With Cao Cao by my side, what do I have to fear from the world?

Liu Xun kowtowed again and said, "Your Majesty's teachings will be remembered by your subject."

Liu Xie reiterated, "Yizhou has many talented people, and Xichuan has many capable individuals. If you encounter any problems in the future, you can consult with the registrar Huang Quan, the assistant Wang Lei, and Zhang Ren."

Liu Xun respectfully replied, "Your subject will humbly seek your guidance and work together with you gentlemen to govern Yizhou well."

Huang Quan, Wang Lei, and Zhang Ren were all very excited to be praised by the emperor in public.

The three men quickly stepped forward and said in unison, "We will certainly do our utmost to assist the governor and live up to His Majesty's expectations."

Liu Xie stood up, walked to Liu Xun, and personally helped him up. "I believe you are capable of great things. The future of Yizhou is entrusted to you."

Liu Xun was moved to tears and said, "Your Majesty trusts me so much, I will repay Your Majesty's kindness with my life."

Afterwards, Liu Xie kept Liu Xun, Huang Quan, Zhang Ren, and others behind and gave them some important instructions.

After all, he was the emperor, and his time was limited; he couldn't linger in Yizhou for too long.

Liu Xie said to Liu Xun with a serious expression, "I hope you can govern Yizhou well and continue to rectify the officialdom. Although the officialdom in Yizhou has undergone some rectification, we still need to be vigilant at all times and not let the unhealthy practices resurface."

Liu Xun solemnly replied, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will certainly govern strictly, select honest and upright officials, and restore order to the officialdom of Yizhou."

Liu Xie turned his gaze to Huang Quan and said, "Minister Huang, as the chief clerk, you should advise Liu Xun and assist him in governing the country."

Huang Quan respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, I will certainly do my utmost to assist the Lord and dare not slacken in the slightest."

Liu Xie continued, "Yizhou is a vast territory with many ethnic minorities, and the southern region is particularly crucial. Liu Xun, you must take care to appease the various ethnic groups in the south and prevent them from causing chaos."

Liu Xun nodded again: "Your Majesty, I understand the importance of the South. Your Majesty has put a lot of thought into this and has established an autonomous region in the South. I will do my best to prevent any chaos in the South."

Liu Xie nodded slightly. He could clearly see the youthful vigor and energy in Liu Xun's face, which made him very gratified.

Young people are energetic, ambitious, and eager to achieve great things. Liu Xun's spirit and drive far surpassed that of Liu Zhang.

From small companies to large countries, everyone needs this fresh and vibrant energy.

Liu Xie continued, "Furthermore, the Dujiangyan irrigation system is of paramount importance and must be well protected. It is the foundation of agriculture in Yizhou and cannot be neglected."

Liu Xun responded, "Your Majesty, I will certainly send special personnel to guard Dujiangyan, ensuring that the water conservancy facilities remain intact and guaranteeing farmland irrigation."

Liu Xie paused, then emphasized, "And the Shu-Shendu Road is of paramount importance. If this road can be opened up, it will not only strengthen trade with the southern countries, but also promote the prosperity of Yizhou's economy."

Liu Xun and the others listened attentively with focused expressions.

Liu Xie stood up, walked to a map, and pointed to the route of the Shu-Shendu Road, saying, "The Shu-Shendu Road is known as the Southern Silk Road, an important passage connecting Yizhou with the outside world. Currently, there is a great demand for Yizhou's silk and other goods from places like Nanyue, and precious items such as rhinoceroses from the south are also highly sought after. If this road can be reopened, Yizhou's goods can be transported to various places more conveniently, trade will flourish, the people will benefit from it, and the economy will develop significantly."

This passage was opened by Zhang Qian, who pioneered the northern Silk Road.

However, it has not received enough attention over the years, and the complex terrain and the large number of ethnic minorities in southern China have led to many problems.

Zhang Ren clasped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, this humble general is willing to lead troops to guard the Shu-Shendu route and ensure the safety of trade."

Liu Xie gave Zhang Ren an approving look and said, "General Zhang is commendable for his loyalty and bravery, but the smooth flow of this route requires not only military protection, but also the establishment of friendly relations with various regions to promote trade through peaceful means."

Liu Xie returned to his seat and said earnestly, "Liu Xun, I have high hopes for you. Yizhou is rich in resources and has produced many talented people. If governed properly, it will surely become a prosperous place. You must not let me down or the people of Yizhou down."

Liu Xun knelt down and kowtowed again, his voice firm and powerful, "Your Majesty's kindness is something I will never forget. I will certainly take the prosperity of Yizhou as my own responsibility, and devote myself to it until my dying breath."

