The fourth year of the Xin Han Dynasty (212).

Luoyang, Nangong.

Jin Mao looked at the good news from the south in his hand.

After Sun Ce discovered what would later become the Philippines, he went on to discover hundreds of islands of varying sizes, including Indonesia.

The North Sea Fleet led by Wen Pin had rich experience at sea and boldly continued to move southward and discovered the Australian continent.

General Zhang Liao and other generals in the Southern Military Region lived up to expectations and discovered Malaysia and other places to the west of Rinan County. They have not yet passed through the Strait of Malacca to the Indian Ocean.

To be honest, Jiaozhou has not yet been fully developed. As a result, many continents in the south have been discovered one after another, so there will be no need to worry about arable land in the next few decades.

Not to mention, the American continent that Zhou Tai discovered.

At present, the land along the Pacific coast alone is enough for Jinmao to develop and immigrate in his lifetime.

Therefore, two new problems arise.

Military and colonial.

The 300,000 active troops will decrease as veterans retire, so should we still recruit new soldiers?

The previous conscriptions were all temporary decisions, and there were no complete conscription laws.

Although the old conscription system of the Han Dynasty was not suitable for the current environment, it was just right for the colonies.

Farm in leisure time and serve as a soldier in war time.

Their combat effectiveness is definitely not as good as that of professional soldiers, but they are more versatile and adaptable to multiple environments.

But a system cannot be adopted at will. For example, who should manage the colonies? Should we continue to use the system of feudal fiefdoms?
For this purpose, Jin Mao specially summoned the military minister Jia Xu and the prime minister Xi Zhicai.

So far, only one of the Three Dukes has been appointed, and most of the Nine Ministers are vacant, so the heavy burden of the entire court falls on Jia Xu.

Jin Mao wanted to recall Zhou Yu, Xun You, Yu Fan and others to serve as high-ranking officials, but these people either felt that they were not qualified enough or felt that they were incapable of taking on the role, and politely refused.

There was no other choice but to let Jia Xu, who had tried to resign many times but failed, continue to take on the responsibility.

However, apart from the uncertainty in each department, all the deputy positions and senior officials are complete, so the central operation will not be paralyzed.

"You two are the pillars of our new Han Dynasty." The current emperor Jin Mao does not even have time for the Fengshan ceremony. He handles various matters throughout the day, and his majesty is growing day by day.

"What do you think of the current military system?"

Jia Xu closed his eyes to recuperate, and Xi Zhicai naturally understood that he was asked to speak first.

Xi Zhicai, who was already 42 years old, had taken in many concubines over the years and had many children. He had two sons, a legitimate daughter, and a concubine's daughter, for a total of eight children.

In history, the reason for death was unknown, but now Xi Zhicai's head full of silver hair seems to reveal the reason. He might have died of exhaustion.

The dynasty at that time was very concerned about the health of officials and common people at all levels, and medicine was greatly developed. Not to mention the common people, even people of Xi Zhicai's level had a physical examination every year, and there were even special medical teams to serve the ministers.

Even so, Xi Zhicai still feels a little overwhelmed in recent years. He has already proposed to resign once this year, but Jinmao did not agree.

There are simply too few high-end talents.

Crouching Dragon and Phoenix Chick have not yet completed the task at hand, otherwise, Jinmao would definitely be transferred back to work like slaves as soon as possible.

Zhou Yu is needed to take charge of the west and cannot come back, Xun Yu has lost trust and dare not be used, the only one left is Gu Yong who is already serving as the Minister of Agriculture, Kan Ze only wants to teach, and Xun You needs to be in charge of the northeast.

Others like Bu Zhi and Zhang Zhao were still deeply involved in the development of the southern region and could not extricate themselves, while people like Sima Yi spent their entire lives doing odd jobs in the Grand Council.

The advisers under Cao Cao and Yuan Shao were basically all dead, and those who were not dead could only hold a minor official position and could not enter the core.

To be honest, every time Jin Mao thought about it, he felt a little regretful, wondering if he had killed too many nobles at the time.

Because it is difficult to cultivate intellectuals of the new era, as it takes more than ten to twenty years to cultivate a generation.

Back to the topic. In response to Jin Mao's question, Xi Zhicai began to express his own understanding of the current military system: "Your Majesty, the old Han military system is that all people are soldiers. If there are people who do not want to serve in the military, they must pay taxes. Not long after the founding of the new Han Dynasty, many people are willing to earn military merits to stand out."

"Your Majesty, why don't you follow the will of the people and continue with the old system? Just like the Han Dynasty inherited the Qin system?"

Jin Mao shook his head and said, "It would cost a lot to mobilize all the people to serve in the army, which conflicts with the current military system."

"Xiqing's words make sense. All the people are soldiers, which can indeed inspire the morale of the people. However, times have changed. The challenges faced by the new Han Dynasty are no longer the same as those of the old Han Dynasty." Jin Mao pondered for a moment, looking into the distance with deep eyes. "I have made up my mind. The new Han Dynasty needs to establish a more efficient and flexible military system to deal with possible threats in the future."

