Chapter 24: Joining the Eastern Depot, Centurion of the Penal Division

"Well, I'll be—"

Emperor Wu’s mouth twitched, and he nearly blurted out those words aloud.

*You young rascal, this is… you aren't just getting the hang of things; you’ve shifted directly into high gear the moment you arrived! I’ve never seen the likes of this in my life.*

"Ahem, ahem—" Emperor Wu coughed a few times to mask his awkwardness. "Well… based on… based on your immense talent, you are certain to make a name for yourself in the Eastern Depot."

"This subordinate thanks the Superintendent for his praise. I have a lifetime of learning to do from you, Superintendent!"

A flash of amusement flickered across Emperor Wu’s brow. *You young devil… you really are something!*

"This is Li Jinzhong, the Deputy Superintendent of our Eastern Depot. If you have any matters in the future, report them directly to him. I need to attend to His Majesty."

"The Superintendent is busy with the affairs of the state, and attending to His Majesty is the highest priority, concerning the very safety of our Great Wu."

Li Wenxuan was so polished that even Emperor Wu felt a bit embarrassed. He then turned to Superintendent Li and bowed. "This subordinate pays his respects to the Deputy Superintendent. Your reputation for elegance is well-deserved; you are truly an extraordinary man!"

Superintendent Li hadn't expected this kid to be so smooth!

Emperor Wu nodded slightly, smiling gently. "Rise."

"My thanks, Superintendent!" Li Wenxuan straightened up immediately, his posture ramrod straight, every bit the heroic youth.

Emperor Wu smiled. "Very well. I… my business here is concluded. Take him to the Eastern Depot offices later, have him report for duty, and issue him his official robes as a Centurion."

"Understood!" Superintendent Li bowed his head.

Li Wenxuan immediately cupped his hands. "This subordinate respectfully sees the Superintendent off!"

As Emperor Wu reached the doorway, he couldn't help but look back, chuckling to Superintendent Li, "This kid is even more on the ball than you are. Train him well!"

Superintendent Li was stunned, then quickly lowered his head. "This subordinate understands!"

Emperor Wu cast a final, smiling glance at Li Wenxuan before stepping over the threshold and departing.

"Kid, stop staring. Let’s go!" Superintendent Li looked back at Li Wenxuan. He didn't know why, but the more he looked at this boy, the more he liked him. *Yes, that’s exactly the kind of talent our Eastern Depot needs!*

"Superintendent Li, since you are so busy attending to His Majesty, doesn't that mean you are the one handling all the hard work, inside and out, of our entire Eastern Depot?"

Superintendent Li didn't even realize there was a hidden meaning behind the words. He nodded casually. "I suppose that’s true."

Li Wenxuan continued, "Doesn't that mean that the entire Eastern Depot is actually taking orders from you? In other words, even though you are the Deputy Superintendent, with all this hard work you’re putting in for His Majesty, who’s to say you won't be able to drop that 'Deputy' title in the future?"

When Superintendent Li heard this, he turned back, laughing in surprise. *Damn it! If I really were just a deputy, I’d have to take you on as my right-hand man after hearing that, wouldn't I?*

*Too bad I’m the real Superintendent, and His Majesty is the… the fake one.*

*Hiss—*

*Watch your tongue, watch your tongue!*

"Enough, quit the chatter and follow me!"

"Understood, Superintendent, after you!"

As they stepped out of the Golden Pavilion, Li Wenxuan saw Zhang Xiaogui standing guard in the biting wind. His thoughts were completely different from before. Previously, he had felt that if he could help clear Zhang Xiaogui’s name, he would, but if he encountered insurmountable obstacles—like if Zhang’s opponent were a high-ranking official—he would have to play the coward. This wasn't a problem that could be solved by martial arts alone; there were too many factors to consider.

