Di Ming

Chapter 417 "Never before in history has a county magistrate taken office with such grandeur as today!"

When Qin Liangyu received Zhu Yin's secret letter, she had already passed Baidi City and crossed the river to Fengjie County in Kuizhou Prefecture.

In his letter, Zhu Yin stated that Qiu Chengyun had poisoned the people and committed numerous evils. He had already uncovered evidence against Qiu Chengyun and intended to force him to submit. However, Qiu Chengyun held military power, and Zhu Yin feared that Qiu Chengyun might resort to desperate measures.

Therefore, she was asked to lead her troops to Chongqing to collect provisions and rations to quell any unrest. Along with the secret letter arrived an official document from the Chongqing prefect. Whether it was an internal troop movement or the collection of provisions, there was no problem; it was within the prefect's authority.

According to custom, soldiers who went to war in other places should receive money, provisions, and compensation from the local government upon their return. However, this process usually takes a long time.

Hao Yunlai's official document was actually to bring forward a matter that was supposed to be handled next year to this year. The reason given was that the suppression of the rebellion in the Northwest last year and the resistance against the Japanese pirates in Goryeo this year had resulted in successive great victories. The soldiers of Shizhu had worked hard and made great contributions on the long march, and should be rewarded as soon as possible.

Unlike Hao Yunlai's concerns, Qin Liangyu, upon receiving Zhu Yin's secret letter, immediately went to the prefectural city without hesitation. Furthermore, fearing insufficient troops, she also sent an order back to Shizhu, requesting her husband, Ma Qiancheng, to personally lead three thousand soldiers to join her.

Then the couple joined forces, and more than 5,000 men marched towards Chongqing. This was actually a bit excessive, as the number of troops exceeded the limit.

But Qin Liangyu couldn't care less about that now; she had to help Zhu Yin and stop Qiu Chengyun's perverse actions.

Of course, without official documents from civil officials such as the prefect, governor, inspector, or circuit intendant, even if she wanted to help Zhu Yin, she could not lead troops to the prefectural city. Otherwise, it would be considered unauthorized troop deployment outside the territory, which could easily lead to charges of treason.

Qin Liangyu led her army south along the east bank of the Yangtze River. Two days later, she marched to Fuzhou, where she met up with her husband, Ma Qiancheng, and together they headed west to the prefectural city.

Several days later, they arrived outside Chongqing, facing the prefectural city across the river. The couple did not cross the river, as it was customary and unnecessary. The prefectural government would deliver the money and provisions across the river.

When Qiu Chengyun learned that the White-Spear Army had reached the other side of the river, he knew perfectly well that the Stone Pillar soldiers were ostensibly there to collect provisions, but secretly there to support Hao Yunlai and Zhu Yin.

But he didn't believe the chieftain of Shizhu would dare to rebel. Ma Qiancheng and his wife were genuine Han Chinese, unlike the other chieftains.

He was not afraid of Ma Qiancheng and his wife rebelling, because he could use the opportunity to gain military merit by suppressing the rebels and also obtain the gold and silver treasures of the Shizhu chieftain.

Therefore, Qiu Chengyun didn't take Ma Qiancheng and his wife seriously. Anyway, once they received their provisions and had no excuse, they would naturally obediently return to Shizhu.

However, what Qiu Chengyun didn't know was that just as the White-Spear Army arrived at the riverbank, Zhu Yin and the others, whom he had been searching for for several days without success, arrived at the White-Spear Army's riverside camp.

Upon receiving news of Zhu Yin's arrival at the camp, Qin Liangyu and Ma Qiancheng immediately went out of the camp to greet him.

Soon, Qin Liangyu saw the boy's kind and familiar figure.

Having not seen Zhu Yin for over two months, she found that he remained as charismatic as ever, showing no signs of the dejection that often accompanies demotion. He seemed to still be the strategic minister commanding thousands of troops, decisive and shrewd in his planning. Truly, he remained unperturbed by honor or disgrace, achieving great things through tranquility.

Qin Liangyu was immediately relieved.

When Ma Qiancheng first met Zhu Yin, he was deeply impressed by Zhu Yin's demeanor and bearing, and was filled with awe. He exclaimed that there was no such thing as a person with an undeserved reputation, and he understood why his wife had praised Zhu Yin so highly on several occasions.

Mr. Zhihu is famous throughout the world; he is indeed extraordinary.

