Honglou: This bastard is too persuasive.

Chapter 629 Recruiting Talents to Youzhou

Zhao Feng stood up, clasped his fists in salute, and said in a loud voice: "My lord, I think we can post recruitment notices in the areas under our control, promising generous military pay and resettlement allowances to attract young and strong men to join the army. In addition, we can select strong and capable men from the refugees in various places. Refugees are often more likely to fight bravely in order to survive. When training, we should focus on discipline and actual combat drills, simulate various battle formations and tactics, so that the soldiers can quickly adapt to the battlefield. At the same time, we need to strengthen the forging of weapons and armor. I heard that there are many skilled craftsmen in Youzhou, so we can gather them and make excellent armaments with all our strength."

Jia Changsheng pondered for a moment, then looked at Sun Yu: "Sun Yu, you are very wise, do you have any good ideas for storing food and preparing military pay?"

Sun Yu stroked his beard and said slowly, "My lord, there are many ways to store grain and raise funds. In agriculture, we can encourage the people to reclaim wasteland, promote new farming methods, and increase grain production. The government can lend seeds and farm tools to farmers, and after the autumn harvest, collect grain in proportion as repayment. In commerce, we should set up checkpoints within our sphere of influence and collect reasonable commercial taxes, but we must not impose too heavy taxes to avoid the extinction of merchants. At the same time, we can organize caravans to exchange what we have with surrounding states and counties, and sell our specialties, such as Youzhou's fine horses and furs, in exchange for money and food. In addition, we can persuade wealthy households to donate, explain the reason to them, appeal to their emotions, and promise them future fame and wealth, so that they can contribute financially to our great cause."

"Well, this is a very good plan." Jia Changsheng expressed his approval, "But we cannot ignore the importance of intelligence. Chen Ying, what unusual movements of various forces can you find out through your intelligence network?"

Chen Ying's eyes were grim, and he whispered, "My lord, according to the spies, Dong Zhuo is training his troops in Xiliang, and his Xiliang cavalry is extremely fierce. Moreover, Dong Zhuo is secretly colluding with some ministers in the court, and seems to be planning to enter the capital to control the government. Other states, such as Jizhou where Yuan Shao is located and Nanyang where Yuan Shu is located, are also recruiting troops and expanding their power. All forces are eyeing the Han Dynasty, and undercurrents are surging."

Jia Changsheng paced and pondered for a moment, then said, "In this case, we need to place spies in various places to closely monitor their every move. Chen Ying, you immediately arrange for people to infiltrate Dong Zhuo's army and Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu and others, and report immediately if there is any movement. In addition, we should make friends with some other small and medium-sized forces, or win them over, or use them, so that they can be used by us, or at least not become our enemies."

At this time, the general Wang Meng, who had been silent, stood up and said, "My lord, if we want to deal with Dong Zhuo's entry into the capital, it will be difficult for us to accomplish our great cause by just preparing in Youzhou. I think we can send envoys to contact people in other states and counties who share the same ideals as you, and jointly start an uprising and form an alliance. Only in this way can we do something when Dong Zhuo enters the capital, and even take the initiative to prevent him from entering the capital."

Jia Changsheng thought for a long time, shook his head and said: "The time is not yet ripe, and all parties have ulterior motives, so it is difficult to stabilize the alliance. Let's strengthen our own strength first, and when we are confident enough, we can form an alliance. Now, it is more important to build a solid foundation in Youzhou. In addition to military, food and intelligence, we also need to pay attention to the people's hearts."

The counselor Qian Wen bowed and said, "My lord is wise. He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world. You can reduce taxes in Youzhou, build water conservancy projects, and open schools so that the people can live and work in peace and contentment and learn something. In this way, the people will surely support you, and our great cause will have a solid popular foundation."

Jia Changsheng's eyes were firm: "Everyone, Dong Zhuo's entry into the capital will surely set off a bloody storm. Before that, we must implement various matters such as military, economy, intelligence, and public opinion. Every step must be cautious and no mistakes can be made. Everyone should perform their duties and make full preparations. When Dong Zhuo enters the capital, it will be our opportunity to rise in this chaotic world and control the fate of the Han Dynasty!"

In the following days, Youzhou was a busy place. Zhao Feng rushed to military camps in various places, recruited new soldiers in person, and trained them strictly. On the playground, the new soldiers shouted and fought loudly, and practiced various battle formations day and night. Sun Yu dealt with wealthy families and merchants in various places to prepare money and food. He organized the people to reclaim wasteland while sending caravans on a long journey. Chen Ying's intelligence personnel shuttled between various states and counties like ghosts, continuously passing news from all sides back to the clan. Jia Changsheng personally inspected various places, supervised the progress of various affairs, shared weal and woe with the people, and established prestige. The entire Youzhou was like a sophisticated machine. Under the operation of Jia Changsheng and his confidants, it ran at high speed, just to meet the coming storm of troubled times, steadily move towards the grand goal of controlling the Han Dynasty, and build a grand plan for the future step by step.

