The host and guest were on good terms, and Wang Chen, understanding the situation, made no demands, which pleased Lu Ming.
Before leaving, Lu Ming took Zhang Feng away and said to Wang Chen, "Don't advise others to be kind if you haven't experienced their suffering. You should let your sons go out and gain experience. Those who are aloof and detached from worldly affairs are immortals, not mortals."
"Yes, yes, thank you for your guidance, Your Highness."
Wang Chen's forehead was covered in cold sweat. Clearly, Lu Ming was dissatisfied with his sons.
What "aloof and detached"? This meant they were ignorant of the hardships of ordinary people, knew nothing when asked, and gave irrelevant answers. His sons had failed after being tortured!
After Lu Ming rode away on his bicycle, Wang Chen scratched his forehead, his expression ferocious as he looked at his four sons.
"Starting tomorrow, you're all going to the northern county town. I'll have Ju Shou properly discipline you!"
Ju Shou was known for his uprightness and incorruptibility. He would do anything that benefited Qin, regardless of the consequences.
This was similar to Bao Zheng, except Bao Zheng came from the beginning, while Ju Shou surrendered midway.
Only an iron fist could subdue the local powerful families. He was notoriously disgusted with the sons of wealthy and powerful families; anyone who fell into his hands would be severely punished, if not killed.
Ju Shou dared to do this because he had troops at his disposal; disobedience was met with swift and decisive crushing.
It was a time of chaos, a time for harsh punishments, so he was determined to inflict a severe blow!
Wang Chen's words clearly indicated a desperate gamble, sending his son out to gain experience. The current Prefect of Chang'an, Liu Qi, was a spoiled brat in his youth.
Back then, Lu Ming hadn't yet risen to prominence, yet he was already utterly obedient and tamed. Now, he oversees all affairs in Guanzhong and is doing an excellent job.
If Marquis Yan were still alive, he would surely feel that his son had a bright future, and his family could rest easy.
"Father!"
Several people were shocked, clearly realizing something.
"You have disappointed the King of Qin greatly! And you have disappointed me too! Get out! Go back and reflect on your actions!"
"If you haven't gained Ju Shou's approval in a year, then never come back!"
Wang Chen angrily flicked his sleeves, clearly displeased with his son's incompetence.
Now, the Qin state's annexation of the Han dynasty was a foregone conclusion. That's why he needed to curry favor with Lu Ming, the King of Qin, to ensure the continuation of his family's lineage.
Compared to the Han dynasty's laissez-faire rule and decline, the Qin court's control over the provinces was extremely strong. With unobstructed roads, speed could be greatly increased.
In the past, controlling a region required unobstructed roads, allowing the army to arrive in time. This was also..." The reason why the control of a region weakens the further it is from the capital is because it serves as a deterrent, letting the recipient know that a surprise attack is always possible.
The military reforms, the improvement of military industry, and the changes in the political and officialdom all represent earth-shattering changes compared to the Han Dynasty.
Compared to the past, which valued family background, the Qin state now places more emphasis on ability. If someone lacks money but needs it, they can apply.
If the superior doesn't approve, they can go directly to the Prime Minister's office; the national treasury will provide the funds, but embezzlement is strictly prohibited.
The current salary is three times higher than in the Han Dynasty, which is sufficient.
There are also daily internal... The cloth and supplies sent by the government were enough to live comfortably as long as one didn't embezzle them; however, once one reached out for them...
Then there was no room for politeness.
Wang Chen sensed that those without the ability to hold office would inevitably be assigned to low-ranking, insignificant departments, with drastically reduced salaries and benefits—clearly marginalized figures to anyone with eyes.
It was merely a department set up as a consolation prize.
The difference between the capable and the incapable was immediately apparent in their salaries; the disparity was like night and day.
A month later, Lu Ming brought his sister Lu Xue, her younger sister Lu Qing, Diao Chan, Bu Lianshi, Lin Daiyu, Xue Baochai, Jia Tanchun, and Jia Yingchun went to Puyang for sightseeing, which was also an inspection tour.
Tanchun was in charge of the Imperial Household Department, and she wasn't alone; she had Yuanchun, Wang Xifeng, and Yuanyang assisting her, so she didn't need to worry about the department ceasing operations.
Being able to accompany Lu Ming on this trip was a great honor, even though it meant being sexually assaulted along the way.
However, being by a man's side was a privilege.
Other women could only serve the emperor in the harem, while they could stay by your side around the clock.
The army led the way, and the scouts along the way were equipped with binoculars and folding off-road bicycles.
They used new tires that were puncture-resistant, meaning the scouts' equipment was updated much faster.
From insect repellent and medicine to folding composite bows and steel swords and shields, the cost of one scout was enough to equip two hundred soldiers for other warlords.
This extravagant cost yielded significant results. In the technological age, they used technology to crush their opponents.
Often, in scout battles, before they even saw the enemy would be instantly killed with an arrow to the throat—that's utter crushing defeat!
Scouts don't act alone, nor are they allowed to. They must travel in groups of three or ten to prevent the equipment from falling into the wrong hands.
Therefore, Lu Ming can move freely without fear of ambushes.
The changes in the scouts are also a kind of experiment.
Because in three to five years, he will be able to pacify the thirteen provinces of the Eastern Han Dynasty, at which point he will definitely want to expand outwards.
However, he needs to recuperate while simultaneously conducting intelligence gathering.
Therefore, changes to the army can now be put on the agenda.
The ministers of the Grand Council were aware of the idea of external expansion. However, they also understood the strategy of recuperation and consolidation.
Recuperate and consolidate, pacify the Central Plains and Jiangnan, unify the land, ascend the throne, and then recuperate before expanding and plundering.
While external plunder is not a good thing, capturing foreign tribes is an excellent one.
There's no need for any psychological burden; those not of our race are bound to have different intentions, so killing them is no big deal.
This time, Lu Ming Instead of riding bicycles, they boarded comfortable and spacious horse-drawn carriages.
Now, the road from Zhengzhou to the ferry crossing was paved with cement and asphalt, making for a smooth ride.
Moreover, there were people specifically assigned to maintain it, ensuring smooth traffic and cleanliness.
Caravans had to pay, but private travelers didn't.
Sitting in the carriage, listening to Lin Daiyu and Jia Tanchun reciting poems, the lyrics of their romantic verses were incredibly beautiful.
With her head resting on Diao Chan's beautiful legs, she opened her mouth to eat the green dates her sister fed her.
This feeling was simply wonderful!