Chapter 609: The Duke's Diligence

He soothed the old man with kind words and sent him off. Wang Zhu, standing nearby, subconsciously let out a sigh of relief—he had been listening intently to the exchange between Wang Pu and the other man, afraid that this rustic villager might be foolish and say something inappropriate.

Wang Pu's smile faded, his expression returning to calm. He turned his head toward Wang Zhu and said evenly, "Chengxiang, you've done well as Prefectural Administrator! You took office and were immediately met with a great disaster, yet you've been diligent and devoted, putting public duty above all. These past two months have been hard on you!"

"This subordinate has only done his duty, not daring to slack!" Wang Zhu revealed a slight smile and clasped his hands, saying, "Compared to Your Excellency Wang's toil, how can I speak of 'hardship'!"

Though Wang Zhu's words carried a hint of flattery, there was also genuine truth in them. In these two years in Eastern Huainan, settling the people, governing affairs, reforming institutions, and spreading the laws—consolidating the newly conquered territories under the rule of the Great Han—Wang Pu had poured out his heart and soul, personally attending to every matter, neglecting sleep and food. The many silver threads that had appeared among his temples were proof of this. One should know, he was not yet fifty, yet he had aged terribly.

For the officials of Eastern Huainan, Wang Pu was by no means a good superior—stern, forceful, even somewhat inhuman. In these two years, several dozen officials from various prefectures had been personally dealt with by him.

Among them, besides the retained Southern Tang officials, there were also auxiliary Huainan officials dispatched by the court. For this reason, both inside and outside the court, Wang Pu had in fact offended quite a few people.

However, toward the common people, Wang Pu had shown kindness, and toward the Son of Heaven and the court, Wang Pu had rendered merit. That the various prefectures of Eastern Huainan could quickly recover from the ravages of war was due in great part to Wang Pu's achievements.

"His Majesty entrusted the administration of Eastern Huainan to me—how could I not exhaust every ounce of my energy and accomplish something!" Wang Pu sighed, then rose and said to Wang Zhu, "Sizhou sits at the strategic crossroads of the Huai River. As things stand now, the people's hearts are gradually turning to us, and the results are considerable. Chengxiang, you must continue to press on!"

"Yes!" Wang Zhu replied solemnly.

"Come, let us go to Gui Mountain. I have already summoned the Prefect of Chu to discuss matters!" Wang Pu said, taking the lead and walking out.

Wang Zhu followed, and after a moment's thought, asked, "Is it regarding the restoration of the White Water Pond?"

Somewhat admiring his quick wit, Wang Pu nodded and said, "The court has already approved it. His Majesty personally named it—Hongze Lake. This lake will stretch diagonally across Si and Chu, requiring both prefectures to join forces in the excavation!"

Gui Mountain, adjacent to the Huai River, lay thirty li northeast of Xuyi City. Its southwestern face was a sheer cliff, with a deep abyss below. Ascending to the summit and standing against the wind, one could gaze upon the mountain and the depths. Wang Zhu, well-read as he was, pointed at the mountain's foot and said, "Legend has it that when Yu the Great tamed the floods, he used iron chains to bind the water spirit Wuzhiqi of the Huai vortex at the foot of Gui Mountain—this is the very place!"

Wang Pu nodded slightly, glanced at the Huai River, and considered seriously for a moment before saying, "The waterway from Xuyi to Huaiyin has always been treacherous—a hundred li of wind and waves, causing countless shipwrecks. To facilitate travel for the people, I intend to cut a new canal to avoid the perils of the long Huai. We shall begin excavating from Gui Mountain, drawing from the Huai as its source, spanning fifty li!"

Hearing Wang Pu say this, a tall, middle-aged official beside him furrowed his brows tightly and could not help but say, "Governor, if we are to open Hongze and also build a new canal, I fear this will exhaust the people and waste resources!"

This official was Zhang Yanqing, Prefectural Administrator of Chuzhou. Originally the Defense Commissioner of Haizhou under the Southern Tang, he was, apart from Guo Tingwei, another Tang official who had distinguished himself during the Northern Han's southern campaign.

After the Southern Tang sued for peace, he too submitted to the Great Han. When Wang Pu took charge of governance, he selected worthy talents. Recognizing Zhang Yanqing's considerable practical abilities—he had also served as Defense Commissioner of Chuzhou and was familiar with the local conditions—Wang Pu submitted a memorial recommending him to administer Chuzhou. He was one of the few retained Southern Tang officials who had gained the trust of the Han court and been entrusted with important posts.

As his recommender, Wang Pu had shown Zhang Yanqing great kindness. Yet at this moment, Zhang Yanqing still spoke frankly and raised his objection, saying to Wang Pu, "As the Governor says, though it is only fifty li and not long, might we delay the matter of cutting the canal for now?"

Hearing his counsel, Wang Pu subconsciously furrowed his brows and turned to look at Zhang Yanqing, seeing his composed expression. He opened his mouth, then looked at Wang Zhu and asked, "What do you think?"

Wang Zhu also considered seriously for a moment, then clasped his hands and said, "The Hongze project, even with the combined strength of both prefectures, will consume much time and money. We truly have no surplus capacity to pursue both undertakings simultaneously. If we force it, I fear excessive corvée labor will breed resentment among the people!"

Seeing the two hold the same opinion, Wang Pu did not respond immediately but reflected on himself, murmuring, "Could it be that I have indeed been too hasty?"

After further deliberation, Wang Pu let out a breath and said, "Very well, let us set this matter aside for later discussion!"

