Shuhan

Zhang Xiu, the prefect of Wu County, was wearing a light-armored official uniform, the collar of his clothes fluttering gently in the wind, but it could not hide his inner anxiety and fear.

He knelt outside the ruins of the Sun family's old house.

The afterglow of the setting sun shone obliquely on his body, casting a faint golden glow on his figure, but also reflecting the dense beads of sweat on his forehead. A few strands of hair stuck to his forehead, soaked with sweat.

His eyes were fixed on the ground, but he was not really focused on any one point. His heart was like a surging river or sea, with a myriad of thoughts in his mind.

In his ears were the painful groans of Fuchun County Magistrate Huang Chun, and the occasional sound of foaming at the mouth. This hellish scene made Zhang Xiu's heart even heavier.

He didn't dare to look directly at Huang Chun's miserable condition at the moment. It was not just the ups and downs of his personal destiny, but also his deep sorrow as a boss for his failure to supervise and educate his subordinates.

There was a flash of anger in Zhang Xiu's eyes, which was anger and disappointment towards Huang Chun.

He cursed in his heart: "This idiot actually burned down the Sun family's old house without permission. How bold and stupid! His Majesty is furious. As the governor, I cannot escape blame!"

When he thought of this, beads of sweat covered his forehead and his heart felt like it was burning in fire, causing him unbearable pain.

Zhang Xiu looked up at the setting sun that was gradually sinking into the horizon. A streak of residual red looked like a drop of blood, and seemed to hint at the ups and downs and unknowns in his official career.

Zhang Xiu knew very well that although he was a prefect, the position of prefect of Wujun was definitely unstable.

He must gain the trust of His Majesty with his own strength.

But now it seems.

Because of the Huang Chun incident, His Majesty has left a very bad impression of him.

hiss~
He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, tried to calm the waves in his heart, and prepared to face the unknown fate.

At the same time, he secretly swore in his heart that he must get to the bottom of the matter and give an explanation to His Majesty, the Sun family, and himself.

Silence, like a thick curtain, shrouded the Han Emperor Liu Chan and the Governor of Wujun Zhang Xiu.

The afterglow of the setting sun shone through the gaps between the leaves and onto Liu Chan's brocade clothes. The golden lines flickered with a faint light, but seemed unable to illuminate his gloomy face at the moment.

Liu Chan's eyes were deep, as if he could see through people's hearts. He glanced at the unconscious Fuchun County Magistrate Huang Chun, then slowly turned his gaze to Zhang Xiu, and said in a low and powerful voice: "Do you know about the affairs of Fuchun County?"

Zhang Xiu was stunned for a moment. He didn't expect His Majesty to question him so directly.

He licked his dry lips and said, "I know about Huang Chun's fire that burned down the Sun family's old house, but I think..."

Before he could finish his words, he was interrupted by Liu Chan's next words.

"What do you think it is?" Liu Chan's voice rose a few degrees, with obvious dissatisfaction.

"The burning of the Sun family's old house is only one of the reasons. The more important thing is why the population of Fuchun County is so depleted and the land is so barren? As the governor of Wu County, don't you notice this?"

Zhang Xiu was shocked when he heard this.

Only then did he realize that the reason why His Majesty was so angry was far more than just Huang Chun's unauthorized burning of the Sun family's old house.

The governance of Fuchun County is what Your Majesty is really concerned about. He looked up at Liu Chan and saw that the eyes of the Emperor of the Han Dynasty were full of reproach, which made him even more panicked.

He lowered his head, not daring to look directly into Liu Chan's eyes. His hands were clenched into fists, with veins exposed, showing his inner struggle and anxiety.

As the prefect, I have an unshirkable responsibility for the governance of Fuchun County.

However, he did not realize the serious problems of population decline and barren land in Fuchun County. He only wanted to please his superiors but did not do his job well.

The air outside the ruins of the Sun family's old house seemed to be frozen, dull and depressing.

All kinds of thoughts were surging in Zhang Xiu's mind, and he was thinking about how to explain all this to His Majesty.

He knew that he had to give a reasonable explanation and solution.

