Being an emperor is not something he can do, so he can only rely on his connections.

The spring thunder of the Waking of Insects, accompanied by the prospect of rolling rain, rumbled deep within the leaden clouds, like the beating of a war drum from heaven, heralding the awakening of the slumbering earth. Yet, today in Gaoyang City, there was no time to experience this throbbing of nature. An unprecedented solemnity permeated the city. The roads were paved with loess, the streets were sprinkled with clean water, and yamen runners, dressed in pristine official uniforms, stood in a solemn formation along both sides of the official road. The citizens of the city, from gentry and merchants to peddlers and hawkers, were awed by the grandeur of the event. They held their breath, thronging the roadside, their gazes fixed in awe at the entrance to the official road to the north of the city.

The ceremonial procession of the Hedong Provincial Governor finally appeared at the end of the official road, amidst the drizzling dusk of the Waking of Insects. Banners fluttered, and guards like tigers surrounded the vermilion sedan chair carried by eight men, a symbol of the governor's supreme authority. Yunzhou Governor Liu Yanzhi had already led his provincial officials, Gaoyang County Magistrate Zhang Jingwei, all the county officials, and representatives of the city's elders. They knelt on the damp and cold official road, respectfully welcoming the angel.

The rain drizzled down, soaking the officials' robes and soaking the mud below their knees, yet no one dared to slack off. The air was so heavy it seemed as if water could be wrung out of it, and only the sound of the marching procession and the occasional neighing of horses were distinctly heard in the silence.

The governor's sedan chair came to a steady stop before the crowd. The curtains rose, and the Hedong governor, dressed in a third-rank crimson robe with peacock patches and a black gauze hat, slowly stepped out. His face was gaunt, his eyes sharp, and he exuded a commanding presence without even anger. An accompanying official immediately unfurled a bright yellow scroll of imperial edict, which the governor took. His gaze, like lightning, swept across the kneeling crowd, finally settling on Liu Yanzhi and Zhang Jingwei, who stood at the front.

"Disciples——!" The official drew out the tone and sang loudly. The resonant voice instantly drowned out the thunder in the distance and echoed in the empty official road.

The governor took a deep breath, unfolded the imperial edict, and read it in a clear, steady voice with unquestionable majesty:

"I have received the mandate of Heaven and have nurtured the people. I have observed the harm of stone poison, which has plagued the people and harmed the common people for over a hundred years! I worry day and night, feeling like a thorn in my side! For over a hundred years, the Heavenly Dynasty's policies to ban stone have either been superficial or too lenient, like trying to stop a boiling pot by adding more fuel to the fire. This has led to this evil disease, which has continued to grow in severity despite repeated bans! I cannot bear to see my people suffer any more from this bone-eating and soul-destroying poison. I have accepted the sincere advice of all officials and the good suggestions of virtuous ministers, and hereby issue this edict to rectify the situation!"

He paused, his voice becoming more resonant:

"From this day forward, under the Central Government, we establish the 'Stone Medicine Administration'! It will be responsible for all matters concerning the exploration, mining, control, official operation, and medicinal supervision of stone medicines throughout the country! Attached are the 'Stone Medicine Administration Regulations' and the 'New Laws of the Celestial Empire', which detail the rules and regulations and strictly enforce them! We must rectify the root cause and permanently eliminate the scourge of stone poisoning! All of our officials must strictly abide by these regulations. I pray you all obey!"

"Long live the emperor! Long live the emperor! Long, long live the emperor!" The thunderous cheers rose from the kneeling crowd like a tide, reaching the sky, carrying the expectation for the new policy and the awe of the imperial power.

The governor nodded slightly and handed the first scroll to an official. Then, another official respectfully presented the second scroll. The governor took it and looked intently at Zhang Jingwei, who was kneeling in front of him. His voice was filled with a subtle hint of praise and expectation:

"Gaoyang County Magistrate Zhang Qi, receive the imperial edict—!"

Zhang Jingwei's heart trembled. He took a deep breath and lowered his head even lower. "Your humble servant Zhang Qi obeys your command!"

The Governor read aloud:

"I believe the key to governing a country lies in finding the right people. There is Zhang Qi, the magistrate of Gaoyang County, Yunzhou, Hedong Province. He is loyal and virtuous, possessing exceptional talent and far-sighted vision. He diligently attends to local affairs, and has made outstanding contributions to the safety of the nation. Furthermore, in the grand undertaking of eliminating the Shi disaster, he was incredibly insightful and devoted, presenting the "Memorial on Extinguishing the Shi" to the court. Its proposals are detailed and sincere, offering a sage solution to the country's well-being. His loyalty, diligence, and dedication to the country are a model for all officials. I am deeply pleased and am dedicating this award to encourage and inspire him!"

