Chapter 50

The Prefect is truly getting a promotion! Although the official transfer orders from the Ministry of Personnel had not yet arrived, the news had come ahead of schedule. Government officials typically kept specialized staff in the capital and in provincial seats to gather intelligence; these were known as "capital-sitters," "province-sitters," and sometimes even "prefecture-sitters." A "capital-sitter" was not only responsible for maintaining amicable relations with capital officials on their master's behalf, but also had to ingratiate themselves with the low-level staff in the major government offices. They had to treat these people to meals and drinks every few days for some leisure and relaxation. It was a long-term investment that required significant expenditure—expenses that, of course, were ultimately squeezed out of the common folk.