Tianliangyuan

Chapter 310 An Alternative Way of Establishing Authority

Liu Qi glanced back at the Baiweixuan signboard, then thought about the conversation earlier that day, shook his head slightly, and muttered to himself, "So young, yet so boastful!"

Liu Qi arrived on horseback. In the Daxing Dynasty, most civil and military officials preferred to travel on horseback. Of course, older officials might prefer to travel by carriage or oxcart.

Because of his poverty, Liu Qi had received some favors from the Duke of Su's mansion. Furthermore, due to their kinship, Liu Qi always respected the Duke of Su.

However, Liu Qi was not stupid; he knew that the Duke of Su was using him as a pawn.

But he had no choice; he had no other support. Even knowing he was just a pawn, he had to bite the bullet and go for it.

I didn't understand before, and I thought that compared with those classmates who had no connections to rely on, I was already considered good.

But only after you've actually gotten involved do you realize how deep the waters are and how dangerous things can be.

Liu Qi returned to the backyard of the county government office, where his family lived.

The backyard of the Chang'an County Government Office wasn't particularly nice, but it was, without exaggeration, the best residence Liu Qi had ever lived in.

He was a poor scholar who almost lived in a leaky house, and he felt extremely lucky to have the opportunity to live in an official residence.

When Liu Qi returned, he saw that the food was already laid out on the table, and his mother and wife were waiting for him.

Liu Qi was a little curious; the dishes tonight were quite plentiful.

"How could you bear to buy so much meat?"

Ever since Xu Junting raised the pigs well and removed the gamey smell from the pork, the price of pork has actually risen. However, ordinary wealthy families still disdain eating pork and generally prefer beef and mutton.

On the table today, there's a hot pot, and you can tell from the smell that it's mutton.

"This wasn't bought."

Just as Liu Qi was about to pick up his chopsticks, he became wary upon hearing that the food hadn't been bought: "Who delivered this?"

"It's from Pagoda Fruit. They not only sent some here, but also some to Wannian County."

Once Liu Qi understood the key point, he said no more.

When his family saw him start eating, they were naturally overjoyed and began to eat as well.

Liu Qi's salary was not low, and he could barely support his family.

But it's impossible to say it's exceptionally good.

Moreover, Liu Qi was not materialistic; he was content as long as he was well-fed and clothed.

Therefore, Xu Zhaozhao did not give him a large amount of money, but only sent some rice, grains, meat and vegetables. This could not be considered a bribe, but it was exactly what Liu Qi could accept and his family was very happy with.

When Zhou and her elder brother Zhou Shiqian met, they were somewhat nervous.

"Brother, do you know why the county princess sought to speak with you and me?"

Zhou Shiqian shook his head. He was the county magistrate of Yunyang County, and as far as he knew, the county magistrate of Anle County had no property in Yunyang County. He really didn't know what she wanted to tell him.

Accompanying Zhou was her husband, Xie Lin.

After the three entered the mansion, they were invited into the Brocade Garden.

Xie Zheng was not at home; it just so happened to be his shift today.

"Please have a seat, everyone. The Crown Prince's wife is currently speaking with some stewards and will be here shortly."

"Thank you, young lady."

The maidservant was very respectful and withdrew after serving tea and snacks.

The three of them sat in the room for a while, and only then did they feel their bodies getting hot. Looking around, they noticed a fireplace not far away.

It was thanks to the last banquet that Zhou learned about such a wonderful thing as a fireplace.

The three of them took off their outermost cloaks, and a maid came out to help them put the clothes away, which made them feel even more uncomfortable.

Soon, Xu Zhaozhao arrived.

"Greetings to the County Princess."

Xu Zhaozhao said "No need for formalities" before taking her seat in the main seat.

"So you are Zhou Shiqian, the magistrate of Yunyang County?"

Zhou Shiqian quickly stood up and bowed, saying, "This humble official is indeed you."

"Yes, just sit down and answer."

"Thank you, County Princess."

"I am aware of your relevant resume. You have been in the position of Assistant County Magistrate of Yunyang County for more than three years. Do you have any thoughts about making a change?"

Zhou Shiqian stood up abruptly again: "Please give your orders, Your Highness, and I will do my utmost."

Xu Zhaozhao raised her hand slightly: "There's no need for that. Since you are my sister-in-law's brother, you are also a relative of the Xie family. You can forget about the position of magistrate of Yunyang County. The Ministry of Personnel has already made arrangements for this matter. The big promises your county magistrate made to you before were just to coax you into doing something."

Zhou Shiqian's expression changed slightly. He hadn't expected that the county princess would even know this.

Xie Lin and Zhou Shi exchanged a glance, clearly quite shocked as well.

Is the county princess really that powerful?

"I'm not afraid of being laughed at by the county magistrate, but in fact, I've already noticed it myself. If my father were still an official in the court, he might have been able to pull some strings. It's just a pity that he's gone and the relationship has cooled down."

Xu Zhaozhao looked at Zhou Shiqian's helpless expression and sneered, "What do you mean by 'out of sight, out of mind'? Your father served as an official for many years, but he didn't leave behind many connections. On the contrary, he made many enemies. If it weren't for that, you might not just be a county magistrate now."

Zhou's face turned pale. Was this a provocation?

Zhou Shiqian lowered his head and remained silent. In fact, he had already sensed what the county princess was saying, but no matter what, she was still his father. Even if he was suppressed by the officialdom because of this, he could only swallow the bitter pill silently. What else could he do?

A son should not speak ill of his father!

Upon seeing her brother's reaction, Zhou knew that the county princess was not trying to sow discord, but stating the facts.

"Zhou Shiqian, I can offer you the position of Assistant Magistrate of Chang'an County. If you do well, you can be directly promoted to Magistrate of Chang'an County in three years. Are you willing to follow my arrangements?"

That's too direct.

Zhou Shiqian was unable to react for a moment.

Xie Lin called out softly twice, "Brother-in-law, brother-in-law!"

Zhou Shiqian then came to his senses, stood up and bowed deeply to Xu Zhaozhao: "I am willing to serve the county princess with utmost loyalty!"

The magistrate of Yunyang County is very different from the magistrate of Chang'an County!

Although both were county magistrates, one was located outside the capital, while the other was right under the emperor's nose. Moreover, Chang'an County was a large county, and even more so, a county in the capital.

The assistant magistrate of Chang'an County was a seventh-rank official; while the assistant magistrate of Yunyang County was a eighth-rank official.

There's a three-level difference between them!

On the surface, they all seem to be county magistrates, but in reality, it's a sure way to get promoted.

Moreover, working in the capital city, right under the emperor's nose, with many powerful and influential people, is a great opportunity to make connections with them and pave the way for one's future.

Zhou Shiqian's voice trembled slightly, and even his fingers shook as he bowed.

No wonder he was so excited; this was something he never dared to even imagine before!

Since the magistrate of Yunyang County was only a seventh-rank official, he was essentially on par with his former superior.

Xu Zhaozhao was very satisfied with his attitude.

Although it was her first time meeting Zhou Shiqian, she had already reviewed his resume and other relevant information.

The key point is that this person is also related to the Xie family by marriage, so giving her some support would be a good way to let her establish her authority!