Chapter 80

Prefect walked along, stopping from time to time to ask about some trivial livelihood matters.

For example, grain prices, how the people lived, the public security situation, etc.

Jiang Xiaomu answered each in turn, daring not to be the slightest bit negligent.

He discovered that the prefect seemed especially concerned about the city's slums, repeatedly stopping his steps, carefully observing the surroundings, brows furrowed, as if pondering something.

Jiang Xiaomu secretly speculated: Could this prefect really be a clean official who sympathizes with the people?

No way, in these tumultuous times, where would there be any clean official? Perhaps it's just an act.

After strolling around, the sky gradually darkened, and the prefect finally returned to the governor's mansion.

The prefect took his seat in the chief position, sipped a mouthful of tea, then slowly began to speak.

"Mr. Jiang, I am surnamed Zhao, named De Zhao, and humbly serve as the prefect of Wangjiang Cheng."

"So it's Lord Zhao." Jiang Xiaomu cupped his fists.

But in his heart he muttered: Zhao De Zhao? That name sounds somewhat familiar.

Zhao De Zhao seemed to notice Jiang Xiaomu's doubt, smiling as he explained:

"Mr. Jiang, don't overthink it; I am not a royal relative, merely sharing the same name and surname."

Jiang Xiaomu gave a dry laugh twice, but his heart grew even more wary.

Zhao De Zhao then turned his gaze to a thin, elderly man beside him and said:

"This is my advisor, Advisor Tang."

The advisor stepped forward a step, cupped his fists, and said:

"Mr. Jiang, I have long admired your name."

Jiang Xiaomu also returned the salute with cupped fists, but his mind was calculating:

Advisor Tang? That name sounds familiar, but anyone who can stay by Zhao De Zhao's side is certainly no pushover.

Next, Advisor Liu introduced the county magistrate, chief clerk, and other officials who had come along.

Jiang Xiaomu dealt with them one by one, wearing a polite fake smile on his face, but his heart remained undisturbed.

After some pleasantries, Zhao De Zhao finally got to the point:

"Mr. Jiang, Wangjiang Cheng now lies in ruins awaiting revival; do you have any good strategies?"

Jiang Xiaomu secretly thought: Finally, it's here!

He feigned contemplation for a moment, then said:

"Lord Zhao, I also know a thing or two about the situation in Wangjiang Cheng."

"Now the biggest problem in the city is the large number of refugees and chaotic public security."

"What Mr. Jiang said is absolutely correct." Zhao De Zhao nodded.

"I wonder what clever plan Mr. Jiang has?"

Jiang Xiaomu said:

"I believe the urgent priority is to settle the refugees and restore production."

"Only when the people can live in peace and pursue their livelihoods can Wangjiang Cheng truly be stabilized."

"Excellent! Well said! Mr. Jiang truly understands the greater good!" Zhao De Zhao clapped his hands in praise.

"Then I wonder how Mr. Jiang plans to settle these refugees?"

Jiang Xiaomu, well-prepared, spoke at length:

"I plan to reclaim wasteland outside the city, letting the refugees farm it to support themselves."

"At the same time, I will organize some workshops for the refugees to learn skills, so they can make a living in the future."

Zhao De Zhao nodded repeatedly, his eyes full of admiration.

Next, the two engaged in an in-depth discussion on city defense, taxation, public security, and so on.

Jiang Xiaomu discovered that although Zhao De Zhao appeared somewhat slick, he was quite experienced in governing localities, and his suggestions were very practical.

Late at night, Jiang Xiaomu rose to take his leave; Zhao De Zhao personally saw him to the governor's mansion gate, and they exchanged a few more pleasantries.

The next morning, Jiang Xiaomu was still dreaming of frolicking with the daughter of the Duke of Zhou when a sudden rap on the door woke him.

"Jiang... Mr. Jiang, Lord Zhao requests your presence at the governor's mansion, saying there is an important matter to discuss."

The constable spoke, out of breath.

Jiang Xiaomu wondered suspiciously, what medicine is Zhao De Zhao selling from his gourd?

All along the way, he kept guessing Zhao De Zhao's intentions.

Upon arriving at the governor's mansion, Zhao De Zhao was already waiting in the main hall.

He still wore that half-smile, making it hard to discern his true thoughts.

"Mr. Jiang, you came so quickly; thank you for your trouble."

Zhao De Zhao rose to greet him, his tone overly enthusiastic.

Jiang Xiaomu cupped his fists in salute and said:

"Lord Zhao, you're too kind; I don't know what important matter you have."

Zhao De Zhao didn't beat around the bush, directly ordering the servants to open the several locked large chests in the hall.

Several large chests filled with gleaming silver were laid bare before him.

Jiang Xiaomu stared, stunned—what… what is this for?

Could it be a Hongmen banquet, preparing to bribe me with money?

"Mr. Jiang, these are all my savings accumulated over the years." Zhao De Zhao pointed at the silver and said:

"I want to make Wangjiang Cheng prosperous and flourishing, with the people living in peace and pursuing their livelihoods; Mr. Jiang, please feel free to use this silver."

Jiang Xiaomu grew even more doubtful—could Zhao De Zhao be mad?

Which official would take out his own family wealth to govern the locality?

Nowadays, aren't all officials just out to make money?

"Zhao Sir, this… this isn't appropriate, is it?" Jiang Xiaomu ventured:

"I, Jiang, am merely a commoner; how could I use your private property?"

Zhao De Zhao laughed heartily and said:

"Mr. Jiang, don't worry too much; I believe in your abilities. I'll entrust this silver to you, and I'll be at ease."

Jiang Xiaomu secretly wondered, what scheme is Zhao De Zhao plotting?

"By the way, there's one more thing."

Zhao De Zhao suddenly said:

"The county office west of the city has long been abandoned; the newly appointed county magistrate has taken office and is now handling the backlog of cases."

"Mr. Jiang, if you need anything, you can go to the county office to review the files."

Jiang Xiaomu's heart stirred— the backlog of cases at the county office?

Could it be that Zhao De Zhao wants me to investigate the case?

He suddenly recalled Zhao De Zhao's special attention to the slums last night— could there be some connection?

"Thank you for the reminder, sir; I've taken note."

Jiang Xiaomu replied respectfully.

Leaving the Governor's Mansion, Jiang Xiaomu's unease lingered; Zhao De Zhao's behavior was truly abnormal, leaving him unable to fathom his motives.

Upon arriving at the county office, Jiang Xiaomu saw a scene of bustling activity.

The newly appointed county magistrate was a young scholar named Li Wenqing, who appeared quite capable and efficient.

"Mr. Jiang, I've long heard of your name."

Li Wenqing saw Jiang Xiaomu and hurried forward to salute.

Jiang Xiaomu also returned the salute with clasped hands.

"Sir Li, you're too polite; Sir Zhao sent me to see if there's anything I can help with."

"Please, Mr. Jiang." Li Wenqing led Jiang Xiaomu to the room where the documents are stored.

"These are the unresolved cases that have piled up in recent years; Mr. Jiang, you may examine them at will."

After thanking Li Wenqing, Jiang Xiaomu began to browse the files.

Most of these cases are trivial matters, like stealing chickens and dogs or neighborhood disputes, etc.

But Jiang Xiaomu discovered that among them were several missing‑person cases; the victims were all slum residents, and the disappearances occurred in the past few months.

He rubbed his temples; the files on these missing‑person cases reminded him of a nightmarish figure— Shapozi.

Two years ago, Jiang Xiaomu personally slew Shapozi on the burial mound and destroyed her lair.

He had thought the matter was settled, but two years later similar missing‑person cases resurfaced.