Chapter 231

"Prime Minister Pei had already given me a brief heads-up about Young Master Lu's visit," Zhang Rongzhi said with a smile, personally preparing tea for Lu Xingzhou in the quiet room. "Prime Minister Pei wants me to keep the report on Xiazhou's spiritual energy low-key and avoid overly dramatic language. I understand that. To be frank, even if you and Prime Minister Pei hadn't instructed me, I wouldn't boast aimlessly. Making this position a highly sought-after one is not my intention."

Lu Xingzhou understood completely. Zhang Rongzhi's proposal to relocate the county seat was solely for his own convenience, allowing him closer access to spiritual energy and resources. It wasn't meant to exaggerate the situation and draw a rush of people competing for the spot. Even if Pei Qingyan hadn't mentioned it, Lu Xingzhou surmised that Zhang Rongzhi would have kept the "Xiazhou Spiritual Energy Survey Report" understated, perhaps even downplaying it to a "second-rate" assessment.

With Pei Qingyan's explicit instructions, the report would probably be even more understated, possibly omitting any future development forecasts. Official matters often operate this way; it's hardly deceiving the emperor when it's just a matter of adjusting wording, which can drastically alter perceptions. Even if Gu Zhanting dispatched someone else to investigate, they wouldn't be able to find any flaws in Zhang Rongzhi's report.

"However…" Zhang Rongzhi lowered his voice, "Young Master Lu, you'd best give me the full picture. How much importance does His Majesty attach to this matter? What if a special commissioner is sent for a discreet investigation...?"

Lu Xingzhou sincerely replied, "There will indeed be secret inspections, so Governor, please don't let the report be too far from the truth. Just submit it according to the current situation. As for what happens in the future, who can say?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Rongzhi's impression of Lu Xingzhou improved significantly. This was someone who could empathize with others' predicaments and consider their perspectives, not one of those who, relying on connections, would imperiously create problems. It was far more pleasant to deal with such a person. He refilled Lu Xingzhou's tea cup and smiled, "Since that's the case, I know what to do. Speaking of which, is His Majesty's unusual attention to this area connected to the Heavenly Path Sword Sect?"

"Of course, it's related. After all, the Prince Qi case, which resulted in the dethroning of a prince, was no trivial matter. It's widely known that His Majesty feels some remorse towards the Heavenly Path Sword Sect and wishes to support them as compensation. A little extra attention is certainly to be expected."

Zhang Rongzhi smiled to himself. While His Majesty spoke of supporting the Heavenly Path Sword Sect, no actual measures had been taken. And here, with the spiritual energy recovering, they still intended to keep a low profile to avoid the Emperor's attention, clearly indicating their wariness of him. Regardless, the imperial decree for support did exist, meaning that on the surface, any favoritism he showed towards the Heavenly Path Sword Sect would be by imperial command and thus entirely justified.

As expected, Lu Xingzhou continued, "Although His Majesty's support hasn't manifested in concrete measures, it ultimately comes down to how local authorities implement it. Previously, Governor Hao was a demon and naturally wouldn't faithfully execute His Majesty's wishes. However, since Governor Zhang's arrival, the Heavenly Path Sword Sect's progress has been evident for all to see, and we are all extremely grateful."

Zhang Rongzhi laughed aloud, "So, Young Master Lu, your visit is on behalf of the Heavenly Path Sword Sect?"

Lu Xingzhou sighed, "To be frank, Governor, your sudden proposal to change the county seat has indeed had a considerable impact on us. We've only been established for half a year and aren't yet stable, and now we're immediately facing a struggle for leadership among the various factions..."

Zhang Rongzhi was, of course, aware of the shifts in sectarian power dynamics that relocating the county seat would cause, but these matters had not previously been within his scope of consideration. For an immortal dynasty with strong imperial control, local sects in a remote backwater, none of them even reaching second-rank, were truly given little regard by high-ranking officials like himself. However, since the other party had explicitly raised the issue, he acknowledged some responsibility. "To my knowledge," Zhang Rongzhi said, "Sect Master Shen is now at the middle stage of the third rank, and Shi Tielong, the leader of the East River Gang, is only at that same level. The Heavenly Path Sword Sect might even have slightly more third-rank members under its command, so your strengths are roughly on par. If the East River Gang were to enter Xiazhou now, you would be the entrenched local power. Would you truly be afraid of them?"

