Chapter 258: Power Play?

Chapter 258: A Show of Power?

Cheng Ge stood on the steps, accepting their deference calmly...

After the formal bowing, the officials still knelt on the ground, awaiting instructions.

Instructions... instructions... instructions?

As a result... everyone knelt for over an hour, but still didn't hear a peep.

Everyone: "???"

With heads lowered, their necks began to ache, and their hearts were pounding with anxiety.

What exactly did this Lord Censor mean?

Could it be that as a new official, he deliberately wanted to give Yuanzhou a taste of his authority?

The sun gradually rose high, baking the bluestone ground without mercy.

Their knees went from numb to a sharp ache, and the backs of their official robes were gradually soaked with sweat, sticking clammily to their bodies.

In such a situation, everyone could only endure the discomfort and maintain their kneeling posture.

Cheng Ge stood on the steps, his gaze sweeping over the officials below.

At this moment, Cheng Ge suddenly began to understand why the male protagonists in novels all wanted to stand at the pinnacle of power.

This feeling was fucking awesome!

After a long while, Cheng Ge finally moved...

He tilted his head back slightly, taking deliberate, measured steps, the hem of his official robe swaying with each movement.

He walked extremely slowly, as if moving down each step one frame at a time.

It felt less like a routine inspection and more like walking the red carpet at Cannes.

Everyone kept their bodies low, holding their breath, their eyes fixed on the ground before them.

He first strolled casually among them for a few rounds, then stopped before an old official with white hair and beard.

The toe of his official boot nearly touched the old official's lowered nose. Looking at the boot tip, the man felt an invisible pressure like a mountain bearing down on him, and his breath caught.

He held his breath, not daring to lift even an eyelid, his aged bones seeming to stiffen in that moment.

Time stretched unbearably long, so long that the colleagues behind the old official broke out in a cold sweat on his behalf. Only then did Cheng Ge slowly step away.

But no sooner had he taken a few steps than he drifted over to another slightly portly official.

This official, due to kneeling for too long, had agonizing pain in his knees.

He thought to take advantage of the Lord Censor's diverted gaze, secretly shifting his weight from his left knee to his right knee to give his left leg a brief rest.

But as soon as his butt lifted slightly, before he could fully shift, a shadow fell over him, blocking the sunlight.

The plump official's movement froze instantly, his half-raised butt hovering in midair, unable to lower it or keep it up.

"Sigh..." An extremely soft sigh drifted down from above, barely audible.

Official: "???"

What did this mean? Could it be that this Censor already had something on him?

Thinking this, his half-raised butt involuntarily trembled. Could this Censor be planning to make an example of him?

But fortunately, after a while, the shadow overhead gradually lifted, and he once again basked in the sunlight for the first time in a while.

Then, another official's ears were suddenly assailed by a spine-chilling laugh: "Hehehe..."

Everyone: "!!!"

And Cheng Ge, like a lion patrolling his territory, paused before one, lingered beside another.

He didn't speak, just straight-up messed with their heads, like a psychopath about to go on a killing spree.

This made the officials below, who were usually influential figures in Yuanzhou, tremble in fear, sweat pouring off them, and their mental defenses on the verge of collapse in the silent torment.

Finally, as if having fully savored this silent show of power,

Cheng Ge, satisfied, turned around with leisurely grace and stepped back onto the high platform.

He turned around, facing the officials who were still kneeling, and slowly said: "All lords, please rise."

Hearing this, everyone looked left and right, then pushed themselves up with their hands on their thighs and stood up trembling.

"I, This Official, have been dispatched by imperial decree to inspect Yuanzhou, aiming to investigate official misconduct, expound on governance, and care for the people's hardships.

I hope that all of you will remain in your positions, diligently serve the imperial cause, and jointly ensure local peace."

After delivering a round of pompous official rhetoric, the new Prefect Zhou Wenyuan led several chief subordinates forward, his face wearing a perfectly measured smile.

"Censor Cheng has had a tiring journey. The Inspection Bureau has been prepared according to regulations, with everything in order. Would you like to rest for a while? I, your humble servant, have prepared a modest banquet to welcome you..."

Upon hearing Zhou Wenyuan's words, Cheng Ge slightly lowered his eyelids, his eyes shifting left and right, and said:

"I deeply appreciate Lord Zhou's hospitality, but since I have just arrived, wouldn't such a grand display be too extravagant..."

Zhou Wenyuan was not too surprised upon hearing this and was about to exchange a few polite words in response.

But unexpectedly, as soon as Cheng Ge finished speaking, he immediately went on, his tone even carrying a note of... anticipation?

"However..." He changed his tone, his gaze seemingly casually sweeping over Zhou Wenyuan.

"When I was in the capital, I heard that Yuanzhou's roast suckling pig is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a rich aroma, truly exceptional..."

As he spoke, he turned his face to look at Zhou Wenyuan, the hint in his eyes was all too obvious.

Zhou Wenyuan: "???"

He froze on the spot, almost thinking he was hearing things. This Lord Censor was not playing by the rules?

According to convention, newly appointed imperial censors, to avoid suspicion and demonstrate incorruptibility, would repeatedly decline such welcome feasts, even sternly refuse them.

But this one, on the contrary, actually ordered a specific dish?

The officials behind Zhou Wenyuan also exchanged looks of bewilderment. This Censor Cheng's way of doing things was far too... distinctive.

Their minds raced, wondering if this move had some deeper meaning? Was it a test?

Luckily, Zhou Wenyuan was a seasoned official. Although he was inwardly perplexed, his expression stiffened only briefly.

Then he immediately resumed his respectful yet slightly warm smile.

"Ah! I never expected Censor Cheng, all the way in the capital, to know about this humble local treat from Yuanzhou!"

Zhou Wenyuan clapped his hands and laughed, "Your Excellency is absolutely right. The roast suckling pig at Zuiming Tower is made with top-notch ingredients and masterful heat control; it is indeed a local specialty!

I'll send someone right away to make sure Your Excellency gets the most authentic taste!"

As he spoke, he discreetly signaled the deputy prefect behind him.

The deputy prefect understood, bowed, and slipped out, clearly hurrying to make arrangements at Zuiming Tower.

Seeing this, Cheng Ge nodded slightly, looking satisfied.

His expression was so solemn, as if he hadn't just been the one hinting at roast suckling pig.

"Hmm... Since Lord Zhou insists so warmly, I suppose I have no choice but to accept."

Zhou Wenyuan was speechless.