A Pawn's Passage

Qi Xuansu planned to begin with Wang Danqing. But if another lead presented itself, he certainly would consider it. Perhaps a two-pronged approach might yield even better results.

He said, “Starting tomorrow, I will tour the prefectures and counties to understand the local situation. After all, it’s the standard practice for every Daoist Mansion to do so once in a while. As for what you’ve told me, I’ll have my subordinates begin some preliminary investigations. Once I return, we can decide what to do next.”

Chen Jianqiu turned her gaze toward Qi Muyu.

Qi Muyu nodded lightly. “Second Deputy Qi is right. This is the standard practice. Those appointed to govern such territories must first tour their domain and understand the lay of the land so as to build a clear picture before taking real action. If they simply stay in the Daoist Mansion all day, they’ll only invite criticism.”

Chen Jianqiu could only say politely, “Thank you in advance, Second Deputy Qi.”

Strictly speaking, outsiders would not address Qi Xuansu by his official Daoist post, since these ranks were internal to the Daoist Order. But since he had yet to attain the title of a Sage, calling him that would be premature, but calling him a High Mage was too low for his role. Thus, most people simply chose the middle ground and addressed him by his official post as a Second Deputy.

Qi Xuansu rose to see his guests off.

As she was about to leave, Qi Muyu glanced back and asked, “Second Deputy Qi, you haven’t forgotten what we discussed last time in Jade Capital, have you?”

Qi Xuansu replied with a question of his own, “Have you met the person I mentioned?”

“Genki? Yes, I met her once in Lingnan. But I have yet to meet Madam Qi.” Qi Muyi admitted. “To be honest, she’s not someone I can just go and meet as I please.”

Qi Xuansu chuckled. “Then I must ask you to be patient. Even I can’t meet with Madam Qi whenever I wish. Everything she does depends entirely on her mood.”

Qi Muyu sighed softly.

As a seventh-generation disciple and a core member of the Qi family, she naturally knew of Madam Qi’s existence. She also knew that Madam Qi was essentially the hidden blade of the Yao family, a woman of her own kind, though of a far greater magnitude.

She could do nothing about Madam Qi. Even someone like Sage Donghua found her troublesome, and Sage Cihang had been forced to yield to that bullheaded woman.

After Qi Muyu left, Qi Xuansu turned to Ke Qingqing and instructed, “Once the banquet ends, have Superintendent Lu and Superintendent Han come to my office. Also, ask if Deputy Palace Master Xu is free. I would like to meet her. She can decide on a time that suits her.”

In general, a secretary’s time did not belong to them. Thus, if Qi Xuansu wanted to meet Xu Jiaorong, he would have to adjust to her schedule and wait until she was available. Likewise, anyone wishing to see Ke Qingqing would also have to wait until she could spare the time, which revolved around Qi Xuansu’s itinerary.

Ke Qingqing nodded in acknowledgment.

Qi Xuansu left the lounge and returned to the banquet hall.

After the last guests departed, it was already 8 PM by the time Qi Xuansu returned to his own office. According to Xu Jiaorong, the Water Palace was under Great Sage Lan’s jurisdiction. No other factions could reach inside, so Qi Xuansu could rest easy, knowing he need not fear eavesdropping or tampering. With Ke Qingqing stationed here as well, their safety was assured.

Naturally, Qi Xuansu believed her. However, he discreetly placed image recording stones and voice retention talismans throughout his office, just in case. If anyone ever tried to frame him, these would serve as his protection and a possible counterattack.

He was even more stringent with his residence. No one was allowed inside, including the cleaning attendants in the palace. He would handle all daily chores personally. After so many years roaming the world, Qi Xuansu was self-sufficient and needed no one to serve him.

Qi Xuansu had also prohibited all female Daoists from entering his residence, including his secretary, Ke Qingqing. Unless, of course, the visitor was Zhang Yuelu herself.

All meetings were to be held only in the office or public spaces.

There were too many eyes watching him, waiting for a chance to drag him down or tarnish his name. Thus, he could not afford to let his guard down.

He had also learned a lesson from his predecessor, the previous Second Deputy Poluo Daoist Mansion Master. He had been removed in the simplest and most humiliating way possible—a honey trap. Great Sage Lan could ensure that no one infiltrated the Water Palace, but even he could not stop someone inside the Water Palace from volunteering to take the bait.

After a sexual encounter, the female Daoist took a blood-stained bedsheet straight to Wang Jiaohe, and the Second Deputy could not even defend himself. Though Great Sage Lan had suppressed the scandal under the pretext of not leaving a negative influence, the man could no longer remain in Poluo and was transferred out. Had he stayed, Wang Jiaohe would have toyed with him in his palms.

There were only two possible fates for such a man—either to collude with Wang Jiaohe or become a powerless puppet. No one in that position could hope to restrain Wang Jiaohe ever again.

One might think such schemes were too crude or childish, but they were devastatingly effective. One might also assume that someone of the Second Deputy level could shrug them off. However, a scandal like this could destroy one’s career even if it was just slander without evidence.

Ke Qingqing had already prepared a sobering herbal tea specially designed to dispel the after-effects of alcohol.

