When others saw Wang Lin, a usually quiet person, showing his face in front of the new County Magistrate, Yang Yichen, and considering what Yang Yichen had just said about giving everyone an equal opportunity for promotion, they wondered why they shouldn't seize this chance.
As for the secret instructions from the County Magistrate and County Constable to make things difficult for this new County Magistrate? Ha! Who had the time to listen to them?
People do not act for others' benefit; with such a good opportunity at hand, it was time to give themselves a wake-up slap.
"My lord, people also have their own strategies."
"County Magistrate, I have heard."
"My lord, there are better methods that will definitely yield more significant results."
Thus, everyone became increasingly proactive. The county hall was bustling like never before. These officials had never been so eager, fearing that if they left a good impression on Yang Yichen while they did not, they might miss out on the chance for promotion and wealth. They put forth all their efforts to impress Yang Yichen.
This outcome was entirely within the young man's expectations. Although he judged that many of the methods proposed in such a short time were impractical or their effects might be unclear, he would not dampen everyone's enthusiasm.
"Is there no one else?" After a moment of silence, Yang Yichen's refreshing voice echoed in the hall.
After such intense discussion for so long, many issues had already been resolved without the County Magistrate needing to intervene personally, so there was nothing more to say.
"Since you all have nothing more to add, let me say a few words. First, I would like to thank all of you for your support upon my appointment. Secondly, I appreciate your consideration for the people and your practical suggestions. Thank you for your contributions to the countless citizens of Linyi."
Such words of gratitude suddenly made them blush because their initial purpose was not this; it was their desire for official positions. Now hearing Yang Yichen speak this way made them feel elevated.
"Lord Yang is being modest; it is what I should do."
At this moment, it was time to be humble; no one would brazenly step forward. They were all waiting to show their faces in front of Yang Yichen, uncertain of what might happen.
Everything happening here quickly reached Jiang Weitong and another County Constable's ears.
"What???" The ailing Jiang jumped out of bed with a start. "Is this true?" His eyes widened like saucers as he stared intently at the frail Yamen Guard before him.
"Reporting to you, my lord, it is all true. Right now, everyone in the county office is praising this new official."
Of course! With such a big opportunity presented, it was hard to believe no one would take the bait. This was a genuine official position, one that had previously seemed out of reach but now appeared within grasp.
Jiang Weitong did not expect that in just one day away, Yang Yichen could implement such significant changes. He truly had the courage and means.
His subordinates, whom he had trained for many years, were actually infatuated with him. After work, they immediately went home to research the officials in Linyi, showing an unprecedented enthusiasm.
It was an extraordinary situation.
"What about those few people on our side?" Jiang Weitong couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"Reporting to you, my lord, they have all followed the new Lord Yang to tour the county office. As for what they are doing? I dared not get too close and couldn't hear clearly."
"Haha, impressive!" Jiang Weitong gritted his teeth and sneered. They switched sides so easily? Truly, none of them were good people.
"What about the County Constable?" He wasn't the only one who didn't go to work today; there was another person as well.
"The County Constable is also anxious," he replied. The situations of the two were not much different.
So, the two originally intended to give someone a warning, but instead, they were cleverly used, leaving only the two of them feeling sidelined.
Is this considered a case of failing to steal a chicken and losing the rice instead, being outsmarted by that young man?
Jiang Weitong got out of bed, feeling much better. He quickly groomed himself, changed into official attire, and prepared to ride to the county office. However...
Inside the Linyi County Yamen, Yang Yichen was reviewing the extensive files from recent years, while several officials responsible for this area were earnestly introducing matters. Just then,
A voice from outside reported, "County Magistrate, County Magistrate requests an audience!"
As soon as that was said, another voice followed: "County Constable requests an audience!"
Ah! The timing of their arrival is quite perfect; we are just at a crucial point.
Yang Yichen remained silent, knowing that under isolated circumstances, the two of them wouldn't be able to sit still. And here they are—no need to call them; they came on their own.
But is this a place where you can come and go as you please? What a joke! The wheel of fortune turns; whoever displeased him in the morning would face consequences in the afternoon.
"The County Magistrate is unwell and should not work while sick. After all, as a local official, if you cannot take care of your own health, how can you serve the people? It's better to rest well and return only when fully recovered."
"Oh, and as for the County Constable, I request that he handle his family matters before returning to normal duties. After all, if one's own household is in disarray and he cannot manage his family, how can he manage the populace?"
When both men received the message through the Yamen Guard and heard Yang Yichen's arrangements, the smiles on their faces froze in place. What does this mean?
"Wait, this..."
Jiang Weitong and the County Constable exchanged glances, both of them having held relatively high positions in the Linyi County Yamen before. How had they ended up like this?
However, once they were out of power, it was stripped away completely. They couldn't understand how this young man, Yang Yichen, who hadn't even fully matured yet, managed to do it.
Now, even if they wanted to return, it was impossible.
This was nothing short of blatant revenge!
Yet, they had no one to confide in; he was already well aware of their situation and was considering their health and family harmony.
In short, they had been completely sidelined.
At this moment, they finally recognized the severity of the situation, but Yang Yichen didn't even show his face to them.
If there were such a thing as a regret pill in this world, they would have rushed to buy some; however, everything was just wishful thinking.
The officials following Yang Yichen watched as he effortlessly dealt with two of the most formidable figures. All they felt was admiration; they truly didn't know how he managed it—almost starry-eyed.
"Alright, let's continue. Besides focusing on agriculture, we must handle any cases that arise with the utmost transparency and fairness in the public hall. We must ensure justice for the common people and not wrong any innocent person."
"When examining cases, we must be cautious. We cannot lead questions or force confessions."
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