The prince, the princess, and the brocade are waiting to appear in Lingqiu County!

The news soon reached the government and frightened the officials.

Several officials, led by the prefect, set off overnight and arrived in Lingqiu County at dawn.

On the morning of the same day, the county government posted a notice for the people, saying that the warehouse would be opened tomorrow morning to release grain.

In addition, four points will be set up in the east, west, south and north of the city to provide rice porridge and steamed buns for the victims.

At the same time, another notice was posted, saying that the reason why the previous relief food was not distributed in full was because someone deducted it from it, so the people suffered from the disaster.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has been informed of this matter and will personally come forward to thoroughly investigate and seek justice for the victims of the disaster in the county.

As soon as the notice came out, the people of the county naturally cried with joy and ran to tell each other.

Many people took advantage of this opportunity to go to the county government to beat drums and complain about Gou Dongxi and some bullies in the city......

At this moment, the whole county is lively.

In order to make it easier for the people to complain, the prince simply moved the court outside and chose a spacious place in the city to be tried in front of the people of the city.

In this regard, the two little princesses were simply overjoyed, and kept praising the royal brother for his wisdom and martial arts, which made the prince a little embarrassed......

Although he is ambitious, he is a fledgling young man after all, and these ideas were secretly instructed by Gu Ming.

Of course, the prince of the two little girls also knows what they want, and they are nothing more than greedy for fun.

Because there are many people involved in this case, not only Gou Dongxi, but also several county officials, including the county government, and even officials from the government.

In addition, more than a dozen businesses in the city were involved, as well as some squires and local wealth in the countryside......

If this were to be replaced by a normal interrogation, I am afraid it would have to drag on for a year and a half.

After all, this group of people is not stupid, and most of them have a way out. For example, many things are not handled in person, but by subordinates.

In this way, once something happens, there will be someone to blame.

Even, it is common to find that the limelight is not right, and there are often ruthless things such as killing people and killing people, so that the clues can be fundamentally cut off, and there is no proof of death.

In other words, knowing that the other party is the mastermind behind the scenes, but unable to get conclusive evidence, can only let it go unpunished.

This is a typical loophole in the imperial court's decrees.

Unfortunately, this time it was an exception.

The crown prince witnessed the tragic situation of the victims, and naturally he was determined to win a wave of people's hearts, make a great contribution, and do a big thing to make his father look at him differently.

The two little princesses jumped up and down, instigating their brother all day long to arrest all the bad guys, and no one could be let go.

Not to mention Gu Ming......

What evidence do you want?

The tens of thousands of victims suffering in Lingqiu County are proof of this.

The people's accusations of blood and tears are proof!

Therefore, there is no room for those who want to use their subordinates to quibble, and they will be put in prison first.

Nonrecognition?

Never mind!

Either the big punishment waits, or the sentence is how it should be sentenced, there is no arguing.

If you want to take advantage of loopholes, not to mention doors and windows.

Of course, in this process, Gu Ming still has to pass. With him there, he only needs to ask a few words to identify whether the other party is really wronged......

It took only four days to cut through the mess with a quick knife, and the case of embezzling grain for disaster relief came to an end.

Several of the main culprits led by Gou Dongxi were sentenced to a summary execution, which made the people of the county applaud.

The rest of the accomplices are handed over to the government office, and those who should be tried will continue to be tried, those who should be killed will be killed, those who should be raided will be confiscated, and those who should be detained will be detained.

Through this incident, the crown prince can be regarded as witnessing the suffering of the people and the many shortcomings of the local government's management.

For example, the bad habit of donating officials, on the surface, the court received a large amount of silver, but it buried a lot of hidden dangers because of it.

Most of these donors are from the countryside, and they can't read a few big characters, so they spend a lot of money to donate to officials, and once they take office, they can't desperately make up for losses?

For them, being an official is similar to doing business, and there must be a return on investment.

Therefore, he will not take the people's livelihood into account at all, ignore the laws and regulations of the imperial court, and blindly collect money with his conscience.

For example, this Gou Dongxi even regarded the disaster relief food used to save people's lives as an opportunity to make a fortune, and he just embezzled a little bit.

The key is that this guy's heart is too dark, almost all of it was embezzled, and then asked those grain merchants to take out some moldy brown rice to deal with the people, so it caused at least thousands of people in the county to starve to death.

Many people have to leave their homes, or even sell their children and daughters.

