Ye Junzhi immediately stepped forward and bowed in greeting.
County Magistrate Xie Wenyun took out a scroll of imperial edict and said, "Ye Junzhi, you will continue to serve as the Chief Clerk of Ludong County."
"Thank you for the imperial grace!"
Ye Junzhi accepted the imperial edict, faced the direction of the Heavenly Capital to give thanks, then stepped back.
"Lu Shiming, step forward."
Xie Wenyun called again.
Lu Shiming, head of the 'Cloud Water' Lu Family, immediately stepped forward and bowed in greeting.
"Lu Shiming, you are appointed as a Ludong County Inspector, responsible for inspecting all the mountains and forests within Ludong County."
Xie Wenyun announced Lu Shiming's official post and even designated the territory under his inspection.
"This..." Lu Shiming froze, asking in confusion, "Wasn't it supposed to be Riverway Inspector?"
For hundreds of years, the 'Cloud Water' Lu Family had served as Riverway Inspectors. They had long since woven deep connections and interests into that role. Now, upon suddenly hearing that they had been assigned to inspect the mountains and forests instead, he failed to react at once and thought he had misheard.
Yet County Magistrate Xie Wenyun had no intention of explaining. He merely glanced at him and said, "Are you planning to defy the edict?"
"This subject would not dare!" Lu Shiming's gaze swept over Shi Shaofeng, whose aura was wan and feeble nearby. He hurriedly lowered his head, accepted the imperial edict, and bowed again toward the Heavenly Capital in thanks.
"Wang Chengen, step forward!"
The old county powers had all been assigned their posts. Now it was the turn of the newly risen county powers.
Wang Chengen immediately stepped forward and bowed in greeting.
"The post of Ninth-Rank Inspector, responsible for inspecting the various towns and villages!"
"This subject humbly thanks