novellaaa Chapter 69: Exceptional Promotion
Chapter 69: Exceptional Promotion
At 3:45 AM on the third day, the council hall called "Mingli Hall" deep within the Qingzhou Prefecture Demon Suppression Division's branch opened its heavy vermilion doors early, a rare occurrence. The morning light slanted across the ten-foot-high threshold, casting a bright patch of light on the smooth, mirror-like gold brick floor. Within the patch, fine dust particles floated silently, like fragments of time frozen in time.
This Mingli Hall was usually kept closed, only opened when officers of rank and above discussed important matters or issued important orders. At this moment, the hall was already filled with people, seated in two rows of sandalwood chairs according to their rank. At the head of the left side, Liu Xiong, dressed in a newly washed dark green embroidered robe with a python pattern, the hem subtly embroidered with silver cloud and sea patterns, looked dignified and proper. He was whispering to Zhao Kun, the officer sitting next to him, a warm smile playing on his lips, while his fingers unconsciously traced subtle circles on the smooth sandalwood armrest. Zhao Kun, a towering figure, his thick black eyebrows slightly furrowed, listened and nodded, his leopard-like eyes occasionally glancing at the empty courtyard outside, his gaze sharp as a hunter examining a trap.
Several deputy captains and senior inspectors seated on the right waited with varying expressions. Zheng Tong, the deputy captain in charge of criminal matters, had a gaunt face as if carved by a knife. At this moment, his eyes were closed, his thin fingers resting on his knees, as if he were in deep meditation, seemingly oblivious to the faint whispers around him. On the other hand, several deacons exchanged glances, their eyes filled with curiosity, assessment, and a hint of detached observation.
On either side of the hall, monks and clerks of various attire stood solemnly, like the wings of a goose. Some wore tight-fitting clothes, with sharp blades at their waists and piercing eyes; others wore blue robes, holding books and looking respectful. The air was filled with the cool, slightly bitter scent of agarwood, mingling with the faint smell of sweat on everyone's bodies, the warm fragrance of perfumed clothes, and the slightly musty smell of aged wood between the beams and pillars, creating a stifling, oppressive atmosphere that made one's throat tighten. No one spoke loudly; only the rustling of fabric, the occasional clear cough, and the heavy speculation hanging in everyone's hearts flowed silently in the excessively quiet hall.
The scene at the Mission Hall a few days ago has already spread like wildfire, reaching every corner of the branch. That reckless brute from Blackstone Town actually crawled back from the brink of death at Black Wind Ravine, bringing back a bag full of "things" that are said to be able to turn the world upside down. Lord Zhou, the head of the organization, personally oversaw the arrangements for the rear camp, and today he's gathering people here at the Mingli Hall—this setup suggests things are about to get tense. Countless gazes, some open, some hidden, are fixed on the empty main seat, or drift towards the ever-smiling, composed Captain Liu on the left.
"The Lord in charge has arrived!"
A drawn-out greeting abruptly broke the silence. The brocade curtain at the side door fluttered slightly, and two black-armored guards entered, their steps heavy as mountains, standing on either side of the main seat. Immediately, Zhou Yan's lean and upright figure entered the hall unhurriedly. Today, he wore only a slightly worn dark blue robe, a matching silk sash around his waist, and his hair was held up in a bun with an ordinary ebony hairpin. He wore no other adornments, yet possessed a serene and unwavering air, as if shutting out the noisy autumn light outside the window.
"Greetings, Your Excellency!" Everyone in the hall, whether sitting or standing, rose in unison, bowed, and their robes fluttered, creating a soft rustling sound.
Zhou Yan nodded slightly, walked steadily to the head seat, and sat down. His gaze, like warm jade, slowly swept over the people below, lingering briefly on Liu Xiong's ever-smiling face before moving away without the slightest ripple. "Sit down, all of you." His voice was not loud, but clear and resonant, carrying the unquestionable composure unique to those long accustomed to a high position.
Everyone sat down as instructed, but their backs straightened up a bit, and their eyes were all focused on the person above them.
"I've summoned you all here today for two reasons: first, to announce a personnel promotion; and second, to briefly brief you on the recent situation both inside and outside the branch," Zhou Yan said calmly, getting straight to the point. He paused slightly, then turned his gaze to the courtyard outside the hall, which was bathed in the morning light, and called out, "Summon Lin Yan."
"Bring Lin Yan into the hall!" The guard's loud voice echoed briefly in the empty hall before being quickly swallowed by silence.
All eyes, as if drawn by invisible threads, were drawn to the wide-open hall door.
