"You're right, this is indeed an opportunity. However, even if there are many openings for officials this time, the posts assigned after passing the imperial examination are likely those in the newly established prefectures and counties in the Southwest.
I have heard that the Yi people there are fierce and barbaric, worship evil gods, and even eat human flesh. It would be difficult to govern them if we were to become officials there."
Moreover, the Southwest region is full of dangerous mountains and toxic barriers, crawling with insects and snakes, and far less prosperous than Dongting. For us northerners, going there would be fraught with danger."
Several scholars grew excited and flushed as they spoke. Some were worried, seemingly concerned about the situation.
As the people in the hall continued to listen to their conversations, they finally understood that these scholars were captives taken from Zhou Country in the north a few years ago by the king.
