I rode and slashed unparalleled in the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 417: Rectifying the Administration of Officials and Taking Back Military Power

"My Lord, calm down!"

With a thud, Gong Cao Tian Shao fell to his knees and said loudly:
"I have long wanted to retire, but because Liaodong has no master, I have no choice but to force myself to hold on."

"Now that the Lord of the Mansion has arrived, I shall retreat bravely!"

Tian Shao was scared.

Although it is said that a strong dragon cannot defeat a local snake.

However, there are differences between dragons.

He thought it over and over again, but in the end he didn't dare to be the first to test Su Yao's determination when facing this new lord who was rumored to have made great military achievements.

Seeing that Tian Shao finally gave in, Su Yao knew that he had won this wave.

So he nodded and signaled Tian Shao to leave:
"Tian Gongcao is very understanding of justice, which comforts me greatly."

"After you go down, you should complete the handover with Qian Zijing. Don't miss anything."

Su Yao's tone also softened a lot, and he continued:

"However, we are new here and are not familiar with the situation in Liaodong. We need a capable assistant to assist us."

"Since you have been a Gongcao for many years, you should know how to appoint the right people to the right posts. In the future, you should recommend more virtuous people for me and remove the evil ones."

Tian Shao was stunned when he heard this. From the sound of it, it seemed that the Lord of the Mansion was going to abandon him completely?

That's right.

Su Yao didn't just throw him away.

Su Yao, who had just arrived here and couldn't even recognize everyone, still needed some time to make the transition.

First, he would persuade him to move out of the core position, and then put him in an idle position to serve as a transitional advisor. This would not only maintain the normal operation of the county government, but also gradually introduce his own confidants and talents.

Although Tian Shao felt mixed emotions, he could only force a smile. He dared not disobey the new governor's methods and determination, and quickly bowed his hands and promised:
"I will do my best to ensure a smooth handover and assist you in governing Liaodong."

Seeing that Tian Shao was so obedient, the atmosphere in the hall became quite solemn. The county officials looked at each other, secretly guessing what the new lord would do next.

However, Su Yao did not give them much time to think. He just glanced at everyone and asked in a deep voice:
"The land of Liaodong is in ruins and needs to be rebuilt. It has been several years since the previous governor passed away."

"We have just arrived and we need your help."

"However, the situation in Liaodong has deteriorated to this point. Those who have been sitting idle and doing nothing, and who have been corrupt and abused their power for personal gain, cannot escape blame!"

"Therefore, I solemnly declare here today that from now on, anyone who violates the law and discipline or neglects his duties will be severely punished once it is verified, and there will be no leniency!"

Su Yao's words were so powerful that all the county officials in the hall were startled and nodded their heads, not daring to look him in the face.

However, just when they breathed a sigh of relief and thought that the personnel adjustments were over.

Su Yao suddenly said:
"Where is the military officer?"

Han Zhong was startled when he heard this, and he quickly stood up, bowed and said, "I am your humble servant."

"Are you the military clerk?" Su Yao stared at the slightly nervous official in front of him with sharp eyes.

The Bingcao Yuan is an official under the prefect, with a rank equivalent to three hundred stones, and is in charge of military affairs in the county. His importance is self-evident. In those counties that do not have a commander, the Bingcao Yuan is the first military officer under the prefect.

He was responsible for everything from leading troops to fight to recruiting and training soldiers, as well as military equipment.

In an important border area like Liaodong, the duties of a military officer are of paramount importance.

He naturally couldn't let such an shady person hold such a position.

When Su Yao called him out for scrutiny, Han Zhong's face turned pale and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

Su Yao's meaning was very clear. If you, a military official, were sensible, you would do as Tian Gongcao did and retreat while the going was good and give up your position.

But
Su Yao didn't expect that this person, whether he was really stupid or what, would actually argue with him.

"I am a military official who was appointed after the former governor was killed."

"Since then, Liaodong has been plagued by wars and bandits everywhere, which cannot be reversed by my own efforts."

"It is true that I have made mistakes, but I believe that I have done my best and fulfilled my duties." Han Zhong continued with a stiff upper lip, refusing to give in.

Su Yao frowned when he heard this. He didn't expect that this military official would dare to refute him.

However, he did not attack immediately. Instead, he looked at Han Zhong coldly and said slowly:

"Dutifully?"

"Then let me ask you, has the Liaodong County army been expanded in the past few years? How many soldiers are there?"

"Has the training of the troops been strengthened? How many soldiers are there ready to fight?"

"Has the border defense improved? How many times have the bandits invaded this year? What are your victories?"

Han Zhong's face turned even paler when he heard that. He opened his mouth, but after giving the answer that there were more than 2,000 registered county soldiers, he fell into an awkward silence.

Su Yao's question directly hit his soft spot.

In recent years, there have been constant wars in Liaodong. Instead of expanding and strengthening the county troops, their strength has been continuously weakened due to frequent wars and financial difficulties, and their training has almost stagnated.

Border defenses were ineffective. Not only did the Xianbei and Wuhuan invade the border, but even the Goguryeo people from the northeast began to take advantage of the situation.

Although Su Yao didn't understand the situation clearly from the investigations of Wei Ming, Wang Ling and others, he had a general idea of ​​it.

Liaodong has been in chaos for several years because there has been no governor in charge, so these things are inevitable.

Facing Han Zhong's speechlessness, Su Yao smiled coldly, and scanned the people in the hall with a sharp gaze, and said in a deep voice:
"Han Zhong, as a military official, you are in charge of the military affairs of the county, but you are completely clueless about the situation of the county soldiers. Is this what you call fulfilling your duties?"

Han Zhong fell to his knees with a thud, begging desperately while looking to his colleagues around him for support.

However, everyone who saw this avoided his gaze and kept silent, for fear of bringing trouble upon themselves.

After a few visits, they all understood that this new governor was not someone who could be easily fooled. He was indeed a man who was awarded the title of nobility for his military achievements.

No one supported me, and some even took advantage of my misfortune:

"Han Caoyuan!"

"The Lord is giving you respect, why don't you confess your crime and thank him!"

Tian Shao angrily shouted:
"Do you really want to wait until the Lord of the Mansion gets angry and punishes you before you are willing to admit your guilt and surrender?"

Han Zhong's face turned even paler when he heard this. He knew that he had no way to retreat.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, he could only lower his head, kowtow and say bitterly:

"I know my crime and I would like to resign from my position as a military official."

Su Yao nodded, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

"Since you still have some self-awareness, I will forgive you this time."

"From now on, you will be demoted to a subordinate of the military officer and assist the new military officer in handling military affairs."

Han Zhong was relieved to hear that he was not completely wiped out:

"Thank you, Lord, for your mercy!"

As a clerk in the Bingcao department, at least he was still in the Bingcao department and the situation was not irreversible.

I just don’t know who this new military official is?
(End of this chapter)