Chapter 932: Chapter 51: Aftermath and the Arrival of the Imperial Decree
Zhao Xing had some speculations in his heart about the premature defeat of Prince Liang.
But with no other major event happening now to test his hypothesis, he could only note it down for later.
On December 8th, in the 36th year of the Jingxin Calendar, Zhao Xing himself also left the Star Palace.
"Now it’s already the final phase of beating a drowning dog."
"The news of Prince Liang’s defeat in Lvliang State will soon spread across the world. I don’t need to take the last bite of meat."
As Zhao Xing exited the Star Palace, he immediately flew to the Heavenly Horse Garden at the Princess Mansion.
Whoosh~
A cloud appeared over Chen Shijie’s residence.
"Old Chen."
Zhao Xing lightly stamped his foot, making the Qi fluctuation extend underground to locate Chen Shijie’s retreat location.
"Buzz~"
Soon, he found where Chen Shijie was.
It was in an underground palace three thousand meters below the surface.
Soul Refining Palace!
As a senior Minister of Agriculture from the Earth Advantage Sect, Chen Shijie chose the most solid Earth Palace Soul Refining method.
During these idle two years, Chen Shijie spent 90% of his time in the Earth Palace, and even Gui Niang rarely saw him.
"Old Chen~ Old Chen~"
The earth vein fluctuation, gentle yet powerful, continuously transmitted to the Earth Palace.
"Hmm?"
Sitting cross-legged in the earth veins, Chen Shijie opened his eyes.
Then, he quickly ascended, emerging from the Earth Palace to the surface.
"Zhao Xing, is it time?"
"Yes."
Zhao Xing glanced at Chen Shijie. Old Chen’s temperament now was completely different from two years ago; he had entered the Fourth Grade Realm.
The Seven Spirits were fully cultivated, with a foundation that far exceeded the baseline.
In the early phase of the Jingxin Calendar, Chen Shijie’s talent was low, with only average comprehension.
However, after being promoted and favored during the early phase of the Ping Man War, using the Spiritual Beauty from the Ten Suns Cave Heaven, practicing for ten years on the East Sea, and using Zhao Xing’s resources at the Princess Mansion to solidify his foundation for two years, he could now be said to have undergone a transformation.
"It’s time. Prince Liang has been defeated, and it’s time for you as an officer awaiting reassignment to come forth."
Zhao Xing shared the intelligence with Chen Shijie.
Apart from a slight change in his eyes when hearing about Prince Liang’s defeat, Chen Shijie remained calm at other times.
The Earth, with its great virtue, bears all things, and now Chen Shijie’s spirit was stronger, with a steadfastness that gave a sense of not flinching even if the sky were to fall.
"Finished reading?"
"Finished reading."
"Chen Shijie, receive the decree!"
Zhao Xing took out an Imperial Decree, obtained from King Luo Hou.
"Your servant is here."
Chen Shijie opened his robes and knelt down on the ground.
He was now accepting an emperor’s decree with the king’s mighty power.
A fifth-rank officer on standby had to kneel to receive the decree as per regulation.
Zhao Xing unfurled the decree.
"Buzz~"
An illusion appeared on it, depicting King Luo Hou holding the Emperor’s Command Sword, wearing the Heavenly King Armor, and the Instant Prison Bow.
"On the Emperor’s order, I appoint you as the Minister of Agriculture Supervision for Tongming Prefecture, concurrently as the Farming Captain of the Yuanming Army and as a Special Envoy of the Fourth Level of the Underground Tunnel Department. Depart immediately for Tongming Prefecture to assume your duties."
"Your servant accepts the decree."
Chen Shijie raised his hands above his head.
Zhao Xing placed the decree in his hands.
Chen Shijie’s hands slightly dipped; this decree was heavy, but the sentiment behind it was heavier.
Whether it was the Pingyuan Prefecture position, the Yuanming Army Farming Captain, or the Special Envoy of the Underground Tunnel Department, all were Fourth Rank positions! Among them, the Pingyuan Prefecture role was Standard Fourth Grade.
Having been a Standard Fifth Rank officer on standby for several years, having previously served as the Dragon Horse Supervisor and Right Director of the Earth God Temple, how could he obtain such an appointment?
Though a special appointment, it was a temporary position, but as long as he performed well, transitioning to a permanent role would be a certainty.
"You’ve managed to get such a decree from the Governor King." Chen Shijie couldn’t help but be a bit emotional after standing up.
Zhao Xing chuckled, "You, Chen Shijie, deserve this appointment. If it were an incompetent official, even if I obtained the decree, they wouldn’t be able to accept it; not only would they not advance, but they might even be demoted."
"Tongming Prefecture is currently in disarray, Old Chen. You’re going to face hardships ahead."
Chen Shijie also smiled, "Only you, Zhao Chen’an, could describe a promotion as facing hardships."
In the past, it was clear he could make great achievements!
No matter how poorly he performed, how bad could it get?
Tongming Prefecture was in a state of restoration; his positions were all closely related to managing the earth veins.
As soon as the unrest in Pinghai State ended, the earth would begin its self-repair, not to mention that Xuan Yuan Qingtian, the leader of the Earth Advantage Sect, had used the Earth God Artifact to cast the [Mountains and Rivers Forever].
As long as Chen Shijie sat in that position, even if he did nothing, he could effortlessly accrue achievements.
"Time is of the essence, hurry and set off." Zhao Xing said.
Though it’s just a temporary appointment for now, the future adjustments in civil governance and how far Chen Shijie could go would depend on himself.
Zhao Xing had carefully deliberated in selecting this position for Old Chen, believing that with Chen Shijie’s capability, he would surely make a difference.
"Let’s go."
Chen Shijie left a message for Gui Niang, then followed Zhao Xing as they left the Princess Mansion.
The distance from Tongming Prefecture was quite far from Chongming Prefecture; it wouldn’t be a quick journey.
But with Zhao Xing’s privilege from the Daoist Academy, it took only a day to get Chen Shijie to Tongming Prefecture.
"I won’t accompany you to the government office."
"No need, I can manage."
Chen Shijie certainly didn’t need Zhao Xing to accompany him further.
At this point, if he couldn’t manage his subordinates, colleagues, and superiors, he might as well crash into a wall.
If Zhao Xing continued to accompany him, it would be akin to spoon-feeding an official; that’s not how it’s done.
"Alright, I’ll await your good news."
...
After seeing off Chen Shijie, Zhao Xing himself once again began teleporting through [Biyou Canghai].