Chapter 6, Promotion

This is quite difficult to say. Liu Xie remarked, "Lord Zhou has brought many people, both of whom are highly talented. Even the servant who runs errands and delivers messages is literate. I originally thought my own literary talent was quite good, but compared to Mr. Lu and Mr. Jiang, it is simply like heaven and earth! I have heard that both of them also hold official titles."

When a court official is transferred to a local position, they generally have to be promoted by one or two ranks, correct? As both being seventh-rank officials, do the responsibilities of a sixth-rank official in the Six Departments carry the same weight as that of a county magistrate?

Qingyun was even more puzzled and suddenly thought of a possibility: "Did you not say that in the past, when encountering such matters, you would always be left at the yamen to stand guard? How is it that... they told you to go?"

I have heard that both gentlemen were recommended by Lord Zhou from the Yue family of Yushan Marquisate, and even Lord Zhou must show them some courtesy. Liu Xie sighed and said, "I foolishly thought that the position of the clerk was rightfully mine, but in fact, as long as the two gentlemen nod, that position will be theirs. It is merely that Lord Zhou has a favorable view of me.

Jiang Qingyun inhaled sharply, feeling somewhat astonished. Although she had long realized that Zhou Kang was not an ordinary person, she did not expect him to be such a significant figure. However, since he had already reached the position of a sixth-rank official and was highly favored by the Emperor, why would he come to this small Qinghe County to serve as a seventh-rank official? Could it be... that he was demoted?

Liu Xie made a great effort to conceal the excitement in his expression, but soon he wilted again: "What... what should I do? I cannot please my superior, I don't even know how to flatter him... Perhaps in a couple of days, Lord Zhou will forget all about me..."

Perhaps it was Liu Xie's generosity that moved the people of the county office. A month later, the number of those who excluded him and spoke ill of him had significantly decreased, and everyone secretly praised him as a man of integrity. He adapted well to the position of acting chief clerk and provided substantial assistance to the newly appointed Zhou Kang, helping him quickly understand the situation in the county and advising him on how to take over the mess left by his predecessor. During this process, County Clerk Zhong also offered enthusiastic support. Zhou Kang was grateful, and the atmosphere in the Qinghe County office became harmonious.

Even for a well-connected scion of a prominent family, upon arriving in a prestigious environment, it is necessary to have a few capable assistants who are familiar with the affairs of the government in order to establish a firm foothold

Qingyun continued to encourage him: "Look, you can see it too, right? You are undoubtedly the best candidate! In the past, no one appreciated you, and it was understandable that you couldn't rise to the occasion, but now Lord Zhou holds you in high regard!"

Liu Xiexiao said: "Where is it that fast? I think he must at least be promoted to the position of governor before he can return to the court, right?"

Qingyun's eyes brightened: "What happened to him? Could it be that the new county magistrate has revealed his identity?"

What... what should I grasp? Liu Xie was somewhat at a loss.

Bingo

Indeed. Liu Xie quickly straightened his back and said, "In fact, I am not too concerned; the others in the county office are more worried about their livelihoods. I heard that Wang Xiaosi, who used to be the doorkeeper, was removed just for joking with a maid from Lord Zhou's household, and no one could intercede on his behalf. Now, the doorkeeper is a servant from Lord Zhou's household, who is much more imposing than Wang Xiaosi and knows how to handle matters. Lord Zhou has more than a dozen such servants, each capable in both literature and martial arts, and the people in the office fear that one day they too might be replaced. Therefore, it is better to avoid trouble; it was just a few idle words, and I will not take it to heart."

But he is still hesitating: "Can I really do it... What will others think? Lord Zhou... may not think highly of me..."

The chief clerk can occupy a courtyard in the county office. Qingyun had heard from others that the courtyard has two sections, with more than ten rooms in total. She is the daughter of Liu Xie, and the father and daughter moved in together, each occupying one section of the courtyard, which is more than sufficient for them. They cannot be compared to the county magistrate and the clerks' families, who have a large household of old and young and must arrange for a three-section residence outside just to barely accommodate everyone. Qingyun quickly recalled the layout and orientation of the chief clerk's courtyard, which conveniently has a back door leading directly to the street in front of Aunt Gao's house. She lives in the back courtyard, making it extremely convenient to come and go, allowing her much more freedom to do whatever she wishes.

