Be a small county magistrate in ancient times

"Sir," the constable found Meng Changqing in the official field, "someone from the prefectural government said that the new prefect has arrived and wants you to come over."

Meng Changqing looked up from the field, his mind already racing with thoughts.

I wonder who this person is.

Meng Changqing didn't expect him to do anything special; he just wanted him to be as crazy as Liu Dexiang.

Xi Dong, who was standing nearby, came over and said, "Sir, you go ahead. I'll keep an eye on the fields."

Meng Changqing smiled and said, "Okay, write down anything you don't understand, and we'll figure it out together later."

"Yes, I understand."

Meng Changqing returned to the county government office to wash up, changed into his official robes, and then led his men to Liangzhou Prefecture.

Instead of rushing on her journey, she looked around on the official road nearing Liangzhou City, hoping to run into Lord Hua or Lord Cao and perhaps find out some news about the new prefect.

Unfortunately, after lingering for quite a while, no one came.

We have no information whatsoever, so we can only improvise.

Upon arriving at the government office, Meng Changqing instructed Xi Bei, "Master, please take my package."

Inside was a single-person tea set, a gift prepared by Meng Changqing for the new prefect.

She didn't know what was going on inside, so she couldn't very well take the gift.

"Lord Meng." The constable at the door stepped forward and led Meng Changqing inside. "The Prefect and several other officials are in the main hall."

Taking the opportunity, Meng Changqing inquired, "When did the new prefect arrive?"

"Arrived this morning."

Unfortunately, the distance from the entrance to the main hall is too short; it only takes a couple of sentences to get there.

When the constable next to the main hall saw Meng Changqing, he nodded to him and went inside to report.

Hearing the voice inside, Meng Changqing said, "Please come in, Lord Meng." Judging from the voice, it should be a young man.

Soon, the yamen runner came out to announce, "Lord Meng, the Prefect invites you in." Meng Changqing entered the main hall and immediately noticed the person sitting in the seat of honor, a young and very handsome man.

This man was definitely no more than thirty years old. He was tall and straight, with sharp eyebrows, bright eyes, a high nose, and bright lips. Meng Changqing thought to himself, "This man is as handsome as if he's wearing makeup."

Meng Changqing bowed to the people seated and said, "Meng Changqing, the magistrate of Beishan County, pays his respects to Your Excellency the Prefect."

"Lord Meng, please rise," the person in the seat of honor said. "Please take a seat."

"Yes." Meng Changqing turned around and saw two unfamiliar faces.

The two men sat next to the empty seat that Meng Changqing was going to, so they were probably the magistrates of Liangzhou.

Meng Changqing bowed to the two men, who were also very polite. They immediately stood up to return the bow and introduced themselves as "Zhao Zeyu, Magistrate of Quping County".

Another person chimed in, "Xu Tongjun, the magistrate of Luojiang County."

The three of them exchanged pleasantries before finally taking their seats.

As soon as he sat down, Meng Changqing saw Cao Hongxing directly opposite him, and Luo Mao next to Cao Hongxing.

I have to say, it's still more reassuring to see familiar faces.

But there's still an empty chair opposite, which should be Elder Hua's seat. It seems I'm not the last one.

There were six people sitting in the hall, but none of them spoke. The handsome prefect, holding his teacup, was as if in deep meditation.

Meng Changqing thought to himself, "It seems that none of them are afraid of being embarrassed."

The yamen runners from the prefecture served Meng Changqing tea. The only sounds in the hall were the runners' footsteps and the sound of teacups hitting the table.

Meng Changqing picked up her teacup, and then she too entered a meditative state.

After waiting for what seemed like half a cup of tea's time, no one spoke.

Meng Changqing knew she wasn't cut out to be a nun. He chuckled awkwardly twice before asking, "Where is Magistrate Sun?" (End of Chapter)