Chapter 213 Occupying Two Cities
Xu Zhenying frowned slightly, looking at Zhang Wanjun's slightly disappointed expression, but still insisted, "Don't worry, this position of Lord is only temporary. I'm running out of people right now. I have Zhang Wanjun for literature and you, Jiang Yongkang, for martial arts. At least we can get through this month for now. Zhang Wanjun, I'm sorry, but what Jiang Yongkang said makes sense. I'll leave the affairs of Qianzhou Prefecture to Liu Pan'er, Jiang Yongkang, and you to discuss and act. When I send my mother and sister here next time, the new Lord will naturally take over."
Zhang Wanjun quickly said, "City Lord, I'm truly touched that you've given me this opportunity. Instructor Jiang's concerns are not without reason. I do lack experience in management."
"Don't underestimate yourself. The fact that you can write such a plan already proves your ability. Although I'm willing to boldly recruit new personnel, I do need to consider more. I'll leave the details of negotiating with the locals to you. Once the new Lord takes office, you will assist him in handling all affairs of Qianzhou Prefecture. You will gain experience as his deputy for a few more years. You will have your chance to shine in the future!"
Xu Zhenying patted Zhang Wanjun on the shoulder and encouraged her with a smile: "Don't worry, you are still young and there are plenty of opportunities."
Zhang Wanjun was a little nervous at first, but after hearing Xu Zhenying's gentle comfort, she quickly expressed her feelings, "City Lord, you're truly ashamed of me. I will obey all your instructions and do my best to get the job done!"
Jiang Yongkang said, "The shortage of staff is indeed a problem. Where is Fang Xun, Xu Yinxi, and Qian Zhenniang? These three have the most experience, so any one of them can come. Of course, it would be even better if we could invite Mr. Fang."
"Mr. Fang won't do anything for us, so we shouldn't embarrass him. As for those people you mentioned, they have a lot of things on their hands and can't leave."
"What about Ming Xiaoshuang?"
"I asked him, and he said he wanted to stay with me for two more years." Xu Zhenying smiled and looked at Jiang Yongkang, "You mentioned so many people, why did you leave yourself out? I remember that you are not without ambition."
Jiang Yongkang was stunned for a moment before he said, "I may be good at leading troops in battle, but when it comes to management, I really don't have the patience. City Lord, I'd rather fight for you and expand your territory."
Xu Zhenying smiled and said, "You would rather be a general?"
"I just think... being a general gives me more freedom."
"Okay, I understand." Xu Zhenying sighed, "But I have to take all your soldiers back with me. The soldiers from Lan County will stay to relieve you."
Jiang Yongkang was puzzled. "City Lord, the brothers in the village have been with me for a long time, and I am familiar with them. Why don't you keep them?"
"To be honest, there are two reasons. First, they haven't undergone ideological transformation yet, so it's difficult to ensure their complete assimilation. I need to bring them back for systematic training. The second reason isn't directed at you personally. All the generals under my command are like this. They don't stay in one place for long. You might say it's to prevent your subordinates from having too much power, to ensure soldiers are loyal to more than one general, or to help them grow faster under different generals. This rotation system applies to everyone, not just you."
Jiang Yongkang was silent for a moment, but when faced with Xu Zhenying's frankness, he actually breathed a sigh of relief.
Since ancient times, kings have been the most ruthless.
Instead, he was more afraid that Xu Zhenying would hide the truth and do something behind his back.
What he admired most was Xu Zhenying's frankness. He didn't hide anything and would tell you directly no matter what his considerations were.
Jiang Yongkang smiled and said, "Okay."
Xu Zhenying took another look at Xiaonan who was following outside. The girl seemed to have feelings for Jiang Yongkang. These days, no matter where Jiang Yongkang went, she would follow him, and it was no problem for her to serve him tea and water.
I think Jiang Yongkang is already sixteen or seventeen years old.
Although people in ancient times married early, they didn't get married at the age of sixteen or seventeen.
She also wants to make good use of Jiang Yongkang.
Love will only slow down the speed of swinging a knife!
She thought for a moment, then smiled and reminded him, "I think Miss Xiaonan seems to be interested in you. Although I shouldn't interfere in marriage matters, I personally suggest that you marry later. Of course, I don't mean any other harm, I just think you are still young and have a lot of experience to gain. Right now, our business is only halfway through, so you should focus more on your career."
Jiang Yongkang was obviously stunned.
"Of course, this is just my personal opinion and is for your reference only."
Jiang Yongkang stared at Xu Zhenying blankly, as if trying to get a glimpse of something from her expression.
