A Pawn's Passage

Chapter 1397: Lost

The gifts were excellent, but Qi Xuansu was in no hurry to send them. Right now, he needed to finalize his report draft. This was not something he could entrust to anyone else. It had to be completed personally.

But the moment Qi Xuansu picked up the brush, he felt lost.

Although he had begun drafting the report back at Danxiu Mountain, he had yet to finalize it even after arriving in Jade Capital.

This report was not easy to write.

Sage Qingwei was only one part of the equation. The key was that the report would be discussed at the Golden Tower Council.

Qi Xuansu was nervous because his report would determine the Daoist Order’s next course of action.

Although he could have written the report straightforwardly, the influence of various external forces meant he had to incorporate different viewpoints and strike a balance among competing factions.

In essence, the divide was simple: coexistence as equals or forceful intervention? Harmonious development or active integration?

There was significant disagreement between these positions.

Although Qi Xuansu had his own views and stance, that did not mean he had to confront others head-on right now. He had been on battlefields before. Warfare was not only about advancing and charging. It also meant temporary retreats and endurance. In the Golden Tower Council, that translated into concession and compromise.

Sometimes, compromise was necessary for better progress later.

Not to mention, the current Great Sage Lunzhi was the Imperial Preceptor, and Qi Xuansu’s immediate superior was Sage Qingwei. This was a kind of pressure that Qi Xuansu simply could not withstand head-on.

Qi Xuansu had two paths before him. He could either follow the direction set from above, making necessary compromises to achieve a relative balance, or he could speak truthfully and report things as they were.

But that carried considerable risk.

Qi Xuansu had already spoken with Sage Qingwei beforehand. Sage Qingwei had hinted, rather subtly, that Qi Xuansu’s contributions would not be erased, and the Golden Tower Council would acknowledge and affirm his achievements.

However, Qi Xuansu’s report could not focus solely on merits. It must also address faults in detail. It had to rise to a broader, more abstract level, analyzing the issues and shortcomings revealed by the events in the New Continent.

If there were problems, they must be resolved.

Whenever it came to matters of direction and strategy, it was difficult to determine right from wrong based on theory alone without practical verification.

Back in Nanyang, after the family banquet ended, Zhang Yuelu left early with Little Yin, leaving Qi Xuansu alone with Huangfu Ji.

Seizing the opportunity, Huangfu Ji initiated a conversation. “I’ve heard that regarding this report, Beichen Hall’s position is to focus on problems and shortcomings.”

Qi Xuansu did not ask where Huangfu Ji heard it. Instead, he asked, “Is this why you wanted to speak with me?”

Huangfu Ji replied bluntly, “Yes, to be frank, I strongly disagree.”

Qi Xuansu repeated, “You disagree.”

Huangfu Ji’s tone turned solemn. “Yes, I disagree. Over the past three years, even the past thirty years, the Western Daoist Order’s achievements in fighting for the New Continent’s independence and resisting the Holy Court are evident to all. All of us have risked our lives and carved a path through thorns and blood. This is no longer the effort of a few individuals but the sacrifice of countless people. Through hardship and perseverance, we achieved what we have today.”

He paused, then continued, “But now, some people want to negate our achievements, talking about problems and shortcomings. I believe this is deeply unfair to the Western Daoist Order and utterly unacceptable. Of course, I am not an Omniscient Sage of the Golden Tower Council. I have no right to attend its deliberations or voice opinions. But I can only say this much to you, Brother Qi.”

Qi Xuansu understood clearly that Huangfu Ji was not speaking merely for himself. He was representing the entire Western Daoist Order.

Thus, Qi Xuansu replied, “I understand everything you’ve said. You are well aware of my stance and views. But as you said, I am also not an Omniscient Sage of the Golden Tower Council either. Although I may attend its sessions, I am only there to report and observe. I have no authority to express opinions.”

Huangfu Ji said, “Of course, I understand that. But on matters of right and wrong, I can only rely on a man of justice like you to fight for as much fairness as possible.”

What could Qi Xuansu possibly say in response? It did not matter whether he was truly a man of justice. He simply could not refuse Huangfu Ji.

He needed to uphold his own stance and views, and he also needed the support and recognition of the Western Daoist Order.

