“If he were sent out to serve locally as a county magistrate or commandery administrator, that would take too long. A scion of an official family like Zhongsun Mou can simply go on an inspection tour under the title of touring commissioner. That way, he gets to supervise local governance and pad his resume at the same time. It kills two birds with one stone. Best of all, once the inspection is over, the post of touring commissioner can be taken back.”0

He Lingchuan understood at once. “So it’s a gilding trip.”0

“That description is spot-on.” Li Qingge laughed. “Still, touring commissioners have retained the right to submit memorials directly to the Lord Emperor. A few years ago, I met a touring commissioner from Lingxu City in Zhuolu Commandery. That man had more pomp in Xia Province than even the Governor-General of Xia Province himself. Every official along the route received him with the highest ceremony, fussing over him more attentively than they ever would their own parents. He even traveled with eight escort carriages clearing the way, and everywhere he passed, it was song, dance, and spectacle.”0

He Lingchuan clicked his tongue twice. “Are they hoping that the touring commissioner will put in a few good words for them to the Lord Emperor?”0

“No, you’re wrong.” Li Qingge...0