"Did he say what it was about?"
"No."
Xie An, realizing it had been a long time since he had seen Liu Chun, put away the brocade box and placed it on the head of the bed, weighing it down with a pillow. Then, he changed into a cyan brocade robe with cuffed sleeves before heading out.
He Chunli and Han Li had already gone to the Weisheng Martial Arts Hall to practice, making the three-courtyard residence seem very empty.
Arriving at the teahouse in the southeast corner of the front yard, near the pond, Xie An saw Liu Chun from afar, sitting inside and enjoying tea by himself.
Liu Chun was wearing a navy blue Zhen Mosi uniform embroidered with a silver python pattern. It had cuffed sleeves, leather boots, and a jade-inlaid belt. There was also a hook on the side of the belt, holding a saber.
It was somewhat similar to the Flying Fish Suit from Xie An's previous life, but even more majestic and capable.
The uniforms of ordinary Zhen Mosi guards were embroidered with fish patterns.
Only those ranked as 'Du Tou' (Captain) or higher were allowed to embroider python patterns.
One silver python pattern represented the seventh rank. Two silver python patterns represented the sixth rank. Three silver python patterns represented the fifth rank... and so on.
The difference between the 'Zheng' (Principal) and 'Cong' (Associate) ranks lay in the direction of the python pattern. Those facing downwards were 'Cong', while those facing upwards were 'Zheng'.
This was a systematic uniform arrangement, with attention paid to various details, leaving no room for sloppiness.
Although Xie An had not officially entered the Zhen Mosi yet, he had already figured out these details. Just a glance at Liu Chun's uniform told him that Brother Chun was still a seventh-rank 'Du Tou'...
The Zhen Mo Fang's upgrade didn't seem to have benefited him much...
"Brother Xie!"
Hearing footsteps approaching, Liu Chun looked up and saw Xie An walking over. He eagerly stood up and greeted him with cupped hands, "I heard yesterday that Brother Xie had returned safely, and I wanted to come and congratulate you. However, the Zhen Mosi has many rules, so I had to delay until today."
Xie An returned the gesture with cupped hands, "Brother Chun, you're too kind. Let's sit down and talk."
Liu Chun didn't sit down but instead gestured with his hand, "Brother Xie, please go first."
Huh?
Xie An was taken aback.
Although Xie An and Liu Chun had worked together for quite some time four years ago, during which Liu Chun had been very respectful to him, he hadn't been this deferential.
Did he know about his appointment as the fifth-rank 'Zong Si'?
Xie An remained calm and took a seat first. Only then did Liu Chun follow suit.
Yu He, very politely, bent down to brew tea for the two of them.
Xie An hadn't expected that he wasn't in a hurry... but the Zhen Mosi was.
However, this was understandable. The 'Zong Si' position of the Qingwu Zhen Mo Fu Si had been vacant for four years. Now that there was finally progress, Chen Tie and the others naturally wanted the top leader to take office as soon as possible to facilitate their work.
Xie An held the warm porcelain cup, and after a long while, he gently placed it down, "Alright, I was planning to go to the Zhen Mosi today anyway."
Hearing Xie An's agreement, Liu Chun was overjoyed, "Brother Xie is indeed forthright. With the Eldest Princess above, Brother Xie will surely achieve great things here. I will definitely do my best to serve Brother Xie."
In the end, Liu Chun was full of smiles, his face flushed with excitement.
Over the past four years, Liu Chun had been feeling frustrated.
Although the county town's establishment was just a small Zhen Mo Fang, Liu Chun was the 'Du Tou', the top leader. He had lived a carefree life. Later, when the Zhen Mo Fang was upgraded to a fifth-rank Zhen Mosi, he thought he could at least become a sixth-rank Deputy Commander, but it didn't happen...
Then, Liu Chun seemed to have been forgotten... until Xie An returned, and someone first remembered him, asking him to confirm Xie An's identity from afar.
Early this morning, Zhao Qing'er even personally found Liu Chun and told him a shocking piece of news: Xie An was going to be the fifth-rank 'Zong Si'!
Liu Chun was shocked at the time, exclaiming: Sure enough, I had long discovered that Xie An's relationship with the Eldest Princess was extraordinary! Xie An's martial arts strength is clearly not very outstanding, but so what? The Eldest Princess's one sentence... didn't he still become the fifth-rank 'Zong Si'?
To succeed in the officialdom, one must have a backer.
Immediately, Zhao Qing'er asked Liu Chun to be the persuader.
Liu Chun realized his value... was because of Xie An.
Fortunately, Xie An agreed... at least showing that he, the persuader, had value.
Moreover, Xie An was going to be the fifth-rank 'Zong Si', so why worry about not having a chance to rise in the future?
Four years of frustration vanished in an instant.
...
Qingwu Zhen Mosi Yamen.
