Chapter 54: Prefect Lin Steps Down

Leisurely times are always fleeting. The Great Xia Dynasty observed a ten-day New Year holiday. Once the holiday ended, everyone returned to their respective duties. On the first day back to work, officials of all ranks gathered within the prefectural government office. Aside from resuming official duties, there was another important matter to attend to today.

Zhao Bin sat squarely in the primary seat of the government hall. Lin Jingtang stepped forward and handed over the Grand Administrator’s seal. This Grand Administrator, who had served in Yancheng for over a decade, was finally stepping down from his post. Since Yancheng was now the fiefdom of the Prince of Yan, the imperial court had not appointed a new official, and the power of appointment and dismissal now rested entirely with the Prince of Yan.

In truth, everyone already harbored a tacit understanding regarding the candidate for the next Grand Administrator. Cao Li, serving as the Assistant Administrator of Yancheng Commandery, had performed remarkably well at the Prince’s estate during this period. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Prince of Yan would undoubtedly let Cao Li succeed to the post of Grand Administrator. Of course, the possibility of appointing someone else from the Prince’s estate could not be entirely ruled out. However, to be frank, apart from Zhao Bin’s two personal maidservants, the Prince’s estate consisted only of the garrison guards, with virtually no scholars among them. There were simply no ideal candidates from the estate to take over the office of Grand Administrator.

Amidst the anticipation of the crowd, Zhao Bin finally spoke slowly, "First of all, this Prince wishes to express his gratitude to Lord Lin for his dedication to Yancheng over the past decade and more. Although Lord Lin is now stepping down, Yancheng will not forget it, and neither will this Prince. Therefore, I intend to establish a new regulation: henceforth, any official who retires in Yancheng due to old age shall receive a monthly pension issued by the prefectural office for a period of ten years."

The officials and clerks of various ranks seated below were all startled. One must realize that in this era, no pension system existed. Many officials seized every opportunity for corruption while in office, especially in regions controlled by powerful aristocratic families, where officials spared no effort in squeezing the common people. Yet in a barren and desolate place like Yancheng, squeezing the populace had become an extravagant hope. Being barely able to meet the heavy taxes imposed by the imperial court was already something to be thankful for. If they failed to deliver the taxes, the officials themselves would be implicated. Moreover, in this borderland region, one constantly faced the threat of arson, slaughter, and plunder by the Jie people, risking their lives at any moment. Consequently, no one was willing to come here to serve as an official, and the prominent aristocratic clans looked down upon this bitter and freezing frontier. Aside from Lin Jingtang, that unfortunate newcomer, the other officials of Yancheng were all locals who had read a few books and were thus considered literate. Anyone with a bit of literacy would simply have to suffice.

Lin Jingtang stood up from his chair, bowed deeply to Zhao Bin, and said, "This old official is deeply grateful for Your Highness's consideration. However, this pension is something this old official can by no means accept. Although losing my official post means losing my official salary, my unworthy son still serves in the prefectural office and receives a salary of his own. The responsibility of supporting this old official naturally falls upon my son; how can we add any further burden to Yancheng? Furthermore, over these past years, this old official has failed to provide the people of Yancheng with a better life. Accepting this pension would weigh heavily on my conscience."

All the officials turned their gazes toward Lin Jingtang. They understood this Lord Lin's integrity and personal style, and they deeply admired his character. Almost all the corrupt officials who had broken the law and oppressed the people had been weeded out by Lin Jingtang. Back then, this Lord Lin had been a man who could not tolerate a single grain of sand in his eye, which was why he had offended others and been demoted to serve in this remote place. Conversely, Lin Jingtang was thoroughly familiar with these former subordinates of his. While he could not claim every single one of them was utterly incorruptible, their moral character was at least passable, sparing them from harboring malicious intent or committing heinous crimes.

The previously excited atmosphere was subdued by Lin Jingtang's remarks. It seemed unexpected, yet somehow entirely reasonable. Had Lin Jingtang accepted the offer with alacrity, it would have seemed utterly baffling instead.

Zhao Bin looked at Lin Jingtang, a smile touching the corner of his mouth, and said, "I know Lord Lin is considerate of the common people, but the past is the past, and the future is the future. Since I have arrived, I will not allow the people to suffer any longer. Lord Lin can rest assured on this matter. As for the officials' pensions, as long as you wholeheartedly serve the people and serve this Prince during your tenure, naturally I will not let your hearts grow cold, and the people of Yancheng will remember everyone's contributions. Therefore, the matter of the pension is settled thus." Zhao Bin settled the issue with a tone that brooked no argument.

"Very well. Now let us discuss the matter of the next Grand Administrator. Cao Li, I know you are a local of Yancheng, and you are most familiar with its circumstances. Your ability and character have been recognized by all, having served under Lord Lin for many years. Moreover, I have witnessed your diligence around the Prince's estate during this period. Starting today, you shall assume the post of Grand Administrator of Yancheng."

