Read Novel Full Chapter 809 - 392: Tiger Cub (Part 4)
Chapter 809: Chapter 392: Tiger Cub (Part 4)
Wen Daoji knelt down again: "With you, my lord, I am confident I can help you govern Lingnan well."
These words sounded really good.
Zhao Yao would not be captivated by Wen Daoji’s flattering words. He began to question Wen Daoji to see if he truly had talent.
"Tell me, how do you plan to manage Lingnan? What is the first thing you will do when you get there?"
"My lord, the first thing I will do is check the household registry of various places in Lingnan."
"Why is that?"
"I need to know how many people live in Lingnan first," Wen Daoji said respectfully, "My lord, the population is very important."
Zhao Yao nodded in agreement with Wen Daoji’s statement.
"Then, what will you do?"
"The second thing is to check how much farmland, cultivated land, and wasteland there is in Lingnan."
Zhao Yao nodded again, "Continue."
"The third thing is that I need to know the grain yield of various places in Lingnan over the past decade."
"The fourth thing..."
Zhao Yao listened to Wen Daoji laying out the tasks he planned to do, his calm demeanor turning to shock.
Everything that Wen Daoji said was exactly what Zhao Yao intended to do in Lingnan.
Zhao Yao marveled inwardly: this Wen Daoji is not just a sycophant but genuinely talented.
"Mr. Wen, if you want to serve me, I have a few conditions."
"Please say, my lord."
"I am a liberal person. As long as you have the ability, I will let you do things freely, without interference or doubt," as they say, ’Doubt not those you employ, employ not those you doubt.’ "I don’t like adhering to conventions. As long as you can get things done, I won’t mind if your methods are unconventional or strange. I only look at the results, not the process."
Hearing Zhao Yao speak like this, Wen Daoji appeared shocked, but inwardly he was relieved to have met the right lord. Although he was willing to assist the tenth prince to get out of prison, the tenth prince’s style didn’t align with his own, so he wouldn’t stay with the prince for long.
"I know you are lecherous; although it’s not a major flaw, I don’t want you to cause trouble for me because of it, forcing me to clean up your mess."
Zhao Yao’s straightforward words made Wen Daoji blush slightly. He hurriedly said, "My lord, I will not act recklessly anymore."
"I hope you don’t let your lechery lead to mistakes." Zhao Yao looked sharply at Wen Daoji, who felt an overwhelming pressure, making his heart tremble.
"Lechery is also your weakness. If someone exploits this weakness to do something bad, I will hold you accountable."
"I remember your words, my lord."
"I want absolute loyalty; can you do that?"
Wen Daoji immediately raised his hand to swear, "I am absolutely loyal to you, my lord. If I betray you, may I be struck by lightning and die without a grave."
"I don’t believe in oaths, I only look at your actions." If one were to believe in oaths, then they would truly be a fool.
"Over time, one’s true heart will be seen. I will not disappoint you, my lord."
"I look forward to it," Zhao Yao continued with his conditions, "You are not allowed to bully others with your power, nor bully the common folk, nor..."
Zhao Yao stated his conditions, all of which Wen Daoji agreed to.
"Alright, it’s your turn to state your conditions."
Wen Daoji was slightly taken aback, somewhat incredulous, and asked, "Can I make conditions with you, my lord?"
"Yes, you can, but I need to see what your conditions are. If they are not excessive, I will agree."
"My lord, I have no conditions except for hoping you can trust me."
"I agree to this condition," Zhao Yao said with a smile, "As I just said, as long as you have the ability, go ahead and do things boldly. I will not interfere."
"Thank you, my lord."
"Second uncle, have someone assist Mr. Wen with bathing and a change of clothes." Zhao Yao had long noticed a peculiar smell emanating from Wen Daoji.
He looked at Wen Daoji and said, "Take a good bath and clean yourself up."
"Yes, my lord. I take my leave!" Wen Daoji left cheerfully.
"Though a bit different from what I imagined, it’s undeniable that Wen Daoji is indeed talented. Your recommendation was indeed correct, second uncle." Having an outstanding Prime Minister does truly ease one’s mind. "Second uncle, in a few days, let Mr. Wen head to Lingnan."
"Are you planning to let him manage people over there?"
"Don’t give everything to him yet; as for which specific persons to let him manage, I leave it to you, second uncle."
He Lianfang was already accustomed to Zhao Yao’s hands-off approach.
"I will arrange everything properly."
When Wen Daoji finished bathing, he was like a changed man. Before, he was an unkempt beggar; after bathing, he immediately became a gentle and handsome gentleman.
Zhao Yao informed Wen Daoji of his planned departure to Lingnan in a few days.
Wen Daoji immediately agreed, saying five days would be enough. In five days, he would set off for Lingnan.
Zhao Yao also outlined to Wen Daoji the tasks he needed to accomplish once he reached Lingnan.