"This humble general, Qin Liangyu, greets the Grand Marshal..." Qin Liangyu was used to it and greeted him with the same etiquette she had received in the previous shogunate.

"No need for formalities, elder sister," Zhu Yin said with a smile. "I am no longer the military governor, but we can still address each other as brother and sister. You are still the family member who accompanied Caiwei to her wedding."

“Alright.” Qin Liangyu was a very free-spirited and heroic woman. She understood Zhu Yin’s personality, so she didn’t stand on ceremony and introduced Ma Qiancheng with a smile: “This is your brother-in-law, Ma Qiancheng, the Pacification Commissioner of Shizhu Pacification Office.”

Zhu Yin bowed and said, "Your younger brother Zhu Yin greets brother-in-law."

"Oh dear, I dare not accept such praise!" Ma Qiancheng quickly returned the greeting, "You are the Marquis of Jiangning, the Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince, and I am but a humble general..."

“Brother-in-law, why be so formal?” Zhu Yin said with a smile. “My sister and I are like siblings, even though we are not related by blood. Brother-in-law, you really don’t need to be so polite with me. We are family. Just call me Zhihu.”

Ma Qiancheng was twenty-three or twenty-four years old. He was tall and imposing, with a dignified appearance and a heroic spirit. His thick, short beard was neatly trimmed. He had the solemnity of a military general mixed with a touch of scholarly air. He was indeed a descendant of the famous general Ma Yuan.

"Then I won't stand on ceremony." Ma Qiancheng was very happy to have Zhu Yin as his brother-in-law. "Zhihu, your older sister has been worried about you all the way here, but she is finally relieved to see you now."

Zhu Yin suddenly pointed behind him, "Sister, look who's that?"

Qin Liangyu looked closely and saw a woman dressed in a colorful Zhuang ethnic minority dress emerge from the private army behind Zhu Yin, like a rosy cloud.

"Xiubing!" Qin Liangyu exclaimed in surprise and delight, "How is it you? When did you arrive?"

Cen Xiubing smiled smugly, "Did I give you a surprise? I've only been here a few days, and I just happened to run into Brother Zhihu."

After saying that, he opened his arms and hugged Qin Liangyu tightly, saying, "It's been a few years since we sisters last met. You're becoming more and more like a female general."

Qin Liangyu patted her back and smiled sweetly, "What do you mean by 'similar'? I've already led the army in many battles and have accumulated quite a few military merits."

"Really?" Cen Xiubing released Qin Liangyu, her face full of curiosity. "Then how will the imperial court reward you for your merits? What official position will they bestow upon you?"

Qin Liangyu was a little embarrassed and said, "I have no official position. I am just the wife of the Pacification Commissioner, and I am going to war in place of my husband."

"What?" Cen Xiubing asked, her face full of dissatisfaction. "That old emperor is so cruel and ungrateful, why won't he give you an official position?"

Cen Xiubing was a Han Chinese who had been converted to Taoism. Having lived in the Taoist lands of the Zuojiang and Youjiang rivers in Guangxi for a long time, he had limited respect for the imperial court and the emperor, and therefore spoke without much restraint.

Qin Liangyu said, "Sister, don't talk nonsense. Words can bring disaster. If they get out, it will be considered slander against the emperor and father, and you will be punished."

"What's there to be afraid of!" Cen Xiubing laughed. "We're all family here. Even if I say something, who's going to tell on me?"

Zhu Yin explained, “In the report on meritorious service, I highlighted Liangyu’s military achievements. In fact, she deserved to be granted the title of Earl. Even if she wasn’t granted the title of Earl, she should at least be granted the title of Deputy Commander-in-Chief or the title of Commander of the Guard. But the Emperor ignored it, simply because Liangyu is a woman.”

"Logically, even if my elder sister is not granted an official position because she is a woman, the honor should be transferred to my brother-in-law, who should be granted the title of Dragon and Tiger General. However, the emperor refused to grant the title, arguing that my brother-in-law is already a Pacification Commissioner and it is inappropriate to grant him the title of Dragon and Tiger General."

At this point, Zhu Yin couldn't help but feel a little ashamed. "The court has been too harsh on the White Spear Army. Even the compensation for the wounded and the injured is not full. The court has always favored the Northern Army and neglected the Southern Army."

This is a blatant attempt to sow discord.

“Child Tiger, don’t say that,” Qin Liangyu said. “I know you’ve done your best. Otherwise, the White-Spear Army’s treatment would be much worse. Although there are casualties in battle, at least there is income, which is better than struggling to make a living on that barren land.”

