Duke Hou Cao Jie could not solely oversee Xia Territory, and for considerable reasons.

Firstly, due to his military prowess and Yan Dao’s cultivation, he easily raised Chuguo’s vigilance. With Cao Jie overseeing Xia Territory, the surrounding areas would be uneasy. Secondly, his immense reputation from defeating Xia in a single battle makes it easy to form a separate regime.

In "Travels and Discourses," it is said, "Jade should not be placed in easily shattered places, how could a name lightly be granted to one who holds a vessel!"

The inherent rationale has been thoroughly explained.

This has nothing to do with whether Cao Jie is loyal or whether Emperor Qi trusts him.

It is an issue any emperor should avoid, avoiding giving a subject unwarranted space.

The Governor of Xia Territory is not Zhongxuan Chuliang, nor Li Zhengyan, nor Chen Zeqing, same principle applies.

Jiang Wang, the great contributor in the War of Xia, is highly esteemed in Xia Territory, and is also not an exception, even though his cultivation now poses no threat.

Su Guanying said she prepared tea in waiting, naturally assuming the host’s demeanor, yet in her words, she categorized Jiang Wang as belonging to South Border, deeming him one of her own. The nuance was handled perfectly.

Jiang Wang only replied with, "Involuntary," indicating his complete allegiance to the Son of Heaven, a measured response indeed.

Through these simple exchanges, both parties established preliminary mutual understanding, gaining insights beyond hearsay.

The Son of Heaven strongly ordered Jiang Wang to study, especially focusing on "History of Chiseling the Sea," precisely because time flies, years surge forth, and in the human world, over thousands of years, nothing is novel. All events occurring today can find reflections in history.

Reading history can grant wisdom.

Both parties entered the Governor Mansion, sitting opposite in the main hall, without distinguishing primary and secondary roles.

Su Guanying smiled and said, "Marquis Wu’an has chosen this time to visit, indeed supporting our South Border’s construction through actions."

This time her demeanor became more amiable.

"As Jiang Someone, I am merely a martial artist skilled in combat, unaware of state affairs," Jiang Wang replied with a bitter smile, "Actually, Governor Su, Linzi is too bustling for me, hence I only sought a tranquil place for cultivation."

"Marquis Wu’an, despite earning his title through martial arts, surprisingly seeks quietness."

"I just know my own limits."

"Could it be the ten-thousand-jun golden beam?" Su Guanying smiled, "From what I see, in this vast Daqi, among the younger generation, no one weighs more heavily than you."

"Please don’t say that," Jiang Wang waved his hand repeatedly, "The Marquis of Bowang’s descendant weighs much more heavily than I!"

Within the jest lies attitude.

Seeing his reluctance to take responsibility, Su Guanying pondered for a moment, then said, "Actually, before you arrived, a departmental meeting was underway here. I thought Marquis Wu’an might not appreciate the bustle, hence they weren’t called to pay respects."

Jiang Wang quickly stood up, "How dare I disrupt your official matters? Please, continue. To meet Governor today is already a blessing, I shall take my leave."

Su Guanying gestured for him to sit down, "What needed to be discussed has mostly been covered, it’s the right time to converse with Marquis Wu’an."

She slowly took a sip of tea, "Back then when South Border was initially established, there was a lack of personnel everywhere. When I first established the Governor Mansion, to avoid public dissent, I couldn’t recruit too many Qi people, thus had to employ the old Xia officials. But titles are difficult to assign, risking the resurgence of Xia, which cannot last, only serving temporarily."

Listening to this, Jiang Wang felt trouble brewing, thinking of finding any excuse to evade.

But Su Guanying spoke quickly, not waiting for his response, and bluntly said, "Now that the situation is basically stable, the South Border is in full swing. The landscape has shifted, old affairs should be reformed. I have reported to the Son of Heaven, and the grand examination of Xia Territory to redefine titles and unify official ranks will commence shortly... Since Marquis Wu’an has coincidentally arrived, how about you becoming the chief examiner?"

Jiang Wang immediately refused, "I am myself quite bewildered, unfamiliar with governance, certainly not qualified to be the chief examiner? South Border spans tens of thousands of miles, the official examination is no trivial matter, concerning the welfare of millions, the examiner should be someone of great virtue respected universally, I dare not mislead the future generations."

"No one possesses greater virtue than the one who subdues Saint Water, nor carries weight greater than he who saves millions." Su Guanying looked at him, "Among all officials of Daqi in this South Border, only you, Marquis Wu’an, are most virtuous and respected! If not you, then who?"

Jiang Wang said bitterly, "Others may not know, but how could Governor Su not? The notion of subduing Saint Water or saving millions, it is merely my fortunate destiny, deceit for great reputation. Duke Hou excels in martial strategy, flawless in planning, actually well-prepared long ago. Even without me there, Saint Water would not have fallen upon Jiangyin Plains. You use this as a topic, mocking me!"

"Leaving aside the strategic significance of Duke Hou saving a trump card. For the people of South Border, the one who subdues Saint Water is Marquis Wu’an Jiang Wang indeed. This is an established fact and the recognized truth. As for the rest, it’s not important. Consensus has already formed, and no one can match your prestige in South Border." Su Guanying said, "Or do you mean, despite holding the position, Marquis Wu’an is unwilling to bear the responsibility?"

This person is indeed formidable.

Before today, Jiang Wang only had a general understanding of Su Guanying’s resume.

The Su Family once was a prestigious household, but since her grandfather’s era, they declined. Her father perished in battle at the sea border, leading to the family’s collapse.

Su Guanying was raised in luxury, meticulously cared for, could be described as never touching spring water. Skilled in women’s crafts, fond of planting flowers, appreciates poetry, lyrics, and fine jade.

After her father’s death, everything changed.

Good times and beautiful sceneries, all turned to lament.

She put down flower shears and needles, picked up old armor and swords, and has since resided overseas.

Asserting, "Before twenty, I did not know human hearts. After twenty, I understand human hearts thoroughly."