He raised his voice and spoke clearly:

"I hereby decree that Zhang Qi be granted the title of 'Baron of Gaoyang County' and a fief of 300 households! I decree this—!"

"Gaoyang County Man"!

Those four words resonated like thunder in Zhang Jingwei's ears! A title! This was an honor countless officials could never achieve in their lifetime! Especially for a young county magistrate like him, whose background was controversial! He suppressed the turmoil and disbelief in his heart and, with the most solemn gesture, slammed his forehead against the cold bluestone slab, his voice trembling slightly with excitement:

"Your humble servant, Zhang Qi, bows in gratitude for Your Majesty's great grace! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long, long live the Emperor!"

"Mr. Zhang, please stand up and accept the imperial edict." The governor showed a gentle smile on his face and personally handed the scroll of the imperial edict, which symbolized supreme glory, to Zhang Jingwei.

Zhang Jingwei raised his hands high above his head and respectfully accepted the heavy imperial edict, as if holding a heavy burden. He stood up, rain running down his official hat, soaking his cheeks, but his eyes gleamed with determination and gratitude. "I am deeply grateful to the Governor for coming in person to announce this edict!"

"This is my duty." The Governor-General looked at the young county man in front of him with admiration. "County Man Zhang is so young, yet he is so highly valued by the court. He is favored by the Emperor. This is truly rare! His future is limitless!"

"Your Excellency is too kind!" Zhang Jingwei bowed hurriedly. "Zhang Qi's humble contribution is all due to the wisdom of Your Majesty, the kindness of the Empress Dowager, and the support and guidance of all the superiors, especially my mentor, Governor Liu! In the future, I hope that the Governor and all the superiors will give me more advice!" He was very humble and spoke sincerely.

Upon hearing this, the Governor turned his gaze to Liu Yanzhi standing beside him, his smile widening. "Congratulations, Governor Liu! You've indeed found a fine student! This boy is a gem in the rough, uncut gold. With your care and refinement, he will eventually become a great talent!"

Liu Yanzhi hurriedly stepped forward and bowed, his tone humble with a subtle touch of protectiveness: "Your Excellency, your praise is too much! Although I have some talent, I am straightforward by nature. Previously, when investigating a case, I accidentally bumped into your Deputy Envoy Hu... I hope Your Excellency will forgive me for this matter and not blame him for it." He cleverly downplayed the conflict as a "bump" and took the initiative to take the responsibility.

The governor waved his hand, a look of disapproval showing on his face: "Don't mind it, Governor Liu. Although Deputy Envoy Hu is a colleague of mine, his behavior... hum, is disgusting and not worthy of being in a noble place! I have heard about it a long time ago. I just hope that the two of you," he glanced at Liu Yanzhi and Zhang Jingwei, "don't hold too much grudges because of these villains, which will affect your determination to serve the court." These words were almost equivalent to openly criticizing Deputy Envoy Hu, and also showed the attitude of the governor.

Liu Yanzhi immediately bowed and said, "Your Excellency, your words are too kind! How dare I bear a grudge against you? I have only devoted myself to the king's service!"

The governor nodded with satisfaction, his eyes fell on Zhang Jingwei again, and he praised: "County Man Zhang is talented, and what is more rare is that he has great ambitions and cares about the people! With time and more experience, this boy will definitely become a high-ranking official, who knows!" The four words "highest-ranking official" were like a heavy hammer, hitting everyone's heart. The weight of their words made the officials around him secretly astonished.

Zhang Jingwei's heart was shaken, but he remained composed. He bowed deeply again, "I am deeply overwhelmed! I only wish to live up to the Emperor's grace and the expectations of my superiors, and to serve His Majesty, the court, and the people of Gaoyang faithfully. Your Excellency, you have been exhausted by the journey. I have prepared some wine at Yuehua Tower in the city. I humbly ask the envoy to do me the honor of offering a simple meal and rest in this small county of Niwan. This is also a small gesture of hospitality."

The Governor-General looked at Zhang Jingwei's well-mannered and dignified manner, and his eyes were filled with admiration. He stroked his beard and smiled, "Well! County Master Zhang is thoughtful! In that case, I'm sorry to bother you!"

With the governor's agreement, the tense atmosphere finally eased. Holding the imperial edict in hand, Zhang Jingwei led the governor and his entourage toward Yuehua Tower, amidst the envious, awe-inspiring, and complex gazes of the crowd.