Therefore, the stewards of powerful and influential families in the Da Shun Dynasty were people that many dared not offend but also could not afford to provoke. Even a lowly servant would strut around giving orders, earning contempt yet also fear, with few earning a good reputation.
If Fang Chuanzhou and Xie Tianhai were to help Mo Jiuye temporarily manage the affairs of his territory, they would likely be labeled as dogs relying on others' power.
But what did that matter?
From the start of their exile, Fang Chuanzhou, Xie Tianhai, and their families had resolved to rely on the Mo family. Without the Mo family's aid, not only would they have struggled to reach the northwest alive, even if they did, they would have worried about making a living.
Although they were no longer court officials, with the Mo family's continued support, their lives had been comfortable.
As exiles, commoners, or even less than commoners, the fact that they could live without lacking food or clothing, even having surplus provisions—this was something they never dared dream of when leaving the Capital city.
Now, finally with a chance to repay the Mo family, the two men spared no effort. What did it matter if they were labeled stewards?
They would have served as servants if it meant doing something for the Mo family...
Seeing the two uncles' lack of hesitation, Mo Jiuye knew he and his wife had not misjudged them.
"In that case, I thank you both."
Mo Jiuye then brought them before the group of local officials.
Since Meng Huaining had not yet compiled evidence of the Prefectural Magistrate's crimes, Mo Jiuye could not accuse him recklessly.
"The Prefectural Magistrate has conducted himself improperly. He is hereby temporarily relieved of his duties pending further judgment."
With that, he summoned Fang Chuanzhou and Xie Tianhai to his side.
"From this day forth, these two gentlemen shall serve as stewards of my manor. During my time away at war, all affairs within my territory shall be their responsibility."
The former Prefectural Magistrate was so stunned he seemed like a wooden chicken, his guilty conscience making him fearful before Mo Jiuye.
"Your Majesty, I know my mistake. Could you give me another chance?"
Mo Jiuye had no patience for such a man. Giving him another chance would only cause more trouble.
With a wave of his hand, he ordered, "Take him away."
Soon, people came to drag the former Prefectural Magistrate away.
Of the remaining officials, aside from one or two who felt their conscience was clear, the rest lowered their heads, not daring to look at Mo Jiuye.
Mo Jiuye then instructed Fang Chuanzhou and Xie Tianhai directly.
"Uncles, I have only just taken over this territory, yet I must depart for war immediately. I entrust all affairs here to you both.
I hope to see significant improvements upon my return."
Even without Mo Jiuye's words, the two men knew what needed to be done.
"Your Majesty can rest assured. We will do our utmost."
Mo Jiuye nodded.
"Good. If you encounter any difficulties, you can seek advice from my father at home."
In truth, Mo Jiuye was not completely without capable individuals at his disposal.
He Ziming was well-versed in literature and had studied statecraft from a young age. He could have easily handled the Prefectural Magistrate's position.
However, Mo Jiuye understood his cousin's lack of interest in an official career. He Ziming was solely focused on studying medicine and had already purchased a clinic in the city, waiting only for preparations to open.
During Mo Jiuye and his wife's time in the Capital city, He Ziming had been unbound to a position he disliked. Mo Jiuye could not force his cousin into such a role for his own sake.
So when considering potential candidates to assist him, Mo Jiuye had immediately ruled out He Ziming.
Then there was his dear father-in-law, Minister Hao, who had yet to arrive in the northwest, but whose presence there was only a matter of time.
Minister Hao's administrative capabilities were unmatched, but Mo Jiuye would still need to consult the elder's wishes first.
He could hardly ask the man to resign his official post only to then come manage his territory.
For now, Fang Chuanzhou and Xie Tianhai were men he trusted, unable to leave this place in any case.
In the future, once Nan Yu cleared their names, whether they stayed or left would be their choice.
But by then, it would be long in the future. Mo Jiuye believed he could cultivate capable subordinates by that time.
Moreover, with his many brothers, particularly his calm and capable fifth brother, having them manage affairs here would not be an issue.
Of course, those were matters for later consideration. For now, he needed to depart for the battlefield immediately with his troops.
The officials who had accompanied the former Prefectural Magistrate remained kneeling. Mo Jiuye surveyed them and said, "I have no need for your gifts. Conducting yourselves properly in your positions would be the greatest gift to me."
He then waved his hand. "Rise. Take these things back. If you feel you have excessive wealth, use it to aid the impoverished citizens."
These officials had expected King of Defending the West Mo Jiuye to take harsh measures against them after dismissing the Prefectural Magistrate. They never imagined he would simply let them off so easily.
Looking at the gifts they had brought, what was there to hesitate about?
Once back, they would immediately arrange relief efforts for those struggling citizens in poverty.
With simple matters settled, the women of the Mo family came out to see their men off.
He Zhiran held Zhu in her arms, while Mo Jiuye's mother held little Mingzhu.
The two approached Mo Jiuye together.
He Zhiran took one of Zhu's little hands and made a gesture of greeting toward Mo Jiuye.
"Zhu, tell Daddy that Mommy will be a good boy waiting at home for you to return triumphant."
As if understanding his mother's words, Zhu stared at Mo Jiuye with large, round eyes, making babbling noises before breaking into a smile.
Mo Jiuye reached out and took Zhu's tiny hand. "Son, Daddy goes to battle to secure this realm for you. Protecting this land will be your duty in the future."
On the surface, Mo Jiuye appeared to simply be playing with Zhu in front of everyone. But in truth, those were his innermost thoughts.
Initially, he had agreed to become the King of Defending the West for Nan Yu not solely because of the granted territory.
As a father, he truly wished to leave something behind for his descendants.
Thus, he accepted the role of King of Defending the West—the two conditions were inseparable reasons.
Mo Jiuye's mother also approached, carrying Mingzhu.
Seeing her father, Mingzhu smiled with crinkled eyes and babbled, imitating her brother in bidding her father farewell.
Seeing the two adorable children, Mo Jiuye's heart melted completely.
Reluctantly, he stroked one child, then the other.
The many uncles of the two little ones, though not interacting with their nephew and niece like the ninth brother, still felt softened in their hearts seeing the children's antics.
For the women of the Mo family, seeing their men depart for war was not the first such occasion, apart from He Zhiran.
The anxiety they currently felt could not be expressed in words.
Though their husbands were still alive, the pain of receiving news of their deaths in the past still weighed heavily on their chests.
