The Mountains Still Stood, the Green Waters Remained

"Frog Duke of the Frog Clan is said to be Ya Fu, foster father to the Frog Clan's Great King. His status is extraordinary. Born a rare breed, he can seek fortune and avoid calamity. Lord Su invited him here specifically to handle divinations within the River Conservancy Office."

Ran Zhongshi offered an explanation.

Liang Qu: "?"

They had not met for two months—how had Old Toad somehow landed an official post? And Lord Su had personally invited him? He looked up.

Su Guishan covered his face as he drank his tea.

One could guard against thieves day and night, yet never guard against the thief in one's own house! After a moment's thought—

"How much is his monthly salary?"

Ran Zhongshi did not know why Liang Qu cared about this, but he did not hide it. "The post is Subordinate Eighth Rank, but the salary is two grades higher, paid at Subordinate Seventh Rank rates. Furthermore, everyone in the River Conservancy Office, from the Director down to the clerks, must address him respectfully as Frog Duke."

Hoo.

That was all right.

Record-Keeping Military Advisor was not a major post. By nature, it was closer to a civil official's aide, responsible for offering advice. Its benefits were ordinary, its authority even less so. One answered only to one's superior and had no power to transfer or command others. The pickings were pitifully slim; relying solely on a Subordinate Seventh Rank salary, one could earn at most a few hundred taels in an entire year.

He held a Principal Fifth Rank title, a Principal Fifth Rank official grade, and an actual Subordinate Fifth Rank office. Only with the three salaries stacked together did the money in hand become considerable—enough to reach ten thousand taels a year.

After briefly discussing summer arrangements