Chapter 309: The True Killing Move

"Hahaha, young master, long time no see!"

"Governor Shen, hope you've been well!"

Liangzhou Prefecture.

Liu Zheng and Shen Xing once again chatted with arms linked; it had been a long time since they last met, and now they were naturally and warmly close.

After Liu Dahao assumed the post of Prefectural Governor of Liangzhou, Shen Xing was transferred back from Kezhou and appointed Prefect of Yinyang; for a time, he became a sought-after figure within Liangzhou.

Shen Xing is well-suited for politics, something Liu Zheng has always known.

Though he may not be a monstrous talent like Qingyang Shuo, he is steady and reliable, fit to be a chief official.

"Hahaha, seeing Ying Rong's expression today was quite satisfying!"

At the banquet, everyone burst into laughter.

Jiang Xuan, who had just returned from Rongshan Pass, snorted coldly: "If I may say, young master, why go through all this trouble? Just roll up your sleeves and get it done! If that old ghost Ying Rong harbors ill intent, chop off his head!"

Liu Zheng glared at him and chuckled: "If it were that simple, it would be easy to say. These past few days of seven-day leave, I fear many official duties will be piled up; once the Cabinet election concludes, Ying Rong will surely paralyze the Liangzhou Prefecture again, and only then will the real headache begin. Liangzhou's situation is too complex—pull one thread and the whole body moves; arresting everyone outright would surely offend many, and when that happens, who suffers but the common folk?"

Everyone nodded in agreement.

That's true.

In Liangzhou, key officials are aligned with the Crown Prince, some with the Third Prince, others with Zhu Zhen—interwoven and tangled, extremely complex.

Liu Zheng could use force to move them, naturally, but the ensuing turmoil is something he does not wish to see.

Then there will surely be impeachments from above, social unrest...

That is not the outcome Liu Zheng desires.

"Then what comes next..."

Shen Xing was also worried.

Once the Liangzhou Prefecture's organs fall into paralysis, it's no small matter—people's livelihoods will be greatly affected.

"Yes, that old scoundrel Ying Rong is still quite difficult to deal with."

Others also furrowed their brows.

But Liu Zheng merely chuckled: "I've long had this arranged... however, if I were to propose it myself, it would be too blatant and backfire. So, we must rely on our Governor Shen! Our Prefect Shen, acting as a Cabinet Member, will submit this to the Cabinet, and once the resolution passes, it will ease my burden somewhat and also demonstrate the Cabinet's centralization!"

Having said that, he looked at Shen Xing with a cheerful smile.

Shen Xing's spirits lifted; he immediately stood up, gave a wry laugh, then bowed with clasped hands: "Young master, you are my patron—I would not refuse even at the cost of my life!"

Liu Zheng then produced the volume he had long prepared and distributed it to everyone.

Everyone lowered their heads to look.

When they saw the content of this volume...

The entire hall fell silent as the grave.

Immediately afterward, everyone stared at each other, sucking in cold breaths.

This?

This young master—he intends to kill!

Especially Shen Xing, who held the file, his hand trembling uncontrollably. After not seeing each other for so long, when did the young master grow to such an extent?

Once this decree passes, the entire Liangzhou officialdom will be in turmoil, ghosts wailing and wolves howling!

The Anti-Corruption Decree!

This clearly aims to take the lives of Ying Rong and his faction!

This is truly the ultimate killing move!

Seven consecutive days.

Liangzhou's People's Representative Congress grew more eye-catching by the day. Those dissatisfied due to governmental paralysis came to the Liangzhou Prefecture to observe; after watching, they forgot their own grievances and followed along with keen interest.

Starting from the second day, the debate began.

The debate was posed by Prefect Liu Dahao; the topic was naturally not simple, encompassing the qualities a chief official should possess, as well as discernment, erudition, vision, and how to handle certain matters. Liangzhou's overall development direction—heavy industry, heavy commerce, or heavy agriculture?

How about education? How about healthcare? And so on, everything...

Overall, Liu Zheng has set the bar extremely high for Cabinet Members' qualifications this time.

They must be all-round talents!

And even more emphasis on vision!

Only those with far-sightedness, who understand the people's hardships and Liangzhou's situation, are qualified to enter the Cabinet.

So.

The debate remains equally intense and equally high in quality.

On this day.

Among the twenty candidates, four were eliminated!

On the third day, three were eliminated!

On the fourth day, two were eliminated!

On the fifth day, one was eliminated!

On the sixth day, one was eliminated!

After seven days total, finally, the list of nine Cabinet Members was successfully selected! Shen Xing and Changzhou Prefect Chang Shuwen were among them.

Thus, the entire hall erupted in cheers and applause.

Especially the observing civilians and commoners, whose shouts grew louder.

Why?

Because they felt they had also participated in this! Everything fell into place naturally—these nine individuals are each truly capable. In this year's People's Representative Congress, although they did not run for office, they effectively served as judges! Who wouldn't like such a strong sense of honor and participation?

"Good!"

"Governor Liu is Governor Liu indeed—if it's like this every year, our lives will be easier."

"Yeah..."

"Hmph, let's see if this term will stand up for us; if not, we'll replace them next term!"

"Exactly!"

A group of people, elated.

They still felt the sensation of rising up to become masters for the first time.

Ying Rong, at this moment, was so angry his whole body trembled; he just sat in a corner, not wanting to get up... One! This Cabinet, my people, actually only got one in! This is even worse than my expectation of two! But what can be done? My people are useless—every debate, they lose to the opposition...

Wine sacks and rice bags!

A bunch of wine sacks and rice bags!

Usually I tell you to read more, but you all just know how to indulge in pleasures—now it's too late!

So many people are watching!

Even if he wanted to cheat, there's hardly any chance—moreover, he's gradually losing control over Liangzhou Prefecture's officialdom; how could he cheat?

Next.

The Cabinet of Liangzhou Prefecture was formally established, and amidst thunderous applause, the nine Cabinet Members met the public for the first time.

And.

Under Liu Zheng's proposal.

To let the public more intuitively feel, henceforth Liangzhou Prefecture's Cabinet's working methods and authority would be demonstrated on the spot—how they would handle proposals submitted by public representatives.

Upon seeing there was still this segment, the people became even more excited.

Yeah.

The Cabinet election appeared quite fair and just, but how would they handle official duties?

More importantly...

The troublemakers from the past few days, those industry representatives, were even more concerned about what Liu Zhouzhou promised seven days ago: to give them an explanation...

Today, how will he explain it to them?

Will those proposals be passed or not?