Huang Quan and Zhang Ren also knelt down and said in unison, "We are willing to serve the development of Yizhou with utmost loyalty."

Liu Xie said with satisfaction, "Good, I trust you. Rise, the future development of Yizhou rests on your shoulders."

Everyone stood up, and Liu Xie then discussed with them in detail some specific measures and strategies for governing Yizhou.

Liu Xie said, "Silk and silkworm silk are Yizhou's advantageous resources. We need to increase production scale, improve quality, and sell them smoothly."

At that time, the whole society generally did not value merchants or trade.

But Liu Xie was a time traveler, and he valued economic development highly.

"Xun Yun, go and get a gemstone." After a while, Liu Xie called out to Xun Yun, who was standing to the side.

Xun Yun agreed and left. Not long after, he returned with a dazzling gemstone.

Liu Xie took the gemstone and said to Liu Xun and the others, “Yizhou has countless treasures. Take this gemstone in my hand, for example. If I just keep holding it like this, frankly, it’s only pretty and has no other use. But if I sell it and get money, I can do many things, such as building roads and houses, improving the livelihood of the people, and paying the soldiers’ wages… Yizhou has so many treasures: silk, rhinoceros horn, ginseng, animal hides, silk… Therefore, trade is of utmost importance!”

"Many things are unique to a particular place. Strengthening trade can facilitate the exchange of goods and promote the economy of various regions. To put it simply, if we want the country to be prosperous and the people to be wealthy, the court to be rich and the people to be rich, we cannot rely solely on farming. Take Nanzhong and Jiaozhi for example. They are mostly rugged mountainous areas with little arable land. However, even without arable land, they have other resources, which highlights the importance of trade."

Liu Xie only drew a rough framework, but that alone was enough to excite Liu Xun and others, who saw many things worth doing in the future.

Liu Xun said excitedly, "Your Majesty, please rest assured, we will definitely not let you down!"

Liu Xie nodded with satisfaction. "We are all still very young, so go ahead and do your best. In a few years, I will personally come to check on your achievements. I believe that Yizhou will undergo great changes because you are here!"

Liu Xie's expectant gaze swept over Liu Xun, Huang Quan, Zhang Ren, Wang Lei, and others.

His response was a face full of excitement!

At the end of the same year, Liu Xie left Yizhou. Zhuge Liang had also completed the construction of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System and left with him, leaving the remaining tasks to Liu Xun. This time, Liu Xie did not take the mountain roads, but instead traveled down the Yangtze River, intending to return to Luoyang from Jingzhou.

The river flows gently, and large ships sail smoothly on its surface, heading towards Jiangling.

Liu Xie and Zhuge Liang stood side by side at the bow of the foremost ship, their robes fluttering in the gentle breeze.

Looking at the distant green mountains and clear waters, Liu Xie exclaimed with emotion, "Kongming, the scenery along this route is truly picturesque; the land is indeed beautiful."

Zhuge Liang nodded slightly, his face beaming with excitement: "Your Majesty, such a beautiful scene perfectly reflects the prosperity of the Han Dynasty today."

Liu Xie turned to look at Zhuge Liang and said with a smile, "We have only just pacified the warlords who were carving up the country. There is still a long way to go before the country is prosperous."

Liu Xie was very clear-headed. Zhuge Liang smiled faintly and said, "Your Majesty is wise, which is a blessing to the world. I originally thought that with the Han Dynasty at peace, there would be less to do. But now that I am by Your Majesty's side, I realize that there are still many important matters waiting for us to accomplish."

Liu Xie's gaze was firm, and his tone was bold: "Yes, there are indeed many things to do. To ensure the stability of the country and the well-being of the people, such as building water conservancy projects, developing trade, and reforming officials, are not only urgent tasks, but also require our continued dedication."

Zhuge Liang's eyes gleamed: "Your Majesty is absolutely right. Improving water conservancy can ensure a bountiful harvest and ensure that the people have enough to eat and wear; developing trade can facilitate the flow of goods between different regions and boost the economy. And reforming officials is of paramount importance. Only honest and upright officials can bring benefits to the people."

Liu Xie pondered for a moment, then said, "The affairs of the aristocratic families are indeed troublesome. However, for the long-term stability of the Han Dynasty, they must be rectified and not allowed to become an obstacle to the development of the country. With your assistance, I have great confidence."

Zhuge Liang was moved and said, "Your Majesty's trust is enough for me to die ten thousand times over!"

After a while, Liu Xie looked towards the northwest and said with longing, "I have another great wish, which is to restart the Silk Road and let the banner of the Han Dynasty fly westward!"

