The spring breeze is soft and warm, the air is fresh, and the sun is shining brightly.

Maybe the environment is not so beautiful, but Li Zhengdong feels that everything in the outside world is pleasing to the eye.

"Congratulations, Lord Li."

"Congratulations to Lord Li first."

On the way to the yamen, people kept smiling and bowing, greeting us warmly.

"Thank you very much."

Every time this happened, Li Zhengdong would smile with his eyes narrowed and politely return the gift to express his gratitude.

As a senior official, Li Zhengdong had never been addressed as "Sir" in more than twenty years, and only the county magistrate was qualified.

But starting from today, no, it should be from yesterday after receiving the reply from the Ministry of Personnel, he, Li Zhengdong, Li Dianshi, became a ninth-rank official, no longer a low-ranking clerk.

You should know that in the Ming Dynasty, the Dianshi was a non-official civil official (below the ninth rank), but the position of Dianshi was selected by the Ministry of Personnel and appointed by the emperor, so he could barely be considered an "official appointed by the court."

Although I still do the same job, my identity is very different.

There was also the old clerk who had been promoted at the same time as Li Zhengdong. He was only a ninth-rank official, but he had celebrated with a banquet last night, got drunk, and cried uncontrollably. His beard had turned gray, which was really embarrassing.

Li Zhengdong looked down on the old clerk named Zheng, and felt that he was very low-key and calm, and walked into the familiar yamen.

"Greetings, His Excellency." Li Zhengdong was summoned by the county magistrate and bowed as he entered the hall.

The county magistrate was very young, having just passed the imperial examination last year. After taking office, he received considerable help from Li Zhengdong and the old clerk. As a result, Li Zhengdong and the old clerk were given the opportunity to be promoted from clerk to official position. It can be said that good deeds are rewarded.

The magistrate nodded, extended his hand and introduced, "This is Mr. Xia, the Imperial Censor of Salt."

"Your humble servant greets Lord Xia." Li Zhengdong hurriedly turned around and saluted Xia Zhongshi.

Xia Zhongshi politely stood up to return the greeting, and he and Li Zhengdong sat down separately.

"Li Dianshi has served in this county for many years. He is not only diligent but also familiar with local conditions," the magistrate said with a smile. "He has also just passed the Ministry of Personnel's selection process, becoming one of the first group of clerks to be promoted to an official. This county has ordered him to cooperate with Lord Xia on his official duties."

Xia Zhongshi once again took a look at Li Zhengdong. He looked to be in his forties, with a very robust build, a few wrinkles on his face, and a tan. Just for this look, Xia Zhongshi was very satisfied. He wished he hadn't sent a weak scholar.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Lord Li." Xia Zhongshi bowed and said politely.

Li Zhengdong felt a little flattered. This was not an ordinary person addressing him, but an official of higher rank than him. He was so polite, probably because he was also an official appointed by the Ministry of Personnel.

"Master Xia, you are too polite." Li Zhengdong quickly stood up and bowed, "If you have any errands, Master Xia, please give your orders."

Xia Zhongshi quickly extended his hand to signal Li Zhengdong to sit down. Seeing that he looked a little panicked, he couldn't help but feel a little sympathetic. He said with emotion, "Master Li, there's no need to be like this. The fact that he was promoted to an official in the first batch shows how talented he is."

After a pause, Xia Zhongshi, as if mocking himself, but also trying to build closer ties, said with a smile, "To be honest with you two, I was a lowly merchant a month ago. It was only thanks to Your Majesty's selection that I was able to wear this official uniform."

The magistrate and Li Zhengdong were both very surprised, but since he was selected by the emperor, it was obvious that this Lord Xia was extraordinary. Although he was born into a merchant family, his future was very bright.

"Your Majesty is wise and powerful. You discern talent without regard for background." The magistrate bowed to the north and said, "Lord Xia must be exceptionally talented to have been selected. I, too, only had the privilege of meeting Your Majesty and hearing His Majesty's teachings last year when I passed the imperial examination. Compared to Lord Xia, I truly envy him."

Li Zhengdong also saluted and echoed, "Long live the wise emperor, who only promotes the most talented and leaves no talented people behind in the countryside, just like the Tang and Song dynasties."

Xia Zhongshi said a few humble words, casually asked about the salt field and the kitchen staff, then got up and said goodbye, going to the inn to rest.

After seeing off Xia Zhongshi and returning to the hall, the county magistrate reminded Li Zhengdong that although Xia Zhongshi's official rank as the Salt Inspector was not high, he should not be underestimated and should cooperate with the work wholeheartedly.

"Don't worry, sir." Li Zhengdong bowed and accepted the instruction. "Sir Xia has been selected by His Majesty, and the mission he is carrying out must be assigned by His Majesty. How dare I neglect him?"

The magistrate chuckled and said, "Quickly change the title of 'humble official'. You are already an official registered with the Ministry of Personnel, so you should call yourself 'humble official'."

Li Zhengdong chuckled. It was okay in front of others, but in front of the county magistrate, it was really difficult for him to change.

Seeing Li Zhengdong's embarrassed look, the magistrate reminded him, "Old Li, don't let your position make you stop striving for progress. Your Majesty is determined to reform and eliminate corruption. As long as you are diligent and hardworking, your path to promotion will be smooth."

Pointing outside, the magistrate said, "It's not just you. In the future, everyone in this yamen might have a rank, all registered by the Ministry of Personnel, and all paid by the court!"

Li Zhengdong couldn't help but be greatly surprised. There were not many officials in the county government, but there were quite a few clerks and servants.

In ancient times, the personnel in the county government were divided into three categories: officials, clerks, and servants, and their numbers were pyramid-shaped.

The division of labor in government affairs is generally as follows: officials are responsible for decision-making, clerks handle paperwork, and servants provide dispatches.

Although only the county magistrate, county magistrate, chief clerk, and registrar were the chief officials, assistants, and leaders, and were considered officials appointed by the imperial court, their number was extremely small.

However, the clerks included the Six Departments, the Grain Department, the Horse Department and other departments, who were responsible for handling official documents, accounts and books; there were also servants, such as yamen runners, who were responsible for standing in the hall, watching over, guarding, collecting taxes, arresting and capturing people, and waiting for orders from officials and clerks.

Even in small counties there are usually dozens of people, and in large counties there are often hundreds. If the court were to cover all of their salaries, what a huge expense that would be!

My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!