Jia Changsheng frowned, paced back and forth in the secret room, and said to his confidants in a deep voice: "Liu Yu, the governor of Youzhou, and Gongsun Zan, the general of Baima, are here, and their power is huge. It is not easy for us to develop secretly. However, if we want to achieve great things, talents are indispensable. The most urgent task is to quickly find out what talents are available in Youzhou. Do you have any good ideas?"

Li Su, the counselor, stepped forward and said respectfully, "My lord, Youzhou is vast and populous, and there are many talented people there. As far as I know, there is a man named Tian Chou, who is from Wuzhong, Beiping. He was very smart and had high aspirations when he was young. Although he lives in a chaotic world, he can gather people to protect himself. He is quite prestigious in the local area and is familiar with the geography of mountains and rivers. If we can get him, it will be of great benefit to our army in marching, fighting, reclamation and garrisoning."

Jia Changsheng nodded slightly: "This boy does sound like a talent that can be used. Who else?"

Zhao Feng clasped his fists and said, "My lord, there is a man called Qianzhao, from Guanjin, Anping. He is generous, courageous, and good at strategy. He has many contacts with foreign tribes. If we can recruit him, he can help you pacify the border and resolve disputes with foreign tribes. This will free our army from worries and allow us to focus on dealing with Liu Yu and Gongsun Zan."

Jia Changsheng's eyes lit up: "Good. If Qian Zhao can be used by me, the border affairs can be settled."

At this time, Sun Yu also spoke up: "My lord, there is Xu Miao in Jicheng. This person is both virtuous and talented. He has a good reputation among the local scholars. If we can get his help, he can help my lord recruit talents, establish schools, educate the people, and make our army more popular in Youzhou."

Jia Changsheng pondered for a moment and said, "I have also heard of Xu Miao's name. But he is a noble man, so I am afraid it will be difficult to recruit him."

Chen Ying bowed and said, "Don't worry, my lord. We can first send someone to secretly observe his daily preferences and the people he associates with, and then cater to his preferences. Then, my lord can write a letter in person to express his eagerness to seek talents and his grand ambitions, which may impress him."

Jia Changsheng nodded in agreement: "Let's follow Chen Ying's advice. Are there any other talented people?"

Wang Meng, who had been thinking silently, said: "My lord, there is Han Dang in Liaoxi, who is highly skilled in martial arts and naval warfare. He is well-known in the local area. If we can recruit him, it will enhance the strength of our navy. Now Gongsun Zan's White Horse Volunteers are roaming the land. If we have a navy to fight against them, we will have a better chance of winning the decisive battle."

Jia Changsheng said: "Han Dang is indeed a brave general, but what is his character like? Is he willing to follow us?"

Li Su replied: "My lord, Han Dang is a man of integrity. If you can treat him with integrity and give him important positions, and if he is dissatisfied with Gongsun Zan's style of doing things, there should be a chance to recruit him."

After thinking for a moment, Jia Changsheng gave the order: "Zhao Feng, you lead a team of elite soldiers, disguised, and go to find out the details of Tian Chou, Qian Zhao, and Han Dang, including their daily whereabouts, people close to them, and their views on the current situation. Chen Ying, you are responsible for closely monitoring the movements of Liu Yu and Gongsun Zan. If they notice our recruitment activities, report immediately. Sun Yu and Li Su, the two of you prepare generous gifts, and after Zhao Feng reports, we will formulate a specific recruitment strategy."

Everyone responded in unison: "Yes!"

Half a month later, Zhao Feng returned and went straight to the secret room to report to Jia Changsheng. "My lord, I have already found out about Tian Chou, Qian Zhao and Han Dang. Tian Chou organized the villagers in Wuzhong County to build a stronghold to protect themselves from bandits and robbers. His stronghold was well-ordered and the villagers were loyal to him. He often discussed knowledge with local wise men and paid attention to the general situation of the world. He seemed to admire Liu Yu's benevolent rule, but he also had some complaints about Gongsun Zan's military rule."

Jia Changsheng asked, "What about Qian Zhao?"

Zhao Feng continued, "Qian Zhao has been negotiating with the Wuhuan tribe recently to resolve a conflict caused by a trade dispute. He has a high reputation among the foreign tribes and acts fairly and impartially. I heard that he is very much looking forward to a lord who can stabilize the border and promote harmonious coexistence among the various tribes."

"Very good. How is Han Dang doing?"

"Han Dang was training the navy in Liaoxi, and his soldiers were well disciplined. Although Gongsun Zan valued him, Han Dang could not bear the fact that Gongsun Zan had been fighting with Liu Yu in recent years, causing the people of Youzhou to suffer. Moreover, he had heard of his lord's name for a long time, and he had also heard that his lord wanted to do something in the troubled times, so he seemed to be waiting and watching."

After hearing this, Jia Changsheng had a plan in mind: "Zhao Feng, you go down and rest. Li Su, Sun Yu, you two come quickly to discuss the recruitment."

