noffsinger Chapter 121: Li Quan, the governor of Jiangnan
Chapter 121: Li Quan, the governor of Jiangnan
"Could it be that Father wants to test me?"
Li Quan said in his heart, a trace of solemnity flashed across his face.
He knew that the position of Jiedushi not only represented trust, but also potential danger.
Being born into an emperor's family was Li Quan's fortune but also his misfortune.
Li Quan took a deep breath, folded the letter and put it away. He knew that he needed to calm down and think carefully about how to deal with this secret letter.
At this moment, Zhang Hu's voice came from outside the door: "Your Highness, Guo Dutou wants to see you."
"Let him in."
Li Quan said.
Soon, Guo Ming came in, bowed and said, "Greetings, Your Highness."
"Guo Dutou, what do you want from me?"
Li Quan asked.
Guo Ming stood up and said solemnly, "Your Highness, I have received news that a group of bandits will sneak into Wuling County in the near future. I would like to ask Your Highness to decide whether to strengthen the city defense and patrols?"
Upon hearing this, Li Quan raised his eyebrows and pondered for a moment.
"Pass the order down to strengthen the city defense and patrols."
Li Quan said decisively, "At the same time, mobilize elite troops and be ready to attack at any time."
"Yes!"
Guo Ming bowed in response, then turned and left.
Li Quan looked at Guo Ming's back and took a deep breath.
A few days later, the bandits arrived as expected.
They took advantage of the cover of night to launch a surprise attack on Wuling County, but were caught off guard by the well-prepared defenders.
Under the command of Li Quan, the elite troops led by Guo Ming attacked quickly and wiped out the bandits.
In this battle, Li Quan won a great victory.
Not only did he prevent the bandits from succeeding, he also successfully annihilated them all.
The news of this battle quickly spread throughout Jiangnan Road, making everyone look at Li Quan with new eyes. Many censors in the court also gradually began to change their minds, believing that he was a rare talent.
As a result, Li Quan's reputation became more and more famous, and the people of Jiangnan Road admired him very much.
However, Li Quan was not overwhelmed by the praise.
He knew that he still had a long way to go, and that he could succeed many times on this road, but he could only fail once.
Just once would bring him to a point of no return.
In the following days, Li Quan not only strengthened the governance of Wuling County, but also began to prepare for work in other prefectures and counties in Jiangnan Road.
He knew that his responsibility now was even greater. He could not let down the royal family and the court, nor could he let down the people of Jiangnan Road.
At the same time, the struggle in the court became increasingly fierce.
Seeing Li Quan's outstanding performance in Jiangnan Road, other princes began to feel threatened.
They began to unite and wanted to deal with Li Quan and pull him down from his position as the governor of Jiangnan.
"Our ninth brother has been very popular recently."
King Ping sneered with a sinister look on his face.
"Humph, you're just acting so arrogant just because you did something insignificant in a remote county." Another prince said with disdain.
"We can't let him continue like this. We must find a way to stop him." A hint of ruthlessness flashed in King Ping's eyes.
"That's right, we need to plan carefully." The other princes echoed.
In the struggle in the court, Li Quan also sensed an unusual atmosphere. He knew that he had been regarded as a thorn in the eyes of other princes and had to deal with it carefully.
However, Li Quan was not intimidated by these threats. He knew very well what he should do now and how to maintain his position.
Until one day, Li Quan received news from his servants.
"Your Highness, the imperial envoy has arrived."
"Oh? Imperial envoy?" Li Quan raised his eyebrows, "Please come in."
Soon, a middle-aged man in official uniform came in and saluted Li Quan, saying, "Your subordinate greets His Royal Highness the Ninth Prince."
"The Imperial Envoy has come a long way, thank you for your hard work."
Li Quan smiled and said, "I wonder what the imperial envoy has come for this time?"
"Your Highness, the court appreciates your achievements in governing Jiangnan Road." Xu Guo said, "The emperor has specially ordered me to come here to convey his decree, appointing you as the governor of Jiangnan Road, commanding the military and political power of Jiangnan Road."
Li Quan's heart moved when he heard this.
He knew that this was his father's trust and affirmation of him, but it was also a test.
"Li Quan accepts the order." Li Quan bowed and said.
His heart was filled with excitement and pride, but he also felt that the burden on his shoulders was heavier.
He knew that he had to work harder to live up to his father's expectations.
The imperial envoy gave him a few more instructions, which were nothing more than asking him to do his job well and not to disappoint the emperor's high hopes.
After Li Quan sent the imperial envoy away, he immediately summoned Zhang Hu, Guo Ming and others to discuss the next plan.
He knew that although he had obtained the post of Jiedushi, the road ahead would not be easy. He had to work harder to consolidate his position and promote the development of Jiangnan Road.
"Congratulations, Your Highness, on being promoted to Jiedushi."
Zhang Hu and others congratulated Li Quan one after another. They knew that it was not easy for Li Quan to get this position, and it was all earned by his hard work bit by bit.
At the same time, they also feel very proud because they have been fighting with Li Quan all along. Now that Li Quan has been recognized by the court, it also means that their efforts have been rewarded.
"This is just the beginning."
Li Quan smiled and said, "We still have a lot to do. Although Jiangnan Road has a certain foundation, we still need to continue to work hard to promote development and let the people live a better life."
"Don't worry, Your Highness. We will fully support your work."
Zhang Hu and others expressed their opinions. They knew that Li Quan was a man with vision and ambition, and they were willing to follow him to achieve these goals.
"We are almost done with Wuling County. Next, it is time to bring the pearl soap and floral water business from Wuwei County to Wuling County. In this way, with production workshops, the people of Wuling County will have income and the ability to consume. In the long run, Wuling County will truly regain its vitality."
Li Quan gave the order slowly.
"I will follow your highness' orders!"
Guo Ming and Zhang Hu bowed and replied at the same time.
……
The most prosperous county in Jiangnan Road is Yangzhou, which is also the richest county.
In Yangzhou, there are all kinds of shops and the streets are full of traffic. Whenever the sun shines on the earth, people are bustling and rubbing shoulders with each other, making it very lively.
On the third floor of a restaurant, several men and women sat together drinking and chatting.
These men and women are all young elites, well-dressed, elegant in manners and well-spoken.
Suddenly, a horse galloping past the window caught everyone's attention, causing them to stop talking and look up.
It was an extremely handsome white horse. Its entire body was snow-white, and its four hooves were flying in the clouds. It looked very agile and graceful, giving people a noble impression.
Li Quan has been in Yangzhou Prefecture for more than a month.