Chapter 56 Local Investigation Official corruption is indeed a difficult problem to tackle, and we can only keep cleaning it up like mowing the grass. Although Tian Ze repeatedly admonished them, carried out various ideological educations, granted generous welfare benefits, and implemented severe punishment measures, it was still difficult to curb the greedy desires of some people. Liaodong had just started, and many people began to show signs of degeneration. Many of them were civilians from poor backgrounds. It was Tian Ze who gave them the opportunity. They never expected that they, who were once deeply oppressed by corrupt officials, would so quickly turn into corrupt officials who oppress others. However, this is understandable. After all, Tian Ze's management of officials in all aspects is still in its infancy and there are many omissions. However, these officials who came from common people had limited knowledge and had experienced limited tests. They were originally refugees and had an extreme lack of security in their hearts. "Three years to clear the magistrate, one hundred thousand snowflakes and silver." When faced with interests, they are too easily swayed. Not to mention them, even those children of wealthy families who were born in aristocratic families and had no worries about food and clothing, also had many who exploited the people in their hometown. Although they account for a smaller proportion, the amount of money they embezzle is often more staggering.
To a certain extent, the integrity of these people relies on the support of the families behind them. They have no need to be corrupt. They have enjoyed a superior environment since childhood and do not look down on this little money. But their families are often built on countless bloody accumulations. It is difficult to sort out what is right and what is wrong, what is good and what is bad. Tian Ze treated officials from aristocratic families and commoners equally, but the prerequisite was that they had to implement his ideas and follow his rules. During this period of time, Tian Feng investigated and punished dozens of officials almost every month. The movement was so large that it even had a considerable impact on the management of Liaodong. Chen Gong and others reported this matter to Tian Ze many times. Such a large and continuous vacancies of officials had a certain impact on the development of Liaodong. But Tian Ze did not stop it. Temporary pain could be tolerated, but once the door was opened and a certain degree of unspoken rule was formed, it would be difficult to correct it in the future. He gave Tian Feng his unreserved trust and full support, wanting to make Tian Feng a figure like Hai Rui and Wei Zheng. Although this type of people are not likable, they are extremely important and their existence is necessary. Some people don't even think that petty corruption is a problem, as long as the area can be properly governed and they don't suffer, that's enough. After all, honest officials are rare, while corrupt officials are as numerous as the sands of the Yellow River. In the minds of some people, capable corrupt officials are much better than incompetent honest officials. As long as they can do practical things for them and let them live a good life, what's wrong with getting more? In fact, Tian Ze once agreed with this view to a certain extent. However, with the change of his status and the expansion of his vision, Tian Ze came to a profound understanding that this trend must not be allowed to continue. Greed is like fire, if not curbed it will start a prairie fire. If the problems under his rule have been accumulated for a long time, for the sake of the overall situation, he may secretly take extraordinary measures and appoint people like Heshen who are capable but lack moral integrity. But now he is a pioneer who must lay the foundation, anchor the wind direction, and tighten the cage of anti-corruption. As long as there is a loophole, all kinds of people will follow suit in various ways, gradually turning it into an unspoken rule. Once compromise and accommodation are made, it will inevitably lead to great disasters. Even if this may lead to some inhumane behavior or excessive punishment, which will have a certain impact on the development under your rule, we have to choose the lesser of two evils. If we allow corruption to prevail, it will cause endless troubles in the future.
