"Joint governance? You mean governing the Borderlands Commandery together?" Zuo Lingyue asked me curiously, deliberately seeking the general's opinion as well. It seemed she already trusted the general deeply.
"Exactly. We'll govern the Borderlands Commandery together. I only need a base and intend to recruit as many able people as possible. We'll unite our strength and form alliances—that's all. I'm not very interested in governing the Borderlands Commandery. Commandery Governor Zuo can continue governing it as before; you'll only need to implement my new policies in certain details," I said.
"So you want me to be your puppet commandery governor?" Zuo Lingyue asked, displeased.
"That's not an inaccurate way to put it. But once the world is pacified, I'll return the government to you." I had no intention of hiding this. After hearing me, Zuo Lingyue's expression darkened. "You turned the Borderlands Commandery into what it is now, and you still say you'll return the government to me? You make it sound far too easy."
"What else can you do? You can no longer deliver the taxes. How could the emperor let you off? I'm the only one who can reverse the situation before you and save the common people." I looked toward Official Zhao. Official Zhao nodded and handed Zuo Lingyue a folder. "If the taxes aren't paid on time, I'll use a few minor tricks to delay the matter. By then, you'll have three months left. During that period, our leader will do everything possible to resolve the issue. Besides, the Borderlands Commandery is in a special location. If things don't go as expected, you can simply flee into the Great Wilderness. I believe that would make a good fallback route, wouldn't it?"
"Just like those people from Qilin Commandery?" Zuo Lingyue asked with a frown.
"Qilin Commandery