Chapter 377: The remnants of the old era, developing Jiaozhou

Talented people will shine no matter what era they are in.

Not long after Cao Pi entered the Yanzhou Academy, Cao Zhi also enrolled there. Soon, the two Cao brothers became famous for their talent and learning in the Yanzhou Academy.

People called them the Gemini Stars of Yanzhou Academy, and specially held several poetry and song exchange sessions for them.

Without exception, Cao Zhi beat everyone, even the hard-working Cao Pi was overshadowed.

Since then, Cao Zhi became the most dazzling star in the academy. All masters and scholars who came to the academy to give lectures would visit Cao Zhi first.

In addition, Yangzhou Academy also had an outstanding doctor named Sun Quan. Sili Academy also had a famous teaching doctor named Yang Xiu. Jingzhou Academy doctor Zhuge Jin…

One by one, figures who left their names in history gradually emerged.

Among them, Sun Quan could have taught at Luoyang Imperial College. After all, his elder brother Sun Ce was currently a senior official in the Southeast Military Region and a meritorious official.

However, Sun Quan was stubborn and insisted on making a name for himself with his real talents and knowledge in the Yangzhou Academy.

It has to be said that Sun Quan was very good at making friends, and he was able to build a reputation that was no less than that of others by following the traditional approach of building up his reputation.

You have to know that Yang Xiu and others relied on their real talents and knowledge to subdue others, but only Sun Quan relied on communication to get to this point.

December, the second year of the Xin Han Dynasty.

Universities in various states jointly organized an academic debate, in which both teachers and students could participate. The competition system was exactly the same as the debate conference that Jinmao University had previously held.

It is worth mentioning that now the talents in the country are basically within the system or active in universities, and Jinmao is too lazy to engage in national academic exchanges.

As a result, these smart people always feel that something is missing.

Now with this academic exchange meeting, everyone suddenly found the meaning of life.

Cao Zhi had also been preparing for this for a long time. He thought he would meet rivals in the field of literature, but he never expected that no matter whether they were students or doctors, none of them could match him.

All of a sudden, Cao Zhi's name became famous throughout the world, and Jin Mao, who had been staying in Luoyang pretending to be deaf and dumb, had to pay attention to such things.

They are all remnants of the previous dynasty, people who do not accept the ideas of the new era in their bones. Jinmao really does not want to reuse them.

But now public opinion is very strong. If we don’t give an explanation to the people of the world, it will definitely chill everyone’s hearts.

Cao Zhi, in particular, declared very loudly after becoming famous that he would use his influence to pass the imperial examination and enter the system.

Nima!

This has posed a big problem to Jinmao.

Cao Zhi's talent was well known. If he failed the imperial examination, people would definitely say there was something fishy going on.

But if Cao Zhi passed the imperial examination, would he be entrusted with important tasks?
Jin Mao would never give any chance to the descendants of his enemies.

Just when I was having a headache, the intelligence agency sent me an interesting piece of information.

The second prince Jin Bing saw that his three brothers had found a way, so he was desperate and sought support from Zhou Yu.

This is just nonsense.

Jin Mao is still alive, but you dare to poach his important officials in person. Are you tired of living?
However, Zhou Yu was too smart and did not reveal any clues. He even wrote a memorial to express his gratitude and described the incident in detail.

At that time, Jin Mao just flipped through it casually and ignored it. Now looking back, he realized how high Zhou Yu's political IQ was.

"Golden soldiers?"

This second son is worthy of his name. To be honest, what impressed Jinmao the most was that he loved wielding swords and guns since he was a child. He is considered the most active of the four sons.

However, Da Qiao's desire for control was too strong, and she made a good general into a person who was neither good nor bad.

In Jin Mao's opinion, if the Jin soldiers had taken up military training earlier, they might have already entered the army for training.

However, there is now a better way to use it.

"Someone! Send the Second Prince to see me!"

After thinking about it, Jin Mao felt uneasy, so he instructed again: "Let Dian Hongxing go in person! Don't let anyone know."

"The Tiger Guards are going down to inspect the city defenses. Your Majesty, do you want to call them back?"

With Jin Mao's ascension to the throne, Dian Wei's status and position also rose rapidly, and he became the highest leader of the Huben Guards. As for the General of the Imperial Guards, Bai Shi was the leader.

Bai Shi has worked hard for so many years, it’s time for him to enjoy his life.

However, it is not necessary for Bai Shi to go there in person to handle such a small matter.

"Is Imperial Guard Captain Ling Cao here?"

Currently, the Imperial Guards are divided into three parts: the Imperial Guards, the Huben Army, and the Imperial Guards. The first two armies have a Lieutenant General, while the Imperial Guards are actually the city defense army with only a colonel.

Apart from soldiers, these three places have become retirement places for officers.

There is a joke in the army that "if you join the army, you will join the Royal Guards, and if you join the army, you will be stationed at the border", which is enough to show the soldiers' views.

