CHAPTER 66: CHAPTER 66: ACCOUNTABILITY (PART 2)

Everyone was astounded.

Officials all care about their reputation. Like Qiu Dianshan who was driven away; no matter how much he regretted and blamed himself in private, he had to maintain his dignity in public. He left quite gracefully that day.

But this County Magistrate Cai didn’t even care about his face, crying and begging at the Commandery Princess’s feet. His tears and snot almost touched the hem of the Princess’s skirt.

Chen Zhuo furrowed his brow and glanced at the Commandery Princess.

Fortunately, the Commandery Princess showed no sign of mercy, her gaze indifferent, coldly watching County Magistrate Cai’s dramatic performance.

County Magistrate Cai cried and realized something was amiss. The Commandery Princess remained silent; he was performing a solo act with no support—how could this work?

County Magistrate Cai covered his face with his sleeve, quickly scanning the room, catching sight of Steward Cai standing in the corner, signaling him repeatedly with his eyes.

Steward Cai bravely stood out, kneeling to plead for County Magistrate Cai: "Commandery Princess, County Magistrate Cai made a mistake out of negligence and already admitted his fault. I plead you to forgive him on account of his diligence and dedication to duty."

Jiang Shaohua curled her lips slightly, speaking slowly: "In this Li County government, who exactly has been diligent and dedicated, I know very well."

County Magistrate Cai: "..."

It’s over, the Commandery Princess knows everything.

County Magistrate Cai felt his scalp tingling, frantically signaling to Steward Cai.

Steward Cai had no choice but to muster the courage and continue pleading: "I am merely a steward, serving the official should not be credited to me."

County Magistrate Cai lowered his sleeve from his face, shamelessly said: "I consider myself good at recognizing and using talent. I’ve served as Li County Magistrate for years, never delaying any tasks assigned by the Prince Mansion. It was only this time I am blinded by my own folly, neglecting the Commandery Princess. I ask the Commandery Princess to forgive me this time."

"I swear a solemn oath now, I will look only to the Commandery Princess for guidance henceforth, never daring any oversight."

"Right, the Commandery Princess instructed the local governments to replenish the Taiping Grain Warehouse, I managed to do so while overseeing the spring plowing. Would the Commandery Princess want to take a look?"

Jiang Shaohua glanced over, her voice faint: "Since I’ve come, I will certainly take a look. Who accomplished this replenishing of the warehouse?"

County Magistrate Cai shamelessly answered: "Steward Cai led the constables to handle the specifics; I inquired daily about progress, the silver tael spent was allocated by me."

In other words, Steward Cai did everything.

Jiang Shaohua looked at the County Magistrate Cai whose face was as thick as a city wall and suddenly smiled.

Sitting beside her, Yang Zheng felt an unexpected chill on his back.

The last time the Commandery Princess smiled like this was at the banquet for Mr. Zhao, which then led to the subtle dismissal of Qiu Dianshan.

This time, the unfortunate victim seemed to be County Magistrate Cai...

"County Magistrate Cai said something correct earlier, those in high positions must have insight and the ability to recognize and use talent." Jiang Shaohua said, her voice extending leisurely as delight appeared in County Magistrate Cai’s eyes: "I really admire Steward Cai’s diligence and capability. Therefore, I intend for Cai Ye to take over as Li County’s Magistrate."

County Magistrate Cai was struck like thunder.

Steward Cai was also shocked, unable to respond promptly.

Chen Zhuo coughed, gently said: "Since the Commandery Princess has decided, follow her wishes! From today onwards, County Magistrate Cai will step down. Cai Ye, you become Li County’s Magistrate now, hurry to thank the Commandery Princess for her grace."

Steward Cai, already kneeling, instinctively bowed to express gratitude when Chen Zhuo spoke.

After thanking her, he realized it was inappropriate, quickly raising his head: "Commandery Princess, I am merely a scholar who failed three attempts at the scholar exam. According to Da Liang’s official protocol, without the scholar title, one cannot serve as a county hall officer." Otherwise, he wouldn’t have grudgingly served as a steward for so many years.

Jiang Shaohua hummed: "That is indeed an issue, but not a major one. Here in Nanyang County, I grant you favor."

Speaking thus, she turned to Chen Zhuo: "Chief Historian Chen, how should this be arranged most suitably?"

Chen Zhuo, indeed worthy of being the Prince Mansion’s Chief Historian, promptly had a strategy: "Appointments and dismissals in Nanyang County are at the Commandery Princess’s discretion. However, procedures must be followed. Upon returning, I will draft a document for the Ministry of Personnel to report. Cai Ye is merely a scholar, his background is indeed low."

"Let’s have him serve as acting County Magistrate, meanwhile, the autumn examinations are held in Jingzhou, in September this year; let him take the exam. The academic director in Jingzhou is from the same year as me, writing a recommendation letter will surely earn him some favor."

"Once he achieves the scholar title, the acting label can be removed, making him the official County Magistrate of Li County. This half year serves as a probationary period to see whether Cai Ye can handle the post alone."

Jiang Shaohua nodded approvingly, again looking towards Steward Cai: "You’ve heard Chief Historian Chen’s words."

"I admire those who accomplish practical deeds. You’ve shown diligence and effectiveness, so I appoint you as County Magistrate of Li County."

"If you’re willing, accept now. If unable or unwilling, pretend I never said anything."

County Magistrate Cai finally returned to his senses, pushing aside fear, rising abruptly. He dared not resent the Commandery Princess but directed all his fury and resentment toward Steward Cai: "Well, Cai Ye! Years ago, struggling in poverty, I took you in and brought you to Li County."

"Now you’ve clung to the Commandery Princess’s great tree, intend to betray me!"

"Three feet above are gods! Doing this, aren’t you afraid of Buddha striking you down with lightning!"

Steward Cai’s face turned red from the scolding.

Jiang Shaohua coldly sneered: "Whether Buddha will strike with lightning is uncertain, but I can strip your official robes right now."

"Someone, take County Magistrate Cai into custody."

Upon hearing the order, Qin Hu and another personal soldier immediately stepped forward, grabbing County Magistrate Cai’s arms.

County Magistrate Cai, with fire in his eyes, in rage, lost all restraint: "Shame on you! Don’t touch me! I am an official of the court!"

"You, a mere wench, if not born from the Prince Mansion and became Commandery Princess, by what right do you boss me around."

"I will go to the Capital City, go to the Ministry of Justice to protest and plead. I do not believe, you can cover the sky with one hand... ow!"

Qin Hu punched him, causing County Magistrate Cai to scream, spitting blood from his mouth along with a tooth.

The other personal soldier glanced at the fiercely aggressive Qin Hu, stuffed a cloth into County Magistrate Cai’s mouth. County Magistrate Cai struggled with all his might but couldn’t utter a word.

With County Magistrate Cai’s disrespect, Chen Zhuo was fully enraged, his face darkened.

Song Yuan’s gaze turned shadowy, his hand reaching for the knife hilt.

Though Yang Zheng inwardly agreed with County Magistrate Cai’s words, he outwardly maintained a righteous demeanor: "Impudence! Dare to defame the Commandery Princess! This is a crime of great disrespect!"

Jiang Shaohua looked over: "County Magistrate Cai insulted me, Yang Shi, tell me, how should this be handled?"