Chapter 892: How Corrupt?

Xiao Ze looked at Lin Jiang: "Chief of Lin Jia, I appoint you as First Magistrate of Taiyuan Prefecture, overseeing all Jia and handling Han civilian affairs."

Lin Jiang froze, sitting stiffly in the chair.

Cai Tong lightly nudged him with his elbow: "Lin Magistrate, why haven't you given thanks yet?"

Lin Jiang snapped to his feet, walked to the side, and with a thud knelt on the ground, his voice trembling: "Commoner... commoner receives the order! Thank you, Your Highness!"

Xiao Ze rose and helped him up: "Sit, I have only three requests for you."

Lin Jiang sat down, raised his head to look at him, his expression solemn.

"First, be honest and self-disciplined; second, be just and stern."

"Third," Xiao Ze gazed out the window at the vast sugarcane fields, "encourage agriculture and sericulture. After each spring planting and autumn harvest, report each Jia's yield truthfully; do not conceal anything."

Xiao Ze withdrew his gaze, locking eyes with Lin Jiang: "I don't need you to devote yourself utterly; as long as your conscience is clear."

Lin Jiang's eyes suddenly reddened.

Lin Jiang nodded firmly: "Yes, sir!"

Xiao Ze turned to Ma Li'an: "Elder Ma, effective today, all the mountains and forests on the island belong to the natives' administration; Han civilians must not interfere."

"If any disputes arise, please sit down with Lin Magistrate to discuss them properly, and do not harm harmony."

Xiao Ze pointed to the document on the table: "Effective today, I hereby appoint you as 'Taiyuan Mountain Guard Envoy,' overseeing mountain and forest affairs."

"If any Han civilian knowingly violates the rules by entering the mountains to cut wood or hunt deer, they shall be handed over to you for handling."

Ma Li'an listened to Cai Tong's translation, utterly stunned, the scar on his face twitching slightly.

He raised his head and gazed at Xiao Ze for a long time.

"Guard... mountain?" He spoke those two words in the Zhongyuan dialect, slowly raising his right hand to his chest: "All right, I will guard."

Xiao Ze smiled slightly, his gaze falling on Cai Tong: "Mr. Cai, you served as an interpreter under the Red-haired Barbarians for many years."

Cai Tong lowered his eyes, a faint bitter smile touching his lips: "Yes, more than twenty years."

Xiao Ze nodded, his tone solemn: "I appoint you as Taiyuan Provincial Judge, overseeing all foreign trade affairs."

"The Red-haired Barbarians may have left, but they won't let go of the business here."

"If they return and still want to do business, no matter how high-ranking the commerce official, you will meet them as an equal."

"If anyone else comes to Taiyuan to do business, the same applies—no matter how big or small, everything must pass through your hands."

Cai Tong's whole body shuddered as he slowly lifted his face, filled with disbelief.

"Judge? I've become a judge?"

"When Mei Er served as a commerce official in Taiyuan, he was second only to the Governor!"

"I've bowed my waist for over twenty years before Mei Er, and now I can actually stand as his equal?"

"This position is incredibly important! The Seventh Prince actually gave it to me!"

"Cai..." he choked up, his Adam's apple rolling up and down several times, then slowly rose and knelt on the ground: "Thank you, Your Highness for your trust; I, I will surely handle my duties well!"

Xiao Ze stood and helped him up.

Xiao Ze swept his gaze over the three: "Gentlemen, Taiyuan's future now rests in your hands."

"As for the provincial officials, Father Emperor will personally select suitable candidates to fill those posts."

"What I can do, I have already done."

Xiao Yuanhang lifted the teacup on the table and also rose: "Gentlemen, you are all heroes who reclaimed Taiyuan."

"If one day you lay down your burdens and wish to come see the scenery of Zhongyuan, just come to the capital; I will keep the mat swept for you."

The three brothers all rose, lifted their teacups, and raised them in a toast toward them.

Lin Jiang and Cai Tong rose together, clasped their fists in salute: "Thank you, Prince!"

Ma Li'an also rose, placed his right hand over his heart, and lowered his scarred head.

As the three walked out of the Governor's Mansion, the sun shone brightly.

Tuan Tuan clutched a wooden toy boat he'd picked up from somewhere, running about outside, his little face flushed with excitement.

Xiao Er and Lu Qi chased after him, shouting: "Miss! Slow down!"

The soldiers nearby burst out laughing.

Once stern Relanzhecheng is now peaceful and harmonious.

As Tuan Tuan ran, he saw them, lifted his little hand and waved vigorously: "Come visit often!"

"Uncle Lin, next time bring A Dai along to play, okay?"

"Sure!" Lin Jiang replied loudly: "She hasn't come before—I'll definitely bring her once!"

Tuan Tuan bounced away again.

The three walked out of Relanzhecheng.

Lin Jiang couldn't help but turn back for another look at the gate: "Mr. Cai, I never dreamed I could see this day."

Cai Tong patted his shoulder: "Come on, let's get to work."

Ma Li'an had already mounted his horse, spurring it forward as he galloped toward the mountains.

In the hall.

Xiao Yuanhang glanced at Xiao Ze, lifted his teacup and took a sip, his tone casual: "Your Highness, is the memorial to His Majesty ready?"

Xiao Ze nodded: "It's done; I'll send it back to the capital today."

"Bring the brush and ink." Xiao Yuanhang set down his teacup: "I will sign the memorial alongside you."

Xiao Ze felt a warm glow in his chest.

The memorial bearing Prince Ning's signature tells Father Emperor that these matters were their joint decision.

Prince Ning's meaning is that, if there is any blame, the Ning Prince's Mansion is willing to share it with him.

"I understand the Prince's intent." Xiao Ze shook his head: "These are matters I have promised to handle; if anything goes wrong, I alone should bear the responsibility."

He glanced at the four father and son: "You have already fought on the battlefield for the Imperial Court, earned magnificent military achievements; this matter absolutely cannot."

Xiao Yuanhang's brows furrowed slightly, he was about to speak again.

"I actually have an idea," Xiao Ningxun suddenly smiled, "that could make everyone shut up—well, it's a bit nasty."

"A nasty idea?" Xiao Ningyuan's eyes lit up upon hearing it: "How nasty? The nastier the business idea, the more money."

Xiao Ningchen rolled his eyes: "Older brother, can you be a bit more serious?"

"I am serious!" Xiao Ningyuan punched Xiao Ningxun's shoulder: "You little fox, hurry up and speak!"

Xiao Ningxun stood up, walked leisurely to the hall's door, and shouted outward: "Tuan Tuan! Come quick! Third Brother needs your help!"