Qingyun was puzzled: "But tomorrow is a rest day, the government office will not serve meals, and they won't deliver to you. Where will you go to eat?"

Qingyun curled her lips, wanting to say how could the esteemed guests of the Hou residence possibly look favorably upon the humble position of a clerk? Yet she feared that such words would dampen Liu Xie's enthusiasm. Her godfather wished to become a clerk, but had yet to achieve that ambition

She was still secretly pleased, but Liu Xie clearly had not thought that far ahead. He could only repeatedly exclaim, "How did I not recognize him this morning? Such a talent, such an imposing presence; if he were not the new county magistrate, how could he come to a place like ours?"

She tactfully raised this question, and Liu Xie was also uncertain: "Perhaps it is because he originally held the position of a Six Department Official, which is a seventh-rank official position, right?"

He is actually the new county magistrate of Qinghe! Liu Xie was wide-eyed in disbelief, "I couldn't believe it when I saw him! This morning at the West City Gate, he didn't say a word! Did I say something wrong at that time? Or was it a joke? The county magistrate was just looking at me and smiling!"

Aunt Gao listened, half understanding: "So, are you saying that once he has served as the county magistrate in Qinghe, he can return to the capital and become a prime minister? That would be something!"

Liu Xie took a deep breath, steadied his mind, and Zheng nodded emphatically.

Qingyun smiled with satisfaction and said, "This is a good omen!" After saying this, he pulled Liu Xie to the corner of the courtyard, avoiding the tall lady, and lowered his voice to say to him, "Godfather, your opportunity has come! You must seize it!"

Qingyun came to his senses and said: "Even if you told Lord Zhou the truth, it shouldn't be to the extent of causing them to lose their positions, right?"

Liu Xie gradually came to realize, upon reflecting on his goddaughter's words, that they indeed held merit. In fact, when he first became a clerk, he harbored a small ambition to rise higher, rather than remain a lowly official. However, after so many years, with no hope for the future, he had long since lost heart. At this moment, it seemed that an opportunity had truly presented itself before him

Liu Xie nodded: "Indeed. The new county magistrate is surnamed Zhou, with the given name Kang and the courtesy name Jianming. He is also a descendant of a noble family; his grandfather was the Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince during the reign of the late emperor and held the position of Grand Secretary of the Baoren Hall. His father was also a top scholar in the imperial examination! Later, he entered the Hanlin Academy as a scholar, but unfortunately, he passed away early due to illness. Lord Zhou comes from a prestigious family background; he passed the provincial examination shortly after coming of age and became a successful candidate in the imperial examination before turning thirty. After entering the Hanlin Academy, he has always been favored by the emperor. After the academy's dispersal, he was directly appointed to the Six Departments. His wife is the daughter of the Marquis of Yushan, and he has many noble friends and relatives, making him an extraordinarily esteemed individual!"

Before she could even ask, Aunt Gao had already spoken the words she wished to inquire: "How could such a distinguished person come here to serve as the county magistrate? They ought to remain in the capital to hold a high office instead"

After the meal, Aunt Gao from the Qingyun Gang washed the dishes. On the other side, Liu Xie had already finished his tea and digested his food, and came over to bid farewell: "It is getting late, I will head back to the county office now. The dishes today were delicious, you all can finish the leftovers tomorrow, no need to come and deliver food to me."

The newly arrived Lord Zhou has a good impression of you, and the others in the county office have also begun to look at you with new eyes. Qingyun stared at him and said, "You must perform well and let Lord Zhou know your capabilities. Do not forget, the former clerk was convicted, and that position is currently vacant"

She could only comfort him by saying: "There are many talented individuals in the world, but what Lord Zhou needs is not just a capable assistant, but someone who is also familiar with local affairs. In this regard, you are far superior to those two gentlemen."

When Liu Xie arrived at Grandma Gao's house for dinner in the evening, he appeared completely dazed

Qingyun smiled and said, "You are right! In that case, let us proceed as such!"

Qingyun has established a firm foothold in the county office, and with a sense of certainty in her heart, she began to quietly prepare for moving into the chief clerk's residence. At this moment, the manager Wang of Tongfu Inn sent a message through someone, stating that a person claiming to be a relative of her parents had come to visit.

