PFC Chapter 214 Check
Chapter 214 Check
The prefect was so busy preparing for the evening banquet that he barely had time to breathe.
The Emperor was leaning back in his chair, listening to the report from Liu Changyan, the Imperial Guard.
When he arrived in Jinan, he naturally wanted to investigate what the local officials were really like.
What you see on the road today cannot prove anything.
The streets can be cleaned in advance, and people can be prepared in advance.
To thoroughly investigate the matter, someone needed to conduct an undercover investigation. When they were still a day away from Jinan Prefecture, the Emperor had already dispatched Liu Changyan with his secret guards to ride at full speed, disguised and entering the city ahead of schedule.
At this moment, Liu Changyan returned with what he had found.
The Emperor listened and found that he was generally satisfied with what Liu Changyan had investigated.
Liu Changyan and his group entered the city in batches.
Because the emperor was about to arrive, they underwent a thorough inspection upon entering the city.
Fortunately, they had prepared everything they needed, which allowed them to be allowed into the city.
The city was indeed bustling with activity as preparations were made to welcome the emperor. The people welcoming him were genuine locals; they weren't hired on short notice, nor were there any prior notices or official documents from the government.
The government's instructions were that everyone must be properly dressed and not make loud noises or disturb the emperor's procession. These were all permissible, and they actually showed that the prefect took the matter of receiving the emperor seriously.
The secret agents' investigation revealed that the prefect had indeed done some practical things and had a good reputation among the people, making him a good official.
Jinan Prefecture is a good place, a land of outstanding people and abundant resources. There are no disasters, the harvest is good, and the people naturally live and work in peace and contentment, without any major incidents.
The Emperor was very pleased with what he heard and then asked:
"Is this prefect related to someone in the capital? I remember him, in which year did he pass the second-class examination?"
Liu Changyan:
"Your Majesty, he was the top scholar in the second class eight years ago, and three years ago he was transferred to Jinan Prefecture to serve as the prefect."
His family was indeed based in the capital; his uncle was the Minister of Works.
His uncle had no sons, only two daughters who were already married.
The Emperor pondered for a moment and concluded that the Minister of Works was not bad; since obtaining the glass formula, he had been quite diligent.
In Jinan Prefecture, we'll take another look in the next couple of days. If he's a promising talent, we can bring him back to the capital.
Liu Changyan then went on to recount his findings,
"Your Majesty, I have also discovered that the assistant prefect of this prefecture is in cahoots with several people in the prefectural government. These people like to take advantage of others and often talk about people behind their backs."
"It can be determined whether they were just fond of taking small advantages and talking big, or whether they accepted bribes and committed heinous acts!"
The Emperor was in high spirits. He had just thought of the Minister of Works' merits and wanted to transfer his nephew back when he discovered the problem of lax management of his subordinates.
If such a problem really occurs, does the prefect know about it, or is he unaware, or is he intentionally condoning it?
Liu Changyan:
"I have investigated and found out that these people just often get together to eat and drink, and cause minor trouble for other people in the government office, but they don't have much guts to steal."
The Emperor nodded, ordering the imperial guards to stay behind and sending other secret agents to keep a close watch on officials from various regions.
The Emperor thought for a moment and then gave the following instructions:
"Besides Prime Minister Ji and the Jia family, other officials are also being sent to see if they have any private dealings with officials in various places. If any dealings are found, they should be investigated and reported immediately!"
Liu Changyan accepted the order and sent people to make arrangements. The Emperor himself was in the room. He couldn't tolerate any wrongdoing, so he wanted to see for himself whether Jinan Prefecture was truly a peaceful and prosperous place!