Magic, steel, heavy industry

Chapter 66 Exam

The joy of victory lasted for two whole days. The people, free from the threat of bandits, had a genuine sense of relief on their faces.

When they returned to work, this sense of security kept them smiling and even improved their work efficiency.

The guard team also ended its one-day leave and returned to training, even the two unfortunate wounded soldiers recovered.

Yesterday at noon, a grand trial was also held in the square, where a total of 20 heinous robbers were hanged, much to the delight of the local residents.

As for the remaining bandit prisoners, they were all transferred to the mines and placed under strict management. It would be at least three years before they could atone for their sins.

Other work in Iron Anvil Territory was also proceeding in an orderly manner. The reception of refugees on the north bank was half completed, and about 1500 refugees had moved into the temporary resettlement area. Those of them who were in good health immediately began working.

Some people were responsible for working in the carpentry workshop, carrying timber to build houses every day.

Some people were also taken to work in the mines. Although it was hard work, the treatment was much better than that of the prisoners. At least they were free and could receive wages after their free work period ended.

Yes, Viran set a free work period for all refugees; they had to work for the Anvil Territory for free for six months before they could become permanent employees.

Although it was a long time, the refugees had no complaints. After all, without Vilan's help, they would have starved to death on the wasteland sooner or later. Being able to receive wages after 6 months was already a great blessing for them.

As for the women among the refugees, they all joined the textile factory. Vilan appointed Veresa as the factory manager, and training and basic production have now begun.

Of course, the most important task of collecting goblin magic cores was not neglected. The elderly and children with poor physical strength would go out every day to search for goblin corpses all over the mountains and fields, and they could bring back thousands of magic cores every day.

Everything seemed to be on track, but there was still one thing that Vilan had been trying to solve but hadn't been able to.

That is the selection of civil servants.

Indeed, Iron Anvil Territory is in dire need of civil servants. They don't need to have a distinguished background or management experience; all they need to do is be literate, cultured, and hardworking.

With the influx of refugees, the total population of Anvil Territory will soon exceed 3000, and will be even greater in the future. If Hans continues to work alone, he will not be far from dying from overwork.

Therefore, the selection of civil servants is of utmost urgency.

On this day, while the soldiers were out training, Vilan temporarily requisitioned the training ground and had people fill the parade ground with chairs and tables.

The tables and chairs are arranged on both sides. At the very front on the left is a sign that reads "Civil Service Examination Office".

On the table to the right is written "Teacher Examination Office".

On each table, there were three sheets of paper and a quill pen.

To be honest, it took Vilan quite a bit of effort to gather so much paper and pens. Fortunately, there was a box of paper and pens among the spoils of war from the bandit headquarters, otherwise Anvil Territory would have had a hard time getting around to it.

There are three sheets of paper: one with the test questions written on it, and two blank sheets for answering the questions.

That's right, this was an exam that Vilan had planned long ago.

Whether they are civil servants or teachers, they are the foundation of Iron Anvil Territory. How can they be selected based on impressions alone? Not to mention there are so many refugees. Vilan doesn't know them at all, let alone be able to judge their abilities.

Therefore, he chose the most efficient method: taking the exam directly.

While taking exams may not select the best candidates, it is certainly the fastest way to do so.

As for whether it can be done well, we'll observe it gradually in future work. Those with ability will be promoted, and those without will be demoted, ensuring that everyone has something to do.

These test questions were naturally created by Vilan, who worked overtime for two hours every day and racked his brains to come up with these two sets of test papers.

Moreover, he was not only the one who set the questions, but also the proctor. Right in front of the playground, Vilan had also prepared a chair for himself.

He planned to just watch quietly, letting the world's intellectuals experience what a selective examination is like.

That noon, after having lunch, Vilan was the first to arrive at the examination hall.

The wind was even colder today, and Vilan immediately regretted sitting down in the chair.

I should have known better than to try and show off like that, it's so lame.

He grumbled inwardly, but didn't actually leave. Soon, the people participating in the selection arrived one after another, and the guards Sobo and Sommer were maintaining order.

The total number of people is 200, including both men and women, but there are more men.

One hundred of them were original freemen of Anvil Territory, plus some rare literate people among the northern refugees.

The other 100 people were selected by Llorente and Mad Cat from among the Casalan refugees.

Half of the refugees in Casalan are free people, and most of them are literate, but Vilan cannot recruit them all at once.

After all, the structure and proportion of civil servants are very important. If too many Casalans flood in at once, factions will inevitably form, which is not what Vilan wants to see. Therefore, he only selected 100 of the most honest ones.

These 200 people were mixed together, and then divided into two groups according to their wishes and personalities. One group took the teacher exam, and the other took the civil service exam. In the end, the results depended on their own abilities.

Vilan looked at the examinees standing outside the playground. They ranged in age from 18 to 40, and most of them were wearing tattered clothes. Their eyes kept darting away, and they didn't dare to look Vilan in the eye.

This is quite normal, after all, they are still refugees and have no idea what to do today.

Once everyone had arrived, Vilan nodded to Sobo and Sommer, who immediately led everyone onto the playground and assigned them seats according to their previous wishes.

Ten minutes later, everything was ready. Vilan looked at the 200 people in front of him and remained silent for a moment.

Among them were many familiar faces; they were all long-time residents of Anvil Territory. Their faces showed no fear, only tension and excitement.

Lord Vilan is so kind to the serfs, I thought he had forgotten about us free people!

The rest were all refugees, their faces showing confusion and fear.

Vilan cleared his throat and said seriously, "Everyone, today's exam concerns the future of Anvil Territory and your personal fate. The selection criteria are very strict, but the exam is not difficult, and everyone has an equal opportunity. No matter if you are refugees or anything else, and no matter if you pass the exam to become a civil servant or a teacher, I will give you generous benefits. Believe me, it will be very enviable."

"Now, if you are ready, then say nothing."

"..."

"Very good, start the timer. We'll collect the papers in one hour. You can start writing now."