Chapter 2040: The Final Journey 8

If one insisted on praising how high Hunan's development achievements were, it would inevitably seem like shameless flattery, after all, Hunan's foundation was right there—compared to most prefectures and circuits of the Great Han, its foundation was extremely weak.

The so-called Huguang, in the Great Han, referred to the vast region surrounding Lake Dongting. In terms of economic development and production output, Hubei's weight was clearly much heavier. Of course, Hunan's contribution was not small either, especially the Dongting Lake plain and the areas along the Xiang River.

And the so-called development and revival of Jinghu South Circuit was in fact limited to the northeastern region of Hunan, basically centered on Changsha Prefecture, which also caused Hunan's economic development to be severely unbalanced.

Changsha Prefecture was indeed densely populated, economically developed, and culturally rich, but most of the other prefectures and counties were actually still in a state of poverty, backwardness, and isolation.

In the central region, only Hengzhou could barely pass muster. As for western Hunan and southern Hunan, there was progress, but to say how much—that was not necessarily so. In fact, most Hunan prefectures and counties were merely in a peaceful era; apart from a relatively stable social environment, the livelihood and labor conditions of the gentry and common people had not fundamentally changed compared to forty years ago, or even a hundred years ago.

Even so, most of the tax revenue retained annually by Jinghu South Circuit was still spent on Changsha Prefecture and its surroundings, exhausting the strength of one circuit to incubate a prosperous and thriving Changsha.

In Jinghu South Circuit, there was also a saying of "one circuit, one prefecture." Hunan was of course composed of twelve prefectures, but in the impression of people from other circuits, when mentioning Hunan, Changsha was a must. After decades of development, Changsha Prefecture had already become a calling card of Jinghu South Circuit.

Fame was supported by real strength, and in fact, in Jinghu South Circuit, from every angle, Changsha Prefecture could single-handedly take on the other prefectures and counties. Within Hunan, Changsha Prefecture was also an extremely special place. Those with insight yearned for it in their hearts, and those without insight also knew it was a good place—even the best place in the world.

Officials all thought of transferring to Changsha Prefecture, soldiers all hoped to rotate garrison duty in Changsha City. Hunan's best schools and academies, its most outstanding talents, its most beautiful scenery, and its highest-class restaurants were all in Changsha. For merchants, once they accumulated a bit of wealth, they would think of getting a shop or storefront in Changsha; otherwise, they could never amount to anything—no matter how rich, they were just "country bumpkins" of a small place. It rather carried the meaning of "one who has not been to Changsha is not a true man."

The current Administration Commissioner Guo Xin had once sighed with such emotion: "I came to Hunan not to be the Administration Commissioner, but to be the Prefect of Changsha."

Although slightly exaggerated, it also spoke to the truest side of Jinghu South Circuit. Learning that the imperial carriage was heading south, Guo Xin, several days in advance, led the circuit and prefecture's main officials to the mouth of Lake Dongting to await the imperial arrival.

Guo Xin was also specially called by the old Emperor onto the imperial vessel for conversation—the only one in the entire Jinghu South Circuit to receive such treatment. He certainly had the qualifications; as the second elder brother of Consort Guo Ning, he could well be called an "second brother-in-law."

During the conversation, it was naturally unavoidable to touch upon Hunan's political and livelihood issues. Guo Xin's earlier sigh was brought up by the old Emperor in a joking tone.

The old Emperor treated it as a jest, but Guo Xin listening felt not the least bit relaxed. The Jiangling affair might not have spread throughout the entire Great Han, but its impact on the south was already fermenting, and Hunan, as a close neighbor, was greatly shaken.

Therefore, on the Jinghu South Circuit side, from Guo Xin on down, toward the old Emperor's arrival, there was vigilance and wariness. Deep down, they hoped the old Emperor would change his route elsewhere. Compared to the uncertain merit of welcoming him, the risk of losing one's head was something one would rather not take if avoidable.

On the Jinghu South Circuit side, frankly speaking, the situation was not much better than Hubei's—in fact, Changsha's underworld evil was even more severe. Historically, rapid development was always accompanied by countless troubles and contradictions. Since one had to maintain efficiency while also balancing fairness, the two were inherently in conflict.

