Chapter 120 His advantage is public opinion

Yan Yuanjie was alive and well when he was handed over to Eunuch Li, but with Zhao Xi around, Lu Chenyang had a hundred ways to kill him quietly and without finding any problems.

After all, the journey from Lingnan to the capital is long, and someone dying on the road is no big deal.

A month after Yan Yuanjie left, he suddenly suffered from vomiting and diarrhea for three consecutive days. He had diarrhea after eating everything and eventually died.

This was Yan Yuanjie's ending, but it happened a month later.

Now Lu Chenyang has become the governor of Lingnan.

After Lu Chenyang saw Eunuch Li off, he returned to the governor's mansion to handle official business.

Chen Songyuan showed him the recent official documents. "When Your Excellency went to Shu, several of the county magistrates were a little uneasy, but after Eunuch Li arrived, they all calmed down. The academies in each county have sent letters, and there are no unusual things. Your Excellency can rest assured."

Lu Chenyang hummed, "Let them know that the academy can contact me, and as for the shops below, let them collect all kinds of information. They can be dissatisfied with me, but they can't do anything that harms the people. If I find out, I will punish them severely."

Chen Songyuan agreed immediately.

Even during the most difficult times, Lu Chenyang opened academies in various counties so that children could study. The teachers who taught the children in the academies were all teachers sent by Lu Chenyang. They were Lu Chenyang's best eyes and mouths.

They taught the children that it was Lu Chenyang who gave them the stable life they have today, and the seeds of loyalty to Lu Chenyang were planted in the hearts of all the children.

In addition, they taught them that Lord Lu would stand up for them and that they could go and complain if they were bullied.

In addition to the academy, the Shen family, the Zhao family, and others have also opened shops in various counties, and they are also Lu Chenyang's eyes.

Now the entire Lingnan is under Lu Chenyang's control, and he has become the true governor of Lingnan.

Chen Songyuan and Gao Ming both wanted to know what Lu Chenyang thought about Shu and King Nanyang.

What should they do next?

Lu Chenyang said: "Next, I want the entire Shu land."

Gao Ming asked in confusion, "Your Excellency is now in control of Shu."

Chen Songyuan stroked his short beard and said with a smile, "Mr. Gao, you don't know. The King of Nanyang has been operating in Shu for hundreds of years and has deep roots. Those families all rely on him. Their submission now is only due to circumstances. It's not easy to get them to obey willingly." He thought for a moment and said, "Just like the Shen family and our master."

After all, Gao Ming is not from Lingnan. He came here to study and stayed because he was attracted by Lu Chenyang's personal charm, so he is not as clear-sighted as Chen Songyuan.

Lu Chenyang nodded. "Yes, Mr. Chen is right." He said, "It will be difficult to get the people of Shu to submit to me willingly. I would like to ask for your help."

Chen Songyuan thought for a moment, then picked up a pen and wrote two words on the white paper on the table: "Public opinion."

Lu Chenyang and Gao Ming looked at him. Gao Ming nodded approvingly and said with a smile, "Mr. Chen, that's a brilliant idea." He looked at Lu Chenyang and said, "Your Excellency has one thing that no other official in the whole of Dagan can match: the hearts of the people. Who among the people of Lingnan doesn't truly love you? This is because you truly work for the good of the people. While your time may not match the several generations of the King of Nanyang, I believe that no one can match your sincerity towards the people."

But now everyone in Dagan has lost the support of the people.

The people's will is indeed important, but few people in power actually take it seriously.

The King of Nanyang lived in Shu for many years, and his glory was entirely supported by the people. What was the result?

In the end, didn’t it force the people to rebel?

The people are living such a hard life that a little sweetness can give them hope.

And Lu Chenyang can give them hope of survival.

Lu Chenyang's eyes lit up: "That's right! You two gentlemen are absolutely right. I hope you can lend me a hand."

Gao Ming and Chen Songyuan exchanged glances and bowed deeply to Lu Chenyang: "It is my duty!"

The three of them discussed for a whole night how to conquer Shu.

It may be a bit of an exaggeration to say that nine out of ten houses in Shu are empty now, but basically more than half of the people have either fled, been forcibly conscripted into the army, or... simply starved to death.

After Lu Chenyang went there, he could only barely keep himself afloat after several disaster relief efforts, but it was still difficult to survive.

Lingnan has just recovered. It is obviously impossible to let Lingnan nourish Shu. The cooperation of local wealthy people is necessary.

Lu Chenyang once again began to battle wits and courage with local merchants and gentry, but this time, Lu Chenyang did not have such good patience.

Lu Chenyang is no longer the humble county magistrate he was when he first arrived in Lingnan. He now holds immense power, including military authority, and has complete say over the entire region. He even controls the Nanyang King's lair, so what are the merchants who rely on him?