Chapter 461

When Yuan Qi mentioned the Charitable Relief Hall, Chen Wuji silently flexed his fingers.

This seemed like his third or fourth time hearing the Charitable Relief Hall spoken of in that tone by others, and though many knew its true situation, why couldn't he even guess?

Damn, it's annoying.

But this time he didn't directly ask.

Since Zhang Lao had already said he'd tell him everything when the time was ripe, he saw no need to be curious now; Zhang Lao's earlier silence must have had a reason.

For an outsider with no real trust, and Zhang Lao, the choice was easy—no need to waste much energy.

On the contrary, he should retain some mystery in front of Yuan Qi.

"Old Master Yuan, I think we've said enough." Chen Wuji sat up a bit. "The ledger you mentioned—how much are you willing to give? As you wish."

"Also, I need the fullest information on the Jia and Zhu families, including their ties to the court, Lu Ping'an, and the Qiang people."

Yuan Qi bowed his head and said, "Old man understands; I will certainly see to this for the Colonel."

"Furthermore, I need detailed information on all scholars in Hezhou." Chen Wuji said, "Give me as much detail as you can, prioritizing character, biography, and talent."

"This might be a bit difficult; the Colonel may need to wait a few days." Yuan Qi said after thinking.

Chen Wuji nodded. "A few days are fine; go ahead and arrange it."

"Yes."

Yuan Qi responded with a humble, gentle smile and a clasped-hand salute, "Then I'll take my leave, old man, and first seek out usable talent in Hezhou for the Colonel."

Chen Wuji nodded.

This old man is perceptive; just a couple of sentences and he already guessed what Chen Wuji wanted to do.

If such a person could truly be put to his use, he would surely save considerable effort.

But will he really be as genuine as he appears?

That's probably an unknown.

After Yuan Qi left, Yang Tiejiang sauntered over, plopped into the chair Yuan Qi had just vacated, and handed Chen Wuji a cup of hot tea.

"I had someone brew it just now; it arrived at the perfect moment."

Chen Wuji nodded, leaned back slightly, savored the tea's faint aroma, and said to Yang Tiejiang in a casual tone, "The old man surnamed Yang knows your background, and surely knows it well."

Yang Tiejiang's motion paused slightly. "The Yuan family hides things quite deeply."

"The Yuan family used to be a major clan in Hezhou, but gradually declined, nearly being devoured by other families. These years they've kept a very low profile, yet they've done everything to curry favor—whenever anyone has trouble, they rush to help, just to show face."

"Even when there's no benefit, they still run around eagerly; even if it's thankless effort, they don't hesitate, gradually becoming the laughingstock of Hezhou."

"But there's one thing: the Yuan family's discipline is strict, and its younger generation is extremely united. Those who come out of this family—old or young—seem cast from the same mold, all looking like lackeys."

Chen Wuji chuckled. "That doesn't exactly prove the family's capability from another angle."

"Being able to endure for a moment isn't talent; if generations endure like this, it's no ordinary family."

Yang Tiejiang gave Chen Wuji a meaningful glance.

"I'm not boasting about our Chen clan," Chen Wuji said.

"I know." Yang Tiejiang said, "In that case, the Yuan family and your Chen clan indeed share some similarities—both can endure what ordinary people cannot."

"They know the details of many people in Hezhou; it's said they still have a ledger in hand." Chen Wuji raised his head, gazing at the high sky and thin clouds, thoughtful, he said, "But I always feel he hasn't given me the full account; a family that can endure this much wouldn't, after so many years of sleeping on firewood and tasting gall, only do this little."

"If that's all, is their forbearance somewhat excessive?"

Yang Tiejiang deeply agreed, "A family, from top to bottom, are all old foxes; they probably still want to first test the colonel's attitude, and if they lay all their cards bare at the outset, they'd have no retreat."

"Hmm."

Chen Wuji placed the empty bamboo cup he had finished drinking to one side, his expression solemn, he said, "Old Yang, the Yuan family matter is secondary; next, you need to put more effort into Hezhou's city defenses, I worry something might go wrong."

"Good." Yang Tiejiang responded, asking, "How should we handle the affairs inside the city?"

"What else can be done? I can only go myself." Chen Wuji said wistfully, "Old Xu isn't here; Qin Feng and Li Run are on their way back, so for these few days I can only hold the fort myself."

"I really wish I could be a hands-off shopkeeper; logically today we should hold a great feast for the three armies to reward the great victory, but now everything's gotten moving and we're all forced to work like oxen and horses."

Yang Tiejiang chuckled, "My lord, since you aim to plot imperial dominion and hegemony, how can you worry over these trifles?"

"Don't tease me." Chen Wuji waved his hand, "Come on, I'm going to meet that pack of demons and monsters in the government office; you keep an eye on things here."

"Sure!"

Inside Hezhou City, there are no high officials left; they've all been completely wiped out.

But the entire government office's staff is still present; the highest-ranking civil official remaining is the Recorder Staff Officer, besides that there are six Section Staff Officers, as well as Doctors of Classical Learning and Doctors of Medicine, etc.

The military officials, that is, the Zhesheng Fu.

Hezhou has three military offices, and three Negotiation Colonels.

The Zhesheng Fu stationed in Hezhou City is the largest military office in the whole Hezhou; although all are Negotiation Colonels, their powers are almost indistinguishable, but because its garrison is the prefectural seat, it additionally oversees one more Colonel, several Training Officers, and commands slightly more troops.

The Dayu Court has instituted many special cases in the Lingnan Six Commanderies.

For example, one prefecture having three military offices; also, the county magistrate and prefect stationed at a military office's location can recommend a Negotiation Colonel, and in emergencies they can act first and report later, independently appointing a Negotiation Colonel—this extremely irregular practice.

Although it looks somewhat chaotic, it had been functioning fairly well before the Qiang people invaded.

In short, the fundamental purpose behind the court's doing this was still to cope with wartime.

Granting the prefect and county magistrate the authority to employ the highest military officer in emergencies, this measure that violates convention is also intended to prevent the provincial troops from falling into disorder when the highest military officer falls in battle, ensuring they can quickly organize effective forces.

These regulations have now given Chen Wuji a big loophole to exploit.

One prefecture, three military offices—now he is the sole Negotiation Colonel.

As for this military office, if he doesn't overstep his bounds to manage it, then no one will manage it.

The original Negotiation Colonel of Hezhou's military office was lured away by Gu Wenjie; now the entire military office is empty from top to bottom, not a single feather left.

To prevent Hezhou from plunging into the depths of internal strife, Chen Wuji could only reluctantly shoulder this burden.

For the court, he has also truly worried himself sick.