Chapter 1218: All Matters Settled...

After Lü Bu ascended to immortality, Jia Xu began researching various unusual topics. His spiritual talent naturally lent itself to research, yielding extraordinary results. Previously, he had focused solely on military strategies and planning, neglecting other areas.

Lü Bu's ascension profoundly impacted Jia Xu, a man whose ultimate goal was simply to stay alive. This event shifted his focus to other areas of study, particularly spiritual beliefs and convictions, which he recognized as crucial subjects of investigation.

Jia Xu briefly explained the results of his research, and since everyone present was far from foolish, they quickly understood the significance of his findings.

"So you're saying that a deeply rooted belief can persist even after death and can still be used by the living?" Chen Xi asked curiously.

"Indeed, it's essentially a form of military spirit. The belief in defending the borders has accumulated over centuries, forming a lasting spiritual force. When Neiqi Liti warriors break through their limits, it's often an affirmation of their own convictions. As for Gao Shun..." Jia Xu trailed off, uncertain of how to proceed.

"Are you saying that Gao Shun directly merged with this centuries-old belief?" Chen Xi raised an eyebrow, starting to piece things together.

"If that's the case, Gao Shun likely won’t be able to leave the frontier anymore," Jia Xu said with a bitter smile. He was almost certain that this was indeed the situation. What was even more critical was that Gao Shun probably had this notion all along, or he wouldn't have integrated with that belief so easily.

Jia Xu's speculation was accurate. Gao Shun hadn’t been coerced into accepting the ancient belief, nor did he view it as a whetstone for sharpening his own resolve, as Lü Bu had intended. Instead, Gao Shun actively chose to merge with that conviction.

Returning to Bingzhou and the frontier, Gao Shun had no desire to involve himself in the power struggles of the Central Plains again. Years ago, he had gone against his own principles, leaving Bingzhou to repay Lü Bu, and he hadn’t been able to stay true to himself.

Now, back on the frontier, Gao Shun was ready to die defending the border. After all, everyone must face death eventually, and he preferred to die with his conscience clear.

Before leaving, Lü Bu had gifted Gao Shun the belief in defending the frontier. His intention was for Gao Shun to use it as a tool to temper his will. Lü Bu hadn't worried that Gao Shun would be overtaken by it, given that Gao Shun possessed a military spirit.

However, upon receiving this belief and understanding what it was, Gao Shun chose to merge it with his own principles. Having always struggled to act on his personal convictions, Gao Shun finally forced himself to follow through, and in that moment, he took the final step forward.

Of course, the cost of this decision was that Gao Shun, more so than Tian Yu, became a permanent guardian of the frontier. His strength, his entire being, was now tied to defending the borders.

Yet, this was no great loss. After Lü Bu’s ascension, even without that belief, Gao Shun would likely have achieved Neiqi Liti through his commitment to protecting the border, as long as neither Cao Cao nor Yuan Tan interfered. Within a few months, his dedication to guarding the frontier would have naturally led him to break through.

For Gao Shun, the difference was minor. One way or another, he was destined to defend the frontier. Only those who had lived on the border of a feudal empire and risen through the ranks from foot soldier to general could truly understand what it meant to protect what lay behind them.

"Barring any surprises, none of us will be able to recruit Gao Shun," Jia Xu said helplessly.

"Is that so? But soon, we’ll sweep through the northern grasslands. Once the northern grasslands are pacified, can Gao Shun and Zhang Liao still consider their posts as frontier defenses?" Chen Xi smiled and said, "When the time comes, I’ll help them fulfill their beliefs."

Whether Gao Shun and Zhang Liao's claims were sincere or not didn’t matter. If they were, then the northern front would no longer be the frontier after Chen Xi pacified the region. If they weren’t, once his forces marched north and stood at the gates, everything would be open for negotiation.

Of course, if everything Jia Xu speculated turned out to be true, Chen Xi would just have to create a second battlefield. One way or another, talent must be put to good use.

"Still, you'd best temper your expectations," Jia Xu said calmly to Chen Xi, confident in his own assessment.

"How are things going with Chen Gongtai?" Chen Xi asked, shifting the conversation.

"Chen Gongtai seems to have his own considerations, but it’s unclear whether he’ll side with us or seek one final revenge on Cao Cao. His thoughts are hard to read," Jia Xu said, frowning slightly. Progress with these three individuals had been slow.

"I’ve also had people secretly approach Zhang He and Gao Lan. While they were demoted by Yuan Tan, they still hold a sense of loyalty to the Yuan family and harbor deep resentment towards us," Jia Xu continued, reporting on his recent efforts.

"So, no real progress in our attempts to recruit anyone recently?" Chen Xi rolled his eyes. "It’s really not easy to recruit people in this era."

"These were just trial attempts. What more do you expect?" Jia Xu retorted irritably.

Chen Xi thought for a moment and had to admit that was true. Other than Zhang Liao, Chen Gong, and a few others, most contacts had only been initial feelers, meant to build rapport.

"Alright, let’s leave it at that. Wenru, the upcoming civil service examination is in your hands," Chen Xi said, turning to Li You. Spring had arrived, and it was finally time to conduct a large-scale recruitment of scholars.

"I’ve already prepared the exam questions," Li You said with a rare smile. After years of effort, the fruits of his labor were about to be realized. Unlike the previous small-scale usage of academy students, this time they would be used on a grand scale.

"Will you classify them into different categories or focus only on selecting officials?" Chen Xi asked, slightly surprised by the speed at which everything was progressing.

"I’ve only prepared questions for selecting officials. Each government office will write their own exams to select candidates for their needs. The results will be reported to me, and in the summer solstice, Bo Ning will review the candidates. Any unsuitable officials will be dismissed, and the officials who hired them will be demoted by one rank," Li You explained calmly.

"That works. Each department can set its own questions and specify the areas they need expertise in. Let the candidates choose which exams they want to take," Chen Xi said, though he wasn’t entirely happy with Li You’s somewhat lazy approach. Still, it made sense.

Watching these high-ranking officials quickly settle both military and civil affairs for the next six months, Jiang Wan couldn’t help but feel admiration.

"Jiang Wan, after the new year, you’ll continue to serve as the governor of Bohai. General Wu and General Sun will be stationed in Bohai for defense, and all provisions and logistics will be your responsibility," Chen Xi instructed, seeing that Jiang Wan had remained silent throughout.

"Understood," Jiang Wan responded reflexively.

"Weishuo, where’s the water engineering master I asked you to recruit?" Chen Xi turned to the absent-minded Liu Yan with some irritation. Among them, Liu Yan had the most free time. He barely did anything all day, just socializing and enjoying feasts—yet he never seemed to gain any weight.

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