The group entered the main tent together and sat down like a family. Zhu Yin then said, "Sister, brother-in-law, someone in Qiu Chengyun's household is dissatisfied with Qiu Chengyun and has leaked evidence of Qiu Chengyun's crimes to me. These include embezzling taxes, stealing and selling treasures from the imperial treasury, poisoning colleagues, and wiping out entire families. These crimes are enough to bring down Qiu Chengyun."

Ma Qiancheng nodded. "Zhihu, just tell us directly, how can we cooperate with you?"

Zhu Yin said, "I want to negotiate with Eunuch Qiu. The White-Spear Army is my confidence. With the White-Spear Army in charge, he won't use his troops and will be forced to sit down and talk with me."

Qin Liangyu asked, "Why bother negotiating with a villain like Qiu Chengyun? He's completely untrustworthy and could go back on his word at any time. It would be better to report to the court, hand over the evidence, and let him get what he deserves."

Ma Qiancheng shook his head: "My lady, you are mistaken. What good would it do Zhihu if he brought down Qiu Chengyun? The Emperor would just send a eunuch to replace Qiu Chengyun. The new eunuch might be even more ruthless and shameless than Qiu Chengyun. Would Zhihu then still want to bring him down? The best way is to use the evidence against Qiu Chengyun to reach a negotiation."

Zhu Yin nodded, "Brother-in-law is absolutely right, that's exactly what I meant. We can't bring down Qiu Chengyun. Otherwise, we'll have to deal with his successor. Who will be the successor? Heaven knows. If we drive away one wolf, a tiger will come, and the people of Chongqing will suffer even more."

Qin Liangyu thought about it and agreed, saying, "Alright, then go ahead and negotiate. You decide how things are done, and we'll fully cooperate with you!"

Zhu Yin said, "I'll write a letter to Eunuch Qiu right now and force him to negotiate!"

……

Upon receiving Zhu Yin's letter, Qiu Chengyun, the tax supervisor in the prefectural city, turned pale and his hands trembled.

Zhu Yin actually obtained his secret ledger!
Zhu Yin's letter was very clear, pointing out all the details, so it was definitely true. The evidence that he had embezzled the silver was undeniable, and Zhu Yin had caught him red-handed.

If Grandpa knew that he had taken more money than he had put into the imperial treasury, then even if he survived, he would never be able to turn his life around!

Moreover, Zhu Yin's letter also stated that he not only possessed the secret of the account book, but also evidence of his past crimes while in the palace, including stealing and selling treasures from the imperial treasury and poisoning his colleague, Eunuch Dong. Furthermore, he claimed to have instigated a Jinyiwei (Imperial Guard) officer to set fire to the Xue family mansion to avenge an old grudge, resulting in the deaths of fifty-seven members of the Xue family.

This evidence is enough to condemn him to eternal damnation!

Qiu Chengyun felt as if he had fallen into an ice cellar. Only his closest confidants knew these secrets. Who had betrayed him?

What should I do next?
Qiu Chengyun instinctively wanted to mobilize troops to wipe out Zhu Yin and his associates, killing them to silence them. After all, he held military power in Chongqing; if he really wanted to act forcefully, no one in Chongqing could stop him. With over 20,000 troops forming a net, Zhu Yin would have nowhere to escape.

However, Zhu Yin warned in his letter that the White-Spear Army was a highly skilled and experienced force, the elite of the army. With the White-Spear Army protecting him, he would confront them head-on if they dared to use force. He added that once a battle broke out, he would publicly announce his crimes and report them to the emperor.

With the White-Spear Army's assistance, it was impossible for Zhu Yin to resort to force on his own.

Zhu Yin also said that he had long prepared a foolproof plan and made meticulous arrangements. Even if he were to send troops to kill him to silence him, the evidence would still appear on the emperor's desk and in the court.

Killing him to silence him is pointless.

Zhu Yin had no intention of a fight to the death or mutual destruction. He made it very clear that his downfall would not benefit him either, and he would not do anything that would harm others without benefiting himself.

He only hoped to negotiate and reach a peaceful agreement.

The negotiation will take place at the Dragon King Temple on Guangyang Island in the Yangtze River, and will take place at noon tomorrow. No one will be allowed to wait after noon. Neither side may bring troops; each side may only bring one attendant.

Qiu Chengyun gritted his teeth, but after thinking it over, he was at a loss and had no choice but to accept the negotiations.

