Lujiang City had only just been recaptured, yet many of the city's people had already returned to their former way of life.
There were peddlers, merchants, and pedestrians coming and going along the streets, with smiles even on their faces.
Before Yuan Shu's rule, Lujiang City had suffered from exorbitant taxes, as well as constant conscription and forced recruitment of able-bodied men.
Now that Jiang Siming had conquered Lujiang, he had not only reduced the taxes paid by Lujiang's people to less than a tenth of what they had been, but had also released all the forcibly recruited men and sent them home.
The common people were naturally delighted.
"Fengxiao, tell me—wouldn't it be wonderful if we could turn the entire Han Dynasty into a place like this? No more wars, the common people living and working in peace, and peace throughout the land. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"
On a street in Lujiang City, Jiang Siming and Guo Jia, dressed as ordinary wealthy young masters, strolled along while chatting leisurely.
Guo Fengxiao smiled and said wistfully, "If that could truly happen, it would be a blessing for the entire realm. Guo Jia believes that the lord will certainly accomplish it soon."
"Hahaha, of course I will. Otherwise, why would I become prime minister?" Jiang Siming laughed arrogantly.
Guo Jia paused, then said in a low voice, "My lord, you will be more than just prime minister in the future."
Jiang Siming naturally knew what Guo Jia meant. He patted him on the shoulder and said, "You must not speak of this to anyone for now, especially not Xun Yu."
"Guo Jia understands." Guo Jia grasped it instantly.
Dian Wei, acting as their attendant behind them, asked in utter confusion, "My lord, military adviser, what are you talking about? I can't