"I want to implement the policy of 'elite troops and simple administration', reduce the number of standing troops, but improve the quality and combat effectiveness of the army. Select elite soldiers, assist them with advanced military tactics and weapons and equipment, and make them an invincible iron army. At the same time, strengthen the training and dispatch of local militia and county soldiers, and quickly assemble them in case of war to form a powerful military support force."

"In addition, I also want to establish a military academy to open up a wide range of talents. Not only should we select generals from the nobles, but we should also pay attention to the children of poor families, so that they have the opportunity to serve the country by learning military tactics and martial arts. In this way, we can solve the problem of cultivating intellectuals and promote vitality and diversity within the army."

When Xi Zhicai heard this, a trace of approval flashed in his eyes, and he bowed and said, "Your Majesty is far-sighted. If this policy can be implemented, the new Han army will be even stronger, and the world can be expected to be stable."

Jin Mao nodded slightly and continued, "Of course, the road to reform will not be smooth sailing. We need unity and joint efforts. I will personally supervise and ensure the smooth implementation of the new military system. At the same time, I also need loyal people like you to help us and work together for the future of the new Han Dynasty."

"I know that there are many ambitious people among the poor. They may not be able to display their talents because of their poor background, but it is this unpolished jade that can forge iron-willed soldiers. Therefore, I plan to set up a 'Talent Cultivation Camp' to recruit and train young talents from the people, regardless of their noble or humble background, and only value their talents and virtues. In the camp, they will receive strict military training, learn advanced tactics and military strategies, and at the same time, they will not forget the education of civil governance, so as to cultivate talents with both civil and military skills."

"In addition, I also intend to implement the 'military merit awarding' system, using actual military merit as the main basis for promotion, breaking the monopoly of aristocratic families on military positions, so that every soldier who sheds blood and sweat on the battlefield can get the due reward and respect. This move will not only boost morale, but also promote fair competition and sustainable development of the army."

"In order to ensure the effective implementation of these policies, I will set up a special supervisory agency to supervise the selection, training, and promotion of officials at all levels, strictly prevent corruption and injustice, and ensure that every aspiring young person can stand out in a fair environment and serve the country."

"At the same time, I also hope that you can recruit talents widely and bring those hidden treasures into the court and the military camp, and contribute to the prosperity of Xinhan. We must not only strengthen the military, but also enrich the country and strengthen the people, so that Xinhan can become a powerful country that everyone in the world looks up to."

Xi Zhicai bowed and said, "Your Majesty is wise, but it does not contradict what I said."

"Oh?" Jin Mao asked with interest, "You can speak frankly."

Xi Zhicai said: "I have heard Your Majesty say that there was a transition period when men had to undergo military service tests when they turned 18. Those who passed the test were enlisted, and those who failed the test were sent back to their hometowns."

Jin Mao nodded: "Yes, it is true."

Xi Zhicai continued, "Your Majesty's system is aimed at strengthening the army, but there are still countless talented people in the civilian population, some are good at farming and water conservancy, some are proficient in medicine and pharmacy, some are proficient in astronomy and geography, and some are skilled in mechanical skills. They are all treasures of the country and should not be easily buried. I boldly suggest that in addition to the military service system, a system of 'civilian talent selection' should be established. After the autumn harvest every year, a wide range of talents will be opened up, regardless of their background. No matter whether they are scholars, farmers, merchants or industrialists, anyone with a skill that can be used by the country can sign up for the exam."

"Once this system is implemented, it will surely stimulate the vitality of the people and enable the talented people hidden in the countryside to stand out and serve the country. Among them, there may be those who can improve agricultural tools, increase production, and make the people well-fed and well-clothed; there may be those who can cure diseases and save lives, prevent epidemics and reduce disasters, and ensure the health of our people; even more, they can invent and create, promote scientific and technological progress, and lead the new Han to unprecedented glory. In this way, in addition to military strength, there will be a prosperous people's livelihood and a prosperous culture. The strength of the new Han will not only be limited to the vast territory and the strength of the army, but also to the support of the people and the height of civilization."

"Your Majesty, the ancients said: 'Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it.' The people are the foundation of a country. Enriching the country and strengthening the people is the way to long-term peace and stability. I hope Your Majesty will adopt my suggestions and open up more avenues for talent, so that every bit of wisdom and strength can converge into an ocean, and together push the ship of the new Han Dynasty forward, ride the wind and waves, and sail to a more glorious shore."

Jin Mao was delighted when he heard this. He clapped his hands and said with a smile, "You are right. I am very pleased. I will immediately start preparing for the 'Citizens' Talent Selection'. We must ensure fairness and justice, open up a wide range of talents, and not stick to one pattern. Let everyone in the world know that the prosperity of the New Han Dynasty is not the work of one person, but the efforts of all the people!"

