Time Travel: The Noble Family-Chapter 1234 - 515: Niu Yanghui’s Promotion (Part 2)

Niu Yanghui has been promoted, from the Magistrate of Suzhou to the Inspector of Jiangnan. The official position of the Magistrate of Suzhou is of the fourth rank, while the Inspector is of the third rank, meaning Niu Yanghui jumped two ranks.

Niu Yanghui had already served in Suzhou for over five years, so jumping two ranks wasn’t too outrageous, at least not as shocking as when Ma Peng jumped three ranks in the past.

Yueyao muttered: "How did he manage to become an Inspector just like that?"

The Magistrate governs the decrees of a prefectural government, overseeing various subordinate counties, responsible for announcing national decrees, governing the populace, adjudicating lawsuits, inspecting crimes, evaluating subordinate officials, collecting taxes, and all other governmental affairs. The Inspector, on the other hand, supervises the performance and corrupt practices of the officials, having the right to report the various levels of its jurisdiction, but it only has the right to report and not to dispose of or reappoint. Furthermore, in general situations, the County Magistrate still actually handles cases, and the Inspector can only approve cases involving punishments below exile. Any case involving exile or more severe punishments needs to be reported to the Ministry of Punishment for approval.

It can be said that although Niu Yanghui’s position was elevated by two ranks, his power is not as significant as before. Of course, Niu Yanghui is just acquiring some experience; he couldn’t possibly stay in Jiangnan for a lifetime. If it were in normal years, such a promotion for Niu Yanghui would only make Yueyao think that Old Master Niu or Marquis Jingning, Luo Shao, intended to give Niu Yanghui more training. However, now with the Northwest at war, removing Niu Yanghui from the position of Magistrate of Suzhou seems suspicious to Yueyao.

It’s important to know that during the ongoing war in the Northwest, the Imperial Court needs to requisition provisions, which poses risks. If anything were to happen, the officials involved in requisitioning the provisions would also be implicated. Thus, to avoid implicating Niu Yanghui, Old Master Niu simply removed Niu Yanghui from the Magistrate’s position.

Xiang Wei offered a different explanation: "Lord Zhang, the current Inspector, turns sixty this month. The Imperial Court has a regulation for retirement at sixty. This position was one that Old Master Niu had long planned for Niu Yanghui." These positions are predetermined; even if Lord Niu is just a Second Rank Officer, you can’t unseat someone if they’ve committed no wrong, even if they were the prime minister.

Yueyao smiled: "Seems like I was overthinking it." It turns out that Lord Niu is paving the way for Niu Yanghui!

Xiang Wei considered Yueyao’s tendency to overthink a good trait: "If my guess is correct, by the time Niu Yanghui enters the Capital City, it will be when Old Master Niu retires." It’s impossible for father and son to both hold high positions in the Capital City, one must step down. Moreover, Old Master Niu has never been in great health, and he stayed on merely for Niu Yanghui’s sake.

Yueyao shook her head: "Truly, parents’ hearts are universally concerned for their children."

Xiang Wei, however, had a different thought: "Knowing that Jiangnan will be experiencing a drought, should we stockpile some grain ourselves, and make a small profit when the time comes?"

Yueyao’s expression turned sour: "Do you really feel good earning such dirty money?" If it were her, she wouldn’t feel at ease taking such money.

Xiang Wei muttered: "We wouldn’t sell it at a high price, just a ten percent increase from our buying price. Besides, if we don’t sell, others will. By doing so, we’d also be relieving the poor."

Yueyao would never partake in such deeds: "If you’re sincere in helping everyone, why not just distribute porridge then!" Of course, even distributing porridge is something Yueyao wouldn’t manage, as she would surely be in the Capital City by then.

Speaking of the Capital City, Xiang Wei chuckled: "You have stashed away quite a bit of grain at your manor. Last time you donated it, are you planning to donate it again this time?"

Yueyao calmly replied: "Of course, but I won’t donate it to Jiangnan." If she donates, it will be to the Northwest.

Xiang Wei’s face showed an expression of ’I knew you would do that.’

As they were talking, they heard from outside that Elder Liu had sent an invitation, inviting Yueyao to the Liu Residence as a guest. It was obvious to anyone that Elder Liu was calling Yueyao to discuss the painting.

The war in the Northwest didn’t affect Jiangnan, not because people didn’t love their country, but because the scale of the war was still small and separated by thousands of miles. Of course, the main reason is that it’s winter now, and both armies are in a ceasefire.

Yueyao had business with Elder Liu, so she accepted the invitation.

Yueyao was delighted, but Mingzhu was somewhat displeased: "I originally thought I’d return to the Capital City after completing a six-year term, but it turns out I have to stay for three more years." The problem now is, even after three years, it’s uncertain if returning will be possible. Though the landscapes of Jiangnan are beautiful, Mingzhu has grown accustomed to life in the Capital City, and with family and friends all there, she still hopes to return soon.