Xuanqing Guard

Shen Hao couldn’t get full from a banquet like this; at occasions like these, he had no mind for eating or drinking. Just dealing with the bosses at the table was enough to wear him out.

He had planned to go home after seeing off Pang Ban and Jiang Cheng, and let Xia Nu make him a bowl of sour noodle soup to settle his stomach. But to his surprise, Pang Ban didn’t seem inclined to leave, saying he wanted to find a place to sober up a bit more.

You, a dignified Profound Sea Realm Cultivator, need to sober up after just a few cups? That’s just perfunctory talk.

Though he knew "sobering up" was just an excuse, Shen Hao couldn’t help but wonder—is Pang Ban staying because he has something more to say to him?

Sure enough, when Kuang Shengyuan suggested going to a teahouse, Jiang Cheng sent him away directly.

"Let’s go to your place. I heard you just moved into a new house." Jiang Cheng could grasp Pang Ban’s intentions and just took the lead for Shen Hao.

"Hehe, Lord Shen, do you mind?"

"Not at all! Not at all! This way, my lords!"

Would you not go if I said I minded? Shen Hao didn’t want to, but there was nothing he could do—Jiang Cheng had decided for him and Pang Ban had spoken up; willing or not, he had to comply. Besides, talking at his place would indeed lessen the risk of being disturbed.

Shen Hao led the way, and the group went straight to Shen Hao’s residence after leaving the restaurant. Other than Jiang Cheng, only guards accompanied them. The other guests all returned to the Imperial City and, knowing better, didn’t follow. But before leaving, they made a point of saying goodbye to Shen Hao, all in amicable fashion.

"Master Shen, you’re back? This is..."

"Go brew some tea! We have important guests!"

Xiaoma, who opened the door, was startled, and hurried inside to fetch Hu Tian.

My god! If Master Shen himself calls them "important guests", they must be truly high officials!

Xiaoma’s flustered manner made Shen Hao lose face; he turned awkwardly and apologized to Pang Ban and Jiang Cheng: "Please forgive him, my lords. My servant is simple and inexperienced, forgive us for the laugh."

"Hahaha, it’s nothing." Pang Ban wasn’t upset; instead, he just looked curious as he stepped into the gate.

Just as they entered, Xia Nu appeared, leading Hong Chou and Brocade and Silk as they bounced out. The three girls froze upon seeing strangers, and only after Shen Hao shot Xia Nu a glare did she react, remembering what she’d learned at the brokerage. She quickly pulled Hong Chou and Brocade and Silk to kneel and pay respects.

"Fox Race people? Lord Shen, you do know how to choose slaves. I hear the price of Barbarian Race slaves has skyrocketed lately. A Fox Woman of this quality probably costs three to five times more now."

As if he were examining three vases or three animals, Pang Ban’s gaze made Xia Nu and the others’ knees buckle; they sank to the ground, unable to stand, hearts trembling. It was the first time a look alone frightened them like this. Little did they know—a glance from a Profound Sea Realm Cultivator could kill them just as easily as scare them.

And not just Pang Ban—even Jiang Cheng’s gaze toward Xia Nu and the others was different from usual: there was no human warmth, as if he were looking at objects.

Shen Hao smiled and guided them toward the study: "This way, my lords!" At the same time, he snapped at Xia Nu and the others, "Have Housekeeper Hu bring tea to the study!"—shooing the three girls away.

Pang Ban and Jiang Cheng paid no more attention to the slaves. It was only proper for the housekeeper to wait on guests. What right did mere slaves have to show themselves?

Soon as they sat in the study, Hu Tian arrived with the tea tray, bowed, and knocked before entering. Compared to Xiaoma, Hu Tian was much steadier, addressing them with a bright smile as "lord," serving the tea, then leaving without saying more. Afterward, he stood guard three zhang outside the door, not allowing anyone near.

Of course, little did Hu Tian know that all around the Shen Mansion, dozens of pairs of eyes were watching. Not even a fly would get in unnoticed.

In the study, Pang Ban sipped his tea and looked surprised—the tea wasn’t anything special, just barely passable. He hadn’t tasted such ordinary tea in a long time.

"You don’t usually drink tea?"

"I do, but mostly just to quench thirst—I have no knack for appreciating tea. If it doesn’t suit you, my lord, I’ll have someone go buy better."

Pang Ban shook his head with a smile, then glanced around the study, noting the clutter: books, maps strewn about, with the most mess around the desk. Only the other side of the room was tidier, with a puduan on the floor.

"You usually cultivate here too?"

"Yes, my lord. Sometimes when I’m done with official duties at night, I’m too lazy to return to the bedroom, so I just meditate here to save time."

Pang Ban approved: "Work in the Xuanqing Guard is hectic. Being able to find time for cultivation amid such busyness depends partly on talent and partly more on diligence. You’re truly your teacher’s disciple—such diligence runs in the line."

The "teacher" he mentioned was, naturally, Jiang Cheng sitting beside him, who hurriedly demurred.

"Counting today’s ’Grand Contest’, to be honest, Hundred Households Shen, you always manage to surprise me. It’s as if your mind works differently from everyone else, always seeing and solving problems from another perspective. Just like with the Black Water Plan, and now with the ’Ma San Case’."

Shen Hao stood, bowing, daring not to interrupt. At this moment, Pang Ban felt completely different from before—his words radiated a chill that sent shivers down the spine.

Perhaps this was what the Lord Commander was really like?

"Now that your secret agents have started the trouble in the south ahead of time, the entire Dynasty will be shaken. There hasn’t been war in forty years; for many things, nothing can be said for sure right now. The bigger issue is the ’Ma San Case’ you’re working on. Have you ever wondered why I sent the case back for you to handle?"

"I do not know, my lord."

"Governor Jiang grooms you as a trusted capable hand, but in my eyes, you’re an anomaly."

Anomaly?

Shen Hao instinctively felt this wasn’t a good word.

Pang Ban continued, "An anomaly means change, unpredictability, what others cannot do. Do you understand? Heh, the ’Ma San Case’ is too deep, involves too much. It’s a bigger hidden danger than those chattering civil servants, and much more troublesome. So I can’t touch this case, nor can Jiang Cheng—too conspicuous, any move shakes the whole situation.

But you’re different. You can seek the truth from the minute details.

This matter is very difficult, but you’re an anomaly—maybe you can do it. That’s why I allowed you your pilot plan and have shown you leniency. You’ve gained advantages, so shouldn’t you do your utmost in return?"

"I will do my utmost!" Shen Hao now dropped to one knee to show his resolve, while also feeling unbearably pressured by the invisible force radiating from Pang Ban.

"The Barbarian Race will need time to truly rise; founding a Royal Court isn’t easy, and Zuo Yuliang isn’t that easily dealt with. But you need to move quickly—some things, if you’re too slow, will vanish before you know it. Understand?"

"Understood."

Jiang Cheng, who’d sat quietly by the whole time, didn’t say a word, his expression giving nothing away. Only when he looked down to drink tea did a faint, unusual glint flash through his eyes.

PS: One extra Chapter today, asking for a full subscription. Skipping subscriptions hurts me a lot—please, consider a full subscription. Thank you.