"We're in trouble, in trouble!"
Zhuge Xu was pacing in frantic circles inside his mansion.
News of the emperor's impending visit had already set the entire commandery abuzz.
This made Zhuge Xu particularly flustered. It was not that he had done anything wrong, but he could not help worrying.
Ever since learning that the emperor was coming, all manner of distracting thoughts had risen unbidden in his mind.
His first move was to hurriedly send men to root out bandits and outlaws in and around the commanderies.
He had even written to Ma Long, asking him to send men to help.
For a time, the whole of Yong Province launched a sweeping crackdown on crime.
He also sent men ahead to inquire about conditions in various places, investigate the people's circumstances, and ask about the reputations and achievements of local officials.
The emperor's visit to Yong Province was both good and bad for Zhuge Xu.
Yong Province had accomplished a great deal over the years. If the emperor found it satisfactory and was delighted, perhaps Zhuge Xu, its inspector, might enter the Three Offices within the next few years and join the heart of the imperial court.
But if...
Thinking of the many current problems within the province, Zhuge Xu paced in frantic circles.
If even one person stood in the emperor's way and tearfully complained about something, he, as inspector, would be in serious trouble.
This was the emperor's first tour outside the capital to inspect conditions.
He would certainly attach great importance to it. His previous visit had been for warfare, and he had not gone to the county towns.
But this time was different.
He would certainly summon officials of every rank and question them one by one.
And, truth be told, Zhuge Xu understood that the