She said, “Deputy Xu has to wait for Great Sage Lan to finish speaking with Chief Deputy Hall Master Yao. So she can only meet around midnight.”

Qi Xuansu nodded slightly. “Alright. Have Superintendent Lu and Superintendent Han come to meet me first.”

Ke Qingqing quickly obliged.

Soon after, Lu Yuting and Han Yongfeng, who had been waiting for some time, were ushered into Qi Xuansu’s office.

Qi Xuansu motioned for the two to sit and went straight to the point. “I called you both here mainly to brief you on the tasks ahead. Starting tomorrow, I’ll begin a half-month inspection tour of the prefectures and counties of Poluo to understand the real situation on the ground. I intend to travel light and discreetly so as to see things as they truly are. That means our group can’t be too large. One of you will accompany me on this trip, while the other stays here in the palace to quietly look into the background of the other superintendents. That way, I’ll have a clearer picture.”

Lu Yuting and Han Yongfeng exchanged a glance.

Han Yongfeng spoke first. “I served in the Liaodong Daoist Mansion previously, so I’m more familiar with how things work on the ground. Why don’t I accompany you on this tour?”

Lu Yuting nodded in agreement. “Then I’ll stay here in the Daoist Mansion. I’ll start by getting acquainted with the superintendents from Huasheng Hall and see if there are any breakthroughs from there.”

She had never worked in the local Daoist mansions, so in that regard, she could not match Han Yongfeng’s experience. However, she had previously served in Huasheng Hall, which also had a branch in Poluo. So, starting from that branch would be relatively easy, and it would not draw too much attention.

Qi Xuansu said, “Good, it’s settled then. You’ve both had quite a bit to drink today, so go back and get some rest.”

“You should rest too, Second Deputy. We’ll take our leave now.” They then excused themselves and left the office.

Qi Xuansu finished his tea, then took out some Jade Liquor gifted by Sage Donghua. He blended it with several non-reactive pills and sipped on the cocktail slowly. Then, he closed his eyes and leaned back against the chair.

Sage Donghua, Sage Qingwei, and Sage Cihang had yet to reach the Longevity stage of Immortals, not merely because they sought solid foundations, but because their duties constantly delayed their cultivation. It was an inevitable trade-off. Those who wanted to focus solely on cultivation could at most become a Virtuous Great Sage. But to rise higher as a Grand Master, one had to bear the burdens of political affairs.

In such circumstances, time became valuable. Every spare moment had to be seized for cultivation. Meditation replaced sleep. They would cultivate during idle waits, like on a flying ship or while waiting between meetings. Not even an hour was to be wasted, as these minute moments of quiet focus could accumulate into great progress.

Using the Xuan Jade had given Qi Xuansu a significant advantage. However, even with that aid, he could not neglect his own cultivation. He had undergone a physical transformation twice, which improved his efficiency in cultivation dramatically.

Time passed. When it was almost midnight, Ke Qingqing entered the office and reported, “Second Deputy Qi, Deputy Palace Master Xu has arrived.”

Qi Xuansu opened his eyes and rose to his feet. “Please let her in.”

Moments later, Xu Jiaorong entered Qi Xuansu’s office.

The first impression Qi Xuansu had of this secretary was that she was poised, intelligent, and composed.

“It’s already so late. I really must apologize for troubling you to come all this way at this hour.” Qi Xuansu began the conversation with a courteous apology.

Xu Jiaorong smiled faintly. “It must be something quite important for you to summon me this late.”

“Let’s sit and talk.”

This time, Qi Xuansu did not take his usual seat behind the desk. Instead, he moved to the hall, which was a gesture of equal footing rather than superiority.

That was the difference between a subordinate and an ally. After all, true equality never really existed in this world.

The two sat facing each other across a small tea table, while Ke Qingqing served them tea.

Qi Xuansu briefly recounted the matter concerning Chen Jianqiu.

After listening, Xu Jiaorong mused, “I’ve heard of this case. But since Chief Deputy Chen, being the Yu King’s sister, is already overseeing it, it wouldn’t be proper for us to intervene rashly. Do you also sense something suspicious about it?”

Qi Xuansu replied, “I believe this is an opportunity. But as you said, we can’t interfere openly. We should first investigate quietly from the shadows. I’m new here and don’t have many people I can truly trust yet. My subordinates are also unfamiliar with the situation in Thanglong Prefecture, so I hoped to ask for your help, Deputy Xu.”

Xu Jiaorong did not respond immediately. Instead, she fell into thoughtful silence.

Qi Xuansu did not rush her. He waited patiently, as he believed that this top-ranking secretary of the Poluo Daoist Mansion was no mere ornament.

After a short pause, Xu Jiaorong finally said, “I may indeed have someone suitable. However, he doesn’t belong to the Daoist Mansion. He’s a military officer of the Yu Kingdom.”

Qi Xuansu asked, “Can he be trusted?”

Xu Jiaorong replied calmly, “I once did him a favor, and he’s a man who repays gratitude with loyalty.”

Qi Xuansu nodded. “Reliability is all that matters. In fact, it’s better if he’s not from the Daoist Mansion. That way, he’ll draw less attention. What is his name?”

Xu Jiaorong replied, “His name is Chen Jianchou.”