Chương 127: Imperial Edict, Gongsun Zan

The next day, Cheng Yaojin led two hundred Xuanjia Iron Cavalry and followed Zhen Yao back to Jizhou.

The spectacle was so grand that it attracted a large crowd of onlookers from Zhuo County.

"See those? Those are the Marquis of Champion's personal guards! How impressive!"

"I heard they're escorting people from the Zhen family, the in-laws of the Marquis of Champion!"

"The Zhen family is moving to our Zhuojun? That's great news! The Zhen family are big merchants; their arrival will revitalize the economy!"

Standing atop the city wall, Liu Ce watched the procession depart, pondering to himself: With the Zhen family moving here, they'll have someone to jointly manage the commerce with Shen Wansan. Shen Wansan provides the goods, the Zhen family provides the distribution channels—perfect.

While Liu Ce was busy with his inventions and receiving Zhen Yao, Liu Hong was also "busy" in the Luoyang Imperial Palace.

Inside the greenhouse palace, Liu Hong lay reclining on the couch, looking at the memorial sent by Liu Ce.

The memorial detailed the situation in Youzhou—a sharp decline in population, economic collapse, military weakness, and prefects of various counties either fleeing or dying... it was a complete mess.

Zhang Rang cautiously asked from the side, "Your Majesty, the Marquis of Champion's memorial... the situation in Youzhou is so bad, should we send some reinforcements?"

Liu Hong waved his hand and smiled.

He put down the memorial, thinking to himself: "Brother, don't blame me for digging a pit for you. Do you think I don't know the situation in Youzhou? It's precisely because I know that I sent you there. You have the ability and the courage; I trust you with Youzhou."

He picked up a pen, spread out a blank imperial edict, and began to write.

It was written very simply, just two lines: The first line has a large "准" (zhun) character.

The second line of smaller text reads: "All matters concerning Youzhou shall be decided by you, my younger brother."

After writing it, he affixed the imperial seal.

"Send it over."

Liu Hong handed the imperial edict to Zhang Rang and ordered it to be delivered to Zhuojun by fast horse.

Zhang Rang took the imperial edict, glanced at it, and his lips twitched.

This imperial edict... is far too perfunctory, isn't it?

But he dared not speak, and bowed and withdrew, saying, "Your subject obeys."

On the seventh day of Liu Ce's invention, the imperial edict was delivered to Zhuojun.

Liu Ce received the imperial edict at the governor's mansion, opened it, and was stunned.

The imperial edict contained only the word "approved," along with the statement, "All matters concerning Youzhou shall be decided by the Emperor himself."

This is way too... too casual, isn't it?

"this one?"

He looked at it over and over several times.

"That's it?"

The eunuch delivering the imperial decree smiled obsequiously: "My lord, His Majesty has said that you have full authority over matters in Youzhou and do not need to consult him on every matter."

Liu Ce was speechless.

Liu Ce looked at it carefully again and confirmed that it was Liu Hong's handwriting. He was both amused and exasperated.

He mentally screamed: "Fine, fine, so this is how you play it! I've never seen an imperial edict like this before! My dear Emperor, you're really addicted to being a hands-off ruler, I'm truly grateful! You just dumped this mess in Youzhou on me with a simple 'decide for yourself'? And you're even 'training me'? Thank you so much!"

But despite his complaints, he actually understood what Liu Hong meant—it was about delegating authority.

With this imperial edict, he was practically the local tyrant of Youzhou, able to do whatever he wanted without having to consider the court's opinion.

In a sense, this is a good thing.

"Alright."

Liu Ce put away the imperial edict and said to the eunuch, "Go back and tell His Majesty that I will definitely govern Youzhou well."

The eunuch left.

"Gentlemen."

Liu Ce held up the imperial edict.

"You've all seen it? His Majesty has decreed that I, the Marquis, will make all the decisions regarding affairs in Youzhou. From today onward, let's get to work!"

Everyone shouted in unison, "Yes!"

