C87

Zhang Zhou had thought that he was already in the Emperor's surveillance zone, and he was trembling with fear. Later on, he found out from Fu Xiang about the scope of the investigation department's supervision. Only then did he relax a lot. However, his conduct became more orderly and more cautious.

The location of Hou Mansion was where Hu Xianwen's mansion had previously been sealed and confiscated, and now, it was given to Zhang Zhou! Although he didn't believe in ghosts or gods, Zhang Zhou still felt it was weird! When Ping Wang found out about this, he immediately went to the palace to ask for an order to tear down the courtyard and rebuild it!

After a few days of discussion in the imperial court, Zhang Zhou had truly experienced what it meant to be a member of the government! There were numerous disputes between interest groups, and all sorts of methods were being used! Every day, there would be a few rounds of intense, generous, and critical battles. And the efficiency at solving the problem was even lower than the development of Zhang Yuan's scientific research! Many things had been discussed for a long time, but the conclusion was, "Let's discuss more!" This was because many people's actions were clearly done in order to oppose the idea! It was a common occurrence to put everything on the line to the detriment of others!

The imperial court could be divided into two main interests: the South Tenth System, which represented the interests of the Southern ten Prefectures, and the Capital System, which represented the interests of the capital and the other prefectures. Of course, there was one other major faction, and that was the "Silence" faction led by Pei Yuan Zhao! When things were about to come to an end, he would remain silent and watch the situation unfold! As of right now, they each had their fair share of spring and autumn. Zhao Qianyuan was probably just watching from the sidelines as he cleverly grasped the balance. As for the lines that were fighting among the imperial power, they were vague and indistinct.

Zhang Zhou was not bored at all. In any case, he did not need to bother with the court's matters! He decided to just stand in the corner and calmly think about his own matters!

He and Hezhou had established a complete system of information flow. Every day, he would receive a report from Hezhou, and every day, he would receive a prompt reply! If there was a secret involved, then the password and information channel would be used! In this era, overland traffic was not smooth, and information transmission was too time-consuming. Often, a stone would be thrown out, and it would take a long time for there to be a response.

At present, the development of the situation in the northwest would take at least two to three months on the surface before a conclusion was made. In fact, after Zhang Zhou and Sima Jingyan came to a consensus, the Great Yan Mountain Pass was already open to business! Assign Huyan East Hedge to the Heaven Realm Mountain to host the horse farm construction!

He also planned to use the Qin River Road to transport the goods that he had brought back from the Western Tribes to the Southern Prefecture so that he could save about half of the time! He wrote a letter to Hu Pao Hai of the Flying Flood Dragon Gang, asking him to participate in it with all his might!

It required a large amount of manpower and financial resources to rebuild the riverbank, construct the piers, build the fleet, and transfer to the relay stations along the way. It was already considered quite good to see the results after a year!

Right now, the business development of the Nine Prefectures was becoming firmer and firmer, and the management was becoming more and more formal. The internal mechanism was also gradually being perfected! At the suggestion of Lu Fangcheng, a series of new regulatory measures were taken to ensure the reliability of operations in the outer regions; the infrastructure in Nanping County was more or less complete, and the next step was to focus on building transportation so that large quantities of fine salt could be transported to Hezhou for storage; the underground forces of Feizi, after stabilizing the whole of Hezhou, also began to expand the other five northern states along with the sound transport system of the merchant caravans; Qu Thirteen's fleet had monopolized the river shipping and, in cooperation with the Wing Gang, started to dabble in the business of Lotus and Ronshui; Lao Huang's intelligence network was also working in the six northern states and the capital of Kyoto to increase its penetration power; From Guan Yu-niang's budget, the group's annual net income can easily exceed a million taels. If they were to start operating in the Southern Ten Prefectures, their profits would double every year, and they would be conservative estimates. "This year, the number of tourists to Hezhou had already reached thirty thousand, and the establishment of Hezhou Light Industry Park had brought in a large number of handicraft workers and merchants. The Polytechnic Academy had already completed two graduates, providing a strong staff guarantee for the industrial development of Zhang Zhou, as well as providing orderly training for craftsmen according to the plans. The training of the students in the Dance and Song Academy was much longer. Once recruited once a year, he would only graduate once every three years, and would have a long journey ahead of him. Mei Changqing's caravan had been expanded, and according to his thinking, they would be allowed to form a prairie caravan at the right time, when the time was ripe, a large amount of salt could enter the prairie, or even the Northern Swallow. Now the most difficult part of the development of northern commerce is how to open up the north swallow. Zhang Zhou didn't think that he would be able to solve this problem personally! How could the path of development be smooth! Take your time!

By the beginning of July, excluding large investments, the Nine Regions Chamber of Commerce's net profit had already reached three million silver taels! According to Zhang Zhou's calculations, if the trade with Xirong began, the operation of Qin River's waterway, as well as Nanping Province's salt, as well as the prairie trade, would be able to make a profit of 18 million a year in the Land of the Nine Prefectures! This wasn't even considered a temporary income like that of the Twin Clubs.

