Chapter 102: Chai Rong's Examination: The Difficulties of Prefecture and County

The enthusiasm brought by the competition has not yet fully subsided.

Chen Wen then received a summons from the military governor's office.

This time, he did not go to the drill ground or the council hall.

Instead, he was directly led to the study where Chai Rong handles daily affairs.

The study's furnishings are simple.

Only the bookshelves on the four walls and the desk piled with documents show how busy this place is.

Chai Rong sat upright behind the desk, not wearing military attire.

Instead, he wore a dark regular robe, with a faint fatigue barely perceptible in his brow.

Seeing Chen Wen enter, he set down his pen and pointed to the side daybed.

"Wen Zhong, you've come, sit."

Chai Rong's tone was calm, with familiarity.

He actually used Chen Wen's childhood name, Chen Wen Zhong, to address him.

After Chen Wen bowed and sat as instructed, his heart stirred slightly.

This summoning had an atmosphere different from usual.

Chai Rong exchanged no pleasantries.

He directly picked up a document from the desk and handed it over:

"Take a look at this first."

Chen Wen received it with both hands, unfolded it, and read it carefully.

This is an urgent report from Linhe County, subordinate to Chan Prefecture.

The document's wording is urgent, reporting that the county's main dike was destroyed by last year's autumn flood.

This spring, repairs were inadequate, and on top of that, County Magistrate Zhou Tao embezzled project funds and imposed harsh taxes.

This caused public resentment to boil over, bandits to rise, and already small groups of rebels have attacked the county office granary, bringing the situation near loss of control.

The document also attached a simple map marking the location of Linhe County.

Located at the northern border of Chan Prefecture, it adjoins a tributary of the Yellow River.

Although not a military stronghold, it is an important grain-producing area, and a trade route runs through it.

"Linhe County..."

Chen Wen pondered, lifting his gaze from the document to look at Chai Rong.

"Sir, the people's livelihood here has deteriorated to this extent; it cannot be resolved in a day."

Chai Rong nodded, his fingertips lightly tapping the desk:

"Not bad."

"County Magistrate Zhou Tao was appointed by the previous military governor."

"This man... hum, greedy and incapable."

"I have long intended to replace him, but only because he has some connections above have I hesitated."

"Moreover, with unrest in the north, I have not yet had the chance to act."

"Now it seems we can no longer delay."

He paused, then looked sharply at Chen Wen:

"Wen Zhong, you came from Jiao Tu Zhen, and in adversity you established your foundation."

"You have settled the refugees and organized the military provisions, all in good order."

"In your opinion, how should this Linhe turmoil be dealt with?"

This is no longer a query about military affairs, but an examination of governance.

Chen Wen understood that this was Chai Rong further probing his abilities.

It was also a signal of truly bringing him into the core decision‑making circle.

He focused his thoughts, and the experience from Jiao Tu Zhen along with what he had seen and heard on the way flashed quickly through his mind.

After a moment, Chen Wen spoke in a low voice:

"Sir, the problems of Linhe stem from misgovernance, and the chaos lies in the people's livelihood."

"If we only send troops to suppress the bandits, it is like trying to stop boiling by splashing water— the bandit threat may be temporarily quelled, but the people's resentment remains, and when disaster strikes it will flare up again; this is not a strategy for lasting peace."

"Oh?"

Chai Rong leaned his body slightly forward.

"Please elaborate."

"I believe we should combine suppression and pacification, treating both symptoms and root causes."

Chen Wen's thoughts were clear, his words earnest.

"First, we must use thunderous means to swiftly stabilize the situation."

"We should immediately arrest the corrupt official Zhou Tao, search his residence, to pacify the people's hearts, and we may also use part of the confiscated property for emergency relief."

"At the same time, send an elite squad to exterminate the leading bandits, to establish authority as a warning— this is the 'suppression' part."

"Second, the key lies in 'pacification'."

"The disaster and the corrupt official are the causes of the disorder."

"The urgent task is to give the people a way to survive."

"We can follow the old example of Jiao Tu Zhen and implement 'relief through labor'."

"Using the treasury's grain and funds as resources, we will extensively recruit refugees and the starving."

"We will repair waterworks and reinforce the dikes, thereby eliminating the flood danger and enabling the people to obtain food— this achieves two goals at once."

This is the foundation of 'Pacification'.

Furthermore, we need to rectify official administration and select capable persons.

The Linhe County office is no longer trustworthy; we should dispatch officials from the prefecture.

Or we could select locally those of good reputation, familiar with local conditions, to temporarily handle county affairs and restore order.

Enforce laws strictly, survey fields, reduce taxes in disaster areas, so the people can rest and recuperate.

At the same time, encourage commerce, restore that trade route, so goods can circulate and livelihood gradually recover.

Chen Wen's voice was not loud, but each point hit the mark.

From quelling turmoil to restoring production, from rectifying administration to long-term development, step by step.

This formed a complete and feasible strategy.

He did not cite classics; his words were all practical, exuding a pragmatic strength.

Chai Rong listened silently, the light in his eyes growing brighter.

He had merely been probing, wanting to see if Chen Wen also possessed governing talent beyond military strategy.

But he did not expect the other's answer to be so thorough and shrewd, far beyond his expectation.

This is certainly not the insight an ordinary martial man or borderland strongman could have!

"Combining suppression and pacification, using labor to relieve, rectifying administration..."

Chai Rong slowly repeated these key words.

He slammed the table, his face showing unreserved admiration.

"Good! Good, a standard for both root and branch!"

"Wenzhong, your view this time truly grasps the essence of governing the state and securing the nation!"

He stood up, pacing two steps in the study.

He suddenly turned, his gaze burning as he looked at Chen Wen:

"Since that's the case, this matter shall be entrusted to you to handle!"

"The envoy grants you authority to make on-the-spot decisions, temporarily appointing you as 'Border Inspection and Pacification Envoy'."

"Hold the token and proceed to Linhe County, fully empowered to handle all military and civil affairs!"

"At Han Tong's place, I will greet him and mobilize a unit of troops to obey your command."

"Under your command, the veteran troops of Jiao Tu Zhen can also select capable personnel to follow!"

This is genuine heavy use and trust!

Not only bestowing a title, but also military authority.

Also allowing him to draw on his own foundation's strength.

Chen Wen's heart jolted; he immediately rose from his seat and bowed.

He solemnly accepted the order:

"I, your subordinate, receive the order! I will exert all efforts to pacify Linhe, not failing the envoy's heavy trust!"

He knew this was no longer a review, nor a martial arts platform.

This is a true stage.

A stage to prove that Chen Wen can not only train troops, but also pacify the people and govern.

Beneath the stage, countless eyes are watching.

Including those who were just subdued by his martial prowess but may not truly be convinced of his overall ability, the civil and military officials of Chan Prefecture.

Linhe County will be his new battlefield.

And he has made preparations.