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墨書 Inktalez
In the county office, although most people had been there for many years, they had never received an imperial decree. For them, this was an incredibly sacred matter.
As for Yang Yichen, the letters from the two capitals had already informed him that the decree was on its way. Having previously received a decree alongside Liu Qingxi, he felt familiar with the process this time.
After all, it was a county office, much better than Liu Qingxi's family back then. A bright red carpet stretched from the entrance of the Yamen down the street, and the altar was arranged by officials responsible for the county's properties.
"Hurry up, hurry up! It's coming soon!" a middle-aged official shouted, sweating as he directed the Yamen guards to move things.
"Wait, the altar isn't centered; shift it a bit to the left," he added.
Inside the county office, everyone was bustling about—changing clothes, trimming flowers and plants—occasionally two hurried individuals would bump into each other.
Only one person sat calmly at the main seat in the hall, strategizing with a smile on his face as if everything was under control.
At noon, the so-called imperial decree arrived late. The leading eunuch wore blue robes and appeared to be in his thirties, with skin as smooth and delicate as a woman's.
He was followed by several guards holding a bright yellow decree, walking briskly.
Yang Yichen and the officials from Linyi County had long been waiting at the door, feeling anxious yet maintaining composure on their faces.
When the decree arrived, the leading eunuch slowly unfolded it. A sharp voice announced: "By order of His Majesty, Emperor Cheng, Yang Yichen, County Magistrate of Linyi County, during his two years in office has shown great love for the people and has greatly promoted agriculture and machinery production. His achievements are exemplary among Western Moon officials. He is hereby awarded one thousand gold pieces, one hundred bolts of silk, ten boxes of jewels, and promoted to Departmental Official. You are to set out promptly. This is an imperial command!"
The eunuch closed the decree and smiled at the colorful expressions of the officials kneeling on the ground—some were surprised, some envious, some understanding, some jealous, and some resigned.
For them, what mattered most was not the gold or silk but rather the promotion to Departmental Official, which ranked fifth in status.
Considering Yang Yichen's previous position as Seventh-Rank County Magistrate, this was a leap of four ranks—a rare occurrence in Western Moon Kingdom's history over thousands of years.
Moreover, it had only been two short years; Yang Yichen's subordinates felt a complex mix of emotions.
Among them were two individuals—the former Deputy Magistrate and County Constable—who had been thoroughly subdued by Yang Yichen's decisive methods two years ago. By the time they returned, almost all major officials in the county office had been won over by Yang Yichen.
They held titles but had not participated in significant matters during these two years; they felt utterly frustrated yet powerless.
While others rejoiced at Yang Yichen's promotion, they felt a mix of envy and regret.
They thought about how Yang Yichen’s rise would surely benefit those who had worked under him before—especially his trusted aides—but for them, avoiding sabotage would be fortunate enough.
Their hearts felt heavier than swallowing a fly as they regretted their past actions. If only they hadn't faced that warning two years ago; perhaps after Yang Yichen's promotion, they could have claimed the County Magistrate position for themselves.
Now they could only watch helplessly as their aspirations slipped away.
Just then, Yang Yichen's clear voice rang out: "I thank Your Majesty for your grace!"
"Hahaha!" Laughter erupted from among them; it turned out to be Grandfather who spoke first: "We congratulate Lord Yang on your promotion!"
Yang Yichen smiled slightly: "Thank you Liu Gonggong; it's all thanks to your support."
It turned out that this eunuch announcing the decree was an old acquaintance who had come to announce rewards when Liu Qingxi was honored. Yang Yichen maintained a very cordial attitude.
Everyone knows how to speak in such situations. Regardless of whether Liu Gonggong truly played a role in this honor or not, such a response pleased him greatly.
Moreover, someone who frequently moved within palace circles might not hold an official title but still hears many things; maintaining good relations with such individuals can be quite beneficial.
Yang Yichen understood these dynamics well.
Having left a good impression on Liu Gonggong last time made him eager to show courtesy now.
"Not at all! It is all thanks to you, Lord Yang! You are truly talented; I remember our last meeting vividly. I didn't expect we would meet again so soon," Liu Gonggong said humbly but with evident delight.
"Still need to thank you for traveling such a long distance just for this occasion. Please rest inside; tea has already been prepared," Yang Yichen gestured invitingly.
Liu Gonggong’s purpose was to summon Yang Yichen to court; since time wasn't pressing and he had received permission from His Majesty to accompany Yang Yichen this time around, he didn't have to rush like before.
In the county office, Yang Yichen treated Liu Gonggong’s entourage with fine food and tea while personally accompanying him. The lower-ranking officials showed great respect towards these soldiers as well.
This lunch was truly enjoyable for both host and guest: "Liu Gonggong has traveled far; please take some time here at the county office. I have prepared rooms for you and hope you will allow me a few days to handle my family and official matters."
Yang Yichen's excellent demeanor made Liu Gonggong very satisfied; naturally he agreed to this reasonable request: "No problem! Lord Yang can take your time; we will wait here for you."
"Alright then! I will handle my affairs promptly. During these days Liu Gonggong can experience our local customs and enjoy our beautiful scenery," Yang Yichen replied.
"Then I shall trouble you further," Liu Gonggong said graciously.
After settling in those who came to deliver the decree, Yang Yichen hastened to complete his handover work. Since county magistrates typically serve three-year terms and he had only served two years this time around, someone needed to take over his position.
He considered potential candidates and made recommendations above; given his outstanding achievements, those he recommended were directly approved by Lingjiang Province since he was currently favored by His Majesty.
At that moment in his study behind the county office, dressed in a green robe and seated at his desk, Yang Yichen addressed a young man in blue attire before him: "While I go to court this time around, I leave Linyi County in your hands."
The young man was in his twenties; though not as handsome as Yang Yichen, he possessed an attractive demeanor nonetheless.
This individual was none other than Yang Yichen's close friend Hua Scholar.
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