Now I really have to marry the princess.

Chapter 111 The New Official's First Actions

After the martial arts training at the Wude Hall ended, the six people who got in through connections all received the honorary title of Xuanjie Xiaowei, a minor official of the eighth rank.

Regarding official duties, Yang Zhengdao originally thought he would be assigned to the Directorate of Works or the Ministry of Works.

Unexpectedly, Li Er gave him a big surprise.

He was actually a county lieutenant of Chang'an, a low-ranking official of the eighth grade, in charge of official duties.

As a county serving the capital, Chang'an County had at least six county constables in charge of various affairs.

The county office had six departments: merit, granary, household, military, law, and civil service, which were equivalent to the six ministries of the Ministry of Personnel, Civil Affairs, Rites, Military Affairs, Justice, and Works in the Ministry of Personnel.

The affairs under the jurisdiction of the Gongcao mainly corresponded to the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Rites in the Ministry of Personnel.

The affairs managed by the Granary and Household Affairs departments corresponded to the Ministry of Civil Affairs of the Ministry of Personnel.

The affairs managed by the three ministries of War, Law, and Civil Affairs correspond to the three ministries of War, Justice, and Works in the Ministry of Personnel.

Yang Zhengdao's appointment as the head of the Imperial Clerk's Office clearly indicates that he is in charge of all matters related to the Imperial Clerk among the Six Ministries.

It mainly oversees engineering construction, bridges and roads, the dispatch of craftsmen, building repair, water conservancy and landscaping, and civil engineering projects.

It is equivalent to the Housing and Urban-Rural Development Bureau, the Transportation Bureau, and the Water Resources Bureau.

It is evident that Li Er intended to conduct a pilot project for "work relief" in Chang'an County.

As expected, Li Hui entered the Eastern Palace and became the Director of the Granary Office of the Ren Family Temple, a rank similar to Yang Zhengdao, which was also a lower eighth grade.

Cheng Chubi, Yuchi Baoqi, and Shi Renji were sent to the Eastern Palace's Ten Commanders' Office to serve as lower-ranking officials (rank 8).

Changsun Chong went directly into the Secretariat and was appointed as a clerk of the eighth rank.

Her position was more important than the others, and her rank was also higher than theirs. It's true that having a good aunt makes it easier to get an official position.

This left Yang Zhengdao and Li Hui feeling deeply saddened.

Cheng Chubi and the other two were alright, since they never intended to pursue a career as civil servants.

This was Yang Zhengdao's first day in office.

Before dawn, Ah Wu and Ah Liu carried their official robes into the bedroom.

"Brother, it's time to get up."

"Today is my first day in office; I cannot be late."

The two men smiled and stepped forward, laying their official robes flat on the low table at the head of the bed.

Yesterday's group of six, who got in through connections, was basically having a graduation party. Yang Zhengdao drank quite a bit, and right now he just wanted to stay on the couch a little longer.

"Big Brother, do you need a moaning service?" Ah Wu asked, blushing as he leaned closer.

Before Yang Zhengdao could react, Ah Wu and Ah Liu's little hands reached in.

"hiss----"

How refreshing!

Yang Zhengdao instantly snapped out of his daze. Being tormented like this would probably take another quarter of an hour, and he was really going to be late.

He got up, still wearing his undergarments.

Then I saw that set of dark blue official robes of an eighth-rank official.

This color is alright, but if I get promoted in the future, I'll have to wear that unsettling green robe.

With the help of Ah Wu and Ah Liu, he put on his robe, fastened his belt, and put on the cross-legged turban that belonged to military officers.

Ah Liu suddenly blushed and giggled, "Big Brother, you're so handsome!"

Ah Wu nodded in agreement: "When the eldest son wears the green robe in the future, he will definitely look even better."

this!!

I still cannot agree with some of the aesthetic standards of the Tang Dynasty.

I hope to reach the fifth rank soon and get rid of this green and indecent state.

After having breakfast, Yang Zhengdao, along with Tan Feng and Gao Kan, headed towards the Chang'an County Office.

After all, it's not good to bring female guards on the first day of taking office.

Su Hongyi and Nazha were left at home.

