The Three Great Han Dynasties: Awaken Liu Bei with a scolding; you weave mats and sell sandals.

"I implore Your Excellency to make a wise judgment."

"The recent flooding of the treasury was a huge misunderstanding. It's best not to take Zhang Ada's words seriously. As for the affairs of Guangyang Prefecture, whatever the Prefect decides, that's fine with me. We, the gentry, will do our utmost."

Then another member of the gentry quickly spoke up, adopting an extremely humble posture.

The elder of the Liu family watched this scene unfold, but at this moment, as the chief clerk of Guangyang County, he did not utter a single word.

Instead, she looked at Liu Hong with interest, seemingly a little curious about how he would handle the matter.

If a young person were to encounter this situation, they would certainly not choose to conform, but would confront it head-on and fight to the death.

The methods used by the young people are not wrong, but they are not what the members of the Han imperial family should be doing at this time.

And Liu Hong's name is "Lord Liu".

The elders of the Liu family have heard quite a lot about this over the years.

However, at this moment, witnessing the methods of this new governor firsthand still brought a sense of surprise.

Judging from their current methods, it's clear that even if this branch of the Liu family leaves, they will still be able to ensure that none of the local gentry have a good life for some time to come.

The thought that after the Liu family left, these once domineering aristocratic families would be at Liu Hong's mercy was unbearable.

He was actually quite excited inside.

"Hahaha, you so-called aristocratic people, who are usually so arrogant, never expected to show such a face today. It is truly laughable."

The elders of the Liu family would never say such things out loud to provoke hatred, but in their hearts they were already cheering loudly and their admiration for Liu Hong grew even stronger.

"Since today's events are a misunderstanding, then let each of your tribes make up for the deficit in the treasury."

Liu Hong dismounted, stood with his hands behind his back, and slowly walked to the front of each of the aristocratic men.

The members of the gentry were pale-faced, but they knew that the governor in front of them had a handle on them and that they had no choice but to retreat.

Only by taking a step back can the reputation of the gentry be preserved.

Although returning to the clan would result in severe punishment, it is still better than falling into a lower social class and changing one's status.

As for how other aristocratic families view them, they have no time to consider it at this moment, nor can they think that far ahead.

All we can do now is protect ourselves, nothing more.

"What else does the governor desire?"

A member of the gentry mustered his courage and asked.

"Don't put it so harshly."

Liu Hong glanced at him indifferently, "It's not what I want, but what you want. From now on, your gentry will not only refrain from any obstruction, but you must also fully cooperate with any matters concerning Youzhou and Guangyang County."

"You show me respect, and I will return the favor in kind."

"But if you continue to be ignorant of the seriousness of the matter and think that this Youzhou region is a place where you can do whatever you want."

Now that the governor has received the emperor's order, he will not show any mercy.

Remember, this is just a minor punishment to serve as a warning.

As Liu Hong finished speaking, the aristocratic people in front of him breathed a sigh of relief, but also felt a sense of unease.

Even if they manage to keep their official positions, they will likely experience a significant decline in their careers.

only.

They can recognize the current situation, but other members of the aristocratic families may not.

After all, the name of the gentry was renowned throughout the Han Dynasty.

Not everyone can see the current situation clearly.

"Your Excellency has gone too far."

A disgruntled voice suddenly rang out, "Have we committed some earth-shattering mistake that warrants such treatment from the governor?"

"What a fine governor you are!"

"Don't you know that we are the ones in charge here in Guangyang County?"

Upon hearing the voice, Liu Hong looked over and saw a hint of surprise on his face as he looked at the first person from this clan who had spoken.

He originally thought that such tactful concession was the behavior of every member of the aristocratic class.

But looking back now, we realize that fools are the majority.

However, the existence of fools is not divided into any class.

but.

The smile on Liu Hong's face grew even wider as a result.

A fool is good, and only a fool can amplify the effects of today's events.

The other party's prudent self-preservation just now left him somewhat at a loss for how to proceed.

Liu Hong gave Zhang Ada a wink.

A smile of joy returned to Zhang Ada's face.

He would then be able to achieve another merit.

He stepped forward, pointed at the aristocrat who had spoken out in rebuttal, and then pointed to several people behind him, saying loudly, "Your Excellency, the one who bribed the minor officials and ordered them to set fire to the government treasury is this very person before me, and this person, and this person as well."

As Zhang Ada named names, the expressions of the aristocratic people who were called upon changed drastically.

By now.

Even the dumbest of them would have realized it by now.

Liu Hong was serious; he wasn't joking with them.

"Your Excellency, what exactly are you trying to do? Is it necessary to make things so ugly?"

One of the aristocratic men stepped forward and said through gritted teeth.

Liu Hong smiled slightly after hearing this, but his face showed no concern for the other party's words.

The other man, though outwardly fierce, was actually quite cowardly and directly threatened Liu Hong, showing absolutely no respect for the governor: "Does the governor know anything about this?"

"The power of our aristocratic clans is considerable in Guangyang County, and even in the entire Youzhou region. For the Governor to offend our aristocratic clans is not a wise choice. The Governor should think carefully."

"Threatening me?"

Liu Hong gave a soft, cold laugh, his eyes suddenly sharpening like knives.

The aristocratic man's face immediately turned pale, and he hurriedly changed his words: "I dare not."

"I know which company you belong to."

Liu Hong spoke calmly, his tone devoid of any emotion, "Tonight, people from the governor's mansion will come to pay a special visit."

"Jian Yong".

Liu Hong called out.

Jian Yong immediately stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Your subordinate is here."

"Remember this person and give him a proper visit."

Liu Hong raised his hand and pointed at the gentry member who had spoken threateningly, his words clear and distinct, "As for you, you are hereby declared the mastermind behind this arson attack on the treasury. The others are all accomplices."

"The official titles and ranks of others can be discussed later, but you, from this day forward, are no longer any official in Youzhou."

"Even if you go elsewhere, I, the governor, will personally write numerous letters to discuss the matter thoroughly with the governors of other prefectures. How can someone with such a tarnished career as you be fit to serve as an official of our great Han Dynasty?"

With just a few words, Liu Hong had unequivocally secured the future of the aristocratic man who had uttered those malicious words, effectively cutting off his path to officialdom and eliminating any possibility of him ever rising again.