"By the Will of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims: I govern the country with civility and suppress rebellions with military force. Muhe County Magistrate Jiang Xuqing is a man of great virtue and benevolence, compassionate to the people, and a man of both civil and military talents. He possesses both wisdom and courage, and has saved the people of Muhe County from disaster. I commend him greatly. Muhe County is demoted to a prefecture, and Baiji and Chishui counties are made subordinate prefectures and counties of Qi. I specially appoint you as the Magistrate of Jianzhou. Your Majesty."
After the eunuch read out the imperial edict, everyone was dumbfounded.
Unexpectedly, Jiang Xuqing's luck turned and he was promoted directly from a seventh-rank official to a fifth-rank prefect. Muhe County was also changed from a county to a prefecture. This was really a blessing from heaven.
In order to make it easier for him to command, the imperial court also assigned Baiji County and Chishui County to Jianzhou.
In other words, as the prefect of Jianzhou, Xu Jing had two county magistrates under his jurisdiction, not to mention a series of subordinate officials such as the county magistrate and the chief clerk.
Amidst the envious and jealous gazes of the crowd, Bai Yong said with a smile, "Is Magistrate Jiang so happy he's gone mad? Why wouldn't he accept the imperial decree and receive the favor?"
"I accept the order." Xu Jing took the imperial edict from Bai Yong and was very excited.
"Master Jiang, please don't get too excited. The Emperor has also sent the Ministry of Rites to give out quite a few gifts, including compensation for the casualties. These will all be left to Master Jiang to handle."
Bai Yong clapped his hands, and the accompanying officials opened the lids, revealing three boxes filled with silver.
An official came forward and handed Xu Jing a list of victims, which detailed each person's hometown, what they had done, and when they died.
The Ministry of War submitted an application to the Ministry of Revenue based on the roster submitted by Luo Ying and other officers. After review by the emperor, the higher-up, the document was sent back to the Ministry of Revenue. The Minister of Revenue then calculated the silver. After verification, it was handed over to the Ministry of War, which then passed it on to Bai Yong and others, who then handed it over to the Jianzhou prefect, Jiang Xuqing, for management.
Dayan ruled the country with civil power. The salaries of all military generals had to be approved by civil officials before they would be paid to them. As long as there were economic transactions involved, the military generals had to rely on civil officials for help.
Now that Xu Jing has taken office, the first thing he has to do is to return the pension.
However, Xu Jing was not in a hurry to start. The most important thing was to settle down Bai Yong and other big Buddhas.
"The angel is exhausted from the journey. If you would not abandon me, how about staying in the back house of the government office for a while and resting for a while?"
Bai Yong nodded. "Alright, I'll trouble you, Master Jiang."
"No problem, Angel, please come in." Xu Jing winked at Bai Shinian, who immediately understood and led Bai Yong and several other important officials inside. As for the other officials, Xu Jing had Zang Yun arrange for them to stay in the Emperor's Chamber of the Suyun Inn, a luxurious local inn. They were treated to fine wine, delicious food, massages, and other amenities. He had also mentioned to the innkeeper that they must experience the warmth and hospitality of Northeast China.
Bai Yong and the others enjoyed everything they had since leaving the palace. As the saying goes, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Looking at the dilapidated city walls outside, they thought there was nothing good in the countryside.
Unexpectedly, the sensible Jiang Xuqing made perfect arrangements and served Bai Yong and others comfortably and attentively. They felt reluctant to leave and were reluctant to leave.
Of course, all of this is a story for later, but after Bai Yong entered, County Magistrate Lin was the first to flatter Xu Jing. "Sir Jiang, you are truly the reincarnation of Wenquxing, a figure of resourcefulness. You've been promoted to the fifth rank at such a young age. Your future is limitless. You will surely rise to the top."
"Alright, forget it. It was just a fluke." Xu Jing interrupted County Magistrate Lin's endless stream of praise and said, "Everyone's been busy all day and you've worked hard. Go back to your own business. I'll treat you all to dinner another day."
"I dare not. Since you have been promoted, I should treat you. How can I let you be the host?" County Magistrate Lin winked at Jin Zhubu, who understood and immediately continued. "Sir, when do you think we can arrange the celebration banquet?"
Xu Jing said with a half-smile: "Do you think I didn't die quickly enough?"
Everyone was confused, not understanding his intentions. They thought he was being mysterious, but County Magistrate Lin was about to speak when Xu Jing spoke up, "Shi Dianli, quickly send a soldier to the city gate to find General Luo. I have an urgent matter with him."
Shi Dianli was even more confused. "Sir, what do you want from General Luo?"
"Divide the silver." Xu Jing pointed to the three boxes of silver Bai Yong had left for him. He had the clerk count the amount and sent soldiers to pack it up and carry it into the county government office. "Go quickly."
"Okay."
Not long after, Luo Ying received a notice from the soldier that Jiang Xuqing had something urgent to discuss with him. He didn't say what the matter was, and just as Luo Ying got on his horse, he heard Yang Zhiming say in a sarcastic tone, "Don't forget what you promised?"
"Don't worry, I'll be back soon." Luo Ying spurred his horse and rushed towards the gate of the county government office.
Arriving at the destination, he dismounted. Out of the corner of his eye, Luo Ying saw the county government office, decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations. Despite his joyous appearance, he felt a sense of unease. If Yang Zhiming had seen this, he would have broken down the gates in a matter of minutes.
"General Luo." The yamen runner Li Hua came forward and said, "Your Excellency has been waiting in the inner hall for a long time. General Luo, please follow me."
Luo Ying nodded, walked through the entrance hall, and then down the corridor to the inner hall. He saw Jiang Xuqing, dressed in a green official uniform, checking the numbers. He got closer and saw his Adam's apple, towering above his collar. He swallowed hard and asked, "Master Jiang, what do you want from me?"
"Zhong Huai, come quickly. The court has issued the pension."
What?
Luo Ying's thoughts were instantly gone, and his attention was focused on the issue of the pension. "Really?"
"Absolutely true." Xu Jing handed the red-headed document on the hair to Luo Ying. After Luo Ying took a closer look, he found that it was indeed a pension, and his frown relaxed.
It seems that the court has not forgotten the dead soldiers, and the names of the names he submitted appeared on the pension list.
After a careful reading, Luo Ying's eyes became moist. Every name that appeared on it was his former brother, but now they were gone.
"Zhong Huai, go with the officers and soldiers to distribute money to those soldiers who died in the battle."
"Okay." Luo Ying wiped his eyes and regained his composure. "I'll go right away."
"Wait." Xu Jing beckoned him, somewhat helplessly. "Come here."
Luo Ying didn't understand what he meant but still did as he was told. When she got closer, she could see Jiang Xuqing's face clearly. It was as beautiful as ever, as white, translucent, delicate and smooth as a piece of white jade.
Luo Ying was very puzzled. What was the point of a good-looking man? He couldn't carry anything on his shoulders or with his hands, and he wasn't a woman who could warm the bed.
Wait, what was he thinking? That was Jiang Xuqing, a flattering villain, how could he be compared to a woman?
Seeing Jiang Xuqing lowering his head to straighten his collar, Luo Ying grabbed his hand with a stern face and shouted angrily: "What are you doing?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