Seven-story building, next to the tea table close to the railing.
Chen Tie sat in the chief seat, leisurely brewing tea. Zhao Qing'er and Wei Haoran sat on the left and right sides, their expressions very solemn.
"Senior Brother Chen, the Eldest Princess is a bit biased," Zhao Qing'er said, peeling a tangerine, seemingly casually, "Whether it's family background, status, or martial arts strength, the position of 'Zong Si' should belong to Senior Brother Chen. As far as I know, Xie An's strength is still at the Chongxue Realm. Even if he becomes the 'Zong Si', he won't be able to do anything."
Chen Tie remained calm, "The Eldest Princess's arrangement must have a deeper meaning."
Zhao Qing'er used her slender fingers to break off a segment of the tangerine, put it in her mouth, and chewed, "Have you never questioned the Eldest Princess's judgment?"
"Impossible!" Chen Tie denied outright, "Her Highness the Eldest Princess is meticulous in her thinking and plans far ahead. It's not something you and I can fathom."
Wei Haoran interjected, "Zhao Qing'er, you're being disrespectful to the Eldest Princess."
"Shut up. Subordinates should have the awareness of subordinates. This is not a place for you to speak. Otherwise, this princess will punish you for insubordination," Zhao Qing'er didn't give Wei Haoran any face, and the latter snorted coldly, turning his head away and saying nothing more.
Too hurtful to his self-esteem.
This Zhao Qing'er is so annoying.
Every time she can't win an argument, she uses her official authority, as if I've never been an official in my life...
It's just that she's half a rank higher than me, Wei Haoran...
Zhao Qing'er handed half of the tangerine with the peel to Chen Tie, "I have no personal opinion about Xie An, I just feel that he can't sit firmly in the position of Qingwu Zhen Mo Fu Si 'Zong Si'. I asked Liu Chun to ask for his opinion. It's best if he rejects this letter of appointment, so Senior Brother Chen can take office. The following things will be easy to handle."
Chen Tie, who was about to eat the tangerine, lost his appetite upon hearing this. He put it down and slammed the table, "Nonsense. Quickly call Liu Chun back."
Zhao Qing'er was stunned, "People have already gone. Senior Brother Chen, don't worry, I said to urge Xie An to take office. I didn't mean to disobey the Eldest Princess."
Only then did Chen Tie breathe a sigh of relief, "You guys are still too young. You don't know the Eldest Princess's considerations. Do you think the Eldest Princess can decide the matter of upgrading Qingwu Zhen Mo Fu Si with just one word?"
Zhao Qing'er finally realized the seriousness of the problem and sat up straight, "Please enlighten me, Senior Brother Chen."
Chen Tie said, "Now, the Nanyang Zhen Mo Fu Si, where the Eldest Princess is stationed, is under the jurisdiction of the Nanzhou Zhen Mo Zhou Si. It's just that the Eldest Princess's identity is special, and the Zhen Mo Zhou Si doesn't dare to interfere.
To upgrade Qingwu Zhen Mo Fu Si, you must first get the consent of the Zhen Mo Zhou Si. The position of 'Zong Si' is not only wanted by the Eldest Princess, but also by the Prince of Huainan. In the beginning, the Eldest Princess did want me to be the 'Zong Si', but the Zhen Mo Zhou Si disagreed, they wanted to use their own people."
Zhao Qing'er suddenly understood, "So you compromised?"
Chen Tie said, "That's right. Even if they can't use their own people, they must never let the other side's people take the position. In the end, the Eldest Princess had to think of a compromise, choosing someone without a faction to take the 'Zong Si' position, and that's how it was settled. It's just that I didn't expect this person to be Xie An."
Alas.
Zhao Qing'er sighed, "The waters of Nanzhou are so deep that even Her Highness the Eldest Princess has to compromise."
Chen Tie said, "The imperial court is inherently intricate, and many things are the result of compromise. Although Xie An's strength is not strong, this also has a benefit, making the Prince of Huainan's people relax their vigilance. Moreover... although Xie An has not joined any faction, he is generally closer to us."
Only then did Zhao Qing'er and Wei Haoran understand the Eldest Princess's difficulties, and they no longer had any complaints about Xie An.
Chen Tie saw their expressions and took the opportunity to knock them into shape, "We are all in the same camp, sharing honor and disgrace. We must let go of our grudges. Xie An is the best option for 'Zong Si' at the moment. If his strength is not enough, we will assist him well. If there's anything, we'll bear with it."
Zhao Qing'er and Wei Haoran nodded in agreement.
Chen Tiesong breathed a sigh of relief, "That's more like it. Our opponents are the Eternal Life Sect and the Prince of Huainan.
