Both yamen runners were startled.
Liang Dazhuang bellowed at full strength, "This is Lord Hu, the newly appointed County Deputy!" All the frustration he had bottled up for days erupted at that moment. His brows bristled and his eyes blazed, his bearing imposing. He had never looked this commanding even in Capital City.
The two runners glanced at Hu Xiaotian and hurriedly bowed.
"Your humble subordinate, Li Er."
"Your humble subordinate, Wang San."
"Pays his respects to Lord Hu!"
Without so much as looking at either of them, Hu Xiaotian strode toward the main entrance.
Li Er and Wang San hastened after him. Wang San had quite a powerful voice himself and called out, "Lord Hu, the newly appointed County Deputy, has arrived!" He was alerting all his colleagues inside the yamen.
Head held high, Hu Xiaotian strode through the entrance and along the passageway. The runners who had heard the announcement were already lined up on either side, and the Ceremonial Gate stood wide open. Beyond it, the military, justice, and public works offices stood on the left, while the personnel, revenue, and rites offices stood on the right. The clerks from every office had come hurrying over to line the path and welcome him. On the surface, it was a lively, harmonious reception. All it lacked was a few children carrying bouquets and presenting flowers along the way.
One sweep of his eyes told Hu Xiaotian that these clerks and runners had prepared well in advance. County Magistrate Xu Qinglian, however, was absent; only Registrar Guo Shouguang remained to oversee the yamen in his stead. Hu Xiaotian passed the Commandment Stone Archway and reached the main hall. Registrar Guo Shouguang came hurrying out with several clerks and, while still some distance away, bowed almost to the ground. He