The seat of Chang'an County was located on the west side of Changshoufang, and was quite conspicuous within the ward.

Upon arriving at the county office, one sees a three-bay gatehouse with vermilion pillars, white walls, and a gable roof covered with blue tiles.

A large plaque hangs above the gate, bearing the four characters "Chang'an County Office".

The two wooden doors were open, and on either side of the threshold stood a white-clad man in a black robe with a leather belt around his waist.

Upon seeing Yang Zhengdao arrive, still dressed in his official robes, the man on the left, Bai Zhi, stepped forward and bowed with his hands clasped.

Tan Feng announced: "This is Xuanjie Colonel, Chang'an County Commandant, in charge of military affairs."

Gao Kan submitted his official document to the Ministry of Personnel.

The white robe passed by directly, and after only one glance, it was respectfully returned and the person stepped aside.

"Magistrate Yang, please come in and have a seat in the main hall. I will go and inform him."

Yang Zhengdao nodded slightly and stepped into the county office.

After passing the screen wall, we entered the hall.

As soon as I entered the hall, I saw a man in a green robe.

To my surprise, it was Jiang Cheng.

Jiang Cheng laughed heartily: "Young Master Yang—no, County Magistrate Yang, how have you been!"

Yang Zhengdao smiled and cupped his hands in greeting: "This humble official greets Commandant Jiang. Commandant, are you also here to assume your post?"

Just as Jiang Cheng was about to speak, an assistant came to greet him.

He said "See you later" to Yang Zhengdao and then left with his assistant.

A moment later, another assistant official entered the hall.

The visitor stepped forward and bowed, asking, "May I ask if you are the newly appointed County Lieutenant Yang?"

Yang Zhengdao nodded: "Exactly."

"County Commandant Yang, please come with me. My name is Huang Yanshi, and I work in the clerk's office. I will need your help in the future."

Yang Zhengdao humbly replied, "It's no problem, it's no problem. In the future, I will still need to rely on everyone's concerted efforts."

2

Huang Yan truly showed his loyalty and led the way.

After passing through the back door of the hall, a bright and open space suddenly appeared before me.

In the spacious courtyard, the blue bricks are laid flat, and to the north is a five-bay hall.

There was a row of side rooms on the east and west sides of the courtyard, extending along the corridor. Officials carrying official documents would often hurry past under the corridor.

Huang Yan led Yang Zhengdao to the west wing.

In a side hall, an official, also dressed in a blue robe, was already waiting at the door.

The man was in his early forties, with a burly build and dark skin.

Huang Yanshi quickly introduced.

That man was Zhang Wenhuan, Yang Zhengdao's predecessor, who had now been promoted to the position of Registrar of the Eighth Rank.

After exchanging greetings, Zhang Wenhuan led Yang Zhengdao into the hall.

The interior furnishings are simple.

In the very center was a large desk, on which were stacks of official documents, an inkstone, and several writing brushes.

Behind the desk, against the wall, stood several bookshelves, filled with scrolls.

After dressing him, serving him tea, and closing the door, Zhang Wenhuan became much more relaxed.

He remarked with emotion, "I've been sitting in this room for seven years since I retired from the army, and now I've finally been promoted. It's all thanks to County Lieutenant Yang."

Yang Zhengdao quickly cupped his hands in greeting: "Registrant Zhang, you are too kind. Your promotion is due to your hard work, and I dare not take credit for it."

Zhang Wenhuan smiled bitterly: "I can't say I'm diligent, and I dare not boast of my achievements."

He took a sip of tea and continued, "The county government has six departments, with the Department of Personnel being the lowest. As a county in the capital, its affairs are mostly coordinated with the Ministry of Works and the Directorate of Works. Therefore, it is a suitable position for retirement."

Yang Zhengdao gave an awkward smile, but didn't know how to respond.

Zhang Wenhuan is right.

In other counties, construction matters would naturally be handled by the clerks, but in Chang'an, even a small matter is a big matter, and would naturally fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Works and the Directorate of Works.

Zhang Wenhuan put down his teacup and said, "Yang County Magistrate's current appointment is merely a stepping stone to promotion; he will likely be promoted soon."

Yang Zhengdao cupped his hands again: "You flatter me, Chief Clerk. I am new to this post and will need your guidance in the future."