In the interplay of light and shadow, a tall but somewhat frail figure, accompanied by the clerk Sun Wenyuan, slowly entered. It was Lin Yan. His face was still pale, his bloodless lips almost transparent, his left arm slinged in a plain cloth across his chest, and his steps were unsteady, clearly indicating that he was still recovering from a serious injury. However, his back was ramrod straight, like a slender bamboo that remained resilient even in the face of wind and frost; his eyes, though lacking their usual sparkle due to his injuries, held a deeper, almost icy calm as they slowly swept over the various faces in the hall, without joy or anger, as if observing a worldly scene that had nothing to do with him.
His appearance immediately drew suppressed gasps and whispers from the audience. Many were seeing this "legendary" newcomer for the first time. Seeing his youth and his numerous wounds, yet possessing an indomitable sharpness and a calm demeanor, they were all filled with astonishment and suspicion. Some, less sensitive, already showed barely concealed surprise in their eyes; others, more astute, scanned his pale face and serene eyes, silently assessing him.
Liu Xiong's smile seemed to widen further at this moment, even revealing the heartfelt satisfaction of an elder seeing an outstanding junior. He rose first, and Lin Yan, in the court, cupped his hands in greeting, his voice booming with just the right amount of enthusiasm and admiration: "Brother Lin! Congratulations!" He smiled broadly, his eyes sparkling, "In the battle of Black Wind Ravine, you, outnumbered, achieved a remarkable feat, enhancing the reputation of our branch, and bringing back crucial clues. It was truly a great achievement, outstanding and extraordinary! The magistrate's discerning judgment and exceptional promotion truly make the best use of your talents! I, Liu, am deeply delighted for you!" He paused, his tone shifting to one of even greater earnestness, "In the future, as we both serve the court in our branch, I hope you will generously lend your talents and provide much assistance!"
His words were impeccable and sincere, as if the difficulties at the city gate and the "ten days, ten cores" death warrant from the mission hall were merely illusions conjectured by others. Only deep within his smiling eyes, a glint of icy coldness flashed by so quickly that it was impossible to catch it.
Lin Yan understood perfectly well, but his face remained impassive. He returned the greeting with a cupped-hand salute, his voice slightly hoarse from his injuries, yet each word was clear: "Commander Liu, you flatter me. This fortunate success is entirely due to the strategic planning and prior decisions of the Commander, and also to the valiant efforts of my fellow soldiers. I merely happened to be there and did my part." He placed "Commander" and "fellow soldiers" first, and emphasized "fortunate" and "valiant," his words perfectly measured, neither overly humble nor self-aggrandizing, subtly hinting at the perilous nature of Black Wind Ravine. "In the future, I will certainly fulfill my duties diligently to repay the Commander's trust and live up to Commander Liu's expectations."
The chill in Liu Xiong's eyes deepened, but his smile grew even warmer as he nodded repeatedly, "Brother, you're too modest, too modest." He sat down again and, seemingly casually, asked with concern, "Judging from your complexion, your injuries don't seem to have healed yet? Do you need any medicinal herbs to help you recover? I do have some aged tonics in my residence; I'll have them sent over later. Please don't refuse; your health is of utmost importance."
"I am grateful for your concern, Captain." Lin Yan bowed slightly, his tone still calm. "The Lord has already given me good medicine, and the imperial physician has also come to see me. He said that careful recuperation is all that is needed, and I dare not trouble you any further, Captain."
"That's good, that's good." Liu Xiong clapped his hands and chuckled, picked up the half-cooled pre-rain Longjing tea beside him, took a small sip, and concealed the almost imperceptible chill on his lips.
Zhou Yan sat upright in the main seat, taking in the silent exchange of words below, his expression remaining as calm as a still well. Only after their exchange had concluded did he speak slowly, his voice not loud, yet carrying immense weight, instantly silencing all other subtle sounds in the hall:
"Lin Yan".
"Your humble servant is here," Lin Yan replied solemnly, turning to the head of the table.
Zhou Yan's gaze fell upon him, his eyes deep and solemn: "Upon investigation, you were entrusted with a critical mission, leading your men deep into the perilous Black Wind Ravine to wipe out the evil cultivators and bandits who had plagued the region for years. You killed the bandit leader and several of his henchmen, seized stolen goods and evidence, and obtained crucial confessions. You have rendered meritorious service to local stability and upheld the discipline and laws of our Demon Suppression Division. During this time, you led from the front, remaining steadfast even when seriously wounded. Your will is commendable, and your courage worthy of emulation."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the room, each word clear as a chime: "After careful consideration and in accordance with the relevant regulations of the Demon Suppression Division, I hereby decide: Lin Yan, the former acting commander of Black Stone Town, is hereby promoted to **Seventh-Rank Inspector** of the Demon Suppression Division Branch in Qingzhou Prefecture, directly under my command. He will temporarily lead a squad of twenty men, who were originally from the Black Stone Guard and may be incorporated into the establishment; alternatively, he may be selected from among the branch's registered personnel or those recruited in accordance with regulations, depending on the circumstances. Furthermore, he is granted a residence in Qingliu Lane in the West City for his resettlement. His monthly salary and all benefits will be paid according to the regulations for a Seventh-Rank Inspector; and due to his outstanding merits, he will be additionally allocated medicine for injuries and cultivation resources as a sign of preferential treatment."
