Hao Zhao nodded upon hearing this, his opinion of Zhang Yang rising slightly. Thankfully, he wasn't an idiot; at least he could see the current situation clearly.
The voice continued to slowly emanate!
"What the General said is not wrong. The Prefect traveled a thousand li to Yanmen to take charge. Naturally, he won't remain idle. He will definitely find ways to gain military achievements, so he can enter the imperial court and serve as a high official."
"As his subordinate generals, as long as we faithfully follow orders, our future merits will definitely not be few. At the very least, we can climb the ranks based on military achievements."
"At that time, with your achievements, you might even be able to serve as a Prefect, governing a region."
"I might even be able to reach the rank of two thousand piculs, becoming a great general of a region."
As soon as these words were spoken, Zhang Yang, who was sitting nearby, instantly showed excitement in his eyes, and his breathing even became a little hurried.
Becoming a Prefect was his most important dream right now.
He hadn't expected Hao Zhao, despite his young age, to see things so clearly. He had actually been resentful of the Prefect, thinking he was suppressing his authority.
It seemed he needed to change his mindset and show a very respectful demeanor.
If he offended Liu Jin, and then when achievements were made, Liu Jin didn't recommend him to the imperial court, he would regret it terribly.
If he acted submissive and obedient, and later there were achievements, Liu Jin would probably do him a favor.
With a smile on his face, Zhang Yang picked up his wine cup and politely said to Hao Zhao beside him!
"Sima Hao, listening to your words has truly enlightened me!"
"Come, come, I'll toast you."
Hao Zhao smiled and nodded upon hearing this, picking up his wine cup and clinking it.
The two drank it all, both revealing joyful smiles, appearing very excited.
Zhongping Second Year, early April!
Three months had passed since Liu Jin arrived in Yanmen, and the benevolent policies issued by the Prefect's Mansion had been progressively implemented.
Local county magistrates dared not delay and implemented them at the first opportunity.
The troops in the army, under the command of their generals, were rigorously trained, gradually transforming into elite soldiers.
After these three months of reforms, the entire Yanmen had begun to show a thriving scene.
In the Prefect's Mansion study!
Liu Jin sat to the side, discussing matters with his civil officials Tian Feng, Jian Yong, Min Chun, Li Li, and others.
Min Chun took a small sip of tea and slowly said!
"Marquis, after three months of recruiting displaced people, the population within the commandery has increased by nearly 100,000, all of whom have been settled in various counties."
"Moreover, local officials have led these displaced people to reclaim barren land and rebuild their homes."
At this point, Min Chun's voice paused slightly. He glanced at Liu Jin, who was seated at the head, and continued!
"Although the population has increased significantly, we have also consumed a lot of grain and money."
"Should we stop this action of recruiting displaced people?"
Liu Jin heard this and quickly waved his hand, his voice slowly coming out!
"The recruitment of displaced people cannot stop. Recruit as many as you can for me."
"Don't worry about the finances; we can still support it for now."
"Moreover, the Hebei region is stabilizing, and the influence of the Yellow Turban Rebellion is gradually fading. If we don't continue to recruit displaced people, I'm afraid there will be no more opportunities."
"So, take advantage of this period to recruit as many as possible and expand Yanmen's population."
Min Chun nodded upon hearing this. Since his Marquis was so calm, it seemed there must still be a considerable amount of stored wealth.
After all, he also knew that after the Marquis captured Guangzong, he obtained Zhang Jiao's treasure. It must have accumulated quite a bit for him to be so confident.
Liu Jin looked at his subordinates, and after a moment of thought, he said loudly!
"During this time, I must trouble everyone to continue maintaining the development within the commandery. As long as it continues for a year or a year and a half, I believe Yanmen will be able to stabilize."
Tian Feng, Jian Yong, Min Chun, and others heard this and bowed in obedience.
They then left one after another to handle their respective tasks.
Seeing everyone leave, Liu Jin's face showed a smile. The development during this period was evident, having gained the approval of many common people. He had initially established a firm foothold in Yanmen.
So he continued to handle the government affairs in his hands. He had just looked for a moment when a respectful voice came from outside the door!
"Reporting to the Marquis, General Wu Xing has returned and is seeking an audience."
Liu Jin's face lit up with joy upon hearing this. It seemed the bandit suppression mission within the commandery was completely finished.
A hearty voice came out!
"Please invite Wu Xing in."
A moment later, Wu Xing strode in, pushing open the door.
Upon seeing Liu Jin at the head, he immediately bowed and said loudly!
"Reporting to the Marquis, I have not failed my mission. After several months of bandit suppression, the mountain bandits entrenched in various places have been completely eradicated."
"A total of one million coins were obtained, over a thousand heads were taken, and nearly two thousand people were captured."
Liu Jin nodded in satisfaction at these results. Not only were the mountain bandits eradicated and the common people pacified, but a good harvest was also obtained.
Looking at the somewhat fatigued Wu Xing, it was clear he had been constantly on the move without proper rest.
He said softly with concern!
"The bandit suppression mission was well done. Go and rest well after this."
"As for the military rewards and pensions, after you rest for a few days, I will order people to distribute them."
Wu Xing heard this, clasped his hands, bowed in obedience, and then retreated.
Liu Jin's mood improved considerably. At least another troublesome matter had been resolved, and it would also allow the common people to live in peace and contentment, no longer harassed by these bandits.
Yanmen Pass, situated within Yanmen Mountain, merged with the surrounding mountain ranges, forming a huge barrier.
Outside the pass was a vast, flat grassland, with only a few scattered hills and no obstructions whatsoever.
Inside the pass, however, mountain ranges stretched, rivers crisscrossed, and forests were abundant, making it very suitable for people to live.
On the battlements of Yanmen Pass, the 'Pass' military flag fluttered in the wind, looking majestic and extraordinary.
Soldiers held long spears, their faces solemn as they guarded the city walls.
Occasionally, a few squads of soldiers patrolled back and forth on the battlements, maintaining strict vigilance over the situation outside the pass.
Just then, a person was seen riding a swift horse in the distance, galloping towards this location.
His face was filled with panic, and cold sweat beaded on his forehead. From a distance, he continuously shouted loudly!
"The Xianbei are here!"
"The Xianbei army is here!"
The Tuncun guarding the battlements was slightly stunned upon hearing this.
When he heard the words 'Xianbei', a look of apprehension appeared in his eyes.
He quickly ordered the soldiers beside him in a cold voice!
"Quickly lower the basket!"
A basket was soon slowly lowered from the pass.
The soldier who had run over quickly dismounted, got into the basket, and was slowly pulled up to the pass by several burly men.
The Garrison Captain quickly leaned over and asked!
"What exactly happened?"
The soldier who had been pulled up still had some fear in his eyes, even appearing to be still shaken.