Zhang Fei had been indecisive before, which resulted in many things having to be arranged secretly. He could not reveal that he really wanted to go to the Northwest, because this was actually very sensitive. It was better not to say anything before making a decision.
Now that this matter has been settled, Zhang Fei has also begun to deal with the personnel arrangements for this transaction.
But fortunately, he had already started to delegate power before. The office has always been managed by Fan Li, while the genuine bookstore has always been managed by Hou Donglai.
Zhang Fei’s requirement for them was very simple, which was to do things according to their own ideas.
Because he knew these two people too well, they were both very conservative businessmen who would rather make less money than take any risk. When Zhang Fei was around, of course, Zhang Fei's opinions would prevail.
Now that Zhang Fei is going to Hezhong Prefecture, will he still follow Zhang Fei's route?
Zhang Fei thought that their ideas had not changed because of him, so his approach was not suitable for them, and they should still focus on themselves.
He is now mainly busy dealing with many contractual issues, especially those related to charitable foundations.
"Master, send someone to deliver this contract to Mr. Fan and let him take a look at it first. I will discuss it with him in person later."
"Okay, I'll send someone there right away."
...
...
Just as Fan Li reached the door, he suddenly saw a burly, handsome middle-aged man walk in. "Chief Inspector Cao?"
Zhang Fei tilted his head to look and asked in surprise, "Chief Superintendent?"
Cao Ping ignored Fan Li and looked directly at Zhang Fei, smiling and saying, "I didn't expect you to be so surprised by my arrival?"
Zhang Fei was startled and said quickly, "I heard from the lord that the chief superintendent has been ill recently, but today I saw that he was in high spirits, full of energy, and his steps were powerful, not like he had been ill for a long time."
Cao Ping's face immediately turned red, he coughed, and said incoherently: "It got better not long ago."
In an instant, all momentum was gone.
"Is that so? That's good! That's good!" Zhang Fei nodded repeatedly and gestured, "Chief Superintendent, please come in."
By the way, he gave Fan Li a wink and told him to get busy.
Then he invited Cao Ping into the private room.
Cao Ping sat in the private room and looked directly at Zhang Fei without saying a word.
There was complete silence in the private room.
Zhang Fei felt uncomfortable being stared at by him, and he lost his temper, so he simply said, "Yes, it was me who suggested that the government send the yamen to Hezhong Prefecture."
This really cannot be concealed. Let the emperor or Sima Guang make the decision. There is no way they would send Cao Dongdong.
Cao Ping remained silent.
Zhang Fei's eyes flickered a few times, and he continued, "Chief Inspector, your Cao family has been full of heroes for generations, loyal to the emperor and serving the country. The enemies you face are not good people, but they have never been cowards. The Chief Inspector is protecting the young master like this, which is not like the style of the Cao family."
Cao Ping said slowly: "I know Dong'er's character very well. He is simply incapable of handling the affairs of Hezhong Prefecture. Why did you choose him?"
Zhang Fei was startled, and then he understood the purpose of Cao Ping's visit. He asked, "I wonder why the Chief Superintendent thinks so?"
Cao Ping smiled coldly: "There are only two reasons. First, you want to use the name of my Cao family to intimidate him. Second, Dong'er has a simple personality and is easy for you to control."
Zhang Fei wondered, "Is Yanei simple-minded?"
Cao Ping's eyes widened: "I'm referring to the officialdom, not... ahem, he is simply no match for those people."
Zhang Fei couldn't help but ask back: "Who is it?"
Cao Ping asked, "What do you mean by this?"
Zhang Fei said: "It's not like the court hasn't sent people to govern there before. Those officials are all experienced and capable, but they only treat the symptoms and not the root cause. Maybe it's not bad to be simple. When enforcing the law in that place, the more you worry about it, the more you will be restrained, and the more you will lose. If you are simple, people will respect you more."
Who would dare to force himself on a fool?
Cao Ping frowned slightly.
Zhang Fei continued, "I have no intention of looking down on the Cao family, but if the Cao family can be deterred, then the problem of Hezhong Prefecture will not be a problem. I suggest that Yanei go with me, first of all, of course, because Yanei and I have a good relationship and have a certain tacit understanding.
Secondly, it is because of Yanei’s ability.”
Cao Ping asked, "What ability?"
He really didn't find any ability in Cao Dongdong worthy of recognition. Just those few fancy moves?
What's the use of that?
Zhang Fei said: "Leadership ability."
"lead?"
Cao Ping was dumbfounded. Are you talking about my son?
How come I don’t know this!
"good!"
Zhang Fei nodded. "Didn't the Chief Superintendent notice that those royal policemen obeyed Yanei's orders very well? This is very rare."
Cao Ping hesitated for a moment and said, "Dong'er has loved making friends since he was a child. He can chat with anyone. This is not a leadership ability."
Zhang Fei said: "I only believe what I saw. Yanei is quite respected in the police station. I think this is related to the fact that Yanei has been in the three yamen since he was a child. He actually knows the way to train soldiers, but he may not have realized it himself."
