Frost for a Thousand Years

Chapter 47 The County Magistrate

Is Eunuch Chen here?
The Asian members present were all quite surprised.

Even for the appointment and removal of Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations), this important figure might not attend.

This is because he is the most honorable of all the eunuchs.

Even the highest-ranking officials, such as the Three Dukes and the Dukes of the State, had to treat him with utmost respect.

Besides serving as the emperor's agents and occasionally whispering in his ear, the eunuchs of the Great Yu also wielded considerable real power.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard could be considered their direct 'subordinates,' a vast eunuch system that formed the basis for the emperor's control over local areas.

Eunuchs in almost all dynasties wielded immense power.

After all, due to their unique physiological structure, emperors trusted eunuchs more than anyone else, including empresses and princes.

Therefore, upon his arrival, everyone immediately understood that the emperor had given a hint.

"Lord Ouyang."

After Chen Bao entered, he greeted Ouyang Ke, who had come forward to greet him.

"Is Eunuch Chen in good health?" Ouyang Ke asked with a smile.

"One advantage of being a eunuch is that, with few desires and a pure heart, and by paying attention to rest and recuperation, one becomes immune to both heat and cold," Chen Bao said self-deprecatingly.

"Father-in-law, you flatter me. It's just that I'm getting more and more useless. It seems I'll have to make way for others soon."

"Lord Ouyang is in the prime of his life, how can you speak of retiring? If you were to step down, who would dare to take your place?"

"You flatter me, Father-in-law."

After making a self-deprecating remark, Ouyang Ke helped the other person up and extended his other hand, saying, "Please."

"please."

With that, the two walked into the hall.

At this moment, all the Asian officials bowed and paid their respects.

To put it bluntly, Eunuch Chen merely bowed and scraped before the emperor.

Outside the palace, he was the emperor.

"Young Master Sun Qian?" Chen Bao asked.

“Reporting to Your Excellency, I am Sun Qian,” Sun Qian replied quickly.

Looking at him with a smile, Chen Bao sighed, "My family had a long-standing friendship with Situ when we were young. They look so alike, like they were made from the same mold. That handsome face of his was truly captivating to everyone in Sheng'an."

"Thank you for the compliment, Father-in-law. I am humbled and flattered."

"Good, good, good. You won first place in the Asian Games this time, right?" Chen Bao said approvingly. "You have the style of your father. I hope you will be like Minister Sun, taking your father as your role model, and become a good minister who assists the country in the future."

Eunuch Chen's words represented the Emperor's intentions.

That was a very strong statement.

This allowed Sun Qian to regain the face he had lost these past few days.

"I will live up to your high praise and serve my country with utmost sincerity!"

"it is good."

After speaking with Sun Qian, Eunuch Chen looked at Song Shi'an, his good expression vanishing instantly: "You, are you the top scholar?"

"Your Excellency, my name is Song Shi'an."

Song Shi'an replied calmly.

"You do have some talent, and your poetry is quite good."

Staring at him with a cold gaze, Eunuch Chen said in a stern tone, "But at such a young age, you are completely ignorant and do not deserve to call yourself a member of the elite. You should not have offended Minister Sun. If you do not change your habit of getting drunk and throwing tantrums, it will eventually lead to disaster."

"Yes."

Song Shi'an responded.

Upon hearing these words, the others looked over cautiously. Even Song Shi'an, whom they all wanted to curse, couldn't help but feel alarmed.

"It is good that you are grateful to your father and your ruler, but you do not yet understand the principle that 'haste makes waste'."

After giving a brief affirmation, Chen Bao casually advised, "Whether you seek wealth and status or truly wish to serve your country, hone your skills well before making any decisions."

"Yes."

Song Shi'an calmly agreed as before.

"Lord Ouyang, let's go then."

Chen Bao quickly regained his smile.

The two noblemen walked side by side into the inner room.

Ten Asian leaders remained, awaiting further instructions. Only after the important figures had left did they relax slightly.