But now, it was different. He had transformed from a nobody into a Centurion of the Eastern Depot. That changed everything. If it were a small case, it wouldn't even stir his interest, but the more a case involved top-tier power players, the more exciting it would be! If the timing hadn't been so poor, he would have loved to go over and ask Zhang Xiaogui directly: *Is the person bullying you actually a high-ranking official?*

Superintendent Li boarded a carriage, and Li Wenxuan followed on horseback. Before long, they arrived at the Eastern Depot offices. As Superintendent Li stepped out of his sedan chair, the guards standing watch immediately bowed and hailed him as "Superintendent."

Li Wenxuan realized that he wasn't the only clever one around! The other agents all knew to call the Deputy Superintendent "Superintendent" to curry favor. *If that’s the case… it looks like I’ll have to work even harder!*

Superintendent Li led Li Wenxuan through the main hall and straight into a back office, calling out to an agent, "Fetch Lou Wanxi."

"Yes!" The agent hurried away.

A moment later, a rugged, burly man of about forty with a thick beard and a hulking frame strode in. He bowed directly and said, "This subordinate greets the Superintendent. May I ask why you have summoned me?"

Superintendent Li pointed at Li Wenxuan. "He’s a new recruit. He’ll be working under you from now on. If there’s anything the lad doesn't understand, teach him well."

Feeling the sharp, eagle-like gaze of the man, Li Wenxuan quickly cupped his hands. "This subordinate, Li Wenxuan, pays his respects to Officer Lou!"

To his surprise, Lou Wanxi merely glanced at him before looking away, his face etched with impatience. "Superintendent, I don't take on new recruits here."

Li Wenxuan was shocked. *This old guy is that arrogant? He has that kind of attitude toward his superior?*

Superintendent Li seemed to have expected this, showing no surprise at all. "This kid is no ordinary recruit. Regardless, you are taking him, whether you like it or not."

"No choice?" Lou Wanxi frowned.

"No choice," Superintendent Li laughed.

Lou Wanxi shot Li Wenxuan a look of disdain and turned, shouting, "Kid, follow me."

"Go on, quickly!" Superintendent Li prompted with a raised brow.

Li Wenxuan had a vague feeling this wasn't going to be pleasant. But he was now a Centurion of the Eastern Depot—someone whom everyone on the street would greet with a smile. Workplace bullying? What was there to fear? He could always file a secret report. Who in the Eastern Depot didn't have some dirt on them?

The two walked to a side courtyard, where Li Wenxuan was issued his blood-red cloak, a three-foot official saber, ox-hide boots, silk and wool socks, a dark red inner lining, and a suit of flexible, close-fitting armor—including… underwear!

*How thoughtful, this Eastern Depot! I’ll go through fire and water for you, Superintendent!*

He changed into these clothes right there in the dressing room. Beyond that, there was a full set of plate armor and seasonal uniforms—two sets for every season. If they wore out, he’d have to pay for replacements himself. If his saber were damaged, he’d have to pay for repairs or buy a new one.

Finally, he received his official seal.

Lou Wanxi sat in a chair, watching as Li Wenxuan verified the seal, then told the accountant, "Give him an advance of fifty taels of silver."

The accountant looked at Lou Wanxi, appearing troubled, and bowed while pleading bitterly, "Officer, that isn't according to protocol, is it?"

Lou Wanxi turned his head and asked with a soft chuckle, "Are you lecturing me on protocol?"

The accountant was startled and immediately cried out, "I’ll go get the advance right away!"

"This subordinate thanks you, Officer Lou!" Li Wenxuan bowed quickly.

Lou Wanxi’s expression was icy. "Don't be in such a hurry to thank me. A top-quality coffin in the capital costs exactly fifty taels. Since the Superintendent has arranged for you to work under me, you might as well go pay for that coffin now."

*What the hell?*

The fifty taels of official silver nearly dropped from Li Wenxuan’s hands. He was just here for a job. Was it really necessary to make it this intense?

He looked up and saw Lou Wanxi’s eyes, filled with a cruel, mocking amusement. His voice was cold and taunting: "Kid, this is only the beginning. Don't you dare chicken out!"