Lu Xingzhou smiled, "We lack sufficient foundation and connections, so we're naturally seeking assistance from a good friend like the Governor."

Zhang Rongzhi burst into laughter. "With His Majesty's decree of support from above and Young Master Lu's reputation here below, anyone who causes trouble for the Heavenly Path Sword Sect will be causing trouble for me, Zhang Rongzhi. Young Master Lu, do whatever you wish. If any external county forces try to intervene, I assure you, I am not merely idly occupying this Governor's position."

The "upright" and "unyielding" Governor was acting as if he couldn't wait to become sworn brothers. Prime Minister Pei's intimidating influence was indeed effective. With Zhang Rongzhi's supportive stance, it would be difficult for the East River Gang or any other group to cause trouble.

Lu Xingzhou bid his farewell with a smile, his next destination being the Demon Suppression Division.

The County Demon Suppression Division had also relocated, now led by Commander Wan Cheng, a member of the Huo family. During the demonic governor case, Lu Xingzhou had tricked him into cooperation using Huo Yu's token, and Wan Cheng had subsequently assisted Shen Tang considerably. However, since Lu Xingzhou's arrival in the capital, news of his continuous conflicts with the Huo family had reached Wan Cheng, making him realize he had backed the wrong person, a fact that greatly vexed him.

Upon Lu Xingzhou's visit, Wan Cheng's face was as sour as if Lu Xingzhou owed him eight million. "If Young Master Qi has no intention of returning to his ancestral family," he grumbled, "then please don't try to claim connections again."

Lu Xingzhou smiled slightly. "Commander Wan, you helped us before. Did the Grand Tutor not reprimand you for it?"

Wan Cheng replied expressionlessly, "I was misled by Young Master Qi's token. The Grand Tutor is magnanimous; he wouldn't be too harsh, would he?"

"But can the Grand Tutor still trust Commander Wan as he did before?"

Wan Cheng suppressed his anger. "Are you very pleased with yourself, Young Master?"

"Quite the opposite," Lu Xingzhou replied. "Commander Wan has helped us, and we cooperated well. I wouldn't want Commander Wan to be marginalized because of this." He blinked. "The Demon Suppression Division is, after all, an independent department with its own responsibilities. It wouldn't be easy for the Grand Tutor and Marquis Zhenyuan to meddle with its personnel or to help Commander Wan advance, would it?"

"So?" Wan Cheng said coldly.

Lu Xingzhou said, "Commander Wan, haven't you heard that I have a close relationship with Chief Sheng?"

Wan Cheng was speechless. He had indeed heard, but what he heard was about Lu Xingzhou nearly causing Chief Sheng's daughter to suffer morning sickness, and that she had even wished illness upon her father just to secretly meet him. If Chief Sheng had a "kill list" in his heart, Lu Xingzhou would likely rank number one, a far more significant position than any rookie list.

This showed that Wan Cheng was not as astute as Zhang Rongzhi. Zhang Rongzhi could deduce that despite the entanglement between Lu Xingzhou and Pei Chuyun, Prime Minister Pei hadn't broken Lu Xingzhou's legs. Wan Cheng, however, hadn't considered why Chief Sheng hadn't broken the legs of this audacious young man.

Lu Xingzhou sighed. "Commander Wan, are you unaware that Chief Sheng's feigned illness was intentional, a subtle excuse to search the city and ultimately apprehend a suicidal assassin?"

Wan Cheng's heart tightened; that much was true.

Lu Xingzhou pointed to his own nose. "That assassin was targeting me. Chief Sheng, to help me catch the assassin, went as far as feigning illness."

Wan Cheng was speechless.

