first minister

Yuyan Prefecture, Guangyang County, County Governor Cao Yuting stood outside the city, frowning as he looked at the shed under intensive construction in front of him.

After the Marquis of Jianning guessed what these wealthy families were thinking, he immediately sent a letter to all the counties, giving clear and specific instructions to the county governors who had just taken office and were not familiar with the situation.

Including the details of how to take care of the slave tenants who may come in an instant, how to arrange work for them, how to manage them, etc.

However, many things in this world are not so logical.

Just like many poor people also know that studying can change their destiny, but even their livelihood is a problem. How can they have the resources to support their children and grandchildren to study hard and take exams, and to honor their ancestors.

The problem before Cao Yuting at this moment is the same. From Zhongjing to the prefectural city, then to the prefectural city and the county seat, the imperial power's control over the local area is gradually declining, while the voice of the wealthy family is gradually increasing.

Even in some counties, a few wealthy families have the final say, such as the county magistrate or the chief registrar. If you are obedient, you will be a good dog. If you are not obedient, you will be made into a puppet.

Today's Guangyang County happens to have a few wealthy families. Some of them are branches of the top wealthy families in the city, and some are outright local wealthy families.

Although he does not control everything in the county, he still has a huge influence on the county, especially on civil affairs.

Especially now that the imperial court needs to reestablish management order in Yuyan State, its reliance on these local wealthy families will inevitably become greater.

But now, they want to lead the court to cut their flesh, and their attitude is almost obvious.

In a smaller circle, the leader's statement has a greater impact. In the entire Guangyang County, almost no one dares to publicly support the new policy implemented by him as the county magistrate.

And because the main energy is in the state city, the remnants of the rebellion in Guangyang County have not yet been completely eliminated. The prefect's subordinate officials and subordinates have not been cleaned up and rebuilt. Later, the original soldiers in the county were also screened out because of the rebellion. After two attempts, there are still not enough people. It can only meet the basic defense and is difficult to form a real deterrent. This series of reasons have led to the current situation of the new governor.

Originally this was not a big deal, but with his ability and the court's subsequent support, it would not be a problem to gradually control the entire county.

But as soon as Marquis Jianning moved quickly in the city, the situation in each county suddenly became urgent.

Under the overt and covert obstruction of these wealthy families, he spent three whole days building a shed before he could just get it into shape. But yesterday, what Marquis Jianning expected happened as promised.

The tenants and servants of these wealthy families were all driven out of their homes and gathered in the government offices.

The little preparation Cao Yuting made at the beginning was almost quickly consumed.

Fortunately, he was very patient, and with some eloquent persuasion, these people temporarily tolerated the commotion and began to help build their own shelter.

With their participation, progress has accelerated. It is estimated that it will be completely completed today, and Marquis Jianning also gave him the authority to open a warehouse to release grain. Food and housing can be temporarily solved, and the most urgent danger can be temporarily solved. Eliminate.

The situation seemed to be getting better, but Cao Yuting's eyebrows became more and more frowned.

Because the next work-for-relief project requires money, more materials, and authority. Over in the city, Marquis Jianning has the unstinting support of the Qin family, but Guangyang County does not have such a good thing.

Not only that, the big families even set up many obstacles for him, but of course everything was done in secret.

For example, he is planning to take the lead in dredging the river and digging two irrigation canals. First of all, the two villages that need to pass through it start to argue about this matter, saying that it takes their land and they do not agree with this approach;

Then when I went to buy a batch of equipment, several major blacksmith shops in the city happened to say that the items had been ordered by a certain wealthy family.

There are many other difficulties, which can be summed up in four words: difficult.

"Oh, isn't this Mr. Cao!"

While he was feeling sad, a greeting woke Cao Yuting out of his worries.

He turned to look at the man and nodded calmly, "Why did Mr. Hong have the time to go out of the city?"

"I heard that the prefect is planning to do something big. I, along with all the wise men, plan to come together to see if there is anything we can do to help."