If they hadn't happened to pass by here, wouldn't these moths have succeeded?

Therefore, the prince's heart was heavy, because he didn't know how many moths like Gou Dongxi were in the world.

Moreover, Gu Ming also took this opportunity to talk about Qin Shou, the former county commander of Guobei County.

Similarly, the guy's official was also donated......

When he set off, the prince's mood was still a little heavy.

Although he has gained a good reputation and made a great contribution, he is still not happy.

So, while resting on the road, he found Gu Ming and said with a solemn face: "Teacher, I want to ask a question." ”

"What do you have any doubts about Your Highness?"

"Regarding the rule of donating officials to the imperial court, does the teacher think it is necessary to exist?"

Gu Ming thought for a while and said: "The custom of donating officials has a long history, according to history, it should have been prevalent since the Western Han Dynasty, and after that, all dynasties have followed this custom.

This was a measure that the imperial court had to take to solve the shortage of treasury and silver.

As the so-called existence is reasonable, since the donation function can be inherited to this day, it can be seen that there is still a certain degree of rationality......"

Hearing this, the prince couldn't help frowning: "What does the teacher mean to say, or do you support donating officials?" ”

"It's not about support, everything has advantages and disadvantages.

The key is to see how decision-makers balance and strive to turn the negative into the positive.

It is true that donating officials is a bad practice, but if it were to be abolished abruptly, it could lead to some unintended consequences.

After all, the imperial court also harvested a lot of treasury silver from it every year. ”

"So, is there any good way for the teacher to turn the bad side into the good side?"

"This requires a gradual process, for example, the number of donors can be reduced first, and in addition, the donors must also be evaluated.

Those who are illiterate will not be considered, and even if they are literate, they must at least be equivalent to the level of Xiucai.

In addition, these donors must be evaluated separately every year, and if their performance does not meet the standards, they will be dismissed directly.

As long as this assessment is really implemented, then these donors will not dare to blindly accumulate money, and they must find a way to make some political achievements to protect the ......."

"Well, it makes sense, it's much better than being an official who can't read big words, at least you can do something practical for the court."

"Yes, on the one hand, the imperial court gradually reduced the number of donors, and on the other hand, it tried to find ways to replenish the treasury from other aspects.

As long as the treasury is sufficient, it is logical to abolish the donation officials at that time. ”

"Treasury silver is sufficient...... I'm afraid this is not easy, after all, the expenses of the imperial court in all aspects are also very large. ”

"Don't rush, take your time, at least there won't be a big war in the short term in the Great Yan Dynasty now, it's time to rest and recuperate......"

In fact, Gu Ming also has a lot of ideas about how to expand the treasury.

It's just that the prince is still young, and he can't understand if he talks too much to him now.

"Well, thank you for the teacher's explanation, and after returning to Beijing, the student will mention the matter of donating to his father, and relay the teacher's suggestion to his father."

"Well, you can, but you have to find the right opportunity. After all, your father has his own ideas, if your opinions are too different from his......"

Speaking of this, Gu Ming didn't go on, he stopped at the point, he believed that the prince could understand the meaning of his words.

Sure enough, the prince was stunned, and then gave a long salute: "The student understands, thank you for the teacher's teaching." ”

A few days later, the large team finally arrived at the border of Guobei County.

At this time, a group of officials from Jinhua Mansion were already waiting in line here.

They not only had to greet the prince and princess, but also Gu Ming.

After all, even if Gu Ming resigned, he still had the titles of "First-Class Hereditary Jinyi Candidate" and "Prince and Prince" on his head.

Even without these two titles, the return of a former cabinet scholar is not a trivial matter, and local officials have to greet them, and they also have to visit the government from time to time.

When you meet, you can't avoid a regular etiquette.

Subsequently, the team continued to march mightily and arrived in Guobei County at the end of the night.

At this time, Guobei County has been arranged like the New Year, and every household is lit up with lights, and there is a festive atmosphere.

First, Guobei County is a small place, and there have never been royal people.

This time, the crown prince was ushered in, and two little princesses were ushered in.

Second, Gu Ming can now be regarded as the pride of Guobei County, an unprecedented big man.

Not only was he a high school champion, but he was also promoted step by step, sitting in the high position of a cabinet scholar, and was canonized as a hereditary marquis.

Not to mention Guobei County, the entire Jinhua Mansion is also the first person in history.