Cao Dongdong was in charge of the training of auxiliary police officers at the beginning. Cao Ping had been pretending to be sick at home, but it was very successful. Cao Dongdong also planted a number of spies in the Taxation Bureau. It was at that time that Zhang Fei discovered Cao Dongdong's ability. His ability to win people's hearts was really amazing.
Cao Ping was too lazy to argue with him and asked, "Just based on this?"
Zhang Fei said: "This is the main point, and the other thing is to be brave and fearless. If you don't have the courage, you can't go. If I want a completely obedient superintendent to go with me, it won't be a difficult thing, and I will definitely not choose Yanei."
Cao looked at Zhang Fei and his expression eased a little. He came here mainly to see why Zhang Fei chose Cao Dongdong. He was worried that Zhang Fei wanted Cao Dongdong to take the blame for him. He said, "You just valued Dong'er's training ability. In other words, you don't plan to send the Royal Police over from here?"
Zhang Fei asked, "What does the Chief Superintendent think I should do?"
Cao commented: "If I knew, I would go there myself."
Zhang Fei said: "I plan to recruit people there."
"Why?"
Cao commented: "If you recruit people locally, you will also be subject to their control."
Zhang Fei said: "I have inquired about the situation in Hezhong Prefecture. The officials in the government represent the local power. Their families have prospered in the local area because of this. Later, local officials also relied heavily on them."
Cao Ping nodded.
Zhang Fei changed the subject and said, "But I believe they cannot represent the local forces, because they earn more and others earn less. In addition, if I send the Royal Police from the capital, it will instead arouse the local forces to band together for warmth."
If you bring a group of people with you, people will think that you are trying to usurp their power, and they will really be enemies with the entire Hezhong Prefecture.
"Use the barbarians to control the barbarians."
Cao Ping smiled and nodded, then added: "But it's just a change of name. Even if your strategy succeeds, the police station will eventually become very dependent on these royal policemen."
Zhang Fei said: "But I am not asking them to replace those officials, but to destroy the previous official system. As far as human nature is concerned, what is worrying is not the lack of wealth but the inequality of wealth. I believe they will be happy to destroy it."
Cao Ping didn't show any expression, and suddenly changed the subject, "I heard that the case of Zhong Yan and Lu Shen will also be handed over to you for trial?"
Zhang Fei nodded.
Cao commented: "Want to hear my advice?"
Zhang Fei hurriedly said, "Junior is all ears."
Cao commented: "All of our Cao family's ancestors have made great military achievements, but almost every one of them was demoted for disobeying orders. The situation in war is ever-changing, and the problem that Zhong Yan encountered is common. If you really want to end this matter, or even if you are more inclined to Zhong Yan, you must convict him. Otherwise, his troubles will continue and he will never have peace."
Zhang Fei frowned and pondered for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Sorry! I can't do that. I will judge based on the facts. To be honest with the Chief Inspector, the purpose of my trip is to resolve what the Chief Inspector said is commonplace, because it is unreasonable. Those who abuse military power should be punished, but the premise is that he really abuses military power."
"I'm just giving you a suggestion. It's up to you whether you listen to it or not."
Cao Ping suddenly stood up and said, "I'm leaving first."
Zhang Fei was stunned at first, then he stood up and said, "I'll take the Chief Superintendent."
"Need not!"
Cao Ping raised his hand to stop him, but when he reached the door and was about to open it, he stopped again and turned back to Zhang Fei and said, "There are two reasons why I don't agree with Dong'er going. First, I am worried that he will be used by you. Second, I don't think he is capable of taking on this important task, and I don't want to be a coward.
The men of my Cao family have fought for the Song Dynasty and never been afraid. I still think so now, but unfortunately I can't stop Dong'er from going. Since you suggested that he go, you'd better ensure that he can complete the task successfully. We in the Cao family are not used to failure. "
Having said that, he opened the door and walked out.
Zhang Fei murmured to himself: "It sounds like I'm used to it."
In fact, no matter whether it is Cao Ping or Queen Mother Cao, they always put the reputation of the Cao family first, rather than the safety of Cao Dongdong. After all, the reputation of their Cao family was really earned by their ancestors with their lives.
Letting Cao Dongdong go would clearly bring shame to the Cao family!
But he had no say in this matter, and he immediately changed his mind and decided to fully support Zhang Fei. He came here today to suggest Zhang Fei not to transfer the royal police from the capital. Unexpectedly, Zhang Fei had already thought of this and was fully prepared.
At the same time, Cao Ping believed that Cao Dongdong should ask for something in return if he went there, and he hoped that the military general could be treated fairly.
These military families were all very unhappy about Zhong Yan's situation, but they didn't dare to say it out loud.
After all, this involves the laws of our ancestors.
Their Cao family has produced many famous generals, but they have all been demoted because of this kind of thing, almost without exception. This is a hurdle that the military generals of the Song Dynasty cannot avoid. If you want to win a battle, you must not listen to the blind orders of the court.
You decide whether to fight or not, but you interfere in how to fight. This is outrageous.
Therefore, when he learned that Zhang Fei was also going there for this, he didn't say much.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
