Chapter 1605: Andong Is No Simple Place

The water was already clear to the bottom. Geng Jizhong bent over and stepped forward, pouring hot tea for Liu Xu with practiced skill and quick, nimble movements, while asking in a low voice: "Your Highness, are we really just letting this Liu Yongzhen go like this?"

Clearly knowing what Geng Jizhong was referring to, Liu Xu asked in return: "And what else?"

At Liu Xu's gesture, Geng Jizhong also lifted his robe and took a seat. After a brief pause, he spoke: "Your Highness, the chaos of Aolai's governance need not be mentioned for now—along the way, the local offices and garrison posts all have similar situations. However, since gold was discovered at Blackwater, Aolai has been a land where gold flows, sitting atop a treasure mountain. I do not believe he would be unmoved. If we investigate carefully, we are certain to find something!"

Hearing this, Liu Xu chuckled lightly: "You are judging people by the assumption of evil nature! Besides, even if what you say is true, what am I supposed to do with him? On this inspection tour, those I have dealt with are all people whose actions crossed the bottom line!

As for Aolai City, from what I have observed and seen, Liu Yongzhen has it quite well under control. Andong's situation is special, with complex human relationships; what officials lack is the ability to control. What the Governor's Office needs is precisely someone who can grasp the situation!

As for the matter of embezzlement, that is actually a minor issue. For so many years, the court has made great efforts to rectify official discipline, yet look at how His Majesty employs people and governs—does he really value whether they are incorruptible or not?

Not to mention others, just take our Patrol Inspector Tian—his greed and brutality are almost universally known. There are people in the court who have submitted one memorial after another impeaching and attacking him, but what was the result? His Majesty not only failed to deal with him routinely, but instead protected him all the more, still letting him lead troops in the field.

It is not only because of his years of meritorious service, but also because of his ability to guard the borders, protect the people, suppress violence, and quell rebellion. The court also needs his abilities—it needs generals like him to intimidate the petty and wicked.

A man without talent or ability, no matter how incorruptible, is a useless man in His Majesty's eyes!"

"As for whether he is greedy or not, that is secondary—especially so in Andong! We must understand that not all who come to Andong to strive are filled with fervent zeal, single-mindedly serving the state, and supporting the construction of the Northeast.

Some of them are compelled by circumstances, but most come in pursuit of fame and profit, to establish merit and build careers. For such people, if there were no benefits, how could they settle their minds and remain calm? As far as the Governor's Office is concerned, as long as they can fulfill their duties, there is no need to be overly rigid about minor details!"

Hearing Liu Xu's words, Geng Jizhong was stunned for a moment, then smiled bitterly: "Your Highness's insight and breadth of mind are admirable and truly a blessing for all the officials of Andong. However, if there is no restraint, I fear trouble will arise in the future.

Moreover, the chief officials of the various towns and cities in Andong now hold somewhat too much power—too many people act on their own authority. Take Aolai City for example: it controls both military and civil affairs. In the prefectures and circuits of the interior, this would be almost unimaginable..."

"Andong is, after all, not the interior—it has its own special characteristics. These past two years, haven't there been people in the Eastern Capital discussing that I, as Governor, have too much power?" Liu Xu said casually.

Geng Jizhong then said with a grave expression: "Your Highness, precisely because of this, you should be even more cautious, so as to avoid suspicion and attack from others!"

Hearing this, Liu Xu finally fell silent, his expression also turning somewhat somber. He pondered for a few moments, then suddenly raised his head to look at Geng Jizhong: "Who exactly are you referring to?"

Even though their relationship was close, Geng Jizhong did not dare meet Liu Xu's gaze at this moment. He could not help but lower his head and answer: "Your servant spoke out of turn!"

"This Andong Governor's post of mine is not easy to hold at all!" Seeing this, Liu Xu let out a light sigh.

Saying this, he turned the conversation back to Liu Yongzhen: "This Liu Yongzhen does have some ability..."

"Your servant sees this man as rather ordinary—he cannot even manage a small city like Aolai properly. Your servant originally thought that Your Highness regarded this man with special favor because of the Marquis of Haining." Geng Jizhong said tentatively.

Glancing at him, Liu Xu said calmly: "I have never had much acquaintance with the Marquis of Haining!"

Geng Jizhong: "Through this Liu Yongzhen, perhaps a connection could be established. The Marquis of Haining is also a great general of the court, a pillar of the state."

Hearing this, Liu Xu's tone suddenly turned stern. He raised his hand to stop him: "Such words are better left unsaid!"

"Yes!" Geng Jizhong immediately became meek and submissive, but in his heart, he vaguely sensed that he had hit upon Liu Xu's thoughts.

In fact, if they had not noticed it at first, then after these two years, these subordinates who were Liu Xu's confidants had all come to realize one thing.

These sons of meritorious nobles who rushed to Andong to develop the great Northeast, although most were from collateral branches or born of concubines and seemed not to be highly regarded, were ultimately from great families. They always had backing behind them and brought with them certain networks of connections and resources.

