Chapter 38 Taking the Blame
Su Qing also brought her family with her when she went to the prefectural city.
Mei Niang and her younger brother Su Cheng go without saying.
Seven-year-old Su Cheng remained well-behaved, and left after finishing her classes at the county school.
Aunt Su and her son Su Xi were also brought along by Su Qing.
They're relatives after all, so it was just a small favor.
After Uncle Su passed away, the two families remained relatively harmonious.
Next came Lady Zhu, Little Sister Liu, and Yunxi.
Su Qing had told Qi, the palace official, in advance that she would take the two of them to the prefectural city. Since she would take care of their lives, she would also find them a good private school to study at.
Zhu Niangzi was naturally willing to follow. She and Mei Niang had been relying on each other for a long time and had become like family.
Following Su Qing brought me a sense of peace.
The people in the inner quarters kept things simple.
Choosing a government office is a bit more difficult.
Su Qing not only couldn't take away all the people he knew, but he also had to leave behind a sufficient core group to support the Nanjiang County government.
This is a place she has managed for several years, and now that things are going so well, she won't just hand it over to someone else.
After all, things are in chaos here, and the surrounding counties have no one to rely on.
After much deliberation, Su Qing decided to keep Luo, the registrar, Wu, the household manager, and Gong, the clerk.
The two, one scholarly and the other martial, were a perfect match.
They all obeyed Magistrate Tian's arrangements.
County Magistrate Tian has almost fully recovered. Although he is still prone to mental tension, he has no problems with his work.
As for Constable Wu, there was also Scholar Fei, Clerk Zhu, Chief Clerk Jiang from the Workshop, and Chief Clerk Wei from the Personnel Office.
Along with their respective subordinates, about fourteen people in total, all of them were taken away by Su Qing.
The officials who were named were naturally overjoyed.
The clerk's family was also very happy.
From the county government to the prefectural government, this promotion was much faster than that of an average man.
Is this the importance of having a good boss?
Those who weren't named, such as He Caoyun, Doctor Bai, and Doctor Hao, were extremely upset.
But their identities are equally important, and they simply cannot spare the time.
Besides this, there is another special place.
County school.
Instructor Gu of the county school has been rarely going out lately.
One is someone who has just recovered from a serious illness and still needs to recuperate.
Secondly, the ups and downs of his son's situation left him speechless.
Finally, it must be related to Su Qing.
If the two families haven't broken off the engagement yet, Su Qing will definitely take the Gu family couple with her when she leaves.
The prefectural school had previously expressed its desire to have Instructor Gu take up a post there.
It's more appropriate now.
Moreover, Su Qing would take them away because of Gu Congsi.
But the current situation is extremely awkward.
After discussing it with Mei Niang, Su Qing simply said, "The annulment letter has already been written. The two families actually have no relationship, so there's no need to overthink it."
In Su Qing's view, once things stabilized on Gu Congsi's side, the couple would send the document over.
This matter was even witnessed by Gu Congsi's friend, Hua Jingming, so it cannot be faked.
Therefore, this matter is now considered closed.
We don't need to have much contact in the future.
As for whether the prefectural school should ask Instructor Gu to do the work again, that depends on the attitude of the education commissioner; it has little to do with her anymore.
The Gu couple maintained this tacit understanding and didn't say much, waiting for the right time to announce that their marriage had been called off.
Moreover, Su Qing's departure is good for everyone.
However, the Gu family previously believed that their family left first.
Unexpectedly, it was Su Qing who moved out with her entire family first.
Eighteen-year-old Su Qing is already the head of the family and has long taken on family responsibilities.
Mei Niang, Zhu Niangzi, and even Aunt Su all relied on her as their backbone.
On the evening of the fifth day of the eighth lunar month, the group was exceptionally happy.
Because we'll arrive in the prefectural city tomorrow morning.
The officials there had already made all the arrangements and were just waiting for them to enter the city.