Left with no other choice, Qiu Chengyun could only write a letter to Zhu Yin, agreeing to negotiations and promising to go to the meeting alone on time.

The next day at noon, Zhu Yin, accompanied by Lan Cha, departed from the White Spear Army camp in a small boat and headed for Guangyang Island. Qin Liangyu and her husband led troops to the riverbank to hold the line and guard against Eunuch Qiu's attack.

At the same time, Qiu Chengyun also left the main force to hold the line on the north bank, while he himself took a trusted guard and boarded a small boat to Guangyang Island.

At noon, the two sides went ashore and finally met at the Dragon King Temple on the island.

"Mr. Zhihu, we meet again," Qiu Chengyun said with a forced smile. "Your demeanor remains as impressive as ever; I deeply admire you." Looking at Zhu Yin, who seemed as serene as a cloud, as if everything was under his control, Qiu Chengyun felt a profound sense of powerlessness. It was as if this young genius was an invincible force, even if he were demoted to county magistrate.

Zhu Yin, dressed in white, stood on the Yuejiang Terrace of the Dragon King Temple. His robes fluttered in the river breeze, making him appear ethereal and otherworldly, like a celestial being banished from heaven, as if he might ride the wind and return at any moment.

The imposing and powerful Jurchen warrior, Lancha, stood silently behind Zhu Yin like a guardian deity, holding a spiked club, exuding an aura of dominance over a thousand troops.

Zhu Yin turned his face, as beautifully sculpted as jade, and looked at Qiu Chengyun with star-like eyes, his tone carrying an indescribable indifference:

"Why must you oppose me, Lord Qiu? I'll be my county magistrate, and you can be your imperial envoy. Wouldn't it be better if we kept to ourselves and didn't interfere with each other?"

"The moment I arrived in Chongqing, you burned down my Temple of the Prodigy. In the end, you burned down all the temples in the entire temple complex, causing huge losses and sparking public outrage. In the end, weren't you the one who had to drink this bitter cup?"

Qiu Chengyun sighed, “Mr. Zhihu is a man of extraordinary talent and outstanding achievements, known to everyone in the world, like a god incarnate. I have always admired Mr. Zhihu and longed to be like him, and I would never want to make things difficult for him. However, however… it is not my true intention.”

Zhu Yin waved his hand with a cold laugh, "Things have come to this point, Lord Qiu, there's no need for explanation. I don't care at all. Justice resides in the hearts of the people. Since I've come to negotiate with Lord Qiu today, I have no intention of fighting to the death. I only wish to serve as a county magistrate peacefully for a term, and then find a way to be transferred back to the capital."

Qiu Chengyun said with a wry smile, "Mr. Zhihu, please feel free to state your conditions. I am all ears."

He knew very well that today's so-called negotiation was actually just Zhu Yin setting conditions. And he himself would likely have no choice but to accept them. He just hoped that Zhu Yin's demands wouldn't be too outrageous.

Zhu Yin's smile was somewhat mocking, and he had Qiu Chengyun completely under his thumb. "I have six conditions, and you may try to hear them, Qiu Gong. First, you must pay for the repair of all the temples you burned down, including my Temple of the Prodigy."

Qiu Chengyun felt a bitter taste in his mouth, took a deep breath in pain, and nodded, saying, "Alright, since I burned it, I'll pay for the repairs myself."

Zhu Yin calmly extended his second finger. "You cannot impeach me again. I know there are people in the palace encouraging you, but as long as I am the magistrate of Pengshui County, you cannot impeach me again. I hate trouble, I hate the infighting in officialdom. I have already been demoted to a county magistrate, what more do you want? Do you really want to wipe me out?"

Qiu Chengyun looked embarrassed. "Alright, I promise not to impeach Mr. Zhihu anymore, and we'll live in peace. Anything else?"

Zhu Yin continued, “I am the magistrate of Pengshui County, and the people of Pengshui are my subjects. Whether you levy exorbitant taxes or drain the pond to catch all the fish, it is none of my business as a mere magistrate. But you cannot touch Pengshui!”

“Pengshui County only pays taxes normally, and the amount due is paid accordingly. As for your various miscellaneous taxes and levies, our county does not have any of them. The tax supervisor's office cannot conscript laborers or livestock from Pengshui County for any reason.”

Qiu Chengyun felt relieved. "No problem. The mining tax from a county can't be much in a year, so consider it a gift to you."