Zhuge Liang said passionately, "Your Majesty, the Western Regions have been the territory of our Great Han since ancient times. We must take them back. If we can open up the Western Regions, the territory of the Great Han will be further expanded, the exchange of merchants and trade will be more frequent, and we can create an unprecedented golden age."

Liu Xie smiled, a very happy smile. He was very fortunate that he was still young and had only spent ten years not only breaking free from the cage that Cao Cao had set for him, but also pacifying the world. This would free up more energy and time for him to develop the people's livelihood, expand the territory, and restore the glorious dynasty of Emperor Wu.

Zhuge Liang solemnly replied, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will do my utmost and work together with Your Majesty until the great cause is accomplished."

Liu Xie laughed heartily: "Excellent! With Kongming and I working together, we will surely bring a glorious era to the Han Dynasty."

At this moment, the river wind grew stronger, blowing the robes of the two men, but the excitement and passion in their hearts did not diminish.

Emperor Liu Xie, accompanied by Zhuge Liang, arrived at Nan Commandery by boat. Liu Xie ordered the entourage to halt.

He traveled light and decided to go into the city to see for himself.

Zhuge Liang couldn't help but laugh. "Your Majesty, I'm afraid what truly attracts you is not Nan Commandery, but its governor, Lu Su! Lu Zijing!"

Liu Xie smiled without saying a word, and they stepped through the city gates of Nanjun. Looking around, the streets were wide and clean, and the bluestone pavement gleamed warmly in the sunlight.

Shops lined the streets, their signs fluttering in the breeze, and shouts of vendors rising and falling. Peddlers carried loads on shoulder poles, selling a dazzling array of trinkets, attracting children who gathered around, their eyes filled with longing.

A constant stream of people came and went, including wealthy merchants in fine clothes, peddlers and laborers in a hurry, and leisurely scholars and literati. Everyone performed their duties in an orderly manner.

The street food stalls exude an enticing aroma, with steaming hot buns and fragrant roasted meats making mouths water.

In the teahouse, people gathered in small groups, some engaging in lively conversation, others quietly savoring their tea, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

The entire city of Nanjun presented a bustling yet orderly scene, making one feel as if they were in a prosperous era.

Zhuge Liang nodded repeatedly, "Lu Su is a great talent. I never imagined that he could govern Nan Commandery so well in such a short time."

Judging from Zhuge Liang's tone, there was both admiration and a touch of regret. After all, it would be a waste for Lu Su to only serve as a local governor.

Before long, they arrived at the prefect's residence. Lu Su had already learned of the emperor's arrival and hurriedly led a group of officials to kneel and greet him outside the gate.

"Your subject Lu Su respectfully welcomes Your Majesty's arrival!" Lu Su's voice was loud and respectful.

Liu Xie raised his hand slightly and said, "Zijing, please rise. I came here on my way here. You did a great job. Nanjun is much more lively than before. This shows that you are very diligent in your work."

Lu Su humbly shook his head, "Your subject dares not claim credit." He then led Liu Xie and Zhuge Liang into the mansion.

In the main hall, Liu Xie sat in the main seat, while Lu Su stood to the side and began to report on the various affairs of Nan Commandery.

After listening, Liu Xie once again expressed his approval, "Zijing, everything I have seen and heard along the way has made me feel gratified. The fact that Nanjun has such a scene is largely due to your contributions."

Lu Su quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty flatters me. This is my duty."

Although Lu Su was very respectful, there was a hint of worry between his brows. Zhuge Liang, observing his expression, quickly guessed what was going on.

That night, Liu Xie stayed in Nan Commandery. After dinner, Zhuge Liang came to see Liu Xie alone.

The topic then turned to Sun Quan. "Your Majesty, I'm afraid Lu Su already knows about Sun Quan's current situation. You can see that he looks worried and is very concerned for Sun Quan."

Liu Xie glanced at Zhuge Liang. "What? Are you perhaps going to plead for Sun Quan, unable to bear seeing him suffer on the island?"

Zhuge Liang hurriedly shook his head, "Your Majesty misunderstands. I think that since both Lu Su and Sun Quan are working for Your Majesty, it would be better to ease the tension and let Lu Su go to Jiaozhi to succeed Shi Xie's son. Lu Su is capable and has his heart set on Sun Quan. His going to Jiaozhi will not only benefit the development of Yizhou and Jiaozhi, but will also be beneficial to both him and Sun Quan."

Liu Xie fell silent, seriously considering the matter.

Zhuge Liang further advised, "Sun Quan previously ruled a region independently and opposed the court. Your Majesty has already shown extraordinary leniency by not executing his entire clan. Besides, Sun Quan no longer has the ability or courage to oppose the court. Your Majesty has no need to worry that he will rebel again." (End of Chapter)