The voice from behind was deep, and for Chen Ping'an, it was all too familiar. He often heard it during the daily pre-shift meetings. It was Zheng Chatou's voice!
“Zheng Chatou.”
Chen Ping'an turned around and quickly bowed.
Zheng Chatou had a square face, thick eyebrows, large eyes, and a eight-shaped mustache.
“What’s your name?”
Zheng Chatou frowned, looking at Chen Ping'an with clear displeasure.
“Reporting to Zheng Chatou, this humble one is Chen Ping'an.”
Chen Ping'an replied, trembling with sincerity.
However, his heart was exceptionally calm. Besides his excellent Heart-Nature, this was also due to the confidence he gained after entering the Qi Blood Second Realm. The inner peace was a natural reaction, not something he deliberately maintained.
With his Golden Finger panel, he was already able to look Zheng Chatou in the eye, or even look down on him, in terms of mindset.
Of course, that was from a mental perspective; outwardly, he still needed to humble himself for now.
“Chen Ping'an?” A trace of thought flashed across Zheng Chatou’s face. “Are you from Chen Tian'an’s family?”
“Precisely.” A hint of trepidation flickered across Chen Ping'an’s face as he quickly responded. Chen Tian'an was his father, Old Chen’s name.
There were other matters today, so Zheng Chatou had no intention of getting too entangled with Chen Ping'an. Furthermore, Chen Ping'an's attitude was proper; aside from his previous actions, there were no other transgressions worthy of a reprimand.
“In the Zhenfu Division, everything must follow the rules. No one likes someone who doesn’t follow the rules.”
After scolding Chen Ping'an, Zheng Chatou ignored him and walked straight into the Zhenfu Division.
According to the rules of the Zhenfu Division, Yamen Runners must arrive earlier than Chief Constables, and temporary Yamen Runners must arrive earlier than official Yamen Runners. There was no reason for official Yamen Runners and Chief Constables to wait for an unregistered temporary Yamen Runner.
“Zheng Chatou’s lesson is right; this humble one, Chen Ping'an, understands.” Chen Ping'an lowered his head, his eyes serene, lost in thought.
Although he had left late today, he had hurried all the way and still wasn't late, but...
It no longer mattered!
Because Zheng Chatou had arrived earlier than him, and that was enough!
Then he was late.
“Zheng Chatou!”
“Good morning, Zheng Chatou.”
“……”
From time to time, greetings echoed within the Zhenfu Division; these were Yamen Runners showing deference to Zheng Chatou.
A Chief Constable was only a middle-level official in the Nanquan Lane Garrison Office, but he wielded unimaginable prestige and authority.
“Chief Constable, ah…”
Chen Ping'an stood rooted to the spot, head bowed, only entering the Zhenfu Division more than ten breaths after Zheng Chatou had gone in.
Many Yamen Runners had witnessed what had just happened at the Zhenfu Division entrance.
Seeing Chen Ping'an enter, some Yamen Runners gloated, looking forward to the show. Others remained indifferent, while some expressed sympathy.
When he reached his usual spot, not only were Monkey Head and Da Shan there, but even the rarely seen Qin Tou was present as well.
“Qin Tou.”
Chen Ping'an greeted him first.
Qin Tou nodded slightly, acknowledging the greeting.
“Ping'an, are you alright?”
Monkey Head asked with concern.
“I’m fine.” Chen Ping'an waved his hand slightly, indicating not to worry.
“Ping'an, was there something today? Why are you so late?” Da Shan asked in a muffled voice.
“Hmm, I happened to run into something this morning, so I left a bit late.” Chen Ping'an replied, seeing the concerned expressions on Monkey Head and Da Shan’s faces, then added, “But the matter has already been perfectly resolved. No need to worry.”
“Resolved, huh? Hey! Monkey Head, my chance to help is gone. Ping'an, you know, Monkey Head, I’m the most warm-hearted.” Monkey Head said with an exaggerated expression.
Chen Ping'an knew that the other party was deliberately acting goofy to distract him.
In the eyes of a normal Yamen Runner, being reprimanded by a Chief Constable, especially Zheng Chatou, was no small matter. At the very least, it would cause sadness for several days.
If one offended a manager in another profession, they could change professions and still make a name for themselves. But in the Zhenfu Division, it was impossible! If one offended a Chief Constable, they either had to apologize until the Chief Constable was satisfied, or they would be crushed into the dust.
However, Chen Ping'an’s situation today wasn't so severe as to be considered having offended Zheng Chatou. It merely left a bad impression on Zheng Chatou. There was still room for maneuver.
Nevertheless, despite that, it was still not a good thing.
“Speaking of which, why did Zheng Chatou arrive so early today? Also, have the other Chief Constables arrived too?” Chen Ping'an's gaze swept around, and he noticed that besides Zheng Chatou, Stern, Li Chatou, and Huang Chatou were also present.
Four of the five Chief Constables of the Nanquan Lane Garrison Office were here today.
“Yeah, it’s strange, isn’t it?” Monkey Head also showed a puzzled expression. “Could it be that there’s something special today?”
“Qin Tou, do you know, old man?” Monkey Head asked.
“We’ll know in a bit.” Qin Tou grinned, revealing deep wrinkles.
Just as the few of them were quietly conversing, another person walked through the Zhenfu Division entrance.
“Chief Liu is here too?” Monkey Head was startled.
With Chief Liu, all five Chief Constables were present. What was going on today?
All five Chief Constables being present was extremely rare, except for the bi-monthly duty assembly. And by the looks of it, the duty assembly wasn’t scheduled yet.
Within the Zhenfu Division, many Yamen Runners, besides Monkey Head and Chen Ping'an, were also equally puzzled.
Logically, the pre-shift meeting should have started by now. However, the five Chief Constables stood on the high platform, and no one stepped forward to speak.
On the high platform, the Chief Constables faced the Zhenfu Division main entrance, none seated. Below the platform, the Yamen Runners waited quietly.
“Could it be…”
Looking at the scene before him, a flash of realization crossed Chen Ping'an’s mind.
He looked at Monkey Head beside him and saw a look of understanding on his face as well.
“It seems there really is something important today,” Monkey Head whispered.
Chen Ping'an nodded lightly.
The only ones who could make the Chief Constables wait like this in the Nanquan Lane Garrison Office were probably the two Squad Leaders.
Nanquan Lane Squad Leader, Lord Lu Bingren. Deputy Squad Leader, Lord Tian Fuliang.
Inside the Zhenfu Division, five Chief Constables and hundreds of Yamen Runners waited silently.
Amidst everyone’s expectant gazes, a person walked into the Nanquan Lane Garrison Office entrance.
The newcomer was dressed in a dark fish-scale uniform, with a yan ling saber at his waist and leather boots. Every step he took was firm and powerful.
The dark fish-scale uniform appeared as if it had been retrieved from the deep sea. The scales on it were meticulously crafted by skilled artisans. Under the sunlight, the scales shimmered with a deep, profound glow.
Within the entire Nanquan Lane Garrison Office, only two individuals were qualified to wear the fish-scale uniform.
“Greetings, Lord Tian!”
A thunderous sound echoed through the Zhenfu Division. As the sound resonated, all the Yamen Runners bowed in unison.
Amidst the bows and greetings of the Yamen Runners, Tian Fuliang’s expression remained composed as he walked onto the high platform and took his seat on the central main chair.
“You may all rise,” he said calmly.
He was met with a thunderous chorus of voices.
“Yes, Lord Tian.”
All the Yamen Runners stood up, including Chen Ping'an.
……
PS: Happy May Day, esteemed sirs! Please vote~