The Ministry of Revenue's main gate faced south. Through its vermilion entrance stood a screen wall running east to west.
Beyond a long corridor, a three-bay ceremonial gate came into view.
The Ministry of Revenue really did look much richer than the Hanlin Academy.
At the sight of Jian Ruonan, her colleagues cupped their hands in congratulations. "Congratulations on your promotion to assistant director at the Ministry of Revenue, Assistant Director Jian."
Jian Ruonan returned their salute. "Thank you. Congratulations to us all."
As she entered the ceremonial gate, Top Graduate Hou approached with hot tea in his hands. "Official Jian, it's cold outside. Have some hot tea to warm yourself up."
"Now that Official Jian is here, let's begin roll call." The ministry's officials of fifth rank and above had gone to morning court, leaving a bureau director in charge of roll call.
Her colleagues' faces glowed with cheerful smiles. None showed the slightest intention of blaming her for being late.
Jian Ruonan was positively overwhelmed by their favor.
Her colleagues at the Ministry of Revenue were so kind and enthusiastic. Every one had fine brows and bright eyes-good people at a glance.
While Jian Ruonan sized up her new colleagues, they were sizing her up too.
She was just an ordinary, pretty little girl. Why was the minister acting as though a formidable enemy had arrived and ordering them to wait on her hand and foot?
Not only that, he had even put Top Graduate Hou personally in charge of arranging her reception.
Top Graduate Hou was the minister's son, the youngest Third-Ranked Scholar in Great Xia. Such a brilliant young man, basking in glory with boundless prospects, had actually been assigned to receive Official Jian.
Even if Assistant Director Jian enjoyed the emperor's favor, surely they needn't