"Then please wait a little, Section Chief Ji."
Fang Yun spent a quarter of an hour dealing with paperwork. Seeing that Ji Zhibai still refused to leave, he rose and said, "The paperwork is finished. Allow this subordinate to see you out, Lord Ji."
"Please," Ji Zhibai said.
Ji Zhibai led the way, with Fang Yun behind him and the other officials following. They escorted Ji Zhibai out of the main hall, around the Admonition Stele, and to the county office's front entrance.
As Fang Yun walked, he looked outside and saw many commoners standing, kneeling, or sitting there. At the sight of the officials emerging, they all rose.
"Justice Ji! Lord Ji is here!"
"Thank you, Justice Ji!"
"Thank goodness for Lord Ji! Without him, our whole family, young and old, would never have survived!"
Many burst into tears as agitatedly as if their parents had died, as though one glimpse of Ji Zhibai had made their entire lives worthwhile.
A few noticed Fang Yun there and looked ashamed, restraining themselves somewhat.
Fang Yun instinctively frowned.
The Provincial Graduate official who had accompanied Ji Zhibai gave a smug smile, cupped his hands toward the commoners, and said, "Everyone, please don't make such a fuss. Lord Ji was only doing his duty."
Just then, a lame man hurried over with his entire family, young and old, holding up a People's Umbrella. He knelt and cried out in a tearful voice, "Lord Ji! Our great lord of justice! Thank goodness you saw through every detail last year, down to the finest autumn hair, or our family would have been ruined! We've already set up a longevity tablet for you at home. We worship before it every day and make offerings every year!"
Ji Zhibai paused in surprise, then hurried forward a