But Xu Zhenying's expression was frank, making it difficult for Jiang Yongkang to guess. His voice was a little hoarse, and his eyes were smiling, but he only said one sentence: "I understand."
"Okay, then I'll go back and pack my things and leave this afternoon. You guys stay in Qianzhou Prefecture and report back quickly if anything happens."
Jiang Yongkang got off the car halfway.
After the man got off the car, his smiling face instantly became gloomy.
Xiaonan immediately went up to him and handed him the handkerchief to wipe his sweat.
Jiang Yongkang's eyes fell on the snow-white handkerchief, and then he looked up.
His eyes were as elegant as the mountain mist, yet filled with a cold and stern aura. "Xiao Nan, I don't need you here. From now on, you should follow Instructor Liu."
Xiaonan said with some fear: "Boss, did I do something wrong?"
"No, it's just that Instructor Liu needs you more. When you go there, just learn from her."
Xiaonan looked confused. She felt uneasy but couldn't say it out loud. She could only stare blankly at the man's back.
The urging letters from Jinzhou Prefecture came again and again. If she didn't go back, even Qian Zhenniang, who had the best temper, would not be able to bear it.
Xu Zhenying had no choice but to set off with the large force in the afternoon.
On the way, he received a reply from Xu Yinxi about "Brother Goudan". After opening it, Xu Zhenying couldn't help laughing.
Seeing Xu Zhenying's strange smile, Ming Xiaoshuang couldn't help but ask, "Did something happen in Jinzhou Prefecture?"
Xu Zhenying said, "No, Xu Deyuan was caught by our people while delivering a letter to Bai Ci'en. I didn't know what to do, so I hid Xu Deyuan's name and changed it to Goudan. I wrote to my fourth sister about my concerns and asked her to give me some advice."
Xu Zhenying spread his hands, and Ming Xiaoshuang moved forward and vaguely saw words such as "strict treatment" and "no leniency" written on them.
Ming Xiaoshuang was shocked and was not sure how Xu Zhenying was going to deal with Xu Deyuan.
Although the emperor is guilty of the same crime as the common people, after studying with Xu Zhenying for so long, Ming Xiaoshuang now knows that this statement is just to fool the common people.
Even if the emperor breaks the law, the common people will not know about it.
Isn't it easy to push one or two scapegoats out?
However, Xu Yinxi has always been meticulous and rigorous in her work. Although Xu Deyuan was not mentioned in the city lord's letter, couldn't she guess who this person was?
What would Xu Yinxi think if she realized it later?
Do you want her to admit that she sentenced her father to death with her own hands?
Xu Zhenying spread the letter on the small table in the carriage, rubbed his temples, and said to Ming Xiaoshuang, "How about you also tell me, how should I deal with Xu Deyuan?"
Ming Xiaoshuang is self-aware.
No matter how good his relationship with Xu Zhenying was, he dared not interfere in her family affairs.
Xu Zhenying said, "Tell me, I really haven't figured out how to deal with him. If it were up to me, of course I would strictly follow the law, or even kill him to silence him as Fourth Sister said. But if I really deal with Second Uncle, the other members of the Xu family will inevitably think I'm cruel and inhumane, and they will alienate me. Now that we're only halfway through our business, I still need the Xu family's help. Secondly, the Great Zhou Dynasty emphasizes filial piety above all else. If I kill my uncle, those truly talented people might not come to me, Xu Zhenying, just because of a small person like Xu Deyuan. For the sake of Xu Deyuan, I don't think the price is worth it."
"But if you want me to just let him go, I can't get over it myself. The reason I want to overthrow the rule of the Great Zhou Dynasty is because I want a fair and just society. However, I can't even do it myself now, and this makes my ideals seem ridiculous."
Ming Xiaoshuang rarely heard Xu Zhenying talk so much. In his heart, Xu Zhenying was like a giant that would never fall down. There was never any confusion, hesitation or uneasiness on her face.
But it was not until this moment, when Ming Xiaoshuang saw Xu Zhenying's frown, that he felt that Xu Zhenying had become a little bit more worldly.
"City Lord, the fair and just world you speak of will come to pass sooner or later. The saying that the emperor is guilty of the same crime as the common people can only be realized in the future when the legal system is sound, not now. If you ask me for my opinion, I can only say that throwing Mr. Xu in jail will cost you the least. This will not only ensure Miss Xu's loyalty to you, but also make the Second House remember you as a favor."
Xu Zhenying lowered her head in thought, not knowing whether she had heard it or not. After a moment, she smiled and said, "I understand your opinion."
It seemed as if he had instantly regained the Xu Zhenying who was in control of the situation in the past.