Therefore, even if the prince and princess did not come, Gu Ming returned to his hometown this time, and the people would spontaneously celebrate his return.

But at the same time, the people couldn't figure out why Gu Ming resigned and returned to his hometown at such a young age?

If you want to say that you offended the emperor...... Obviously not.

If he offended the emperor, would the emperor make such a big battle to escort Gu Ming back to his hometown?

Even the crown prince, who has never left Beijing, made a special trip to escort him all the way, which shows that the emperor still relies on Gu Ming very much.

This is precisely the wit of Emperor Yongping.

He was afraid that the people of the world would misunderstand him and that he would not be able to tolerate a great hero, so he made such a grand arrangement to dispel the misunderstanding of others.

Of course, Gu Ming also knew the reason, because he would gladly accept this pomp.

Next, the prince and the two little princesses stayed in Guobei County for two days, and then went to Yuhang Mansion to visit the world-famous West Lake.

Of course, this time there was no mobilization of the army, but a secret visit.

The only people who accompanied him were Gu Ming, Snake Ji, Bai Suzhen, and Xiaoqing.

Fly directly with ......

This can make the two little princesses excited, and they don't want to leave when they come.

It's a pity that this kind of thing is not crying and crying, and it can be solved by being coquettish, and in the end, I still cried and cried, and I was reluctant to return to Beijing with the team.

Although there were more than 2,000 guards to escort him, for the sake of safety, Gu Ming still ordered Snake Ji to accompany him to avoid any accidents.

After all, these guards have no problem dealing with bandits, and they have no problem dealing with some little demons and ghosts, but they are afraid of encountering some big demons.

With the Enchantress here, there's almost nothing to worry about.

As soon as the prince and his entourage left, Gu Ming and his wife began a new round of busyness.

used to have to deal with the people in the official face, but now, a group of old friends from the same class, as well as a group of squires from Guobei County, have come to visit one after another, and they always have to socialize.

This time when he returned to his hometown, Gu Ming finally didn't have to live in that small courtyard anymore, but moved to Zhuangyuan Mansion.

Although the Zhuangyuan Mansion has not yet been fully completed, there are only some sporadic tasks left, which do not affect the residence.

The subordinates don't have to worry about anything, Gu Ming returned to his hometown this time, and brought Xiao Yuan and Xiao Ling back together, as well as a few maids who had performed well in the Marquis' Mansion before.

At the same time, Nie Hongshu also found a group of subordinates in advance, such as sedan chair drivers, coachmen, grooms, housekeepers, and maids...... It is all available, and it can be regarded as fulfilling the responsibilities and obligations of Lord Taishan.

After continuing to socialize for a few days, Gu Ming finally got free, so he took his wife to the college that was still under construction to inspect the site.

According to the original plan, the construction here will be completed in another six months.

But now there is another problem: Montenegro has become Gu Ming's fiefdom, so this scale must be expanded.

The couple first walked around the construction site, and then entered Montenegro.

"Gu Lang, it's been two or three years, and Montenegro still looks a little desolate, and I can't feel too much vitality."

Nie Xiaoqian looked at the surrounding environment and couldn't help but say.

"yes!" Gu Ming sighed: "After all, the old demon of Montenegro has been entrenched here for too long, and if he wants to restore the green mountains and clear waters, I am afraid it will take decades." ”

"Decades ......"

Nie Xiaoqian muttered to herself.

Then, his brows moved: "By the way, Gu Lang, don't you have spiritual veins and spiritual springs in that space magic weapon?" If you put spiritual veins and spiritual springs in Black Mountain, then maybe you can bring it back to life in a short time. ”

Gu Ming vetoed on the spot: "No, the spiritual veins and spiritual springs in the magic weapon must not be moved." ”

"People didn't say anything about the spiritual veins in the magic weapon......"

"Oh? Do you mean to go in search of spiritual veins and spiritual springs? ”

"That's right, since the owner of this magic weapon can be found, it means that there is such a thing in the world."

It's really a word to wake up the dreamer.

Gu Ming immediately held his wife's face and took a few bites: "Hahaha, Mrs. is really too smart......"

Nie Xiaoqian blushed and wiped the saliva on her face, and said angrily: "It's such a big person, how can you still look like a child." ”

"Could it be that you like me to become an old master?"

The couple joked a few words, and then, Gu Ming took Nie Xiaoqian's hand and walked towards Lanruo Temple.

