Chapter 1250 - 1159: The Female Chancellor 98
Yin Shuangshuang observed Xu Huirong, the Xu Zhubu, who wore a face of sincere obedience, and thought to herself, this really is speaking nonsense with one’s eyes wide open. Her group moved with such great momentum that hiding the news was impossible.
They had been in the county for quite some time, yet the government office officials hadn’t received the news. One wonders whether they were deaf or were collectively trying to give her, the County Magistrate, a show of force. Everyone knew the answer.
However, Yin Shuangshuang did not expose them. Instead, she smiled lightly and said, "No matter, it was indeed my hasty arrival that caused this, and there was no prior notification given. It’s normal not to have received a welcome." Her response lacked any sense of authority.
Xu Huirong’s smile deepened, "It’s a relief that Lord County Magistrate does not blame us. Next, let us lead you to tour the county government, where you will be residing and working in the future."
"Then I shall trouble Xu Zhubu."
"It’s my duty, an inherent responsibility of mine."
The county government was an old building, neither dilapidated nor new. It was large thanks to the vast land of Qinglin County, as all constructions adhered to a spacious style, and the county office was no exception.
But the entire government office was empty. Xu Huirong, still wearing an apologetic face, said to Yin Shuangshuang, "I sincerely apologize. It’s only me accompanying you. Both the County Magistrate and County Magistrate Chief were unable to attend due to personal affairs at home.
The Master and the two advisers were all hired by the previous County Magistrate. They left after the previous County Magistrate departed. The forensic doctor went home to help with his mother’s birthday celebrations. Since there is no County Magistrate in the office, the county has been quieter. Even the constables went home."
"Isn’t this just an empty government office? Without the County Magistrate, there’s no one attending the office. You officials must be leading quite the leisurely lives. If anything happens to the common people, nothing could be addressed, or perhaps you intend not to deal with any governmental affairs at all?" Wei Yingnan said, growing more incensed as she listened, finally snapping at Xu Huirong.
Xu Huirong’s smile remained unchanged. He didn’t even glance at Wei Yingnan, treating her as if she were air, his expression unreactive as he focused solely on Yin Shuangshuang’s reaction.
Yin Shuangshuang, however, maintained a serene expression, smiled gently, and said, "So that’s how it is. Without a County Magistrate, naturally, no governmental affairs can be processed. Their absence is only natural."
Upon hearing this, even Xu Huirong, who was full of nonsense, couldn’t hold his expression and twitched his mouth slightly. How could such a thing be seen as natural? Was there something wrong with this female County Magistrate’s comprehension skills?
Nonetheless, Xu Huirong didn’t say much more. He simply continued smiling brightly, "You’ve traveled a long way and must be terribly exhausted, so I shan’t disturb your rest any further. I’ll take my leave."
"Since Xu Zhubu has matters to attend to, you may return. However, I have assumed office, and this office cannot remain unstaffed. Xu Zhubu, remember to come tomorrow. If you don’t, I will find it quite difficult."
Yin Shuangshuang’s tone was gentle, but Xu Zhubu felt there was a hint behind her words that made him uneasy. He was merely here today to feel out the situation and planned on shirking his duties afterward.
Perhaps it was just a misconception. Despite Yin Shuangshuang’s reputation, her talents didn’t necessarily equate to skill in governance. Particularly as she seemed somewhat soft-natured, her words lacked force. There should be nothing suspicious. With this thought, Xu Huirong left the office.
After Xu Huirong left, Wei Yingnan, who had been previously enraged, changed her expression to a frown and said to Yin Shuangshuang, "It seems the waters in Qinglin County are very deep. You shouldn’t act alone during this period. I feel that these officials are quite suspicious. Don’t end up capsizing in a gutter."
"There’s no need to be so tense. I always have Yan Yi and Ying Yi with me. It’s not that easy to harm me," Yin Shuangshuang said, blowing warm air into her cold hands, calming the somewhat nervous Wei Yingnan.
"This is exactly the ’small temple with rampant winds and a shallow pool with many turtles’. In such a small place, everyone has a wicked heart. Just look at Xu Zhubu’s clothes; they were clearly expensive. Yet, look at the common people outside, like walking corpses. It goes without saying that the local officials here are just corrupt, foolish ones who exploit the people."
Wang Ruibo, the most hot-tempered and blunt, couldn’t stand it and was the first to speak sarcastically. He felt extremely uncomfortable with Xu Huirong’s fake smile earlier, only tolerating it because Yin Shuangshuang didn’t intend to have an outburst.
Wang Ruiqi, with a more gentle disposition, said to Wang Ruibo on the side, "When are you going to change your rough temper? At least watch your words. Anyone can see the issues with these officials."
As she spoke, Wang Ruiqi turned to look at Yin Shuangshuang, who was surveying the surroundings: "These people are clearly trying to intimidate us. I wonder what your thoughts are, dear cousin? Miss Wei’s worries are quite valid; I’m also concerned about them potentially causing trouble behind the scenes or even openly."
Yin Shuangshuang adjusted her cloak, showing a cold, mocking smile: "Openly causing trouble? Isn’t that what they’re doing now? But they wouldn’t dare go further.
The last two County Magistrates came here alone, with no staff or connections, unfamiliar with the place. They united to resist the County Magistrate, easily manipulating and harming the outsiders.
I’m different. I have the backing of Your Majesty, the ultimate supporter, and I have personnel to utilize. They can’t deal with me using the same simple and crude methods used on the previous two County Magistrates."
After saying so, Yin Shuangshuang looked at Wang Ruiqi and said, "Big cousin, your work is coming. It’s clear Xu Zhubu came to gather information. He surely won’t come tomorrow, and by then, I’ll dismiss him from his position due to neglecting the county’s affairs. Big cousin, do you have the confidence to take on the role of this county’s chief clerk?"
In this dynasty, the County Magistrate’s authority is considerable. Except for the County Magistrate’s deputy, the County Magistrate Chief, who manages the county soldiers, akin to an armed forces minister, cannot be dismissed. Officers like the chief clerk and forensic doctor can be appointed or dismissed at will by the County Magistrate.
Constables, advisers, and clerks are private staff of the County Magistrate with no official positions, depending on the county magistrate’s payroll. They can be recruited or dismissed at will if the County Magistrate dislikes them.
Wang Ruiqi was initially thinking she’d only be able to work as an adviser. Unexpectedly, upon arrival, there was a ninth-grade chief clerk position available for her. Her eyes lit up, and she hurriedly assured Yin Shuangshuang with a promise, "Rest assured, cousin, I will definitely excel as the chief clerk and not disgrace you."
Yin Shuangshuang smiled and nodded, "I believe you can do great, big cousin."
"Then I’ll become a head constable for you. I don’t think these constables or head constables will come. I’ll take your subordinates from the Yan Team to get it started," Wang Ruibo volunteered.
"Then I’ll leave this matter to you, second cousin. I’ll assign Yan Shiqi to Yan Ershiqi to be at your command."