In short, the development of commerce in the Nine Regions made Zhang Zhou extremely satisfied.

In his previous life, Zhang Zhou could not be considered a person with meticulous planning. But now, he had to think about so many things. He could not help but feel overwhelmed. He should have a few secretaries by his side! Zhang Zhou was thinking whether he should get a few female secretaries and end the meeting with them doing nothing but trying to win him over.

Just as he was about to leave the main hall, he heard someone call out to him from behind. Zhang Zhou turned around and saw it was Lu Fengqiao, so he hurriedly greeted him.

"Lord Lu, what can I do for you?"

"Do you still need to be so courteous to me, Marquis of the Nine Prefectures? If you don't have time at noon, why don't you call Prince Ping over and have a drink? "

"Sure! Nothing to do with it anyway? "However …"

"Is something the matter, Marquis of the Nine Prefectures?"

"Heh, it's not that there's something wrong, but I want to know who will be in charge?"

"If I want to be the east, I have to get the approval of your Marquis of the Nine Prefectures!"

"Hehe, I completely agree, Lord Lu is the only one!"

"From the Ping Wang, you still have to call me uncle!"

"…"

Lu Fengqiao and the Peace King had already exchanged their greetings. The two of them waited outside the palace before the Ping Wang came out. The three of them led a group of servants and headed straight to the Flowing Water Pavilion. Zhang Zhou had only recently found out that the Flowing Water Pavilion was the Queen's business, and it was a good place for people to live. Besides, it was convenient to talk about things at home!

There was a private room for the King Ping of the Flowing Water Pavilion, there would be no hidden danger of outsiders eavesdropping! Although Zhang Zhou said that he cared about who did what to whom, among friends, he would not care. He would only joke about this kind of matter that he was acquainted with, and as usual, he would order a table of wine for his servants, so they could take turns to guard the meal!

"Zhang Zhou? He Zhou really blew up this year!"

"What?" What happened? " Zhang Zhou looked at Zhao Qishui seriously.

"Are you distracted again? I admire you, but you can also change your mind like this! "

"Shardblade, how can I understand what the ministers are talking about? He might as well learn to be like Dazhu and stand still, not caring about anything at all! Besides, even if I were to be concerned about it, I wouldn't be able to interfere! "

When Lu Fengqiao was together with the two of them, he was much less reserved. His speech and actions were much more casual as he laughed, "You, don't just look at how the people from the Dazhu Nation are like wooden stakes. In the future, you will definitely not miss a single word of the information! "In my opinion, in the entire imperial court, only you, the Marquis of the Nine Prefectures, would be unable to accomplish such a feat!"

"I'll try my best to change it!" Anyway, I don't think my character is suitable for the assembly! Senhor, what did you say about Hezhou? "

Zhao Qishui snappily replied, "This year's examinees from all the provinces are only second to Phoenix Cry Prefecture, the number two in the world. Even His Majesty was praising the rise of the literary style in Hezhou! He even praised He Zhou Prefecture's Tang Wenxuan and the great scholar Li Shuting! "

Lu Fengqiao also echoed, "Hezhou's change is indeed surprising. Zhang Zhou, all of this is inextricably linked to your Hezhou Twin Assassins' plot!"

Zhao Qishui nodded and said confidently, "If the results of this exam are so good in Hezhou, then this Tang Wenxuan's position will definitely be moved!"

"Oh, I wonder who will be sent to Hezhou to replace Master Tang?" Zhang Zhou asked.

In comparison, he cared more about who was the head of the government in the prefecture city than who was the prime minister of Dazhu Kingdom! Zhao Qisheng rolled his eyes at him.

"I'm just making an estimate. I don't have a single character! Even if that day really comes, I can't decide who to arrange for when the time comes! But then again, who wouldn't use who? "Can't you ask uncle?"

Zhang Zhou smacked his head and laughed out loud, "I forgot, I forgot. Old Master Lu is in charge of the Government Department!"

Lu Fengqiao asked with great interest, "What? Are you interested in the position of Prefecture Lord? "

"Uncle, do you know if I'm interested in this position?" "My industry is all in Hezhou. It would be very inconvenient if it was someone else who didn't fit in!"

"Alright, I'll go back and talk. I'll try my best to help you keep an eye on this position, it shouldn't be a problem! But this favor, will be repaid by you! "

"Shardbearer, do you think your own family needs to do this?"

"Hahaha, bro, I think this is how it should be. Anyway, my grandfather is going to have a birthday. Let me remind you, my grandfather often mentioned the singing and dancing group! "

"Fine, fine, it's all on me!"

"..."

"Once every three years, during the exam, the entire country will pay attention to it. The main examiner's position is that of a good boy, which is also a poor boy!"