Perhaps grateful for this unexpected promotion, Zhang Wenhuan was exceptionally meticulous during the handover, explaining every detail of the matter.

Finally, he shared his insights gained from years of judging judicial affairs:

The Ministry of Works and the Directorate of Works shall carry out their decisions, and for matters not yet decided by the Ministry of Works and the Directorate of Works, the magistrate or assistant magistrate shall be consulted.

In short, it's better to avoid trouble.

After seeing off his ex-boyfriend, Yang Zhengdao couldn't help but smile bitterly.

However, the small note Zhang Wenhuan gave him at the end filled him with gratitude.

Above are the people under the jurisdiction of the clerk.

Zhang Wenhuan clearly marked who was honest, who was cunning, and who had good skills.

It is currently the busy season of summer, and no corvée labor is required, so the clerks are currently quite idle.

After familiarizing himself with the official documents, Yang Zhengdao went to visit his superior.

Yang Zhengdao had made a special trip to inquire about the county magistrate, Tang Lin.

Tang Jin's grandson, he followed Crown Prince Li Jiancheng on his eastern expedition against Wang Shichong in his early years and belonged to Li Jiancheng's faction.

After the Xuanwu Gate Incident, he was transferred to Wanquan County as a county magistrate. He once released lightly imprisoned people to go home for spring plowing and set a date for their return to prison. All the prisoners returned on time, which made him famous. Only then was he transferred back to Chang'an.

Upon arriving at the main hall, they met Tang Lin.

He was in his forties, with a short beard, wearing a scarlet robe and a silver belt.

Tang Lin had only recently taken office as the magistrate of Chang'an County. When Yang Zhengdao entered, Tang Lin was looking down at official documents.

Yang Zhengdao stepped forward and bowed with his hands clasped.

Tang Lin put down the official document, offered some simple encouragement, and then sent Yang Zhengdao to pay a visit to the newly appointed county magistrate.

Yang Zhengdao recalled seeing Jiang Cheng in a green robe in the hall, and assumed that the new county magistrate that Magistrate Tang had mentioned was Jiang Cheng.

As expected.

When Yang Zhengdao walked through the east corridor and entered the innermost side room, Jiang Cheng was sitting behind a table, fiddling with a tea set.

Upon seeing Yang Zhengdao enter, he greeted him with a smile, "County Commandant Yang, come and have some tea."

Yang Zhengdao felt something was strange when he came in, and he felt even stranger after he sat down.

He glanced around and realized why he felt something was off.

There wasn't even a single document in this side room, let alone a bookshelf.

Jiang Cheng saw the doubt on Yang Zhengdao's face, smiled mysteriously, and lowered his voice, saying, "Big Brother, this time I'm here to be your bodyguard, just like last time."

Yang Zhengdao was puzzled, but he still quickly said politely, "County Magistrate Jiang, please don't make fun of me."

Jiang Cheng didn't explain, but instead smiled and pushed his official document from the Ministry of Personnel in front of Yang Zhengdao.

Yang Zhengdao opened it and saw: Assistant Magistrate of Chang'an County, in charge of the affairs of the officials.

"This!?" Yang Zhengdao was a little confused.

"That's right. There are two assistant magistrates in Chang'an County, who are in charge of the six departments. I am an assistant magistrate outside the official system, and I am here specifically to review documents for my eldest son."

After Jiang Cheng finished speaking, he suddenly composed himself, stood up solemnly, and said, "County Commandant Yang, here is the imperial edict."

Yang Zhengdao immediately stood up.

Jiang Cheng paused briefly, then continued, "The Emperor said to Zhengdao: 'Go ahead and do things freely.'"

It turned out to be the case.

Although Li Er's oral decree consisted of only four characters, Yang Zhengdao understood that his previous guess was correct.

Li Er instructed him to establish a pilot program of "work-for-relief" in Chang'an County.

Or rather, it's about having him create a model of "work relief" so that it can be widely promoted.

Li Er sent Jiang Cheng so that he could fully support Yang Zhengdao in his actions and keep track of Yang Zhengdao's real-time movements.

To put it bluntly, they were still worried about him, a teenager, being appointed as a county magistrate.

