Chapter 418 Rewards and Challenges

"Zilong, you are extremely brave and good at commanding troops. I appoint you as the military officer of Liaodong County and you will take charge of the military affairs of the county from today."

Zhao Yun, who was standing guard silently, heard this and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. He quickly stepped forward and bowed his hands in response:

"I will obey your orders and will not fail your trust."

When everyone in the hall saw this, they all looked at each other, secretly shocked.

The new governor acted decisively and vigorously. He dismissed two important officials and promoted his own confidants as soon as he arrived. Such methods are truly astonishing.

However, Su Yao's reorganization did not end there.

He then called out the thief Cao Yuan who was in charge of the county's public security and the arrest of thieves.

There was no need for him to say any more nonsense this time.

The thief Cao's official Liu Yi quickly said that he knew he had done something wrong and was willing to resign and apologize.

"Very good, then I will give the position of Thief Cao Yuan to you, Dian Wei."

Su Yao immediately issued the appointment:
“The most important thing for a stable life and a happy job is peace.”

"Whether the situation in Liaodong can be stabilized and whether the people can live a stable life depends on whether you, Cheng Lian and Zilong can make the first shot well."

Although he felt a little strange about the idea of ​​firing the first shot, Dian Wei still stepped forward decisively and clasped his fists in response:
"I, Dian Wei, will live up to your high expectations and swear to wipe out the bandits in Liaodong and protect the country and the people!"

At this point, together with Cheng Lian, the military commander stationed in Liaoyang, Zhao Yun who was in charge of the county troops, and Dian Wei who was in charge of the county's public security, Su Yao's three-horse team in Liaodong County was established, and all the military power was in his hands.

Next, with the examples of the three powerful officials above him, Su Yao, who had established his authority, smoothly carried out other personnel adjustments.

Clerks in major departments were dismissed one after another, or demoted to subordinate clerks to assist the new official in the transition, or simply left. Only a small number of people in non-critical departments were allowed to remain in their positions.

But that doesn't mean they can rest easy:

"In the days ahead, I will examine each of you based on your performance and abilities, and appoint the talented to new positions, with the capable promoted and the mediocre demoted."

"I hope you can seize this opportunity to demonstrate your talents and contribute to the governance of Liaodong."

Su Yao's thunderous move shocked all the county officials present.

Those who escaped the disaster also looked pale, knowing that their previous good days of leisurely living were probably over.

However, in the end, no one dared to protest.

After adjusting the personnel and punishing these county officials, Su Yao did not forget to give them some sweet treats.

"In my place, as long as you work hard, the benefits will naturally be shared by everyone."

"From now on, I will reward anyone who has made contributions to the governance of Liaodong, whether it is proposing good policies or implementing them effectively."

"Whether it's property, land, or promotion, I will never be stingy, Governor!"

This was certainly not empty talk, and Su Yao made a decision immediately afterwards:
Among the captured Xianbei and Wuhuan slaves, one was given free of charge to every family in the county magistrate's office, regardless of their official rank.

Moreover, those who have the means can purchase it first.

As soon as the order was given, the people who had been as nervous as frost-bitten eggplants immediately showed expressions of joy.

"Thank you, Lord, for your reward!"

Liaodong is vast and sparsely populated, and human resources are precious.

Every household suffers from not having enough manpower.

Now that the new Lord has taken office, this welcoming gift is really an extra surprise.

Some people even boldly grabbed the quota directly:
“My family needs 20 people!”

“My family needs 50 people!”

“My family needs 100 people!”

"Good fellow, isn't your way of robbing too much? I don't know how many prisoners the Lord has captured, I'm afraid it's not enough for each family to share."

In response to this, Su Yao smiled:
"It's okay, don't worry."

"We have a lot of prisoners of war." "This time, there are not enough, so we will auction it first, and the highest bidder will win."

"When things get stable here and there's a chance, I'll go get some for you!"

"The revival of Liaodong depends on you!"

This time, both sides were very happy.

The officials obtained much-needed labor.

Su Yao also took the opportunity to sell the captives and converted them into urgently needed funds.

The money from selling prisoners, plus the seized supplies, were enough as start-up capital for him to maintain a low tax rate for a while and save the people's morale, which was on the verge of collapse.

At the same time, based on the performance of these people in purchasing captives, he also took the opportunity to gain an understanding of the financial status of these wealthy families in the county.

It can be described as a win-win!
Taking advantage of everyone's heated emotions, Su Yao struck while the iron was hot and immediately announced his policy to restore people's livelihood.

The first thing to be affected was to reduce taxes and levies and to turn swords into plowshares.

In an agricultural society, people's demands are very simple.

As long as there is no turmoil, not so many exorbitant taxes and endless corvée and military service, then a prosperous era will arrive.

However, relatively speaking, such a policy is not beneficial to those low-level officials.

As a vested interest group, only a minority of the minority can collect the taxes and fees from the imperial court.

With less intervention from the government, they have less room to take bribes.

What’s more serious is that they can no longer make the people work for them in the name of official corvée.

However, these people who have just received benefits and been taught a lesson with sticks and carrots are now unwilling to take the risk and sing a different tune.

They shouted:

"Your Excellency is wise!"

“This is a benevolent policy!”

"It is truly a blessing after a long drought in Liaodong!"

Su Yao laughed:
"Reducing taxes and levies is only the first step. Next, we must vigorously develop agriculture and build water conservancy projects so that the people of Liaodong can truly live and work in peace and contentment."

Having said that, Su Yao immediately gave the order:

"Qian Zhao, you will immediately start to formulate a detailed agricultural development plan, including reclaiming wasteland, purchasing advanced agricultural tools, and promoting the efficient planting techniques in the Central Plains, as well as finding a suitable location and making plans for water conservancy projects in advance."

"When the immigrants led by Tian Chou arrive, you can get these things done just in time before the spring planting."

"Yes, I obey your command!" Qian Zhao bowed and responded, with a hint of excitement in his eyes.

Agriculture is the foundation of a country; a solid foundation will bring peace to the country.

Qian Zhao knew very well that this would be a good opportunity for him to show his skills.

However, just as Su Yao was about to arrange the next task, a clerk in the hall stood up:
"Wait a minute, my Lord!"

"Who are you?"

Su Yao looked at this person who suddenly appeared with a scrutinizing look in his eyes.

The visitor bowed and clasped his fists and said:
"I am Liu Zheng, the official in charge of the Jue Cao, and I am honored to meet you, Lord."

After Su Yao hadn't responded yet after hearing these words, the other officials couldn't help but gasp and click their tongues.

"Liu Zheng, the Lord is giving a speech, and you, a mere clerk, dare to interrupt him rashly. You have no manners at all!" Tian Shao scolded angrily.

Tian Shao had long been displeased with Liu Zheng, a troublemaker who had never shown any sense of propriety. However, this man had always lived an ascetic life, so he had no reason to mess with him over the years.

He didn't expect that all his close associates would suffer during the personnel adjustments, while this guy managed to escape by accident. This made him even more disgusted and he immediately scolded him.

(End of this chapter)

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