[Used 10 experience points]
[Big Goose Skill upgraded to Entry Level]
[Used 10 experience points]
[Mountain-Opening Saber Technique upgraded to Entry Level]
In an instant, Gu Zhan had mastered two martial arts of decent grade, reaching Entry Level directly.
Martial arts cultivation is divided into three realms,
The first realm is Entry Level, an initial glimpse into the way,
The second realm is Minor Success Level, masterful proficiency,
The third realm is Great Success Realm, peak of perfection.
Having mastered two martial arts,
Gu Zhan didn’t feel much from Mountain-Opening Saber Technique, but Big Goose Skill was different. That instant, he felt as though his body was much lighter, just a slight push with his foot made him feel as if he could soar into the air.
Feeling the novelty of newly gained Qinggong,
Gu Zhan headed straight to his office—a small courtyard inside the East Courtyard.
The Hundred Households Office is split into four major courtyards, each headed by a Chief Banner. Every major courtyard is divided into four small courtyards, which are naturally managed by a Small Banner.
When Gu Zhan entered this small courtyard,
All the Embroidered Uniform Guards present stopped what they were doing, completely abandoning their previous attitude of ignoring Gu Zhan; each took the initiative to greet him respectfully.
Chen Fei came out from an office, with two Captains following behind.
The two Captains’ expressions were stiff and awkward.
Originally, they served under Gu Zhan, but until now they’d been siding with Cao Feng against Gu Zhan; during yesterday’s conflict, they initially backed Cao Feng.
Looking at the young man before them, still somewhat youthful in appearance,
The two Captains felt a bit dazed,
Previously none of them had taken Gu Zhan seriously, but in just one day, the situation had completely changed.
Change is inevitable now,
After yesterday’s battle, they knew full well: as long as Gu Zhan walked out of Prefecture Government unharmed, this Small Banner’s courtyard would bear Gu’s name from now on, without question.
Gu Zhan was already in an official position, legitimate and upright,
And yesterday that saber strike established absolute authority. From now on, no one would dare exclude him or disrespect him,
Under these circumstances, if the two kept being stubborn, it wouldn’t be Gu Zhan who’d suffer, but themselves. A Small Banner with authority is no longer someone they can mess with.
Officials one rank higher can crush you,
If Gu Zhan wants to deal with them now, there are plenty of ways to make them unable to stay here at all.
"Lord Gu..."
"Lord Gu."
The two Captains bowed somewhat stiffly in salute,
They were quite apprehensive inside,
Gu Zhan is a different man now. Even if they want to submit, they need Gu Zhan’s approval. Otherwise, they’d have no foothold in this new power base.
The atmosphere in the hall was very oppressive,
The Embroidered Uniform Guards on duty all held their breath,
They were actually a bit anxious too, secretly guessing what Gu Zhan would do, while many of them were recalling if they’d ever truly offended him.
Fortunately, the tense atmosphere didn’t last long. Gu Zhan nodded slightly and said, "From now on, we’re all colleagues. I’m new here, so I’ll need your guidance!"
The two Captains let out a long sigh of relief, finally raising their heads. One Captain squeezed out a smile and said, "Lord Gu, Old Ma and I have booked a table at Baihua Building—we’d like to invite you for a drink. One, to apologize; two, to welcome your arrival and freshen you up!"
Gu Zhan nodded slightly, accepting.
Suddenly,
The entire hall’s atmosphere became lively.
After officially taking office, Gu Zhan didn’t make an issue of the previous disrespect from the Embroidered Uniform Guards. After all, most had followed the tide; the real enemy was Cao Feng.
For a good period,
Gu Zhan was constantly attending banquets,
Starting with invitations from a few Captains to drink with brothel girls, then gradually, groups of his dozens of Warriors invited him in twos and threes.
Gu Zhan didn’t refuse, attending all of them.
After several days, he’d gained a lot,
His subordinates were basically all familiarized, he’d gotten the hang of the routines of various tasks inside the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and, most importantly,
He’d figured out which brothel girls were the prettiest, which were the best at their craft, nearly all the price ranges, and for those unknowns, he ensured to "sample" them multiple times.
This morning,
Gu Zhan had just entered his office when Chen Fei hurried over, saying, "Lord, something’s happened."
Gu Zhan asked, "What is it?"
"There’s a murder at Mud Bottle Lane," Chen Fei said. "Three people died of poisoning. Since Mud Bottle Lane is under our jurisdiction, Chief Banner Lei has already ordered us to handle it well."
Gu Zhan asked in confusion, "Isn’t this under Prefecture Government’s Inspection Bureau? What’s it got to do with the Embroidered Uniform Guard?"
Chen Fei said helplessly, "Upper-level problems. The Inspection Bureau throws cases they don’t want to deal with to us Embroidered Uniform Guards. Lord, you’ll get used to it—our Embroidered Uniform Guard isn’t what it used to be!"
Gu Zhan frowned, feeling a little melancholy. Nowadays, the Embroidered Uniform Guard is almost reduced to chores?
He pondered for a moment and said, "What’s the situation exactly?"
Chen Fei explained, "This incident actually started half a month ago—someone had already filed reports in Mud Bottle Lane. Many families’ poultry died mysteriously from poisoning. At that time, Cao Feng was in charge. The investigation concluded it was ordinary poultry plague."
Gu Zhan arched a brow and said, "Are the people who died this time connected to the poultry poisoning?"
"According to news from Prefecture Government, the manner of death is identical," said Chen Fei. "Basically, it’s certain they died from the same poison."
Just then,
Two more Captains walked over, but they weren’t clear on the situation either, since Cao Feng’s report back then treated it as a minor matter.
After Gu Zhan got a simple briefing, he stood up and said, "Call the men. Let’s head to Mud Bottle Lane now."
Gu Zhan had four Captains under him; after Cao Feng’s vacancy, someone was promoted just days after his death. Leaving the new Captain on duty, Gu Zhan led three Captains and a dozen Warriors straight for Mud Bottle Lane.
Mud Bottle Lane is close to a Market, but its location is very remote. Just a street separates them, yet it feels like two worlds—Market is lively and prosperous, Mud Bottle Lane is a slum, full of residences and people.
But upon entering,
Gu Zhan felt only three words: dirty, messy, poor.
Even more striking for Gu Zhan was how the common folk here, upon seeing these government officers, all showed panic, desperate to avoid them.
Gu Zhan had some feelings in his heart,
The Great Xia Dynasty really is at its end, huh,
When the people of a nation start fearing the Government Office like tigers, the end isn’t far off.
Soon,
Gu Zhan and his team arrived at a house, and from far away saw white funeral banners hung outside. The fenced courtyard was crowded, the sound of the suona blaring harshly—they were already holding funerals.
Chen Fei sighed and lamented, "The dead were three brothers, all still young. Only the eldest was married and left an heir; the second and third hadn’t married yet. Luckily there’s still a family root—otherwise, those old parents couldn’t bear such a blow!"
Gu Zhan frowned, just about to ask,
Suddenly, there was a loud shout from the courtyard: "The Embroidered Uniform Guard is here!"
Instantly, the courtyard turned chaotic,
As if they’d just seen tigers released from their cage.

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