The Directorate of Education had learned its lesson well. No one was foolish enough to court death. Knowing that Wang Yan would be taking office today, every official, even those who had reported sick and stayed home, had arrived at the yamen early and stood waiting respectfully in the courtyard.
There was no screen wall in front of this yamen. When Wang Yan had spoken to the guard at the entrance just now, he had already seen them. They had originally been murmuring among themselves, but the moment Wang Yan appeared in his purple robe, they all fell silent at once, staring at their noses and contemplating their hearts as they faced the gate.
Wang Yan stepped over the tall threshold, walked up to them, and stood with his hands behind his back.
He said nothing, merely standing there. Someone wanted to speak, but Wang Yan's seemingly casual glance swept over him, and he hurriedly lowered his head. Others secretly looked up at him, only to lower their heads again in haste.
At his present rank, he no longer needed to seize power upon arriving at a yamen. Once he came, the power was his. Of course, he would still be deceived when people could deceive him; that was a matter of leadership and work methods. By now, none of his subordinates dared to gather other officials and challenge him by sidelining him, as that Magistrate Zhang had once done in Hangzhou.
Nodding in satisfaction, he said, "You all know this official's reputation and record, so there is no need for me to say much more. His Majesty has entrusted the Directorate of Education to my overall management. It is a vast imperial favor, and I will certainly do my utmost to cultivate more worthy talents for our Song Dynasty.