The Prince of Qin, Liu Xu, was himself the greatest son of a concubine in the realm. If he could integrate these noble sons in Andong and gather them under the great banner of the Prince of Qin, it would absolutely become a major source of support.

Of course, this would not be an easy matter—the difficulty of operation was considerable. But nothing is absolute. Looking at it from another angle, being equally born of concubines, most of them also belonged to the category of the unregarded, and they possessed empathy, able to feel a sense of closeness...

The more one looked at it, the more Andong seemed not to be as bad on the surface as it appeared...

Liu Xu clearly did not want to dwell on this topic. He let out a light breath and directly gave Geng Jizhong his orders: "After tonight's banquet, tomorrow we go to see the Blackwater Gold Mine. Stay one more day, then set out the day after for Fuyuan City!"

Following the Yazi River eastward, Aolai City was already the second-to-last town under the jurisdiction of the Andong Governor's Office. The further east one went, the more desolate and primitive it became.

Further downstream, only Fuyuan City remained, which was also renamed on the basis of the old city of Pouali—that was probably the most remote stronghold under Andong's jurisdiction. As for Nurgar City, where Ma Huaiyu had once led troops to reach, it was only a symbolic occupation, with a stele erected and inscribed. Because it was too far away, the Han army garrison troops originally stationed there had withdrawn after two years.

Hearing Liu Xu's decision, Geng Jizhong frowned slightly and hesitantly tried to dissuade him: "Your Highness, Fuyuan City is still several hundred li from here, the roads are difficult to travel, and it is in a remote location. Moreover, barbarian troops have recently attacked the city—the situation is not stable. Your Highness's person is precious—please do not risk it!"

Liu Xu clearly did not intend to take the advice. He waved his hand, with an air of "don't be so talkative," and said: "On this inspection tour, I have already traveled over a thousand li—a few hundred more makes no difference. As for safety, perhaps you have forgotten that during the northern expedition back then, I also followed the army for several months. What a formation that was, what danger! Precisely because there is unrest in Fuyuan that I must see it with my own eyes!"

"Yes!" Seeing that Liu Xu could not be dissuaded, Geng Jizhong could only agree, though he became even more attentive to security matters.

"Father!" While the two were conversing, a figure burst in.

A youthful lad, full of vitality—the newcomer was none other than Liu Xu's eldest son, Liu Wenyuan. Liu Wenyuan was already fourteen years old, at an age full of restless energy. His brow and features resembled Liu Xu's greatly, radiating heroic spirit. He had accompanied his father on this inspection tour, but upon arriving at Aolai City, he had taken his attendants and guards to go sightseeing.

However, at this moment, Liu Wenyuan looked somewhat disheveled—his clothes were soaking wet, and his face still carried a dampness. Seeing this, Liu Xu's smile faded, and his face darkened slightly: "What have you been doing, getting yourself into such a mess? What kind of decorum is this!"

Liu Wenyuan was still somewhat afraid of Liu Xu as a father. The excitement on his face receded, and he stammered: "I saw fishermen fishing on the river, so I went into the water to catch fish. I caught a fish and want to make fish soup to nourish Father's body!"

"DaLang is truly filial!" Seeing Liu Xu's displeased expression, Geng Jizhong, acting as his maternal cousin, immediately spoke up, even shooting Liu Wenyuan a wink.

Liu Wenyuan was also clever. Seeing this, he hurriedly ordered his attendant to present the fish he had caught. Seeing the fish in the basket, whose species could not be identified, Liu Xu's expression softened somewhat. He immediately summoned a palace eunuch and instructed: "Take him down to wash up and change clothes, then give him ten strikes of the ruler!"

Hearing Liu Xu's order, Liu Wenyuan immediately became anxious and shouted loudly: "Father, can we skip the ruler!"

Liu Xu glared at him: "What, ten strikes of the ruler not enough? Then make it twenty!"

Hearing this, Liu Wenyuan immediately became obedient and dared not bargain further. He probably understood that if he said one more word, it would likely rise to thirty.

Liu Wenyuan followed the palace eunuch reluctantly. Geng Jizhong spoke up to console: "Your Highness, DaLang is truly spirited and dashing—he will surely be extraordinary in the future!"

"You need not praise him, and you need not flatter me!" Liu Xu shook his head: "He is not much like me. At his age, I was not so restless and unsettled!"

"People often find it easy to be in motion but difficult to remain still. After all, not everyone is as calm and wise as Your Highness!" Geng Jizhong said.

Liu Xu did not respond. He thought for a moment, then looked at the several guards who had already knelt down in the hall and said directly: "Allowing the prince to go into the water to catch fish—you are guilty of failing in your duty as guards. Each of you will receive twenty strokes of the cane. Any objections?"

"We accept the punishment!" The leading guard immediately responded, not daring to show the slightest complaint.

Since even Liu Wenyuan had been punished with the ruler, how could they escape? Twenty strokes were already Liu Xu showing mercy.

. wap.