The Three Kingdoms: Starting as a county magistrate in Pingyuan, he rose to power and conquered the

Chapter 19 The White Horse Cavalry

"General Gongsun has been defeated, and the White Horse Cavalry is gone."

Zhao Yun's words were blunt, like knives piercing the hearts of these people.

Many men lowered their heads, their eyes reddening.

"But you are still here, and the horses are still here."

Zhao Yun drew his sword from his waist and pointed it straight at the sky.

"Lord Li said that the banner of the White Horse Cavalry must not fall. He wants to rebuild an even stronger cavalry force here, in Pingyuan County!"

"It's not for Gongsun Zan, but for the people of Youji, so that they will no longer suffer from the bullying of the Hu people, no longer suffer from the devastation of this chaotic world!"

"Those who want to stay, get on your horses! Those who don't, collect your rations and get out!"

After a moment of silence, an old soldier with a full beard stepped out of the ranks, mounted his horse, and bowed to Zhao Yun.

"I am willing to follow General Zhao!"

Then, the second, the third...

Of the more than 800 cavalrymen, not one left; they all mounted their horses.

More than a thousand white horses neighed, their voices echoing across the training ground.

Li Zhao stood on the watchtower in the distance, watching this scene, a relieved smile appearing on his lips.

Although the number of people is still small, the seeds have been sown.

Given time, this will surely become the sharpest knife in his hand.

half a month later.

The situation around Pingyuan County has undergone subtle changes.

After his defeat at Jieqiao, Gongsun Zan fled back to Ji County and eked out a living.

Although he hated Li Zhao to the core, he was powerless to send troops to attack him again.

On the contrary, in order to prevent Yuan Shao from continuing his northward advance, he had to withdraw troops from various regions to defend the area.

In several counties surrounding Pingyuan County, the garrisons were all withdrawn, leaving the county magistrates in a state of constant anxiety.

As they watched the Pingyuan County grow stronger and become more prosperous, their minds began to wander.

First, the magistrate of Gaotang County, which borders Pingyuan County, sent a secret letter.

Next came Linyi, Zhua, and other counties.

They were all watching and waiting, observing Li Zhao's attitude and whether Gongsun Zan still had a chance to turn the tide.

Li Zhao accepted all these probing attempts without hesitation, offering kind words of comfort and generously sending them some grain and cloth.

This act of "benevolence and righteousness" made the surrounding counties even more eager to emulate it.

Finally, the opportunity came.

In early August, in order to raise funds for his army, Gongsun Zan once again imposed heavy taxes on the counties under his jurisdiction. The magistrate of Gaotang County was unable to pay and was flogged in court by the inspector sent by Gongsun Zan.

Unable to bear the humiliation, the magistrate of Gaotang County fled to Pingyuan overnight with his official seal and hundreds of his cronies.

Li Zhao personally went out of the city to welcome him, offered kind words of comfort, and immediately appointed him as the deputy of the Pingyuan County Magistrate to assist Liu Bei in handling civil affairs.

This move completely broke through the last layer of secrecy.

Within just ten days, the magistrates of five counties surrounding Pingyuan, including Linyi, Zhua, and Luoyin, all changed their allegiance, declaring their secession from Gongsun Zan and submitting to Li Shijun of Pingyuan.

Without losing a single soldier, Li Zhao expanded his sphere of influence several times over, effectively controlling this vast area in northern Qingzhou and southern Jizhou.

The population under his rule also exceeded 150,000.

[Li Zhao, Magistrate of Pingyuan]

[Registered population within the jurisdiction: 152000]

Daily rice production: 152000 liters

Current grain reserves: 560000 shi (a unit of dry measure).

With a larger territory and more people, problems also arise.

The main hall of the county temple was brightly lit.

The table was piled high with official documents and bamboo slips from various counties, reaching about half a person's height.

Liu Bei buried himself in his documents, his eyes were dark-rimmed, and he looked noticeably thinner.

"The Ming Dynasty is doomed."

Liu Bei put down his ink brush, smiled wryly, and rubbed his temples.

"The area encompasses five counties and has a population of over 100,000. Taxes, legal proceedings, promoting agriculture and sericulture, resettling displaced people… every single matter requires manpower."