"Furthermore, I intend to establish a 'People's Livelihood Improvement Agency' to be responsible for supervising and promoting the implementation of various policies that benefit the people, from farming and water conservancy, medical and health care to education. I firmly believe that only when the people live a healthy life can they be loyal to the court and build a prosperous world together. You should work together to build this agency into a bridge connecting the court and the people, and ensure that every bit of warmth and care can be delivered accurately."

"At the same time, I want to promote the policy of 'cultural exchange', encourage the mutual learning of culture and skills from all regions, learn from each other's strengths and make up for each other's weaknesses, so that the culture of the new Han Dynasty will be more colorful and flourish. Set up the 'Wenyuan Pavilion' to collect classics from all over the world, compile history books, and pass on civilization, so that future generations can draw wisdom from them and carry forward the past."

"In addition, environmental protection cannot be ignored. I intend to issue a 'Green Field Order' to advocate afforestation, protect water sources, and strictly prohibit indiscriminate logging, so as to ensure that the mountains and rivers of Xinhan can be used sustainably and leave green mountains and clear waters for future generations. Such measures are not only related to the beauty of nature, but also to the foundation of the long-term development of the country."

"You are all the pillars of the country. I hope you can perform your duties, do your best, and work together to achieve the great rejuvenation of the New Han Dynasty. I believe that with the assistance of you, the New Han Dynasty will stand at the top of the world and become a civilized country respected by all people!"

"Furthermore, education is the foundation of the country and the future of the nation. I have decided to set up a 'College of Learning' to open up a wide range of talents. The library has a collection of tens of thousands of books, covering the essence of ancient and modern times, both at home and abroad. It not only emphasizes classics, history, and literature to inherit the wisdom of the ancient sages, but also introduces Western learning to the East, enlightens the people's wisdom, and cultivates pillars of both Chinese and Western knowledge. At the same time, the policy of 'universal education' is implemented, so that children from all walks of life to the elderly have the opportunity to receive education, and the light of knowledge shines everywhere, so that the people of Xinhan can have a clear mind and bright eyes, and work together to build a strong country."

"Agriculture is the foundation of a country. I am fully aware of its importance. Therefore, I will strive to promote advanced farming techniques, introduce improved varieties, improve soil, and build water conservancy projects to ensure a good harvest and a happy life for the people. At the same time, I will encourage merchants to trade, facilitate logistics, and promote economic prosperity, so that the market of Xinhan will prosper and the people's lives will become increasingly prosperous."

"In terms of military, I advocate strengthening the army and enriching the country, but not militarism. I will strengthen military training, improve equipment, and cultivate a disciplined, brave and combat-savvy army to defend the territory and maintain peace. At the same time, I will strengthen border defense construction, consolidate national defense, and ensure that the territory of Xinhan is peaceful and safe."

"In addition, I also know that people's livelihood is difficult and we need to pay attention to the suffering of the people at all times. I will set up a 'People's Welfare Bureau' to specifically solve the suffering of the people, such as disaster relief, medical assistance, elderly care, and child care, to ensure that every family can feel the warmth and care of the court. The governance of the new Han Dynasty should be based on the people. Only when the people are in favor can the country prosper."

"In short, I am willing to work hand in hand with you, constantly innovate in inheritance and development, and forge ahead bravely in challenges and opportunities. Let the flag of the New Han fly high in the long river of history and become the eternal pride and yearning of future generations!"

"To achieve this vision, I will advocate the policy of 'giving equal importance to both civil and military affairs', not only strengthening military strength, but also promoting cultural and educational undertakings. Establishing the 'Academy of Learning', opening up avenues for talent, encouraging scholars to study classics, history, and literature, and at the same time introducing Western technology and academics to cultivate compound talents who are proficient in traditional classics and have modern knowledge. In this way, the culture of the new Han Dynasty will be like the water of a river, with a long history, not only retaining its profound heritage, but also keeping pace with the times and rejuvenating."

"Agriculture is the foundation of the country. I will promote the 'Agriculture Development Plan', encourage innovation in farming technology, introduce high-quality crop varieties, build water conservancy facilities, improve the efficiency of farmland irrigation, reduce the impact of natural disasters, ensure a good harvest, and ensure that the people live and work in peace and contentment. At the same time, I will promote the development of industry and commerce, establish market regulations, protect the rights and interests of merchants, and encourage overseas trade, so that the wealth of Xinhan will converge into the sea like a trickle, and the national strength will become increasingly strong."

"Education is the foundation of a country. I will promote 'universal education'. No matter rich or poor, everyone has the right to receive education. We will build more schools, popularize basic education, establish a scholarship system, and help poor children pursue further studies. We will also attach importance to women's education, break old conventions and habits, so that women can also learn to read and write, master a skill, and inject new vitality and wisdom into the new Han society."

"Environmental protection and sustainable development are also my concerns. I will issue the 'Green Law' to protect the natural environment, strictly prohibit deforestation, control soil erosion, and restore ecological balance. At the same time, I will encourage the research and development and application of green energy, reduce pollution emissions, and make Xinhan's sky bluer, water clearer, and mountains greener, becoming a model of harmonious coexistence between man and nature." (End of this chapter)