Then, looking down at Song Shi'an, who was being 'stomped on' and 'praised' in turn, he couldn't help but feel a secret smugness.

Han Zhongchen, in particular, was so excited he was about to ejaculate.

But suddenly, Sun Qian, who was also somewhat smug, realized what was happening.

No.

This is not an attempt to elevate myself while belittling Song Shi'an.

This is clearly protecting him!

Previously, Song Shi'an had made the bold statement, "Why shouldn't a man carry a Yu hook?"

So much so that he became a prominent figure throughout Sheng'an.

Everyone is eagerly anticipating how this top student in both subjects will put his knowledge into practice and achieve unity of knowledge and action.

Having been elevated to this position, he had to choose the most arduous and dangerous place to take up his post.

Otherwise, it's just empty talk.

But now, the emperor's agent, Eunuch Chen, has given him a serious reprimand and clear instructions—to hone his skills further before making any further decisions.

He had to back down now, otherwise he would be defying the emperor's will. Although Eunuch Chen himself never said it was the emperor's will.

Even if he were to back down this way, no one else could laugh at him.

Eunuch Chen put him through rigorous training; who would dare to disagree?
It appears to be a case of belittling one while praising another, but in reality it is a clear act of favoritism—favoring Song Shi'an!

Are these the emperor's men?

Fan Wuji learned a profound lesson from Song Shi'an, as if he could see the glory in the other's body.

As long as we follow Eunuch Chen's instructions and hone our skills, this top scholar, who is only a few ranks higher than us, has already made a huge leap forward in his official career!

"Song Shi'an, the top scholar, enter the room!"

Following the announcement, Song Shi'an, who had remained expressionless throughout, entered the inner room.

Two people were sitting up there: Chen Bao and Ouyang Ke.

These two powerful backers, whoever has even the slightest connection to them, can run rampant in this world.

Both of them are now planning for their future.

Song Shi'an is a smart man; he shouldn't be unable to understand what I mean.

Those two articles were not something a brute could write.

All he needed was affirmation from the emperor.

I am willing to be the emperor's blade, but is the emperor willing to use me as his blade?
Now Eunuch Chen told him: No rush, you are the emperor's blade. And before you show your sharpness, he will hone you and protect you.

Once you feel safe, go for it.

Looking at the handsome man in front of him with a slight smile, Ouyang Ke became even more certain that he had made the right decision.

Especially after the defeat in the battle against Beiliang, His Majesty not only has to do the land reclamation project, but must do it successfully.

Having navigated the ups and downs of officialdom for decades, Ouyang Ke deeply understood one principle: in a lifetime of only a few decades, to accomplish one thing is to achieve greatness.

"Song Shi'an".

The process began, and Yu Xiu, standing beside the two, spoke up: "After reviewing your two articles and personal resume, the Ministry of Personnel believes you are suitable for positions in the Ministry of Agriculture, the military, as an official under a prefect, as a clerk, or as a county magistrate. Of course, your appointment will be proposed by the Ministry of Personnel and decided by His Majesty himself, but you can share your thoughts."

"This humble official is willing to serve as the county magistrate."

Song Shi'an said firmly.

"Have you looked into the vacancies for local county magistrates, the officials who will retire soon, or those who will be demoted?" Yu Xiudao said. "If you don't know, I can explain it to you in detail."

"I know."

"Is there a county you'd like to work in?"

Yu Xiu reminded him, "If the magistrate of a county doesn't retire for more than six months, you can also mention it. After he leaves, he can temporarily serve as the county assistant magistrate, and his official rank will still be the seventh grade."

"Can we ask about counties where the magistrate hasn't retired or been promoted?" Song Shi'an asked.

Yu Xiu did not answer, but slowly looked at Ouyang Ke.

Ouyang Ke nodded slightly and said, "Speak."

"grown ups."

Slowly raising his head to look at the two, Song Shi'an calmly said with eyes as still as water, "I am willing to be the magistrate of Shuofeng County."

(End of this chapter)