Cao Li hurriedly stood up from his chair, walked to the center of the hall, lifted his long robes, knelt on both knees, and kowtowed, saying, "This subordinate thanks Your Highness! This subordinate swears his loyal allegiance to His Highness, the Prince of Yan!" Although it was an anticipated outcome, the moment it was finalized still stirred deep emotion within Cao Li's heart. This emotion stemmed not merely from the recognition of the Grand Administrator position, but even more from a profound sense of gratitude toward Zhao Bin. Zhao Bin had been in Yancheng for less than half a year, yet the conditions of the city had undergone a tremendous transformation. Not only had the tax burden been substantially reduced, but common households had also been allocated cattle and sheep, along with distributed iron farming tools. More importantly, the development of salt-refining had brought immense revenue to Yancheng—a height that neither he nor Lin Jingtang had been able to achieve in over a decade. By now, he held boundless admiration and respect for this young prince.

"He Miao, Yang Guangtai..." Zhao Bin murmured softly.

The two men stood up from their rows and walked to the center of the grand hall.

"The two of you as well. You have both worked hard during this period. You shall respectively take on the positions of Assistant Administrator and Secretary of the Commandery."

Kneeling on the ground, the two men kowtowed in gratitude, saying, "Thank you, Your Highness. We subordinates swear our absolute loyalty."

"Wei Xiang?"

Hearing Zhao Bin's call, Wei Xiang hurried forward two paces, cupped his hands, and said, "This subordinate is here."

Zhao Bin looked at Wei Xiang with a smiling gaze and said, "You have made significant contributions by leading the common people to the northern regions to mine iron ore during this period. I have been wondering how to reward you. Is there anything you desire?"

Hearing that Zhao Bin intended to reward him, Wei Xiang could not help but chuckle and ask, "Is Your Highness speaking in earnest?"

"Impudent! What kind of talk is that? His Highness is addressing so many officials of Yancheng; could he possibly be playing a joke on you?" Cao Li reprimanded sharply.

Realizing his blunder, Wei Xiang hurriedly dropped to his knees. "Pardon my offense, Your Highness! That is not what this humble one meant. I... I simply never expected any reward, so I was rather surprised."

"Very well, get up. Not expecting it is one thing, but this Prince cannot simply turn a blind eye to those who have rendered meritorious service. There is no official rank left for me to promote you to at the moment. That fellow Qin Fang is not under our jurisdiction, and I cannot very well appoint you as Garrison Commandant. Tell me, what is it that you actually want?"

Wei Xiang touched his chin, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Your Highness, might this humble one request a set of armor? The kind worn by the guards of the Prince's estate."

Upon hearing this, Cao Li was startled once more. He hurriedly stepped forward and said, "Forgive this transgression, Your Highness! Wei Xiang merely spoke in haste; he harbors no other intentions whatsoever!" The surrounding officials were also taken aback. According to the laws of the Great Xia Dynasty, privately possessing armor was equivalent to treason and punishable by public decapitation.

Wei Xiang was nearly driven to fury. He thought to himself: *Darn it all, I am asking for a reward, why would I be concealing it privately? The armor of the Prince's estate is officially registered and numbered, issued by the imperial court, not forged in private. The way you phrase it makes it sound as though I'm about to raise an armed rebellion!*

With a smile, Zhao Bin said, "Never mind. The armor of the Prince's estate is not considered privately manufactured; its numbers are all recorded. However, you young fellow certainly know how to recognize quality. The armor worn by the Prince's garrison guards may not be the finest, but a single set probably costs hundreds of silver liang. Very well, granted."

"Hehehe! Thank you, Your Highness! Many thanks, Your Highness!" Wei Xiang knelt and kowtowed with an expression of sheer excitement.

The gathered officials looked on with envy, though naturally, their envy was not for the armor itself, but for the immense value it represented.

"Rise. Furthermore, regarding any other adjustments to official positions, Cao Li, the three of you can discuss it privately and bring me a proposal for my review later. Now, let us discuss matters for the upcoming period. There is still over a month until the spring plowing. During this time, the extraction of coal and iron ore must commence immediately, striving to build up reserves prior to the spring plowing. Secondly, once the spring plowing begins, all efforts must be fully devoted to it. Draft oxen and iron plows have already been distributed to farming households; this year, the cultivated area must without fail be expanded by two to threefold. Food security is a critical issue, and we must ensure an adequate supply of agricultural production. Officials at all levels must also travel down to the rural villages to inspect operations during the spring plowing, reporting any problems immediately for prompt resolution. Should anyone slack off and delay the spring plowing, this Prince will show no leniency. Of course, should the summer harvest prove bountiful, I promise that the salaries of officials at all levels will be increased by ten percent."

Every official in the hall spoke in unison, "Understood, Your Highness!"

After settling several details, the officials of various ranks returned to their respective posts, and the bailiffs of the prefectural office rode out of the city to the various villages to post notices regarding the resumption of work.