Promotion

Early the next morning, Tian Muchuan and the others returned. "Lord Tian, how did things go?" Wei Yuefu noticed that the expression on Tian Muchuan's face was far from pleasant. "It was swept under the rug," Tian Muchuan said in an annoyed tone. "Although our credit was reclaimed, still... Shen Qianjun was forcibly shielded by people in the prefectural capital. That Silver Robe Xia has an extraordinary background and rock-solid connections. Who knows where he came from—even the people the county magistrate reached out to were helpless." Wei Yuefu keenly sensed that something was amiss; this had been settled far too quickly. By his estimation, even if they managed to shield him, it should have taken at least three to five months or even longer, during which he would have had to cooperate with the investigation. Yet this time, the matter had been concluded sloppily, without even going through the full procedure. Aside from someone of much higher rank crushing the issue with overwhelming authority, it was also possible that some major event had occurred. "Lord Tian, could it be that something major happened?" Wei Yuefu asked tentatively. Hearing this, Tian Muchuan let out a sigh and said, "The north has rebelled." Shock appeared on Wei Yuefu's face, though inwardly, he found it completely expected. With how corrupt and greedy their Six Doors was, other officials were likely no better. It was hardly surprising that official oppression drove the people to revolt. "Still, the north isn't close to us. How could it affect us here?" Wei Yuefu asked, feigning confusion. Though it wasn't a hundred and eight thousand li away, it shouldn't have exerted an influence either. "The rebel army in the north indeed can't reach us here, but their influence can," Tian Muchuan said helplessly. "Ever since the rebellion began in the north, wherever the news travels, people rise up to answer the call and raise their banners. It's only because the news hasn't reached us yet. Otherwise, our region wouldn't be peaceful either. And even if we manage to keep things stable locally, we might still be targeted by rebels springing up in neighboring areas. The higher-ups don't have the luxury to focus on infighting, which is why they gave both sides fifty lashes and called it a day." Wei Yuefu fell silent. Plans truly could never keep up with changes. "How... how was there no sign of this beforehand?" Wei Yuefu continued to play dumb. In truth, anyone who had actually walked among the common folk would know that resentment was already boiling over. "I hear a capable figure emerged in the north," Tian Muchuan said. "In just three days, he gathered a massive momentum. In recent days, his advance has been unstoppable as splitting bamboo. Before the imperial court could even send forces to suppress them, he had already seized an entire province." Wei Yuefu wasn't all that surprised by this. After all, push people far enough, and a hero unit really could spawn. "I see. No wonder the prefectural capital is on such high guard," Wei Yuefu chimed in. If the imperial court couldn't resolve this soon, it truly would mark the twilight of the dynasty. If he ever descended into this world again, he would probably have to plan with that trajectory in mind. "Once you head back, you should make some preparations as well," Tian Muchuan said. "Me?" Wei Yuefu's mind raced with guesses as he asked, "What should I prepare for?" "A promotion, of course." Only now did a faint smile appear on Tian Muchuan's face. "With this merit, I'll be promoted to Silver Robe head constable. The transfer order for the promotion is already on the way; it'll arrive in two days at most. I pulled some strings and arranged your transfers in advance so you can all come with me to the prefectural capital as Bronze Badge constables." At the county level, a Bronze Badge could serve as a head constable, but at the prefectural level, one could only be an ordinary constable. Hearing this, Wei Yuefu instantly grew vigilant. He felt something wasn't quite right... Although he didn't know what crime Yuanxiang had committed, it was unlikely that it alone would allow Tian Muchuan to be promoted directly to Silver Robe. One had to realize that promoting someone to Silver Robe required approval from the capital; the prefectural capital had no authority to make such an appointment. More importantly, Tian Muchuan actually said he was bringing all of them to the prefectural capital. This also violated regulations. If everyone were truly transferred away, Songyang County's Six Doors would become an empty shell. "Lord Tian, if all of us go, what happens to Songyang County?" Wei Yuefu probed again. He was certain this was definitely not something Tian Muchuan could decide. "The prefectural governor will arrange people to take over, so there's no need to worry about that for now," Tian Muchuan replied. Then, with a meaningful look, he added, "When we set out for the prefectural capital to take up our posts in two days... if you have any mistresses or concubines, remember to bring them along. When the time comes, I'm taking my entire family with me to settle down in the prefectural capital for good." He knew Wei Yuefu was alone, but there was always the chance he kept a woman on the side without telling them. Moreover, this was merely a reminder. Wei Yuefu understood in an instant, and inwardly cursed. What transfer? This was clearly fleeing! The external situation was dangerous—so dangerous that the prefectural governor was grabbing head constables and constables from the surrounding counties' Six Doors to bolster his active fighting strength. Tian Muchuan had deduced this as well, which was why he was relocating to the prefectural capital without the slightest hesitation. So the current calm was only on the surface; the actual situation was far from optimistic. "Lord Tian, you're joking. Where would I get a mistress or concubine?" Wei Yuefu chuckled naively. "When one person eats, the whole family is fed. I can just roll up my few changes of clothes and set off." Tian Muchuan didn't care whether Wei Yuefu understood his meaning; after all, he had said what needed to be said. Still, in his view, the kid most likely didn't understand. "Right, what about the Meng family? How are things with them?" Wei Yuefu asked again. Tian Muchuan looked as if he had swallowed a fly at the mention of them. "No immediate execution. They're temporarily detained, pending formal procedures. However, because of this matter, Shen Qianjun was implicated as well. His post as Patrol Envoy was stripped away. Now he's a Bronze Badge constable." At this point, a sinister grin appeared on Tian Muchuan's face. "Don't worry, I won't let that little bastard off easy. Once we assume our posts, he'll get what's coming to him." Hearing this, Wei Yuefu felt a bad premonition. Why did this feel so much like a classic villain move? Logically speaking, though, Tian Muchuan's behavior was completely in line with human nature. "All right, I have to go back and pack," Tian Muchuan waved his hand and said. "I don't have time to chat with you. You only have that little bit of belongings, but I have a whole lot more." With that, he took two steps, then turned back to Wei Yuefu and added, "Don't go to the canteen tonight. We're going to Drunken Flower House to celebrate. My treat." If he hadn't said so, Wei Yuefu would have happily trotted off to the canteen again. "Understood, Lord Tian," Wei Yuefu cupped his hands and replied. The medicinal cuisine at Drunken Flower House naturally had better effects than the canteen food, but the stuff was expensive. It was purely for emotional value; in terms of cost-effectiveness, it couldn't compare to great medicine—it just tasted better than medicine. *** The remaining time passed without incident. Aside from his daily street patrols, Wei Yuefu spent it cultivating. Until the eve of everyone's departure, when Wei Yuefu's seven days ran out. In his field of vision, everything froze in place. Before returning, the final thought that surfaced in his mind was: Had time just stopped?