The crowd was engaged in a lively discussion, but Su Qing smiled without saying a word.
The two scholars, Fei and Zhu, were the first to notice something was wrong.
Although they had different personalities, they were both competitive and wanted to surpass each other to become Lord Su's most capable assistants. They hurriedly asked, "My lord, what's wrong?"
Seeing the two speaking at the same time, Su Qing smiled and said, "We'll arrive at our destination tomorrow. After dinner, let's discuss what's next."
Su Qing left his post and took up his new post very quickly.
After all, they received the imperial decree on July 26th and set off on August 1st.
Some people are already saying behind her back that she's obsessed with officialdom.
They even said she didn't know how to be more reserved, and didn't she understand the importance of declining three times?
Putting aside all that, there's nothing else.
Su Qing also knew that she was acting too quickly.
Even those around them didn't quite understand what they were about to face.
However, she has already lured everyone onto the "pirate ship," and now that the pirate ship is right in front of us, some things need to be made clear.
After everyone had finished eating, Mei Niang specially cleared out a room for the people in front of the yamen to hold a meeting.
She then took her family and others to make arrangements for tomorrow's itinerary.
In the inn's room, Su Qing sat on the table.
Beside him were Fei Kaiyu, a scholar, and Zhu Fangjie, a clerk.
Sitting on either side of them were Wu Shanyue and Wu Hufang, and Wu Yongning, the head constable.
Next are Jiang Shaojiang, the head of the workshop, and Wei Lai, the head of the personnel department.
Excluding Su Qing, there are six people.
Of the remaining eight people, four were servants, two were assistants to the head of the household, and the remaining two were clerks, each with one person in charge.
Fifteen people crammed the room to the brim.
Having served as a proper manager for two years and an official for one year, it's impossible for him not to have his own trusted confidants.
Those who are here are naturally people Su Qingji trusts.
We will enter the prefectural city tomorrow.
It's a whole new world.
Everyone waited excitedly for Professor Su to speak.
Su Qing's first question, however, was a question.
"Does everyone know why the various factions in the imperial court nominated me to be the prefect?"
This goes without saying; many people understand it.
That's the position of Prefect of Guangyue Prefecture, it's too difficult to be one.
After a year of vacancy following the war, when someone finally arrived, he was in a hurry to leave as soon as he saw the general had left.
It's simply because they are closest to Gaoqing Prefecture, and they never know when they might attack.
Even if they don't attack, the post-war reconstruction of Guangyuefu and the supply of soldiers will be a headache for everyone.
As everyone recounted the hardships they had faced, Su Qing smiled again.
Wu Hufang said, "My lord, what do you think?"
"To take the blame," Su Qing said bluntly, and even fearing that she hadn't been blunt enough, she continued to explain, "To facilitate the transition."
Everyone knows about the situation at Guangyuefu.
Internal and external troubles need no further explanation.
Does the imperial court really not want to resolve this issue?
That's not necessarily true.
If it weren't for the events in the capital, Guangyuefu would gradually return to normal once the general recaptured Gaoqingzhou.
Unfortunately, this sudden event put Guangyuefu in a precarious situation.
Especially in times like these, we must not abandon this place.
After all, the valiant Prince of Gaoqing Prefecture is still alive. If Guangle Prefecture is not properly governed...
Once Prince Wuyong recovers his strength and conquers Guangyue Prefecture, he can sail directly to Jinling via the river!
Everyone knows that the wharf in Nanjiang County has direct access to the south of the Yangtze River.
For the sake of the Jinling court, a capable minister should be sent to govern this area.
The question is, who will come?
In this mess, someone always has to take the blame.
Should we appoint the previous prefect or the current one?
How could their families possibly agree to this?
Su Qing's appearance was a good transition.
It won't take long for Su Qing to sit in this position; two or three months will suffice.
At that time, no matter what happens in Guangyuefu, it can all be blamed on her.
