Chapter 89: First Impressions of Chan Prefecture: The Embryonic Form of a Well-Governed Era

An interlude at Wuding Stockade.

Ripples spread in Chen Wen's heart, but they were soon overtaken by larger waves.

His identity had been made clear, and the ruler-subject relationship was settled.

From then on, the journey was completely different from before.

Chai Rong no longer needed to conceal his whereabouts, and the entourage proceeded with the Military Governor's ceremonial guard.

Although they remained lightly equipped for speed, the banner representing authority and identity.

and the solemn bearing of the guards, all of which proclaimed the exalted status of the troop's central figure.

At every checkpoint and village along the way, local officials and commanders, upon hearing the news,

all came out to greet them in advance, their attitude extremely respectful.

Chai Rong did not linger long, merely asking briefly about local conditions, offering a few words of encouragement, then continued on the road.

Chen Wen followed silently at a slight distance behind Chai Rong's side, observing all of this.

He could feel that the officials' and generals' reverence for Chai Rong came from the heart.

It stemmed not only from his office, but also seemed to carry a conviction in his person and his governance.

The closer they got to Chan Prefecture City, the more the surrounding scenery differed.

The official road had been obviously repaired, although traces of war's devastation were still visible.

But the number of refugees had markedly decreased, and figures laboring in the fields grew more numerous.

Although it was not yet affluent, at least they were no longer sallow-skinned and gaunt, with dull eyes.

Occasionally encountered small patrol troops wore relatively neat armor and observed strict discipline.

Upon seeing the Military Governor's ceremonial guard, they would stand at attention and salute from afar.

Their eyes betrayed vigor, incomparable to the defeated soldiers and militia previously encountered.

Several days later.

The tall, massive walls of Chan Prefecture City finally appeared on the horizon.

As the seat of a regional military command, Chan Prefecture City was far more imposing than the Jiao Tu Zhen Chen Wen had imagined, indeed more imposing than any town he had seen along the way.

On the walls, banners fluttered, garrison troops stood holding halberds, and defenses were strictly enforced.

The moat's water flowed gently, and the drawbridge was sturdy.

At the gate, dozens of civil and military officials of Chan Prefecture, who had already received the news, dressed in official robes, formed ranks to welcome them.

Upon seeing Chai Rong's procession, they all bowed and saluted in unison, saying:

"Welcome the Governor back to the city!"

Their voices were uniform, filled with respect.

Chai Rong dismounted, his gaze sweeping over the officials, and he gave a slight nod.

He spoke loudly: "Officials, please dispense with formalities."

His tone was calm, yet it carried an innate dignity that made no one dare to be negligent.

Immediately, Chai Rong did not immediately enter the city.

Instead, he turned and personally led Chen Wen before the officials.

This action instantly drew the gaze of all officials onto Chen Wen, the unfamiliar young man.

Curiosity, scrutiny, speculation—various looks abounded.

"Sirs!"

Chai Rong's voice rang clearly into everyone's ears.

"This is Chen Wen, Mr. Chen."

"This official, on this outing, happened to meet Mr. Chen and was deeply impressed by his learning and courage."

"Mr. Chen has saved my life and brought relief to the people of Chan Prefecture."

"From today onward, Mr. Chen is my honored guest!"

"He is also your fellow official; I hope you will treat him sincerely!"

"Do not slight him!"

These words undoubtedly elevated Chen Wen's status to great heights.

The officials' hearts were filled with even greater astonishment and doubt.

They did not know what abilities this young man truly possessed.

How could he earn such high praise from a governor who is usually lofty, values talent but is also extremely strict?

A life-saving grace? A virtue of delivering from distress?

The story behind this is surely no trivial matter.

"We will obey the Governor's orders!"

The officials replied in unison, all bowing their hands to Chen Wen in greeting, their attitude courteous yet tinged with inquiry.

Chen Wen was neither humble nor arrogant, returning the greeting calmly.

He did not appear flustered despite suddenly becoming the focus; this composure

also caused some officials who had originally looked down on him to quietly put away their petty thoughts.

