Qiang Jin Jiu (Author : Tang Jiuqing 唐酒卿)

Chapter 49 : Cold Glint

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Before Xiao Chiye entered the palace, Shen Zechuan already had an audience with Li Jianheng at Mingli Hall and was conferred the title of a fifth-grade Judge of the Imperial Bodyguards. As such, his authority token was replaced to a gold-plated bronze token embossed with a Xiezhi amidst patterns of clouds, and with the words "Guard" on one side and "Emperor's Entourage" on the other.

Having only received some rewards this time, Han Cheng was inwardly unhappy. He knew that he had been used by Shen Zechuan as a stepping stone. But he also knew that Shen Zechuan was now in the Emperor's good graces, so he must not let ill will form between them.

Back at the office hall, Shen Zechuan's comrades all came forth to congratulate him. Shen Zechuan responded to them one by one. When Han Cheng saw that the men had more or less dispersed, he said, "This is the first time you're wearing a gold token. There are matters that you're still unsure of, right?"

Shen Zechuan humbled himself and said, "I'll still need Your Excellency the Commander-in-chief to guide me."

Feeling flattered, Han Cheng said, "This gold token for guards must be worn at the waist when you are on duty, and should not be shown externally when you are on break. Those who are part of the Emperor's entourage usually still hold a post in the Twelve Offices. You can't behave like you used to; you have to be more prudent with your words. Although you have carried out missions in the past, it's different now. For future missions, if it's an 'arrest warrant', don't be in such a hurry to initiate the arrest. You have to head to the Office of Scrutiny for Justice and let the Supervising Secretary there affix his signature. If it is a 'local order', then you will have to leave Qudu for said place to investigate the case. Before you leave, you have to make a trip to the Ministry of Justice and Chief Surveillance Bureau to sign off on it."

With modesty, Shen Zechuan listened to his teachings.

When Han Cheng saw that his attitude was respectful and was no different from how he was before his promotion, he could not help but to feel an urge to foster this talent. He continued, "In the past, the Eastern Depot lorded it over us. Each time we see the Eastern Depot eunuchs when we head out, we have to bow down to them and fawn on them. But now the Twenty-four Yamen is vacant and unattended, and the Eastern Depot is all but dismissed from office. They are the ones who should bow on seeing us now. There's no need to play nice to the eunuchs. However, there is one thing you must remember-that is, although the Imperial Bodyguards take orders from the Emperor, we still need to have dealings with the Three Judicial Offices. Most of the time, when we go elsewhere for fieldwork, it's with the Censor from the Chief Surveillance Bureau. Everyone's functions and authority seem detached from one another, but in fact, they still need each other. So when you are out on missions, you must maintain a good relationship with the officials from the Three Judicial Offices. Never lose your temper at them. If you unwittingly leave behind pent-up animosity, you will have a hard time with your future assignments."

Shen Zechuan already knew these matters by heart, but he listened intently as if this were his first time hearing of them.

Lastly, Han Cheng gave him a favor and told him, "If you need a new batch of manpower, go to the Duty Records Room and choose from the book register."

After thanking him, Shen Zechuan stepped out of the door and walked along the corridor to make his way outside. He was not in a rush to head to the Duty Records Room to choose his men. When he walked out of the palace gates, Xiao Chiye was sitting in the horse carriage waiting for him.

Shen Zechuan paused in his tracks and was about to turn around.

Xiao Chiye partially lifted the curtain and said unhurriedly, "Now that you've gotten a promotion and a raise, you wouldn't be too stingy to treat me to a drink, would you?"