As soon as he finished speaking, Mingli Hall fell into a deathly silence.
You could hear a pin drop.
A promotion beyond the usual ranks! A seventh-rank inspector! Directly under a subordinate official! Leading his own team! Granted a residence!
This series of rewards struck like a heavy hammer, resounding deep within everyone's hearts. While the position of Inspector wasn't top-ranking, the phrase "directly under the Chief Clerk" carried a completely different meaning. It was as if a crack had been carved into the rigid hierarchical structure, elevating Lin Yan from the lowest rungs, where he could be easily crushed, to a position where he could exert a delicate balance of power with the Chief Clerk's class. The twenty-man team was like a small but sharp dagger; the residence in Qingliu Lane completely ripped away the label of "exile," providing him with a foothold in Qingzhou.
Zhou Yan's actions, relying on his great achievements, were a perfectly legitimate way to reward his meritorious officials, and no one could openly criticize him in the slightest. However, how many of these seasoned officials in the hall could not fathom the deeper meaning behind this reward?
The silence lasted only a moment. Immediately, a torrent of complex and unspoken gazes surged once more toward the solitary figure in the hall. Envy, jealousy, scrutiny, speculation, cold indifference, and even subtle hostility intertwined to form an invisible net.
Zhou Yan seemed oblivious to the undercurrents below, fixing his gaze solely on Lin Yan and asking in a deep voice, "Lin Yan, are you willing to accept this appointment?"
Lin Yan took a deep breath, suppressing the surging blood and thoughts in his chest. He stepped back, straightened his robes, and bowed deeply to the person in the main seat. His voice trembled slightly from the force of the bow, yet it carried an unwavering resolve:
"Your humble servant, Lin Yan, obeys! I will do my utmost to repay the kindness and trust shown to me by the esteemed official, even at the cost of my life!"
"Alright." Zhou Yan nodded slightly, his face expressionless, and said calmly, "I hope you will not forget what I said today. I also hope that all of you here today will work together with Inspector Lin to fight against evil, purify the region, and bring peace to the people. If there is nothing else, we'll stop here for today."
"Congratulations, sir!"
Everyone rose again and greeted him in unison. Zhou Yan left his seat, followed closely by the armored guards, and the group quickly disappeared behind the brocade curtain at the side door.
With the person in charge gone, the tension in the hall seemed to ease abruptly, and whispers returned, a buzzing sound filling the air. Countless gazes remained fixed on Lin Yan, who hadn't immediately left. Among those gazes were the undisguised, icy scrutiny of Liu Xiong's faction, like the licking tongue of a venomous snake; the indifferent glances of seasoned veterans like Deputy Captain Zheng Tong; and the complex attention of a few from humble backgrounds who felt a pang of sympathy for Lin Yan's desperate struggle for his future.
Lin Yan remained calm, seemingly oblivious to his surroundings. He only felt a faint burning sensation on the ancient mark on his chest; the forced bow he had just performed had aggravated his internal injuries, and a faint metallic taste rose in his throat. He swallowed it silently, and at Sun Wenyuan's silent signal, turned and walked step by step toward the hall entrance, which was brightly lit by the morning light.
His footsteps echoed softly yet clearly on the polished gold bricks. He knew that from the moment he stepped across that threshold, the chessboard in Qingzhou Prefecture had changed completely. He was no longer a pawn to be manipulated, but the one who held the pieces, even if it was a risky move, he now had the right to make his move.
In the courtyard of Qingliu Lane, the blades of twenty men... a new battle may have just begun.
Liu Xiong remained seated, watching Lin Yan's figure disappear into the blinding light. The warm, spring-like smile on his face faded like the tide, leaving only a deep, unfathomable stillness. He picked up the cup of tea beside him, now completely cold, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the delicate glaze. After a long while, he slowly drank the icy tea. The tea, with its astringent and cold taste of stale tea, chilled him to the core.
He set down his teacup with a barely audible thud. Deep within his eyes, the last vestige of feigned smile vanished completely, transforming into a profound darkness that seemed capable of swallowing all light.
"I underestimated you..." He moved his lips silently, his fingertips tapping lightly on the smooth armrest, as if making a silent decision.
Outside the hall, the autumn wind swept through the courtyard, scattering a few early-withered sycamore leaves. The golden and withered brown leaves swirled and fluttered down onto the smooth, mirror-like stone steps, only to be carried away by the wind in an instant, leaving no trace.