The playboy county magistrate

"The new policies in Fuyu may seem to violate regulations, but in fact they alleviate the suffering of the people and are a form of good governance."

This conclusion completely exonerated Li Xuanzhi from all charges.

Feng Chongshan looked at Li Xuanzhi and said with utmost solemnity, "Li Xuanzhi, I hereby declare today that the new policies for mining and metallurgy in Fuyu benefit the people and bring them peace, without any private corruption or violation of the facts."

"Effective immediately, I will inspect the workshops in the suburbs to verify the effectiveness of iron smelting. Upon my return, I will draft a memorial and, together with the prefectural governor, submit it to the capital, strongly recommending Fuyu County as the first pilot county for the new mining and metallurgical policies!"

"If the imperial court approves, you will be the first person to initiate a new policy across the land!"

Li Xuanzhi bowed gracefully, displaying impeccable manners.

"This humble official will certainly perform his duties diligently, strictly abide by the new policies and regulations, and live up to the trust placed in him."

The previous pressure of accountability has vanished, replaced by pragmatic and rigorous government audits.

Feng Chongshan sat upright in the main seat, his fingertips lightly tapping the table. His gaze was fixed on the files in front of him, his expression solemn and dignified.

Although he was a conservative who valued laws and regulations, he was by no means an incompetent official who couldn't distinguish right from wrong and acted solely out of personal favoritism.

Having navigated the ups and downs of officialdom for decades, he knew better than anyone that rules on paper could never replace real achievements.

What the imperial court lacks most is never mediocre officials who follow the rules, but capable ministers who can bring peace and prosperity to the people.

"The case file is well-organized, with complete witness testimonies and physical evidence, and the records of public sentiment are completely unembellished."

Feng Chongshan slowly raised his eyes and looked at Li Xuanzhi, who was standing bowing. His tone was better than before.

"Magistrate Li, your actions over the past few dozen days have truly exceeded my expectations."

"Thank you for your fairness, sir."

Li Xuanzhi lowered his head slightly, his attitude remaining humble.

"I wouldn't call it fair; I'm just stating the facts."

Feng Chongshan waved his hand, stood up, and straightened his scarlet official robe.

"Paper documents are ultimately inanimate objects; what we hear is unreliable, what we see is real. Since I am going to submit a memorial recommending someone, I must be responsible to the court and to all the prefectures and counties in the country. I cannot make a decision based solely on a few documents."

As soon as he finished speaking, he raised his hand and instructed the clerk behind him:

"Pass down the order: there is no need to block the streets and alleys. Follow me out of the city and I will personally go to the ironworks on the outskirts of the city to inspect the production regulations, the conditions of the craftsmen, and the stock of ironware."

"Yes!" The registrar bowed and accepted the order.

Li Xuanzhi stepped aside and raised his hand at the opportune moment: "My lord, please follow me."

When the people outside the government office saw the officials traveling, they instinctively made way for them, their eyes fixed on the two men, filled with anticipation and awe.

Although the people did not understand the affairs of the imperial court, they knew clearly that today's trip out of the city for inspection was related to the future livelihood of Fuyu County and their hard-won peaceful life.

In a corner of the crowd, Diao Mao and the other local gentry didn't even have the courage to look up and look directly at each other.

The cheers of the people just now sounded like sharp blades cutting into his bones, each sound tearing at his last remaining dignity and confidence.

An elderly country gentleman beside him trembled, lowering his voice, his tone filled with barely suppressed panic:

"Brother Diao... even that official has sided with Li Xuanzhi, this time... we've really lost."

Previously, they still held onto a sliver of hope, thinking that even if Feng Chongshan didn't punish them, he would reject the new policy and shut down the mines.

But now, the other party has not only completely abandoned old grudges, but is also wholeheartedly recommending the new policy pilot program. It's as if they have personally crushed all their schemes.

Only now did everyone fully understand the implications.

The day they were bound to Li Xuanzhi's new political chariot, they were already doomed.

Diao Mao's eyes were empty as he stared at the slowly advancing procession in the distance. His body was hunched over, and the composure and arrogance he used to have in control of everything had vanished.

He gave a low, bitter laugh, his tone filled with bitterness and dejection.

"I underestimated him... I thought he was only competing for the achievements of a county and for his own career advancement. In the end, I realized that he was planning the overall strategy of the court and plotting the reform of the country."

You use your connections, rules, and personal interests to play games with others, but the other party always stands above the people, national policies, and the general trend.

The difference in perspective is like heaven and earth; he lost completely.

"Disperse, all of you." Diao Mao waved his hand weakly, his voice hoarse and dry. "Behave yourselves, stay home and await your punishment, and do not cause any more trouble. Now, any move you make will be a mistake, and a mistake will lead to utter destruction."

The local gentry looked at each other, filled with despair, but utterly helpless. They could only hang their heads in defeat and quietly disperse.

The local gentry, who used to band together and dominate the county, were demoralized by Li Xuanzhi's actions and had no power to resist anymore.

Meanwhile, on the official road in the suburbs.

Li Xuanzhi followed closely behind Feng Chongshan, half a step behind, with the prefectural cavalry on both sides. They did not disturb the people or occupy the streets. The procession was orderly and solemn.

Along the way, the scenery was breathtaking.

The once barren fields are now being carefully cultivated by farmers.

Brand new iron plows and hoes can be seen everywhere in the fields, their cold gleam shining brightly, and the tools are neatly arranged. This is a stark contrast to the old, broken wooden farm tools and the rusty, inferior ironware of the past.

The farmers working by the roadside remained calm and unperturbed when they saw the officials passing by. They continued to work diligently with their heads down, their eyes no longer showing the fear and restraint of the past, but rather a sense of peace and contentment.

This subtle change deeply moved Feng Chongshan.

Officials are best able to observe the hearts of the people.

The confidence and vitality in the eyes of the people are real achievements that no amount of case files or documents can fake.

"In just over a month, the lives of people in Fuyu County have been completely transformed."

Feng Chongshan couldn't help but sigh softly, "Fuyu County used to be poor and isolated, with refugees everywhere and fields lying fallow, a fact known throughout the prefecture. Now, it seems to have undergone a complete transformation."

Li Xuanzhi spoke up at the opportune moment, "The people are inherently diligent and hardworking. As long as we give them tools and let them find hope and a way to survive, they will naturally work hard and live in peace."

Feng Chongshan nodded slightly, his approval growing stronger.

He finally understood that Li Xuanzhi's reforms were never about being unconventional, but rather about addressing the root causes of problems.

Before long, the group arrived at the suburban workshop.

Before you even get close, you can hear the continuous, orderly sound of forging, and the heat waves from the furnace hit you in the face, with wisps of smoke rising, but it is not pungent or choking.

The entire workshop area is neatly divided.

The mining area, smelting area, forging area, storage area, and artisan's quarters were clearly defined and well-organized.

There was no chaotic disorder, no hidden dangers of hoarding ironware, and no idle vagrants causing trouble.

Everywhere you look, there are artisans and migrant workers diligently performing their duties.

"I originally thought that the so-called government-run workshops were mostly empty shells hastily built by the prefectures and counties to fulfill their political obligations."

Feng Chongshan stopped and looked around, his gaze sweeping across the entire workshop, his tone clearly showing surprise.

"I never imagined that your regulations were so strict and your control so thorough."

Feng Chongshan carefully examined everything, from the improved design of the smelting furnace to the neatly stacked ironware in the warehouse, and the clear accounts, craftsmen's roster, and work regulations displayed on the wall. He didn't miss a single detail, and even some things he hadn't thought of had been done by Li Xuanzhi.