It wasn’t that Shen Qingshuang was a complete fool. After all, she had recognized and promoted Liu Yunfeng, who was a man of integrity.
And hadn’t she also shown a keen eye for talent by sparing no effort to cultivate Chen Cheng?
’Perhaps if I were in Shen Qingshuang’s position, I’d also recruit subordinates like Yan Jian—the kind who are always looking for a chance to pledge their loyalty to their master.
No, that’s not right. If I had a subordinate like that, I would’ve cut him down long ago!
Then again, my own n, Li Sheng and Ma Zehua, often pledge their loyalty to , and I have to admit it feels pretty good. Could they have the sa motives as Yan Jian does with Shen Qingshuang?
Whatever. Thinking about this stuff just gives a headache. I should just focus on Cultivating Martial Dao. Anyone who crosses dies. Anyone who tries to pull a fast one gets cut down. Simple and direct!’
Chen Cheng shook his head, casting aside these distracting thoughts. He turned into an alley and watched from a distance as Yan Jian inspected the Zhou Family’s convoy.
All the stone materials were unloaded, and Yan Jian even searched every last carriage, but he still couldn’t find anything.
"Well, Lord Officer?" Ruan Gaolou asked with a chuckle.
"Don’t get cocky. I’ll catch you sooner or later!" Yan Jian snorted, then signaled for Liu Yunfeng and his n to fall back.
As the group drew near, Chen Cheng finally stepped out of the alley.
Seeing that Shen Qingshuang wasn’t there, Yan Jian heaved a huge sigh of relief. He had been racking his brain over how he was going to explain this to his cousin.
But when you fail, all excuses beco pale and aningless.
Since she wasn’t here, not having to explain for the ti being was for the best.
"Mr. Chen, where’s my cousin?" Yan Jian asked with feigned surprise, clearly wanting to ntion his connection to Shen Qingshuang in front of everyone.
"Senior Sister Shen already went back," Chen Cheng said, with no intention of ridiculing him. He then relayed Shen Qingshuang’s instructions.
Yan Jian imdiately perked up again. With a solemn expression, he said, "My cousin truly does look out for . I, Yan Jian, will be sure to rember my cousin’s teachings..."
Chen Cheng couldn’t be bothered to listen to him gloat. "Mr. Yan, are you heading back to Lishui District? Shall we go together?" he asked.
Yan Jian was quite displeased at being cut off mid-sentence, but his failure tonight had left him a bit short on confidence. He simply said, "Tonight is my wedding night. Of course I’m returning to my estate in the Inner City to be with my bride."
With that, he cupped his fists to the group and said, "Everyone, farewell!"
The mont Yan Jian left, the atmosphere imdiately grew more relaxed.
"Ah Cheng, it’s been a while! You’re looking more impressive than ever!" Liu Yunfeng said with a hearty laugh.
Su Chenglin and the others all chid in:
"Mr. Chen, I’ve heard all about it! You’ve really made a na for yourself over in Lishui District!"
"Mr. Chen was the top constable in Ruyi District, and now he’s the top Chief Constable in Lishui District. Who in the entire Outer City District’s City Guard Departnt doesn’t admire him?"
"Hah! If Mr. Chen had been in charge tonight, there’s no way we’d be going ho empty-handed."
...
Chatting and laughing, the group made their way toward the Ruyi Square Sub-Departnt.
When they reached a fork in the road, Liu Yunfeng said, "Ah Cheng, why don’t we head to the Ruyi Square Sub-Departnt for so hot tea and catch up?"
Chen Cheng shook his head. "Mr. Liu, everyone’s tired tonight. Let’s do it another ti."
"Alright, then," Liu Yunfeng agreed. He pulled Chen Cheng aside to a secluded spot and said gravely, "Ah Cheng, sothing about tonight was very strange. You need to be extra careful at the Lishui Sub-Departnt."
"I know. Thank you for the warning, Mr. Liu." Chen Cheng bowed solemnly.
"Hey..." Liu Yunfeng quickly grabbed Chen Cheng’s arm, laughing. "Ah Cheng, you’re a True Dragon among n. In the future, your old brother here is going to need you to look out for him."
...
After parting ways with the others, Chen Cheng headed for ho.
At this late hour, he let loose and ran like the wind. He didn’t stick to the main roads, of course, instead choosing to travel through deserted alleys and corners, and arrived ho without incident.
「The next day.」
As usual, Chen Cheng reported for morning roll call at the City Guard Departnt early, then returned ho to focus on Cultivating Martial Dao.
Around Noon, Shen Qingshuang arrived at the Chen Family ho in a flurry, Xiaoxing in tow. Her very first words were:
"Junior Brother Chen, what ti did you and Yan Jian part ways last night?"
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