The Southern Prefecture Demon Suppression Division had already arranged for two Assistant Directors, Zhu and Liu, to be stationed at the Green Crow Town Demon Suppression Division. They are currently patrolling the Water Lantern Town area. In addition, the Town Demon Prefecture Division has also arranged for a Deputy Chief Director and an Investigating Envoy, who are about to take office, and may have already arrived in Qingwu County. They just haven't come to the yamen yet."
Wei Haoran said indignantly, "The Town Demon Prefecture Division just can't stand to see us doing well. It's one thing to arrange for a Deputy Chief Director, but to also arrange for an Investigating Envoy? Isn't that placing them above the Chief Director? In this game, the Eldest Princess is still at a disadvantage."
The Investigating Envoy represents the will of the Town Demon Prefecture Division, and naturally can suppress the Chief Director of the Green Crow Town Demon Division.
You must know that the Chief Director of the Town Demon Prefecture Division is a high-ranking official of the second rank. That's a top figure who can enter the capital to meet the Emperor at any time.
Chen Tieming's eyes flickered, "The Eldest Princess's temporary disadvantage is only on the surface, but the reality may not be so…"
Just then, a voice came from outside the door.
"Subordinate Liu Chun, along with Xie An, requests to see Lord Chen."
Xie An!
Chen Tie immediately stopped talking, gave Zhao Qing'er and Wei Haoran a look, and the two immediately cleaned up the tangerines on the table, standing solemnly behind Chen Tie.
Chen Tie straightened his clothes before saying, "Come in."
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Liu Chun led Xie An and Yu He inside, first cupping his fist towards Zhao Qing'er, "Assistant Director Zhao, your subordinate has lived up to expectations."
Zhao Qing'er said coldly, "You did a good job, you may leave."
"Your subordinate takes his leave." Liu Chun left happily.
He was already very satisfied to receive a compliment from Zhao Qing'er.
"Brother Xie, please sit down." Chen Tie invited Xie An to sit down, and even took the initiative to pour tea for Xie An, "How is Brother Xie considering the matter of the letter of appointment?"
Xie An took out the letter of appointment, handed it to Chen Tie, and said humbly, "In principle, the Princess's gift cannot be refused. However, this place is full of talents. On the left, there is Princess Zhao Qing'er, daughter of the Prince Bao, Wei Haoran, son of the Duke of Wei, and Lord Chen sitting in the center. An is insignificant and dare not interfere."
Although he had a plan in mind, when it came time to take office, Xie An felt that he still needed to be humble and see the attitude of these people.
Although it seems a bit hypocritical… but people in this world seem to be like this.
When ministers who are planning a rebellion take power, they always decline three times, partly to show their lofty character and helplessness, and partly to test the intentions and attitudes of the ministers.
If a few important ministers jump out to object, then they cannot forcibly take power.
Although people have already planned it, the process still has to be followed.
Xie An felt that his actions today had a bit of this flavor.
What kind of person is Chen Tie?
He saw through Xie An's thoughts at a glance, and without exposing him, he said with a smile, "Brother Xie is overthinking. We are all officials appointed by the imperial court, and deeply grateful for the great kindness of the Eldest Princess. We should follow the Eldest Princess's lead and do our best for the Eldest Princess.
Since the Eldest Princess intends for Brother Xie to serve as Chief Director, I, Chen Tie, as well as Zhao Qing'er and Wei Haoran, will do our best to assist Brother Xie."
After speaking, Chen Tie did not forget to wink at Zhao Qing'er and Wei Haoran. The two suddenly came to their senses and expressed their positions.
"Zhao Qing'er is willing to fully assist Chief Director Xie."
"Wei Haoran is willing to fully assist Chief Director Xie."
Although the two usually compete with each other, comparing their strengths, they are clear-headed when it comes to major issues.
Xie An didn't expect the three to be so straightforward, and continued to decline, "Lord Chen, how can this be? Why don't I ask the Eldest Princess to resign and be a small Demon Suppression Guard, which can also do my best for the Princess."
As soon as these words came out, Chen Tie was so shocked that he didn't dare to sit, and hurriedly got up and cupped his fists, looking a little panicked, "Absolutely not, if Brother Xie resigns, then it will seem that we are ignorant. To be honest, even if Brother Xie resigns, I, Chen Tie, cannot be this Chief Director."
Xie An was stunned, "Why is that?"
Chen Tie told the story of the Eldest Princess and the Southern Prefecture Demon Suppression Division's tug-of-war in detail, and finally said, "The person who takes office as Chief Director must not belong to either the Eldest Princess or the Prince of Huainan's faction. Brother Xie is the most suitable. If Brother Xie resigns, then Chen Tie can only go to the Eldest Princess and slit his own throat."
Xie An cupped his fists deeply, "Since that's the case, then Xie will respectfully obey."
Chen Tie didn't know why, but a layer of fine sweat appeared on his forehead, "Your subordinate has seen Chief Director Xie."
