Zhao An waited in the County Magistrate’s study, feeling quite nervous; this was his first time reporting for duty as a subordinate to the Magistrate.
The notification had come from Master Ji, but since Master Ji was away in the countryside with the Revenue Department collecting taxes, Zhao An had to handle the report himself. It was likely that Master Ji had deliberately fought for this opportunity for him, aiming to increase his standing in the Magistrate’s eyes while simultaneously raising his status within the Yamen.
After all, the Certification Bureau was only a temporary agency, and its office was located outside the County Yamen. Many in the Yamen viewed it as a load of nonsense, and by extension, they looked down upon Zhao An, who had been appointed to the position through the Magistrate’s exception. The most effective way to change their prejudice wasn't to secure an official bureaucratic status for Zhao An, but to ensure he could meet with the Magistrate alone at any time. It must be said that Master Ji had gone to great lengths.
Chapter 32