Finally, Zhang Xiu mustered up the courage to speak: "Your Majesty, I have indeed neglected the governance of Fuchun County. I am willing to take full responsibility and immediately investigate the reasons for the population decline and barren land. I will do my best to make Fuchun prosperous."

Although the situation in Fuchun County is to blame for Fuchun County's situation, and can even be said to be the first to blame, if he shirks responsibility at this moment, it will definitely make His Majesty unhappy.

Someone has to solve the problems in Fuchun County, and the fact that he has taken on this responsibility is a plus in the eyes of Your Majesty.

Sure enough, Liu Chan's expression eased a little after hearing this.

He stared at Zhang Xiu, as if trying to judge the sincerity of his words. After a moment, he sighed softly and said, "Zhang Xiu, as the governor of Wu County, you shoulder the heavy responsibility of governing an area. I hope you can remember your responsibilities and work for the welfare of the people. You must solve the problem of Fuchun County as soon as possible. Otherwise, you will bear the consequences yourself."

After a moment, Liu Chan slowly said: "My patience is limited."

Zhang Xiu was startled when he heard this.

His Majesty has given him the last chance. He must seize it, otherwise his career will be ruined.

I have worked so hard to gain such a position in the new dynasty, and I cannot let my future be ruined.

The wealth and glory of the Zhang family all rests on his shoulders!

He saluted Liu Chan again and said firmly: "Your Majesty, rest assured that I will do my best to solve the problem of Fuchun County. I will never let your Majesty down."

Liu Chan's eyes were like torches, shooting straight at Zhang Xiu who was kneeling below. His voice was steady and powerful, revealing an unquestionable majesty: "Zhang Xiu, how are you going to deal with Huang Chun?"

Zhang Xiu's heart tightened when he heard this.

The matter of Huang Chun is of great importance. If it is not handled properly, not only will he be held responsible, but innocent people may also be implicated.

He raised his head, met Liu Chan's gaze, and said firmly: "Your Majesty, Huang Chun, as the magistrate of Fuchun County, burned down the old house of the Sun family without authorization, and governed Fuchun County poorly, causing the population of Fuchun County to decline and the land to become barren. This is an unforgivable crime. I believe that he should be severely punished according to the law to serve as a warning to others."

Zhang Xiu's statement made Liu Chan slightly satisfied.

"Fuchun County Magistrate Huang Chun will be handed over to you for disposal. As for Fuchun County, I will give you one year. If you fail to do a good job, I will hand it over to someone who can do a good job." Liu Chan's voice echoed outside the ruins of the Sun family's old house, with unquestionable majesty.

Zhang Xiu felt a surge of ambition and passion when he heard this. He knew that this trip was a heavy responsibility, but at the same time, it was also an important turning point in his career.

He looked up at the emperor, his eyes flashing with determination and resolve: "I will definitely do my best to not only govern Fuchun County well, but also severely punish Huang Chun, and live up to your majesty's trust."

Having said this, he deliberately paused, and his tone became deeper.

"Moreover, I also plan to renovate the Sun family's old house and restore it to its former glory."

"Oh? How do you plan to renovate the old house of the Sun family?" There was a hint of interest in Liu Chan's voice, and he was obviously quite concerned about this proposal.

Zhang Xiu already had a plan in mind. He had long recognized Sun Shangxiang who was beside Liu Chan. He knew that now was his chance to show his abilities.

Zhang Xiu said slowly: "I plan to hire highly skilled craftsmen, use the finest materials, and strive to restore every detail to its original appearance. While repairing, we can also let future generations understand the contributions of the Sun family to Fuchun and even the entire Han Dynasty."

After hearing this, Liu Chan nodded slightly, with a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. He noticed that Zhang Xiu was solemn when he said this, and his eyes showed both longing for the future and determination for the mission.

This kind of talent is exactly what he needs.

"Very good, Zhang Xiu, you did not let me down." There was some relief in Liu Chan's words.

"Remember, your every move represents me and the Han Dynasty. I hope you can prove your ability with practical actions."