Ming Xiaoshuang finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Does this mean that he saved Uncle Xu's life?
Xu Zhenying and his group ran for about five or six days and finally arrived at Jinzhou Prefecture.
It has to be said that Xu Yinxi and Qian Zhenniang were very good at appeasement and reconstruction work. Even the gates of Jinzhou Prefecture were open, but there were no groups of people fleeing privately.
When Xu Zhenying entered the city, he saw an orderly scene.
In a trance, it seemed that it didn't matter whether they occupied Jinzhou Prefecture or who was the ruler of Jinzhou Prefecture.
Ming Xiaoshuang was so curious that he even grabbed a commoner and asked him about it. The commoner replied, "It doesn't matter who is the lord! Anyway, the new king is from Lan County. He said he's very kind to the common people and even gave them land. It's not worth it to leave now. What if the king comes back and really gives land to the people of Jinzhou Prefecture?"
His companion also said, "Why run away? The people of Lan County have said that the mountain king never kills innocent people. And the first thing they did when they entered the city was to arrest all the corrupt officials and wealthy people who were unkind. These days, they have been raiding the homes of the rich all day long. They say that when the city lord returns, they will distribute the rich people's money to us! If we leave now, we will lose money!"
Xu Zhenying couldn't help but smile when he heard this.
Ming Xiaoshuang was also a little surprised. "Who came up with this idea? He's a real genius!"
Ming Xiaoshuang had been following Xu Zhenying, so he naturally knew that Xu Zhenying had never issued an order to search the house.
But this method is really good. It divides the land with one hand and the money with the other. Although there is no sign of it yet, it has at least appeased the people.
What's the point if we go through so much trouble to capture a city but the people just run away?
Xu Zhenying said, "I guess it was my fourth sister who came up with this idea."
A group of people rushed in.
Their group was large, and many people in the city had been to Lan County and met Xu Zhenying, as well as some Lan County residents who had moved with them. Therefore, as soon as they entered the city, the people enthusiastically shouted, "City Lord! City Lord! You're finally back!"
Judging from the enthusiastic voice, this person should be someone who came here together from Lan County.
The common people of Jinzhou Prefecture became very nervous when they heard the word "city lord". They were about to kneel down in fear, but were immediately stopped by strangers around them.
The man smiled warmly, "Our city lord hates people kneeling the most. The people of Lan County have never had to kneel to him. Old man, please get up quickly. Don't be afraid, our city lord is the best person in the world-"
"Exactly. Look how scared you all are! Our city lord is such a handsome guy! What's there to be afraid of?"
The common people of Jinzhou Prefecture were not as bold as the people of Lan County. When they saw Xu Zhenying's carriage, they all retreated to the sides, hunched their bodies and lowered their heads to show respect.
But there were also some brave ones who looked up and glanced at the man.
The legendary Lord of Lan County is so beautiful!
It looks a bit androgynous.
Xu Zhenying had someone buy some winter melon candy before he entered the city. When he saw the children, he handed it to a delicate little girl through the carriage curtain and said, "Here, take it and share it with the children. Don't eat too much, it will damage your teeth."
The little girl was extremely cute. When she saw the candy, she took it regardless of her parents' horrified looks and smiled at Xu Zhenying with two teeth showing.
Xu Zhenying also touched her head.
The rest of the people were all standing there trembling with fear. After Xu Zhenying walked away, the little girl's parents pulled her aside and scolded her: "God, you are so bold, you dare to take the candy from the mountain king! Come on, come on, come on, don't dare to do it again next time! Be careful, he will turn into a monster and eat you!"
Well, I successfully made a little girl cry.
At this moment, a large group of people were already waiting at the gate of the government office.
Miao and Xu Degui led the team, along with the Xu family and the core members of the Xu family's political team, who were waiting. They saw Ming Xiaoshuang's horse from a distance, and Miao said happily, "He's here! He's back!"
When they arrived at the place, Xu Zhenying got off the carriage.
Before everyone could happily greet them, Xu Zhenying swept his eyes around and ordered word by word, "Mo Jinchun, Ming Xiaoshuang, listen up! Immediately arrest everyone from the Xu family's second branch and seal off the courtyard. No one is allowed to enter or leave!"
The two were stunned, but reacted instantly.
Ming Xiaoshuang drew his knife almost immediately and pulled out Xu Yinxi, Lian, Aunt Chun and others.
The crowd was in chaos instantly!
Qian Zhenniang was very puzzled and immediately asked, "City Lord, what crime did Xu Yinxi commit? Why are they suddenly being imprisoned?"
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