Marquis Xuanwei Zhang Xin finished writing the letter to Zhu Jun and continued discussing matters with everyone.
He only announced the end of the discussion when it was already late.
"Let's stop here for today."
Everyone stood up and bowed.
"General bids farewell."
"Your subordinate bids farewell."
After everyone left, Zhang Xin looked at Chen Lin, who was standing beside him.
"Did you write everything down? "
"Yes, I did."
Chen Lin nodded, "Does Lord wish to review it? "
He was the Chief Clerk of the Wei General's mansion, and naturally, he was responsible for recording the military discussions today.
Zhang Xin beckoned.
"Bring it over."
Chen Lin blew dry the ink on the bamboo slips and handed them to him with both hands.
Zhang Xin took them and carefully reviewed everyone's suggestions, constantly pondering in his mind.
"Governor."
Cui Yan walked in with two minor officials.
Zhang Xin looked up and saw the minor officials carrying a box. He asked, "What is it? "
Cui Yan bowed.
"These are the documents sent by the Prefects and County Magistrates today."
"More pleas for mercy? " Zhang Xin looked at him.
"Yes."
Cui Yan nodded, "Does Governor wish to see them? "
Zhang Xin shook his head.
The County Magistrates were not local, but they had been in the area for a long time and had deep connections with the local powerful clans.
Prefects were fine, as they were high-ranking officials with great power, and the imperial court transferred them frequently.
But County Magistrates were different.
Some County Magistrates had been in Qing Province for even longer than Zhang Xin's age.
Over such a long period, it was either due to entangled interests or genuine affection.
Furthermore, Zhang Xin's intention to kill so many people would indeed have some impact on the governance of the commanderies and counties.
For both public and private reasons, they had to submit petitions for mercy.
In the past few days, petitions for mercy from various places flew in like snowflakes, filling one or two boxes every day.
Due to the sheer number of petitions, Zhang Xin simply couldn't read them all, so he could only ask Cui Yan to screen them.
He would not read or reply to any petition that involved pleas for mercy.
Cui Yan understood and waved for the minor officials to carry the box away, then looked at Zhang Xin.
"Governor."
Cui Yan advised, "This major case involves such a wide range that the commanderies and counties are left empty."
"In some county yamen, there are only three or five clerks left, making it truly difficult to operate."
"I believe, Governor, whether you could grant a special pardon to some clerks and let them return to work? "
"Are you also pleading for mercy? "
Zhang Xin looked at him indifferently.
"Governor, you misunderstand."
Cui Yan quickly shook his head, "I am only considering for Governor, after all, there are only about three months left until next year's spring plowing."
"In such a short time, will the counties be able to recruit scholars and retrain them in time? "
"Moreover…"
Cui Yan paused, then continued, "Most of the scholars in some counties have been arrested, and the County Magistrates may not be able to recruit enough people."
"If spring plowing is delayed…"
"Governor."
Cui Yan raised his head, "There have been many complaints from the counties recently! "
"If they have complaints, tell them to hold them in."
Zhang Xin snorted coldly, "These County Magistrates, they don't see the powerful clans bullying the common people in the countryside on a daily basis."
"Now they still have the nerve to come and plead for mercy? I haven't even held them accountable for their dereliction of duty yet! "
"No pardon! Not a single one! "
He couldn't set this precedent.
If Zhang San was pardoned, should Li Si, whose crime was similar, also be pardoned?
If not, people would be discontent.
Why should Zhang San live when our mistakes are similar, but I, Li Si, must die?
If Li Si was pardoned, what about Wang Wu?
What about Zhao Liu?
There were over ten thousand people to be arrested this time.
If he started this, it would be endless.
"Then what about the counties…"
Cui Yan asked cautiously.
"You go write an edict."
Zhang Xin thot for a moment and said, "Order the County Magistrates to fill the vacant clerk positions themselves. If they truly cannot recruit people, they can come to State Prefecture for assistance."
"Tell the commanderies and counties below, if they lack people, I will provide them."
"Pleading for mercy? Don't even think about it! "
"If anyone delays next year's spring plowing, I will cut off his head! "
"Those who can accept it, continue to work. Those who cannot, may resign their posts, and I will appoint acting officials to replace them."
If you don't do it, there are plenty of people who will.
There's still a group of Huayin scholars here in Pingyuan, it's about time they started working.
"Understood."
Cui Yan bowed in acceptance and turned to leave.
Zhang Xin turned his gaze back to ntly glancing at the convoy.
These things aren't for me?
The imperial envoy seemed to have seen thru Zhang Xin's thoughts and pulled out another imperial edict.
"Marquis Xuanwei, where is Zhang Liao? "