Chapter 3292 Plot
Bai Shan shook his head. "No, His Majesty is worried about the rebels offending the people along the coast. He will definitely order us to pursue the Baekje rebels until all the rebels are driven out. So, as long as they don't leave, I can't return to the capital."
He said, "My wife is due to give birth in two months. I can't wait for the emperor's order to take action. Besides, can the governor bear to let the people along the coast suffer for another ten days?"
Governor Liu: "...Haven't I already sent people in pursuit? You're of little use staying here. You'd better return to Beihai County to handle government affairs."
Bai Shan shook his head. "I can provide logistics support, Your Excellency, and ensure that the soldiers' morale and enthusiasm are high. As for Beihai County, County Magistrate Fang is here, so there's no need to worry too much."
He paused and said, "Sir, don't you also want to take this opportunity to see County Magistrate Fang's abilities?"
Governor Liu looked at Bai Shanlao for a long time, then asked with his hands behind his back, "Are you sure? Do you really want to go back to the capital?"
Bai Shan has made too many contributions to Beihai County. Although Beihai County is now defined as a medium-sized county, with its current development speed, it is only a matter of time before it is promoted to a large county. He can stay in Beihai County for another two years, and then he can directly take over the entire Qingzhou.
He jumped three levels and was assigned to a familiar place, so his future was no worse than returning to Beijing.
Bai Shan nodded and said with certainty, "I must return to the capital, and I must be back before May."
Governor Liu shook his head and said, "Forget it. County Magistrate Bai, please stay. The allocation of our army's supplies will be left to you."
Bai Shan agreed.
Governor Liu gave him one last look before turning and leaving with his entourage. "Call the troops. I will personally patrol the border."
"Sir, why are you in such a hurry?"
Governor Liu said, "Bai Shan is right. We can't let the people along the coast suffer from the chaotic army. Besides, some people are anxious to go home, so let's consider it a favor."
"We didn't stop Master Bai from going home, did we?"
"Fool, this family is not that family. Alas, heroes are often tempted by beautiful women. It's better for me to be a good official. I don't have this kind of trouble."
"Sir, if the lady heard this..."
"Shut up. You're the only one who heard this. If you don't say it, how will Madam know?"
When the emperor's edict arrived, Governor Liu not only almost wiped out the scattered rebel troops, but also wiped out the pirates who had gathered again on the nearby islands.
The food and military pay consumed were all provided by Beihai County. However, after the bandit suppression campaign, Beihai County's finances were somewhat replenished. Most importantly, some of the money was distributed to the soldiers, which boosted their enthusiasm for the bandit suppression campaign.
Bai Shan also got some spoils and excitedly ran to find Governor Liu to exchange them for pearls.
Governor Liu generously exchanged with him, "I've only heard of people exchanging pearls for gold and silver, but Lord Bai is doing the exact opposite."
Bai Shan smiled and said, "I have no use for these gold and silver, but I have a wife and daughter at home, and they all like pearls, so it's just right."
Governor Liu asked, "The envoys are about to arrive in Qingzhou, and the rebels here have been almost wiped out. When does Lord Bai plan to return to Beihai County?"
Bai Shan said seriously, "I will return with the official ship tomorrow."
He bowed deeply and said respectfully, "I am returning to the capital to report on my work. I still need your seal to hand over the county affairs."
Governor Liu waved his hand generously and said, "I'll give it to you in a moment, but..."
He paused and said, "Master Bai recommended Fang County Magistrate to take over, but the court may not agree. Master Bai is very talented, but he has made Beihai County a popular place. I wonder how many people want to take a piece of it now."
County Magistrate Fang has no foundation in the court.
Bai Shan said: "I will write another letter. Whether it succeeds or not depends on fate."
Governor Liu nodded and said, "I will also send a memorial."
But no matter who takes over, Bai Shan has to go back to hand over the county affairs and prepare to return to Beijing.
Of course, before that, he had to send the delegation sent by the court out of Longchi Wharf.
When Bai Shan was making the handover in Beihai County, his memorial was also received in the capital. The emperor threw his memorial and that of Governor Liu on the table, reached out and opened several memorials on the side and put them together.
Seeing this, the Crown Prince asked, "Father, are you worried about the position of Beihai County Magistrate?"
The emperor said, "There are many people who want to take over. There's even the magistrate of Shang County who wants to be transferred there. Humph, it's not a mistake for the magistrate of Shang County to become the magistrate of Zhong County. Why should I transfer him like this?"
The prince said nonchalantly, "As long as it's applicable, it's fine. When Bai Shan went to Beihai County, wasn't he also demoted and transferred?"
The emperor raised his eyelids and looked at him, "So you have a candidate in mind?"
"No, but I asked Zhou Man privately, and she said that Beihai County is now a treasure trove. If we want it to continue to generate income, not only benefiting the local people of Beihai County but also benefiting the Jin Dynasty, then we need an official who is both upright and open-minded, and who understands the ways of business."
Emperor: "What if there isn't?"
"Then we need an official who understands business and is aware of current affairs," the prince said. "If there is no such official, then we can send an official who can maintain the status quo. Even if he does nothing and simply continues according to the existing rules, Beihai County will not be too bad."
The emperor knocked on the table and said, "The Beihai County Magistrate has no foundation in the court, but he has been operating in Beihai County for many years."
The prince said, "I have asked Zhou Man. County Magistrate Fang is not from Beihai County, nor even from Qingzhou, but from Laizhou. Moreover, his family is of average means. Even though Beihai County has developed rapidly in the past five years, apart from a house given to him by the county government, he has no extra wealth."
The emperor asked, "Do you have any preference for this County Magistrate Fang?"
The Crown Prince said: "Beihai County is the hard work of Bai Shan and Zhou Man. Since both of them recommended this person, it means that this person has extraordinary qualities and can at least hold Beihai County temporarily."
The emperor was silent for a moment, then nodded slightly. He collected the memorials on the table and tossed them aside. "This will put even more pressure on Beihai County and Baishan."
The prince said, "Given Bai Shan's generosity and ability, this matter is not worth mentioning."
That's how it was settled.
Zhou Man came out of Chongwenguan after looking for information and learned the news when he passed by the Zhanshi Mansion in front. He felt relieved completely, thinking that Beihai County finally had a suitable person to take over.
Zhou Man happily left the palace and went home. Little Bai Jingxing was not at home, but in the princess's mansion opposite the back door. She held her waist and went to pick up the child.
Bai Erlang happened to be escorting Yin Huo out. Seeing her, he smiled and asked, "Bai Shan should be back in the capital in three or four days, right?"
"I didn't receive the letter. How did you know?"
Yin Huo smiled slightly and said, "I guessed."
Zhou Man looked incredulous, so Yin Huo said, "He'll definitely be back before May. He even sent a number of people across the sea to Beisha City to teach them how to make salt. He also widely publicized this among the merchants. I heard the mayor of Beisha City had a love-hate relationship with him, and they even had a fight in Beisha City."
Zhou Man was surprised. "How come I don't know? No, how did you know?"
"I have to know. The weapons that Governor Liu of Qingzhou lacked were bought from my father. I was the one who took the lead."
good evening
(End of this chapter)
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