The Canal Inspectorate Censor acts on behalf of the Emperor, holding the power to report directly to the throne; his position may be lowly, but his authority is immense. Local officials along the route must know how to act accordingly, as they all have "business" dealings related to the grain transport and are all subject to the Inspectorate Censor’s oversight.
The Gaoyou Grand Hotel, where Censor Zhao was staying, was the designated venue for the Gaoyou Prefecture Yamen to host high-ranking officials and passing dignitaries; in terms of luxury, it ranked first in Gaoyou. Zhao An’s original intention had been to avoid disturbing the local authorities. He planned to travel light and just find a small inn outside the city to make do, which would also save money—after all, it seemed there was no place for him to file for reimbursement for the expenses of this inspection tour. One doesn't mind spending public funds, but spending one's own inevitably pinches the heart.
However, Gaoyou Magistrate Guo Lian, upon learning that the imperial-appointed Canal Inspectorate Censor was passing through, disregarded his status as a fifth-rank magistrate and personally led a group to "block" the Censor’s procession outside the city. The "blocking" was so enthusiastic that Censor Zhao found it difficult to refuse him face. Furthermore, Magistrate Guo invoked imperial regulations, arguing that an Inspectorate Censor’s food and lodging should be arranged by local authorities. How could he let t…
Chapter 198