"There is a huge shortage of officials in each county. The existing staff was already insufficient, and the administration in the newly attached counties is in complete disarray. Even if I had three heads and six arms, I wouldn't be able to handle it all."

Li Zhao put down his teacup and looked at Liu Bei's tired face.

He knew that Liu Bei was telling the truth.

Rapid territorial expansion coupled with inadequate governance capabilities is a problem faced by all emerging powers.

In this era, becoming an official was the privilege of powerful and influential families.

They monopolized knowledge and career advancement opportunities.

Even talented children from poor families often have little chance of getting ahead.

Pingyuan County has a weak foundation and no large aristocratic families, which is both a disadvantage and an advantage.

The disadvantage is the lack of governance talent, while the advantage is the absence of powerful families to restrain them.

"What Lord Xuande said is absolutely right."

Li Zhao stood up and walked to the map.

"The key to governing a region lies in its people. What we lack now are people who are capable and willing to get things done."

Liu Bei sighed: "I have tried to recruit respected gentry from various counties, but few have responded. Most of them are still observing and unwilling to make a move."

"Hmph, these aristocratic scions, all talk and no action all day, but when it really matters, they become cowards." Li Zhao sneered.

He turned around and looked intently at Liu Bei.

"Lord Xuande, since the aristocratic families don't employ us, why can't we choose our own people?"

Liu Bei was taken aback: "Choose your own people? Does the Ming court mean... a recommendation system?"

The recommendation system was the main system for selecting officials in the Han Dynasty. Local officials would examine and select talented people within their jurisdiction and recommend them to higher authorities or the central government. After a trial period and assessment, they would be appointed to official positions.

However, by the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, this system had long since changed its nature, becoming a tool for powerful families to flatter each other and monopolize power.

The saying "Those recommended as scholars are illiterate; those recommended as filial and incorruptible live separately from their fathers" is a true reflection of this situation.

"No, it's not a recommendation system." Li Zhao shook his head.

"I want to take the exam."

"Test?" Liu Bei was even more puzzled.

Li Zhao walked to the desk, picked up a brush, and wrote four large characters on a blank piece of silk: "Only the talented are promoted."

"Issue an order to all counties: regardless of background, social status, or whether they are poor or displaced people, anyone who is literate, knowledgeable of laws and regulations, and possesses a skill may come to Pingyuan County for reference."

"The examination is divided into two subjects: civil and military. The civil subject tests knowledge of classics, laws, arithmetic, and policy essays; the military subject tests horsemanship, archery, combat skills, and military strategy."

"Those who pass the examination will be employed according to their abilities to enrich the ranks of officials in various counties. Those who are outstanding may be directly appointed as heads of townships or villages, or even county assistants or county commandants!"

Liu Bei was stunned.

This...this is absolutely heretical!

Since ancient times, the selection of officials has always been based on family background and social standing.

Li Zhao's move was tantamount to directly undermining the foundation of all the powerful families in the land.

"The Ming court, this move... will likely draw criticism from scholars throughout the land."

Liu Bei said with concern.

Although he came from a humble background, he was deeply influenced by orthodox Confucianism and instinctively felt uneasy about such radical reforms.

"Criticism?"

Li Zhao laughed, a somewhat arrogant laugh.

"The world is in complete chaos right now, so why care about criticism?"

"Those powerful families control the government and seize land, causing people to be displaced. Have they ever been afraid of criticism?"

"I want to break this stagnant situation, to give poor children a way to survive, and to give myself a way to survive!"

He looked at Liu Bei, his tone becoming sincere.

"Lord Xuande, we both come from humble backgrounds and know the suffering of the common people. Now that we have the opportunity to do something for them, are we going to hesitate?"

Liu Bei was stunned by what Li Zhao said.

He recalled his childhood days of weaving mats and selling shoes, and his original aspiration to restore the Han Dynasty.

My eyes involuntarily welled up with tears.

Yes, the world is already rotten to the core. If we continue to adhere to the old rules, when will the people ever have peace again?

Now we need to use strong medicine for severe cases!

Liu Bei took a deep breath, bowed deeply to Li Zhao, and said sincerely:

"The Ming court's insight is truly remarkable... I am willing to follow in its footsteps!"