The water had bottomed out. Geng Jizhong leaned forward and poured hot tea for Liu Xu. With skillful and quick movements, he asked softly: "Your Highness, are you going to let Liu Yongzhen go like this?"
Obviously knowing what Geng Jizhong was talking about, Liu Xu asked: "Otherwise?"
At Liu Xu's signal, Geng Jizhong also lifted his robe and sat down, paused briefly, and said: "Your Highness, let's not mention the chaos of Aolai's administration for the moment. Along the way, there were many government offices and garrison posts like this. However, since Since the discovery of gold in Heishui, Aolai has been the place where gold flows. Sitting on the treasure mountain, I don’t think he will not be tempted. If you investigate carefully, you will definitely be able to detect it!"
Hearing what he said, Liu Xu chuckled and said: "You are judging others with their evil nature! What's more, even if it is as you said, what should I do with him? I inspected along the way and dealt with people who had made breakthroughs in their behavior. Bottom line people!
From what we have seen in Aolai City, Liu Yongzhen is still in good control. Anton is in a special situation and the human situation is complicated. What officials lack is the ability to control. For the Governor's Mansion, what is needed is someone who can control the situation. people!
As for the issue of corruption, it is a trivial matter. Over the years, the imperial court has also made great efforts to improve the administration of officials. However, when it comes to your Majesty's appointment of people to govern, do you care about integrity?
If others don't mention it, they just say that our field inspector is greedy and cruel, which is almost universally known. However, there are people in the court who have impeached and criticized him at length. But what happened? Instead of dealing with it routinely, His Majesty defended him more. He was still allowed to lead the troops outside.
Not only because of his many years of achievements, but also because of his ability to guard the border, protect the people, and control violence and chaos. The imperial court also needed his ability and generals like him to intimidate Xiao Xiao.
A person without talent or ability, no matter how honest he is, is useless to His Majesty! "
"As for whether you are greedy or not, it is secondary, especially in Anton! We must know that not all those who come to Anton to work hard are full of enthusiasm, dedicated to the country, and supporting the construction of Northeast China.
They may be forced by the situation, but most people come here to pursue fame and fortune and to make achievements. If there is no benefit to them, how can they be calm? As far as the Governor's Mansion is concerned, as long as they can perform their duties. , no need to stick to details! "
Hearing Liu Xu's words, Geng Jizhong was stunned for a moment, and then said with a wry smile: "His Highness is so insightful and broad-minded, which is admirable. It is really a blessing for the officials in Anton. However, if it is not restrained, I'm afraid there will be trouble in the future.
Furthermore, nowadays, the chief officials of the cities and towns in Andong have a lot of power. Too many people are doing their own thing. Take Aolai City as an example. They are both in charge of the army and in charge of politics. This is almost unimaginable in the mainland. ..."
"After all, Anton is not the mainland and has its own special features. In the past two years, haven't there been discussions in Tokyo about me, the governor, having too much power?" Liu Xu said casually.
Geng Jizhong said with a serious expression: "Your Highness, for this reason, we should be more cautious to avoid suspicion and criticism!"
After hearing what he said, Liu Xu finally fell silent, his expression became gloomier, and after a moment of meditation, he suddenly raised his head and looked at Geng Jizhong: "Who are you referring to?"
Even though they were close, Geng Jizhong did not dare to meet Liu Xu's gaze at this time. He could not help but lower his head and said, "I'm talking too much!"
"I, the Governor of Anton, am not easy to do at all!" Upon seeing this, Liu Xu sighed softly.
After that, he returned to Liu Yongzhen and said, "This Liu Yongzhen still has some abilities..."
"I think this person is unusual. He can't even figure it out in the small city of Aolai. I originally thought that His Highness looked at this person differently because of the Marquis of Haining." Geng Jizhong said tentatively.
After looking at him, Liu Xu said calmly: "I have never had a close relationship with Hou Ke Haining!"
Geng Jizhong: "Through Liu Yongzhen, we may be able to establish contact. Haining Marquis is also a general of the imperial court and a pillar of the country."
Hearing what he said, Liu Xu's tone suddenly turned harsh, and he raised his hand to stop him: "It's better not to say such things!"
"Yes!" Geng Jizhong immediately became flattered, but in his heart he vaguely realized that he had got Liu Xu's idea right.
In fact, if they were not aware of it at first, then after the past two years, Liu Xu's confidants have also realized it.
Although most of these noble children who went to Anton to develop the Northeast were from collateral lines and did not seem to be taken seriously, they were from big families after all, and they always had someone to rely on, and they also had certain connections and resources. .
