Fang Qianyuan knew perfectly well that this could hardly be called rewarding merit.
Strictly speaking, the best way to govern one's subordinates was to reward achievements and punish offenses with fairness and discipline.
Scattering wealth at will in a reckless show of generosity was not a wise move.
But Fang Qianyuan had his own considerations. This time would be an exception.
First, wealth stirred people's hearts. He had taken the lion's share, and although the others could hardly object, envy was inevitable and might breed trouble.
Giving them a few small benefits would win their loyalty and demonstrate fairness.
Second, treating his own people generously would strengthen his subordinates and allow them to serve him better.
Once their rewards had improved their strength, would they not still be working for him in the end?
Fang Qianyuan would not begrudge this little bit of wealth.
Third, Fang Qianyuan also intended to use this gesture to entangle the city's aristocratic clans in the consequences of confiscating the Qian Clan's property.
Qian Yuxiang of the Qian Clan was still alive, after all!
Moreover, these assets consisted mostly of treasures, with little actual spirit jade. Even if sold at a discount, they would only fetch secondhand prices, yet people would still judge their value by the original prices.
He could give generously at little cost to himself. Why not?
Early the following morning, Lin Xiong came to report that Elders Hua Yisheng and Xie Tao had arrived.
Hearing this, Fang Qianyuan went to the front hall of the City Lord's Mansion. Sure enough, the two elders were drinking tea inside.
Hua Yisheng and Xie Tao were both middle-aged cultivators at the third transformation of Earth Rank. Hua Yisheng was slightly older, already in his sixties, and looked like a wealthy gentleman. Xie Tao had