Fan Zehao was in charge of investigating the Minister of Justice, while Zhao Jiaqi was responsible for inspecting the villages and towns in Hedong Prefecture. They divided the labor, with one focusing on external affairs and the other on internal matters.
After days of rain, the weather finally cleared. Zhao Jiaqi had been traveling between villages and towns for over ten days and discovered that this region was either extremely poor or incredibly prosperous, with a vast disparity.
Zhao Jiaqi's investigations revealed that the area had abundant mountains, trees, and bamboo, which were ideal for making furniture. However, over-exploitation was not an option.
She would need to devise a plan to ensure that resources were not over-exploited from just one area.
At that time, Fan Zehao in Hedong Prefecture had spent over ten days thoroughly investigating the entire prefecture. He found that the rot ran from the inside out and had initiated a major overhaul.
From the lowest town officials to the highest prefect, none were free from corruption.
Therefore, Fan Zehao's actions this time were decisive. This was no longer a simple matter of "killing a chicken to scare the monkeys."
When Zhao Jiaqi returned, he had already dealt with everyone except the Minister of Justice, Wang Wenquan.
Zhao Jiaqi asked, "How do you plan to deal with him?"
"Extermination of his nine familial generations!" Fan Zehao said through gritted teeth.
Assassinating the emperor was a crime punishable by the extermination of nine familial generations. Furthermore, this man was audacious enough to engage in corruption and harbor assassins to do his bidding. Anyone who posed a threat to him was dealt with preemptively. These assassins were specifically hired for dirty work.
One person's mistake would implicate their entire family. Zhao Jiaqi wanted to persuade him not to harm the innocent, but then she thought of Old Father Chen and the innocent common people. Did they deserve their fate?
So, she closed her mouth and let her husband handle it.
In the silent room, the sound of a falling needle could be heard. After a long pause, Zhao Jiaqi asked about Sun Mo, "The former governor Sun Mo, how did you handle him?"
Thinking of Sun Mo, Fan Zehao rubbed his temples and sighed softly. "Although he was merely going through the motions with Zhao Qing Sui and didn't commit any major offenses, willful ignorance is also a crime. However, considering his great contribution this time, his merits and demerits cancel each other out. His talent and governing skills are quite good."
"I've had him act as interim prefect these past few days to handle affairs. I've observed him closely, and his abilities are truly outstanding. I plan to promote him to the position of prefect so he can govern this place well, which would put my mind at ease. What do you think?"
Zhao Jiaqi agreed, "Sun Mo has lived here for many years and is intimately familiar with this place. It's perfect for him to be the prefect of Hedong Prefecture. I approve!"
The couple, in their discussion, finalized Sun Mo's future.
The cases of corruption and bribery in Hedong Prefecture were concluded. What remained were issues concerning people's livelihood, which involved road construction.
He had previously issued an order for road construction, with each city responsible for its own roads. If roads intersected between two prefectures, they were to be repaired jointly. The reason they were stranded here this time was entirely due to the difficulty of the roads after continuous rainfall, which led to the discovery of problems in Hedong Prefecture.
Hearing her husband mention road construction and the need to summon Sun Mo for questioning, she also wanted to speak with Sun Mo to understand the city's advantages and disadvantages. Combined with her observations over the past few days, she hoped to find a way to enrich the common people here.
Soon, Sun Mo arrived.
After being questioned by the Emperor, he quickly replied, "Quyang Town itself is a poor town with limited land and a large population. Moreover, the town mayor and the county magistrate were both extremely corrupt and practically had absolute power in that area. Road construction requires the local government to invest significant funds. They were unwilling to do so, hence no roads were built. Furthermore, both of them were subordinates of Liu Cheng. Those in higher positions knew about it but dared not intervene. Everyone understood that Liu Cheng and Zhao Qing Sui were in cahoots, so no further questions were asked!"
The reason was surprisingly simple. Fan Zehao had expected it to be more complicated. Now that he knew the reason, the next step was to organize road construction.
"To get rich, one must first build roads. You must expedite this matter. All the gold, silver, jewels, jade, antiques, calligraphy, paintings, and houses confiscated from these corrupt officials will be confiscated. The proceeds must be used for the welfare of the people, every penny spent on them. Matters like building schools and hiring teachers must also be expedited."
Sun Mo, hearing that these were practical matters, felt his heart surge with excitement. His reply was even more decisive and resounding, "Yes, Your humble servant will not fail Your Majesty's trust and will certainly do a good job!"
Fan Zehao had some expectations for his commitment and said, "The responsibility on your shoulders is immense. Hedong Prefecture is a mess. To turn this place around requires strategy, time, money, and talent, all of which are indispensable. I hope Hedong Prefecture will flourish during your tenure!"
"I will not fail Your Majesty's expectations!" Sun Mo knelt down and kowtowed deeply, profoundly grateful for the Emperor's regard.
His heart was filled with gratitude towards the Emperor, viewing their relationship as that of a thousand-mile horse and a discerning judge.
If the Emperor dared to use him, he would certainly not disappoint him.
Fan Zehao helped Sun Mo up from his kneeling position. "It's cold on the ground, don't kneel. The Empress will be here shortly and needs to see you. Please have a seat."
As Sun Mo rose, he heard this and looked up in surprise, then slightly lowered his gaze.
He had met the Empress and interacted with her before. She was not the type to engage in idle chatter.
It was rumored that Zhao Qing Sui confessed because of the Empress's few words. This woman was not simple.
Then, what would the Empress want with him?
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty? Which bastard dared to assassinate you? I'll break his legs!" The voice of Prince Xiaoyao could be heard shouting from a distance before he arrived.
Not to be outdone, Huangfu Xian shouted, "Brother, Brother, how are you? Where are you? I'm so worried!"
Hearing the voices of these two, the veins on Fan Zehao's forehead bulged, his fists clenched, his knuckles cracking.
"Damn it, I'm here risking my life, and you two bastards are enjoying yourselves idly. I wasn't looking for you, and you show up? I'll beat you to death!"
As he finished speaking, he stepped out of the room. Sun Mo was mortified and sat firmly in his chair. Judging by the Emperor's demeanor, he was definitely going out to fight. It was best for him not to intervene.
Mediating fights was a sure way to offend someone, and the three outside were all people he couldn't afford to offend.
If he mediated well, he might offend the Emperor.
If he mediated poorly, the Emperor might even beat the two princes a bit more, which would offend both princes!
Rather than get involved in their affairs, it was better to wait for the Empress. At least the Emperor was afraid of his wife, so as a subject, wouldn't he be even more afraid?
Soon, Zhao Jiaqi entered the hall with Chunfen and Su Ya. Seeing them, Sun Mo rose to bow, but Zhao Jiaqi stopped him.
"No need for formalities, sit down and let's talk!"
Sun Mo bowed and waited for the Empress to sit before daring to take his seat, awaiting her questions.
He was very apprehensive, recalling if he had omitted any information that should have been reported.
While he was lost in thought, the Empress suddenly spoke, "Over the past ten-odd days, I've visited the poorest villages and towns in Hedong Prefecture and identified some contributing factors. Now, I want to hear your explanation!"