Li Su and Sun Yu entered the room. Jia Changsheng said, "Since Tian Chou admires Liu Yu's benevolent rule, we should show him our benevolence. We can first send people to deliver food and cloth to help the villagers get through the difficult times. Then I will visit him in person and talk to him about the general situation of the world. I will persuade him with reason and emotion, so that he will know my determination to save the people from danger and rebuild the Han Dynasty."

Sun Yu nodded and said, "My lord, this is a brilliant plan. As for Qian Zhao, after he succeeds in negotiating with the Wuhuan, my lord can personally lead everyone to congratulate him. In front of the leaders of the foreign tribes, you can praise Qian Zhao's achievements and give him the power to manage border affairs. Let him know that only my lord can fully support him in realizing his ideal of harmony among all tribes."

"As for Han Dang," Li Su continued, "you can first have someone who knows him send a letter to express your lord's appreciation and willingness to use him, and then invite him to watch our army's training, show our army's strict discipline and strong combat power, and let him see the bright future of following your lord."

Jia Changsheng stood up, his eyes firm: "Okay! Let's act according to this plan. We must recruit these talented people under our command. Only in this way can we deal with Liu Yu and Gongsun Zan in Youzhou and gradually realize the grand plan of controlling the Han Dynasty. Success or failure depends on this one move, so you must go all out!"

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Afterwards, Jia Changsheng and his confidants acted according to the plan, and an intensive talent recruitment campaign was quietly launched in Youzhou. In this undercurrent, various forces gradually moved towards an unknown and unpredictable future.

In Jia Changsheng's residence, the atmosphere was solemn and full of expectation. Jia Changsheng sat high in the main seat, looking firmly at his confidants.

"Everyone, the situation is becoming more and more urgent. If we want to gain a firm foothold in Youzhou and then pursue our great cause, it is urgent to recruit talented people. I have already ordered Zhao Feng to inquire about the news. Now let's hear what he says." Jia Changsheng's steady voice echoed in the house.

Zhao Feng stepped forward and clasped his fists, saying, "My lord, I have investigated everything. Tian Chou is a man of great wisdom and has a heart for the people. He gathered the villagers in Wuzhong County and built a fort to defend against foreign enemies, showing his ability to govern. He also often discussed scriptures and philosophy with local scholars, and has a good understanding of the general situation in the world, which everyone admires. If we can get his help, it will be of great benefit to us in planning the people's livelihood and consolidating our foundation."

Jia Changsheng nodded slightly: "I have heard of Tian Chou's name for a long time. He is indeed a rare talent. What about Qian Zhao?"

"Qian Zhao is a man of integrity and courage. He travels between ethnic groups on the border, mediating disputes and gaining their trust. He enjoys a high reputation in western Liaoning. If he joins our army, it will not only protect our flanks, but also help us expand our power with the help of other ethnic groups." Zhao Feng said in detail.

"There is also Han Dang, who is highly skilled in martial arts and naval warfare. He is currently training the navy in Liaoxi. Although he is employed by Gongsun Zan, Gongsun Zan is aggressive and the people of Youzhou are suffering. Han Dang is also wavering. He has long admired a wise master. If the master treats him with courtesy and shows sincerity, he may be successfully recruited."

After thinking for a moment, Jia Changsheng turned to Li Su and said, "Li Su, you are very smart. Please help me plan how to recruit Tian Chou."

Li Su bowed and said, "My lord, Tian Chou values ​​righteousness and cares about the people. You can first send people with supplies to Wuzhong County to help the affected villagers, perform benevolent acts in your name, and let Tian Chou know that you love the people. Then, your lord can write a letter to Tian Chou in person, with sincere words, inviting him to discuss the strategy of saving the people of Youzhou, and explain the righteousness to him. I believe he will be moved."

"This is a very good plan. Sun Yu, what do you think about the Qian Zhao issue?" Jia Changsheng asked with satisfaction.

Sun Yu stepped forward and said slowly, "My lord, Qian Zhao is quite prestigious among the tribes on the border. When he successfully mediated a dispute, my lord led an elite guard to congratulate him. In front of the leaders of the tribes and everyone else, he was praised for his achievements, and he was promised a high salary and position, and entrusted with important responsibilities on the border. This made him feel that my lord values ​​and trusts him. In this way, Qian Zhao will surely come to join me wholeheartedly."

"Well, what do you think about Han Dang, Chen Ying?"

Chen Ying bowed and said, "My lord, Han Dang is in Liaoxi. You can first let my local spies spread the news that you are courteous and ambitious, so as to attract his attention. Then select a man who is eloquent and eloquent, bring your handwritten letter and precious weapons, and show that you are eager to seek talents and are willing to work with you to achieve hegemony. Tell him about our army's preparations in land warfare and people's livelihood, so that he can see the potential and hope of our army. Once he is interested, you can invite him to meet in person."

(End of this chapter)