Even after the pre-shift meeting concluded, the shock on many Yamen Runner's faces had yet to fade. A new star was rising rapidly within the Nanquan Lane Garrison Office.
Given Chen Ping'an's age, still under twenty, and his ability to serve as a Provisional Chief Constable, a future Chief Constable position was certainly within his grasp.
The news of Chen Ping'an becoming a Provisional Chief Constable began to spread gradually throughout Nanquan Lane, carried by the mouths of numerous Yamen Runner.
Changes among the official Yamen Runner within the Zhenfu Division were one thing. But when it involved a Provisional Chief Constable, for the Gangs within Nanquan Lane, it was certainly no small matter.
A Provisional Chief Constable in the Nanquan Lane Garrison Office held a higher status than even the high-ranking members of various Gangs!
Chen Ping'an was somewhat pleasantly surprised by his new role as a Provisional Chief Constable. He hadn't expected this turn of events; Mu Wanjun hadn't mentioned it to him at the time.
Having been promoted to Provisional Chief Constable, he naturally didn't go out on patrol today as he used to. After the pre-shift meeting, he was called into Squad Leader Shen Shikang's office.
Compared to a Chief Constable's office, the Squad Leader's office was more than twice as large. Furthermore, its layout and decor were superior in every aspect. Upon seeing Chen Ping'an, Shen Shikang was quite courteous to him, not sparing his smiles.
"Chen Ping'an, Lord Shen truly didn't misjudge you. You are indeed young and promising!"
"Squad Leader, you flatter me," Chen Ping'an replied, appearing somewhat modest.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Shen Shikang subtly began to inquire about the relationship between Chen Ping'an and the Chief Warrant Officer. Chen Ping'an didn't reveal much, merely explaining his connection with the Chief Warrant Officer in a few words.
However, during his explanation, Chen Ping'an employed certain linguistic techniques. At crucial points, he spoke vaguely. This, in turn, led Shen Shikang to overthink, further convincing him that his relationship with the Chief Warrant Officer was extraordinary.
"Chen Ping'an, after being promoted to Provisional Chief Constable, your responsibilities will be different from before. Lord Shen would like you to lead three squads for training first, to prepare for the path ahead."
Shen Shikang said with a kind smile.
In the Nanquan Lane Garrison Office, a squad typically consisted of four Yamen Runner: one official Yamen Runner and three temporary Yamen Runner. For Chen Ping'an to lead three squads meant that he would now have twelve Yamen Runner under his command. At the same time, it truly distinguished him from the official Yamen Runner.
This was Shen Shikang showing goodwill towards Chen Ping'an. Otherwise, even if Chen Ping'an had already been promoted to Provisional Chief Constable, it would be impossible for him to be given real power so quickly.
One must know that a Chief Constable of lower status could only lead four squads of Yamen Runner. For Chen Ping'an, a Provisional Chief Constable, to be able to lead three squads, his authority was already quite significant.
"It's all up to Squad Leader's arrangements," Chen Ping'an said, slightly cupping his hands. "Your subordinate will certainly do his utmost to serve Squad Leader and the Nanquan Lane Garrison Office."
Chen Ping'an's words made the smile on Shen Shikang's face even wider; this was precisely what he wanted to hear after making these arrangements.
"Work hard, Lord Shen has high hopes for you!"
"Yes."
Next, the two exchanged a few more words, and only then did Chen Ping'an bid farewell and leave.
Outside the door, a Yamen Runner was already waiting. This Yamen Runner was a young man, but older than Chen Ping'an. As soon as he saw Chen Ping'an come out, he came forward, his expression respectful.
"Chief Constable Chen, I'm Tao Lei, your office has been arranged. I'll take you there now."
Chen Ping'an glanced at Tao Lei and nodded slightly.
He naturally knew Tao Lei. An official Yamen Runner of the Nanquan Lane Garrison Office, who had always followed Squad Leader Shen Shikang. For him at that time, Tao Lei was someone he had to look up to.
Now.......
Watching Tao Lei's fawning expression, Chen Ping'an felt greatly pleased.
"Good, take me there!"
"Yes," Tao Lei responded respectfully, "Chief Constable Chen, please follow me."
Chief Constable Chen!
This title sounds so good! Provisional Chief Constable, then I'm also a Chief Constable!
Chen Ping'an felt comfortable in his heart.
Led by Tao Lei, he quickly arrived in front of a room.
"Chief Constable Chen, this is it," Tao Lei said respectfully, pointing to the room.
"Hmm," Chen Ping'an nodded and walked into the room.
The room was not large, square, but though the sparrow is small, it has all the vital organs. A long yellow wooden table, with brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, as well as some official blank papers laid out on it. Behind the long table was a heavy, large chair. Behind the large chair was a bookcase.
Inside the room, on the long table, everything was clean and dust-free. It was clear it had been meticulously cleaned.
"Not bad."
Chen Ping'an nodded slightly.
He was quite satisfied with this place. Finally, he had an office within the Nanquan Lane Garrison Office. No longer did he have to find a random spot to lean against and nap if he wanted to rest, as he did before.
"As long as Chief Constable Chen is satisfied," Tao Lei echoed. "If there are no other instructions, then I'll take my leave."
"No, you may go."
Chen Ping'an was quite pleased with Tao Lei's attitude.
No wonder he had been able to follow Squad Leader Shen Shikang for so long, he was very much to Shen Shikang's liking.
After Tao Lei left, Chen Ping'an surveyed everything in the room, and then casually flipped through some books and documents from the bookcase. Chen Ping'an felt completely at ease.
He looked out the window beside him, occasionally seeing one or two Yamen Runner walking by. After gazing out the window for quite a while, Chen Ping'an finally walked to the large chair behind the long table and sat down.
As he sat down, a peculiar feeling arose within him.
Is this the taste of power?
Although he had only glimpsed a trivial part of power, this feeling...
It's really not bad!
Until noon, Chen Ping'an didn't even need to go out; specialized personnel delivered his meals directly to his office.
Four dishes and one soup, a balanced mix of meat and vegetables, and ample portions!
This standard of food was more than a cut above that of ordinary Yamen Runner!
After he finished his meal, someone came specifically to clean up and would even thoughtfully bring a cup of tea.
"He wants me to lead three squads. While I can't fully decide on the personnel, I can at least select a few who are more to my liking."
Chen Ping'an began to ponder the arrangements for the three squads of Yamen Runner he would lead.
"Monkey Head, Da Shan, Qin Tou—these three must certainly be included. And Zeng Jihe... Hmm, that's enough, exactly four people. As for the others, let nature take its course! With the prestige I've just gained through Chief Constable Zheng, I don't believe anyone would dare to defy me!"
"Three squads, three official Yamen Runner, nine temporary Yamen Runner! Among them, at least four or five have undergone martial arts initiation, which is a considerable force in Nanquan Lane! Just like that Little Tiger Lord of the Tiger Head Gang, although he's impressive and has many hooligans and ruffians under him, if it truly came to a fight, he might not be as formidable as my three squads of Yamen Runner!"
"If three squads of Yamen Runner are this formidable, then what about six squads?"
Chief Constable Zheng, for instance, leads six squads of Yamen Runner.