Chapter 948 The Incognito Visit Plan

Chapter 948: 948 The Incognito Visit Plan

Following the purge, the next step was to promote one’s own people to power.

First, one’s own people were put in charge; ability aside, loyalty was paramount.

Later, more capable individuals were discovered and gradually replaced them.

This process would take several years.

Besides replacing them with capable people, it was also crucial to discipline the lackeys, making them understand that loyalty alone was not enough; competence was essential!

The art of managing people is complex, yet also simple.

It depends on how it’s handled; it can be simplified or complicated.

After all, human nature is complex, capable of both simplicity and fickleness.

Six months later, the roads between the cities of the Central Plains were finally reopened.

During this time, there was also the suppression of bandits. Becoming an outlaw was forbidden. With improved policies, one could survive without being a bandit, so there was no need to be one.

Besides, being a bandit was no easy feat; if caught,

the entire family would be executed.

If someone is wronged, suppressed or murdered by a county magistrate, they can go to the Ministry of Justice and seek out Bao Zheng. The redress of grievances is Bao Zheng’s favorite thing.

A loyal and upright official is an indispensable talent for the entire dynasty.

The roads connecting the Central Plains and Hebei are interconnected.

Following this are the links between the Central Plains and Luoyang, and between Luoyang and Guanzhong, all paved with cement.

Although cement roads can crack due to sun exposure, earthquakes, and gravity, with maintenance, they can generally be kept in pristine condition, ensuring smooth transport for efficient logistics.

Soldiers, provisions, heavy equipment, and weapons are continuously transported to Yumen Pass, guaranteeing the supply of food and fresh water.

Furthermore, wounded soldiers can be transported back to the rear, where they can receive medical treatment, a crucial factor in maintaining morale.

And newly formed legions can be deployed in rotation, keeping the battle line against the Kushan Empire controlled just outside Yumen Pass, forcing the enemy to march a long distance.

Instead of annihilating the enemy in one fell swoop, Lu Ming’s plan was to besiege the stronghold and strike at the reinforcements. This served both as training grounds and a means of maintaining vigilance, ensuring the smooth operation of the entire court.

With his mother, sister, and younger sister all pregnant again, Lu Ming also considered a tour.

He didn’t intend to act ostentatiously, but rather conduct a private visit.

All of this had been prepared for several months. He didn’t need to handle court affairs; aside from important personnel appointments and financial allocations, he wouldn’t concern himself with anything else.

He had completely entrusted these matters to Prime Minister Jia Xu. Jia Xu, following orders, had formed a cabinet, including ministers of various departments and some outstanding young talents, such as Pang Tong and Zhuge Liang.

As the emperor, he only needed to review their handling of matters and the results daily.

If something went too far, he would issue an order for them to reconsider.

If there were no problems, then it could be overlooked.

This time, Lu Ming planned to first visit Shouchun to check on the shipyard there.

Then he would travel to Jiangdong, a place he hadn’t visited since conquering it.

This time, he could also bring Sun Shangxiang and Lady Wu along, allowing them to return home for a visit, thus demonstrating his benevolence.

After Jiangdong came Jingzhou, then Jingnan, followed by Jiaozhou.

From Jiaozhou, he would travel to Nanzhong, then back to Shu, and finally from Shu towards Xiliang.

He had practically traversed the entire map. The reason for this was to assess the situation.

The further he went from Ye City, away from the emperor’s capital, the more corruption and intrigue he encountered. He needed to observe, observe, and gather intelligence.

Then he would hold a meeting to discuss and appoint Legalist disciples to handle this task.

The Legalist disciples were a faction that prioritized law above all else, inherently prone to offending people, and therefore unafraid of offending anyone.

They could intervene militarily if necessary, but if he were to intervene himself, a large number of people would likely lose their positions.

Therefore, Lu Ming first informed the Prime Minister that he would begin sending incognito inspectors. 𝑓𝑟ℯℴ𝓂

He established the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

They were specifically responsible for intelligence gathering, collecting information only, and, when necessary, arresting people directly. They were only accountable to the royal family and obeyed only the Emperor, Empress, and Empress Dowager.

Other concubines had no right to interfere; this was a power reserved for the Empress.

While she could play around and joke, the Empress’s position was not to be trifled with.

She was the mother of the nation; without sufficient authority and power, it would be difficult to control the harem.

Externally, she also had to liaise with and appease the families and female relatives of the marquises and meritorious officials who had helped establish the dynasty; naturally, she had her own mission.

Upon receiving the Prime Minister’s message, tensions and busy activity arose throughout the land.

As long as things were kept within acceptable limits, it would be fine, but causing trouble in any region was unacceptable.

Not only would this family be wiped out, but even the local official would be forced to report to Ye City, potentially facing replacement, demotion, and a twenty-year ban on promotion.

High pressure coupled with high pay—money based on output.

Incompetence means dismissal; there are plenty of other jobs available.

Previously favored concubines Wang Zhaojun and Himiko also became pregnant.

They were in their prime, with no major health issues, and given the frequent ejaculation, pregnancy was a natural occurrence.

Not getting pregnant would be abnormal, especially since they couldn’t withstand the ejaculation every few days. Women who entered the harem without the ability to bear children would likely feel ashamed.

Wang Zhaojun, however, was shocked upon hearing of the Emperor and Empress Dowager’s affair.

After all, incest between mother and son was a grave matter.

While not a secret in the palace, it wasn’t openly discussed. Who would dare to gossip about the Emperor and Empress Dowager? Himiko, however, remained calm upon hearing this. Japanese culture lacked its own distinct characteristics; everything was copied from the Chinese...

They hadn’t learned propriety, morality, or a sense of shame.

Therefore, incest between mother and son was uncommon in Japan; it was perfectly normal.

If a son couldn’t marry due to poverty, the mother would marry him. Children born into such families were destined for problems and doomed.

Different treatments dictated their attitudes towards different situations.

Neither Wang Zhaojun nor Himiko had the right to interfere.

Wang Zhaojun secretly asked Diao Chan, but Diao Chan smiled and told her not to gossip; some things shouldn’t be spoken carelessly.

Behind the smiling eyes was an extremely serious attitude—this wasn’t a joke, but a genuine warning!

Seeing her guide’s attitude, Wang Zhaojun also slightly suppressed her gossip.

This wasn’t something she could discuss, nor was it something she could understand!