Zhang Zhou understood the meaning behind Lu Fengqiao's words. This year's examinees all had to pay their respects to the examiners as disciples, so not only would the examiners receive the glory of Peach Blossom across the world, they would even be able to increase their own strength. At the same time, the various powers also had quite a few private operations during the exam. The top 300 rankers of the national examinees were called the rankers. The top 100 rankings could be considered the opportunity to participate in the Hall Competition and become the disciples of the heavens. The top 30 ranked candidates could be considered the key talents of the country. The top three rankings usually didn't dare to be faked, but the rankings of the top three hundred rankers could be manipulated! Who didn't want their reserve talent to have a few more names on the leaderboard? Almost every time during the exam, there would always be people who were investigated for cheating, but the number of fish that escaped the net was even greater! Although the punishment was severe, the risks and benefits were worth the risk! Then who should he give face to? Who should he give no face to? How was this benefit divided? And how can we calm the waves and settle the ships? It all depended on the examiners' abilities and methods!

"Uncle, who is the main examiner this time?"

Zhang Zhou and Lu Fengqiao were also addressed as Ping Wang! In terms of sentiment and logic, calling him Marquis of the Nine Prefectures by such a name was not excessive!

"The chief examiner is Zhuge Wenshan of the Ministry of Literature and the assistant examiner is Jiang JIa of the Ministry of Investigation and Zheng Youliang of the Ministry of Rites!"

"Jiang Giant is one of Imperial Father's most trusted aides. Ordinary people wouldn't provoke him, and he rarely gives anyone face!" Zheng Youliang can be considered a member of the southern ten divisions, while Zhuge Wenshan is Princess Linlang's teacher! "

"Princess Lin Lang? Ning Wang's men? "

Upon mentioning the name 'Lin Lang', Zhang Zhou was immediately stumped! After he had come back from Xirong, Guan Yu-niang had given him a letter. She had found it under the sofa a few days after the wedding procession had set off! Of course, Guan Yuniang knew what was inside, or else she wouldn't have kept it for him to come back. It was a letter that Princess Linlang, Zhao Qixuan, had wanted to meet with him on a private visit to Hezhou during his wedding ceremony. At that time, he had been troubled over not being able to go to his wife's bed and had casually tossed it aside. The result could be imagined! Zhang Zhou was still feeling dissatisfied in his heart! If he were to write a letter, wouldn't he have a signature? Can you blame me? I have to do it every day! However, he also knew that he had already offended this Princess Lin Lang!

Zhao Qishui didn't answer Zhang Zhou's question. Instead, he gently shook his head and said with a profound tone, "Many of the Wealthy Class families have good relations with Princess Linlang!"

Zhang Zhou didn't know if he really understood what Zhao Qishen meant, but he nodded his head lightly. The official arrangements for the examination this time, the person who might benefit the most was Princess Linlang, Zhao Qixuan! Even though the Emperor was meticulous in his punishment of Ning Wang, he was unofficially gracious to Princess Linlang! Originally, he had been grounded for a year, but in less than half a year, he had been released! Furthermore, an imperial edict had ordered him to inspect the various provinces for His Majesty and observe the affairs of the people! This was an extraordinary arrangement! In a sense, it was for Lin Lang to start dealing with politics on the surface. Zhang Zhou couldn't help but think of the Taiping princess of his previous life. She was the one who had the ambition to fight for the rights to rule the world. Was the Emperor disappointed in Ning Wang, and instead wanted to introduce Linlang to strike a balance? Zhang Zhou could not understand!

As for the exam, although everyone was avoiding it on the surface, all sorts of tricks had been used behind the scenes. However, Zhang Zhou didn't care about this at all.

Among the few businesses that he had bought before the Nine Prefectures' business, he had picked out a large inn and changed its name to the Six Prefectures Hall! It was specifically designed for the North Six Prefectures' students to prepare for the exam. From the beginning of the exam to the end of the ranking period, they all ate and stayed free of charge. It had also led to the opening of various prefectures' hall in the capital! He even invited Li Shuting and a few other famous scholars from Hezhou to specially provide guidance to the students who were preparing for the examination!

Dragon, East, River, Sheng, Cloud, and Xiao Yun Prefecture were also known as the Northern Six Prefectures. The Longzhou region was the most special one. It belonged to the Military Administration Region, and the commoners' lifestyle was shaped in the direction of preparing for war. There were two hundred thousand soldiers in the garrison, but there were only fifty to sixty thousand households, and most of them were retired soldiers or family members of the army. Commercial economy was extremely underdeveloped, which was one of the reasons why the Nine Prefectures' business had not greatly developed towards the Dragon Prefecture. The most pitiful thing was that there was not a single library in the entire prefecture. If there was a good student, they would all be sent to Hezhou or Dongzhou to take up the quota. This time, the Northern Six Prefectures had nearly four hundred students enrolled. More than half of them were from He Zhou. Although there were quite a few people, their overall strength was still quite a distance away from the wealthy Southern Ten Prefectures. As for the background, Zhang Zhou didn't think that he, as a third grade forbidden army deputy colonel, could give them any help. As far as possible, he would create a better environment for them to take the exam, so he did his best.