"The matter concerning Miss Sheng was entirely a baseless rumor meant to mislead people," Lu Xingzhou sighed. "That day, we were both in East River. Surely Commander Wan knows that she and I simply share a pure comradeship?" He continued, "What is true is that Chief Sheng and I have collaborated extensively. I even participated in the autopsy of this assassin. Is that something an ordinary person involved in a case is allowed to do?"

Wan Cheng found himself unable to refute any of it.

Lu Xingzhou patted his shoulder. "In any case, even if I can't help Commander Wan advance further, do you think it would be difficult for me to put in a good word or two for you? You should know that even the Grand Tutor's recommendations to Chief Sheng might not be effective now."

Wan Cheng remained silent for a long moment. "What do you want? Just say it directly."

"It's nothing much," Lu Xingzhou said. "It's simply that external gangs will be detrimental to our local pillar sects, and this is inherently Commander Wan's responsibility. You should know that previously, it was Miss Sheng who handled such matters in Xiazhou."

"…Say no more," Wan Cheng replied. "If anything comes up, just inform us. It is our duty, after all, and we will handle it."

"It's not just about me informing you, Commander," Lu Xingzhou corrected, "but rather, if anyone approaches you, I hope you will inform me."

Wan Cheng fell silent.

Lu Xingzhou said no more, taking his leave as if to give Wan Cheng time to ponder.

It wasn't until they were a good distance away that Ye Tinglan slowly walked up beside him. "Back in Xiazhou, you're putting forth such exhaustive effort into strategizing and forging alliances," she observed. "It's a stark contrast to your demeanor in the capital."

"When you saw me in the capital, did you think I was a wastrel?" Lu Xingzhou asked.

"Yes, you did," she replied.

"I couldn't truly operate in the capital; it was inherently stifling, though this was hidden by romantic affairs and therefore not obvious," Lu Xingzhou explained. "It's not that I didn't try to leverage the relationships between Pei Qingyan and Sheng Qingfeng, but ultimately, they each had their own reservations. What could I do? Still, it wasn't a wasted trip. At least this seemingly ordinary network of connections, when applied locally, becomes a top-tier resource."

Ye Tinglan nodded, then suddenly smiled. "Seeing you like this, I can understand why Yama Hall and the Heavenly Path Sword Sect could rise under your assistance. It's not just because of your ability, but also because of your dedication. From beginning to end, your trip to the capital was solely for Shen Tang; your objective was always clear."

Lu Xingzhou turned and looked at her smiling face, suddenly a little lost in thought.

Ye Tinglan's smile quickly vanished, and her face became stern.

Lu Xingzhou cleared his throat. "It's not entirely for Tangtang; I do have a desire for self-improvement and learning. Please offer me more guidance, Master."

"Since I agreed to be your mentor, I won't hold anything back," Ye Tinglan said flatly. "You needn't say more."

"But you followed me up the mountain to observe Shen Tang; and you came out with me to observe me," Lu Xingzhou pointed out.

"So what?" she retorted.

"Aren't you tired?"

Ye Tinglan was silent, and after a while, she said, "You consider so much for Shen Tang; do you feel tired?"

"That's what I'm supposed to do," he replied.

"Then these things are also what I'm supposed to do."

Lu Xingzhou was left speechless and fell silent.

The two walked side by side for a good while. It wasn't until they were almost back at the mountain that Lu Xingzhou casually remarked, "Even with all my considerations, I don't shortchange myself when it's time to rest."

"Of course," Ye Tinglan retorted sardonically. "On one hand, you're doing things for Shen Tang, and on the other, you're deeply affectionate with Pei Chuyun and Sheng Yuanyao. If I hadn't returned to Xiazhou with you this time, I truly wouldn't have known the Judge's true nature."

Lu Xingzhou didn't refute her, merely saying, "I've simply learned from past experiences. No matter how much official business one handles, there's no need to neglect oneself. You can do the same, Master."

Ye Tinglan did not answer.

Lu Xingzhou turned and looked at her again, finally saying, "Smile more; it looks good on you."

With that, he strode up the mountain.