"From now on, I will leave Qiyun County in your hands. The official appointment and notification will come in two days. In the next two days, you can start preparing for the many matters of taking over as the county magistrate. You can also appoint officials in the county magistrate's office. As for the vacant officials in other counties, you will have to find a way yourself..."
"I am a humble official with limited knowledge and talent. The responsibilities of the governor of Qiyun County are too heavy. I am afraid that I have failed to live up to your highness's expectations!" Shi Changfeng looked apprehensive, feeling both happy and fearful. The important task entrusted to him by Yan Liqiang made him excited that he could finally realize his ambitions, but the thought of the burden he had taken over made him feel uneasy. Hearing Yan Liqiang addressing him, Shi Changfeng felt mixed emotions. He bowed deeply to Yan Liqiang, then stood up and looked deeply into Yan Liqiang's eyes. "I know that your highness is someone who is reminiscent of the old times and I know your highness's intentions, but your highness is now of noble status, as the King of Pingxi of the Han Empire. Every move you make has far-reaching consequences. In the future, please just address me by my name or title, and don't call me teacher anymore. If your highness calls me teacher again, I really can't bear it. Not only is it inappropriate, it will also cause many misunderstandings among others!"
Yan Liqiang let out a long breath. The change in his status unconsciously made many people around him restrained, just like Shi Changfeng. It would be impossible for him to be as casual as before. He smiled bitterly and shook his head, "Okay, I will call you Lord Shi from now on. This position belongs to you, Lord Shi. No one around me is more suitable for this position than you. Lord Shi, don't refuse it. People like Ye Tiancheng have been in this position of county governor for so many years. If Lord Sun hadn't taken him down, he might still be serving as his county governor. Lord Shi is better than Ye Tiancheng, right? The appointment has been announced at the meeting just now, so it's settled. It's getting late now, Lord Shi, go back and have a rest..."
"Then I will take my leave. Your Highness, please go to bed early!"
"Um!"
Watching Shi Changfeng leave the small conference hall of Zi Guang Hall, Yan Liqiang let out a long sigh. He looked out the window. The moon was high in the sky and insects were chirping. It was already late at night. He had unknowingly stayed in Zi Guang Hall for almost a whole day and most of the night. Until now, he had not had dinner yet. Today, everyone was so busy in the meeting that they didn't even have a sip of water, let alone a meal.
The meeting was over before dark, and all the reform measures had been basically finalized according to his own plan, with only minor changes in some details after discussion. After the meeting, he kept several people who had received important appointments and talked to them one by one. The conversation lasted a long time without him noticing.
Shi Changfeng will take over as the new governor of Qiyun County...
Situ Feixing will serve as the new Black Jie Governor...
The identities and positions of other participants will also change a lot in the future. Everyone has added responsibilities. No one who can attend today's meeting has an easy time. Even Shi Dafeng and Shen Teng will serve as the commanders of the first and second archer cavalry divisions after the expansion of the Longya Army in the future. The two will become the youngest colonel officers in the Longya Army.
After this change, even if the Eight Black Jie Banners were not included, the number of the Longya Army under the Pingxi Palace, plus the entire troops under the command of several Northwestern Green Forest leaders, would soon expand to 150,000. These 150,000 troops would include three archer divisions, three ordinary cavalry divisions and six infantry divisions. If the Eight Black Jie Banners were included, this number would triple.
"Your Highness, there is no one outside. Would you like something to eat? I'll have someone prepare it and bring it to you!" Hu Haihe came to Yan Liqiang and asked with concern.
Seeing the diligent Hu Haihe, Yan Liqiang laughed and pointed to the seat in front of him, "Haihe, sit down. I'm not hungry and I won't eat tonight. It's okay. We haven't had a good chat for a long time. Let's chat today!"
"Well, I can just stand. It's uncomfortable to sit..." Hu Haihe scratched his head and said a little awkwardly.
"Haihe, you've been with me for a long time. Have you ever thought about changing places..." Yan Liqiang considered his words, "I want to try to be independent and do what you want to do. Now, whether it's in Qiyun County, Gulang Grassland or even the Black Jie Tribe, there are many places that need manpower and officials. If you want to go out and train, you can go to the army or the local areas. I will arrange it for you. There will be a broader world in the future!"
Hu Haihe smiled embarrassedly and scratched his head. "I know what your highness means. Others may not know what each person can and cannot do, but he must know it best. Not everyone can be a general or a county governor. I am also very clear about my abilities. To be honest, I am not self-deprecating, but I am really not cut out to be a high-ranking official. I used to think that I could do some small business to support my family or escort with the escort agency. I am very satisfied to be able to follow your highness. Not only can I learn a lot, but I also feel that what I do is very meaningful. I am an important person. People like Mr. Shi who have the ability and capability can govern a county well, and maybe even become a governor in the future. I just want to do the small things your highness has told me to do well. Even if I only drive the carriage for your highness, I am happy. By the way, your highness may not know that after practicing the Five Animal Play for so long, I feel that I will soon be promoted to a warrior..."
Yan Liqiang looked at Hu Haihe with admiration, smiled and nodded, "Well, if you don't want to leave, it's up to you. If you want to do something in the future, just tell me!"
"Thank you, Your Highness!"
Yan Liqiang stretched himself and then stood up. "I've been here for a day. I'm going back..."
…
A few minutes later, Yan Liqiang went directly from Zi Guang Hall back to his own courtyard in the palace.
The place where Yan Liqiang lives is very quiet. It is also the most heavily guarded place in the Pingxi Palace. There are three levels of security inside and outside, with visible and hidden sentries. There are experts guarding the roofs of both houses. It is no exaggeration to say that even if a mosquito wants to fly in, it has to be allowed in by others.
When Yan Liqiang returned to his bedroom and turned on the light, he saw a man wearing a judge's mask on his face. He was sitting calmly beside the coffee table outside his bedroom, not moving at all. Even when he saw Yan Liqiang come in, he just looked at Yan Liqiang calmly. Only the light in his eyes behind the mask flashed.
After a brief pause, Yan Liqiang smiled calmly, then walked to a place not far from the man and sat down calmly, "You are so skilled that you can come here without making any noise. I guess you must have something to tell me..."
"You are so brave, King Pingxi!" The man spoke. His voice came from behind the mask. It was a little dull, but it could be heard that he was old, at least over 60 years old. "King Pingxi, why don't you guess my origins and why I am here? If you can guess them all, I will give Your Highness a special gift..."
(End of this chapter)