"Your Majesty, I will be here!"

The one-armed Ling Cao was in good spirits because he had a good son, Ling Tong, who had risen to the rank of captain at a young age and was serving under Sun Ce.

"Kun Tao has been doing well lately." Jin Mao joked, "I heard that Gong Ji (Ling Tong's courtesy name) became a lieutenant at the age of 22. A good father will have a good son."

Ling Cao's face was filled with a smile of pride and satisfaction when he heard this, but he immediately lowered his head humbly and said, "Your Majesty, thank you for your praise. Tong'er's achievements are all due to the cultivation of your Majesty and the generals. I have only fulfilled some of my responsibilities as a father. He is young and energetic, and needs more experience before he can live up to your Majesty's high expectations."

"Kun Tao is too modest. Gong Ji is brave and good at fighting. He is both wise and courageous. He is already well-known in the army. In the future, he will be able to stand on his own and become a pillar of our new Han Dynasty." Jin Mao's tone was full of praise. Then he changed the subject and said seriously, "However, I summoned you here today to discuss other matters. I have four sons competing for the throne. Now only the second son can't find the direction of life. He has given up on himself and needs help. You and your son are loyal, and I want to give Gong Ji a difficult task."

Ling Cao heard this, reluctantly, but then a hint of determination flashed in his eyes. He knew that Ling Tong's journey was dangerous, but he could not retreat from the mission assigned by His Majesty. He straightened his back and answered in a loud voice: "Your Majesty, please say whatever you want. As long as my father and I are still alive, we will complete the mission!"

Jin Mao nodded with satisfaction and said earnestly: "I know that you and your son are loyal and brave, and we will surely return victoriously from this trip. Go, call my second son, Jin Bing." "I obey your order!" Ling Cao bowed again.

After a while, the second prince Jin Bing came to Chongde Hall with a nervous look. He only dared to look up and then knelt down and kowtowed, saying, "Your son greets the emperor."

Just as Ling Cao was about to leave, Jin Mao immediately said, "Kun Tao stays in the hall, and the rest of you all go out. Martial law is in place within a hundred feet!"

"Yes!" The guards accepted the order and retreated quickly, leaving the entire hall empty.

"stand up!"

There was no one else in the hall, and Jin Mao said sternly: "Look up and look at me!"

The Jin soldier didn't know what he had done wrong. He raised his head and cried, shrinking back timidly.

Jin Mao was furious and threw down a sword, saying, "Pick it up!"

The Jin soldier became more and more frightened, his legs went weak and he wanted to kneel down.

"Stand firm!" Jin Mao shouted, and the Jin soldiers were suddenly in a dilemma, not knowing whether to stand or kneel.

"I told you to pick it up!"

Following Jin Mao's second order, the Jin soldiers had no choice but to pick up their swords.

"Draw your sword! Fight with the captain of the Royal Guards!"

Jin Mao's words made the two people present stand still at the same time.

"Kun Tao, you haven't used martial arts for many years. Have your skills declined?"

Ling Cao's face flushed as he said, "Your Majesty, watch carefully. Even if I only have one arm, I can still fight in battle and kill the enemy!"

"Okay." Jin Mao clapped his hands and laughed, "I'll leave my son's first lesson to you. Don't hurt his life."

Ling Cao raised his fist to his chest, beating it like a drum, and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured. I will not hurt the Second Prince in the slightest!"

Before he finished speaking, Ling Cao had already moved, rushing towards the center of the training ground like an arrow from a bow, his steps were steady and powerful, even though he only had one arm left, the majesty and momentum of a former fierce general remained undiminished. He slowly drew out his sword, the sword light was as clear as autumn water, reflecting his resolute face, as if every ray of light carried the glory and indomitable spirit of the past.

Jin Bing, though nervous, quickly adjusted his mentality. He knew that this was a test from his father and a necessary step for his growth. He took a deep breath and drew out the long sword from his waist. The tip of the sword trembled slightly, revealing his excitement and determination. The two stood opposite each other, and the air in the hall seemed to freeze. This sudden duel was not only a contest of skills, but also a contest of will and courage.

"Let's start!" Jin Mao gave an order, breaking the silence. Ling Cao took the lead, his figure flashed, and the sword flashed like a weave. Each sword contained deep internal strength and precise calculations. Although he did not use his full strength, it was enough to make the Jin soldiers feel unprecedented pressure. The Jin soldiers were not willing to be outdone. He dodged flexibly and looked for opportunities to counterattack. Although his sword moves were awkward, it also showed his hard training and extraordinary potential.

The two men fought back and forth, swords crossed, and every clash aroused exclamations. Jin Mao watched carefully from the side, with both satisfaction and expectation in his eyes. He knew very well that such actual combat exercises were crucial to the growth of Jin Bing, and Ling Cao's careful guidance made this growth more solid.

