I run a training class in Shu Han

Chapter 79 Dumplings specially made for this dish of vinegar

Qiao Zhou and Li Yan felt a pang of unease seeing this scene of mutual respect between the ruler and his subject.

Although the three parties checked and balanced each other in the court, this shows that Liu Shan treated Zhuge Liang differently.

"So, what brings you three ministers to the palace this time?" Liu Shan asked, feigning ignorance.

Qiao Zhou and Li Yan suddenly realized what had happened and wished they could slap themselves on the forehead.

Oh dear, how could I forget the most important thing?

However, given that Liu Shan had just reorganized the situation, their previous momentum of certain victory had weakened considerably.

Finally, Zhuge Liang explained to Liu Shan the purpose of his visit to the palace.

After suppressing the rebellion in Nanzhong, Li Hui was ordered to divide the four prefectures of Nanzhong into seven prefectures to weaken the power of the local strongmen.

After the seven commanderies were reorganized, Zhuge Liang proposed that the court utilize the local barbarian soldiers to form a force specifically for mountain warfare, named the "Wudang Flying Army," to further stabilize the southern region.

This was originally a good thing. The imperial court gained an elite force, and local powerful families could also obtain hereditary official positions for their meritorious recruitment efforts. It was a win-win situation.

But the problem is—who has the command of this new army?

The Wudang Flying Army, with a full strength of 5,000 men, is directly under the command of the imperial court and is not affiliated with any existing legion.

This means that whoever becomes the commander of this army will suddenly have five thousand more loyal followers.

Five thousand elite troops would be a force to be reckoned with, no matter where they are placed.

As a result, all the factions in Yizhou were immediately intrigued.

While Liu Shan was away from Chengdu, everyone was vying for control of this elite military force.

"I recommend Zhang Yi, an official from Yizhou!"

Qiao Zhou was the first to jump out, his voice so loud it could lift the roof off.

"Zhang Yi has long been in Shu (Sichuan), is familiar with the geography of the south, and is also skilled in both literature and military affairs—he is the only one suitable to command the Wudang Flying Army!"

"Zhang Yi?" Li Miao of the Dongzhou faction sneered, taking a step forward. "Physician Qiao, how many battles has Zhang Yi fought? The Wudang Flying Army is meant to fight on the battlefield, not to go sightseeing!"

"Whom does Lord Li recommend?"

"I recommend Li Feng," Li Miao said, his head held high, his voice tinged with pride.

"Li Feng has learned martial arts from his father since childhood, is well-versed in military strategy, and has extensive dealings with foreign peoples, making him the most suitable candidate!"

Li Feng was the son of Li Yan.

To avoid suspicion, Li Yan remained silent.

"Li Feng?" Xiang Chong of the Jingzhou faction finally spoke, his voice not loud, but every word was barbed.

"Li Feng is so young, has he ever fought a battle? A student who just graduated from a military academy, has he read a few military books and thinks he knows how to fight? Then let Doctor Qiao lead the troops, he's read the most military books!"

Qiao Zhou's face turned green: "Xiang Chong, you—"

"What about me?" Xiang Chong took a step forward, staring intently at Li Miao. "The Wudang Flying Army is composed entirely of tribes like the Qingqiang, exceptionally fierce and unruly. Sending mere children to command them will hardly earn their respect. If a mutiny occurs later, that's a minor matter; if they go to the battlefield and suffer a defeat, will you, Li Miao, take the blame, or will Li Yan?"

"you--!"

Before Li Miao could refute, Qiao Zhou interjected, "Xiang Chong, you mean there is a suitable candidate? Why not recommend one so that everyone can see him?"

Xiang Chong was waiting for this very sentence, and said, "I recommend General Liao Hua."

Qiao Zhou immediately sneered, "How can a defeated general, who is also fickle and unpredictable, command troops?"

Liao Hua was defeated by Eastern Wu and surrendered. He then faked his death and fled back to Chengdu, which is why he was not tolerated by the Yizhou faction.