"Haha, Gu Gongzi, long time no see......"

Shifang greeted him with a haha.

"Shifang, how is your cultivation lately?"

"It's alright......"

"By the way, your master is not in the temple?"

"He's going to do a ritual for someone, and he'll probably come back after noon. Why don't you have a fast here? ”

"Well, that's fine."

At present, Lanruo Temple has returned to normal, and pilgrims often come to offer incense and make vows.

The master and apprentice were too busy, so more than a dozen monks were added to the temple, and some believers also lived here for many years to help take care of it.

Not long after lunch, Master Baiyun really returned.

After greeting each other for a while, Gu Ming finally began to ask about the spiritual vein.

"Master Baiyun, you have been cultivating for many years, I wonder if you have heard of any places where there may be spiritual veins, spiritual springs and the like?"

"Spiritual Vein Spiritual Spring? Could it be that Master Gu wants to use it to transform Montenegro? ”

Master Baiyun guessed Gu Ming's intentions at once.

"That's right!" Gu Ming nodded with a smile: "Otherwise, when Montenegro slowly recovers its vitality, I am afraid it will take decades." ”

"Well, it's indeed ......" Master Bai Yun responded, and muttered for a moment: "If you want to talk about this spiritual vein and spiritual spring, Lao Qu in other places doesn't dare to say it, but there must be one in the Kunlun Mountain area." ”

"Kunlun Mountain?"

"That's right, Kunlun has been worshiped as an immortal mountain since ancient times, and there are many mysterious places in it, even those who are highly skilled in the Tao cannot explore its full picture.

By the way, Zhiqiu is a Kunlun disciple, you can ask him about this. ”

"That's right......" Gu Ming patted his forehead: "Why did you forget him, Shifang, where is Zhiqiu lately?" ”

"I can't tell...... But I can summon him and ask him to come to Guobei County. ”

"Okay, then please."

"It's just a trivial matter, Gu Gongzi doesn't have to be polite."

A few days later, Zhiqiu received the summons and immediately rushed to Guobei County.

I haven't seen each other for a long time, so naturally I have to have a drink first.

Shifang also took this opportunity to accompany him, and drank happily.

When he was almost drunk, Gu Ming asked about the spiritual veins and spiritual springs.

"Zhiqiu, you are a disciple of Kunlun, you should be familiar with Kunlun Mountain, do you know where there may be a spiritual vein or a spiritual spring?"

"It's hard to say...... Zhiqiu shook his head: "Whether it's a spiritual vein or a spiritual spring, it can be called something that can be met but not sought."

Don't hide it from my brothers, there is a spiritual vein under the mountain of our Kunlun faction, which is also the foundation of my Kunlun faction.

My master also said that in ancient times, all major sects would choose places with spiritual veins to open sects and establish sects, so as to ensure the prosperity of the sects.

It's a pity that with the passage of time, the aura between heaven and earth has become thinner and thinner, and the spiritual veins are rare to see for thousands of years......

However, if Brother Gu really wants to find the spiritual vein, there must be one in the depths of Kunlun Mountain......"

Gu Ming perked up: "Oh? Could it be that Brother Qiu has any clues? ”

"There are no clues, but the Kunlun Mountains are boundless, especially in the depths of Kunlun, even the elders of our Kunlun sect dare not easily step into it.

My master once said that the depths of the Kunlun Mountains are the closest place to ancient times, and no one can tell what secrets are hidden inside.

That being the case, then there must be heavenly treasures such as spiritual veins and spiritual springs.

It's just that it's not easy to go deep into Kunlun, and it's extremely risky......"

Hearing Zhiqiu's detailed explanation of the situation about Kunlun Mountain, Gu Ming knew that the folk legends about Kunlun, or the records of some ancient books, were not just legends.

The common people regard Kunlun Mountain as a fairy mountain, saying that it is the place where the gods live. For example, Yao Chi is said to have been the dojo of the Queen Mother.

According to ancient books, Kunlun Mountain is actually a rather special place, called Kunlun Boundary.

Although it is not a complete world, it is independent of the Three Realms, and it can be said that it is actually a place that connects the three worlds of heaven, earth, and man.

It is precisely because of its special nature that no one can say what kind of danger will be encountered inside.

Perhaps, there are ancient demons and demons hidden in the depths......

Therefore, whether it is among the people or in the rivers and lakes, there have been all kinds of mysterious legends......