The Hundred Officials Sound Out the Emperor's Intent

Perhaps it was because of Elder Wei's teachings, Li Shun mused to himself.

Li Qing, too, realized just how extraordinary this brother of his, whom he had not seen for so long, truly was.

More than anyone, he knew exactly how terrifying Elder Wei's strength was, yet his brother Li Shun had actually received the assessment, "I can't teach you."

"It seemed Brother had his own extraordinary encounter when he returned from Cold Mountain."

Li Qing had no intention of probing further.

After all, everyone had their own secrets.

As long as he was his brother, that was enough.

Li Qing arranged a table full of fine dishes and pulled Li Shun into talking through the night.

Meanwhile, [Fang Xun] had sunk into a flood of official business.

Though East Mountain Town bore the name "town," its territory was even larger than Cold Mountain County's.

It had every department one could need: the Household Office, Granary Office, Bandit Office, Prison Office, Market Office, Public Works Office, and more.

Nearly half a year's worth of backlogged affairs had gone untouched.

Even with Fang Xun's lifetime of experience as an official, he was left overwhelmed and harried for a time.

Yet as he gradually worked through these official matters, his understanding of Imperial Tomb Commandery and East Mountain Town became much clearer.

"Imperial Tomb Commandery used the land of one commandery to imitate the realm's thirteen provinces and one hundred eight commanderies. In truth, these commanderies held no inhabitants, only famed mountains and rivers, rare birds and exotic beasts, grasses, trees, and spiritual plants. All of them had been transplanted from the outside world to accompany Emperor Gan in slumber."

"Each of the eight towns guarding the tomb had to oversee and defend thirteen false commanderies. As for the remaining four commanderies,