Yan Xi decided the life and death of dozens of local chief officials lightly.

Very happy.

Yan Xi saw everyone's thoughts in his eyes, picked up the water glass and sipped lightly.

Wang An learned from Ming Zhong in the palace for a while, and he became much smarter. He saw the delicate atmosphere in the meeting hall, and when he saw Yan Xi drinking water, he tactfully made tea for all the adults.

Moderately hot and cold tea slid down their throats, and Zhou Xu and Jia Zongru's stuffed hearts were relieved a little.

The discussion time in the meeting hall has been long, the yelling of the officials in the courtyard outside has been weakened, the sun is on the right side, the light beams in the meeting hall have receded, and Yan Xi is sitting in the seat, sinking in the near-noon brightness.

Yan Xi put down the tea and asked, "How many days have you been in the yamen, what do you think about the military households who escaped from the army?"

Zhou Xu is the chief political envoy, in charge of household registration and taxation, and immediately said: "As soon as the official arrived in Xizhou, he first looked through the yellow book, and then went to the village to check. It is true that military households are seriously escaping from service, and only 60 to 70% of them are still registered..”

Jia Zongru sighed and said: "Yuexi County will not be successful. Less than 50% of the military households are in the household. The officials have checked the criminal files in recent years. The escape cases accounted for half of the cases. The rest are mostly stolen.The people have no food in their homes, no money in their hands, and life is very difficult."

Mei Yun said: "On the contrary, there are many wealthy households in the western region, whose land stretches over hundreds of acres. There are two grain merchants in Pingchuan, whose business runs through the western region, and their grain shipments are even larger than those in Jingdu."

"Boss Shen and Mrs. Han are invited to come." Upon hearing this, Yan Xi signaled Mei Yun to stop for a while.

Why did the officials call a businessman and a woman to come to discuss matters?

Zhou Xu and Jia Ru didn't know why, when they heard footsteps coming from outside, they felt a little uncomfortable.

But Mei Yun nodded to the two people who came in kindly.

The two of them had previous experience, so they simply followed Mei Yun and twitched the corners of their mouths, saying hello to Shen Qian and Han Yuqin.

In normal times, officials of the third rank like them would not pay a single glance at business gentry and women who make a living as peddlers.

Shen Qian and Han Yuqin returned the salute to Zhou Xu and Jia Zongru. Although they fell into troubled times due to various circumstances, they were lucky enough to meet Yan Xi. They realized Yan Xicai much earlier and deeper than Zhou Xu and Jia ZongruIt's their day.

Therefore, they don't care about other people's eyes, as long as their master thinks highly of them, they will have a foothold wherever they go.

Shen Qian and Han Yuqin behaved decently and had a calm demeanor, which made Zhou Xu and Jia Zongru look ugly.

Walking to the hall, they saluted Yan Xi and got a seat from Yan Xi.

Yan Xi asked Wang An to serve tea for them, and after the other party sat down, he said: "Ms. Han is a good housekeeper. She used to manage the business of the shop in Han Gong's mansion. She came to Yue Xi, let’s walk through the market first, and ask her to talk about the grain business.”

Han Yuqin got up and made a bow and said: "In the three counties of the western region, Pingchuan grain merchants have the largest business. On the surface, there are many grain shops in the western region, but in fact, 80% of the grain supply is controlled by these two. A familyThe surname is Qian, and the family is surnamed Bai. The two families are married and have a very close relationship. Sitting together, the two families can set the price of grain in the western region.

Because the western border is at the border, there are many grain merchants, and the grain business is booming.

In fact, Zhou Xu went to the market the day before to see it, but he only saw the bustle and didn't understand the twists and turns behind it.Hearing this, he changed his opinion of this woman slightly, and looked at Han Yuqin with some approval.

Han Yuqin continued: "There is the Miao River in the west that passes through three counties, and there are many fertile fields along the banks. Pingchuan County is located in the lower reaches, and the land is the most fertile. It is the granary in the west, and the grain produced can supply two counties.West County has half of the fertile land and half of the grassland, which is barely sufficient for self-sufficiency; Xizhou has very little fertile land, and the people raise cattle and sheep for money to buy food."

Yan Xi understood when he heard this, and said: "No wonder Du Xuan of Xizhou still has soldiers under his command. There are few farmlands, not many military households, less meat, and fewer wolves. On the contrary, it is clean. It's not like Pingchuan.That way, all the military households’ fields will be taken up.”

"Your Excellency Governor." Shen Qian is very good at showing off, he said in a low voice at this time, "The young one is the boss of He Qinghao, he came to the Western Territory to do business earlier, and he also has some opinions on the management here."

Yan Xi didn't intend to expose the business to outsiders, so he looked at Shen Qian as if he didn't know him well and said, "Boss Shen, please tell me."

