Jiangzhou Prefecture City.
Imperial Academy.
Aaron was sipping tea.
Fan Jin, Cao Man, and Poison Dragon were all present.
Fan Jin's eyes shone as he presented a written recommendation. "Chancellor... we have sunk deep roots, and now heroes from across the land are willing to join us. This Wen Zhengming has written the finest essay, and his words have substance. He is a talent of the age!"
Poison Dragon nodded as he stroked his beard. "This old Daoist also read that man's face before. He is no ordinary sparrow or swallow—he surely harbors the ambitions of a great swan!"
"Oh? Since both of you recommend him, he must be quite capable..."
Aaron accepted the essay and read it closely, then immediately sneered. "He thinks highly of his talents and looks down on others. Look at what he means here—abolish the military colonies and cease competing with the people for profit... Is he implying that if I refuse, he will not enter service and work for me?"
At the sight of Aaron's sneer, Fan Jin gave a start.
"He is indeed talented, and most men in high positions would probably like him very much... Unfortunately, our paths differ, and we cannot scheme together. Tell him to get lost!"
Aaron waved a hand.
"And Cao Man, I appoint you Assistant Prefect of Jiangzhou Prefecture. Help handle the government affairs!"
Aaron pointed at Cao Man again.
"Thank you, Chancellor!"
Cao Man was instantly overcome with grateful tears.
Though the Assistant Prefect was nominally the Prefect's deputy, King of Liang currently had only one prefecture. Calling him Assistant Prefect was merely a formality—in truth, he would be the Chancellor's deputy!
Perhaps in the future, he might even be directly promoted to Prefect, which would be perfectly ordinary.
And a Prefect was a Principal Fifth