As the saying goes, when one man gains the Tao, his chickens and dogs ascend to heaven. Although Yang Zhenshan hasn't gained the Tao, he is now a Deputy Magistrate Commander of Jianning Guard with a Secondary Third Rank official position, hence everyone who has the slightest connection with him and the Yang family can bask in their glory.
The Wang family, for instance, thanks to their marriage ties with the Yang family, are not to be trifled with in Anning County, to say the least. The civil servants and constables of the county government must treat them with utmost courtesy.
It's important to not underestimate this; the harm done by minor officials can be even more severe than that of corrupt ones. Take for instance the collection of grain taxes; no civil servant or constable in Anning County would dare to be dishonest with the Wang family.