Zhang Xiu and Huang Chun walked farther and farther away, and their figures gradually disappeared outside the ruins of the Sun family's old house.

E Huan frowned, his eyes revealing a trace of confusion and worry. He turned sideways and asked Liu Chan in a low voice: "Your Majesty, are you just letting Huang Chun go? What if Zhang Xiu does not punish him severely as we wish, but takes him lightly? Aren't we condoning such dereliction of duty?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Chan curled up the corners of his mouth into a faint smile, which was both meaningful and gentle. He shook his head gently, his eyes flashing with confidence.

"If this is true, it only proves that Zhang Xiu is no longer fit for important positions. How can a person who cannot resolutely carry out the king's orders and is lenient towards those who commit dereliction of duty be able to take on important responsibilities?"

His tone was calm and firm, but it could easily decide Zhang Xiu's future and fate.

After saying that, Liu Chan slowly turned around and looked at Sun Shangxiang tenderly. He noticed that there was both worry and gratitude in Sun Shangxiang's eyes, so he comforted her softly, "Sun family, I have no intention of killing everyone. Jiangdong needs stability and integration, not endless hatred and killing. You can rest assured about this."

His voice was gentle and sincere, and every word seemed to carry a warm power, trying to soothe the uneasiness in Sun Shangxiang's heart.

Liu Chan's eyes swept across the ruins in front of him, and a complex emotion surged in his heart.

If we want to truly govern Jiangdong well, it is far from enough to rely solely on suppression by force.

What the common people and nobles here need is understanding and acceptance, and hope to rebuild their homes, rather than fear and despair.

The long-term solution is to combine benevolent governance with wisdom.

"As for those imprisoned members of the Sun family..."

Liu Chan continued, his tone revealing an unquestionable determination.

"I will have them all released. Only when families are reunited can people feel at ease. The future of Jiangdong requires the joint efforts of everyone."

The Sun family ruled Jiangdong for many years, and many members of the Sun family held official positions in local areas, including many high-ranking officials.

If you cannot calm these people's hearts, they may not dare to cause trouble in peacetime, but when the time comes for the Northern Expedition against Wei, these people may stab you in the back.

Liu Chan patted Sun Shangxiang's shoulder gently to comfort her, and then walked forward with big strides, his back looking particularly determined and tall.

As E Huan looked at Liu Chan's back, he couldn't help but feel admiration in his heart. This young emperor had his own thoughts and concerns, which were far beyond those of ordinary people.

Sun Shangxiang looked in the direction where Liu Chan left, with a complicated look in her eyes.

There is gratitude, relief, and a hint of anticipation for the future.

The future of Jiangdong may really be different because of the arrival of this man.

……

the other side.

In the dim Fuchun dungeon, dampness and mildew intertwined into a suffocating atmosphere, and wailing and groaning echoed in this dark space. The prisoners sat or lay down, in ragged clothes, with haggard faces and eyes full of despair and numbness.

However, in the deepest part of the prison, there was a young man who was different from the others. Although he was also wearing prison clothes, his clothes were neat, his eyes were as bright as torches, flashing an unyielding light, and his face was firm, as if the suffering in prison could not weaken him in the slightest.

Just at this moment, the heavy iron door of the dungeon creaked harshly and slowly opened. A faint ray of light came in, illuminating the face of the young man Sun Lin.

A jailer hurried in, with a look of panic and anxiety, and announced loudly: "Your Majesty is here incognito to pardon Huang Chun's case. The Sun family is innocent and all of them will be released!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the originally silent cell suddenly became lively, and the imprisoned Sun family members cheered and shouted "Long live".

However, in this celebratory atmosphere, the young Sun Lin just snorted coldly, with a hint of disdain on his lips: "We are innocent and were supposed to be released anyway, so why talk about long live?"

Although his voice was not loud, it clearly penetrated the noise, revealing a sense of indomitable spirit and pride.

The jailer's face changed slightly when he heard this, but he quickly returned to normal. He walked closer to Sun Lin and whispered, "Sun Lin, Madam Sun wants to see you."

"Mrs. Sun?" Sun Lin couldn't help but feel surprised when he heard this and frowned slightly.