When he was the county magistrate, Tian Ze did not have such a deep understanding. After all, there are not many people under my command, so I can manage it if I keep a closer eye on them. Since becoming the prefect, Tian Ze clearly felt that his control over his subordinates had declined significantly. Even though Tian Ze has tried his best to be fair and just, some unreasonable and unfair things still occur from time to time under his rule. But he could do nothing about it. In such a large county, there would always be some omissions. Tian Ze knew very well that in this position, a small slackness on his part might be a huge disaster for many people. His words might change the fate of many people. He must try his best to do his best, but he cannot exhaust himself like Zhuge Liang, so he must control the right degree. Even if he could split himself into two persons and handle government affairs day and night, it would be impossible for him to take care of every detail. Human power will eventually be limited. There is no way to have the best of both worlds. We can only focus on the big things, let go of the small things and do our best. Perhaps because he came from the future, or perhaps because of his cultivation, Tian Ze had a strong sense of responsibility, but he did not have too heavy a psychological burden. In a sense, he was indeed a suitable governor. He has done very well and has no regrets. No one can blame him. He will try his best to do better, but he will not push himself too hard. "My lord, Yuan is late. I hope you will forgive me." Seeing that Tian Ze was investigating, Guo Yuan did not immediately go forward to disturb him. Instead, he stood at a distance and waited until the old farmer and Tian Ze finished talking and left before he hurriedly appeared and apologized. Tian Ze waved his hand nonchalantly, took the booklet and brush from Pang De beside him, and first recorded the harvest he had talked about with the old farmer. Although there were only a few lines of words, Guo Yuan and the officials around him felt sweat on their backs. After Tian Ze finished writing, he returned the paper and pen to Pang De, looked at Guo Yuan with a smile and said, "You've worked hard, Zi Ni. I heard that you've been busy with government affairs during this period, and you have less than two hours of rest every day. How can this be possible?" "You've done a great job, but you also need to take care of your health. Otherwise, you'll get sick from working yourself to death, and then there will be so many things to deal with in the future. Who will I ask to handle them?" Guo Yuan was a practical man with a gentle and honest personality. He handled farm affairs appropriately and kindly. During this period, Tian Ze conducted research in various places, and the people all praised Guo Yuan. Guoyuan has visited almost all the counties in Liaodong, which is unique among Tian Ze's important officials. Although it is also due to the special affairs of the Ministry of Agriculture, Tian Ze is still very moved by his steadfastness and diligence. "Thank you for your concern, my lord. Thanks to your trust, all the farming affairs of the county are entrusted to Yuan. Recently is the critical period of summer harvest and summer planting, and Yuan dare not slack off in the slightest. After this period is over, Yuan can relax a little." Guo Yuan said. "That won't work either." Tian Ze said to the clerk who was responsible for following Sasuke beside Guo Yuan, "Wen Qi, you follow Zi Ni all the time. You have to control his work and rest time. The work time should not exceed six hours a day. If you work for a quarter of an hour longer, I will hold you responsible." When Du Ning heard Tian Ze say his name and "entrust him with an important task", his heart warmed up and he said loudly: "Yes!" When Guo Yuan heard this, he was moved and at a loss whether to laugh or cry. Well, my personal assistant has been arranged, so it seems I really need to pay attention to rest. Afterwards, Tian Ze asked about some recent work situations, and Guo Yuan briefly reported on the recent achievements like flowing water. At the same time, he asked Tian Ze for his opinions on some points that he was unsure about. Based on the experience of later generations, Tian Ze made a few suggestions, but at the same time he reiterated that it was for reference only and asked Guo Yuan to study it before making a decision. "By the way, Zini. The old farmer just said that the canal and water volume in their village are a bit insufficient, and are a few inches lower than those in the neighboring village. I'm just reminding you about this. Try to verify it later. If there are any problems, remember to deal with them as soon as possible." Upon hearing this, several officials nearby suddenly broke out in sweat and turned pale. Guo Yuan said, "My Lord, I have already verified this matter. In fact..."
Tian Ze raised his hand to stop Guo Yuan from speaking. "Zini, I'm just reminding you. I know that what the old farmer said may not be true, or he may only be saying what he thinks. You don't need to explain this matter to me or ask for instructions. Just handle it as you wish." "You don't have to feel too burdened. I believe you can handle it properly. If there is no problem with the officials involved, there is no need to make a fuss. Don't make special arrangements just to give me an answer and explanation. Just deal with it realistically." "Okay, you guys go ahead, I'm leaving." After saying that, Tian Ze turned around and left with Pang De in a leisurely manner. Guo Yuan and a group of officials showed gratitude and admiration in their eyes. They looked at Tian Ze's departing back and bowed deeply. (End of this chapter)