Accompanying Gao Ding was a middle-aged man, both of them sitting quietly in the hall waiting.
Gao Ding's status had plummeted from a high-ranking barbarian king to a wealthy old man, yet he showed no resentment.
His only role was persuading surrenders and maintaining appearances; at least for the next three to five years, this would ensure his safety.
As long as he kept his hat on, nothing else mattered.
Lu Ming strolled over leisurely, his arrival delayed because he had just vented his frustrations on Gao Ding's daughter.
If he were having sex, he would have thoroughly violated her until he was satisfied.
Besides, Gao Ding wasn't an important figure; he didn't care about him at all.
"This humble servant, Gao Ding, greets Your Majesty."
"This humble servant, Yang Xuanzhen, greets Your Majesty."
Lu Ming merely grunted in response, walked to the head seat, and a maidservant brought him fragrant tea. He slowly picked up the teacup, took a sip to moisten his throat, and glanced at Gao Ding. "What business do you have with me?"
Gao Ding bowed and scraped obsequiously, looking somewhat comical with only one arm remaining, as he had brought this upon himself:
"This humble servant has come to recommend someone to Your Majesty. This is Yang Xuanzhen, an official from Yue Song County. Shu's silk is famous, entirely because Shu's mulberry trees are superior to those of other places..." "Alright."
"And the silkworm industry in Yue Song County is the best in Yizhou, and Yang Xuanzhen is in charge of silkworm farming."
Lu Ming squinted, sizing up the unremarkable man before him. "Hmm, continue."
"I dare to recommend Yang Xuanzhen to the Prince of Qin. I've heard that the Textile Bureau is about to open, so I wish to pursue a good future. I don't seek officialdom, only a peaceful old age."
After Gao Ding finished speaking, he knelt down before Lu Ming with a thud, on all fours—or rather, on threes, his head pressed against the ground. He didn't care about the dirt; he wanted to express his loyalty first.
"You are Yang Xuanzhen?
What are your abilities?"
Lu Ming said calmly. The Textile Bureau was definitely going to open here.
And the Textile Bureau was important, because it belonged to the Three Departments and was run by women.
This sounds ridiculous in ancient times, but weaving was indeed done by women. Despite some reservations, as the Textile Bureau grew increasingly powerful, the prospect of seizing control was undeniable.
It would certainly allow them to claim a share of the spoils.
Anyone who merely mentioned it would have their dirt on them exposed the next day, delivered to Jia Tanchun and then passed on to his wife, Wang Yi.
Wang Yi would review it and discuss it with her mother-in-law, Dong Ya.
Once a crackdown was decided, the ancestors of those who had mentioned it would be thoroughly investigated.
Then the nobles of Chang'an would receive the news and relentlessly target the victor, employing every underhanded and malicious tactic imaginable, determined to destroy the victor's family and reputation.
Women are not allowed to interfere in politics, so they would only send people to cause trouble.
However, if someone were to whisper in the ear of the minister's ear, it wouldn't just be the nobles causing trouble, but Lu Ming directly eliminating them.
Therefore, even as the power and influence of the Three Departments grew, few dared to covet them.
Instead, they would recruit their daughters or relatives who were pretty and send them in. It was just a woman becoming an official, so they'd send their daughters; it was all the same.
The situation in Yizhou was somewhat unique, so they established a separate office to liaise with the Textile Bureau.
Some areas needed men, making this office highly sought after.
Everyone was eager to get a good position.
After all, the Textile Bureau was likely close to the Prince of Qin; if they could curry favor and get a word in their ear, they could certainly climb the ranks.
There were many ways to get promoted—flattery or genuine talent—anything that achieved the goal was good.
"I am Yang Xuanzhen. My family has been raising silkworms for generations, and I have a thorough understanding of the art of sericulture.
Therefore, I humbly request a position in the Textile Bureau."
Yang Xuanzhen didn't seem like a rigid person; a rigid person would never use connections.
This was a capable and flexible man.
As for whether he was capable, that depended on the situation.
Lu Ming's eyes darted around, then he took a sip of hot tea. "How can you prove you have this ability?"
"Reporting to Your Highness, my family raises silkworms day and night, never forgetting our roots.
Every year, when people from Chengdu come to collect silk, they always assign me to collect it, and the silk from the silkworms my family cultivates is the best."
Yang Xuanzhen continued to boast, talking about his abilities and skills.
Lu Ming, however, didn't want to listen. Instead, he stood up and said, "Then let's go to your house and see. If it's true, and if he's a talented person, I will certainly employ him."
Yang Xuanzhen probably hadn't expected this turn of events. His family did raise silkworms, but there weren't many left, and he couldn't tell even if he went to see.
But he didn't stop him, nor did he dare to. "Yes, Your Highness, but my humble abode is simple and unassuming; I fear it might offend Your Highness's eyes."
"Lead the way."
Lu Ming didn't want to waste words, simply instructing him to lead the way.
Halfway there, Lu Ming suddenly stopped, squinting at the street before him.
"Yang Xuanzhen, is this your usual way home?"
Yang Xuanzhen, who was still leading the way, was somewhat puzzled, seeing Lu Ming stop.
He also stopped. "Yes, Your Highness, this is my usual way home."
Lu Ming looked at him again, then at Gao Ding; both were dressed in green, representing friendliness.
The street ahead was entirely red, signifying hostility.
He said to Zhou Cang beside him, "Surround that street. Those who surrender will not be killed."
Zhou Cang was still somewhat doubtful, but without hesitation, he went to carry out the order.
With a whistle, a cavalry unit quickly arrived from nearby. Zhou Cang brandished his token and gave a few instructions to the cavalry squad leader.
Shortly afterward, the personal guards surrounded the street, and with a hail of arrows, began the massacre. "Those who surrender will not be killed!"
At first, these assassins, disguised as passersby, planned to ambush them, but they had been discovered!
Yang Xuanzhen was terrified, watching the carnage ahead.
He hurriedly dismounted and knelt on the ground, his head pounding against the floor repeatedly. "I deserve death! I deserve death! I was unaware of the ambush ahead! I deserve death!"
Lu Ming ignored him, continuing to watch the fighting.
After a while, Zhou Cang approached and whispered, "My lord, these are assassins sent by the Yuan family."