King Qin Liu Xu is the biggest bastard in the world. If he can integrate these noble children of Anton and bring them under the banner of King Qin, it will definitely be a great help.
Of course, this will not be an easy task, and the operation is quite difficult. But things are not absolute. Looking at it from another perspective, most people who are also commoners also belong to the category that is not taken seriously. They also have empathy and can create a sense of intimacy...
The further we look back, it seems that Anton is not as bad as it seems...
Liu Xu obviously didn't want to talk more about this topic. He breathed a sigh of relief and directly told Geng Jizhong: "After tonight's dinner, we will go to the Heishui Gold Mine tomorrow to have a look. We will stay for another day and set off for Fuyuan City the day after tomorrow." !”
Going east along the Duck River, Aolai City is already the penultimate town under the rule of the Anton Governor's Mansion. The further east you go, the more desolate and primitive it becomes.
Further downstream, there is only one Fuyuan City left, which was also renamed on the basis of the old city of Ceali. It was probably the most remote stronghold under Anton's rule. As for Nurgan City, which Ma Huaiyu once led his troops to, it was only a symbolic occupation, with a stone monument. Because it was too far away, the Han garrison who originally stayed there withdrew within two years.
After listening to Liu Xu's decision, Geng Jizhong frowned slightly and hesitated to dissuade him: "Your Highness, Fuyuan City is still hundreds of miles away from here. The road is difficult to travel. In addition, it is located in a remote location. Recently, barbarians have attacked the city. The situation is not stable. Your Highness is a rich man, so it’s better not to take risks!"
Liu Xu obviously did not intend to listen to the advice. He waved his hand and said, "Don't talk too much. I have already traveled thousands of miles on this patrol, and there is no shortage of the remaining few hundred miles. As for safety issues, you Perhaps I have forgotten that during the Northern Expedition, I stayed with the army for several months. What a battle it was and how dangerous it was. It was precisely because of the chaos over there in Fuyuan that I wanted to see it with my own eyes!"
"Yes!" Seeing that he could not persuade Liu Xu, Geng Jizhong could only agree, but he was more concerned about safety.
"Dad!" While the two were talking, a figure broke in.
A green young man full of energy, the visitor is none other than Liu Xu's eldest son Liu Wenyuan. Liu Wenyuan was fourteen years old and was at an active age. His brows were very similar to Liu Xu's and he was very heroic. He also went on a tour with his father this time, but when he arrived at Aolai City, he took his entourage to escort him.
However, Liu Wenyuan looked a little embarrassed at this time, his body was wet, and his face was still moist. Seeing this, the smile on Liu Xu's face dropped, and his face darkened: "What did you do? You made such a mess, how can you behave like this!"
For Liu Xu, his father, Liu Wenyuan was still a little afraid, and his face turned excited, and he muttered: "I saw fishermen fishing on the river, so I went fishing, caught a fish, and made fish soup to feed my father. Body!"
"Da Lang is so filial!" Seeing Liu Xu's unkind expression, his cousin Geng Jizhong immediately spoke and winked at Liu Wenyuan.
Liu Wenyuan was also smart. Seeing this, he quickly ordered his followers to offer the caught fish. Seeing the unidentifiable fish in the fish basket, Liu Xu's expression softened a little, and he immediately called a servant and ordered: "Take him down to wash him, change his clothes, and then beat him with ten ring feet!"
Upon hearing Liu Xu's instructions, Liu Wenyuan suddenly became anxious and shouted loudly: "Dad, please don't use the ruler!"
Liu Xu glared: "Do you think the ten command rules are not enough? Then twenty strokes!"
After hearing this, Liu Wenyuan immediately became honest and did not dare to bargain any more. He probably also knew that if he said one more word, the price would probably rise to thirty.
Liu Wenyuan reluctantly followed the chamberlain, and Geng Jizhong comforted him by saying, "Your Highness, the young man is very handsome, and he will definitely be extraordinary in the future!"
"You don't need to praise him, let alone me!" Liu Xu shook his head: "He is not like me. At my age, he is not so restless!"
"It is often easier for people to move than to stay still. After all, not everyone is as calm and wise as His Highness!" Geng Jizhong said.
Liu Xu didn't say anything, thought for a moment, looked at the guards who were kneeling on the ground in the hall, and said directly: "You are guilty of incompetent guarding by allowing the prince to fish in the water. Each of you is responsible for twenty sticks. Is there any fault?" objection?"
"Young men, please accept your punishment!" the leading guard responded immediately, not daring to complain at all.
Even Liu Wenyuan was punished with a ruler. How could they be spared? It was Liu Xu who showed mercy.
