Chapter 29: Diary of Becoming a Hands-Off Boss

Beneath the city gate archway, the officials of the provincial governor’s residence had long been awaiting. Led by Chen Qun, everyone—except Zhu Qing, who had gone out to deliver gifts and had not yet returned—was present, both civil and military alike. Behind them trailed two unfamiliar faces.

Strangely, these two men wore no embroidered robes but simple cotton garments, no tall boots but plain shoes. Their expressions lacked the calm composure typical of scions from established families; instead, they stood tensely, heads lowered, nervously rubbing their hands while staring fixedly at their shoe tips.

Chen Cong made no pretense of superiority. After ordering Xu Huang to lead the troops into the city, he dismounted and stepped forward to greet them.

“We have returned victorious under the governance of the provincial governor.”

“Hahaha, well said. Cong, you have been away for long battles; thank you all for managing the affairs of Jinyang. Changwen, please introduce these two gentlemen.”

“My young uncle has been away for some time. Would it not be better to return to the residence and rest, and introduce them formally during tomorrow’s council?”

Council? The term struck Chen Cong oddly, immediately bringing to mind the ever-diligent Cao Zuo, who was always buried in scrolls and documents.

He shook his head vigorously. “I am eager to meet talents and cannot wait until tomorrow!”

Chen Qun, modest as ever, stepped aside and cupped his hands toward Cheng Yu.

Cheng Yu stepped forward and introduced, “Distinguished merchants from Zhongshan, Su Shuang and Zhang Shiping. The provincial governor issued a call to ‘select the virtuous with benevolence.’ These two responded first, exchanging ten thousand gold coins for grain and porridge to save countless displaced people. The common folk of Jinyang praise their righteousness and kindness.”

The two immediately stepped forward, clasped their fists, and bowed deeply at a ninety-degree angle, heads bowed low. “Your humble servants Su Shuang and Zhang Shiping pay respects to the provincial governor of Bingzhou.”

Chen Cong was startled.

Su Shuang? Zhang Shiping?

Weren’t these two the angel investors of Liu Paopao? How did they end up in Jinyang distributing porridge? And handing over ten thousand gold coins at once—how bold!

More importantly, they were engaged in the horse trading business, precisely what Chen Cong urgently needed.

The Flying Bear cavalry might be manageable, but the consumption of warhorses amounted to astronomical figures.

Having these two on their side was like finding a pillow when you’re about to doze off!

“Well said, well said! Gentlemen of benevolence!” Chen Cong then turned to Chen Qun and asked, “Changwen, what official posts do these two gentlemen hold in the state?”

Chen Qun replied offhandedly, “They may be appointed as clerks in the provincial secretariat.”

Given their investment of ten thousand gold in purchasing horses, they deserved higher positions—perhaps as assistants or scribes.

However,

To continuously encourage noble families to distribute porridge, it would be unwise to grant them high rank abruptly.

Moreover, these two were humble merchants. Rapid promotion might not only question their competency but also offend the established aristocracy of Bingzhou.

Chen Cong did not linger on the matter.

Clerks in the provincial secretariat were no small matter.

For these two, who provided horses, money, and even iron to Liu Pao, to end up with nothing in return was quite an achievement.

On Chen Cong’s side, to start as close attendants to the provincial governor was nothing short of a meteoric rise.

He smiled and said, “I hope the two gentlemen will not refuse.”

The two were overjoyed, bowing their heads in unison. “We are deeply honored by your high regard. As mere merchants, gaining official posts is already fortunate; how could we ever refuse? If accepted, we vow to serve faithfully and tirelessly.”

Chen Cong quickly steadied them. “Hahaha, excellent! Having you two is like King Yue acquiring Tao Zhu—what a blessing! What a blessing!”

With Su Shuang and Zhang Shiping secured, after some brief pleasantries, everyone dispersed.

The provincial governor had returned victorious; it was late and everyone was weary. No one would dare to bother Chen Cong with endless counsel at such a moment.

…

The next morning.

At the first light of dawn, all civil and military officials of Bingzhou assembled in the main hall of the governor’s residence, yet neither of the newly appointed clerks was present.

Chen Yi had been waiting for some time.

