CHAPTER 1310: CHAPTER 1310: PAYING RESPECTS

Walking out of the alley, the murmurs of those people could still be heard behind.

Just as they reached the mouth of the alley, the carriage came to a stop.

Before the guards beside Song Chongjin could inquire about the halt, someone came to report: "Reporting to the lord, someone claiming to be the Mayor of Shiqiao Town, accompanied by several subordinates, has come to pay their respects to the lord."

Song Chongjin lifted the curtain and looked towards the alley’s entrance, where a group of people knelt trembling by the roadside.

After a moment of hesitation: "Let them come forward."

A guard received the order and approached to speak a few words, and the guards blocking them finally withdrew their long swords, stepping aside.

The kneeling people awkwardly stood up, brushed off the dust from their clothes, and with hunched backs and bowed heads, followed the guards to the carriage where Song Chongjin was seated.

The Mayor of Shiqiao Town had received an official document from Jing County two days earlier, which clearly stated that Song Chongjin, a graduate from Qilidun Village under Shiqiao Town, had passed the scholar examination and was appointed by the current Emperor as the Prefect of Chicheng County. The Emperor even personally granted Song Chongjin leave for a family visit to return home in honor.

Along with the official document came a handwritten letter from the County Magistrate of Jing County, indicating that Song Chongjin would soon return to his old home in Shiqiao Town and that the town should prepare a good reception.

After all, this was not only an honor for Jing County but also for Shiqiao Town! Any negligence would result in dereliction charges from the County Magistrate!

The Mayor of Shiqiao Town held the official document and letter for half a day before coming to his senses; historically, their Shiqiao Town had only produced a few graduates, with the newly emerged Magistrate Song being one of them.

Of the other graduates, some were already deceased, and others were long past their prime.

None of them had the fortune of this Lord Song, who not only excelled in the scholar examination but was also appointed as a County Magistrate! Though not a local County Magistrate, it was still a seventh-grade official position!

It’s important to know that, including himself, there are some minor officials in the town who, despite being on the Imperial Court’s payroll, are not even ranked.

Because of this, whenever the Mayor of Shiqiao Town went to Jing County on official business, he was often mocked by other mayors, who were helpless. Their town was not known for academics, having produced no scholars.

No choice, but Shiqiao Town, being near the mountains, saw many out-of-town merchants flocking annually, making it more prosperous than other places.

That was manageable; he actually had some ambition, the saying goes that when a wild goose flies over, it leaves a trace, and when a person passes by, they leave a name. His greatest wish in life was to have his name inscribed in the county annals.

Coincidentally, in recent years, the Madam of Lord Song began producing fine cloth that won favor from a Noble Patron within the palace, who even sent someone to reward her personally.

Later, that same Madam discovered wild tea in the mountains and cooperated with a Noble Patron in the capital to produce Cloud Mist Tea, which, in less than a year, reportedly became a tribute item and was in short supply.

Earlier this year, around Qingming, many people got wind of it and stayed here, hoping to get a share of the profit.

The mayor contemplated that expecting the town to produce a scholar or official was unrealistic, so he might as well focus on these two things, which were also honorable when spoken about.

By then, including these two things along with this Madam in the county annals, and mentioning himself along the way, he would be content.

For this, he had been working on it in the county, ready for everything except the crucial opportunity.

All that was left was to meet Madam Song a couple of times to get her approval for the deal. Who would have thought the Madam accompanied him to the capital?

He was frustrated for several days, drinking sullenly.

Unexpectedly, it was truly a silver lining after a dark cloud!

A newly minted County Magistrate fell from the sky! Now inscribing it in the county annals was certain!

In the future, when mentioning Shiqiao Town, this County Magistrate had to be brought up, and inevitably, he would be mentioned as well! He could finally count himself as a person included in the county annals!

Therefore, when the Mayor came to his senses, he was overjoyed.

He immediately summoned all his subordinates in town, instructing them in detail. Since it was a grand return, it indeed must be done well, bustling and lively, letting everyone know a County Magistrate hails from Shiqiao Town!

Upon hearing this, his subordinates were also beaming with joy.

After all, although the court’s regulations state that a County Magistrate cannot be a local person, since they are comrades in office, and Shiqiao Town is Lord Song’s hometown, this local County Magistrate must surely show some favor to their town in the future.

Therefore, each volunteered with eagerness, expressing passionately that they must let Lord Song feel the warmth of the Shiqiao Town people.

They mulled over it daily, coming up with numerous plans, but always finding them lacking in expressing their admiration for Lord Song.

Several days had passed without establishing any procedures.

Unexpectedly, last night they received news that a group appeared exceptional, either wealthy or noble, had entered the town.

Quickly, the Mayor sent someone discreetly to inquire whether Song Chongjin had returned home.

Indeed, by midnight, they received a confirmation.

The Mayor almost couldn’t wait to pay respects overnight, but the last bit of reason held his steps.

He hardly slept, disregarded everything else, and ordered preparations for the welcome early in the morning, gathering his entourage, waiting by the alley without daring to disturb inside.

Finally, after much anticipation, as the convoy emerged, they promptly proceeded to pay respects.

Upon reaching the carriage, Song Chongjin hesitated a bit before eventually rising and stepping down from the carriage.

The Mayor and his entourage reached him and knelt to greet: "I am He Changshou, Mayor of Shiqiao Town, paying respects to Lord Song!"

Song Chongjin, with a gentle expression, lifted a hand: "Rise, such formalities are not necessary!"

The Mayor and his entourage had never received such graciousness; previously, in Jing County, getting even a slight nod from a minor official was a rarity.

They never had the privilege of standing before a County Magistrate, let alone conversing face-to-face!

Today, speaking directly with the lord had their hearts surging with excitement, leaving them almost speechless.

Supporting each other, they stood up.

After a while, Mayor He Changshou calmed his excited heart: "Upon receiving official notice about Lord Song’s homecoming, we’ve been preparing to welcome your honorable return. The time was short, the ceremony insufficiently grand, and if there are any oversights or negligence, please forgive us!"

Song Chongjin waved it off, indicating no concern: "My return was not intended to disturb too many, orchestrating such fanfare leaves me overwhelmed with guilt—"

"Why should the lord say such a thing—" He Changshou became agitated.

After a round of exchanging courtesies and flattery, Song Chongjin "reluctantly" accepted.

After all, the Emperor himself decreed the glorious homecoming; in Jing County, the County Magistrate led subordinates in welcoming him. If he sneaked away quietly from the town in the morning, it would be fine.

But blocked at the alley’s entrance, to decline further would leave him criticized.