As time went by, the Jin soldiers gradually adapted to the rhythm, and he began to try to take the initiative to attack. Although his sword moves were not gorgeous, they became more steady and powerful. Seeing this, Ling Cao raised a smile of approval. He began to deliberately guide the Jin soldiers and lead the battle to a deeper level, which not only tested his martial arts skills, but also sharpened his character and strategy invisibly.

Finally, after a fierce battle, Ling Cao used a clever force-releasing action to gently push away the Jin soldier's sword, and at the same time lightly touched his shoulder with the tip of the sword to indicate that the victory had been decided. Although the Jin soldier was defeated, his face was full of excitement and relief. He knew that he had gained something more valuable than victory in this battle.

Seeing this, Jin Mao nodded with satisfaction. He walked forward, patted Jin Bing on the shoulder, and said earnestly: "Remember, a truly strong man must not only have extraordinary martial arts, but also have an unyielding will and a heart of continuous progress. In today's battle, you will still be honored even if you lose." After that, he turned to Ling Cao and bowed deeply, "Thank you Kun Tao for your guidance. I am very pleased."

Ling Cao repeatedly said he dared not: "This is what I should do."

Jin Mao nodded and said nothing more. He returned to the throne and said to Jin Bing, "I called you here because I have an important mission for you."

After a battle, the Jin soldier seemed to have regained his former self and asked happily, "Father, do you want me to join the army?"

Jin Mao shook his head and said, "Yes and no."

At this moment, Jin Mao was a little hesitant about whether to hand over this important task to Jin Bing.

After thinking about it, I decided to give it a try.

"Giaozhou Governor He Gongmiao has been complaining to me about the lack of talent and the slow progress in developing Jiaozhou."

Jin Mao said calmly, "It just so happens that recently there is a group of students who are unwilling to be lonely and want to make achievements. I want to send them to Jiaozhou, but I lack a supervisor with enough weight."

Jin Bing immediately understood what his father was talking about. His face flushed with excitement and even became distorted: "Father, you want me to wait for an opportunity..."

The Jin soldier stretched out his hand and scratched his neck. His excited look was quite similar to Jin Mao's in his youth, which made Ling Cao lose his mind.

"Ahem." Jin Mao coughed twice and changed his mind: "It doesn't have to be like this. Although most of them are descendants of criminals, the guilt of the previous generation should not be borne by the next generation."

The Jin soldier did not hear the hidden meaning in his father's words and his face was full of disappointment.

Seeing his son like this, Jin Mao had a new idea in his mind.

"However, your idea is not entirely wrong." There was no one else present, so Jin Mao said bluntly: "Although I don't want their lives, I don't want them to return to Luoyang. Let them shed all their youth and blood on the land of Jiaozhou!"

The Jin soldiers became excited again.

"Your Majesty is wise!" Jin Bing's eyes lit up, and he immediately understood what his father meant. His previous disappointment was swept away, replaced by admiration and excitement. "Letting these young people build their careers in this vast land of Jiaozhou is not only a test for them, but also a way to cultivate future pillars for our new Han. Jiaozhou is rich in resources and has a lot of things to be rebuilt. It is a great stage for them to display their talents and prove themselves."

"More importantly," Jin Mao continued, his eyes deep, as if he had foreseen the future, "through this arrangement, we can gradually infiltrate and consolidate our control over Jiaozhou, laying a solid foundation for further expansion of territory and achieving hegemony in the future. This move not only demonstrates the benevolence and magnanimity of our New Han, but also cleverly transforms potential threats into powerful assistance. It really kills two birds with one stone."

Jin Bing was even more excited when he heard this. He knew very well that as the crown prince, he had the responsibility and expectations on his shoulders. He bowed and said firmly: "I will do my best to assist you, father, to ensure the smooth implementation of this plan, so that Jiaozhou will become an indispensable part of our Great Jin, and lay a solid foundation for the new Han Dynasty for generations to come."

Jin Mao nodded with satisfaction, his eyes flashing with approval and expectation for his son.

"Go and make preparations." Jin Mao waved his hand, signaling the Jin soldiers to retreat, while he stood there, staring into the distance.

After the Jin soldiers left, Jin Mao turned to Ling Cao and said, "This boy is impatient and can hardly accomplish anything great. He will have a heavy burden on his shoulders in the future."

When Ling Cao heard this, he was so frightened that he fell to the ground and said, "Your Majesty, please have mercy on me. I cannot afford such a heavy burden!"

Ling Cao was only 22 years old and clumsy. If he messed up, the Ling family would be finished.

Jin Mao waved his hand and said, "Don't panic, Kun Tao. If anything goes wrong, I will only blame my son for his incompetence, and will not shift the blame to Gong Ji."

In order to reassure Ling Cao, Jin Mao also wrote a secret decree to Ling Cao. After multiple assurances, Ling Cao felt at ease to let his son assist the second prince Jin Bing.

(End of this chapter)