aircannonsinc Chapter 1074 We still don't have enough talent!
Chapter 1074 We still don't have enough talent!
"Your subject obeys the decree," Xiao He replied, bowing.
“As for Wei Bao,” Gao Yao walked back to the throne, his fingers unconsciously tapping again, “the Qingyi Society must continue to strengthen its infiltration. In particular, we must intensify our efforts to win over Chen Ping. Gold, silver, treasures, high-ranking positions and generous salaries—we can relax the conditions as long as they are willing to come.”
"I understand."
“Also,” Gao Yao added, “inform Han Xin to intensify the training of new recruits to replenish the losses of the southern border army. At the same time, send small detachments to harass the Wei border and probe the Wei army's reaction. But remember, do not start a large-scale war.”
Xiao He noted everything down, nodding inwardly. Although Gao Yao sometimes appeared overconfident, once he realized the seriousness of the problem, his decisions were quite decisive and wise.
"When does Your Majesty plan to depart for the northern lands?" Xiao He asked.
"Hmph, you've already put it this way, why should I go? How can I go? If you won't let me go, then go by yourself!"
Gao Yao's voice echoed in the hall, carrying an undeniable authority. His gaze, sharp as a torch, fell upon Xiao He, who stood in the center of the hall. Xiao He stood with his head bowed, his hands tucked into his sleeves, his face calm, but the fine beads of sweat on his forehead betrayed his inner tension.
The candlelight flickered inside the hall, casting long shadows of the two men. Outside the window, the night was deep, and the faint sound of the water clock could be heard. This was a private meeting, between the two of them alone.
Gao Yao continued, each word resounding: "A court assembly will be held in three days. After the assembly, you will personally go there to appease the people, rectify official corruption, and gather the displaced people. You must not neglect this matter. Xiao He, you must understand that we have a long road ahead. This is not just a temporary expedient, but a long-term plan concerning the future of the country."
He stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the deep night outside. His voice softened slightly: "The Guanzhong region is plagued by widespread refugees, destroyed farmland, and corrupt officials. If this is not addressed promptly, it could lead to a major disaster. Your mission here is not only to distribute disaster relief funds, but also to thoroughly investigate local officials. Those who should be dismissed must be dismissed, and those who should be executed must be executed without hesitation. At the same time, you must organize the refugees to return to their hometowns to resume farming and restore production. This is the fundamental solution."
Xiao He raised his head, his eyes resolute: "I understand. However... the problem of displaced people has been a long-standing issue, and it will probably take time to eradicate it completely."
“We have time, but we cannot lack patience.” Gao Yao turned around, his gaze sharp as lightning. “Remember, you are going on behalf of the court, on behalf of me. Every decision you make will affect the lives of millions of people. If anyone dares to obstruct you, or feign compliance while acting against your will, you may act first and report later!”
These words were spoken with absolute certainty, and the air in the hall seemed to freeze. Xiao He took a deep breath and solemnly bowed: "Your subject will certainly not fail in your trust."
Gao Yao nodded, walked back to the table, and tapped the map on the table with his fingers: "There is one more thing. When you go to the North, you must check on the construction of the Great Wall."
Xiao He was slightly taken aback: "The Great Wall?"
“Exactly.” Gao Yao’s finger traced an arc on the map. “Since the Qin Dynasty began building the Great Wall, although initial results have been seen, the project is enormous and cannot be completed overnight. Although the Xiongnu in the north have temporarily retreated, the existence of the Great Wall remains crucial. It is not only a defensive line, but also a protective measure for long-term stability.”
He paused, then continued, "What Gao Yao described isn't just because it's a scenic spot. Even if we were to completely defeat the Xiongnu in the future, the Great Wall would still be necessary. It can serve as a long-term border, a precaution for unforeseen circumstances. Think about it: the Xiongnu are nomadic, moving like the wind. Without the Great Wall as a barrier, our borders would never be peaceful. Even if we were to decisively defeat the Xiongnu and prevent them from invading the south for decades, the threat on the grasslands would never completely disappear. The Great Wall is the guarantee we leave for our descendants."
Xiao He listened intently and nodded in agreement: "Your Majesty's plans are far-sighted. However, the construction of the Great Wall is extremely costly, and the national treasury is currently..."
“I know,” Gao Yao interrupted him. “That’s why I want you to go and inspect the site, understand the progress of the project, and assess the actual needs. Don’t rush, but ensure quality. At the same time, see if you can improve the construction methods to reduce the burden on the laborers. Remember, the Great Wall must be built, but not at the cost of the lives of the people. If any officials are found to mistreat the laborers or embezzle project funds, they will be severely punished!”
These words gave Xiao He a jolt. He had originally thought that Gao Yao would push forward the Great Wall project at all costs, just like the First Emperor had done back then, but now it seemed that this new ruler had considered things more thoroughly.
"Your Majesty, I understand." Xiao He bowed again. "Your Majesty will investigate carefully and report back in detail."
"Yes," Gao Yao said finally, his tone softening, "Go now and prepare well. I will announce your appointment in public at the court assembly in three days."
"Yes." Xiao He responded and withdrew, his footsteps gradually disappearing into the long corridor outside the palace.
Silence returned to the hall. Gao Yao stood alone in the candlelight, gazing intently at the map spread out on the table, his eyes deep in thought. On the map, the territory of the Great Qin Dynasty stretched endlessly, from the shores of the East Sea to the deserts of the West, from the northern grasslands to the southern mountains; every inch of land embodied the hard work of countless people. And now, this heavy responsibility rested on his shoulders.
He couldn't help but sigh softly. He'd been in this era for over a decade, rising from an ordinary cook to where he was today—the hardships he'd endured were known only to him. Sometimes he even wondered what his life would be like now if he hadn't transmigrated. But such thoughts always vanished in an instant, because he knew he couldn't go back, never.
"It's all troublesome," Gao Yao muttered to himself, rubbing his temples. Politics, military affairs, people's livelihood, diplomacy... a thousand and one things, every single one of which required his attention. But he had no choice; having taken this position, he had to shoulder this responsibility.
He composed himself and prepared to return to the palace. After all, there were still many matters waiting for him to attend to. But just as he reached the palace gate, he suddenly stopped.
"Let's go see him." Gao Yao's heart stirred, and he changed direction. "Some things should be put to rest."
He gestured to the guards behind him not to follow, and walked alone towards the prison. The palace was particularly solemn in the night, with high walls and deep courtyards, and only a few lights. Gao Yao walked on the bluestone-paved road, his footsteps particularly clear in the silent night.
The prison was located in the southwest corner of the palace, a separate courtyard under heavy guard. Gao Yao's arrival startled the guards, who quickly bowed and opened the door. He said nothing and walked straight in.