I Cultivate in a Government Office

Chapter 185: Chapter 114: Promotion and Case Progress

The lights at the entrance of Fengtai Pavilion were bright, illuminating the small area before the steps as if it were day.

Yang Wenqing had seen off most of the guests, leaving just Wang Ren, Xiao Liang, Li Yi, and Qin Feng. The four of them gathered under the eaves by the entrance, chatting idly in the cool night breeze, slightly buzzed from the alcohol.

”Section Chief Wang—no, Director Wang. It’s a sure thing for you this time.” Xiao Liang’s voice was a mix of wistful sentiment and congratulations. ”Deputy Director... Heh, you’ll have to look after us brothers from now on.”

Wang Ren waved his hand dismissively. ”What’s this about looking after anyone? I’ll just be doing my job. With Director Zhang, Director Zhou, and Director Gao above me, I’m just running errands.”

Though his words were humble, the calm, self-assured aura he now projected was a noticeable change from his former self.

Li Yi chimed in, ”Director Zhang has been completely preoccupied with Lingshan Town lately. The county bureau’s affairs will likely fall to you and Director Gao to handle.”

Wang Ren quickly replied, ”You’re too kind. I owe this promotion to your help. If you ever need anything, just say the word. But with Director Zhou backing you, it’s not like you’d ever need us.”

Qin Feng remained silent, saying little as he stood by and listened with a smile. He was clearly happy about Wang Ren’s successful promotion, and even a little proud, as he had been the one to help pull the strings.

”Director Zhang...” Xiao Liang lowered his voice, speaking with the casual air that comes after a few drinks. ”He’s been making a lot of moves lately. It looks like he’s dead set on getting what he wants in Lingshan Town.”

He sighed. ”It’s just... the way he’s going about it is a bit ugly. He’s losing the support of his subordinates.”

The others nodded in agreement but offered no follow-up comments, instead steering the conversation toward other, lighter topics.

As they spoke in hushed tones, other guests would occasionally exit Fengtai Pavilion or pass by the entrance. Many of these were prominent county figures, but upon seeing the five men under the eaves, they would invariably quicken their pace and walk away.

Though none of them held the highest office, each wielded genuine power or occupied a key position. They had also subtly formed a close-knit circle, which, in a place like Qianjiao County, was a force to be reckoned with.

Yang Wenqing watched the figures hurry away. He felt the relaxed atmosphere among his companions, an ease that was underscored by a certain unspoken understanding. ’This must be the nature of power and influence,’ he thought, his insight deepening.

”It’s getting late. We should call it a night,” Wang Ren said with a smile, glancing up at the sky. ”Wenqing’s had a long day, too. There will be plenty of time to get together in the future.”

The others nodded in agreement. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, they either boarded their waiting Flying Shuttles or departed on foot.

As Yang Wenqing walked toward his Flying Shuttle, where Yang Yong was waiting, his driver didn’t immediately open the door. Instead, Yang Yong gestured toward the nearby shadows.

Yang Wenqing followed his gaze and saw Sun Ming, Deputy Director of the Civil Affairs Bureau’s main office, standing in the darkness of a street corner. He held a cigarette, its red tip glowing and fading in the night.

Intrigued, Yang Wenqing nodded at Yang Yong and walked over.

”Director Sun, still here?” Yang Wenqing asked as he drew near, his tone perfectly polite.

Sun Ming snuffed out his cigarette and smiled, his voice low. ”Just waiting for you for a moment. The banquet tonight was nice. Private.”

He paused, then added casually, ”At the meeting today, the County Magistrate was very unhappy about the Lingshan Town case. I heard he dressed down Director Zhang right in the middle of it, said his ’focus is in the wrong place and he can’t grasp what’s important.’”

’That was a lot to unpack,’ Yang Wenqing thought. ’The meeting Sun Ming mentioned must have been the routine county meeting, attended by the Civil Affairs Bureau, the City Defense Bureau, and the Government Soldiers. Then there’s the joint meeting, which includes those three plus the Court and the Inspectorate.’

”The County Magistrate is anxious, and understandably so. It’s over a hundred lives, after all,” Yang Wenqing replied, his answer watertight. He acknowledged the Magistrate’s position without kicking Zhang Qiming while he was down.

Sun Ming glanced at Yang Wenqing and patted his arm. ”You’re new to this level. Just focus on staying steady. That business in Lingshan Town is a deep, murky pond. Let the people who are supposed to worry about it do the worrying.”

’His words were loaded,’ Yang Wenqing mused. ’It could have been a warning not to get too deeply involved, or a hint that Director Zhang’s plans for Lingshan Town had hit a snag.’

Having said his piece, Sun Ming fell silent, turned, and climbed into an unremarkable black Flying Shuttle.

Yang Wenqing stood there for a moment, mulling over the conversation, before finally turning to board his own Flying Shuttle.

It was already ten o’clock at night when he returned to his home on Bluestone Lane. As soon as he stepped through the courtyard gate, he felt the distinct Spiritual Qi fluctuation of a Communication Array from his badge.

’A signal from the City Bureau!’

He instinctively guessed who it might be. Waving a dismissal to Aunt Zhou, he strode quickly into his study and activated the Communication Array. Director Qin’s voice, calm yet carrying a natural authority, came through. ”Wenqing, I hope I’m not disturbing your rest?”

”Teacher Qin, of course not. I just got home. Please, what are your instructions?” Yang Wenqing stood ramrod straight, his tone deferential. He used the address of a student to a mentor, yet his posture was that of a subordinate awaiting a superior’s command.

”Good.” Director Qin got straight to the point. ”I’m calling to let you know, the Bureau held a meeting late this afternoon. It just wrapped up. Your appointment as the head of the Qianjiao County branch’s Major Case Team has been approved. The official notice will be posted tomorrow morning as a formality.”

A sense of certainty settled over Yang Wenqing. He took a deep breath, his voice steady and earnest. ”Thank you for your mentorship, Teacher Qin, and thank you for the City Bureau’s trust. I will do everything in my power to lead the Major Case Team well and live up to your expectations.”