Qingyun secretly clenched his fist, revealing a broad smile: "You did not say anything wrong, nor did you make a fool of yourself. The county magistrate is smiling at you, probably because he thinks you are honest and of good character." Indeed, not telling the truth to the godfather was the right choice; otherwise, it would have been exposed at first glance. How could the new county magistrate have a good impression of Liu Xie? Now, the image of the latter as an honest person is firmly established, and it remains to be seen what arrangements the new county magistrate will make next

Qingyun said: "What are you afraid of? Are you not qualified to be the chief clerk? What kind of status do those who become chief clerks generally have? They are usually examination candidates, tribute students, or those recommended by former officials who have paid the necessary fees, or they are promoted from among the clerks. You are a juren, which is even better than an examination candidate. In the entire Qinghe County government, apart from the county magistrate Zhong, you are the only one with a legitimate degree! You have been in the county government for ten years! In terms of qualifications, you are no worse than anyone else! You also possess real talent and knowledge, and everyone in the county office knows this! In the entire Qinghe County government, apart from the county magistrate Zhong, you are the only one with a legitimate degree! You have been in the county government for ten years! In terms of qualifications, you are no worse than anyone else! You also possess real talent and knowledge, and everyone in the county office knows this!"

Qingyun was taken aback for a moment, thinking to himself that this was indeed a troublesome matter. After some contemplation, he said: "You are well-known for being an honest person and have always held a common official position. How could you possibly have that kind of weight? If Lord Zhou asks you about matters that can be openly discussed, you may freely inform him. If he..."

Jiang Qingyun listened with half-belief. An official from the imperial examination background wishing to become a prime minister must have experience serving in local positions; she had heard of such things before. However, was it really necessary to start from the position of a seventh-rank county magistrate?

Qingyun Daqi: "Are you referring to the two advisors brought by Lord Zhou? Since they possess official titles and great talents, why do they not take up official positions themselves, but instead choose to serve as aides to others?"

Liu Xie, feeling somewhat uneasy, brought gifts to Qingyun and asked her to help him put them away. He then said, "Once the documents from the Ministry of Personnel arrive, I will have to move to the courtyard where the former registrar lived. Qing Jie, why don't you move in with me?"

Qingyun was unconvinced: "Although he claims to have a significant background, he is unfamiliar with the area in Qinghe. To seize power, relying solely on the people he brought is insufficient; he needs someone to help him understand local affairs. Although Zhong County Magistrate is his subordinate, he enjoys high public support, and he may not fully trust him. Ge the Clerk is too cunning, and among the six departments and the Zhaomo Office below, how many can be considered honest? The yamen runners are of little weight, and he may not regard them highly. Moreover, everyone in the county office is undoubtedly hoping to climb up to him and gain benefits from him. If he truly wants to accomplish something, can those people be relied upon? Although Zhong County Magistrate is his subordinate, he enjoys high public support, and he may not fully trust him. Ge the Clerk is too cunning, and among the six departments and the Zhaomo Office below, how many can be considered honest? The yamen runners are of little weight, and he may not regard them highly. Furthermore, everyone in the county office is undoubtedly hoping to climb up to him and gain benefits from him. If he truly wants to accomplish something, can those people be relied upon? You are known for your honesty, and he has a good impression of you. Moreover, over the past ten years, you have moved back and forth among the six departments, becoming well-versed in the affairs of each department. Your learning is also commendable. If Lord Zhou does not seek you out, who else could he possibly turn to?"

She was secretly excited there, but Liu Xie began to complain: "Although I have hopes of being promoted, it seems that some people in the county office do not look favorably upon me. In recent days, I have been subtly mocked both openly and covertly. Even Lord Zhou asked me if someone was trying to exclude the capable. I feel distressed, yet I cannot speak directly to him about it. After all, we have been colleagues for many years; it is just a few idle words, how could I bear to cause them to lose their positions?"

Liu Xie stammered: "Wh... what?! The position of the chief clerk... what does that have to do with me..."

Liu Xie smiled somewhat shyly and said: "The clerk Ge mentioned that with Lord Zhou taking office, it is our duty as subordinates to welcome him. We have already reserved the finest private room at the best restaurant in the city, and we are inviting Lord Zhou to grace us with his presence tomorrow. Everyone from the county office will be attending."

