CHAPTER 426: CHAPTER 426: INSPECTOR (PART 3)

Cui Du, dressed in plain clothes, lacked the demeanor and aura of Elder Changning, still resembling a neighboring youth. Upon seeing Jiang Shaohua, his eyes lit up, and he strode forward with a broad smile.

Jiang Shaohua, upon seeing Cui Du, felt her gloomy mood lift instantly and smiled, saying, "I had some free time, so I came to the field manor to stay for a few days."

Cui Du nodded with a smile, gave Jiang Shaohua a serious look, and suddenly asked, "Has something happened in the court?"

Jiang Shaohua laughed and countered, "Why do you ask that?"

"Nanyang County has had favorable weather this year, with a bountiful harvest, and the number of refugees being taken in is increasing. Everything is going well in Pingzhou as well. The only thing that could distress the Commandery Princess is matters in the Capital City," Cui Du said softly, gazing at the girl before him.

Jiang Shaohua didn’t hide it, nodding and saying, "You guessed right. I recommended Lu Cong for the position of Pingzhou Governor; the Grand Empress Dowager has already consented, but Prime Minister Wang and others are firmly opposed. It is currently at an impasse, and it will take some time before a resolution is reached."

It’s not just that.

The position of Pingzhou Governor wasn’t significant enough to cause Jiang Shaohua such worry and concern. There must be something else troubling her.

Cui Du thought silently. In front of everyone, he certainly wouldn’t probe further but accompanied Jiang Shaohua for a half-day stroll around the field manor.

Jiang Shaohua casually asked with a smile, "How is Cui Wang handling his duties?"

Cui Ping and the others had long returned to Boling County, but Cui Wang stayed back at the field manor. After Lu Cong left, Cui Wang took over his duties, responsible for arranging the farmers’ training.

Cui Du honestly replied, "My cousin is young and impetuous, somewhat impatient, and not as calm and meticulous as Lu Sheren. However, he is diligent and eager to learn, and over half a year, he has managed to do a relatively good job."

Jiang Shaohua nodded, "As long as he can handle these responsibilities, that’s good. Lu Cong needs to stay in Pingzhou and won’t be returning for a while."

Cui Du was taken aback and instinctively asked, "Didn’t the Commandery Princess say the court disagreed with Lu Sheren being the Pingzhou Governor?"

Jiang Shaohua glanced at Cui Du, "Whether they agree or not, Pingzhou is currently under my jurisdiction. Even without the official title of Inspector, Lu Sheren can still govern Pingzhou."

These words were spoken with great authority and grandeur.

Cui Du’s eyes shone with admiration, "The Commandery Princess is right. We in Nanyang County have spent countless resources to save the lives of Pingzhou’s citizens. Why should the court come and take the credit? This is our Commandery Princess’s territory."

Though the words were blunt, they conveyed the correct reasoning.

Cui Du had the knack for simplifying complex matters, and in just a few words, he managed to lift Jiang Shaohua’s spirits considerably.

Perhaps it’s because Cui Du came from a different world; he had no loyalty towards the Emperor of Da Liang and did not revere the court officials and powerful ministers miles away. Therefore, he could speak these "rebellious" words so freely.

Jiang Shaohua laughed, "You’re right; this is exactly what I think too."

...

After another month, the court finally reached a resolution.

Emperor Taihe ultimately could not resist Prime Minister Wang, and the position of Pingzhou Governor was filled by an official under Prime Minister Wang.

Lu Cong, due to his contributions in governing Pingzhou, was granted a pardon by the court, with Emperor Taihe personally issuing an imperial decree, absolving him of his status as a criminal. Lu Cong was also appointed as the Prefectural Governor of Liaoxi County in Pingzhou.

Pingzhou oversees four counties, with Liaoxi County being the largest and most populous. A fourth-rank position as Prefectural Governor wasn’t an injustice to Lu Cong in the slightest.

