Chapter 890: After the modification - 887: Reward
Prime Minister Lu smiled and nodded: "Your Majesty’s words put this old minister at ease!"
"There is one more thing... It concerns the Liang Kingdom. Since the Emperor has conquered the Liang Kingdom, its lands now belong to our Jin Kingdom. However, the governance system of the Liang Kingdom is different from ours. The princes have their own fiefs and act independently. If we want to implement the Emperor’s new policies, any slight misstep could trigger a rebellion." Prime Minister Lu turned his head and looked at his eldest son, Lu Jinxian, "Therefore... with all due respect, this old minister recommends my eldest son to Your Majesty. You can send him to Daliang to oversee the implementation of these new laws!"
Lu Jinxian quickly stood up straight and saluted Bai Qingyan: "If Your Majesty entrusts this matter to me, I will do my utmost to accomplish it satisfactorily!"
"Minister Lu Jinxian is in his prime and will be a pillar of the Zhou Dynasty in the future. I originally intended for the implementation of the new laws within Jin to be led by Prime Minister Lu, with Minister Lu Jinxian assisting. Alongside this, Prime Minister Lu can also train Dong Changyuan and Li Mingrui. The newly acquired Liang territory can then be managed by Chen Zhaolu and Lu Yuanqing, which will be an excellent opportunity to groom these potential talents for our Zhou Dynasty..." Bai Qingyan gently rubbed the armrest of his recliner.
Chen Zhaolu and Lu Yuanqing—Bai Qingyan had not neglected to understand their capabilities while in Dadu City. Both are extremely intelligent individuals, especially Lu Yuanqing, who, despite his stern appearance, has considerable tact. Chen Zhaolu, on the other hand, appears to be a refined gentleman, but has a sharp edge beneath his surface. Both are passionate young talents who would implement the new policies more forcefully and decisively than someone like Lu Jinxian, who has navigated the bureaucratic waters for many years.
Prime Minister Lu did not expect Bai Qingyan to value Lu Yuanqing so highly and hurriedly said: "Yuanqing is still young. Implementing new policies in the Liang territory should prioritize stability and placation."
"Prime Minister Lu, your statement is incorrect. Implementing new policies... benefits the people!" Lu Jin suddenly addressed Prime Minister Lu, "The Jin Dynasty and the conquered Liang Kingdom still have influential noble families. However, the Emperor seeks the support of the common people! The nobles and imperial relatives have long oppressed the people. Implementing the new policies with decisive measures and suppressing the nobles will elevate the Emperor’s stature among the populace."
Lu Jin then looked at Bai Qingyan: "Just like in the Yan Kingdom, during the recapture of Nanyan, the banner of Empress Ji’s new policies was raised. As a result, the Yan Kingdom was hardly contested; the people welcomed the troops wherever they went! And in the Wei Kingdom... after its conquest, the Ninth Prince of Yan used decisive measures to deal with the Wei nobles, which was overwhelmingly applauded by the people!"
"But it also earned the Ninth Prince of Yan a reputation for cruelty." Lu Jinxian, who was holding a teacup, interjected.