Three Kingdoms: Start by buying a governor.

He rolled up the silk scroll, sealed it, and summoned a messenger:

"Send it to Luoyang at top speed and hand it over to His Majesty personally. Do not delay on the way."

"Here you are!" The messenger took the letter and turned to leave.

Liu Ce walked to the window and looked outside.

In the courtyard, Cai Yan was teaching Ren Hongchang to play the zither.

The melodious sound of the zither added a touch of elegance to the desolate Jizhou.

"I hope it works out," Liu Ce muttered to himself.

He was actually 70% sure.

Although Liu Hong was greedy, he wasn't entirely oblivious to the importance of things. If Jizhou were to descend into chaos again, the cost would far exceed the money spent on exempting a year's worth of land rent.

Besides...didn't he just give a gift?

He who takes a bribe is bound to do his bidding; he who eats another's food is obligated to do his bidding.

Liu Hong accepted that set of glass products, so he should at least give him some face, right?

Just then, Guo Jia strolled into the courtyard, carrying a wine jug in his hand.

"My lord, what's troubling you?" he asked with a grin.

"I'm worried about how to ask His Majesty for money," Liu Ce said honestly.

Guo Jia took a sip of wine: "This is simple. If His Majesty doesn't agree, you can write a letter saying, 'The people of Ji Province all remember your kindness and say you are the most benevolent emperor in the world.' If His Majesty hears this, he might be pleased and agree."

Liu Ce laughed: "Fengxiao, are you teaching me to lie?"

"How can you call it a lie?" Guo Jia said seriously. "It's 'artistic embellishment.' Besides, His Majesty likes to hear nice things, so why don't we just say the nice things?"

The two looked at each other and burst into laughter.

After laughing, Guo Jia suddenly became serious and said, "My lord, are you really planning to take over all the affairs of Ji Province?"

Liu Ce shook his head: "I'll only handle military affairs; let Wang Fen worry about the political matters. Youzhou is our foundation."

"Wise," Guo Jia nodded. "Whoever takes on this mess in Ji Province is doomed. Let Wang Fen handle it; let's hurry and get to You Province."

"That's what I think too," Liu Ce said. "Once Zhang He arrives and finishes dealing with things here, we'll set off."

Just then, the sound of horses' hooves came from outside.

A guard rushed in to report, "My lord, Zhang He from Hejian Commandery has arrived!"

(Zhang He followed the Commandant of Hejian in Ye City.)

Liu Ce's eyes lit up: "Please come in quickly!"

Before long, a young general in his early twenties walked in. He was of medium height but sturdy build, with sharp eyes, clearly a veteran of many battles.

"This humble general, Zhang He, pays his respects to the Marquis of Champion!"

Liu Ce helped him up and looked him over carefully.

Name: Zhang He, courtesy name Junyi

Gender: Male

Age: 21

[Force]: 95 (first-rate)

[Leadership]: 92 (First-class)

[Politics]: 68

[Intelligence]: 76

[Appearance]: 69cm

This is Zhang He, one of the Five Elite Generals of Cao Wei, known in history for his skillful and adaptable military tactics.

"General Zhang, please rise," Liu Ce said with a smile. "I have long admired your name, General. It is a pleasure to meet you today."

Zhang He was somewhat flattered: "Your Excellency is too kind. I am merely a minor military officer from Hejian, how could I possibly be worthy of such a position..."

"Gold always shines." Liu Ce patted his shoulder. "Follow me from now on, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to make a name for yourself."

Zhang He blushed with excitement: "This humble general is willing to serve Your Excellency with utmost loyalty!"

Liu Ce was secretly pleased: he had gained another great general.

It seems this trip to Jizhou was worthwhile.

At least, we managed to recruit Zhang He.

As for the mess in Jizhou... let Wang Fen deal with it.

Professional at slacking off, amateur at fighting.

This is his philosophy of survival.

Anyway, the memorial has already been submitted; whether it succeeds or not depends on Liu Hong's mood.

However, Liu Ce felt that it wasn't a big problem.

After all, he was the "royal brother".

They should at least have this much face.

A few days later, Liu Ce felt that he had stayed in Jizhou long enough—he had done what he needed to do and gotten what he needed to get. If he stayed any longer, Wang Fen would have insomnia.

On the morning of the day I left, the city gate of Ye City was once again crowded with people.

Wang Fen and her subordinates came to see her off, their enthusiasm even more exaggerated than when they welcomed her.

"My lord! You're leaving already?" Wang Fen held Liu Ce's hand, her eyes even a little red. Anyone who didn't know better would think she was seeing off her own father.

"I will miss you dearly!"

Liu Ce knew perfectly well: "This old fox isn't reluctant to part with him, he's reluctant to let go of this 'scapegoat'."

He had already submitted the memorial requesting the exemption of land rent, taking the risk himself. Wang Fen would also benefit from the credit. If Ji Province was governed well, Wang Fen, as the governor, would be proud.

Even if the court blames him, since he wrote the memorial and it has nothing to do with Wang Fen, Wang Fen can remain unscathed. This acting skill would win her an award in modern times.

But he still had to play along: "Governor Wang, please wait. The affairs of Ji Province still require your attention."

"Of course! Of course!" Wang Fen patted his chest. "Rest assured, Your Excellency, I will certainly handle whatever you have entrusted to me! Setting up granaries, settling refugees, and repairing facilities—I will do it all!"

He lowered his voice again: "Once the imperial edict exempting land rent is issued, I will post notices immediately so that all the people of Ji Province will know that this was fought for them by Your Excellency!"

That's a beautiful way to put it: the credit is mine, the fame is yours.

Liu Ce smiled and nodded, then mounted his horse.

Wang Fen called out from behind, "My lord! Come back and visit often! Ji Province will always welcome you!"

The convoy slowly started moving, and Liu Ce glanced back at it.

Wang Fen stood there waving, her smile so genuine it was almost unbelievable.

But Liu Ce knew that beneath that smile, someone was probably plotting something. Historically, this old guy had dared to participate in the conspiracy to depose and install emperors; he was incredibly audacious.

But that's a story for another time.

At least for now, he still needs me to stabilize Jizhou.

"Let's go." Liu Ce waved his hand, and the group headed north.

As the convoy started moving, Wang Fen remained standing and waved until the convoy disappeared from sight. Only then did he let out a long sigh of relief and wipe away non-existent sweat from his forehead.

An official beside him whispered, "Sir, the Marquis of Champion has left, what should we do...?"

"Get back to work!" Wang Fen straightened his back, instantly regaining the dignity of a prefect.

"But remember, nothing is allowed to be done without exception when Champion Hou gives instructions!"

Especially in military matters, if he says he'll rebuild the army, then he will rebuild the army.

He said to fortify the city, so we fortify the city. This man is in charge of military affairs in Ji Province; his words are law!

"And what about government affairs..."

"Do as you say!" Wang Fen waved her hand. "Set up granaries, settle refugees, repair roads and dig canals, do it all! Anyway, we don't have to pay for it, we have plenty of manpower, and there are plenty of refugees. Just let them work and give them food."

Ten miles outside Ye City, Guo Jia rode up on his horse, a wicked grin on his face:

"My lord, were Governor Wang's tears real?"

Liu Ce glanced at him: "What do you think?"

"I think he rubbed ginger on it," Guo Jia chuckled. "But it's fine, let him play his part, we'll go our own way. Let whoever wants to take on this mess in Ji Province take it on."

"Smart." Liu Ce gave Guo Jia an appreciative look.

……