Anyway, she's a woman, she doesn't have any official title, and she doesn't have any family influence behind her.
He's a scapegoat, a gift from heaven.
Even Su Qing herself felt that she was a bit too perfect.
After this was explained, everyone's expression changed.
Scholar Fei was furious: "How could they think like that?!"
"Moreover, they know perfectly well that Prince Wuyong is recuperating, so why aren't they anxious?"
They're in a real crisis, and they still need to find someone to take the blame?!
The clerk hung his head, feeling nauseous.
Wu Hufang, the head constable, also looked grim.
The others need no further explanation.
Wu Hufang, ever the composed man, cupped his hands and asked, "Since you've seen through it, why?"
Su Qing smiled: "Since we have this opportunity, it would be a pity not to seize it."
Su Qing looked at everyone and said directly, "I'm not saying this to make you worry, but to let everyone know what's going on."
"This journey will be extremely difficult. Only by establishing a foothold within three months can we stay in the government office."
"If it doesn't work, I'm afraid we won't even be able to stay in Nanjiang County."
At that time, they will most likely go back to their own homes.
The group looked at each other in bewilderment.
Three months?
No wonder the adults were in such a hurry to come over.
The previous prefect spent a year and still hadn't figured out the situation here.
them?
Wu, the head constable, slammed his fist on the table: "Back then, Nanjiang County was almost finished, but it was Magistrate Su who single-handedly saved it."
"If we can govern Nanjiang County well, I don't believe we can't govern other places well."
Thinking back on all that has happened.
Thinking of the days when even the salaries in Nanjiang County couldn't be paid.
The crowd, on the contrary, became even more enthusiastic.
yes.
No matter how difficult things were before, we got through them.
If it doesn't work out, just go back.
Wu Hufang thought of something and laughed, "If all else fails, we can go and do business with Magistrate Su."
Although she wasn't working in the government office at the time, she had heard about it.
This reminds everyone of what happened last year.
Everyone says that a new magistrate is coming to Nanjiang County, and Lord Su is going to do business, so everyone is willing to follow him.
Even the Ye family of Jiangnan, the eldest young master Ye personally invited her to be the manager of the Guang Le Fu branch.
Although the current situation is difficult, it is not without opportunities, nor is it without a way out.
What are they afraid of?
Without him having to say much, his men were energized, leaving Su Qing somewhat amused and exasperated.
Isn't everyone having way too much faith in her?
That's good, at least we know our subordinates won't run away.
After understanding the court's intentions.
Next, we need to assign everyone tasks.
Scholar Fei and Clerk Zhu served as her attendants, helping her handle documents and correspondence.
Wu, the head constable, was tasked with understanding the situation of the three shifts within the government office.
Wu Shanyue needs to take over the duties of the head of the household as soon as possible.
Fortunately, her father worked in the government office back then, and she helped him, so she had some experience in this area.
The remaining officials, Jiang, the head of the workshop, and Wei, the head of the clerk's office, should also take over the workshop and clerk's offices of the prefectural government as soon as possible.
He jumped from the county government office to the prefectural government office.
It was a huge test for all of them.
Moreover, these places are all extremely important.
The third shift is responsible for maintaining order.
The remaining departments were the Household Department in charge of money, the Personnel Department in charge of personnel arrangements, and the Public Works Department, which would be of great use later on.
First, get the important things in hand, and the rest will be easier.
Fei Xiucai said, "Sir, I heard that the prefect is going to take away a lot of people."
Su Qing nodded slightly: "This is a good thing. Those who want to leave should leave as soon as possible. Staying will only get in the way."
They don't want to work under their supervision.
It made it seem like she was quite happy to see them.
After assigning everyone their responsibilities, Su Qing solemnly said, "Now that we've come this far, we can't let our guard down."
"For Nanjiang County, for Guangyue Prefecture."
"In order to avoid war as much as possible, we must defend this place."
The previous statement was understandable to everyone.
What comes after that?
