The officials had all been feeling rather exhausted, but then Li Chen approved an "overtime pay" policy so they would not work for nothing. Those who could do more would earn more, and anyone tired could clock out and rest instead of pushing themselves too hard.
The moment they heard about overtime pay, their spirits perked up, and they promptly forgot the last part.
The younger officials, in particular, practically moved into the County Yamen.
Meanwhile, beneath Cloudmist Mountain in the southeastern region of the Heavenly Strategy Dynasty, a lavishly decorated carriage slowly entered Greenwood Village.
The villagers stopped to watch. Such an imposing carriage was a rare sight in this remote mountain village.
After the carriage stopped, a young man in sumptuous brocade robes stepped out first. He was Dai Xiaoyao, the New Emperor of the Starfall Kingdom.
He turned and waited for another young man to alight: Tang Shan, who had returned home to visit his family.
Together, they entered the little mountain village, whose name was scarcely known beyond its borders.
Upon reaching a house, Tang Shan excitedly called out to a woman, "Mother! Your son is home!"
The woman turned at his call, and Dai Xiaoyao's eyes immediately lit up.
She looked to be about thirty-five or thirty-six, with skin like snow and features as lovely as a painting.
Though she wore only a plain, coarse-cloth dress, it did nothing to conceal her stunning figure.
Her full breasts pushed her bodice into a graceful curve, while beneath her slender waist lay voluptuous hips. Her entire being radiated the distinctive allure of a mature woman.
Dai Xiaoyao was inwardly astonished. So this is Tang Shan's mother? No wonder she gave birth to such a handsome son.
*And isn't her beauty a little too outrageous? With that fair,