Once everyone was gathered, he cupped his hands and announced, “The provincial governor has contracted a mild illness. Henceforth, all administrative affairs of the residence shall be fully entrusted to the deputy administrator, assisted by the chief secretary and the manager.”

A burst of laughter erupted.

Hua Xiong laughed outright. As a general serving under the Grand Tutor and residing in Bingzhou as a guest, he had few reservations.

He blurted, “Chen Zining is as sturdy as a tiger; he’s got a mild illness? If so, everyone else would surely be deathly ill!”

Chen Yi cast him a glance. “The provincial governor said, ‘Whoever doubts, may go and see his bedside illness.’ General Hua, care to take a look?”

Hua Xiong was about to step forward, but suddenly hesitated.

He only considered himself as a guest general; Chen Zining did not regard him as anything more. If Hua actually went to the bedside… whether Chen Cong was truly ill or not, he was certainly ‘ill’ for sure…

Moreover,

The affairs of the residence were none of his business. Why stir up trouble?

He promptly stepped back, cleared his throat, and said, “I just recalled that Governor Chen does have an old ailment. Although it is not serious, it flares up from time to time.”

Before the others could fully react,

Chen Yi waved his hand, and the Chen family guards behind him immediately sprang into action.

They set up small tables on either side of the main seat, laid out cushions, and brought in pastries, snacks, and tea.

After a brief absence, Chen Yi returned with six fair-faced Xiongnu women, each holding silk fans. Two stood behind each small table.

Finally, the guards brought forth towering stacks of scrolls, placing them on the three tables.

This scene left everyone speechless.

Chen Qun hurriedly grasped Chen Yi’s arm. “The affairs of the residence are quite pressing. Without the provincial governor’s approval, how can we assume such authority? If the governor is unwell, a few days’ rest would suffice. Full authority should be reconsidered.”

Chen Yi recalled Chen Cong’s instructions. Bowing to Chen Qun, he replied, “The provincial governor anticipated that the deputy administrator would refuse, saying, ‘Uncle and nephew are one body. Changwen would not forsake family ties, would he?’”

Chen Qun opened his mouth but found no words.

How could he argue?

To utter even a single ‘no’ would be tantamount to denying his own young uncle.

“All right, all right. Full authority is acceptable, but the governor’s seat must never be occupied by Chen Qun. Younger brother, please set up another seat.”

Chen Yi remained unmoved and repeated, “The provincial governor expected the deputy administrator would not sit, saying, ‘Uncle and nephew are one body. Changwen would not disregard family ties, would he?’”

Even Chen Qun, with his great composure, was nearly at his wit’s end.

He had been blocked twice in succession by the very same phrase!

But what could he say? What could he dare say?

To utter even half a ‘no’ would be to disown his young uncle.

Chen Qun resigned himself.

Chen Cong did not fear his overstepping; if Chen Qun did not take the seat, he would be the ungrateful one.

After all, ‘uncle and nephew are one body’…

Thankfully, Chen Qun was robust and would likely recover quickly.

What Chen Qun did not realize was that sitting in that position was easy; stepping down would be infinitely harder…

While some soldiers sneered in secret,

Chen Yi continued, “The provincial governor has contracted a mild illness. Military affairs of the residence shall be fully handled by the chief of military affairs, assisted by the captains of the Fierce Cavalry and the Breaker of Barbarians.”

Cao Chun was startled upon hearing this.

He did not disdain the task, but he knew all too well that military affairs in Jinyang were a tangled mess.

Jia Xu had managed to rally eight thousand slave soldiers from various factions. There were nearly twenty thousand fresh Breaker of Barbarians troops who had marched into the city yesterday, composed of both men and women!

How could women serve in the army?

Furthermore, the original Cao army had three hundred flying cavalry and fifteen hundred Flying Bears. How were these two forces to be integrated?

How would lost horses of the Flying Bears be replenished?

Ultimately, how would the cavalry be organized? Into what divisions? Under whose command?

Even if entrusted with full authority, he would be at a loss.

Just as Cao Chun was about to speak,

Chen Yi said, “The provincial governor anticipated the general’s reluctance, saying, ‘Relatives are one body. Zi He, would you disregard family ties?’”

Cao Chun: …