What happened at the headquarters of the Pacification Commissioner spread throughout Mingzhou City in less than half a day.
Soon, all the officials in Mingzhou City breathed a collective sigh of relief.
During the period when Han Mo feigned illness, these people had been on tenterhooks, especially those who had skeletons in their closets that Han Mo knew about.
After all, a sick person might do peculiar things. If Han Mo had a sudden change of heart and decided to drag them all down with him, their deaths would be truly unjust.
As soon as Qu Duan left, Li Yueyang rushed to visit.
If one were to ask who had been under the most pressure recently, it would undoubtedly be this Lord Li!
He had to not only appease his subordinates but also complete the tasks assigned to him by Han Mo.
Occasionally, when he had a moment of leisure, he had to overcome his inner fear. This constant feeling of gain and loss was incredibly distressing.
"My Lord, your health has just recovered, and this Qu Duan is truly audacious. Rest assured, I will give this scoundrel a good lesson when I return!"
After carefully observing Han Mo's complexion, Li Yueyang finally relaxed and said indignantly.
"Alright, let this matter rest here. He doesn't have much ill intent. He just has a foul temper. But he's a military man. If all military men were as easygoing as you and I, it would truly endanger the country!"
Han Mo understood that Li Yueyang wasn't actually intending to harm Qu Duan but merely wanted to pledge his loyalty to him.
However, he played along with Li Yueyang's performance, as life is like a play, and it all depends on acting!
At this moment, what Li Yueyang said was not important. His hurried arrival already explained a great deal!
Li Yueyang had some connections in Mingzhou City. As for what Han Mo had been doing recently, or whether he was in Mingzhou City, Li Yueyang had his suspicions.
However, now that Han Mo had returned and no one else had discovered his absence, these suspicions and subtle clues were no longer important.
"My Lord, you are simply too kind-hearted. If it were someone else, their head would have been removed and used as a football by now! Your recent illness truly frightened this subordinate to death..."
"You have indeed worked hard recently. Although I was ill, I was somewhat aware of the affairs in the manor. However, my illness was severe, and I was in a daze. Fortunately, I have managed to pull through!"
"By the way, My Lord, these are some matters I was ordered to handle. I have written down the progress of each task in a report, which you can review."
As Li Yueyang spoke, he subtly took out a small booklet from his sleeve and handed it to Han Mo.
After scanning the contents of the booklet, Han Mo nodded with satisfaction.
"You have handled these matters well. It seems you are becoming increasingly adept in your current position! With your abilities, I believe another year or two of perseverance will lead to further promotion!"
Han Mo spoke while dangling a carrot before him.
"I must thank you for your tutelage, My Lord. Otherwise, this subordinate would likely still be living in a state of confusion..."
Hearing Han Mo's words, Li Yueyang's heart leaped with joy.
"You have already endured the arduous tasks. There is no need for excessive humility at times. However, the progress of the construction project is still somewhat slow. We need to speed things up."
Everything else was proceeding smoothly according to plan, except for the road construction. This task simply couldn't be rushed.
Although the road Han Mo wanted to build was not very long, it was all in mountainous terrain, making it difficult to carve a path through the mountains.
"Other matters are relatively easy to discuss. It's only the road construction. The conscripted laborers are currently insufficient. However, if I were to recruit from outside the region, I fear it would affect the summer harvest..."
The conscription of laborers, even in this era, was a common practice, but the required procedures were still lengthy.
Especially when recruiting from outside the region. Including the communication work on their end and the process of selecting personnel on the other end after receiving the official document, it would take at least a month for them to arrive at the site.
The conscripted laborers, after working for less than half a month, would have to be quickly dismissed to return for the summer harvest.
This back and forth, besides wasting more grain, would hardly contribute to the progress of the project.
"I understand your little intentions. However, this is not something I can decide alone. How about this: you continue with your work, and I will discuss it with the Prefect of Zema. Then, I will send someone to relay a message to you!"
Seeing his hesitant demeanor, Han Mo understood what this fellow was scheming for – he wanted some gunpowder from him to blast through the mountains.
Such a matter would be commonplace in later generations, but in this era, especially with the Prefect of Zema present, it would cause trouble if done without his consent!
"Thank you, My Lord!"
Hearing Han Mo's words, Li Yueyang's heart rejoiced, as this matter would ultimately be counted as his political achievement!
Although he had now become Han Mo's trusted confidant, even confidants sometimes needed achievements and face-saving projects. Han Mo understood this, and he himself was aware of it, which was why he was so dedicated to this matter.
"Then I will return to await news. When you are feeling better, My Lord, and have some free time, may I accompany you to visit the construction site?"
"We'll see about that. So much time has been delayed, and the memorials in the study are likely piled higher than I am!"
When Han Mo said this, even Li Yueyang let out a wry smile. This kind of trouble was not unique to Han Mo; he himself faced it as well.
"Then I will not disturb your rest, My Lord. I take my leave!"
After cupping his hands to Han Mo once more, Li Yueyang finally rose and departed.
"Young Master-in-law, Lord Zong and Old Lord Li have arrived! Shall I invite them in or?"