Liu Hong glanced at Xi Zhicai and smiled. "Zhicai, when did you learn to tease others? You even dare to tease the Grand Tutor of the court for having a stubborn temper?"

"Ahem~ Your Majesty, I was not joking, but praising you! The Grand Tutor is upright and outspoken, and dares to speak out. Even among the wise ministers of ancient times, few could compare to him."

Xi Zhicai said seriously, "If these words were to reach Chen Fan's ears, what would become of him?"

"Hehe~ Even someone as talented as Zhicai has people he's afraid of!"

Seeing Xi Zhicai's expression, Liu Hong couldn't help but make a few teasing remarks.

"Ahem~ Your Majesty, let's talk about Governor Liu's matter!"

Xi Zhicai couldn't help but cough twice and quickly changed the subject.

Liu Hong's expression turned serious, and he nodded. "Zhicai, what do you think should be done?"

Xi Zhicai pondered for a moment and said slowly, "Governor Liu is, after all, a member of the imperial clan. Jia Wenhe only has clues to prove that he is connected with Liangzhou, but he does not have any conclusive evidence."

Moreover, his act of embezzling grain from the official granaries cannot be made public; for now, His Majesty can only punish him for embezzlement!

"Hmph~ This Liu Yan committed such a serious crime, yet I have to clean up his mess!" Liu Hong couldn't help but snort coldly.

Liu Hong then asked, "What about Liangzhou? Now that he's no longer the bait, I'm afraid Beigong Boyu and the others won't take the bait."

Xi Zhicai smiled and said, "Then let some people in Jizhou speak out for him, since Governor Liu has indeed brought benefits to the people!"

Liu Hong nodded. "Then let's do as Zhicai says. In a little while, take the evidence of Liu Yan's embezzlement to the Grand Tutor and the Minister of Works, and have them recommend a new candidate for Governor of Ji Province!"

Just as Liu Hong and Xi Zhicai were talking, Zhang Rang walked in hurriedly from outside Deyang Palace, holding a report in his hand.

"Your Majesty, Ju Shou of Xuzhou has submitted a report."

Liu Hong took the report and began to read it carefully.

With Zhang Jian keeping an eye on things in Xuzhou, nothing major happened. With the Mi and Chen families also keeping an eye on things, the curved plow was being promoted very smoothly in Xuzhou.

Moreover, the Mi family not only provided a large amount of money and grain to support the migration of displaced people, but also reduced the price of the curved plow to 130 coins. They wholeheartedly supported the court's policies.

The main content of Ju Shou's report was actually to praise the Mi family's achievements. In his view, the future development of the Han Dynasty could not be separated from the driving force of these merchants, and it was necessary to reward and encourage them.

"Zhicai, what do you think is the best way for me to reward the Zhen and Mi families for their great efforts this time?"

Xi Zhicai thought for a moment, "Both families are top-tier wealthy merchants, and those material possessions don't hold much appeal for them. Rewarding their sons might be more effective."

"Zhicai refers to their two families' sons in the Imperial Guard?"

"good!"

Although the Zhen and Mi families were originally merchants, their influence should not be underestimated.

The main reason why both families were so supportive of themselves and the imperial court was for the sake of their sons who were serving in the Imperial Guard.

Liu Hong asked, "How are the children of those two families performing in the Imperial Guard?"

Xi Zhicai: "Below average level!"

Liu Hong thought for a moment, then said, "Arrange for them to stay in the dormitories of Yuan Shao and Cao Cao!"

"What is Your Majesty doing?"

Xi Zhicai looked at Liu Hong with some confusion.

"Heh~ Actually, I can guess without you saying it. They probably aren't doing well in the Imperial Guard, after all, they are sons of merchants."

Xi Zhicai nodded. "Your Majesty is right. Feelings of inferiority and being ostracized are always unavoidable."

"Being around outstanding people might help them improve. But if they lack ability, no matter how great their contributions are, I will not give them important positions. After all, the Imperial Guard has no room for mediocrity!"

Cao Cao, Yuan Shao, Liu Bei, and Sun Jian have always been Liu Hong's key focus. If he can cultivate them, they will surely become the pillars of the Han Dynasty in the future.

If Liu Hong has placed Zhen Yi and Mi Lan by Cao Cao's side and they still cannot make progress, it can only mean that they are not suitable. You were given an opportunity, but you couldn't seize it, so you can't blame anyone else.

"Your Majesty is right!"

Xi Zhicai nodded. He understood the Emperor's emphasis on the Imperial Guard; otherwise, he wouldn't have gone to such great lengths to recruit those elite youths from across the entire Han Dynasty.

"Your Majesty, the Imperial Guard's elimination competition will be held in a month. General Huangfu's idea is to use this competition to eliminate those scions of noble families and some mediocre talents!"

Xi Zhicai was always in charge of the ideological education of the Imperial Guards, and he knew the ideological situation of the trainees inside very well.

Liu Hong nodded. "Good! The grand competition must be comprehensive and meticulous! I will personally attend to observe!"

For many members of aristocratic families, the concept of family supremacy is deeply ingrained and extremely difficult to change.

What Liu Hong needs in his army are staunch hawks and imperialists, not those who are solely focused on the interests of their families. Therefore, this competition is a good opportunity to kick them out.

"Your Majesty, rest assured, I will certainly train them well!"

Xi Zhicai smiled confidently. During the time he had been in contact with the young men of the Imperial Guard, he had gotten to know almost every one of them. Getting them out of there wouldn't be a big problem.

Just as Liu Hong and Xi Zhicai were talking, Jian Shuo walked in hurriedly.

"Your Majesty, Marquis Moyang has arrived! He is waiting for an audience outside the palace!"

Liu Hong nodded. "Let him in!"

"promise!"

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