The first time in history

After everything was settled, Qian Mingduo went to the court to discuss matters. He was the new prefect, and he did this mainly to meet with officials of all levels in Jiankang Prefecture.

The newly appointed prefect of Jiankang Prefecture, Lü Zhengyi, sat in the lobby, with subordinate officials standing on both sides. The lobby was solemn and dignified, with tables and chairs made of fine sandalwood, exuding an ancient atmosphere. The sunlight shone through the carved windows onto the ground, creating mottled light and shadows.

Jiankang Prefecture governed five counties, and the five county magistrates had long been waiting at the post house for Qian Mingduo's summons. After the yamen runners called them in, all the officials knelt down and kowtowed to the new prefect.

Qian Mingduo looked at the crowd of people kneeling in front of him, and felt a little dizzy. But he still pretended to be calm and said, "Please stand up quickly, everyone."

After everyone lined up on both sides, Qian Mingduo spoke in an official tone, "I am new to Jiankang Prefecture, and you gentlemen are the parents of this place. I hope you will teach me."

"Sir, I am Wang Yuan, the Tongpan of Jiankang, and I am here to greet you respectfully." An official in official uniform and with an elegant temperament stepped forward and bowed.

Qian Mingduo nodded slightly, "Please excuse me, Mr. Wang. I have heard that you are a good ruler. I will need your assistance in the future."

"Your Excellency is too kind. This is my duty." Wang Tongpan stood up and turned to face the other officials. "My dear colleagues, today is the first time that the prefect has arrived. Please listen to my introduction to him."

He pointed at a serious-looking military officer and said, "This is Zhao Hu, the chief military officer of Jiankang, who is in charge of local military defense."

Zhao Hu clasped his fists and saluted, "Sir, I, General Zhao Hu, will definitely protect the peace and tranquility of Jiankang."

The prefect, Lord Li, returned the greeting, "Thank you, Chief Supervisor Zhao."

Wang Tongpan pointed to a white-faced, beardless, seemingly smart official and said, "This is Qian Wen, the military officer of the Ministry of Households, who is in charge of household registration, taxes, warehouse payments, etc.

Qian Wen bowed respectfully and said, "Sir, I will definitely fulfill my mission."

Then, an official in a blue official uniform was introduced, "This is Sun Zheng, the judicial officer, in charge of criminal justice."

Sun Zheng bowed and said, "Sir, I will handle judicial matters with caution."

In Jiankang Prefecture of the Song Dynasty, the Tongpan had a higher status under the prefect. He had the power to supervise officials and could assist the prefect in handling government affairs.

Qian Mingduo smiled and looked at everyone, "You are all the pillars of Jiankang. From now on, you and I will work together to benefit the people." Everyone responded in unison, "I will follow your orders, sir."

After Qian Mingduo left the court, the judge Wang Yuan came to the second hall as he had said.

Qian Mingduo also served as a magistrate in Lin'an Prefecture, so he had a natural sense of familiarity with Wang Yuan.

He was a newcomer. After meeting with the officials, he called the judge to the second hall to discuss some important matters. There was no seriousness and tension during the trial, but only the caution of a new official and his concern for the affairs of the government.

He knew that the Tongpan was familiar with the situation here, and hoped to learn something from him so as to lay a solid foundation for future governance.

Qian Mingduo sat in the spacious but slightly old hall of the prefectural government office and motioned to Wang Yuan, the judge opposite him, to sit down. After Wang Yuan sat down, Qian Mingduo slowly spoke: "Wang, the judge, I am new to Jiankang Prefecture and feel like I am in a fog. This Jiankang city looks prosperous, but I don't know the details inside. You have been here for many years, so I hope you can tell me."

Wang Yuan replied respectfully: "Your Excellency is too polite. I will tell you everything you want to know."

Qian Mingduo leaned forward slightly, his eyes focused: "Let's talk about these officials and gentry first. What is their influence in the city?"