Mr. Hong said with a smile: "Although our Hong family in Guangyang is a branch, we are still as loyal and patriotic as our own family. If the prefect needs it, just give me your orders!"

Behind him, four or five similarly dressed members laughed and echoed. The laughter was full of ridicule, but also full of pride in winning.

Cao Yuting's face was slightly cold, "I don't need to worry about you. Since you have made such a big contribution to the imperial court's new policy, if I don't accept it, I will be betraying your good intentions. Please watch with peace of mind. There will definitely be someone who will make you happy." Happy with the result.”

Cao Yuting's tough posture made everyone's arrogance dissipate a lot. Mr. Hong snorted softly, "Master Cao, I am quite a bit mean in this city. Apart from anything else, these slaves and tenants are also us. Former acquaintances, some words can still be useful, are you sure you don't need our help?"

These words were almost a naked threat. Cao Yuting narrowed his eyes and said, "Hong Shanhe, do you know what you are talking about?"

Mr. Hong spread his hands, "What did I say? I just hope that I can help you. If you really don't appreciate it, forget it. But after today, if you want to ask us for help again, don't blame us for not contributing to the court." .”

Cao Yuting had a cold face and remained silent.

Even if the talks collapsed, the heads of the family bowed their hands and turned to leave.

After they left, Cao Yuting turned to look at the followers behind him, "How long can the rice noodles last?"

The entourage also looked sad, "At most, these big families will control the rice noodles in the world, and our people can only buy some sporadically. However, Zhang Juncheng has personally gone to the city to ask for help. I think it can be solved soon."

Cao Yuting shook his head slightly and sighed, "Even if it is raised, it will take two or three days to transport it. Moreover, I don't know if it can be raised smoothly. The battle faced by Marquis Jianning in the city is not small. Every county asked for it, and he distributed enough wherever he could."

While they were talking, two more stewards came over and saluted Cao Yuting, "Master Cao, on the order of the family leader, I came here to deliver some rice, noodles and meat. Sir, where do you think we put them?" "

Behind them, several slaves carried several loaders, which contained some rice, flour and meat, but the amount was only enough to feed the slave-tenants outside the city.

Cao Yuting's face immediately turned red, as if someone had slapped him in the face.

These things are urgently needed by the current county magistrate's office and him.

But unfortunately, there is only such a small amount.

At the same time, just after he rejected the other party's solicitation, the other party made such a move.

This wasn't even a provocation, let alone a test. It was just asking Cao Yuting, slapping him in the face with the banknote,

"Aren't you awesome? Aren't you proud? Can you show me how awesome you are again?"

However, faced with this kind of thing that is almost obvious to disgust you and humiliate you, do you want to do it or not?

Yes, the so-called character and backbone are a joke.

No, if you still don’t talk about the problem, it’s just too arrogant.

The attendant behind him looked angry, but when the words of rebuke came to his lips, he could not say them out.

Because, on the surface, they are not wrong.

Is it still wrong to donate money and materials?

Although the two stewards opposite had lowered their eyebrows, the slight curve of their mouths was full of ridicule.

Cao Yuting was silent for a moment, took a deep breath, and almost gritted his teeth and said: "Thank you all, please move to the shanty."

The two stewards bowed and led the servants to carry several large and small baskets aside.

Not far away, a burst of laughter suddenly sounded.

"Sir! I can't bear it anymore!"

The attendant stamped his feet in anger, but Cao Yuting's expression slowly calmed down, "If you can't bear it, just bear with it."

He sighed, "Although the Marquis of Jianning is a genius and has as much depth as the sea, he is still a little young after all. This step is a bit too hasty. Although Yuyan Prefecture has a powerful military, no one from these big families dares to openly provoke and confront the imperial court. , but the power of the imperial court in the local areas has not yet been established, and local governance still has to rely on the support of local wealthy families. However, as soon as the New Deal came out, local wealthy families were instantly pushed to the opposite side of the imperial court. Originally, in the county governance structure, the imperial court Once the unity with the gentry is broken, it becomes difficult for us to act.”