Although it was just a few simple conversations, everyone present felt that this Chief Director Xie was very experienced in dealing with things.
Zhao Qing'er and Wei Haoran also stood up to express their positions.
"Your subordinate has seen Chief Director Xie."
Xie An hurriedly helped everyone up, "Absolutely not, absolutely not. I am new here, and there are many places where I need everyone's advice. Speaking of which, I am just a nominal position, and I still need to rely on you adults."
"Chief Director Xie is too modest. The person appointed by the Eldest Princess is definitely not a nominal position. The Green Crow Town Demon Division should rely on your wise decisions." Chen Tie's forehead was covered with more cold sweat.
This guy… doesn't look like a newcomer entering the officialdom for the first time. This set of skills… can't handle it.
More importantly, even if Chen Tie is a confidant of the Eldest Princess, he cannot grasp the depth of the relationship between Xie An and the Eldest Princess. Now that he has seen Xie An's set of skills, he feels a lot of pressure.
Zhao Qing'er and Wei Haoran also had the same thoughts in their hearts.
After some pleasantries, Chen Tie said, "Chief Director Xie is new here, I will take you around and take you to your resting place. You will receive the official seal, token, official robe, etc."
"Thank you!"
Chen Tie pointed to the top floor of the seven-story building, "This is Chief Director Xie's office. It is the place with the best view in the entire Green Crow Town Demon Division. The place to stay and rest is in the Southeast Courtyard, please follow me."
Chen Tie led Xie An away from the high-rise building, and went around most of the Demon Suppression Division, introducing the various offices in detail.
There are document rooms, merit rooms, armories, teaching buildings, medicine dispensing rooms, martial arts platforms, and so on.
Xie An was very shocked when he saw it.
He had never seen such an atmospheric official residence in Qingwu County.
Moreover, countless Demon Suppression Guards came and went, each with an extraordinary aura. Martial masters were not very rare here, it can be said to be a place where dragons and tigers are hidden.
Above the Assistant Directors, there are independent offices.
According to Chen Tie's introduction, the entire Green Crow Town Demon Division has four sixth-rank Assistant Directors. Zhao Qing'er and Wei Haoran are two of them. In addition, there are two Assistant Directors, Zhu and Liu, sent by the Southern Prefecture Demon Suppression Division, who are currently monitoring the remnants of the demons of the Da Yin Mountain in Water Lantern Town. Each Assistant Director has a separate courtyard for office work, managing one hundred people.
Above the Assistant Directors, there are two Deputy Chief Directors of the fifth rank.
One of them is Chen Tie, and the other Deputy Chief Director is from the Town Demon Prefecture Division and has not yet taken office.
Above this is Xie An, the Chief Director of the fifth rank.
Above the Chief Director, there is also an Investigating Envoy sent by the Southern Prefecture Demon Suppression Division, who has not yet taken office.
Hearing this, Xie An already understood in his heart: This Green Crow Town Demon Division yamen has gathered the forces of both the Eldest Princess and the Prince of Huainan.
The water is deep.
Finally, Chen Tie led Xie An to the Southeast Courtyard. The courtyard was atmospheric and elegant. Two rows of weapon racks were placed in the courtyard, filled with various weapons.
On the Eight Immortals table in the living room were placed official uniforms, belts, tokens, official seals, etc.
Chen Tie stretched out his hand to guide, "Please Chief Director Xie put on the official uniform and wear the token. Your subordinate will go to the seventh floor to wait for you to attend the meeting."
After speaking, Chen Tie cupped his fist and left with Zhao Qing'er and Wei Haoran, leaving only Xie An and Yu He in the living room.
Yu He stepped forward and stroked the official uniform, "What exquisite material, using the finest silk, and inlaid with gold edges. The workmanship and embroidery are superb. I'm afraid the entire Qingwu County can't produce such silk. The official uniform of the fifth rank is indeed extraordinary.
Master, put on this official robe, and you will be an official of the fifth rank in the imperial court. You are also the Chief Director of the Demon Suppression Division. When anyone in Qingwu County sees you, they will have to call you Chief Director!"
It was still morning at this moment, and the bright sunshine shone down, setting off the gold edges on the official uniform with a golden glow.
Xie An slowly walked to the Eight Immortals table, reached out and gently stroked the material on the official uniform, feeling the embroidery stitch by stitch, and the silver python pattern on it.
Afterwards, he gently stroked the official seal and token.
The official seal was jet black, and the top was carved with three intertwined pythons. The carving was exquisite and lifelike, with a great visual impact. As for the black metal token, it was a small rectangle, with the official name engraved on it, representing the identity of the Chief Director.
All of this is what many martial masters dream of for a lifetime.
Now it is placed in front of Xie An.
Then, Xie An opened his mouth, "Yu He, help me change my clothes."