Zhu Yinjian frowned. "What do you mean by giving it to me? Do you think I would take this money? I just don't want the people to suffer."

He couldn't stand such talk of judging others by one's own petty standards.

Zhu Yin then held up four fingers. "You must order the towmen and pack animals to agree to Hao Yunlai's request to increase the wages of the towmen and porters by ten coins per day."

Qiu Chengyun nodded: "This is just a matter of a word from me, it's only an increase of ten copper coins in wages. The leaders of the two gangs dare not disobey my orders."

“The fifth condition,” Zhu Yin raised a hand, “is that you cannot impose heavy taxes on pleasure boats and painted pavilions. More than 30% of the women in Baling are Miao girls from Pengshui County. If you impose heavy taxes on pleasure boats, you are essentially imposing heavy taxes on the county itself.”

“Pengshui County has more than 40,000 Miao people, with 10,000 able-bodied men. If they cause trouble or even rebel, can you really escape responsibility? The Hui people of Guanzhong gathered a crowd to rebel and killed the entire Qin Prince’s family! The lesson of the past is still fresh in our minds.”

"They are not like us Han Chinese who are obedient to the imperial court and government. If you push them too far, they will rebel. If you don't want them to live, they will want you dead, regardless of whether you are an imperial envoy or not."

"Territorial matters are of utmost importance, concerning the overall situation in the southwest and the stability of the nation. As the imperial envoy, how can you not be extremely cautious? The southwest is home to numerous ethnic groups with complex customs, like a powder keg. If a rebellion is ignited, it will ruin the long-term stability of this dynasty, and we may all die without a burial place."

Qiu Chengyun felt a chill run down his spine and wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. "Mr. Zhihu is far more insightful than I am. I will no longer impose the heavy tax on the pleasure quarters of Baling."

As a high-ranking imperial envoy, he was being lectured by Zhu Yin, the county magistrate, as if he were a subordinate. He was extremely annoyed, yet he couldn't refute it.

"One last condition." Zhu Yin's gaze turned cold. "The silver that Chongqing Prefecture was giving to the Prince of Shu's mansion was stolen by you, and you even killed the soldiers escorting the silver. I can pretend I didn't know about this, but the silver must be returned to Chongqing Prefecture, and you must also pay for the compensation of the soldiers who died."

"This..." Qiu Chengyun looked troubled. "Mr. Zhihu, you've misunderstood. The robbery of the silver in Chongqing Prefecture has nothing to do with me..."

Zhu Yin looked at Qiu Chengyun with disdain, his smile mocking, "So I wronged you? Are you sure I wronged you? Hmm?"

Qiu Chengyun met Zhu Yin's deep eyes and felt that the young man's gaze was almost tangible, as if he could see into his heart. He could not deny it and had to admit, "It is indeed my work. I will return it to him."

Zhu Yin nodded. "I have these six conditions. If you agree, we'll have a deal. And don't worry, as long as you keep your promise, the Emperor and the court will never know about your crimes."

Qiu Chengyun was very unwilling, but how could he dare to refuse? He could only force a smile and say, "I agree to everything, deal!"

Zhu Yin smiled slightly, "Don't even think about going back on your word or resorting to any schemes. I guarantee that if you do, you will definitely suffer the consequences and feel the pain deeply. If I were truly a clay bodhisattva who couldn't even protect myself, I wouldn't be enjoying my current fame."

Qiu Chengyun was seething with hatred, but could only concede defeat and bow, saying:
"Rest assured, Mr. Zhihu, if I break my promise, may I be struck by lightning!"

...

After Zhu Yin and Qiu Chengyun concluded their negotiations, Zhu Yin swaggered back to Chongqing. Qin Liangyu and her husband received their provisions and led their army eastward.

Cen Xiubing also bid farewell to Zhu Yin and followed Qin Liangyu to the Shizhu Pacification Commission.

Soon, news spread from Chongqing that thanks to Mr. Zhihu's efforts, the tax authorities had finally abolished the heavy tax on the Baling flower boats, and the boatmen and porters had also received a pay raise.

Zhu Yin's reputation soared even higher. Many people even set up incense tables in their homes to pray for Mr. Zhihu.

Zhu Yin had suppressed Qiu Chengyun in less than ten days after arriving in Chongqing, and won the love and respect of people of all ethnic groups in Chongqing.

