324 Three Pronged Method (1/2)

After eating his breakfast, Ouyang Shuo gathered the core members of the group for a meeting. Apart from the Guards regiment colonel Wang Feng, was Pei Donglai, Secretary Bai Nanpu, Song Jia and Sun Xiaoyue.

Ouyang Shuo briefly described his views and asked for their opinions.

As military generals, Wang Feng and Pei Donglai wouldn't say their views on such a strategic decision. Furthermore, this wasn't their specialty.

Song Jia was here to have fun, so naturally, she wouldn't interfere in his decision. Sun Xiaoyue joined the trip as the overall architect, so she was in charge of the planning and organization of the new territory.

The only one who could express his views was Bai Nanpu.

Ever since the day he became Ouyang Shuo's secretary, 10 months had passed. The impression that he gave Ouyang Shuo was that he was really low profile.

Although the position of secretary was similar to that of an assistant, it was a tough job. He had many responsibilities apart from organizing the letters. He was also in charge of spreading instructions and helping with administrative matters.

Sometimes, Ouyang Shuo would ask him for his opinion on some matters written in the letter.

Each part of his job was important, and to do it well, one would hold tremendous power. Hence, the secretary was a very popular person and was even one whom everybody wanted to make friends with.

What astonished people was that Bai Nanpu as a secretary was like an invisible person. Usually, even Ouyang Shuo wouldn't notice his presence.

More mysteriously was that when Ouyang Shuo needed him, he would appear at the appropriate moments. The letters placed on his desk were always so neat and well arranged.

Ouyang Shuo also hadn't heard about Bai Nanpu meeting any officials in private. He was always in the secretary office, either dealing with letters or reading.

Fan Zhongyan had given Bai Nanpu an evaluation, saying that he couldn't see through this young secretary, and that his perseverance and resilience were scary.

That's right, ”scary” was the word that Fan Zhongyan had used.

Fan Zhongyan was one of the 3 heads of the civil servants in the territory. For him to evaluate you as 'scary' meant that you were really special.

At that moment, Ouyang Shuo had just laughed it off, but secretly he started to pay closer attention to this secretary.

Overall, towards this secretary, Ouyang Shuo was extremely pleased. As for his subtlety, Ouyang Shuo felt that it wasn't a problem.

For this long trip, Ouyang Shuo specifically brought him along to give him some training. After all, after being the secretary for a long time, his eyes were opened but he didn't have any administrative experience.

Ouyang Shuo wanted to let Bai Nanpu lead the early administrative works of the Yazhou Territory. Before leaving, he also specifically tracked him down to have a deep conversation.

Although he didn't say it directly, Bai Nanpu probably understood his intentions.

Meeting hall

Noticing the glance from the marquis, Bai Nanpu knew that the lord was waiting for him to answer. This answer was a test for him.

The previous words from the marquis had ignited a series of thoughts in his head. The meaning from which made even his cool character feel emotional and excited.

Becoming an official and leading a territory was the dream of everyone.

What was better was to lead such a place like Yazhou, the importance of which didn't need to be further emphasized.

As for how to open up Yazhou, Bai Nanpu had pondered about it throughout the night before obtaining a short rest.

Bai Nanpu calmed himself down and said, ”Marquis, I feel that to build the territory first is not right. The risk is too big, and it isn't the rational decision. Furthermore, we also have the Chamber of Commerces following us and we can't endanger them or it would affect your honor.” Bai Nanpu's words were the same as rejecting the first suggestion.

Ouyang Shuo nodded, not agreeing or disagreeing.

Bai Nanpu continued, ”Building the military port is also too slow. At this moment, I suggest to split into three parts and work all at once.”

”Have a go!”

”Firstly, the military port will proceed as usual, it would be of the utmost importance. Secondly, contact Shanhai City to form up the second batch of people, bringing over more workers and grain. Thirdly, explore the island and the region around us to better prepare to build our territory.” Bai Nanpu came out with his 3-part plan.

Ouyang Shuo nodded, finally revealing a smile. ”Not bad!”

Bai Nanpu relaxed and went back to his seat.

Ouyang Shuo looked around and started to give out orders. ”General Pei!”

”Yes my lord!”

”Split the Naval fleet into two. Half will return to Beihai City and guard the next batch as they come here. The other will monitor the region around the island and draw up a nautical map and on the way, get rid of the pirates. It’s best if you are able to make a round trip around the island and obtain first hand intel.”