It's no wonder that there wasn't a single document in Jiang Cheng's side hall.

Jiang Cheng, the specially appointed county magistrate, only needs to keep an eye on Yang Zhengdao.

The two sat down again.

Yang Zhengdao then tentatively asked, "Did the Sage have any other instructions?"

Jiang Cheng shook his head and said with a wry smile, "I'm afraid you know more than I do. My secret orders are to cooperate with you in the fullest extent."

""

He tapped the table, pondered for a moment, and then reminded him, "I'm afraid Magistrate Tang won't interfere much in matters concerning the clerks."

Yang Zhengdao's heart tightened. Since Jiang Cheng said he wouldn't interfere, then he absolutely wouldn't interfere.

Considering Tang Lin's background as a former official of Crown Prince Li Jiancheng, Jiang Cheng's visit here was likely not only to support him, but also to monitor Tang Lin.

Of course, this is a tacit understanding and cannot be explicitly stated.

Therefore, after seeing Jiang Cheng and Yang Zhengdao's official appointments, Tang Lin, as the county magistrate, naturally stopped interfering with the affairs of the clerks.

In this way, he could make decisions on the construction, engineering, and official duties of half of Chang'an with a single word.

This power is considerable.

Yang Zhengdao felt a little uneasy and really needed to calm down and make a good plan.

The two chatted idly and drank a cup of tea before Yang Zhengdao took his leave.

He returned to his side room and spread out a sheet of hemp paper on the table, preparing to list all the engineering projects he could think of.

First, it needs to be effective in a short time. Once he goes to the Pei family and gets the token, it will probably be not long before he goes to the Western Regions.

Secondly, it must concern people's livelihoods, as this is the fastest way to gain a good reputation and public opinion.

Finally, cement is needed, and the modified cement kiln is already in full production.

After a morning of deliberation, Yang Zhengdao finally wrote down three items on the hemp paper.

Short-term: Distributed septic tank projects;

Mid-term: Cement road hardening project;

Long-term: Waterway dredging project.

Distributed septic tank projects are the preferred choice because they are the easiest to implement and offer the fastest returns.

The reason it is decentralized is that building a unified sewage system would be too much work and too technically difficult.

One issue to consider is the sewage pipes, and the other is the septic tank.

Yang Zhengdao, a college student, knew that septic tanks could produce biogas, and that large septic tanks could explode if not properly maintained.

Using decentralized small septic tanks allows for localized sewage discharge, which reduces the amount of engineering work and technical difficulty.

As for the required fees, that's even simpler.

Once this project is completed, not only will the outstanding project costs be covered, but it will also generate revenue for Chang'an County every year thereafter.

Because in the Tang Dynasty, where chemical fertilizers were not available, manure was a commodity.

The "Chaoye Zai" records that Luo Hui, a wealthy man from Chang'an, made a living by cleaning manure. The villagers called it "Chicken Market," meaning that people could earn money by collecting manure. Luo Hui's family continued this business, and they became very wealthy.

The story tells of how Luo seized an opportunity, loved what he did, and became rich by cleaning latrines.

Luo Hui was a person from the Wu Zhou period, so Yang Zhengdao essentially came to do this ahead of time.

Moreover, this matter benefits multiple parties.

For wealthy and powerful families, they used to have to hire people to clean their night soil regularly. Now that the government is handling it in a unified manner, it actually saves them a considerable amount of money over the years.

For ordinary people, the government setting up ponds and hiring people to manage them in each neighborhood meant that they could earn a living right at their doorstep.

In addition, households no longer dump filth indiscriminately, the streets and alleys are clean, mosquitoes and flies are reduced, which can not only prevent epidemics, but also make the environment fresh.

Most importantly, the manure fermented in the pool becomes excellent fertilizer, providing a stable source of fertilizer for farmers near Chang'an, which is of great benefit to agriculture.

If this policy is elevated, packaged, and hyped, it will be seen as a public-spirited and far-sighted initiative that prioritizes agriculture.

That's wonderful!

As noon approached, Yang Zhengdao got up and went to the side hall where Jiang Cheng was.

His first act as the newly appointed county magistrate of Chang'an was about to ignite a fire.