Chapter 102: The Reason for Arrogance

A soldier reported, "Reporting to Your Highness, our adult is not in the mansion!"

"How absurd! Where exactly is he not in the mansion?"

"Two days ago... the adult went on inspection to the various counties and has yet to return!"

Li Zhi calculated the time.

Two days ago?

Wasn't that the very first day he took office?

"How outrageous!" Luo Tong scolded angrily. "He knows we are here, so even if he does not come to pay respects, that is one matter, but he actually went far to conduct inspections—this is far too disrespectful toward Your Highness!"

"Luo Tong!"

Li Zhi signaled him to remain silent.

"Since the prefectural governor is not here, we shall pay our respects another day!"

"This... ." Luo Tong was so furious he trembled.

Li Zhi could not bear it either. He seized the soldier and declared, "Convey this to that adult: My patience is also limited. I can tolerate him once or twice, but I cannot tolerate the third time!"

"Yes, yes... This humble one will definitely convey it!"

"We shall leave!"

Though Li Zhi possessed considerable patience,

he was also reaching his limit.

Luo Tong said, "Your Highness, why be so courteous to such a person?"

"As for upright officials who serve the people, I still hold them in high regard!"

"Regardless of whether he is an upright official, this disregard for Your Highness is not the way of a minister! Do upright officials not require respect through proper etiquette?"

...

Li Zhi thought it over and realized he was right.

The newly appointed prefectural governor was indeed rather out of line!

In the future, when we meet, we should give him a firm scolding to prevent disagreements over economic or agricultural matters during his tenure that could lead to unnecessary complications.

That day,

Li Shimin dispatched an old and pompous minister who introduced himself as the Minister of Personnel.

He claimed it was to assist in managing Hongnong County.

In truth, he did not trust Li Zhi and feared he might cause trouble, so he had come specially to supervise.

"Who are you?"

"Reporting to Prince Li Shimin... This official is Minister of Personnel Wu You!"

What a name!

Li Zhi smiled. "I hope your ability to govern is not as lacking as your name suggests!"

"Uh... ." Wu You was thoroughly embarrassed.

"Please Your Highness rest assured, this official will do his utmost!"

"Um!"

Li Zhi said, "Since you have arrived, all daily affairs of Hongnong County will henceforth be entrusted to you. I have neither the time nor the energy, nor the interest!"

On the way to Hongnong,

Wu You had already promised Li Shimin to use every means possible to persuade Li Zhi to return to the capital. This would both ensure Li Zhi's safety and allow Luo Tong to learn to command the army—a win-win outcome.

Hearing Li Zhi declare he had no interest,

Wu You replied with delight, "Since Your Highness does not wish to serve as county magistrate, why not return to the capital now?"

"Nonsense! When did I ever say I did not want to be county magistrate?"

"Then what Your Highness said just now... ."

"I mean I do not wish to manage affairs! But I still want the title of county magistrate. And do not attempt any tricks with me—everything must listen to me, or see how this king will deal with you!"

Li Zhi issued a threat.

Realizing Li Zhi's formidable nature, Wu You immediately relented: "This official understands. This official will withdraw!"

"Wait!"

Li Zhi approached the desk, spread out the white paper, and instructed, "Come here and help me draft an announcement to post at the city gate! Simply state that this county urgently needs to recruit five hundred laborers at a daily wage of one qian, with food and lodging provided... ."

"Write it!"

Wu You stood there stunned like an idiot.

Li Zhi had originally not wanted to use him and now disliked him even more, so he personally wrote the announcement: "Go to the city gate and post this announcement!"

"Your Highness's handwriting... ."

"What's the matter?"

"Your style possesses quite a grand elegance!"

Wu You held the announcement with an astonished expression.

For Li Zhi's characters differed markedly from the existing fonts of the Tang Dynasty—

concise, clear, neat, and forceful. Though altered significantly, they preserved the original meaning. They stood alone, a style of their own.

"Cease flattering me. Hurry and carry out the task; do not make me urge you again!"

"This official obeys the order!"

Wu You carried the announcement to the East City.

"What kind of announcement is this?" The passersby gathered at the door.

The yamen runner guarding the notice said, "Everyone, look carefully. Hongnong County is recruiting five hundred laborers, providing food and lodging along with wages. Those willing, report to the county yamen!"

"Is this true?"

"Not only food and lodging, but thirty qian per month... ." This was already considered high pay in the Tang Dynasty.

"How can a government announcement be false?" The soldier reading the notice loudly proclaimed it finished and cried out, "The county yamen has dedicated registrars; those interested, hurry to sign up before the spots are gone!"

"Oh oh oh... ." The crowd swarmed toward the county yamen.

Five hundred people were soon assembled!

Li Zhi climbed onto the table and declared, "Everyone, please quiet down. You must be wondering why the government recruits so many, provides food and wages—what is the purpose? Is there any danger?"

"I tell you, there is no danger!"

"The lands within Hongnong County are mostly fallow. I wish to mobilize everyone to plant grains for relief in the disaster areas—that is all!"

...

After careful explanation,

everyone understood.

Farming was something they knew well.

Food and lodging provided, along with wages.

The grains grown, transported to the disaster areas to relieve the stricken people.

This was equivalent to indirectly supporting the people of the disaster zones.

Such a noble cause—who would not participate?

An old man leaned on his carrying pole, head raised, and said, "Your Highness is benevolent, planning blessings for the people of the disaster areas. How can we not exert our utmost effort? Whatever Your Highness requires, just command us!"

"Everyone, does it sound right?"

"Yes yes yes... ." The awareness of the people of Hongnong County was exceptionally high.

To aid the people in the disaster areas, they were willing to work without pay.

White labor, without compensation.

"No pay? Excellent! Hehe... ." Luo Tong secretly chuckled.

"What are you saying? How could we not receive pay? Are our awareness not superior to that of ordinary people?" Li Zhi nearly believed his own words—that the planting was for the relief of the disaster-stricken.

"Take them to the southern outskirts of the city and set up a camp. Wait for me to plan before beginning work!"

"Yes!"

Luo Tong led them toward the south of the city.

The team had just departed.

A sedan chair appeared ahead, swaying unsteadily.

Li Zhi glanced at it and hummed, "That must be the newly appointed prefectural governor... This boy has finally returned! Luo Yi, go capture him!"

"Understood!"

"Wait... ." Li Zhi reconsidered and thought it unsuitable: "This king will give him one more chance. You go inform him that I am in the county yamen, always ready to receive him respectfully!"

...

If he does not come this time, Li Zhi does not care whether he is a corrupt official or an upright one; he will deal with him regardless! As Luo Tong observed, even an upright official must understand etiquette—how can a prince be in the city without coming to pay respects?

At noon,

Li Zhi prepared a banquet at the county yamen.

Waiting for the prefectural governor to arrive.

Luo Yi returned to report: "Your Highness, that adult is extremely arrogant. He claims his official duties are heavy and he has no time to come!"

"What a time to come... ."

Li Zhi's patience had been completely exhausted.

What upright official, what good official—that was no excuse for arrogance!