Shen Qian respectfully said: "The military households in Pingchuan have lost their farmland. In addition to being occupied by military officers, it is also because of the 'Ziqian' and 'Jiaozipu'., and often use farmland as collateral, and once the loan period expires, the land will be forcibly occupied.”

When Yan Xi was studying with Shang Baiheng, he was familiar with Da Jing's various systems, and he said without thinking: "The government has expressly stipulated that the interest rate of loans should not exceed three cents, and regardless of the length of the loan, the interest should not exceed half of the principal.There are other regulations that within five years, the borrowed money can still be redeemed at the original price after making up the interest. According to common sense, if the borrowed money is only for emergency, as long as you are diligent and thrifty, you can always pay it back.”

Shen Qian sighed and said: "These shops have a lot of methods, but for anyone who borrows money from the shop, the shop will make the green-skinned hooligans make things difficult for the borrower in different ways, so that the borrower can't save enough money to redeem the land even if the borrower tries his best., The shop will also drive up the land price, and after the land price appreciates, the borrower will have to pay the current price, and then they will not be able to pay back.”

The sun was just right, and the hall was silent, Yan Xi lowered his eyes as he listened.

Those who have followed Yan Xi for a long time know that Yan Xi's silence is the most unpredictable.Zhou Xu and Jia Zongru were also sensitive to this subtle chill after several rounds of games today, and couldn't help but sit up straight.

"The method of three feet has not been used in the western region for a long time." After pondering for a long time, Yan Xi looked at the three subordinate officials and said, "Do you have a solution?"

The richest and most chaotic place in the Western Territory is in Pingchuan. Meiyun raised his eyes and met Yanxi's gaze. He enjoyed the rare gaze and said the strategy he had thought up before he came: "Check out the money shops, crack down on Qingpi,Recompile the field books and curb grain prices."

"Very good." Yan Xi gently flipped the teacup and said, "For the first three items, please ask Ling Han to go back and draft the regulations, and Yue Xi and Xizhou will also draft according to the reference, and Ling Han will submit it to me when he decides."

Mei Yun agreed.

Zhou Xu and Jia Zongru had already sweated for the first time in their discussions, and now they felt more ashamed, so they had no choice but to answer.

Yan Xi went on to say: "The first three things are very good, but the last one needs to be considered in the long run. The affairs of the government can be handled in a hurry, but the affairs of the grain merchants can't. Because many of these grain merchants are officials, they are different from those in the western region.We have long been connected by flesh and blood, and one pull can move the whole body, and the grain is in the hands of the grain merchants, if they are suppressed and the grain flows to other places, it will hurt the foundation of the western border, and to restrain grain prices, we must combine strength and softness."

Zhou Xu and Jia Zongru originally thought that Yan Xi used ruthless means, but when they heard the combination of hardness and softness, they raised their heads in unison and met Yan Xi's penetrating gaze.

They lowered their heads in shame, knowing that in that glance, they had already revealed their contempt for the prince.

They were so regretful that the hands hidden under the case rubbed the official robes into a mess.

After a discussion up to now, Yan Xi was already feeling exhausted.

He doesn't like to judge people's hearts, and even hates people's contests.

But sitting in this position, he had to have several faces, using all his seven orifices to deal with everyone.His subordinates all said that they would die, but where he couldn't see it, everyone cast him a scrutinizing gaze.

He knows very well that if he takes a wrong step, he will lose the hearts of the people first, and then the current situation.

When he was in Jingdu, there were Shang Baiheng and Pei Hong standing in front of him, and he was discussed with others, even if something serious happened, Emperor Tianxi was still sitting on top of Mingtang.But when it comes to the western border, everything depends on him.

In this dullness, Yan Xi looked out at the sunlight.

He still had the soreness from Song Beiming at night, and there were words tattooed by Song Beiming at an inch below the neckline.

That word would be teased every night, and only he and Song Beiming knew it, as long as the collar was pulled down a little or the skirt was opened, the word would be revealed.

That word is like some kind of contract, it will make Song Beiming feel at ease, and it will also make Yan Xi feel a certain declaration all the time.

Untimely, in the atmosphere of his subordinates relying on him, he thought of the sweat that fell from Song Beiming when he galloped on him, the mouth of Song Beiming walking on him, and the dark eyes of Song Beiming staring at him.

It's all about honest desire.

When Yan Xi thought of Song Beiming, he was very relaxed. He didn't have to think about people's hearts, and he didn't have to calculate gains and losses. Song Beiming could even feed him blood over and over again. He felt safe and secure in Song Beiming's strong possession.

Originally, he thought that these were just physical transactions. With his beauty, it was not difficult to exchange for this kind of satisfaction, so he once felt that he could abandon it at any time.

