Over the next few days, Lu Ming searched for suitable candidates and prepared mortar, dispatching auxiliary soldiers to build roads.
Simultaneously, he recruited refugees, promising in the military camp that as long as they fought bravely, even if they died on the battlefield, their wives, children, and elderly parents would be taken care of.
They would have land to cultivate and wouldn't starve.
In those days, who would join the army unless they were starving? It was a life-or-death matter; once dead, they had nothing.
That day, Lu Ming was preparing to go to the Jiaosifang (a place for courtesans).
The Han and Fan families were there; he hadn't been there for a while, so he decided to check on them.
Although Jiang had joined him earlier and was currently managing the Jiaosifang, he didn't want to hand it over to her.
A check and balance were necessary, and he needed more than just turning the Jiaosifang into his brothel; he also needed it to serve as a logistical support system.
That's how it is in times of war; if you die in battle, you lose everything.
Currently, there's no job security for soldiers. If Lu Ming wants to take over the entire Liangzhou, he needs to put in a lot of effort to win over the people.
Besides imprisoning the families of criminals and providing for his lust, the Jiaosifang (教司坊) primarily employs people in textile work.
Providing some income to widows and orphans is the most important thing.
"Reporting to my lord, three people are requesting an audience outside, claiming to be Bao Zheng, Gongsun Ce, and Zhan Zhao," reported Lin Rong, his personal guard. Lin Rong had always been his bodyguard; although not a famous historical general, his loyalty was paramount.
"Oh? Good, invite them in." Lu Ming was somewhat excited; it seemed his mission was complete.
When Zhang Chun defected, he thought his mission was finished.
But he hadn't expected there would be a cleanup afterwards. With Zhang Chun's help, the remaining two families hiding were also killed, and only then was the mission complete.
If it weren't for Zhang Chun's reminder, he probably wouldn't have been able to accomplish this.
He was indeed short-handed at the time, and now someone had actually delivered themselves to his doorstep—this was simply wonderful.
You see, he had always lacked administrative talent; some of the counties under his jurisdiction were completely out of control, essentially left to their own devices.
Now that Bao Zheng had arrived, perhaps he could change the current situation.
Bao Zheng was honest and impartial, upright in his conduct, unyielding to the powerful, incorruptible, wise and decisive, and dared to speak out for the common people, hence the names "Bao Qingtian" and "Bao Gong." Eliminating evil was the first step; the second was promoting talent.
The existence of evil inevitably led to a monopoly on upward mobility. Even if someone was promoted, it would inevitably be someone of questionable character. Sometimes, interpersonal relationships were quite troublesome.
This was where an upright official was needed. In the Han Dynasty court, some people became officials through ability, some through connections, and some through morality.
Bao Zheng was clearly a man of both ability and morality. Such a person, as a subject, might cause trouble and unpleasantness for his superiors.
However, fundamentally, without rules, there can be no order; rules must still be established.
In the main hall, Lu Ming quickly met Bao Zheng and his two companions.
Bao Zheng was a dark-skinned man with an upright demeanor and a steady gait.
Gongsun Ce, on the other hand, was a fair-skinned scholar, a stark contrast to Bao Zheng.
Finally, Zhan Zhao was dressed as a wandering swordsman, his hand never leaving his sword; clearly a skilled martial artist.
"This humble subject, Bao Zheng, greets Your Excellency."
"This humble subject, Gongsun Ce, greets Your Excellency."
"This humble subject, Zhan Zhao, greets Your Excellency."
The three bowed to Lu Ming. Because they were gifts and refreshed by the system, they were also living, breathing people. They were simply living in a different era, adapted to this new time.
"No need for formalities. I am looking for a magistrate for Xiji City. This person must pave the way with punishment, rectify the situation, and win back the hearts of the people. Throughout history, the people can support a boat, but they can also capsize it. Bao Zheng, are you willing to shoulder this heavy responsibility?" Lu Ming didn't mince words, going straight to the point. He didn't need any investigation; although he didn't know much about Bao Zheng's character, he had heard of him.
Bao Zheng's expression was neither humble nor arrogant, he merely bowed slightly, "This humble subject is willing to serve. May I ask, my lord, if a member of your family breaks the law, may I act according to the law?"
Gongsun Ce and Zhan Zhao both looked at Bao Zheng with some surprise, wondering why he would ask such a question.
In truth, Bao Zheng wasn't foolish. He was genuinely dedicated to the people and his work. His lack of favoritism depended on the person and the methods used; he wasn't foolish enough to just blindly act.
Without support, he would be courting death!
"Haha, go ahead and do it. Even the emperor is subject to the law. What I want is to rectify the situation and transform Xiji City into a passage connecting the Western Regions and the Central Plains, so that it can prosper. Bao Zheng, you have a heavy responsibility on your shoulders. Don't overwork yourself. Don't feel burdened; I will grant you full authority over Xiji City." Lu Ming had no intention of making exceptions. There were some things he couldn't do himself and could only delegate to capable people.
The quality of governance affects the people's livelihood, and the people's livelihood affects all aspects of life, so rectifying the situation is necessary.
At the same time, he also needed Bao Zheng to keep an eye on those who were disobedient. Among his concubines, who didn't have their own gossipy relatives?
Once he fully controlled Liangzhou, this situation would become even more serious; he needed to plan ahead.
Sometimes enemies aren't created by oneself, but by unruly subordinates.
"I obey!" Bao Zheng bowed deeply, his hands clasped. With Lu Ming's words, he could act freely. Lu Ming nodded, then said to Gongsun Ce, "Gongsun Ce, you will serve as the chief clerk, partnering with Bao Zheng."
"Yes, my lord." Gongsun Ce was somewhat pleased. The position itself wasn't particularly important to him; what mattered was being given such a high position right from the start, which gave him an urge to die for someone who understood him.
"Hmm, you should do your best, and you won't disappoint me."
After making the arrangements, Lu Ming looked at Zhan Zhao, wondering if he was up to the task.
"Zhan Zhao, you will serve as the county magistrate, commanding troops and assisting Bao Zheng. If you are capable, suppress the bandits in the vicinity. Repair bridges and roads, restoring peace and order to Xiji City!"
"Yes, my lord!" Zhan Zhao knelt on one knee excitedly. To be given such an important position right from the start was a sign of great importance to him!