Try to avoid war?
Wu, the head constable, immediately looked toward the border between Guangyue Prefecture and Gaoqing Prefecture.
There are still 60,000 troops stationed there, including his two sons.
He immediately perked up.
In order to avoid war.
At least hold out until the general recaptures the capital, then head to Guangyuefu.
This conversation left Su Qing's men both excited and nervous.
We'll be able to see the government officials tomorrow.
These people have also risen to prominence overnight.
However, they want those who are waiting to see them make a fool of themselves to know.
They didn't make Nanjiang County so great by doing nothing!
After everyone dispersed, Su Qing also prepared to rest.
However, before she returned to her room, she saw Yunxi peeking out.
Yunxi scratched his head, clearly having something to say.
Su Qing found an empty table and sat down, asking, "What's wrong with Yunxi?"
Yunxi scratched her head again: "Sister Su, now that my little sister and I have arrived in the prefectural city, do we still have to study?"
That's a funny thing to say.
Su Qing nodded: "Of course, your Uncle Qi values this very much."
Fourteen-year-old Yunxi already looked like a young man. Upon hearing this, he quickly took out the letter from the eunuch Qi.
Yunxi had a difficult past. When she recognized her godfather, she did so in a daze, following Su Qing's advice and directly kowtowing to acknowledge him as her godfather.
Before he could experience family affection, Yu, the eunuch, was gone.
On the contrary, it was the later eunuch Qi who addressed him as Uncle Qi, showing some genuine filial piety.
"I begged Uncle Qi for a long time, and he finally said it was okay!"
Su Qing took the letter, and sure enough, it was written by Eunuch Qi himself, whose tone was somewhat helpless.
Since Yunxi really doesn't want to study, then she shouldn't. It's fine for her to follow Lord Su instead.
Let him learn more from Lord Su, and when he's older, he can run errands for the eunuchs.
The eunuchs were all people from the palace.
If Yunxi can really get a job, that would be pretty good.
Seeing that the eunuch Qi had agreed, and Yunxi really didn't want to continue studying, Su Qing had no choice but to nod: "From now on, you'll run errands for me, just like before."
My younger sister will continue her studies, and she has no objection to it.
With most of the arrangements made for those around her, Su Qing told Yun Xi to go and rest, and then went outside for some fresh air.
In front of the post station, only a few workers were feeding the horses.
The August nights are a bit chilly, but looking up at the starry sky brings a different feeling.
Tomorrow will be a new beginning.
She was ready.
The sixth day of the eighth month in the third year of Yongsheng.
Su Qing rode a tall horse to the city of Guang Le Prefecture.
At the city gate, officials from the three shifts and six departments of the yamen, as well as officials of various ranks, were already waiting.
Then look at the colorful flags waving and the drums and music playing.
Then, constables and soldiers cleared the way, and the people and women lined up in unison.
Hundreds of people stood solemnly to welcome them.
Upon seeing Su Qing arrive, and realizing she was a woman, many people looked uncomfortable.
Zhao Jiazhi, the former prefect of Guangyue Prefecture and now the prefect of Huizhou, smiled and said, "I have been waiting for Prefect Su for a long time."
Su Qing dismounted and looked at Prefect Zhao, who was not as tall as her, and cupped her hands in greeting, saying with a smile, "Prefect Zhao, I have long admired your name."
The two faced each other from all sides, and both knew what the other was thinking.
They are not on the same path.
"I'm no longer the prefect. Once Lord Su takes over, I'll be heading to Huizhou to assume my post." Zhao Jiazhi stroked his beard, trying to straighten his posture. "Prefect Su should act swiftly; it shouldn't be too long, right?"
This is a satire of Su Qing, who hastily took office after receiving the imperial decree.
They say you can't rush things.
This is especially true when it comes to holding office.
Little blond-haired girl.
Still want to be a prefect?
Keep dreaming.