In this western region where there is nowhere to rely on and where dangers abound, he and Song Beiming sleep together every day, and they feel that they are inseparable from each other.

This short fugue is an undeniable longing.

Yan Xi clearly knew that he was thinking of Song Beiming, but they actually hugged each other a few hours ago.

He was silent for a while, and continued to be a sole official of the frontier in places where Song Beiming did not exist, and said: "Boss Shen, Mrs. Han, you go to Pingchuan to help Governor Mei, and use some means where the government is unable to do its best.Remember, no matter what method you use, you are not allowed to sell a single piece of grain to Mo Di and Mangrong. The power of the Qian family and the Bai family is intertwined, and there may be other activities behind it, you should handle it carefully."

Shen Qian and Han Yuqin raised their heads suddenly, and fell into Yan Xi's meaningful eyes.

Yan Xi asked kindly: "Do you understand the meaning of the governor?"

Shen Qian and Han Yuqin did not dare to make eye contact with Yan Xi for a long time.

They lowered their heads, reflecting on the dim light in Yan Xi's eyes, and understood Yan Xi's meaning: With the background of Qian and Bai's family, it is impossible to recruit security, and they must replace Qian and Bai at any cost.

Shen Qian and Han Yuqin discussed this strategy before they came.

But the Qian and Bai families are extremely powerful, and the granaries are spread all over the western region. With the current strength of "He Qing Hao" in the grain market, it is difficult to shake them.But since Yan Xi has this intention, this matter can be done, Yan Xi must have other arrangements.

Shen Qian and Han Yuqin firmly believe in Yan Xi's arrangement and absolutely obey.

The two of them were in the dark, seeing far more things than Zhou Xu and Jia Zongru, and what they could discuss in the classroom were all on the bright side, while the two of them also had secret deals.Combining light and darkness, the two of them were the first to see clearly Yanxi's plan to encircle and suppress the poison in the western border from all directions.

Shen Qian and Han Yuqin are the spirits who fought out of the troubled times and the house struggles. They don't need Yan Xi to say more, they know that they will be the ones who stab the colluding forces in the west.

This made them extremely enthusiastic.Scholars, farmers, businessmen, and merchants are the bottom, but so what?They are the sharpest dark blades of His Royal Highness, and what they have to do is no worse than the third-rank officials in the hall.

Shen Qian and Han Yuqin agreed in unison, suppressing the excitement in their hearts, saluted and withdrew.

Zhou Xu and Jia Zongru didn't understand Yan Xi's ruthlessness and strategy hidden behind his smile at all, but they were stunned by the superficial arrangement.

They never expected that His Royal Highness, the young prince, would plan everything to such an extent.

Yan Xi said to Jia Zongru: "Jizhang, after you go back, send a letter to the Yue Xi military camp. I will go to see the master in three days, and I will visit the mutual market in Yue Xi County along the way."

It has been half a month since Yan Xi came to the western region, and he has not met Han Linmo yet.Now the west of Xi Sanwei is only blocked by Han Linmo's 20,000 soldiers and horses.

Yan Xi was in a hurry to see Han Linmo because Han Linmo had injured his hand in the early years, but he hadn't been on the battlefield for many years. During the few years he was away from the battlefield, he became his martial arts teacher for five years by chance..

This time Han Linmo was in command again, because Emperor Tianxi couldn't find someone more trustworthy and able to hold the scene; it was also Han Linmo who took the initiative to ask Ying to put on the armor for his student.

Yan Xi respects his taciturn master very much, now it is July, and autumn is only in the blink of an eye, he is worried that Han Linmo will suffer again.

Fortunately, Zhou Ci will be there in two days. When the time comes, will take Zhou Ci to see Han Linmo, and will always find a way to make Master feel less uncomfortable this autumn and winter.

Jia Zongru is Yuexi's procuratorial envoy, and his chief officer, the governor of Yuexi, is being imprisoned in the courtyard, and the chief envoy is vacant, and Yue Xi counts him as the highest rank now.At this time, when he heard that Yan Xi was going to the Yue Xi military camp, he wanted to get up and speak.

Yan Xi waved his hand and said: "Now that there is a shortage of manpower, Ji Zhang doesn't need to accompany him in the future. The supply of the Han army is still directed at Yue Xi County. If the governor of Yue Xi can't go back, you can act as the governor in place. The most urgent thing is to supply military supplies.Recruiting soldiers for the Han army also costs a lot of money, so you have to think of ways."

Jia Zongru recommended himself to come to the Western Territory on this trip, and he has a heart of serving the country.

Furthermore, he once offended Yan Xi in the palace, hoping to ease the relationship with the crown prince.

