Chapter Eleven: Establishing Provincial Inspectors-Teu temor do meu grande mérito, e eu transformei minha bela cunhada numa imperatriz(Shuai Yangyang)

Upon hearing the charge of treason, everyone knelt, crying out their innocence, Su Zihuan included. Changing ancestral customs, whether for better or worse, would inevitably result in punishment from the imperial court. They were unwilling to board Fang Han’s sinking ship, but being branded a traitor would effectively end their political careers.

Fang Han said coldly, "The Southern Frontier is in decline. Instead of developing it, you think only of how to escape. Is this truly the初心 of your service as officials?"

At the mention of their original intent, everyone blushed. As scholars well-versed in the classics, they had all aspired to be pillars of the state and leave their names in history. If not for that, they would have long since defected to the Southern Barbarians to live in comfort rather than waiting in agony for word from the court. Now that the court had sent someone, their own retreat made them feel ashamed.

Fang Han looked to Liu San. "Explain to them the benefits of the Prefecture Inspector position."

"Yes, my lord."

Liu San began to elaborate on the powers of the Inspector. When he reached the point that an Inspector need not seek approval for every matter from the Commandery Governor and would have the opportunity to petition the Protector-General for an inspection annually, their faces flushed with excitement. This was exactly what they wanted: to achieve results, have their achievements reach the Emperor’s ears, gain the favor of high-ranking court officials, and one day be transferred to the capital.

"Lord Fang, I support the establishment of the Inspectorate."
"Lord Fang, I support it as well."

In an instant, the once-anxious officials became fanatical supporters. Some even changed their perspective on Su Zihuan, wondering, *You said this Fang Han had no talent? How does he seem more capable than General Fang Li?*

Though Su Zihuan could not fathom why such a brilliant talent would come to the Southern Frontier instead of remaining in the capital, he asked, "Lord Fang, we all agree it is feasible, but what about the implementation?"

The Inspectorate was fine in theory, but development in the Southern Frontier was a pipe dream. Fang Han, prepared for this, smiled slightly. "Do not worry. The priority in the Southern Frontier is to develop production and attract population. I have decided to consolidate the three commanderies."

"What do you mean, Lord Fang?" Fearing a reduction in their power, they looked at him intently.

"We will relocate the officials and commoners of the three commanderies to the vicinity of the provincial capital. We shall govern by county instead of commandery, with each of the three governors leading their officials to cooperate with the capital in developing production and eliminating banditry. We will set a three-year term, after which we will return."

Chen Xingshi was astonished. "My lord, you intend to help us suppress the bandits?"

Fang Han nodded. "I came to the Southern Frontier to suppress bandits. What, are you unwilling?"

"Willing, of course, we are willing. With the court’s assistance, the Southern Frontier has hope."

Fang Han brought out a map of the Southern Frontier, re-divided their jurisdictions, and ordered them to move their forces to the capital within a month.

Just as the officials left, the maidservant Hongye arrived at the county office, sent by Lin Qingwei, to report that the scouts sent to purchase grain seeds had returned. Upon hearing this, Fang Han immediately returned to the Protector-General’s mansion. Seeing the bags full of grain seeds, he finally felt at ease. Grain was the foundation of everything; with seeds, there was hope for development.

"My lord, we have the seeds, but what about the fields?" Liu San asked, troubled.

Fang Han was surprised. "Are there not fields outside the city? Near the mountains and water? Can they not be cultivated?"

"My lord, the fields exist, but the areas suitable for planting are occupied by mountain bandits. Our current force is insufficient, and without food reserves, it is unwise to clash with them."

Liu San’s analysis was correct. Despite training in the city, their forces were limited and lacked reinforcements. Engaging the bandits would be seen as a full-scale imperial suppression, and if the bandits united, it would be disastrous. Fang Han dismissed this; he didn't fear mere bandits, but he lacked the manpower to deal with them yet. However, the mention of fields reminded him that even if they reclaimed land from bandits, they would eventually need more. It would be better to find ways to open up new land now.

"If there are no fields, just reclaim wasteland. Do you need me to teach you that?" Fang Han said.

"My lord, you make it sound easy. The Southern Frontier is mountainous; if reclaiming land were easy, we wouldn't have constant wars over food shortages," Liu San muttered.

"Don't worry. It’s just land reclamation. In a few days, I will lead you myself. For now, hand the seeds over to Fang Shou for safekeeping."

That night, Lin Qingwei came out to admire the moon. She dared not venture out during the day, only emerging when the sun had set. Seeing the oil lamp in Fang Han's room still lit, her maid Hongye whispered, "Princess, the lord’s lamp is still on; he hasn't slept."

Recalling that Fang Han had been training with the soldiers all day and usually slept early, Lin Qingwei assumed he had simply forgotten to extinguish the light. She entered his room and found him drawing something. Hearing her footsteps, Fang Han set down his brush and turned, asking with a smile, "Why are you still awake so late?"

Lin Qingwei walked over, glanced at his work, and covered her mouth in surprise. "Is this... the Jiangdong Plow?"

"This? It is a plow I improved, best suited for terraced fields. With this, we shall have as much land as we need."

"How could you improve such a thing? Could it be that you are the 'eccentric genius' Lin Qingxue mentioned?" Lin Qingwei’s eyes sparkled, her heart racing. Rumors spoke of a genius who invented tools to improve production, which had allowed the Great Zhou to stabilize and quell rebellions. She wanted to know if Fang Han was that person. If anyone could cure the Rakshasa disease, it would have to be him.

Hearing Lin Qingxue’s name and remembering his own contributions to the Great Zhou, Fang Han felt a bitter irony. He had never hidden his identity, yet those officials had used his inventions without ever investigating who he was, treating him as nothing more than a local curiosity. It was laughable.

"An eccentric genius? I never hid my identity; she simply never bothered to check. But that is fine; it allowed me to see her true nature."

"It really... it really is you," Lin Qingwei said, choking back tears. "Can you truly cure my illness?"

Fang Han sighed, having answered this countless times. "I promise you, once these matters are settled, I will begin developing the antidote."

"I believe you."

...

In the imperial palace, Fang Li and Lin Qingxue had just finished their meeting when they heard a report from Eunuch Gao. "Your Majesty, people in the capital have been asking about the relationship between the Southern Frontier Protector and General Fang, and about the little princess..."

Lin Qingxue’s brow furrowed. "I did not expect him to actually find the Southern Frontier. Send someone to assassinate them."