The Famous Detective of the Red Mansion

Chapter 208: Courtesy and Reserve

In fact, the two cases that Lin Delu singled out have revealed the biggest difference between an Assistant Magistrate and a Governor.

In the past, when Sun Shaozong was the Assistant Magistrate, he was often responsible for dealing with malignant criminal cases, but after becoming a Governor, the majority of civil lawsuits needed to be dealt with.

Although, in terms of severity, civil litigation was not as good as criminal cases, and in terms of brilliance, it was far less than the former. However, the complicated relationship between them was often more complicated than the former.

When Sun Shaozong was a policeman, he didn't have any contact with this kind of business, but it was obviously less mature than his proficiency in detecting criminal cases.

Now, as soon as he took over, he was inevitably a little nervous, so he postponed the trial for another day to make full preparations.

Fortunately, in these years, the common people have been in awe of the government. It was not a problem to drag on for a year and a half to deal with any trivial matters. Unlike later generations, dragging on was easy to make big news.

In addition, there was a difference. The Assistant Magistrate of the criminal would pay attention to the detection after the event, while the administration has more responsibility for prevention in advance. But the prevention and control of public security were also one of Sun Shaozong's strengths, so he was not worried about this aspect.

According to Lin Delu's priorities, after handling nearly half of the official documents, Sun Shaozong stretched his muscles and bones and was ready to go to Han Anbang and Jia Yucun.

The hidden rules of ancient officialdom were more important than modern ones.

When he was just transferred to the post of Assistant Magistrate, he paid attention to the word "hospitality." The first time after taking over the office, he had to submit a post according to the rules to meet the three heads of the government. They were the Magistrate, the Governor, and the Minister.

This was the most basic attitude of being a subordinate.

Of course, whether the person was happy or not was another matter.

However, after being promoted to Governor, the situation was quite different. First of all, the word "reserved" should be paid attention to. He should never rush to meet the two heads, as he did at the beginning.

Otherwise, he would be suspected of flattering his bosses and would lose his "identity" and "dignity" in governance.

So Sun Shaozong had to wait until noon.

After leaving the Department of Criminal, he first went to Han Anbang’s Courtyard. As usual, he didn't receive any good attitude. Even a few polite words were hidden behind some hostility.

However, Han Anbang was still somewhat restrained in his attitude. After all, the "Governor" was no longer a pure subordinate to him but a colleague and deputy.

That was why if this guy wanted to arrange any dirty jobs for him in the future, Sun Shaozong could also argue for it without worrying about being labeled as ”having contempt for the boss."

However, compared to Han Anbang, the courtyard of Jia Yucun was another scene.

When Magistrate Jia saw Sun Shaozong, he was very friendly. His warm attitude seemed as if they were still close allies.

After half a basket of polite words, Jia Yucun said, "My dear brother is now the head of the first division. At the very end of the day, you can be considered the ”court officer.” Everything involved is far more than before. Please be careful and don't do anything arbitrarily."

Do anything arbitrarily?

Wasn’t he the one to have acted arbitrarily? Even taking in bribes and changing the law were common things he had done.

Sun Shaozong was slandering from the bottom of his heart, but on the surface, he was also solemn and said, "Your Excellency has always taught me, and I will never forget."

The word "teaching" was said with a pun in it.

"That's good, that's good."

Jia Yucun nodded, feeling relieved, as if he didn’t understand the meaning implied in Sun Shaozong's words, and then explained, "Although the exam held after the spring festival has nothing to do with our Central Judicial Office on the surface, you can't ignore it. You must send people to keep an eye on it, and if there is any accident, you can respond in time."

Unlike the Autumn Imperial Examination, at a higher level like the Spring Examination, the Central Judicial Office couldn’t even be a co-organizer, so naturally, there was no need to make preparations in advance.

But then again, after all, the Spring Examination was still held in the Capital, and it was all right if there were no accidents. If there was any accident, the Central Judicial Office couldn’t escape responsibility.

Therefore, regardless of whether others used or accepted him, the Central Judicial Office has to take note.

"Don't worry, Magistrate."

Sun Shaozong hurriedly reassured him, "I have been an Inspector for the Autumn Imperial Examination, and I still have some experience with the imperial examination. As long as there are no major problems, I promise there will be no irreparable problems."

He was both accepting the responsibility and shirking it.

There needed to be more than general prevention and control work. If a large-scale fraud were to occur, which would cause a fuss, Sun Shaozong, who was only a fifth-grade official, couldn’t bear it.

Jia Yucun naturally heard what he said, so he spoke feeling relieved, "You can rest assured. Your Majesty has attached great importance to the Spring Examination. The Department of Rites and the Imperial Academy will not dare act rashly."

"Since that is the case, I’m also confident."

After that, they chatted about some official and private matters. Sun Shaozong saw that it was time for lunch. He then got up to leave.

When he returned to the Department of Criminal, he saw the factotum sent from the canteen waiting at the door with the menu in his hand, apparently to flatter.

After Sun Shaozong entered the door, he was ready to call them to order.

However, Lin Delu came up and reported, "Your Honor, the Northern town of the Dragon Guards has sent someone and asked you to attend the session at 3 p.m. to meet the new Governor Lu Huilu."

Has the new Governor also taken office?

Sun Shaozong has been focusing on Ruan Rong and her children recently, and this was the first time he has heard about them.

Speaking of his title, Inspector of the Dragon Guards, was just a name and had no practical duties. Even if a new official took office, there was no need to call himself for the session, right?

This new Lord Lu—what was his plan?

Although he was puzzled, Sun Shaozong couldn’t help but give face since the invitation had been delivered.

So he told Lin Delu, "Since the Governor of the town asked me to go over to attend the session, I won't eat lunch in the Yamen. If there is anything to do, just watch for me first."

Lin Delu obeyed and helped Sun Shaozong send the kitchen workers away.

Sun Shaozong simply tidied up inside again and then galloped back home. Since he was going to the session of the Northern Town of the Dragon Guards in the afternoon, he naturally had to change into the appropriate robe so that he wouldn’t appear conspicuous in a group of Dragon Guards.

When he came back home, Sun Shaozong rushed to the backyard and was waiting to cross the threshold of the moonlit door. However, he bumped into several women suddenly, and the leading pretty woman was none other than Ping’er.