Could the problem not be solved by dealing with the person who raised it?
So those who were transferred were transferred, and those who were demoted were demoted, resulting in Shao Wanjie having complete control.
After feeding the people above, he not only got promoted all the way up but also held the position of County Magistrate in name, effectively controlling everything except for the temple.
There wasn’t much profit left in Cloud City, so this man began to figure out ways to make money elsewhere.
Ling Yuan’s Heavenly Workshop didn’t have a full staff because most of them were transferred by this man to Fengming Mountain to mine.
So, the question arose, how strong was this man’s background?
Bao Wenshan pondered and said, "I have heard this man brag before, claiming to be a disciple of Prince Liang. His immediate superior is Liu Junliang, the Upper Prefecture Chief of Standard Fifth Rank, and it was Liu Junliang who recommended him for multiple promotions."
"Additionally, he was originally a member of Prince Liang’s private army, the Black Dragon Guard. It’s said he even held the position of Deputy Commander, though the truth of this is unknown."
Zhao Xing was stunned, "Prince Liang? Are you referring to Prince Liang of Lvliang State, Ji Mingxian?"
Bao Wenshan nodded, "Exactly."
"No wonder he’s so arrogant," Zhao Xing realized, recalling the deeds of this Prince Liang.
Prince Liang, Ji Mingxian, was one of the few First-rank Princes. He was Emperor Wen’s ninth son and the youngest brother of Emperor Jing, born of the same mother!
At the beginning of Dingxin, when opening territories, Prince Liang, Ji Mingxian, served as the commander of the three armies during the final stages of the war. Later, he personally oversaw the establishment of Jiutian Yingyuan Mansion.
He was deeply loved by Emperor Jing. Even as the war was nearing its end, Emperor Jing let Ji Mingxian become the commander of the three armies and oversee the founding of Jiutian Yingyuan Mansion. Such actions to seize credit were clearly signs of favoritism.
However, this immensely honored Prince Liang, who appeared humble and gentle on the surface, actually harbored hidden ambitions. Duke Divine Might, Yang An, opposed Ji Mingxian’s appointment as the commander of the three armies.
Standing on the wrong side had serious consequences. Originally, Yang An was to be promoted to a higher rank as Duke Divine Might based on his merits. The commendation from the central authority was already drafted. But after Prince Liang took charge, he found a chance to deliberately make the Divine Might Army commit a mistake. Using this as an excuse, he demoted Yang An to a county earl of lower rank and disbanded the Divine Might Army, scattering its members while keeping only its name.
However, the immensely honored and deeply loved Prince Liang inexplicably rebelled in the late years of the Jingxin Calendar, allying with the Southern Barbarians and Sect Demons.
"It seems that this Shao Wanjie is a converted vassal, but it’s impossible for him to have been the commander of the Black Dragon Guard; at most, he was just a small soldier."
Bao Wenshan asked in surprise, "How can you be so sure?"
Zhao Xing replied, "The Black Dragon Guard was one of Prince Liang’s three elite forces. If Shao Wanjie had stepped down as a commander, it’s impossible he would be arranged as a secondary seventh-rank civilian officer in a place like Cloud City."
Bao Wenshan cupped his hands, "You are well-informed, my lord."
Zhao Xing, of course, knew a lot. In his past life, he had been part of Prince Liang’s Black Dragon Guard and had even joined the rebellion with this Prince Liang. At that time, he didn’t know what was going on and thought this Prince Liang was a truly wise ruler. He joined the rebellion with his brothers, hoping to make a name for himself.
He initially thought this was a ’Yan Prince’ kind of situation, but when the real fight began, it turned out this Prince Liang was more like ’Emperor Jianwen.’ The rebellion was quelled in just two and a half years, and even the Outer Sect and Southern Barbarians who helped him cursed him as a failure.
Looking back, it seemed Emperor Jing had been fishing, luring his younger brother into rebellion. Unexpectedly, he really did rebel.
Indeed, when he was caught, Emperor Jing was deeply saddened. Prince Liang’s rebellion was one of the significant reasons that led Emperor Jing to hastily end the Jingxin Calendar and focus on producing heirs.
"My lord, what do you plan to do? If Shao Wanjie doesn’t leave, it would be like trying to govern with shackles on," Bao Wenshan said.
"What to do? Of course, report him," Zhao Xing picked up an account book and walked out.
Shao Wanjie was merely a pawn and had little real connection to Prince Liang. He could be discarded easily when dirty. Others might not succeed in reporting him, but Mr. Zhao was different.
Originally, he had thought about meeting Shao Wanjie in person, but now it seemed unnecessary.
Unexpectedly, just as Zhao Xing was about to write a letter, Shao Wanjie sent someone to the Minister of Agriculture Supervision.
"County Venerable was busy with official duties yesterday. Upon hearing that Mr. Zhao had taken office, he immediately arranged a banquet at his residence to welcome Mr. Zhao," said a middle-aged scholar, handing over an invitation.
"I am also busy with official duties. Please inform Lord Shao that I really can’t make it," Zhao Xing said without lifting his head.
The middle-aged scholar said flatly, "Mr. Zhao has just taken office and might not even recognize everyone yet. How can you be busy with official duties? My lord is genuinely sincere."
Zhao Xing finished writing the document, blew on the ink, and said sincerely, "I am really busy, I’m not lying to you."
"You see, your lord’s misdeeds can’t even be summarized in one memorial."
The middle-aged scholar: "..."