Peaceful Farm Life

Chapter 787: Chapter 788 Who do they think they are?_1

Lord Zhang also smiled, ”It is a great honor for Xiao Bio Gong to sit in.”

Great honor indeed...

Hearing Lord Zhang’s words, which were clearly not just pleasantries, Masters Zhou, Zhao, Qian, Sun, and Li were even more startled.

What virtues and abilities did Xiao Changyi possess to receive such preferential treatment from Lord Zhang?!

Especially Official Li, Li Jifan, his heart suddenly skipped a beat. He had the feeling that Xiao Changyi was even more difficult to deal with than Lord Zhang.

”Please, Lord Zhang,” An Jing made her intent quite clear, directing him to her office.

”Please.”

Upon hearing Lord Zhang’s words, An Jing then led the way to her office at the Agricultural Institute.

Xiao Changyi followed right beside An Jing, walking shoulder to shoulder with her toward the front.

Seeing that Lord Zhang, a Third-ranking official, was not walking at the very front and even lagging half a step behind An Jing and Xiao Changyi, the hearts of the five officials were filled with alarm.

Although they didn’t understand why Lord Zhang would do such a thing, just by observing his attitude, they knew that in the future they would not dare to provoke An Jing or Xiao Changyi.

If a Third-ranking official acted this way, what were they but onions of no significance?

Once An Jing entered her room at the Agricultural Institute, she saw only Clerk Zhang present while Clerk Jiang was nowhere to be found. However, she didn’t mind and asked Clerk Zhang to step out, saying that Lord Zhang had something to discuss with her.

Clerk Zhang immediately withdrew respectfully, even closing the door from the outside.

It was only after the door was closed that Lord Zhang paid his respects to Xiao Changyi and An Jing, his voice kept exceedingly low, wary of eavesdropping walls, ”This subordinate pays respects to the Prince, Princess.”

”Didn’t you say you wanted to talk in private? What is it you wish to discuss?” An Jing went straight to the point.

Lord Zhang replied, ”This subordinate had long heard that there were issues with Official Liu, but alas, there was no evidence to be found, for fear of wrongly accusing a good official. Now, with Junior Official’s testimony and the likelihood of additional testimony from those officials, compared with archived letters, Official Liu’s guilt should be established. It’s just that...with Official Liu removed, the Agricultural Institute will be short of a manager. I wonder if the Prince and Princess might have a suitable candidate in mind?”

Upon hearing Lord Zhang’s words, An Jing knew that Lord Zhang was taking into account her position at the Agricultural Institute and worried that she might have a favored candidate who was not the one he intended to promote, which would make his efforts futile. Thus, it was better for him to consult her first.

”Do you have a preferred candidate?” An Jing asked instead of answering.

Lord Zhang candidly replied, ”At the state Agricultural Institute, there is a Farmers’ Knowledge Holder with the surname Zhu, whose character and abilities are quite exceptional.”

An Jing was very satisfied with Lord Zhang’s frankness and smiled, ”Zhu Nongzhi is already serving as Farmers’ Knowledge Holder, so let’s keep him at the state Agricultural Institute. Whether he is transferred here makes no difference. For the position of manager here, I think it would be better to promote Master Zhou. Master Zhou does have achievements in agriculture, it’s just that most of them were overshadowed by Official Liu. Now that the truth has come to light, it is time to elevate him.”

Even though Master Zhou is not the most tactful and always follows the rules to a fault, stubborn and rigid, and like most men here, believes that she, as a woman with abilities, should stay at home cooking, cleaning, and caring for children. Nevertheless, she still thinks Master Zhou is suitable for the position of manager of the Agricultural Institute.

The reason being—

Master Zhou is a straightforward man, harboring no ill intentions, and nearly everything he feels is reflected on his face. He never puts on one act in front of others and another behind their backs.

Most importantly, throughout his years of service, Master Zhou has done many good deeds for the people, is willing to do good, and desires to do even more for them.

It’s likely that his background as a farmer’s son and having experienced hard times in the past has a lot to do with it.