Originally, he thought that Yan Xi would probably not agree to his appointment, but he didn't expect that Yan Xi not only agreed, but also gave him enough face when he went to the western border.

What was even more unexpected was that what Yan Xi had just said was to promote him to be the second-rank governor of Yue Xi.

He has spent many years in the position of the fourth rank, and he had already given up his desire to be promoted again.

Loyalty, no way to promise the country.The Senate of the Metropolitan Procuratorate looks powerful, but in fact it is very far away from the livelihood of the people.The realization of his desire to plead for the people, as he grows older, gets further and further away.

In many quiet moments of the night, he also felt unwilling.

The luck came suddenly, because he followed Yan Xi, he was promoted by Emperor Tianxi to be the inspector of the third rank of Yue Xi.

This is already a mighty gift from God, and he actually didn't dare to have any more thoughts.

With his background and qualifications, it is almost impossible for him to be honored as "Master Futai" like Mei Yun and become a feudal official in charge of the lifeline of a county.

Unexpectedly, in this year of "knowing the destiny", such an opportunity was suddenly pushed in front of Yan Xi.

Everyone has aspirations. Under Yan Xi's gentle gaze, Jia Zongru's mixed arrogance, fear and shame in today's discussion were extinguished by His Royal Highness's overwhelming grace.

He respected and feared Yan Xi at the same time, he burst into tears for a moment, and trembling, he was about to bow down.

Seeing the movement, Yan Xi raised his hand to stop Jia Zongru and said, "The Western Territory is full of dangers, and opportunities are everywhere. Ji Zhang doesn't need to panic. Right now, not only for you, but also for the whole Western Territory. As long as there are people who can do things with sincerity, the governor will give them to the officials."Write a letter of recommendation."

Zhou Xu, who was at the side, was envious, but when he heard this, he suddenly realized.

He couldn't bear the turmoil in his heart, he was one step ahead of Jia Zongru, kowtowed fiercely and said: "I will definitely put Master Dutai first in everything, and I will not hesitate to die."

Once Yan Xi saw this, she knew she couldn't persuade her.He relaxed slightly, and Jia Zongru also knelt down.

In the ears are the words of allegiance that are fake.

Yan Xi's thoughts are clear, and he can clearly see the ups and downs of the people's thoughts in the hall.

He sits high in the chief seat and uses a few threads to lead those wandering thoughts. He is determined to win long before the discussion. Although the process is ups and downs, the result is under control.

He hated this kind of scheming, and the meticulous arrangement made him happy.

After days of gloom and gloom, finally got a little relief.

Yan Xi sighed very softly, and the blueprint of the Western Territory had begun to form in his mind.

In this joy, he suddenly saw a purple light shirt dangling outside the hall.

Yan Xi couldn't help but curled his lips and said: "That's the end of today's discussion, you three go back. At most three days, the governor's mansion will be able to sort out which officials can be released back. In these few days, you must ensure the stability of the three counties."

Wang An has been following Yan Xi, he saw Zi Yuan suddenly appearing outside.

Wang An couldn't help showing a smile, and stepped back to pass the meal.

Zhou Xu and Jia Zongru didn't know what to do, and thanked them sincerely.

Mei Yun also saw the purple shirt and knew whose subordinate it was.He shook his head at Zhou Xu and Jia Zongru to signal that he was the highest rank, so he bid farewell to Yan Xi and walked out of the meeting hall.

Zhou Xu and Jia Zongru were too shocked to think about anything else, so they went out with Mei Yun.

After Mei Yun went out, she stood under the eaves, the noon sun made the ground white, and it was already cool in July here, and it was no longer similar to Jingdu.

He was stunned for a moment before waking up suddenly, knowing that it was inconvenient to stay for a long time, and it was time to leave.

Mei Yun took a step and saw that Wang An had led someone over with a food box. This little eunuch who had been very enthusiastic about him now saw him as a stranger. Mei Yun stepped down first, stepped aside, and stood at theUnder the sun, Wang An passed behind him.

At least now Wang An won't give him a bad face anymore.

This may represent a subtle change in Yan Xi towards him.

Then he heard Wang An whispering to Yan Xi from inside: "The little prince is worried that the master will miss dinner again due to business, so he came back to accompany you to have dinner, and he is changing clothes."

Mei Yun had the kung fu to listen to the extremely low words, and felt as if her heart had been hollowed out, she didn't know where she was.

He didn't wake up until he heard it said that he was going to the flower hall for dinner, and he walked out feeling disappointed with a strong sour heart.

He looked forward under the sun, and suddenly felt a kind of helplessness that could see the end at a glance, knowing that this might be the only way for him in this life.

And the young man he had been with in his youthful years, after five years of missing him, became what he expected at the beginning.

But it no longer belongs to him.