Qingyun looked puzzled and asked, Liu Xie took a long time to respond, saying: "Sister Qing, the gentleman you brought into the city today, he..."

Liu Xie gradually gained confidence from her words, straightening his back: "You are right..." A smile appeared on his face, "The position of the chief clerk is responsible for managing documents, and the county magistrate definitely won't take it. Ge Dianli has only mediocre talent, and I am already very familiar with these affairs; I can take over immediately..." He quickly recalled all the candidates in the county office who were qualified to fill the chief clerk position and found that their abilities were all inferior to his, and their handwriting was not as beautiful as his. His heart suddenly warmed.

Liu Xie patted his head: "Lord Zhou remembers who I am and even spoke with me for quite a while, treating me with great courtesy. Others, upon seeing this, regard me with new eyes. Just before leaving the county office, Clerk Ge specifically sought me out and urged me to be sure to go tomorrow"

Qingyun originally wanted to ask again, but upon seeing Liu and Xie happily leaning over the pot to savor the aroma of the stewed meat, the words caught in his throat and he swallowed them back down, once again displaying a smile as he went to serve him rice

Liu Xiedao: "I was originally somewhat curious, but did not dare to ask him. However, there was a Mr. Lu Mengyi beside him, who was very amiable and had no airs about him. He was chatting casually with Ge Dianli, and I overheard them discussing that in the court, there are certain rules. To be appointed as a minister, it is not enough to rely solely on the emperor's favor; there are two additional requirements. First, one must come from the Hanlin Academy or at least have passed the imperial examination; one cannot be a bureaucrat through purchase or favoritism. Second, one must have served in local government and achieved political accomplishments; otherwise, if one does not even understand the people's livelihood, who would dare to entrust the affairs of the nation to him? Mr. Lu mentioned that his master is exemplary in every aspect, with a distinguished family background and academic credentials, and is trusted by the emperor. However, he has only served in the court and has never held a position in local government, which may pose obstacles in the future. Mr. Lu said that his master is exemplary in every aspect, with a distinguished family background and academic credentials, and is trusted by the emperor. However, he has only served in the court and has never held a position in local government, which may pose obstacles in the future. Lord Zhou has lofty ambitions, so he resolutely decided to take advantage of his youth to gain experience in local governance for a few years. As long as he serves as a local magistrate for one or two terms, when he returns to the court in the future, his prospects will be limitless!"

If he asks me about the secrets of the county magistrate and his associates, I will say I don't know! Liu Xie quickly interjected, clenching his fist, "That's right, I will say I don't know and let him ask someone else. There are some things that I would rather let him know that I refuse to say than to lie! Lies cannot be hidden, and they will definitely offend him. But if I tell the truth... he comes from a noble background, who would dare to make things difficult for him? After three years, when his term is up, he will be promoted elsewhere, but I will have to stay and continue to interact with the people in the county office. Lies cannot be hidden, and they will definitely offend him. But if I tell the truth... he comes from a noble background, who would dare to make things difficult for him? After three years, when his term is up, he will be promoted elsewhere, but I will have to stay and continue to interact with the people in the county office.

They calculated correctly; within a few days, the new county magistrate Zhou Kang ordered Liu Xie to act as the chief registrar. As long as the Ministry of Personnel issued the official document, Liu Xie's new position would be confirmed. Zhou Kang seemed to have a high regard for Liu Xie, and no one in the county office raised any objections. Zhong County Vice Magistrate, who had just returned to the county town after completing the work of pacifying the bandits, personally congratulated Liu Xie and later sent gifts through his family.

Qingyun said: "You do not need to do anything; as long as Lord Zhou wishes to promote you, he will come to find you. When the time comes, do whatever he asks you to do, and let him see your true abilities"

Madam Gao approached with a bowl and chopsticks and asked, "I have heard that the newly appointed county magistrate is the son of a prominent family from the capital, and has a remarkable background. Is that true?"

But Liu Xie still felt somewhat uneasy: "How can this be acceptable? If he makes me offend the county magistrate and the others... I have heard that some county magistrates may not see eye to eye with the county officials and will do everything possible to suppress their subordinates"