Just like that, Chen Jie allowed Wu Hong to personally choose people from various departments and then form his Inspection Team.

This was clearly a task that would offend people, whether you appointed someone smooth or someone tough, it wouldn’t be good. Wu Hong had a righteous character but was not overly pedantic; he knew what was appropriate.

Most importantly, he was a staunch supporter of Chen Jie, considered part of the Xiantao Village Faction.

It’s important to know that within Chen Jie’s Huangzhou Prefecture government, the factions are quite evident. The most elite among them is the Xiantao Village Faction, also known as the Clan Faction, which is the strongest group. The core figure is Chen Xiaohu, Chen Jie’s most trusted brother.

Next, there is Bai Wenjing’s family, and even if you count Su Yunjin, she should be considered part of the Clan Faction; even Chen Jie himself could be included in the Clan Faction. This group is the most loyal to Chen Jie.

Then there’s the Mianshui County Faction and the Huangzhou Prefecture Faction; these two factions have the most people, present in all departments. The Mianshui County Faction includes people like Zhou Chu, Si Xi, and Bai Mosheng.

The Huangzhou Prefecture Faction consists of people like Jin Yanzi, Chen Jie’s subordinates who occupied the Huangzhou Prefecture after reclaiming it.

These subordinates have some power struggles and protective tactics in private, which at this stage, Chen Jie cannot solve—it is inevitable where there are people, there’s Jianghu, and there’s human interaction.

These forces are deeply intertwined, and finding someone who can stabilize the scene is very difficult.

Especially for the Inspection Officer who oversees the officials, being an official among officials, this person is very important. Whether chosen from the Mianshui Faction or the Huangzhou Faction, the opposing faction would certainly not cooperate.

In that case, the contention would drain Huangzhou Prefecture’s strength.

This is why the selection had to be from the Clan Faction. Within the Clan Faction, Su Yunjin is the Empress and cannot easily step in, Bai Wenjing is too old, and Wu Zhong lacks capability.

Chen Xiaohu is suitable, but he represents Chen Jie in the army, currently the top figure in the military; if he steps down, it wouldn’t work.

After selecting, only Wu Hong was truly suitable.

After all, Wu Hong is a staunch member of the Clan Faction and currently in Huangzhou Prefecture, has not colluded with any other forces; his authority comes from Chen Jiusi.

In officialdom, this makes him a pure subject, the best choice for Inspection Officer.

Furthermore, as part of the Clan Faction, he has enough influence within the Huangzhou Prefecture system, aware of Chen Jie and Bai Wenjing’s family relationship.

Because of this, Chen Jie chose Wu Hong to serve as the Inspection Officer, with very good effect. His upright character, combined with Chen Jie’s backing, allowed him to exert his ambition as much as possible.

Additionally, Chen Jie initially selected officials in Huangzhou Prefecture carefully, which led to very clear governance.

Chen Jie believed that once the talents cultivated by his academies gradually took positions, then delegated local authority, starting from village chiefs, step by step, he could fully grasp Huangzhou Prefecture in his palm, making it his own.

Chen Jie rode his horse, moving forward all the way, finally returning to the long-missed Huangzhou Prefecture after passing through Qianjiang Prefecture.

As soon as Chen Jie returned to Huangzhou Prefecture, local officials recognized him and reported up the levels.

Officials from various places requested to meet Chen Jie and report on their work. Chen Jie immediately ordered that he had no time today and would hold a meeting the day after tomorrow at the Huangzhou Prefecture government office, where all the top officials within Huangzhou Prefecture must meet him.

Moreover, Chen Jie mentioned that after the meeting, he would conduct on-the-spot inspections and visits to each department!

Having said that, Chen Jie headed straight to his residence.

After this life-threatening journey, Chen Jie didn’t want to jump into various governmental affairs immediately; he still has two wives to pamper!

Chen Residence!

"Madams!"

Su Yunjin and Huang Wan’er, leisurely sunbathing in the courtyard, saw the Chen Residence’s main butler, Chen Chun, rushing in with uncontrollable joy on his face.

At this moment, Su Yunjin didn’t look very healthy, somewhat lazy due to insufficient vitality.

Huang Wan’er spoke: "What’s the matter that makes Chief Chen this urgent."

Upon hearing this, Chen Chun quickly said: "I’ve just gotten news that the master has returned."

"What!"

Upon hearing this, the previously languid Su Yunjin immediately sat upright, her face full of joy. During this trip to Bright Peak, she repeatedly felt uneasy for some reason; now her husband had returned, it made her unusually excited.

The initially quiet back courtyard came alive upon hearing this news.

Huang Wan’er asked: "Where is he now?"

Chen Chun replied: "He is on his way to the residence, expected to arrive in about thirty minutes."

Upon hearing this, Huang Wan’er looked at Su Yunjin and said: "Yunjin, the husband is back; let’s go out of the residence to welcome him."

Su Yunjin nodded gently, then Huang Wan’er instructed: "Tell the kitchen to prepare meals, and take out some wine from the cellar, as the husband likes to drink."

"You, a few, take care of the young master and young lady; the rest come with me to the gate to welcome the master." 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

Upon hearing this, Yin Hongmei and Du Juan stayed back to care for Chen Jie’s children.

The rest, surrounding Su Yunjin and Huang Wan’er, proceeded directly to the entrance of the residence.

At this moment at the Chen Residence gate, the ladies eagerly awaited. Although Su Yunjin and Chen Jie have been married for a long time, at this moment, she was still eagerly anticipating his arrival.

Huang Wan’er, alongside Mudan, was confirming if her makeup was smudged while mysteriously asking Mudan about the black silk stockings her husband had mentioned last time, suggesting they might be used tonight.