Lu Xun was deeply shaken. Though those private troops and retainers were to be turned over to the state, they would still ultimately remain under their original commanders. In truth, it was little different from before, like moving something from the left hand to the right. The families supplying the money and grain would certainly be willing, and Lan Tian's thoroughness and prudence deepened Lu Xun's admiration still further.
While Lu Xun was still immersed in his shock, Lan Tian's voice sounded again beside him. "Yuzhang and Luling will adopt Jiao Province's new system, so there is no need to favor them in resources. When I spoke of unified allocation just now, I meant among Danyang, Kuaiji, and Wu Commandery."
"Oh? That would indeed be workable." Lu Xun nodded lightly.
"Since Boyan has understood, this matter will surely be handled well. You can discuss among yourselves who will oversee the Six Ministries. No problem with that, right?" Lan Tian thought that with six more prefecture-level posts to fill, probably no one would step forward to object.
"Yes." Lu Xun gave a slight nod, then asked with a grave expression, "This subordinate returned rather late. I heard that many Huaisi Faction officials went with Mancai to Yuzhang. Will the Prefect's action bring resentment upon you?"
Lan Tian was greatly comforted to hear this. Lu Xun was the only one concerned that he might be resented. Just for that alone, he thought, I'll recommend him to His Majesty. He then smiled and said, "Those sojourners of Huaisi origin have long had many conflicts with the Jiangdong gentry. Now that they are separated into two places, they can each rely on their own abilities. Let their achievements in government decide who is superior and who inferior. Don't you think that is better? Every