couldn’t help but feel regret. He had heard of the fame of Liang Zixi in Shangdang before. However, equally renowned were the rumors about his compassionate Buddhist beliefs. The lord he sought was never a “virtuous minister.” This was precisely why he had never truly been interested in Governor Liang.
But now, it seemed like this was more than the deeds of a mere minister! Even if it were Emperor Han Wen or Wei Wu, it might only be a semblance!
So, walking and observing along the way for several days, he finally arrived at the city of Jinyang. Compared to Shangdang, Jinyang appeared somewhat disorderly, but the desolation of post-war times was nowhere to be found. It was as if there had been no fierce battle besieging the city just a month ago. Inside and outside the city gates, everything was in perfect order. There were even many vehicles loaded with goods, waiting in line for inspection.
The flow of trade goods was an important symbol of local stability. Unexpectedly, in just a short two months, Governor Liang had revived Bing County.
After verifying his identity once again, Zhang Bin entered this prominent city in the northern region. Instead of rushing to the governor’s office, he settled in a residence. The dwelling was not small and offered food. Zhang Bin casually ordered a bowl of lamb soup to satisfy his hunger. Seeing his scholarly appearance, the waiter wasn’t shy and asked with a smile, “Is the guest here to take the examination at the governor’s office? You might be a bit late!”
Curious, as even the servants were aware of this matter, Zhang Bin asked, “Why, has the imperial examination already concluded?”
“That’s right. Over a hundred people came, and most of them had already had their meals in the small restaurants!” The waiter boasted a bit before continuing, “Ten days ago, these scholars just finished their exams in the governor’s office. It’s said that the exam questions were the same for all subjects, and it depends on who answered them exceptionally well. We’re eagerly waiting for the list to be posted these days. If they pass, they can all become officials in the governor’s office!”
Advertisement
These attendants couldn’t distinguish between officials and clerks. However, upon hearing this news, Zhang Bin inwardly nodded in agreement. It truly seemed to be a test with uniform exam papers. With a bit of effort, it wouldn’t be difficult to discern the extent of scholars’ knowledge. But why include a medical section?
Zhang Bin casually remarked, “It’s a pity I arrived late. I can understand the subjects of Confucian classics and calculations, but why include a medical section?”
The waiter chuckled, “Guest, you might not know. There’s a hospital in Jinyang. The head doctor, Dr. Jiang, was the miraculous healer who treated the major epidemic in Jinyang! Every now and then, the hospital holds free clinics to help people with their illnesses. Did you not see when those barbarians attacked Jinyang before, and they left thousands of corpses outside the city? Yet, there was no outbreak of disease in the city. It’s all thanks to the protection of the governor and the divine doctors!”
So, Jinyang placed significant importance on physicians. Hearing this, Zhang Bin couldn’t help but shudder. In terms of maintaining public peace, there might not be a more effective method. Despite practicing military agriculture, conducting exams for scholars, and dealing with significant affairs, how could they maintain such a benevolent heart?
Could it be that he had miscalculated? After giving some reward money, he dismissed the waiter. Zhang Bin finished his meal leisurely and began to wander around. After waiting for two days, the notice was finally posted by the governor’s office. This time, they selected thirty-two Confucian scholars, five arithmetic scholars, and a more substantial number of medical scholars, totaling twelve. Those who didn’t pass the exam, while disappointed, didn’t harbor much resentment. The questions were uniform, and their answers were self-evident.
Moreover, the governor’s office had already stated that there would be similar opportunities for selection next year. For those who wished to retest, they could return home or enroll in the county school in Shangdang and wait for the next examination. The libraries and county schools in Shangdang had become notable attractions, with a flourishing literary atmosphere that captivated many, encouraging them to stay in Bing County and seek opportunities.
Seeing the hopeful expressions on the faces of these low-born scholars, Zhang Bin heaved a long sigh. No time to worry about so much! Even if Governor Liang turned out to be different from what he had imagined, he had to make an attempt! Such a remarkable figure should not be missed!
That day, he wrote a letter of application and submitted it to the governor’s office.
※
“This time, the number of people admitted to the examination is really limited,” Liang Feng said, looking at the list and letting out a soft sigh.
Even if low-born scholars were diligent, their opportunities were limited. However, for the strategy of casting a wide net, this examination could be considered successful. The number of admissions was secondary; the crucial point was undoubtedly that this had opened a door for the lower-class scholars, a door not easily closed.
After all, the high-born didn’t care much about these positions for common officials. However, starting at a lower rank, those with exceptional abilities could gradually rise under his leadership. The situation in Bing County was not comparable to the early years; many counties had experienced sieges, and those with both ability and integrity had mostly sacrificed themselves for the country. Those who had defected to the enemy could now be conveniently replaced. In this way, the grassroots of the entire Bing County fell into his hands, and his policies and measures could be implemented step by step.
However, even though they selected lower-class scholars, the high-born and noble families also needed to receive corresponding benefits. However, those in high positions had to be extremely cautious. Both capability and character could not be underestimated. Otherwise, when the enemy arrived and the city gates opened, all would be lost!
While thinking about what other talents Bing County had to offer, Duan Qin suddenly requested an audience, “Lord, there is a scholar seeking an audience. This young man used to be a commander under Prince Zhongqiu, and his father served as the Prefect of Zhongshan. He is of humble origin. However, the letter of request is somewhat unusual…”
Recently, with the establishment of the examination system, there were indeed many scholars seeking audiences. However, most of them followed the connections of people like Duan Qin and Sun Li. Those who directly posted their requests to the governor’s office were indeed few. It was even rarer for Duan Qin to urgently come and report such a matter!
Advertisement
Liang Feng took the letter of request, glanced at it, and raised his eyebrows.
There was only one sentence written on it.
“Lord, have you employed the strategies of Zhang Liang, who walked on hot coals and waded through boiling water?”
