Zhao Dezhu was already terrified and his face turned ashen.
Like a stray dog, it kowtowed and begged for mercy repeatedly, showing no trace of its previous arrogance.
Lu Yan frowned in disgust and kicked him away, as if he were kicking away a troublesome stone.
The people cheered and praised Lu Yan as a just and upright official.
Lu Yan enjoyed the feeling of being the center of attention.
He knew in his heart that he did this partly for the sake of the people, and partly to vent his anger.
Meanwhile, Chen Qingwan went on a clandestine visit.
She changed into ordinary men's clothing and wore a straw hat to conceal her stunning beauty.
She observed the army in Qingshui County with a furrowed brow, her expression impassive.
The soldiers were listless and their training was lax.
The line was crooked and disorganized; they were nothing more than a mob.
Compared to the army under Lu Yan's command, it was worlds apart.
"Look at the army in Qingshui County, they are utterly vulnerable."
"If the enemy really attacks, I'm afraid Qingshui County will be captured in an instant."
Chen Qingwan lowered her voice, her tone tinged with worry.
Qiao'er also changed into men's clothing and followed behind Chen Qingwan.
She curled her lip and said sarcastically:
"That's right. If a real war broke out, these cowards would probably run faster than rabbits."
"Unlike Lu Yan's special forces soldiers, each one is imposing and can take on ten men."
Chen Qingwan nodded slightly, but she began to have doubts about the memorial submitted by the magistrate of Qingshui County.
Although Lu Yan was greedy for money and lustful, he was a capable administrator.
The soldiers of Shannan County were also capable of fighting ten men each, and were not afraid of enemy attacks at all.
Just then, Chen Qingwan noticed a large crowd gathered at the entrance of the county government office, creating a lively and bustling scene.
Curious, she walked over to see what had happened.
"Have you heard? Lord Lu confiscated Zhao Dezhu's property and distributed all the gold and silver he plundered to us!"
"Really? That corrupt official Zhao Dezhu has finally gotten his comeuppance!"
"Indeed, Lord Lu is truly a good official!"
The whispers of the people reached Chen Qingwan's ears.
"Qiao'er, go and find out what happened," Chen Qingwan instructed.
Qiao'er accepted the order and left. She returned shortly afterward and told Chen Qingwan the news she had found out.
"Your Majesty, Lord Lu not only confiscated Zhao Dezhu's property, but also distributed his ill-gotten gains to the people,"
"Now the people all treat him like a living Buddha."
Qiao'er described it vividly, her tone tinged with excitement.
She was startled.
I never expected Lu Yan to be so bold.
I haven't even issued an edict to punish Zhao Dezhu yet, but he's already acted first and reported it later.
At this moment, Lu Yan dusted off non-existent dust from his sleeves.
He walked out of the county government office looking refreshed, as if he had just come out of a bathhouse.
At the entrance, Lu Fei, Zhang Xun, and Han Sheng had been waiting for a long time.
They were all full of energy, practically begging for praise written all over their faces.
"All done, that's it!"
Lu Yan waved his hand, displaying an air of commanding authority.
"Back to Shannan County!"
No sooner had he finished speaking than a "young master" wearing a bamboo hat and men's clothing walked over.
Behind him followed a pretty "page boy" dressed in men's clothing.
"Miss Chen, how did things go?"
Chen Qingwan removed her bamboo hat, revealing her beautiful face, and said calmly:
"Lord Lu, you seem to be in high spirits. You've cleaned up this mess left by the magistrate of Qingshui County so easily?"
"Not at all," Lu Yan waved his hand, feigning modesty.
"It was nothing more than a small favor. But Miss Chen, why aren't you back in the capital? What are you doing in this remote and impoverished place?"
Chen Qingwan didn't answer, but instead gave Lu Yan a deep look and said:
"Lord Lu, are you returning to Shannan County? How about we travel together?"
Lu Yan readily agreed: "I would be honored to accept your offer!"
The group set off on their journey back to Shannan County.
On the way, Chen Qingwan and Qiao'er were curious about Lu Yan's actions.
"Lord Lu, why are you distributing Zhao Dezhu's property to the people? Aren't you afraid of being investigated by the imperial court?"
Chen Qingwan asked, puzzled.
Lu Yan smiled mysteriously and said:
“Miss Chen, you don’t understand. This is called ‘taking from the people and using for the people’.”
"I am doing this to rid the people of a scourge, how could the imperial court investigate?"
Qiao'er pouted to the side.
"You're just bragging! I think you're just trying to win people over!"
Lu Yan laughed and didn't refute, but gave Chen Qingwan a meaningful look.
He thought to himself, what good is winning people's hearts?
As long as it benefits the people and allows them to live a good life, what's wrong with winning their hearts?
Moreover, the will of the people is more important than anything else.
Chen Qingwan took in all the changes in Lu Yan's expression.
Lu Yan may seem cynical, but he is actually meticulous and shrewd.
Upon returning to Shannan County, Chen Qingwan instructed her secret guards to go back and issue orders to punish Zhao Dezhu.
As for the charges, they are naturally corruption, bribery, and exploitation of the people.
Anyway, Zhao Dezhu is no good either. Even without Lu Yan's intervention, he would have stumbled sooner or later.
The following morning, Shannan County was shrouded in a thin layer of fog.
After having breakfast, she took Qiao'er straight to the county government office.
They plan to discuss the previous cooperation with Lu Yan.
"Good morning, Lord Lu,"
Chen Qingwan was still dressed in men's clothing, but without the cover of the bamboo hat, she looked even more dashing.
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