After hearing this, the attendant looked aggrieved, "Isn't Marquis Jianning recognized as being powerful? Could it be that he wouldn't have thought of this?"

Cao Yuting sighed, "He must want it, but for a person like him, what he pursues must not be that simple. These difficulties, in his eyes, are like a disease at the moment, and they will be solved slowly later." We can't expect him to put himself in the shoes of the rest of us!" The entourage was silent after hearing this, "The villain feels that since Marquis Jianning knows how to give instructions to the Lord, he must also understand the Lord's predicament and will definitely take action. The Lord does not need to Too worried.”

Cao Yuting turned to look at him and wanted to refute, but in the end he did not say the rebuttal. He just looked at the remaining winter atmosphere around him and said lightly, "I hope so."

On the other side, Mr. Hong and the other heads of the noble families in the county were sitting on a meadow. The servants put out cushions, tables, wine sets, etc., and then everyone took their seats.

"Have fun! Hahahaha!"

"Isn't he arrogant? Why isn't he arrogant?"

Several wealthy family heads laughed heartily. After they vented their anger, Mr. Hong stretched out his hand to press the button and said with a smile: "This matter is to relieve the anger, but the focus is still on us. This can be regarded as finding out the details of Mr. Cao. He is about to I can’t bear it anymore.”

"Yes, as long as he can withstand it for two or three days, he won't have to endure our ridicule. His next move has clearly revealed how tight he is right now. If we add more fuel to the fire, he will probably Things can’t be done anymore.”

"But everyone, he will definitely ask for help from Zhoucheng. If there is support from Zhoucheng, wouldn't he be able to recover!"

"Don't worry, everyone." Mr. Hong smiled, "We just received a letter yesterday. The formation in Zhoucheng is larger, with thousands of people, and it is estimated that the Marquis of Jianning has an even bigger headache! What's more, all the counties are asking for help, how can Marquis Jianning be able to appease them?"

Everyone was curious, but Mr. Hong just smiled enigmatically and did not answer, "We will wait and see. It is estimated that great news will come soon. Everyone, please drink!"

When everyone saw this, they didn't want to press any further, and they all raised their glasses to make peace.

After finishing the cup, the sound of a galloping horse attracted everyone's attention.

Seeing the other party rushing straight towards Cao Yuting's location, everyone's hearts trembled.

"Brother Hong, is there any movement in Zhoucheng?"

Mr. Hong also looked over there and nodded slowly, "It is estimated that the big families in the city have joined forces. The battle is much bigger than ours. Looking at their anxious looks, maybe the winner has been decided. This builder Marquis Ning has finally hit a wall. Just wait, I believe our news will not wait long."

Just as he expected, two fast horses galloped over soon. They were the messengers they sent to the city.

Mr. Hong did his part and said calmly, "How is it? But something happened in Zhoucheng?"

The messenger glanced at Mr. Hong and hesitated to speak.

"Are you mute? Master Hong is asking you something!" The other head of the family immediately yelled.

The messenger was worried, "News from the state city, it has been revealed that the Hong family contacted other families to harm the civilians and obstruct the New Deal. The entire Hong family was arrested and imprisoned. The heads of the other families surrendered one after another and confessed their crimes!"

"what?"

"What? Did you hear clearly?"

Mr. Hong strode forward and grabbed the courier by the collar, "How is it possible? How can a wealthy family like my Hong family be arrested by the whole family!"

The messenger is no longer afraid of this person now, "This is all true. There are also rumors in the city that Marquis Jianning will behead several of the Hong family's culprits and other heads of families tomorrow. Mr. Hong, I guess your arrest will be soon." "

"Fuck your mother!" Mr. Hong was furious. "Where did you come from, an evil slave who dared to deceive the master! Come here! Beat me to death with a stick!"

But in the past, the situation where one call was answered by a hundred people did not happen again.

"Brother Hong, I suddenly remembered that I need to tutor my youngest son in his studies, so I need to take the first step."

"Brother Hong, my house is on fire. I have to go back quickly!"

"Brother Hong, my servant just told me that my wife is going to give birth, so I'll go ahead."

"Your fucking wife is already fifty-one, and she still has a baby!"

But Mr. Hong's incompetent rage did not bring about their hesitation. Almost instantly, the other families left completely, leaving only the Hong family standing there in panic and fear.

Mr. Hong was not stupid. He recovered from his rage and immediately realized that the situation was not good. "Hurry up and go back home!"

When they rushed to the city gate, a group of officers and soldiers had already arrived on horseback.

The leader looked at Mr. Hong and said, "We are ordered by Marquis Jianning to capture the entire Hong family in Guangyang. Hong Shanhe, please come with us!"

Mr. Hong's face finally showed uncontrollable fear, his expression was fierce and his heart was filled with anger, "My Hong family has always been law-abiding, why are you arresting me!"

"Whether you are abiding by the law or not, you will know after interrogation! Take it down!"

Mr. Hong roared angrily: "You are messing with the government! You are trying to make enemies of the entire Guangyang clan!"

"Mr. Hong, what are you talking about?"

Cao Yuting, who had also returned to the city, slowly walked up to him and said, "Why can you represent the entire Guangyang clan?"

"We, the Hong family in Guangyang, have an upright and upright conduct, how can we allow you to commit such wanton crimes! You are acting rebelliously! Such actions of yours will surely chill the hearts of all those who are loyal to the emperor and patriotic!"

Cao Yuting looked at the city and smiled softly, "Really? Why do I think it won't be possible?"

Mr. Hong turned his head to look, his expression suddenly changed, and he saw several teams running out of the city, carrying rice, noodles, wine, meat, and various equipment and utensils.

The heads of the family, who had been so respectful in front of him just now, rushed to Cao Yuting with their fat bodies trembling and panting.

"Lord Sheriff! I heard that supplies outside the city are in short supply. Our Huang family has urgently mobilized a lot of supplies from various parties. They have just been delivered, and they will be delivered to you right away!"

"Master Cao! The Yang family in Guangyang has also rushed to transport a batch of equipment. You can see which ones are useful. The Yang family is willing to donate them free of charge!"

Cao Yuting smiled slightly and naturally did not expose it, "I won't embarrass you too much, right?"

"Sir, what are you saying? We fully support the New Deal!"

"Yes, we have all read the original notice of Marquis Jianning, and it really speaks to our hearts. Only by finding out the family background can the court take appropriate measures to deal with the country's ills. When the country is good, our families can be good! No one wants what happened to Dongfang Ping to happen again!"

"But." Cao Yuting pointed at Mr. Hong, "He doesn't seem to think so?"

"He? He's just a ruthless man! I, Yang, have no sworn relationship with him!"

Mr. Hong was furious and opened his mouth to curse, but a piece of rag was accurately stuffed into his mouth.

Cao Yuting said with a smile: "In this case, I will help you all!"

The team escorting the Hong family into the city, and the team transporting supplies and equipment left the city. Standing at the city gate, watching all this silently, Cao Yuting expressed emotion, "I just found out today that there are no empty warriors under the great reputation, and the twenty-year-old central The important minister is indeed a gift from gods and men."

He looked around and suddenly realized that it was spring and the flowers were blooming, full of vitality.

The originally biting winter wind no longer felt cold on my face.

Almost the same drama was played out one after another in every county in Yuyan.

The bloody massacre in Zhoucheng forcefully suppressed all obstacles.

And when the news came out that Marquis Jianning was in the city, encouraging all those who had been harmed by the Hong family to report the crimes of the Hong family, it made the rich and shitty people even more frightened.

As a result, the overall situation of Swift State was completely determined.

Just as Xia Jingyun was chopping off a bunch of heads outside Yuyanzhou City, a carrier pigeon slowly landed in a residence in Zhongjing City.

Then a man quickly dressed up, walked out of the room, and came to the house of the then Prime Minister Wan Wenbi. (End of chapter)