Jiang Cheng stood in the study with lowered eyes and obedient demeanor, the lamp was lit before him. Liao Chengfeng leaned back in his chair, slowly flipping through a dossier, reading with painstaking care.

Liao Chengfeng had also climbed up from the lower ranks of the Xuanqing Guard, and naturally, his path was through the Military Series, the iron-hard circuit. Otherwise, Jiang Cheng wouldn’t have served under him. It was only in recent years that Jiang Cheng’s ideals diverged from his.

Looking at the dossier, even though Liao Chengfeng disliked the matter, he couldn’t deny that the Li City Black Banner Battalion under Jiang Cheng had proven its merit, both capable and lucky—this very dossier made it clear.

In just one day, they had sorted out the situation and identified a suspect; a remarkable feat.

"The Wen Family and the Jingbei Army... So, what do you intend to do?" Liao Chengfeng finished reading, placed the dossier on the tea table at his side, and looked at Jiang Cheng with unfriendly eyes.

"My lord, I never expected the Xuanqing Guard would have a day when others dare to bully us; if we swallow this anger, the whole court will mock us."

"Heh, stop wasting words. Just tell me your plan directly, let me see what kind of trouble Jiang Cheng is brewing this time."

"In my opinion, my lord, the Wen Family is most suspicious—cannot let them go. As for the Jingbei Army, they’re just an add-on. Since they’ve come, might as well deal with them together."

"Hah! Such bold words—the sixty thousand fierce troops of the Jingbei Army are merely an add-on in your eyes? Jiang Cheng, you do have some nerve."

"My lord, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! And as long as we break into this affair, whether it’s the Jingbei Army or the Wen Family, we can definitively tear open the breach. You will stand invincible. Not only would Lord Pang praise you greatly, you would also seize the advantage when the Xuanqing Guard purges its ranks."

The word "purge" made a flicker of complexity appear in Liao Chengfeng’s eyes. The situation was unclear, and he was indeed somewhat passive now.

"The Governor’s Office’s reputation can intimidate the Wen Family, but not necessarily the Jingbei Army. Besides, you’re planning to execute people this time; if handled poorly, it risks mutiny, and Lord Pang would have to personally intervene. Aren’t you aware of the inner workings here? Why drag the Jingbei Army into this!"

Liao Chengfeng felt his head swell at the thought. The Jingbei Army was far harder to handle than the Wen Family.

The Wen Family—frankly, if push came to shove, could simply be eliminated, even if Celestial Prosperity Valley backed them. What could they do, challenge the Dynasty? The Jingbei Army, on the other hand, was much more complicated.

"My lord, the Jingbei Army has been illegally trading military weapons—if we didn’t know, that’s one thing, but knowing and feigning ignorance would be a grave offense. I dare not fail to report it." Jiang Cheng seemed exasperated, wearing an expression that practically said, "This is too much for me."

Liao Chengfeng snorted coldly and turned his back, not bothering to watch Jiang Cheng’s theatrics. He said, "Is that reckless member of the Wen Family still under control?"

"Yes, earlier the Li City Guard Station left a backup and quietly took him out of the dungeon and hid him. Now that the dungeon’s destroyed, only a few know the truth and everyone else thinks he’s dead."

"Keep him secure—he’s the basis for everything. Otherwise, even if Lord Pang is willing to back this, there’s no way forward."

"Then, my lord, what are your intentions?"

"Tomorrow morning, you’ll accompany me to the Commander’s Office to present this matter to Lord Pang in person."

...

Although Jiang Cheng was a Households Officer, he rarely entered the Commander’s Office; at most twice a year, and meetings with the Xuanqing Guard’s top commander were even rarer.

At dawn, Jiang Cheng waited outside Liao Chengfeng’s residence. At early 5 a.m., Liao Chengfeng came out in full brocade robe.

"Let’s go."

He beckoned Jiang Cheng onto the carriage, heading toward the Imperial Palace. Though the sky hadn’t yet brightened, many carriages already traveled that way—all headed for the palace.

The Jingjiu Dynasty’s official hour for upper emissaries was early 7 a.m., and all Government Offices around the Imperial City have offices nearby, so regardless of rank, the main road toward the Imperial City at this time was filled with important figures.

Inside the carriage, Liao Chengfeng closed his eyes and rested, saying nothing—not even a word of instruction. Jiang Cheng lifted the curtain to look outside; it was rare to observe the daily official routines beneath the Imperial City. In just a short while, he saw the lanterns of two Third-Grade Officials.

But just after reaching Junhou Street, Liao Chengfeng’s carriage turned onto a side path, separating from the main procession, and circled to the right of the Imperial City, where a long stretch of red walls appeared before their eyes.

They’d arrived at the Commander’s Office.

First, they had to register their names, then wait in the tea room. Unless one dared to wave the "Hongling" for urgent reporting, it was best to wait patiently for their turn.

The tea room was spacious but poorly lit, filled with many people—members of the Xuanqing Guard, the Military, and Local Government Offices—each holding a slip with their own mark, waiting for their number to be called at the door.

This was not seen in Fengri City. Jiang Cheng knew the protocols, fetched a chair for Liao Chengfeng to sit, and waited beside him patiently.

Near midday, Liao Chengfeng’s name was called outside. As Governor, he was given priority; otherwise, they’d have waited until afternoon.

Jiang Cheng was a bit nervous—his first time entering Lord Commander’s Public Office.

They passed through a bustling great hall, crossed a maze of cubicles, then traversed a corridor where it grew quieter, walked on, and after several checkpoints, reached the place.

The guards verified their identities before reporting inside. They waited for half an incense stick before being let in, entering to find a middle-aged man at a wide desk, writing with a brush.

"Subordinate Liao Chengfeng greets my lord."

Jiang Cheng followed suit, bowing deeply and with utmost respect.

The man at the desk was the head of Xuanqing Guard, Commander Pang Ban.

"Oh? Chengfeng, you’re a rare visitor. The one beside you must be Households Officer Jiang Cheng of Fengri City, yes? What brings you here together?"

Liao Chengfeng smiled and stepped forward, saying, "My lord, last night Jiang Cheng brought a dossier—updates regarding the assault on Li City Xuanqing Guard Station two nights ago—that he wishes to report to you."

The Commander’s Office was naturally aware of the attack on Li City Guard Station. Their silence was to allow the Governor’s Office time for explanation, which was partly why Liao Chengfeng agreed to come with Jiang Cheng.

Pang Ban set down his brush, smiled kindly, pointed to the chairs, and said, "Alright, had you not come today, I would have summoned you myself. Sit, sit and talk."

Liao Chengfeng took the dossier Jiang Cheng had brought last night from his sleeve and respectfully handed it over, then sat and began explaining the situation—mostly the same as Jiang Cheng had already told him.

Pang Ban took the dossier and studied it carefully, frowning slightly. "What are your plans?"

"The matter is critical—please, my lord, make the decision." Liao Chengfeng had always been dissatisfied with Jiang Cheng’s sudden alignment, preferring to maintain stability; even if cornered now, he would not easily state his stance.

Pang Ban smiled amiably, showing no hint of reaction; his gaze, however, passed over Liao Chengfeng and fixed on Jiang Cheng behind him: "Households Commander Jiang, what’s your opinion?"