Xuanqing Guard
Chapter 162: Breaking the Deadlock
The internal reorganization of the Black Banner Battalion swept in like a sudden wind, appearing without warning and fading away without a ripple.
The only ones unsettled were just a handful in Pingshun City—namely, the Small Banner Officers closely tied to Zhao Tianyang. All were stripped of their positions and thrown into the dungeon, detained elsewhere just like Zhao Tianyang.
Other than that, the remaining three Xuanqing Guard Hundred Households Stations saw no personnel changes, nor was there any news touching on the localities or the nobles.
"Seems that the newly appointed Hundred Households Officer of the Black Banner Battalion isn’t some clueless hothead after all."—this was the general sentiment of those who had worried before, now much relieved.
Of course, not everyone was content. The Chief Hundred Households Officers at various garrisons and Wu Changhe—the Thousand Households—were less pleased. The Hundred Households from Pingshun City was especially furious; without tripping up Chen Tianwen, the inspector, went thrice to the Thousand Households Station just to lodge a complaint with Wu Changhe, claiming Shen Hao was utterly domineering, arresting his subordinates without so much as a greeting, treating him as if he wasn’t even a person.
It had been said before: Wu Changhe and the Hundred Households below him in the Black Banner Battalion had a natural alliance. Hence, Shen Hao’s actions stirred even greater dissatisfaction in Wu Changhe’s heart.
When Shen Hao placed the internal reorganization dossier on Wu Changhe’s desk, Wu Changhe asked for the fifth time about the appointment of the Pingshun City Black Banner Camp Commander, his tone unfriendly.
"Whatever you arrange, sir; I have no objections."
"Oh? Does Hundred Households of Shen have no suitable candidate?"
"Sir’s discerning eye is far superior to mine; the choice of Commander for Pingshun City’s Black Banner Battalion is better decided by you."
Contrary to Wu Changhe’s expectations, who thought Shen Hao had delayed for days to seize the appointment at Pingshun City, it turned out not to be the case.
"Very well, I’ll handle it as appropriate."
"Then I’ll take my leave."
"Mm."
Leaving Wu Changhe’s Public Office, Shen Hao felt nothing stir within. Everything had fallen into place. Three of the four Battalion Commanders were now his people; leaving one to Wu Changhe hardly mattered. It could never cause trouble and might even ease tensions with Wu Changhe—why not do it?
The aim was not to fight; fighting was merely a means. The goal was simply to secure the authority he needed.
Shen Hao made a brief stop at his own Public Office, then picked up an original dossier from the internal reorganization and set out again, intending to visit the Imperial City. After reaching a milestone, it was time to report face-to-face to his superiors and then proceed with the next step.
But as soon as he stepped out, he was called over by Wang Yiming, who had returned to the Thousand Households Station.
"Sir, the Storage Bag you asked to watch has news. Next auction at Fengri City Auction House, a five-foot square Storage Bag will be up for bid. If you want it, I can have the Auction House arrange a private sale with the seller."
"Do it, contact them first and see what they’re asking for. Appreciate your help on this."
"No need to mention it, sir. Are you heading out?"
"Yes, going to the Imperial City. Carry on; no need to follow."
Taking two guards along, Shen Hao was already adept at navigating the Imperial City. After exiting the Teleportation Array, there were several sizable Carriage and Horse Shops nearby. Renting a carriage, he headed straight for the Jingxi Town Governor’s Office.
As before, a long row of carriages was parked outside—many belonging to important figures, though quite a few were rentals like Shen Hao’s. After clearing the gate, he found the tea room inside crowded with officials; his Hundred Households Brocade Robe hardly drew attention, just another small player here.
Per custom, Shen Hao went first to see Jiang Cheng. When he arrived, the afternoon was nearly over, and he’d waited more than half a day.
"Last time I forgot to inform the gatekeeper. Next time, I’ll instruct those below to let you in directly if you need anything." Jiang Cheng was in good spirits upon seeing Shen Hao, and offered a convenience. After all, capable disciples like him were hard to find.
"Thank you, sir, for your consideration." Shen Hao was indeed tired of idling outside; next visit, that shouldn’t be an issue. He then produced the dossier and set it on Jiang Cheng’s desk: "This is the latest progress so far."
"Oh? I’d heard Wu Changhe was making trouble for you. Settled so quickly?"
"Yes, sir. Just some minor issues, all handled." Shen Hao wasn’t the least bit curious about how Jiang Cheng knew Wu Changhe had been obstructing him. Really, with Jiang Cheng as Chief Officer in Fengri City for so long, getting information was no trouble at all.
Jiang Cheng skimmed the dossier ten lines at a glance, paying closer attention to the latter part. Closing it, he looked up and smiled: "Wu Changhe used to have a good reputation—said to be capable and resourceful—but really, he’s nothing special, who knows who praised him up. Well, your handling is acceptable: a bit gentle, perhaps, but it has its merits—at least it saves some face, and you won’t have him coming back to drag you down later.
But, the Flying Dragon you assigned—is he really reliable? This matter doesn’t look major now, but if you roll it out per your plan, it’ll be quite something. Is he up to it?"
"Rest assured, sir. Flying Dragon may be unpleasant, but he’s attuned to circumstances—his mind’s a mess, but he knows what matters. As long as there’s enough benefit and deterrence, he won’t turn disloyal. Anyway, once the operation expands, we’ll need to fill it out with more people; Flying Dragon won’t be able to monopolize it."
Jiang Cheng neither agreed nor disagreed, simply saying: "Manage it well, and don’t let a single thing go wrong."
"Understood."
"Also, you’re using your own funds now, which isn’t good. First, no one can claim the public is exploiting your private means. Second, it’s official business and should be kept distinct. I’ll see that you’re reimbursed on the ledger—silver coins you probably don’t care for, so I’ll make it up to you with some elixirs; how does that sound?"
Shen Hao knew this was Jiang Cheng rewarding him in disguise, and quickly bowed in thanks. He didn’t lack silver coins; elixirs, the more the better.
"Besides, Flying Dragon’s matter is just one angle. Have you started preparing that other aspect you planned?"
"Not yet, sir. Still searching for a suitable entry point."
"Brokerage. You might reach out to the brokerage people; if necessary, I can step in and back you up."
"Yes, sir. I’ll make sure to implement this quickly."
Though he had thoughts, Shen Hao dared not voice them. His first step was still with Flying Dragon, the second to begin once Flying Dragon’s side had unfurled. Yet Jiang Cheng seemed impatient now.
Since the order from above had come directly, Shen Hao dared not delay. He timed his departure, met with Xue Houxuan, gave a similar progress report, and, after the other’s perfunctory words, took his leave and hurried back to Fengri City.
PS: Wishing everyone a happy National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival!