"Reporting to Master Lin, my father said that this promotion and return to the capital is partly due to circumstances, and partly thanks to your efforts in settling refugees and preventing the plague.
But please don't overthink it, Master Lin. My father is very pleased to have a student like you who cares for the people as if they were his own children.
Actually, my father originally planned to stay in Fengtian Prefecture for about a year before returning to the capital.
Unfortunately, the former Minister of Justice suffered a relapse of his heart condition and died suddenly at home, so the plan had to be moved up.
Furthermore, during your tenure, not only have you solved major cases and helped the court recover disaster relief funds, but you have also built free schools in Changzhou County, actively resettled refugees, and even personally stayed in the epidemic area to eradicate the plague. Therefore, after my father returns to the capital, the position of Prefect of Fengtian Prefecture should be taken by you."
"What?! I am to become the Prefect of Fengtian Prefecture?"
Lin Qingge, whose promotion came unexpectedly, couldn't help but exclaim.
In ancient times, there was no concept of a "city"; it was generally a county, and the Prefect was roughly equivalent to a provincial governor in modern times.
No wonder it was called great news!
She was like receiving joyous news from the delivery room – she had been promoted!
"Madam, I'm going to be the Prefect of Fengtian Prefecture!"
Lin Qingge shared the good news with Leng Ningyue first, then, overcome with excitement, she used her physical advantage to pick up the petite Leng Ningyue and spin her around several times.
Leng Ningyue, feeling a bit dizzy from the spinning, patted Lin Qingge's shoulder, signaling her to put her down.
Xu Siyun, who was smiling, thought it was amusing that the usually composed and sharp Master Lin could also be so childish. She said, "Master Lin, don't get too excited too soon.
My father said that your tenure has been too short. Even if you are promoted exceptionally by the court, you will only be an acting prefect, which is still a certain distance from being a true prefect.
To put it bluntly, you will be doing the work of a prefect, holding the title of prefect, but without the official position and salary of a prefect."
"You mean, even if I become the Prefect of Fengtian Prefecture, I will still be a minor official of the ninth rank?"
"My father said that your official rank will also be elevated, but it will definitely not reach the rank of prefect.
However, my father also said that you are young, and to reach the position of acting prefect in such a short time after entering officialdom, your future is bound to be limitless."
"Alright, as long as I get promoted."
Lin Qingge knew that one couldn't get everything at once. Although her title might not match her position, she could still live in the grand house of the Fengtian Prefecture Yamen!
With this thought, she looked at Leng Ningyue with bright eyes, "Madam, after we get back, we'll pack our things and move!"
Leng Ningyue, who increasingly felt that the person before her, like Lin Zimo, had a childlike nature, raised her hand and rubbed her temples. She said calmly, "Going to Fengtian is fine, but what about the school?"
"Master Lin, please don't worry. Si Yun has already discussed it with my father. My father will return to the capital alone this time, and Si Yun will stay at the school as a teacher."
Hearing Xu Siyun's words, Lin Qingge nodded. "It's not a bad choice for you to stay, but your safety staying alone at the school..."
Not to mention the Second Prince who had always been coveting Xu Siyun, just the title of the daughter of the Minister of Justice alone made her an easy target for others.
"There's me too!"
Yongning linked her arm with Xu Siyun's, and glancing at Zhou Zeli who was approaching from a distance, she said with a smile, "Since Si Yun is staying, I will stay too!"
"But—"
Lin Qingge was about to say something more when Leng Ningyue interrupted her, "Fengtian Prefecture is not too far from Changzhou County. Moreover, Mo'er will be coming to the school to study in a few days.
If the travel back and forth is too rushed, I will bring Mo'er to stay here for a few days every other day."
Zhou Zeli, who had walked closer, first nodded slightly at Xu Siyun, then cupped his hands towards Lin Qingge and said, "My lord, are you returning because you have something to instruct your student?"
"It's like this, we just rescued a group of women who were abused and trafficked from a fragrant soup house in the county town. They have nowhere to go for now and might need to stay at the school for some time. I will have to trouble you to take extra care of them."
Although Murong Bai was the initiator and she was the founder of the school, Zhou Zeli was the one truly in charge, which was why Lin Qingge said this.
Thinking of his status as a candidate, Lin Qingge added, "By the way, are you sure you won't be neglecting your studies by handling so many matters every day?"
"Master Lin, don't worry, I will help this clumsy wooden head with his studies!
I dare not guarantee the top rank, but I will definitely be among the top three!"
Glancing at Yongning, who was patting her chest and making such a bold claim, Zhou Zeli said expressionlessly, "My studies do not require Miss Yongning's concern. I would be extremely grateful if Miss Yongning would just stop bothering me so much every day!"
"You—"
Yongning was so angered by Zhou Zeli's words that she puffed up like a pufferfish, but the latter ignored her and cupped his hands towards Lin Qingge.
"Master Lin, please rest assured, I will not neglect my studies."
With that, he turned to the清丽 woman beside him. "Miss Xu, there are a few questions I don't quite understand and would like to ask you. Do you have time later?"
Xu Siyun reached out and lightly tapped Yongning's bulging, angry cheek. She shook her head and politely declined, "It is my honor to be appreciated by Young Master Zhou. Unfortunately, I am not very knowledgeable and may not be of much help to Young Master Zhou."
...
Looking at the melodramatic scene before her, where she loved him, he didn't love her, he loved her, but she didn't love him, Lin Qingge couldn't help but exclaim, "Youth is truly wonderful."
Besides the school, there were many other matters that required her attention.
Returning to the yamen.
Lin Qingge plunged into her room and began to write furiously.
At night.
The occasional wails and dog barks coming from the yamen made Lin Qingge's head ache terribly.
Finally, she had to put down her brush and walk towards the source of the sounds.
At the entrance to the prison.
Yan Tinghao was dragging Xiao Hei by its collar towards the prison. However, Xiao Hei was firmly gripping the gaps between the floor tiles with its front paws, refusing to move any further.
Seeing this, Lin Qingge couldn't help but say speechlessly, "Constable Yan, you're not sleeping in the middle of the night. Are you planning to have Xiao Hei as an extra meal?
Are you worthy of the two bowls of white rice and the plate of braised pork you finished tonight?"
"Awooo—"
Xiao Hei's eyes lit up as if it had finally found a savior.
But the next moment, it began to doubt its doggy existence.
"Really, don't they know I've been craving dog meat hot pot for a long time?
If you're having an extra meal, you should call me. Be careful, or I'll deduct your monthly salary!"
Xiao Hei: !!!
Yan Tinghao: ...
"My lord, Constable Yan is not trying to eat Xiao Hei, but wants to bring some food to Xiao Hei."
It was Lu Mingxuan who spoke, pinching his nose and frowning as he emerged from the prison.
"Bring food to Xiao Hei?"
Lin Qingge looked at Xiao Hei with some suspicion, but Xiao Hei shook its head like a rattle drum.
Sighing at how even the dogs at the yamen had become so shrewd, Lin Qingge took a deep breath and smelled a familiar scent of blood.
Her eyes sharpened as she thought of something, and she frowned, asking, "Where is Ling Han?"
"Reporting to my lord, you'll know once you go in and see for yourself."
As if recalling a somewhat stimulating scene, Lu Mingxuan quickly retreated to the side, covering his mouth and gagging.