"But wouldn't this pose a huge challenge to the prefecture-county system?"
"Hahaha, Han Xin, you adapt to local conditions. Times change. The Xiang family's existence is merely a stabilizing force in Jiangnan before I complete the comprehensive reform of Qin. When the time is right, they will be removed."
"My esteemed teacher... is truly a divine being! Han Xin is in awe!"
Han Xin's expression of admiration made Li Lin feel somewhat ashamed.
His choice was merely a reference to Emperor Jing of Han's decision to pass the throne to the King of Liang, who was then on the front lines of the war, in order to quell the Rebellion of the Seven States.
Poor King Liang, he really believed the throne would be passed to him.
They used all of Liang's strength to resist the rebel army of the seven kingdoms.
And what was the result?
Has the throne been passed to him?
No.
It was passed down to Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che, the son of Emperor Jing of Han.
The current administration of the southern prefectures by the Xiang clan is merely a temporary measure, choosing the lesser of two evils to allow the First Emperor to focus on resolving the border threat posed by the Xiongnu.
After all, the two major events of the new policies and the war against the Xiongnu were already enough to give Li Lin a lot to worry about.
If things become unstable in Jiangnan at this time, wouldn't that cause Li a lot of trouble?
"Your Excellency, we are just ahead in Kuaiji Commandery. The Prefect is waiting for you thirty miles outside the city!"
"I understand. Let's go, Han Xin, let's go out and meet this local official."
"promise!"
He had just stepped out of the carriage and had not yet dismounted.
Suddenly, a messenger arrived on horseback with news.
"Reporting, Your Excellency, His Majesty has issued an urgent decree!"
"What?"
He immediately unfolded the edict, which contained the First Emperor's reprimand of him, as well as some words of concern.
This left him feeling somewhat bewildered and amused.
Upon finishing the last page, he immediately wore a bitter expression. "This Emperor really knows how to handle things. He actually ordered me to return to Xianyang immediately, and the New Year is almost here!"
He sighed.
"What's wrong, my dear teacher?"
"See!"
Han Xin took the imperial edict, and after reading it, he asked in surprise, "Why is His Majesty in such a hurry to send you back?"
"I suppose it was this act of acting first and reporting later that angered His Majesty?"
Li Lin shook his head. He was just about to get off the carriage, but before he could, he got back inside, turned the horse around, and went back the way he came.
This greatly disappointed the local officials of Kuaiji, who had been preparing to welcome Li Lin for the past thirty miles outside the city. They had been freezing outside for most of the day just to wait for the arrival of the Prime Minister, only to find that the Prime Minister had already left.
Everyone was feeling terrible inside. Some people didn't show it on the surface, but in their hearts they were cursing Li Lin's ancestors for eighteen generations.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
