Dong Miao entered the main hall, glanced around briefly, then naturally walked to the main seat and sat down.
The accountant and the advisor sat below her.
This time, she didn't put on airs or speak formally. Her tone was casual, like chatting, as she asked about each village's harvest and population.
She also reminded them that next month is the New Year holiday, so they should keep warm, and check on the village houses and roads.
After it snows, rooftops in the villages need to be cleared to prevent collapses and avoid injuries.
If Wei Zhen were here, she definitely wouldn't have said these things.
Every official has their own way of doing things, and their style is naturally different.
She then asked the village leaders to report on any unusual situations and if there were any changes in population or land for the month.
Once everyone had shared, she started chatting with them more casually.
Though it seemed like small talk, it was actually a way to learn more about the villages.
Some village leaders were cautious—they'd been in the role for years and knew better than to say too much. But some felt the county magistrate cared about the people, so they spoke freely, mixing truth with exaggeration.
Dong Miao listened with a smile the whole time, not making any comments.
After the advisor finished taking notes, the accountant handed out the salaries to the village leaders. Once everything was recorded, everyone checked the amounts and signed with a fingerprint.
Even though the accountant was new, he got the hang of it quickly.
The job wasn't too hard—just dealing with money and records every day. As long as he stayed careful and didn't make mistakes, it was fine.
Even if he wasn't very fast, no one thought he was slow. Some village leaders were curious why there was a new person, but no one dared to ask.
Overall, it was all done properly.
By the time everything was finished, it was noon—time for lunch.
The advisor and the accountant nodded to Dong Miao, then bowed and left.
Dong Miao smiled and led them to the backyard where a meal had been prepared.
Something strange had happened last time.
After the last meal, the kitchen manager had spoken to the advisor. The advisor was still new and unsure of things, so he told Dong Miao.
That's when Dong Miao found out the last meal had been unusually "clean."
During that meal, people kept offering her drinks, and she was too busy socializing to notice the food.
She was surprised, but kept calm. She didn't mind spending a bit more on food. She kindly told the kitchen to prepare more generous portions this time and add more dishes. Everyone should eat well and leave satisfied.
Julie and Gong Yun walked at the end of the group.
Wu Chun had tried to stay close to Dong Miao the whole way but never found the right chance. She was pushed aside and could only follow with a sulky face, watching the others happily chatting.
Julie didn't like joining these lively scenes, and Gong Yun had already given up on trying. She had a relaxed attitude—being quiet and unnoticed was better. This way, the adults wouldn't pay too much attention to her, and she could live more peacefully.
The group in front chatted excitedly, while Julie and Gong Yun spoke quietly in the back.
Soon, they reached the dining area. Dong Miao naturally took the main seat. The spots closest to her were quickly taken by the two people who had stayed near her the entire time.
Julie, walking at the back, was one of the last to sit.
She glanced at the food on the table and a look of confusion passed through her eyes.
Did she remember wrong?
It made sense for there to be more dishes this time, but why did the plates look like they were one size larger too?
She didn't expect that last time, when she was bored and didn't want to just sit there doing nothing, she absentmindedly kept picking at the food in front of her — and ended up almost finishing all the dishes.
After they left, the servants took the plates back to the kitchen. The head chef casually glanced at them and was shocked.
Thinking the dishes weren't enough, he reported it to the advisor. After all, with a new official in charge, everyone was still trying to figure out his preferences.
Being an advisor before and now a county magistrate — those are very different roles.
Naturally, everyone thought it was better to be cautious.
Most of the people who came to these banquets were there for social reasons, to "build relationships," not really for the food.
Usually, people just drank and chatted. Very few actually focused on eating, and it was common for the dishes to be mostly untouched even after the banquet ended.
Although Dong Miao was a bit surprised, she thought it was only once a month and didn't want to lose face.
She couldn't let people think they'd come to a banquet and left still hungry.
After the banquet started, a group of people made a toast to the magistrate. Julie only had one glass of Jiannanchun liquor and didn't drink any more.
No matter how many times she drank it, she just didn't like the taste.
She focused on eating, occasionally chatting with Gong Yun beside her.
"This lion's head meatball tastes really good, you should try one," Gong Yun said as she ate heartily, thinking to herself that she always looked forward to this meal each month.
"Alright, I'll try one too," Julie replied, seeing how much she was enjoying it. She picked up her chopsticks to grab one.
But... either it was too slippery or something else, she just couldn't get hold of it.
Taking a deep breath, she focused on the meatball, firmly stabbed her chopsticks into it, then happily took a bite. It was delicious and full of meat.
The meal lasted for nearly half an hour, and only ended after Dong Miao put down her chopsticks, exchanged a few polite words, and left.
Gong Yun was quite full, rubbing her stomach as she said goodbye to Julie, "Xiao Julie, if you ever need anything, just come find me at Hongyun Village — it's not far from your place."
She felt they had grown closer after attending a few meetings together.
After all, in a group, even someone who chats a little with you casually can make you feel more comfortable than just sitting alone while everyone else laughs and talks.
Julie paused for a moment, then said, "Oh, thank you." She found it a bit sudden but appreciated the kindness and didn't reject it.
Even though she thought it was unlikely she'd actually visit.
After leaving the county magistrate's house, she rode her horse to the West Market and took out the notices she had prepared, hidden in her sleeve.
She posted them on the doors of eight shops.
During that time, a few locals came by to ask about it, and she patiently answered their questions.
After a few questions, they didn't follow up.
She understood — straightforward people were rare. Most people were cautious, asking around, comparing, and discussing for a while before making any decisions.
After posting the notices, she left.
She remembered that the fifth day of the lunar new year was Bailee's birthday. She wasn't sure if he'd come to town, so she first went to the jade shop.
The same shopkeeper as before welcomed her warmly, clearly remembering her.
He happily introduced some new pieces that had just arrived.
Julie picked out a white jade bracelet. It was crystal clear and delicately crafted — perfect for Bailee, whose gentle personality matched its elegant style.
Although it was a bit expensive, it was within her expectations.
After paying, she tucked the bracelet into her clothes and thanked the shopkeeper before leaving.
She then rode to the blacksmith's shop to buy incense cakes used in hand warmers. Last time, they only had plum blossom scent; this time, they also had a mixed fragrance.
She bought plenty of both kinds — enough to last two months.
After paying, she left. When she passed by the pork stall, she paused for a moment but didn't stop.