"Hahaha, as expected of the renowned young prime minister. It is my great honor that you remember a nobody like me. Since it is the prime minister's request, I will accept it. However, the people I brought are all street thugs, hardly worthy of being called elegant."
"If you still want me, Master He, to do things, then you have to provide me with people. Even a skilled cook can't make a meal without rice. I think Prime Minister Shen understands this better than I do."
Peng Hecheng was naturally delighted to be entrusted with such an important task by the person he admired. He laughed heartily and readily agreed.
They also put forward their own requirements.
“Fu Shichen is my man. You can ask him anything in the future, and he will cooperate fully.”
"After you become the governor of the north, the first thing you need to do is to gather all the poor people in the north, issue a bounty, and I need you to gather 100,000 people within a month and send them to the Di Rong tribe to marry into their families and completely integrate the north."
After explaining, Shen Jinchen went straight to his plans without any further ado.
"Indeed, the kind of person I admire is so resourceful. I've thought about how to stop the northern tribes from constantly harassing us, and bloodline fusion is indeed a good plan. Prime Minister Shen, how about we become sworn brothers? I'll respectfully call you 'Big Brother' from now on, what do you say?"
Peng Hecheng really admired Shen Jinchen. Now that he could meet him in person, he really wanted to seize the opportunity to become sworn brothers with him. He just didn't know if Shen Jinchen would even look at him.
"Ha! Lord Crane is a man of strong character, and I am naturally willing. However, given your health, it may not be suitable to hold the ceremony today. How about we make a three-year agreement? After three years, once you have stabilized the northern tribes, you can come to the capital to report on your duties. At that time, I will have the Ministry of Rites personally handle this matter."
Shen Jinchen never expected that this kid would want to become sworn brothers with him during their conversation. But talent should not be wasted. If he can stabilize the north, what's wrong with becoming sworn brothers?
"Hahaha... then it's settled. It's rare that Prime Minister Shen thinks highly of the Peng family."
Peng Hecheng laughed heartily, then repeatedly said, "Good. Today's actions have been fulfilling."
“Good bamboo shoots come from bad bamboo. Master He is an unexpected success of the Peng family. I hope you will stay true to your original aspirations and always remember your ambitions. The rest of the Peng family members will be left to your disposal. I believe in Master He’s ability to handle people and affairs, and I am confident that you will deliver a satisfactory answer to the court.”
"That's all for today. Fu Shichen will handle all the matters later. I look forward to your arrival in the capital in three years. Farewell!"
Since the matter had been settled, Shen Jinchen felt there was no need to stay and prepared to take his leave.
"Very well. Right now, with my crippled body, it's inconvenient for me to entertain Prime Minister Shen. Then let's meet in the capital in three years."
Peng Hecheng originally wanted to stay, at least to host a banquet for them that evening, but unfortunately, he had no status in this house before and couldn't make decisions now. Besides, with his crippled body, he couldn't even stand up, so it was better to give up on the idea.
Three years later, he will definitely appear in the capital with the political achievements the other party expects; he is confident of that.
"Alright! Goodbye!"
Shen Jinchen left behind a group of people, cupped his hands in greeting, and left without looking back.
After the others left, Peng Hecheng looked at the person who had led the group and asked:
"You are the Fu Shichen that the Prime Minister spoke of?"
“It is I! Master He, please give us your orders. Right now, only the master and the people in this courtyard remain in the Peng family. All the other party members have been executed. This is the official seal of the Northern Governor. You are now the highest-ranking official in the North. We will follow your instructions from now on.”
After Peng Hecheng finished asking his question, Fu Shichen, dressed in a blue robe, stepped forward and answered him.
"Good! Very good! Since the Peng family is at my disposal, send your men to lock up my father first. As for the rest of the Peng family, punish them according to the laws of the Grand Banquet. Those who should be killed should be killed, and those who should be exiled should be exiled. There is no need to be lenient."
Peng Hecheng slapped his thigh and excitedly gave the order.
He had wanted to do this for a long time, but he lacked the ability and manpower, so he could only do what he thought was right outside.
Now we can finally unleash our full potential.
"Alright, Governor, take good care of your health. I'll leave some men for you to use, and we'll deal with the others first."
Fu Shichen glanced at it in surprise, then replied with a "okay," finding Peng Hecheng quite interesting.
"You unfilial son! You unfilial son! I am your father, how could you lock me up!"
When Peng Deshan saw that as soon as the prime minister left, this rebellious son was punished by him. He was so angry that he couldn't swallow his anger.
He finally understood why Shen Jinchen had come today; it turned out he was waiting for him here all along.
This means the Peng family is going to settle scores with them personally, both to take advantage of their reputation in the north and to discard them after they've served their purpose.
“I’m still your own son, yet you still locked me in the water dungeon for two months. Father, don’t get agitated. People often say that you reap what you sow, and good and evil are just a thought away. If you want to blame someone, blame yourself for not doing something good back then.”
Peng Hecheng glanced coldly at his father, who held considerable power, and smiled mockingly.
If he had a choice, he would never have wanted to be part of the Peng family, but in the end, he could not defy fate.
And his mother, his poor mother, forced to submit to this wretched old man, suffering endless humiliation in her life, how could he not lock him up?
If he weren't his father, did he think he wouldn't die?
"You...! You're going to drive your father crazy!"
Peng Hecheng's unpredictable eyes completely spurred his reason. He roared and collapsed to the ground.
"Yes, Father is right. Only the existence of me, your son, can prove how absurd Father was back then, and prove your filth and depravity. You even dared to steal your subordinate's wife. If you're not furious, why would you keep her around for the New Year?"
Peng Hecheng felt even more pleased to see his father so angry. If his father died of anger right now, he would make sure to make him a fine coffin and send him off properly.
"You...you...!"
Peng Deshan gasped for breath, his mouth agape, but ultimately he couldn't utter a single word and fainted from anger.
"As expected, a tiger with its teeth pulled is no match for a tiger."
Looking at his father, who was curled up on the ground, he smiled mockingly and had him carried away.
Wasn't he always known for his womanizing ways?
From now on, let all the concubines in the mansion serve him diligently, so that he can enjoy the warmth and softness of beautiful women.
As for his mother, she can finally get away.
She could finally leave the Peng family and be herself. Over the years, she had gone from being an official's wife to this old man's ninth concubine.
Anyone could bully her, anyone could beat and scold her. If she hadn't given birth to his son, she probably would have been hanged with a white silk ribbon from the corridor long ago.
Therefore, it was impossible for him to reconcile with that old geezer. He used to suppress him, but now... he could only blame his bad luck for encountering the young prime minister, Shen Jinchen.
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