Daughter of aristocratic family

Chapter 423 Strategy
The next afternoon, Li Xin reported the news from the Governor's Mansion. In order to express his respect for Li Xin, Lord Yun, Yang Zheng specially prepared to host a banquet for him at the largest restaurant in the city in three days.

Three days passed quickly. Yang Zheng didn't know whether he wanted Li Xin to see his control over Tianxing Prefecture, or he wanted to publicize that he had successfully won over "Yun Hao", the emperor's close minister and favorite.

Nearly a hundred banquet tables were set up in the restaurant, and almost all the important figures in Tianxing Prefecture were invited.

Li Xin came to the restaurant accompanied by Yang Zheng.

He looked around and saw that the restaurant was crowded with guests, all well-dressed and smiling. It was obvious that Yang Zheng had put a lot of thought into this banquet.

However, Li Xin's attention was not attracted by the prosperity. He saw Yun Hao, who had sneaked in under some unknown name.

Although Li Xin quickly looked away, Yang Zheng still noticed it, "Master Yun, what are you looking at?"

"Oh, nothing. I just think that this restaurant is bustling with people today. This shows that Lord Yang governs well and the people live and work in peace and contentment." Li Xin praised Yang Zheng's political achievements.

Yang Zheng smiled from ear to ear, "Master Yun, thank you for your compliment."

The banquet began, Yang Zheng personally poured wine for Li Xin, the two raised their glasses and clinked them together, Yang Zheng said: "Master Yun, this glass of wine is for you."

Li Xin smiled slightly, raised his glass and said in return: "Master Yang, you are too polite."

After three rounds of drinks, Yang Zheng gradually started to talk.

He mentioned many times how he benefited the people of Tianxing Prefecture, how he performed his duties loyally to the court, and how he made the economy prosperous and public security stable.

Li Xin nodded frequently, expressing high praise and affirmation for Yang Zheng's achievements, and complimented him: "Lord Yang is truly a pillar of the court and a lucky star of Tianxing Prefecture. Not only have you made outstanding achievements, but you have also established a good image in the hearts of the people. Every effort you make has brought about earth-shaking changes to Tianxing Prefecture, allowing the people to live and work in peace and contentment. I deeply admire you."

The others at the table echoed, "Lord Yang is dedicated to the people and fulfills his duties. He is truly a role model for all officials. It is a great honor for us to have the privilege of working with you."

"Mr. Yang's political achievements and character are all admired by us." An official added, his eyes revealing his admiration for Yang Zheng.

"It is a blessing for us to have an official like Lord Yang who cares about us."

After hearing the praise from everyone, Yang Zheng showed a satisfied smile on his face and pretended to be modest and said: "No, no, you are too kind. This is all due to the cultivation of the court, the trust of the emperor, and the support of my colleagues. I, Yang Zheng, am just fulfilling my duties."

"Lord Yang is too modest." Li Xin raised his glass, "Come, let's drink a toast to Lord Yang's achievements, the prosperity of Tianxing Prefecture, and the prosperity of the court!"

Everyone raised their glasses and drank it all.

Just as the atmosphere at the banquet was getting more and more heated, Yang Zheng suddenly sighed, "When I think of the pirates who often appear and threaten the peace of my Tianxing Prefecture, my heart cannot be at peace."

Li Xin's eyes flickered slightly, he put down his wine glass, and said seriously: "Master Yang is right, pirates are indeed a big worry for us. However, I believe that with Master Yang in charge of Tianxing Mansion, those pirates will not succeed."

"Lord Yun thinks too highly of me. Pirates are cunning and often appear at random. Although we have attacked them many times, it is always difficult to catch them all. Moreover, among the pirates, there are also some who are highly skilled in martial arts and have extraordinary wisdom."

"Yang is not a military commander, and I don't have any soldiers to use. I am really helpless in dealing with the pirates." Yang Zheng said with a worried look on his face. "It's not difficult to deal with the pirates. Not long ago, I followed Marquis Jingbian to kill nearly a hundred pirates who came to attack." Li Xin knew what Yang Zheng meant by saying this, which was to bring up Marquis Jingbian, just as he wished.

Yang Zheng was secretly delighted when he heard this. He really wanted to take a nap, but someone gave him a pillow. "I also thought about asking Jingbian Hou to bring the Zhenhai Army to help me wipe out the pirates, but Jingbian Hou repeatedly declined, saying that he was busy with military affairs and couldn't spare time."

"Pirates frequently appear in Zhenhaiwei, and Marquis Jingbian is overwhelmed. Lord Yang, why don't we find another way?" Li Xin pretended not to understand the slander against Marquis Jingbian in his words.

"I wonder what Lord Yun thinks?" A hint of anticipation flashed in Yang Zheng's eyes.

"Sir Yang, I came to Tianxing Prefecture for a visit in my spare time. I am not familiar with the situation, so I won't give any advice. Sir Yang, you should have a good discussion with your colleagues in Tianxing Prefecture. I believe that with your ability, you will be able to solve the pirate problem." Li Xin declined.

"I've always heard that Lord Yun is both wise and brave, and he is well versed in the art of war. I really can't think of a better way, so I would like to ask Lord Yun for some advice." Yang Zheng requested sincerely.

Other officials also echoed: "Lord Yun is a pillar of the country, with extraordinary talents and wisdom. We also want to hear Lord Yun's wise opinions."

Li Xin smiled slightly and said, "My Lords, you are too kind. I am young and cannot bear your praise. Why don't we discuss it together and come up with a good solution? If it can solve the pirate problem, Lord Yang and I will submit a memorial to ask for credit for him to His Majesty."

Seeing that Li Xin was slippery and refused to tell the truth, Yang Zheng frowned and put on an attitude of worrying about the country and the people. "Pirates are rampant and have seriously affected the peace of our Tianxing Prefecture. They not only rob merchant ships, but also often go ashore to harass the people. We must find a solution as soon as possible. Let's express our opinions and discuss a good solution."

"My lords, I have a plan." After all, there are still people who are greedy for military merit.

Yang Zheng took a sharp look at the minor official.

The minor official swallowed and lowered his head, knowing that he had probably ruined the adults' business.

"Master Yang, it seems that you still have capable people under your command." Li Xin smiled, "What is your name? Where do you work? Tell me about your strategy."

"Lord Yun asked you to speak, so just say it." Yang Zheng said.

The official then raised his head and said, "My name is Zhu Dong, and I am the magistrate of Tianxing Prefecture. I think we can form a special bandit-suppression team and select brave and skilled fighters from the militia."

"This team can be handed over to Lord Yang for command. In this way, we will be able to eliminate the pirates and restore peace to Tianxing Prefecture."

Yang Zheng just wanted military power, but he couldn't get it from Marquis Jingbian, so it would be a great thing for him to form an army under his control.

He could also take the opportunity to infiltrate his private soldiers into the group to expand his power.

Zhu Dong's plan was exactly what he wanted.

Yang Zheng smiled and said, "Zhu Dong, your plan is quite innovative. Lord Yun, what do you think?"

If "Yun Hao" agrees, it means that he has pulled "Yun Hao" onto his boat. "Yun Hao" will certainly speak for him in the court and work hard to make this happen.

The more he thought about it, the more beautiful it seemed. He looked at Zhu Dong with admiration in his eyes. He knew that there were indeed capable people under his command. This plan was better than he had expected.