"Which Madam Sun?"

"Madam Sun, the sister of the Great King of Wu."

This young man is so arrogant and rebellious. If he hadn't been summoned by a nobleman, he would definitely make him suffer.

The jailer thought.

As for who the Great Wu King is...

The Great King of Wu was Sun Quan's folk nickname. The eldest son, the King of Wu, was Sun Quan, and the second son, the King of Wu, was Sun Lu.

"Why did my aunt call me?"

Sun Lin was the grandson of Sun Qiang, the eldest brother of Sun Jian, the eldest son of Sun Ben, the prefect of Yuzhang and Marquis of Duting, and the cousin of Sun Ce and Sun Quan.

In terms of relationship, Sun Shangxiang is really his aunt.

……

Sun Shangxiang was dressed in simple and elegant clothes, sitting in a makeshift, crude hall, with an extraordinary bearing revealed between her brows.

She waved her hand gently, signaling the servants to leave, and her eyes passed through the mist in front of the hall, as if waiting for something.

Soon, a sound of footsteps came closer and closer, and Sun Lin's figure appeared in sight. Although his clothes were old, his steps were firm, and there was an unyielding pride between his brows.

"Nephew Sun Lin, nice to meet you, Madam Sun." Sun Lin bowed, with a barely perceptible stiffness in his voice.

Sun Shangxiang nodded slightly, her eyes full of tenderness and helplessness.

"Sun Lin, the situation is changing rapidly, and you and I must adapt to the times. Although the Han Dynasty has destroyed Sun Wu, the world is still unsettled, and it is a time for heroes to emerge. You are young and promising, and you should work for the Han Dynasty and create achievements together."

Sun Lin heard this, a trace of resentment flashed in his eyes, he clenched his teeth and said in a low voice: "Work for the Han Dynasty? How can I forget the pain of Sun Wu's demise? Although I am not a hero, I also know the difference between gratitude and resentment. If you want me to work for the Han Dynasty, humph, it is really difficult to obey your order!"

After hearing this, Sun Shangxiang sighed in her heart.

The resentment in Sun Lin's heart cannot be resolved overnight.

She stood up, walked slowly to Sun Lin, stretched out her hand to smooth his furrowed brow, but finally withdrew her hand.

"Nephew, I understand your feelings. But things are unpredictable. You and I must let go of the past before we can move forward. If you are willing, I can recommend you to His Majesty and give you a bright future."

Sun Lin shook his head, his eyes full of determination.

"Madam Sun, I have made up my mind. Although Sun Wu is gone, my ambition to be a neighbor has not died out. I have made up my mind, and I will take my leave." After saying this, he turned around and was about to leave.

At this moment, a breeze blew across the screen, and Liu Chan's figure quietly appeared in front of everyone. He was dressed in casual clothes, with a calm face, but his eyes revealed an unquestionable majesty.

"Sun Lin, you are indeed a tough guy. But you have to know that in this chaotic world, talents are hard to come by, and even harder are talents that I can use. If you cannot be used by me, and you harbor resentment towards my Han Dynasty, then I can only get rid of you to eliminate future troubles."

His voice was not loud, but every word was like a heavy hammer, hitting Sun Lin's heart.

Sun Lin paused when he heard this, and turned back to look at Liu Chan, with anger and resentment in his eyes. But he knew that his resistance at this moment was meaningless.

He clenched his fists, but finally unclenched them.

"I understand your majesty's intention. But it will take some time for me to serve the Han Dynasty. Goodbye."

After saying this, he strode out of the hall.

Sun Shangxiang looked at Sun Lin's departing back, with a complex emotion welling up in her heart.

The young woman's heart is full of resentment and unwillingness, but she also believes that time will slowly heal all wounds.

Liu Chan stood there, gazing into the distance with deep eyes, as if thinking about something.

Sun Lin is a rare talent, and more importantly, his surname is Sun.

If he could be made into a role model, it would be helpful for Liu Chan to win over the people of the Sun family.

But how to make him truly submit will require more time and patience.

(End of this chapter)