Chapter 45: Delighted to Obtain Zhang Liao, Hastily Grants Him a Title

  "Sir, you've bought so many officials on your way here, I don't know how you managed to do it?" Zhao Xing asked with some curiosity.

  "There's no great trick to it, just currying favor and catering to their tastes," Jia Xiang replied nonchalantly. "I spent 2.5 million on the eunuch Zhang Rang to become the governor of Shangdang Commandery; 2.5 million on the General-in-Chief He Jin to become the chief commander of Shangdang; and 2.5 million on the Minister of Works Cui Lie to become the magistrate of Hongnong and Changzi counties. These three men each made a profit of 500,000 from me and were not punished. The remaining 1.5 million was all spent on buying official positions. Whenever there was an obstacle, I would use the 'Long River Great Bend' to clear the way, and everything went smoothly. In the end, all the officials in the imperial court gained something, and I even received a batch of Langguan and Xiaolian titles as a bonus! Alas, this imperial court is nothing but a tool for these corrupt officials to reap benefits..." Jia Xiang sighed deeply at this point.

  "It is precisely for this reason that we must work harder to revitalize the country, cleanse the universe and return to our people a bright and beautiful land!" Zhao Xing said firmly.

  "We swear to follow the country's prosperity, and die without regret!" The crowd stood up and responded in unison.

  "Wen Yuan, today's matters have all entered your eyes, I hope you won't spread it to others." Zhao Xing said in a low voice to Zhang Liao who had come in and not spoken a word.

  "What a joke, talking about rebellion in front of me, aren't you openly trying to force me to join? If I don't take the initiative to apply, I'm afraid I'll be done on the spot!" Zhang Liao muttered to himself.

  "Liao please follow closely behind Big Brother, only Big Brother's horse head is looking around!" Zhang Liao stood up, then knelt on one knee and said respectfully. Although he still had some dissatisfaction in his heart, Zhang Liao had a good impression of Zhao Xing. What Zhao Xing said wasn't the crazy idea that was surging deep within his own heart?

  While everyone was talking, they heard someone outside shouting, "Master, Xu Huang is requesting an audience!" It was indeed Xu Huang, who had been summoned back from Changzi County, seeking to see him at the gate.

  "Please welcome Xu Menting!" Zhao Xing shouted.

  When Xuhuang came in, Zhaoxing smiled and said to everyone: "Now that you have summoned everyone to come, there is no other reason, only promotion and wealth! From now on, Mr. Wenhe will take the post of Shangdang County Governor, we must do our best to assist him, and ensure the safety and well-being of the people in the county!"

  "Xie County Guan Yu, with both wisdom and bravery, exterminated the mountain bandits and evil tyrants, making great contributions to the country. Now he is appointed as the Chief of Shangdang County and promoted to General..."

  "Yang Xian Xu Huan, diligent and devoted to his duties, is a straightforward person. He now holds the position of Colonel of the Upper Party County Army, promoted from Major, and appointed as General of the Miscellaneous Troops."

  "Li Jinwu of Changzi County has a reputation for being chivalrous and righteous, now holds the position of Changzi County Wei, appointed as Fierce Military Colonel."

  "Zhen Ding County Zhou Cang, as a broken bandit school lieutenant, from the county capital lieutenant..."

  "Pei Yuanshao of Zhen Ding County was a protector of the army and followed the county governor..."

  "Wen County's Guo Changzi, as a fierce martial school lieutenant, followed the county capital lieutenant..."

  "Wu Wei Hu Che Er, as Yong Yi Xiao Wei, followed the Jun Du Wei..."

  "Yanmen Zhang Liao was promoted as a Filial and Incorrupt official and enfeoffed as a Langguan officer."

  Li Jin thought of Changzi County was recommended as a filial and incorruptible official and appointed as the Magistrate of Changzi County.

  He eliminated a large number of officials in one breath, but Zhao Xing's own official position was nowhere to be seen. Moreover, with Zhao Xing's current status as a commoner, how could he enfeoff many people?

  But everyone just took the seal and went forward, no one asked why. This made Zhao Xing's original intention to sell Guanzi thoroughly disappointed. "I also hold a xiaolian (a title of honor), I'll take on the role of a county magistrate!" Zhao Xing said helplessly. (In the Eastern Han dynasty, there really was a county magistrate under the county governor, with an official rank of 300 stones, don't believe it? Go check the books.)

  Zhao Xing held a pen and wrote the names of various people on the imperial appointment documents, which had already been filled out with positions and titles, but only had blank spaces for names. Where was the solemnity and majesty of the emperor appointing officials as seen on TV? This also showed that the Great Han Dynasty had truly reached its end.

  "Please welcome Mr. Sima!" Zhao Xing said afterwards, "Also, please ask Mr. Wenhe to read out the appointment of Sima Zhi."

  "Very good indeed." Jia Yu replied.

  A moment later, a man in his forties, with a spirited and dignified appearance, followed Li Tiezhu into the conference hall.

  "Mr. Fang Qian, this is Zhao Xing, the master of Wohu Village, with a courtesy name of Guochang. If I can take on this task again today, it's all thanks to Master Guochang's support." Jia Yu introduced Zhao Xing to Sima Zhi.

  "Zhao Xing, the eldest son of County Magistrate Zhao, has arrived to pay his respects to Your Honor!" Zhao Xing stepped forward and paid his respects.

  "I've heard so much about Mr. Wen's praise for Guo Chang being young and promising, a model for the state, and today I see that it's indeed true!" Sima Zhi said politely to Zhao Xing.

  "In the future, as an official in the same county, I would like to ask Mr. Sima not to hesitate to instruct me, as long as it is for the sake of the people, Guo Chang will brave scalding water and burning fire without daring to decline!" Zhao Xing gave Sima a reassurance, so that in the future, others wouldn't be scared away by his reputation as a local snake. Now, not to mention Longzi County, but even in the entire Shangdang Prefecture, there are hardly a few who dare to provoke him!

  "If we can get the help of Guo Chang, then it will be a blessing for the people of Zhangzi County!" Sima Zhi said.