Su Qing and he didn't see eye to eye, but they still maintained the proper decorum, and everyone welcomed her into the government office, creating a lively atmosphere.
Among the people who came to greet her, Su Qing also saw a familiar face.
Hua Jingming stood behind his eldest brother and second sister, beckoning to Su Qing with a very expressive face.
If it weren't for his handsome appearance, he would look ridiculous no matter how you look at him.
Three days before arriving at the government office, Zhao Jiazhi led Su Qing to meet the various officials in the government office.
Logically, a prefect should have two officials under his command: a sub-prefect and a vice-prefect, but Guangyue Prefecture did not have either.
The remaining three classes and six departments, as well as the magistrate, the education commissioner, and others, were all met with.
Su Qing had a good memory and some knack for recognizing people, so Zhao Jiazhi couldn't find any mistakes. He then introduced the prominent families and wealthy clans of the prefecture.
In Guang Le Prefecture, the Hua family was undoubtedly the most powerful.
Unfortunately, this family treated Su Qing very politely. It was unclear whether it was because of Hua Jingming or because they simply couldn't be bothered with the affairs of the imperial court.
The remaining families each had their own ideas, but surprisingly, the Ye family had the best silk business in the city.
They were all familiar faces?
Su Qing did not embarrass himself in recognizing people.
The trusted subordinates assigned to various departments have also made progress.
Everyone knows what Nanjiang County was like back then.
Those who have survived the hardships there are not afraid of such intrigue and backstabbing.
Furthermore, a higher-ranking official can easily dominate someone.
With Prefect Su backing them up, they shouldn't have been brought here if they couldn't achieve something!
On August 12th, Zhao Jiazhi left in a huff, still unable to find any fault with Su Qing.
"He does have some skill."
"I thought the scene of entering the city would frighten her, but to my surprise, she enjoyed it calmly."
"There are so many officials of all ranks in the prefectural city that she was able to remember their faces and names after just one visit."
Zhao Jiazhi gritted his teeth: "Fine, this is just the beginning."
"Once she sees the household registration books, she'll understand why I asked her for the taxes."
The account books of Guangyuefu.
That was truly a mess.
At this moment, Deng Xiang, the clerk of the Household Department, was extremely restless, his legs trembling uncontrollably.
He had been in this state ever since he heard that Su Qing was going to become the prefect of Guangyue Prefecture.
Everyone else in the company knew he was afraid, and they also knew what he was afraid of.
Do you remember who the clerk from the Household Department was who went to Nanjiang County to ask Lord Su for tax payments?
It was him!
Deng Xiang still wanted to ask Prefect Zhao to take him away.
But Zhao Jiazhi only cared about money; whoever gave him the most money, he would take with him.
His family is poor; where would he get bribes to give?
We can't leave.
We can only face Lord Su.
He's finished.
Now everyone in the government knows that Prefect Su has an excellent memory and will definitely remember him.
"Deng Xiang, what are you standing there for? Wu Husi wants us to see the prefect."
"Take the ledgers and hurry up."
The other staff members had no time to pay attention to Deng Xiang's fears.
They were all feeling anxious.
It would be good if the yamen (government office) had a female prefect.
And then came Wu Shanyue Wu Husi, who was also a woman.
Moreover, they have a clear understanding of the accounts and are very knowledgeable about the affairs of the household affairs department, so no one can fool them.
This divided the officials into two factions.
One faction felt humiliated, being controlled by two women.
Another person, surprisingly, felt a glimmer of hope.
Putting aside Wu Husi, he is indeed quite capable, but we haven't seen his true abilities yet.
But Prefect Su was different.
As the head of the household affairs department, I am most aware of the changes in tax revenue in Nanjiang County.
This kind of miraculous recovery method is exactly what Guangyuefu needs.
Deng Xiang dawdled along with the others; usually so proactive, he was now at the very back.
Su Qing looked up and saw him, and said with a smile, "Deng Township? You tell us about the household registration situation."
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