Upon entering Chan Prefecture City, the scene became even more different.

The streets were wide, paved with blue stone slabs.

On both sides, shops stood in rows, banners fluttered, peddlers and passersby, carriages and horses, bustling with activity.

The cries of vendors and chatter never ceased, exuding a vibrant vitality.

Although traces of wartime ruin could still be seen, such as houses whose damage had not been fully repaired, and soldiers patrolling by.

But the overall atmosphere was a stability under tense order.

This formed a stark contrast with the decay and deathly silence Chen Wen had seen all along his journey.

Jiao Tu Zhen was a new order built on the ruins, full of pioneering vigor and vitality.

But its scale was still small, its foundation insufficient.

Whereas Chan Prefecture City was like a tree that had endured wind and rain, yet had deep roots.

Now, under the care of a skilled gardener, it is sending out new branches and sprouts, regaining its vigor as a great tree.

This is a more mature and sturdier prototype of order.

Chai Rong seemed to notice Chen Wen's observation.

As they walked forward, he gave him a brief introduction:

"Chan Prefecture occupies a strategic point; it has long been a contested site for military forces, repeatedly ravaged by war."

"Since I was ordered to garrison this place, my primary task has been to reorganize military provisions, purge internal and external threats, so that the people may have peace."

"Second, to encourage agriculture and sericulture, lighten corvée and taxes, and let the people rest."

"Third, to straighten the civil administration, select capable officials, so that government orders can reach the countryside."

He pointed to the merchants coming and going on the street:

"In turbulent times, commerce is not easy; I therefore ordered severe punishment for banditry, to secure trade routes, levy reasonable commercial taxes, and use them as military funds."

"Thus, goods flow freely, and both soldiers and civilians benefit."

He also pointed to the laborers far off repairing the city wall.

"When conscripting laborers, we must give them rations and wages, not interfere with farming seasons; thus, though they labor, they bear no grudge."

His words were plain, yet each sentence hit the mark.

Chen Wen nodded silently, in agreement with Chai Rong's governance philosophy.

His idea coincided with Chai Rong's: 'To pacify the world, first ensure sufficient troops and food, with sound administration as the priority.'

Moreover, it had already been put into practice to a considerable extent, yielding results.

This person is not a mere talker, but a genuine doer.

Afterward, Chai Rong introduced Chen Wen to several core civil and military officials under his command.

Including his trusted general Wang Pu, as well as several army commanders.

Also several civil officials in charge of documents and finances.

Their attitudes toward Chen Wen varied.

Some were enthusiastic, some reserved, some clearly carried scrutiny and suspicion.

Especially the military officers, when they looked at Chen Wen, this 'airborne' young man who enjoyed the prefect's favor.

Their gazes held no lack of challenge.

Chen Wen responded to each in turn, fully aware in his heart.

Chai Rong's subordinates were not a monolith; as an outsider who had suddenly attained such a high position,

it would inevitably arouse dissatisfaction and jealousy among some.

The days ahead would likely not be too peaceful.

After initially settling in, Chen Wen stood before the window of the inn.

Gazing out at the lights gradually lighting up outside and the faint sounds of market life still coming from Chan Prefecture City.

Here, it would be his new starting point.

Chai Rong, just as rumored, is a rare wise ruler, and under his rule the first signs of a prosperous age have already appeared.

However, lurking internal contradictions, and to the north the covetous Khitan and Northern Han.

Moreover, there is the mysterious Iron Crow Army, executing the 'Purification Plan'……

The road ahead remains strewn with thorns.

But Chen Wen's heart is filled with a fighting spirit unprecedented before.

Here there is a broader stage, a worthy lord to whom to be loyal, and also urgent challenges to be resolved.

His 'Cow Horse System,' his belief in establishing order.

Will be tested on this new land, and will surely burst forth with even more brilliant radiance.

He drew a deep breath of air scented with evening wind and fireworks, his eyes firm.

Chan Prefecture, I have come.