Liu Ce sat in his chair, looking at the imperial edict in his hand, and suddenly smiled.

Yeah.

With this imperial decree, he could finally get things done without any worries.

Fine salt, good wine, paper, printing technology... these technologies can now be widely adopted.

The military can now recruit and train soldiers with peace of mind.

And those system rewards—Ironclad Pagoda and Ferghana Horse—can also be used when the opportunity arises.

"Since you trust me so much..."

Liu Ce muttered to himself, "Then I'll give you a surprise."

He walked out of the governor's mansion and looked at the streets of Zhuo County. Refugees were repairing roads, soldiers were drilling, and merchants were hawking their wares…

"Youzhou..."

Liu Ce looked into the distance.

"I'll change you."

From an impoverished border state, it has transformed into a prosperous and thriving base.

From a weakling that could be bullied by everyone, to a powerful force that no one dared to offend.

This is his goal.

It was something he was supposed to do during his time travel.

...

The eighth day of Liu Ce's invention.

Liu Ce, who was struggling with the pulp in the backyard, looked up, his face covered in dust, and he was holding a bamboo curtain in his hand.

Cai Yan helped stir the pulp, Zhang Ning was tidying up the mulberry bark, and Ren Hongchang... Ren Hongchang was secretly drinking the wine that wasn't fully brewed yet when Liu Ce caught him red-handed.

"Hongchang!" Liu Ce exclaimed, his eyes wide.

"That wine isn't ready yet!"

Ren Hongchang stuck out his tongue: "I'll just try it... It's a little sour, but it's quite fragrant."

Just as Liu Ce was about to speak, Liu Bo rushed in and said, "Young Master! A report from the Governor's Office says that General Gongsun Zan has arrived and is waiting in the council hall!"

"Gongsun Zan?"

Liu Ce was taken aback.

"Why is he here?"

After lowering the bamboo curtain, washing his face, and changing into clean clothes, Liu Ce hurriedly headed to the governor's mansion.

When they arrived at the governor's mansion, the council hall was already full of people.

On the left is the group of strategists: Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Xun Yu, Guo Jia, Xi Zhicai... all sitting upright.

On the right is a group of military generals: Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun... each one of them is burly and strong.

The scene was absolutely spectacular—if you took a group photo there, it could be sold as an all-star poster for the late Han Dynasty.

Just as Liu Ce sat down in the main seat, a loud announcement came from the doorway:

"This humble general, Gongsun Zan, greets Your Excellency, Governor!"

The person entered as soon as the voice faded.

Gongsun Zan, clad in black armor, looked travel-worn but still full of energy.

He wasn't very tall, but his eyes were as sharp as knives, and he walked with a swagger, giving the impression that he could draw his sword and chop someone down at any moment.

Liu Ce scrutinized him closely—this was the historical White Horse General! Long face, high nose, lips pursed into a line, he looked like a ruthless character.

Name: Gongsun Zan, courtesy name Bogui Gender: Male Age: 32 [Force]: 93 (first-rate) [Command]: 89 (Second-rate) [Politics]: 71 (Third-rate) Intelligence: 73 (Third-rate) [Appearance]: 81cm Special skills: 【White Horse Cavalry】: To assemble and command an elite light cavalry force, which typically possesses extremely high mobility, range, and endurance.

[Swift as the Wind]: Greatly increases the movement speed and mobility of your cavalry units, facilitating surprise attacks and flanking maneuvers.

[Awe-inspiring beyond the Great Wall]:...

He stood up and raised his hand: "Bo Gui, no need for formalities, please sit."

He pointed to the table beside him: "You must be tired from your journey. Have some tea first."

Gongsun Zan thanked her and sat down, taking the tea offered by the maid and gulping it down in large mouthfuls—he seemed genuinely thirsty. After finishing, he placed the teacup on the table with a "thud."

"grown ups."

His voice was as deep as stone, "I have come here today for two reasons: first, to report to you on my duties, and second, to report on the urgent situation at the border."

The hall fell silent immediately.

Everyone perked up their ears.