Hao Yunlai was delighted that the problem had been solved and couldn't help but admire Zhu Yin even more. However, Zhu Yin's arrival in Chongqing overshadowed his reputation as the prefect, which made Hao Yunlai feel a mix of emotions and jealousy, and he couldn't help but complain in his residence.

"Oh, Chikoruru. You are someone I both love and hate."

After saying that, he drank a glass of wine by himself, unsure of what to feel.

"Husband, don't take it to heart," Madam Hao comforted him, her only remaining eye filled with a gentle and kind smile.

"The matter has been resolved, and the people are praising my husband."

“Child Tiger is a man of great loyalty and righteousness. Although you serve different masters, you have helped each other, which is a beautiful story. Who has achieved such accomplishments and reputation as Child Tiger in the past few hundred years? Why should my husband compare himself to him? My husband already shines like a star, illuminating the world. Why should he compete with the moon for brilliance?”

Upon hearing this, Hao Yunlai's mind cleared instantly, his worries vanished, and he laughed heartily:

"My wife is well-educated, beautiful and intelligent, truly a delightful flower."

Madam Hao smiled and said, "I am blind in one eye and already disabled. Fortunately, my husband did not abandon me. How could I be a beautiful and intelligent woman who can bring a smile to your face?"

Hao Yunlai sighed and said, "It was my fault for not protecting my wife back then. She was blinded in one eye by that scoundrel, which ruined her beautiful face and made me regret it to this day. Although I have dealt with the enemy so severely that his family was destroyed, I still can't get over it."

Madam Hao remained calm, saying, "Even the most beautiful face will eventually fade with age, so what is there to rely on? My husband treats me this way, and I am already content with my life. What more could I ask for?"

She held the wine pot in her slender hands and poured wine for Hao Yunlai, her tone questioning and consultative, "Huaji, we still need to maintain a good relationship with Zhihu. Didn't you say that Zheng Guojiu wrote to you, also asking you to take care of Zhihu?"

“Since Zheng Guojiu’s letter specifically asked you to take care of Zhihu, we don’t need to worry too much. Let’s take this opportunity to treat him well. You are the prefect, so if you take care of him, he will be more comfortable as the county magistrate.”

“When Caiwei comes to Pengshui, I will use the excuse of visiting her to keep in touch and make sure our friendship doesn’t fade. I think this is a backup plan. Zhihu is bound to be a very lucky person and will never fall into poverty.”

Hao Yunlai nodded in agreement, "Alright, we'll do as you say, my lady. You should spend more time with Caiwei. Since you're both women, it'll be more convenient for you."

……

On the sixth day of the seventh lunar month, the sweltering heat in Chongqing was unbearable, and Zhu Yin and his entourage left the city.

On the tenth day, Zhu Yin finally arrived in Pengshui County.

Tiger Fang had already built up its momentum. As soon as Zhu Yin arrived in Pengshui County, he was greeted by the eagerly awaiting crowd of people.

The entrance to the county town was completely blocked, and firecrackers went off incessantly. People of all ethnic groups, including Han, Miao, and Tujia, knelt by the roadside to welcome the newcomers with food and drink, creating a grand and impressive scene.

Even in the Southwest, Mr. Zhihu's reputation is already very high. Besides Zhu Yin's dazzling achievements, this is also due to Huya's usual publicity and promotion.

Magistrate Chen Side, along with county officials, local gentry, and Yi elders, waited outside the city.

This level of recognition far exceeded that of a typical newly appointed county magistrate. Because everyone knew that Zhu Yin was no ordinary county magistrate!

As soon as Zhu Yin stepped out of the carriage, the people of Pengshui, who were eager to catch a glimpse of Mr. Zhihu's demeanor, erupted in cheers.

Mr. Zhihu truly lives up to his name; he's practically a god descended to earth.

The power of appearance and demeanor is now being fully demonstrated. If Zhu Yin hadn't possessed an impeccable good appearance, he wouldn't have achieved such a significant effect at this moment.

Chen Side stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "This humble official, Chen Side, who has resigned as the magistrate of Pengshui County, respectfully welcomes Mr. Zhihu!"

Other county officials also bowed respectfully.

"Greetings, Your Excellency!"

"Greetings, Marquis of Jiangning!"

Thousands upon thousands of people around them prostrated themselves on the ground like waves of wheat swaying in the wind, shouting, "Welcome, Mr. Zhihu!"

Seeing this, Chen Side was filled with envy.

"Never before in history has a county magistrate taken office with such grandeur as today!"

(End of this chapter)