The word "satisfied" had another aning, and the two of them exchanged a smile, understanding each other without words.
Qin, the official in charge of personnel selection and evaluation for the state, had indeed co as part of a routine check. However, over the years, every routine matter had been smoothed over by Governor Wang’s silver notes, turning them into re formalities.
Within a county, there are two prefectures, three counties, and several positions directly under the Prefectural Governor, such as the Civil Officer Chief Historian and the Military Officer Commander.
Yet Governor Wang could single-handedly dominate the county. These local officials, even if not his henchn, were dependent on him. Otherwise, how could Governor Wang tolerate any opposition in his territory?
As long as Governor Wang kept Qin well-fed, Qin wouldn’t inquire during evaluations, and who would know about his doings? The Court sent an Inspector every three years to inspect officials and jails nationwide, and Governor Wang already had counterasures.
This way, his position as Prefectural Governor remained secure.
It was the ti for Qin’s annual evaluation of officials again, and Governor Wang went out of the city to welco him with great hospitality. Qin didn’t stay at the inn but instead stayed at the Governor Mansion, indicating this year’s evaluation would pass smoothly again.
Governor Wang was in an excellent mood.
Despite knowing full well, it was better not to let those dirty things see the light of day.
Besides, Governor Wang always accompanied Qin.
Therefore, Governor Wang was unaware of the events at the Governor Mansion the previous night.
anwhile, Mr. Xing had already made a conclusion. Cao Ji’an had people search the bodies of the man in black and the other two, finding nothing from the Governor Mansion. This further confird that the thief had been discovered before he could steal anything, and there was no loss in the Governor Mansion.
Qin stroked his sparse short beard and said, "Lord Wang is a capable official, and Yuqing County is blessed with favorable weather and its people live well, all thanks to your excellent governance, Lord Wang!"
Governor Wang replied with a smile, "Mr. Qin, you’re too kind! I am ashad. As a local official, this is my duty!"
Qin sipped the fine tea, evaluating it carefully.
He had also studied diligently for ten years and passed the imperial examination in the Capital City, where he beca a student under Grand Tutor Zhao, securing a second-tier, thirty-eighth place rank. He was skilled in flattery and had married Duchess Zhao’s niece, which led to care from Grand Tutor Zhao, enabling him to rise to an official position in the State Governor’s Office, enjoying life to the fullest.
In his spare monts, he would often recall his past hardships and sought to enjoy life even more.
However, since his wife was Duchess Zhao’s niece, he dared not take a concubine, but that did not deter his desires for pleasure.
He kept several mistresses outside as long as his wife remained unaware.
Because of his connection with Grand Tutor Zhao, even the Governor usually showed him respect.
Governor Wang said with deeper aning, "It’s rare for Mr. Qin to visit our Yuqing County, and after attending to official matters, please allow to fulfill the duties of a host. I have already prepared accommodations for you. Don’t worry about disturbances; the maids assigned to serve you are newly trained and well-mannered. You may give them orders without constraint!"
Every ti Qin ca to Yuqing County, Governor Wang would not only fill his pockets but also arrange top-grade won for his entertainnt.
Wine, beauty, wealth, and pleasure were the ans by which Governor Wang kept Qin happily entertained.
Indeed, hearing the hint from Governor Wang, Qin’s smile deepened, and he said, "Lord Wang is truly considerate!"
"It’s only right, only right!" Governor Wang replied with a smile. "Today, Mr. Qin has had a long journey, so why not rest first? Tomorrow, everything will be prepared for your inspection?"
As soon as Qin heard about the newly trained maids, his heart itched with anticipation. Now hearing this, he agreed readily, rubbing his forehead, "Indeed, I am a bit tired!"
Governor Wang, understanding well, imdiately called out, "Co, escort Mr. Qin to rest!"
The person who ca was the head steward of the Governor Mansion, a confidant of Governor Wang. Already waiting at the side, he understood his master’s intention to present beauties and wine, stepping forward with a flattering smile, "This way, sir!"
Qin started to head out.
Suddenly, soone rushed in from outside, the second steward of the Governor Mansion.
Seeing him in such a hurry, Governor Wang’s face darkened. This blind idiot, knowing there’s an important guest, why report now?
The second steward, ignoring Governor Wang’s anger, urgently reported, "Sir, there are... many people at the gate, one claiming to be the ... Inspector!"
Inspector? That’s the top military position besides the Governor; Governor Wang was even angrier: "You’re talking nonsense!"
The Inspector manages military affairs for the state, usually busy with official duties and never visiting counties.
Qin shook his head, thinking these people in Governor Wang’s Mansion were so unruly and ignorant. How could the Chief Historian or the Inspector, the two under the Governor, one in charge of governance and the other of the military, wander so casually? Let alone visit an insignificant place like Yuqing County.
Unless there was an incognito visit by the Emperor or a Prince, they would co for security.
The second steward was anxious and blurted out, "Sir, I’m not lying, it’s true!"
Seeing Qin’s slight, sarcastic smile, Governor Wang felt even more humiliated, scolding, "Ignorant servant, speaking such foolish words, making a laughingstock out of us. Thankfully, Mr. Qin is generous; otherwise, what if people think all the servants in my mansion are imbeciles? Get lost!"
The second steward, in a hurry, couldn’t care to hide the issue from Qin anymore and blurted out, "Sir, they brought soldiers and have surrounded the Governor Mansion!"
Soldiers surrounding the Governor Mansion?
This was no small matter of the visitors’ identities.
Soldiers, where did they co from?
The whole Yuqing County only had the City Defense Army and local garrison.
The City Defense Army numbered one thousand, the local garrison five thousand, all under the Military Commander.
Governor Wang was furious: "Well, soldiers surrounding the Governor Mansion; I want to see who’s so audacious!" The City Guards and garrison of Yuqing were all under his control, and though he and the Military Commander were on opposite sides, he had long caught the Military Commander in his sches, obligating him to comply.
Now daring to surround the Governor Mansion without orders?
Qin slightly frowned, finding the matter peculiar.
Soldiers surrounding the Governor Mansion, what a significant event? He had just arrived, and soldiers were surrounding the mansion; was it targeted at him or Governor Wang?
But since there were soldiers, there had to be a commanding officer.
So long as it was official, he feared nothing.
Who didn’t know, he was a protégé of Grand Tutor Zhao and married to the imperial tutor’s niece? It seed targeted at Governor Wang; he should go see it. Given all the benefits received from Governor Wang, this source of wealth akin to a money tree, he should try to help.
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