Chapter 833 Pacifying Ji Province
They continued their lovemaking until midnight before Lu Ming finally released the mother and daughter. The sheets were soaked and unusable.
After a maid changed the bedding and used hot towels to wipe the three of them, enjoying the women’s service, Lu Ming, holding the mother and daughter, fell into a deep sleep.
The next morning, Han Fu wanted to pay his respects to Lu Ming.
He had already offered his wife the night before.
His wife was, after all, the governor’s wife, a woman of status and position. Now that she had served Lu Ming, he had essentially pledged his allegiance.
Upon reaching the room, a guard stopped him. He recognized the man; this was Lin Dong, the commander of the Imperial Guards, one of Lu Ming’s most trusted men.
Even when he was with women, Lin Dong always stood guard outside the door.
It was said that his wife was the cousin of Liu Qi, the governor of Chang’an, making her from a prominent family.
Moreover, his sister was Lu Ming’s princess consort and the only female commander of his guard.
"Lord Lin, is the Prince of Qin awake? Would you like me to prepare some food?"
Han Fu respectfully clasped his hands in a fist salute to Lin Dong, the Prince of Qin’s most trusted guard commander.
A single suggestion from such a man could change an official’s entire life.
Before Lin Dong could speak, Han Fu heard his wife’s intense moans coming from the room.
The wanton moans were something he had probably never seen before.
His wife was the daughter of the Yuan family, and they had always treated each other with respect. Now, for the sake of his career, he had offered his wife to his superior, and hearing her moans of pleasure, he felt a mix of emotions.
"The Prince of Qin is still busy. You should go back and await his summons."
Lin Dong was used to this. As a follower, he was 100% loyal. Lu Ming’s words were his mission.
Han Fu felt a bitter taste in his mouth, but ultimately nodded and left.
But then Lin Dong’s words rang out, "You’re not the first to do this, and you won’t be the last. If you behave yourself, you can still achieve great things in the future."
Han Fu was overjoyed upon hearing this. He turned around and bowed deeply to Lin Dong, "Thank you for your guidance, sir. I will repay this kindness in the future!"
Actually, Lu Ming had been awake for a while, but he just happened to sense Han Fu’s arrival. So, he indulged in a bit of perverse pleasure and had sex with Han Fu’s wife right in front of him.
This kind of cuckoldry wasn’t the first time he’d done it, and he wanted to leave the victim speechless while also making her fawn over him.
This feeling was truly exhilarating!
It was all thanks to his current power. With military power in his hands, he could do whatever he wanted.
No wonder Zhao Kuangyin was able to seize the throne; the allure of military power was too strong!
An hour later, Lu Ming appeared in the hall, looking refreshed.
He had breakfast with Han Fu, asking him many questions during the meal.
He realized that Han Fu was qualified as a governor; it was just that the environment was different. If the country were at peace, Han Fu, with his talent, could manage a region very well.
Zheng City was originally the most prosperous place in the north. The powerful families there didn’t seize it by force, but instead made a three-point agreement with Han Fu, maintaining a bottom line and working together to develop Zheng City.
Increased tax revenue pleased Han Fu, commerce flourished, and it became a cultural center. The powerful families were also happy; it was a win-win situation, with each side benefiting in the other direction.
"Wenjie has such great talent; he shouldn’t be overlooked. Now, I have a matter that requires Wenjie’s help. I wonder if Wenjie is willing?"
Lu Ming had some reservations.
This place wasn’t safe enough; he would have to find him a more peaceful place.
Han Fu hurriedly cupped his hands in a fist salute, "I am at Your Highness’s command!"
"I intend to send you to Yizhou. Yizhou is the land of plenty, and now the transportation routes between Guanzhong and Yizhou are being opened up, making future travel much easier."
"With you stationed in Yizhou, developing the people’s livelihood and providing logistical support to the Second Army, they can focus on attacking Jingzhou. I wonder if Wenjie would like to go?"
Lu Ming explained his ideas at length, mainly because Yizhou was relatively peaceful.
The problem in Nanzhong had been resolved through a policy of appeasement, coupled with tangible benefits, ensuring they didn’t go hungry. This was enough to win over the hearts of the people.
Han Fu was somewhat surprised that he was being asked to govern Yizhou!
"This humble official is willing to shoulder this important responsibility!" "Although the journey is long, Yizhou is safer than Jizhou, a place constantly under attack.
Before, when there was little war, he could govern the region. But now, with the need to mobilize troops and wage war, he is incapable.
A warlord who cannot fight will quickly perish!
It is said that Kong Rong of Beihai has already perished, killed by Cao Cao’s heavy blows.
He was sidelined by Cao Cao, forced to make a mistake, and then killed on some pretext.
The reason was that Kong Rong looked down on..." Cao Cao, after repeatedly calling someone a "castrated dog," finally angered Lu Ming.
Now, the number of warlords in the land has decreased significantly, leaving only Liu Biao of Jingzhou, Yuan Shu of Huainan, Sun Ce of Jiangdong, Liu Bei of Xuzhou, Yuan Shao of Nanpi, Gongsun Zan of Youzhou, and Gongsun Du far away in Liaodong.
Lu Ming himself controls half the land, and with a wealth of talented men under his command, his chances of winning are exceptionally high.
As for Lü Bu, he had already been defeated by Cao Cao. It is said that he fled to Liangshan with his remaining troops, intending to join Lu Ming, but was delayed in the process.
And Liangshan Marsh happens to be located in the middle of... Between Lu Ming and Cao Cao, Lu Ming’s territory now borders Cao Cao’s, though war hasn’t broken out yet.
Lu Ming didn’t let Han Fu leave in a hurry, but instead had him stay in Ji Province for six months to help him control the situation.
To complete his mission, he also sent Bao Zheng and his two companions to Ji Province at top speed.
They then went on incognito inspections, investigating county by county. They dismissed corrupt officials, investigated wrongful convictions, and restored order to the people.
Zheng City itself didn’t see any major activity; things remained the same.
Lady Yang and Lady Wang, having already pledged allegiance to Lu Ming, were somewhat baffled by his actions.
Yang Biao, however, guessed something: his lord probably intended to completely seize control of Ji Province.
Why did Yang Biao have this idea?
It was his son, Yang Xiu, who had pointed out that the Yang family’s control over areas outside Zheng City was weakening. The land had been reclaimed by Lu Ming, not redistributed, but used for their own land reclamation.
It seemed as if he were forcibly seizing it, yet it wasn’t taken from the people, which made it unclear and puzzling.