"This... may cost us the hearts of the scholars!"
Poison Dragon was startled again, muttering to himself.
This was a very practical problem.
In truth, if they did not demote the officials and clerks, who would they find to govern? Who would collect taxes?
If they could not swiftly consolidate Jiangzhou Prefecture's resources, how could they seize this favorable moment to strike in all directions and expand their territory?
Once they failed to develop quickly, given Jiangzhou Prefecture's awkward position, the moment the imperial court came to its senses, they would immediately be besieged from all sides—a sight too miserable to behold.
"Besides... where will the army's grain and pay come from?"
Poison Dragon asked again.
"There are some reserves in the treasury, and we can slaughter a few fat pigs... ah, no, I mean wealthy households. Wouldn't that provide everything?"
Aaron burst into laughter.
"That is the method of refugee armies. Without a foundation, it will be difficult to gather kingly fortune!" Poison Dragon shook his head repeatedly.
"Killing everyone without distinguishing black from white is what refugee armies do. So we need to find an excuse to kill them openly and aboveboard... for instance, those with blood debts, or those secretly colluding with the False Song!"
Aaron stretched and glanced around. "But you are right. Although I intend to transfer Daoist acolytes over to intern in the six bureaus, it still will not work at first without anyone to lead and teach them. Let us go take a look at the talent market!"
"The talent market?"
"The prison, of course!"
The prefectural yamen's main prison.
The moment they entered the prison, the stench hit them, making Poison Dragon frown.
At the prison gates, Six Jia Divine Soldiers stood guard.
"Since ancient times, whenever rebels rose up, they