Word had leaked

After this sudden turn of events, Su Ziji went ashore and immediately stopped a bailiff. "Go summon every official of the Eighth Rank or above in this prefecture. Tell them they must reach the prefectural yamen within half an hour."

"Yes, sir!" Seven or eight bailiffs scattered, racing off in all directions.

Su Ziji's ox cart continued at its unhurried pace until it reached the prefectural yamen. Once there, he entered his office, personally arranged the documents in neat piles, and set his official seal on top of them. Then he sat in thought.

From time to time, officials came in. At the sight of him like this, their expressions changed, and they stood respectfully with their hands at their sides. No one spoke.

Only after a long while did Su Ziji raise his head. Seeing them, he gave a surprised smile. "What's wrong with you all? Did you think something had happened to me?"

The officials secretly breathed sighs of relief. A registrar bowed and asked, "Then... what does this mean, sir?"

"His Majesty has summoned me back to the capital in haste and given me only an hour. I still have to get there, so I won't wait for anyone who hasn't arrived. My work here ends now."

"All official business that needs handing over is on the desk. The treasury funds have also been properly accounted for and handed over. Whoever comes to take up the seal, give these to him."

"Lord Su!" Tears welled in the registrar's eyes.

"Ah, don't look like that. There were actually many things I wanted to do that I haven't accomplished, but there's nothing to be done about it now. You may all go."

"Young master, everything has been packed." Cen Rubai came to report, and Su Ziji waved a hand