Xiang Chong, however, retorted righteously, "Nonsense! The late emperor appointed General Liao as the prefect of Yidu Commandery, and he even accompanied the army to Xiaoting. If he were such a fickle and unreliable person, why would the late emperor have given him such an important position?"

With Liu Shan gone, the debates between the various factions escalated to a fever pitch, with no bottom line whatsoever.

For this reason, the commander of this army has not been decided for a long time. There are only candidates selected by various factions, waiting for Liu Shan to make a decision after returning to Chengdu.

Liu Shan was an extremely intelligent man. During his inspection tour, he heard that the three factions were fighting fiercely for the right to command the troops. He figured that once he returned to Chengdu, all the factions would immediately enter the palace to vie for the right to command the troops.

Therefore, after returning to Chengdu, Liu Shan did not inquire about the three men's intentions. Instead, he used the issues of taxation and corruption to put them in a bad position and suppress their arrogance, thus creating a favorable situation for his subsequent plans.

After reading the memorials from the three parties recommending generals to lead the army, Liu Shan said calmly, "The people recommended by the three ministers are all pillars of the state. Whoever they are, they are capable of leading this army well."

"Since you find it difficult to choose, I'll give you an idea, what do you say?"

Qiao Zhou and Li Yan looked at each other in bewilderment.

They knew that Liu Shan favored Zhuge Liang, and if they agreed, it would mean giving up command of this elite force.

But what can you do if you disagree?

Who told him to be the current emperor?

Who told him to have evidence of his own corruption and illegal activities?

Liu Shan saw the hidden thoughts in the eyes of the two men and smiled, "Rest assured, my three ministers, I will not appoint people based on personal connections. I will ensure fairness and impartiality."

Upon hearing Liu Shan say "fair and just," Qiao Zhou and Li Yan reluctantly nodded in agreement.

"It is up to Your Majesty to decide everything."

Liu Shan nodded in satisfaction and said, "This 'Wudang Flying Army' is a powerful weapon for the country. The person in charge of the army must be a veteran of many battles, skilled in training troops, well-versed in military strategy, and loyal to the court."

This statement is essentially a screening process.

Although Zhang Yi came from a prestigious family, he had always been a civil official before the Battle of Hanzhong and lacked combat experience.

Li Feng came from a military family and was well-versed in military strategy, but he had no experience in leading troops into battle.

Although Liao Hua was a veteran of many battles and loyal to the court, he mostly served as a military clerk and deputy commander. While he participated in handling important matters, his ability to lead troops into battle independently had not yet been demonstrated.

The three of them immediately realized that Liu Shan was actually not satisfied with the people they had recommended.

"I initially established these training programs to cultivate talented individuals and capable generals for the nation. Now that we are in need of capable people, why not make it public, issue a decree seeking talent, and let those with ambition and ability compete for this position?"

Qiao Zhou stood there, stunned.

How could such an important military command be decided so hastily?

They should know that once things are made public, many things will be beyond their control.

"May I ask Your Majesty, are you truly intending to issue an edict seeking talented individuals?"

Liu Shan firmly replied, "Of course, but there are conditions. Besides what I just mentioned—being a seasoned veteran, skilled in training troops, well-versed in military strategy, and loyal to the court—..."

As he counted on his fingers, he said, "First, one must be someone who has been trained at the Imperial Academy and successfully graduated."

Li Yan's brow relaxed.

This reduces the scope considerably.

"Secondly, candidates must pass a written test and an interview, with the test questions personally set by me."

"Third, it would be best if the graduation thesis included an article related to 'commanding troops'."

Qiao Zhou frowned.

Is there something else about the thesis?

What kind of conditions are these?!

Liu Shan, however, was making plans in his mind.

Wang Ping, Wang Ping, I specially made these dumplings just for you, this dish of vinegar.

You have to live up to expectations!