The news reached Nanyang County, and Jiang Shaohua sneered a few times, called Song Yuan, and whispered a few instructions.

Song Yuan, without changing his expression, cupped his hands and took orders, riding to the Personal Guard Camp that very day. Two days later, Meng Dashan from the Second Guard Camp quietly led hundreds out of the camp.

Lu Cong, far in Pingzhou, received a personal letter from the Commandery Princess a few days later.

With the autumn harvest in Pingzhou concluded, Lu Cong diligently organized the people to plant winter wheat and beans. Although tanned and thinner from daily field inspections, he remained energetic every day.

It’s said that men don’t easily shed tears, but upon finishing the Commandery Princess’s letter, Lu Cong, a man nearing forty, had reddened eyes, with his right hand clutching the letter trembling uncontrollably.

Doctor Sun and his son, Sun Guangbai, along with their group, had already set out to return to Nanyang County, with Qin Hai splitting the guards in half to escort them. The other half remained with Lu Cong, partly to ensure his safety and partly because governing Pingzhou and restraining its citizens couldn’t only rely on words; at times, the use of force was necessary. The truth showed that swords and blades were far more effective than reasoning.

Seeing Lu Cong turn his head to wipe away tears, Qin Hai was both surprised and amused, "What happened? What’s gotten Lu Sheren so emotional? Could it be we’re finally going to depart for Nanyang?"

Lu Cong took a deep breath, turned to Qin Hai, and said, "No, the court has absolved me of my criminal status, appointing me as Prefectural Governor of Liaoxi County. I am truly meant to stay in Pingzhou."

Qin Hai was genuinely delighted for Lu Cong, "This is indeed wonderful! Lu Sheren... no, from today onwards, we should call you Lu County Magistrate."

Having not heard the long-lost title for several years, Lu Cong was momentarily dazed, but soon composed himself and smiled, "Let’s wait for the official decree and appointment documents from the court before changing titles."

"The Commandery Princess mentioned in the letter that you should stay in Pingzhou. She will send more personnel to help maintain order in Pingzhou."

Qin Hai, perceptive despite his rugged exterior, picked up on the subtext. Exchanging a glance with Lu Cong, he nodded and said, "Alright, since the Commandery Princess wants me to stay, I shall remain."

Emperor Taihe’s imperial decree arrived in Pingzhou a few days later.

The imperial envoy sent to announce the decree was Doctor Dong from the Ministry of Rites. Given Doctor Dong’s good relationship with Nanyang Prince Mansion, Emperor Taihe specifically ordered him to deliver the decree.

Lu Cong expressed his heartfelt gratitude, receiving the decree.

Doctor Dong also had an official robe and the official seal of Liaoxi County’s Prefectural Governor brought over, smiling as he said, "Please accept these, Lu County Magistrate. From today onward, you are the Prefectural Governor of Pingzhou’s Liaoxi County. The Emperor personally pardoned your status as a criminal, which is a great grace, truly commendable. Of course, it is also due to your meritorious governance of Pingzhou."

Lu Cong immediately replied, "This official came here under the Commandery Princess’s orders to perform duties within my role; I dare not claim any merit. If there’s any meager contribution, the credit should go to the Commandery Princess."

It was only Doctor Dong who, upon hearing such near-rebellious words, remained unfazed, even smiling while sighing, "The Commandery Princess vigorously recommended you for the position of Pingzhou Governor. On that day in the court, Vice Minister Yang and I argued hard. Alas, we couldn’t prevail over Prime Minister Wang, and thus caused a small grievance to the Commandery Princess and to you."

Lu Cong thought if this was considered a grievance, more such grievances would be welcome; on the surface, of course, he courteously responded.

Doctor Dong, having completed his duties, stayed in Pingzhou for a few days before departing. On his way back to the Capital City, news reached him that the newly appointed Pingzhou Governor had met with an accident on the journey.