The bureaucrats of Hunan Circuit truly had no confidence in their hearts. In view of the upheaval in Jiangling's officialdom, before the imperial arrival, the Administration Commissioner's office issued a directive ordering government offices at all levels to carry out a top-down rectification of their jurisdictions, especially putting particular effort into public security.

The commotion was quite large, and many people were arrested. Those who ran boats, rode horses, escorted convoys, and even the outlaws who gathered in the forests all tucked their tails between their legs. But in fact, it was merely an act of the Changsha elite wiping their own backsides. How effective it was remained to be seen. During the old Emperor's inspection tour, they could only silently pray that the shit in their crotches wouldn't leak out.

Guo Xin had always held the old Emperor in awe—one could even say fear. Before him, he was as docile as a cat, not daring to bristle a single hair.

Hearing the old Emperor's teasing, Guo Xin responded with utmost trepidation: "It was your subject's reckless words and impertinence. I am truly ashamed. Please forgive me, Your Majesty, for making a fool of myself!"

Seeing his reaction, the old Emperor couldn't help but laugh: "Reckless words? Where does that come from! In my view, this was a great truth!"

Carefully glancing at the old Emperor, noticing his playful gaze, Guo Xin's heart skipped a beat. He rose and nervously bowed: "Your subject was rash and undisciplined, lacking propriety. Please punish me, Your Majesty!"

The old Emperor scrutinized Guo Xin for a while, pressing him until his legs went weak and he knelt on the ground, before finally speaking leisurely: "Tell me, do you want to be the Administration Commissioner of Hunan Circuit, or do you want to be the Prefect of Changsha Prefecture!"

This question was truly fatal. Only at this moment did Guo Xin become certain that the old Emperor was indeed angry about his earlier words. At the same time, he cursed inwardly—which petty person had leaked this to the Emperor?

Of course, under the old Emperor's cold and stern gaze, Guo Xin could only focus on begging for forgiveness, bowing deeply: "Your subject was confused and muddled, not knowing what he was saying. I beg Your Majesty to mete out punishment!"

The old Emperor still wore a smiling expression, but his body leaned forward slightly as he asked: "What are you so nervous about? Am I the kind of sovereign who punishes people for their words? Get up, sit down. I merely wish to discuss this matter with you!"

At this point, Guo Xin's heart was nearly completely covered by shadow. He repeatedly said "I dare not," entirely in a state of utter panic. Only when the old Emperor was about to lose his temper did he dare to rise and speak "normally."

However, no sooner had his backside touched the seat than he heard the old Emperor ask in a strange, sarcastic tone: "I have also heard that among the common folk of Hunan Circuit—and it should not be just the common folk, even within the government offices there are people spreading it.

Saying that this vast Jinghu South Circuit is just Changsha Prefecture living with a bunch of poor relatives. If not for the drag of those poor relatives, Changsha Prefecture's development would be even better. Is that so or not?"

"Sit down!" Seeing Guo Xin unable to resist rising again, the old Emperor immediately barked.

Seeing this, Guo Xin naturally sat as if on a bed of needles, his heart pounding with anxiety: "Your Majesty, allow your subject to explain. These rumors are merely the nonsense of some vulgar, lowly commoners with shallow views. As for those under my jurisdiction who do not understand the bigger picture, I will certainly strengthen discipline and punishment. I have always treated all prefectures of Hunan Circuit equally."

Guo Xin explained himself in a flustered manner, while the old Emperor listened with sneering laughter. For the first time, a hint of anger appeared in his old eyes. He slapped the table and rebuked: "Shut your mouth!"

Startled by this, Guo Xin knelt prostrate on the ground once more. This time the old Emperor did not stop him. After a moment of deliberation, he asked in an interrogating tone: "You have been in office in Jinghu South Circuit for over three years now. In all that time, have you ever left Changsha Prefecture? Have you ever set foot in the prefectures and counties beyond Changsha Prefecture? Have you ever cared for and shown compassion to the rest of the gentry and common people?

Ask yourself honestly—have you been competent as this Administration Commissioner? What, are you too old now, unable to lift your legs, unable to walk?"

How could Guo Xin have imagined that the very first thing upon welcoming the imperial carriage would be facing such a storm of accusations from the old Emperor? His old face completely collapsed, bitter beyond measure.