"But as for Hongze Lake, since the court has already approved it, before winter sets in, we must dispatch capable officials, allocate funds and grain, conscript corvée labor, and commence the project! I expect that within three years, the great lake will be completed!" Wang Pu said with firm resolve. "For supply matters and any deficiencies, report to Yangzhou—I will coordinate from there!"

"Yes!"

Hearing Wang Pu speak thus and sensing his will, the two Prefectural Administrators' nerves unconsciously tensed a bit.

Wang Pu asked, "How much manpower can the prefectures concentrate?"

"By preliminary estimate, under Sizhou's jurisdiction, we can mobilize ten thousand laborers!" Wang Zhu calculated for a moment and gave a conservative figure.

Zhang Yanqing then said, "Chuzhou can dispatch fifteen thousand laborers!"

That was already considerable. Wang Pu nodded with satisfaction, then turned to look at Zhang Yanqing. After weighing his words slightly, he spoke in a tone of admonition: "Hongze Lake lies mostly within Chuzhou's borders. This project will require a great mobilization of labor, and beyond the lake itself, it will occupy a large amount of farmland. For those commoners affected, the prefectural government must provide proper relief and resettlement—allocate them new lands and help them rebuild their homes.

Furthermore, strictly guard against petty officials seizing the opportunity to harass and plunder the people, breeding resentment. This matter is of utmost importance—be absolutely vigilant!"

Hearing Wang Pu's admonition, Zhang Yanqing's expression turned solemn, and he clasped his hands, saying, "Yes! This subordinate would never dare be negligent—I will strictly restrain my men!"

"Sizhou as well!" Wang Pu added another line to Wang Zhu.

Returning from Shanyang in Chuzhou to Yangzhou, Wang Pu inspected the counties and towns along the way, personally questioning the people and carefully observing local conditions. Inevitably encountering cases of negligence, he dealt with them—in Gaoyou County, three corrupt officials were all apprehended by him and sent to Yangzhou for investigation and judgment.

The current officials of Eastern Huainan feared nothing more than Wang Pu's inspection tours of the prefectures and counties, for basically every time, he would deal with some people. The common folk were pleased, but it was somewhat "a hard life for officials." Especially for the former Southern Tang officials—when had they ever been subjected to such strict discipline before? It was as if a sword hung over their heads, leaving them anxious and uneasy...

After more than half a month, he returned to Yangzhou.

Under Wang Pu's governance, Yangzhou City had completely recovered its former prosperity—indeed, it even surpassed its state under the Southern Tang. After all, under the Great Han's policies, too many corrupt levies and miscellaneous taxes had been abolished, and "fairness" had been given a certain measure of prominence.

With Wang Pu, this stern-faced deity, in place, and under a stable and orderly environment, Yangzhou City's foundations rapidly erupted with tremendous energy. Even during times of disaster, its prosperity was not in the least affected.

The first thing upon returning to the Administration Commissioner's yamen was to summon all his subordinates, hear reports, and settle affairs. During his absence from Yangzhou, a great deal of official business had piled up.

In the second hall, Wang Pu sat with a stern countenance examining matters, while his various subordinates sat spread throughout, respectfully reporting—none daring to provoke his ire. Of course, even though Wang Pu was upright and just, their attitude toward him was still more fear than respect.

From afternoon until evening, the hall only then quieted down again, and upon the desk had piled up a series of circuit and prefecture affairs.

And Wang Pu still did not rest. As the sun set and darkness fell, a servant lit the lamps. When the old servant carried in the evening meal and stepped lightly inside, what he saw was still Wang Pu's figure bent over the desk, reading documents beneath the lamplight.

"Governor, counting from daytime affairs, you have been seated at your desk for four consecutive hours now. Do rest a moment and take your meal!" the old servant urged.

Wang Pu raised his head and gestured: "Just leave it for now—let me finish reading this document!"

Having said this, he lowered his head again. What he was reviewing were documents handled by circuit and prefecture officials, wanting to see if there were any improprieties or oversights...

He was reading intently when he heard sobbing. Looking up, he saw the old servant, who had already set out the bowls and chopsticks, wiping tears with his sleeve. Wang Pu was taken aback: "What are you doing? Why are you weeping?"

"The Governor is so diligent, not caring for his own health—this old servant simply cannot bear it!" the old servant said. "Official business will never be finished. If the Governor continues on like this, your body will be worn down..."

Seeing this, Wang Pu could not help but chuckle lightly: "It's only these two or three years! I have assured the court—within five years, Eastern Huainan will be greatly governed. Get through these few years, and there will be plenty of leisure to rest!"

Still, heeding his advice, Wang Pu did set aside his official business and picked up his chopsticks to eat. While eating, he asked, "Where are the third and fourth young lords? Have they eaten?"

"The two young lords have already dined."

"Notify them to go to the study—later I will examine their studies to see whether they have been slacking in my absence!" Wang Pu ordered while shoveling rice into his mouth.

"Yes!"

Wang Pu had four sons. The eldest and second were already grown and serving in the military. The third and fourth were still young, and he kept them by his side, personally instructing them.

In no time at all, Wang Pu finished his evening meal, stretched to relieve his fatigue, and once again opened the documents...

The old servant, clearing away the tableware, could not help but sigh: "The Governor toils so over official matters, but do you know how others slander you? This old servant truly feels it is not worth it for you!"

"Mind your tongue!" Hearing this, Wang Pu looked up and lightly scolded.

After a pause, Wang Pu let out a faint sigh and chuckled softly: "What I do, I do for the common people, for the peace of Eastern Huainan, for His Majesty's grand strategy. It is not for the honor or disgrace of these officials, nor can I give them ease. Even if they speak ill of me or despise me, it is all not worth mentioning..."