The old lady's abilities are indeed beyond doubt.

After she intervened, the atmosphere at home instantly changed.

Each and every one of them treated me with utmost care, almost like offering me three sticks of incense.

After Jiang Nuan tried to talk to them several times without much success, she decisively shut up and went into seclusion to practice formations.

Magistrate Zhou had said that the imperial edict would arrive soon, and indeed, he did not keep anyone waiting for long.

Five days later, the large and imposing procession arrived in Ping'an County.

When Grand Secretary Liu looked at the small, poor, and dilapidated county town, the wrinkles on his old face trembled a few times.

Squinting, he asked the person next to him, "Is this Ping'an County?"

“Indeed, just as expected…” The man thought for a long time but couldn’t find a suitable word to praise him. Finally, he managed to say, “A place of outstanding people and beautiful scenery.”

He really couldn't understand how such a tiny, insignificant place could produce a legendary figure like the Lady Protector of the Nation.

On the other side, Magistrate Zhou bowed respectfully, saying, "Thank you so much for your praise, sir."

Knowing that the person who came was at least a prefect of the third rank, Magistrate Zhou was so frightened that his legs almost went weak.

I've never met so many important people in my life. My mind went completely blank, and I just reacted on instinct.

"Let's go to the county government office to rest for a while, and then we'll go to announce the imperial decree when the auspicious time arrives."

"Gentlemen, please. The post station has been cleaned and all the bedding has been replaced with new ones. If there is anything amiss, please let me know and I will take care of it immediately."

"It's a small matter, nothing as important as the Lady Protector of the Nation."

Although he didn't intend to cause trouble, with so many eyes on him, Liu An still asked again.

"Magistrate Zhou, you are the magistrate of Ping'an County. Have you ever had any dealings with the Lady Protector of the Nation?"

"Your Excellency, the Lady Protector of the Nation is kind and compassionate, and cares deeply for the people. She has also taken great care of me. The scythe that I presented earlier was provided by the Lady Protector of the Nation. It is seven or eight times faster than a sickle, which greatly shortens the grain collection time and reduces the risk."

"What is a saber?" Grand Secretary Liu turned his head. "Prefect Jiang, do you know?"

"Your Excellency, what Magistrate Zhou said is true. The sickle does have this use. It's a pity that Magistrate Zhou reported it too late and missed this year's wheat harvest."

"Please forgive me, Your Excellency," Magistrate Zhou explained in a flustered manner, "It is not that I intentionally delayed, but I was truly uneasy and only dared to report after the trial period."

"Good attitude," Grand Secretary Liu nodded slowly. "Down-to-earth and not ambitious for quick success, how are the evaluations of Prefect Jiang and Magistrate Zhou?"

"The one three years ago was the lowest grade."

Upon hearing this, Magistrate Zhou lowered his head, his face pale.

His lack of ability was a major flaw. He was passable in his studies, but he was truly incompetent in government affairs. He served as a county magistrate for three years, but he didn't have a single noteworthy achievement.

"Though mediocre, he diligently fulfills his duties; not bad."

Although it was only two words, it revealed the attitude towards Magistrate Zhou. Anyone who wasn't a fool would understand what to do.

Upon hearing this, Magistrate Zhou was very excited. "Thank you very much, Your Excellency. I will always remember this."

With this in mind, I know I won't have to stay stuck in Ping'an County anymore.

He completely ignored the slight reluctance in his heart.

"Old fox!" Prefect Jiang appeared respectful on the surface, but inwardly he cursed him incessantly.

As expected of a high-ranking official, he was already thinking about placing people in positions as soon as he arrived in Ping'an County.

That idiot Magistrate Zhou even looked grateful; he's mentally challenged.

If the banished immortal is real, as long as she doesn't move, is there a better position than this?

No wonder he came in last place in the assessment. He's so easily fooled; he got ripped off and was still helping the other person count the money.

Unaware of Prefect Jiang's thoughts, Grand Secretary Liu continued, "What about the Lady Protector of the Nation? Is she ethereal and otherworldly, untouched by worldly concerns?"

These words left Magistrate Zhou feeling quite confused.

He didn't feel it at all.

At most, he was a bit dignified and reserved, but I couldn't detect any of that ethereal, otherworldly aura.

Is it because I am too incapable of making progress?

He hesitated for a moment, then answered without hesitation, "The beauty of the Lady Protector of the Nation is naturally beyond description."

Grand Secretary Liu had no doubt about this statement. "Absolutely. Otherwise, how could he be a banished immortal?"

"Your Excellency is wise."

Magistrate Zhou couldn't help but wipe the fine sweat from his forehead.

Although Grand Secretary Liu did not criticize him harshly and his attitude was kind, he always felt a lot of pressure.

Grand Secretary Liu ignored the flattery and continued to ask, "The Lady Protector of the Nation..."

“My lord,” Magistrate Zhou felt he couldn’t hold back any longer and couldn’t help but push Lai Zi forward, “This is Huang Xiaoqi, the nephew of the Lady Protector of the Nation. He knows more about the Lady Protector of the Nation than anyone else.”

Upon hearing this, Grand Secretary Liu's eyes lit up, and his gaze towards Lai Zi softened considerably. "You are the nephew of the Lady Protector of the Nation?"

"It is indeed your subordinate."

Lai Zi straightened his chest, neither humble nor arrogant.

He didn't want to lose face.

"Not bad," Grand Secretary Liu said, looking the man over with satisfaction. "He's a good young man."

Upon hearing this, the person behind him couldn't help but twitch at the corner of their mouth.

Shameless old man, he started adding to the act before we even met.

As expected, the concerns of Grand Secretaries An and Zhong were not unfounded.

"Thank you for your kind words, sir."

“Nephew,” Liu An continued, “how is the Lady Protector of the Nation doing lately? Has she been troubled by any rumors?”

"Thank you for your concern, sir. Everything is fine and there are no problems."

At this moment, Lai Zi finally came to his senses.

I hadn't thought much about it before, just assuming the person in front of me was an imperial envoy delivering a decree.

Only now do I realize that this person's attitude seems a bit too attentive.

Is my aunt's status that high?

Lai Zi couldn't help but gasp.

He had a vague feeling that he had gotten a great deal.

"That's good. If His Majesty were to be troubled by the Lady Protector of the Nation, he would surely feel uneasy."

Liu An stroked his beard and continued walking forward with a smile on his face.

This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!