Chapter 109: Envoys to the Tang Dynasty

Amidst Hao Ren’s boisterous congratulations, Zhen Qian was practically dragged into the Yanchun Pavilion. The name alone made it clear this was a brothel. Of course, this was not Zhen Qian’s first time in such a place; in his previous life, he had frequented many neon-lit bars, so he naturally didn't think much of a pleasure house.

Entering was one thing, but what one did inside was another. Zhen Qian prided himself on his self-discipline, a trait Hao Ren lamented he could never match.

"Brother Zhen, you are now the Registrar of Luquan County! We absolutely must celebrate with a toast!"

The position of County Registrar was a minor bureaucratic role, but in the eyes of the common folk, it was an immense authority. While the magistrate handled policy, the true executioners—or oppressors—were the petty clerks who wore the "tiger skin" of officialdom. Their reach extended to the very bottom of society, perfectly illustrating the adage: "The iron-clad camp remains, while the officials flow like water."

Anyone else might have been ecstatic, but Zhen Qian lacked that particular level of ambition. Had Hao Ren not dragged him here, he wouldn't have felt his life had changed at all.

Although Hao Ren was not a regular at the Yanchun Pavilion, he was certainly a familiar face. The painted madam looked like a stage performer, her heavy white powder flaking off with every smile. She pressed herself against Hao Ren, rubbing her partially exposed bosom against his arm. "Kind sir, you haven't visited us in so long! Have our girls been neglecting you...?"

Hao Ren had originally intended to invite all the officials from the county office—the registrars, judicial clerks, and accountants—to celebrate and introduce Zhen Qian to his future colleagues. However, Zhen Qian felt that since Feng Wannian had only issued a verbal appointment and had yet to consult with the other officials, it was premature. While there was no theoretical issue, variables still existed, and celebrating now would be far too ostentatious.

"Brother Zhen will soon be the County Registrar! Today is a joyous occasion, so bring out all