The Demonic Crown Prince

Li Yuan smiled slightly, "Magistrate Pan, we're officials in the same court, no need to be so polite. Come, let's eat!"

With Yan Poshan, a man of all knowledge in the martial arts world, around, he knew quite a bit about Magistrate Pan Ming.

Pan Ming was the top scholar in the capital region two years ago, so he can be considered a high-achieving student.

Unfortunately, he lacked connections and background, so after working and helping out at the Ministry of Revenue for a while, he didn't stay. Instead, he was transferred to a county near the capital to serve as a magistrate. If he had really had connections, he might have been able to enter some academy and become a Grand Secretary. If he were transferred out then, he would at least be a sixth-rank official. Unlike him, he is only a seventh-rank official now, and there is basically no way for him to be promoted.

Therefore, there is no need to worry too much about or be wary of such people.

Otherwise, Li Yuan wouldn't have come to dinner tonight.

Meanwhile, Pan Ming was also welcoming a prince for the first time, and he was filled with indescribable fear. It was said that this Prince Qin was extremely irritable, and had even killed the deputy commander of the capital's military headquarters. He had also beaten up a bunch of important court officials, including several adult princes. If he said something wrong and angered him, he might get killed, and there would be no one to reason with him.

However, Li Yuan's words surprised Pan Ming. He hadn't expected Li Yuan to be so straightforward and amiable, quite different from the legendary King Qin who was known for killing people at the drop of a hat.

However, this also relieved him somewhat, and he quickly picked up food and offered toasts, busying himself with these tasks, but he didn't eat much himself.

There's no way around it; subordinates accompanying superiors are always filled with trepidation and utmost caution. They have to be constantly on their toes, keeping an eye on everything around them and taking care of everyone. It would be strange if they could even have a proper meal together.

This has been true throughout history and across the world!

"Your Highness, is there anything else I can do for you, given your esteemed presence?"

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Pan Ming raised his glass to Li Yuan.

He was already quite drunk, and his face was flushed.

To be honest, everyone sitting at this table is a tough guy. Li Yuan, who can drink a thousand cups without getting drunk, goes without saying. The other four, Yan Poshan and Wang Wanquan, all come from military backgrounds and have been steeped in alcohol for a long time.

Pan Ming, a mere minor civil official, hadn't been to many such drinking parties, and his speech had already become somewhat slurred, but fortunately, he was still conscious.

Li Yuan and Yan Poshan exchanged a glance. Yan Poshan then said casually, "Lord Pan..."

"Oh, General Yan, I dare not accept the title of 'sir,' please just call me by my name."

Pan Ming was startled and quickly waved his hands frantically.

"Haha, then I'll call you Magistrate Pan. Magistrate Pan, our military camp is indeed lacking some craftsmen who repair weapons. Craftsmen in the capital and the army are managed very strictly. I wonder how it is in your local area?"

Yan Poshan asked with a smile.

"The local artisans all have their own artisan licenses, and they cannot be easily moved."

Pan Ming scratched his head and said cautiously.

"We certainly won't make things difficult for those with official craftsmanship, Lord Pan. However, if possible, could you help us recruit some skilled craftsmen without official craftsmanship? We want all kinds of craftsmen, as long as they are skilled."

After all, Lord Pan is very familiar with the local situation. Moreover, the capital region is full of talented people, and your area is a large county with a population of 100,000. Surely there are such people here.

If possible, please help us recruit some artisans to accompany the army. Their monthly salary will be the same as that of ordinary soldiers, one or three taels of silver, and they will also receive a settlement allowance of three taels of silver.

how?"

Yan broke through the mountain road.

"General Yan, is what you're saying true?"

Pan Ming's eyes widened, somewhat incredulous.

These conditions are too generous, aren't they?

"What he said is what I said." Li Yuan smiled slightly.

"Okay, that shouldn't be a problem. After all, there are plenty of apprentices and craftspeople in the general population who haven't been formally registered as artisans."

If these conditions are truly met, there will undoubtedly be a large number of applicants.

"I'll arrange that tomorrow; post notices all over the city."

Pan Ming nodded confidently.

"There is another matter. Perhaps Lord Pan could also help us post the notice. That is, we are recruiting soldiers. Of course, unlike the previous forced conscription by the government, we are recruiting through recruitment. The age range is between sixteen and thirty."

Anyone who meets the requirements for recruitment will be registered and become a formal soldier, receiving the same salary as regular soldiers, which is one tael and three mace of silver.

In addition, they received the same treatment as the craftsmen, with a settlement allowance of three taels of silver.

Those who are literate, can write articles, and are eloquent will be given priority consideration!

Furthermore, once naturalized, as long as they do not violate military discipline or desert, they can apply for discharge after serving for ten years.

If anyone is killed or injured, the Prince will provide generous compensation, and he keeps his word!

Yan Poshan spoke again.

"Huh? This, this... these conditions are too generous!"

Pan Ming's eyes widened, almost unable to believe his ears.

What is this? This is clearly a long-term, stable job with excellent benefits.

If you're willing, you could even do it for a lifetime.

However, this guy had drunk too much, or was a little excited, and got a bit carried away. He blurted out without thinking, "But what I know is that it's common and extremely serious for the military to deduct military pay. The promised pay often doesn't even reach 30% of what the soldiers receive, and even the compensation money is often embezzled by officers."

If that's the case, then if I help the prince recruit these soldiers, they'll probably gossip about me behind my back...

"Magistrate Pan knows quite a lot," Li Yuan couldn't help but laugh.

However, I gained a new understanding of Pan Ming. This guy is a straightforward and honest person. No wonder he is almost forty years old and has been a county magistrate for almost ten years, but he has not made any progress.

In an officialdom where everyone is cautious about what they say, it would be strange if someone with this temperament could get ahead.

"I'm sorry, Your Highness, I'm sorry. I had too much to drink and misspoke. I hope Your Highness will forgive me."

Pan Ming instantly sobered up considerably, immediately slapped himself, and was about to kneel on the ground when Li Yuan helped him up.

"Magistrate Pan, don't overthink it. I won't blame you. On the contrary, I admire you. People with your genuine character are rare in officialdom these days."

Li Yuan said with some emotion.

Looking at Pan Ming, I promise you, everything General Yan said just now is true. If you don't believe me, you can search my army thoroughly, however you like. Furthermore, I can personally write a proclamation, which is equivalent to me personally swearing an oath!

"This, this... Your Highness, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have doubted you..."

Pan Ming was extremely ashamed.