Protect Our Chief
Chapter 713 - 91: Strike a Pose! Taishi An Kang Is Ready to Lie Down
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Standing on the side, Wei Wenxun also felt his scalp tingle, his heart filled with anxiety. Could it be that Patriarch Shouzhe really intends to arrange everything for Lord Governor so clearly?
His lordship is, however, a Purple Mansion Ascendant... Not someone Wei Wenxun, nor anyone else, can arrange however they wish, right?
Wei Wenxun was truly afraid that if Lord Governor became angered, he would also be implicated, and hastily winked at Wang Shouzhe, hinting for him to stop quickly and not truly provoke Lord Governor.
Unexpectedly.
Wang Shouzhe seemed not to notice his signal and continued, "My lord, nominally speaking, Longzuo County holds half the jurisdiction over the Qingluo Sea. But in reality, because Longzuo County City is too far from the Qingluo Sea, our control is insufficient. In addition, our northern Jin Port in Longzuo County has weak control over the Qingluo Sea. As a result, the Qingluo Sea is now almost drifting away from Longzuo County and has become an exclusive sea area for Liaoyuan County."
As soon as these words were spoken.
Taishi An Kang’s face darkened further; this kid, Wang Shouzhe, is practically pointing at the monk while scolding him as a bald donkey. Doesn’t he want face as a dignified County Commander?
"But now, an opportunity has come for our Longzuo County." Wang Shouzhe said solemnly, "This incident with the Liaoyuan Cao Family is a major issue; at the lightest, it’s harboring bandits to build its own strength. At its worst, it’s preparing for rebellion."
"Let’s not mention the turmoil the Cao Family will be in next; does the County Commander of Liaoyuan know about this? If he knows, he’s an accomplice. If he doesn’t, he’s negligent and incompetently managing the area. However, at this moment, our County Commander Taishi in Longzuo County has bravely stepped forward, clearing the Qingluo Sea of bandit groups to protect the nation’s sea. Comparing the two..."
"Interesting." Taishi An Kang squinted his eyes, appearing somewhat moved.
"My lord, the Qingluo Sea was named after the Eldest Princess!" Wang Shouzhe lowered his voice and said, "Back then, when His Majesty was still the quasi-crown prince, Princess Qingluo was born and has always been cherished as precious. Now that he is getting older... Alas, as people age, they tend to reminisce about their youth... If you clear out the Qingluo Sea at this time and report your achievement, claiming you cannot bear to see the sea named after the princess being ravaged by bandits, reclaiming jurisdiction over the entire Qingluo Sea would be effortless."
Taishi An Kang was immensely tempted. Although the struggle of the imperial sons is gradually unfolding, the power transition will not happen overnight; it will take at least one or two hundred years, or even two to three hundred years.
Moreover, any emperor, the closer they get to their later years and to power transitions, the more sensitive they become, and instead, they will grip power more tightly. Therefore, the current emperor’s power is even greater than before.
This is also one reason why most higher-ups and high-grade noble families are reluctant to prematurely participate in the struggle of the imperial sons. If they inadvertently trigger one of His Majesty’s sensitive nerves, it could lead to a major disaster.
If Taishi An Kang could establish this merit, he could have the opportunity to advance further, allowing him to confidently deal with the future struggle of the imperial sons.
The benefits were substantial, yet Taishi An Kang was still somewhat hesitant: "Shouzhe, according to your statement, reclaiming Qingluo Sea jurisdiction shouldn’t be a problem, and pleasing His Majesty shouldn’t be problematic either. But once we reclaim Qingluo Sea, what use would it be? If governance falters and problems arise, I, as the County Commander, will surely be booked again... The consequences might be unbearable."
"Your concerns are extremely thorough, my lord." Wang Shouzhe praised, pretending to be in awe, then said solemnly, "Our Jin Port in Longzuo County is indeed isolated and unable to sustain itself. However, we can establish a garrison amidst the archipelago of Qingluo Sea. It can serve as a commercial transport hub for the northern lands and also develop industries like fishing and aquaculture."
"Previously, the fishing industry was weak due to insufficient transport capacity. Now, with the maturing air-cold chain system of the Longzuo Shouda Trading Company, we can easily transport high-end ingredients throughout Daqian, generating massive economic benefits."
"I believe the name of the Qingluo Cold Sea’s exquisite seafood will surely resonate throughout Daqian! My Wang Family, though unworthy, is willing to serve at the forefront for my lord, wholeheartedly developing the ’Qingluo Guard’."
Taishi An Kang was stunned. It turned out that this kid Wang Shouzhe, after plotting consistently, had such a grand ambition and wild ambition. This wasn’t about planning for Qingluo Sea for Longzuo County, but rather for their Wang Family to seize Qingluo Sea.
Yet, one had to admit that with the capabilities previously displayed by this young Wang Shouzhe, he indeed had a high possibility of success.
Moreover, this plan not only benefits his Wang Family but also actually benefits Taishi An Kang significantly. He pondered for a moment, then gazed at Wang Shouzhe with a more solemn expression: "Shouzhe indeed possesses great strategy. This move in the Qingluo Sea compresses the Liaoyuan Cao Family and brings great benefits to the Wang Family. It’s truly a two-birds-with-one-stone move."
"No, it’s a three-birds-with-one-stone move." Wang Shouzhe said with a smile.
"Indeed, haha." Taishi An Kang laughed heartily, "Patriarch Shouzhe, come, come, try this Yunluo Immortal Tea I’ve treasured. It’s a high-grade Immortal Tea from the Cold Moon Immortal Dynasty, with effects to moisten the Spirit Platform and nourish the Divine Soul."
"Thank you, my lord." Wang Shouzhe didn’t hold back, smiling as they enjoyed the Immortal Tea together.
The two chatted over tea as if they were "ageless brothers" who had known each other for many years.
Standing aside, Wei Wenxun was filled with emotion, Lord Governor, oh Lord Governor, did you really just lay down your posture so quickly? Are you not going to hold out a bit more? Alas, come to think of it, it truly is Patriarch Shouzhe’s skill at work.