Just as Qi Xuansu held his brush and hesitated to write as he recalled his conversation with Huangfu Ji, Li Zhuyu arrived at his office.

The Chief Deputy Hall Master’s office was a layered compound with a reception hall, small meeting room, study, meditation room, and more. Qi Xuansu was in the inner study, while the outermost room served as Chen Jianchou’s secretary office.

Chen Jianchou immediately stood up. “Deputy Hall Master Li.”

Li Zhuyu asked, “Secretary Chen, is Chief Deputy Qi inside?”

Chen Jianchou replied, “Chief Deputy Qi is inside, but he has given instructions that aside from matters concerning the Hall Master, no one is to disturb him.”

Li Zhuyu showed no surprise. This was the authority of a Chief Deputy Hall Master. While the Second Deputy was roughly of the same rank, and all other deputies were subordinates. Aside from the Hall Master, no one, including the Second Deputy, had the standing to demand anything of him.

Li Zhuyu asked further, “Does Chief Deputy Qi have any engagements today? Perhaps diplomatic activities with the Western Daoist Order or visits to other halls?”

Chen Jianchou said, “No, he’s been focused on preparing his report recently.”

Li Zhuyu smiled. “That’s exactly why I’m here. Secretary Chen, could you announce me? I’d like to speak with Chief Deputy Qi.”

Chen Jianchou was about to respond when Qi Xuansu pushed the door open and stepped out. He fell silent and stepped aside.

Qi Xuansu said, “Dan Jin, it’s rare seeing you around. What brings you here?”

Dan Jin was Li Zhuyu’s courtesy name. The two had worked together in Fenglin and Poluo and now served under the Beichen Hall, so their tone was naturally more casual.

Li Zhuyu stopped speaking with Chen Jianchou and turned to Qi Xuansu. “Chief Deputy Qi, you haven’t been spending time in this office since you joined Beichen Hall, so where am I supposed to find you? Surely I’m not expected to chase you all the way to the New Continent, am I?”

Qi Xuansu smiled. “So it’s my fault, then.”

As he spoke, he turned and pushed open the door to the reception room, joking lightly, “Deputy Hall Master Dan Jin, surely you have some guidance to offer since you have graced us with your presence. I’m all ears.”

Qi Xuansu had already guessed why she came and used humor to ease the atmosphere.

Li Zhuyu understood perfectly and laughed in return. “I wouldn’t dare offer guidance. I’m not Chief Deputy Zhang, so how could I presume to instruct you, Chief Deputy Qi?”

Qi Xuansu feigned displeasure. “Dan Jin, are you implying that I’m afraid of my wife or that Chief Deputy Zhang is a tigress?”

“I didn’t say anything. That’s all you.” Li Zhuyu waved her hands quickly.

She was also setting the stage, lightening the mood first to avoid provoking Qi Xuansu.

The two took their seats as Chen Jianchou brought in tea.

Li Zhuyu steadied her teacup but looked straight at Qi Xuansu. “Chief Deputy Qi, I’ve read your draft report. To be frank, I find it inappropriate.”

Qi Xuansu took a sip of tea and asked calmly, “In what way?”

Maintaining the same composed tone, Li Zhuyu replied, “You’ve included quite a bit about the Western Daoist Order’s achievements, accounting for roughly half the report, and the other half is the discussion of problems.”

Qi Xuansu did not deny it. “That’s correct. I approached the issue from both sides.”

Li Zhuyu softened her tone, speaking earnestly. “Tian Yuan, this won’t work. If this is presented at the Golden Tower Council, it will conflict with the direction from above. It’s already clear. They’ve acknowledged your and the Western Daoist Order’s contributions. The next step is to identify problems and shortcomings, then refine future goals accordingly. If you highlight achievements like this, it may look like you’re claiming credit.”

Qi Xuansu did not argue. Instead, he said, “I understand. But we must consider the Western Daoist Order’s feelings. After all, they are also fellow Daoists of the same origin. You cannot write two different ‘Dao’ with one brush. If they lose morale, the consequences will be far-reaching. That’s an even greater issue that cannot be ignored.”

Li Zhuyu replied, “But this report is for internal discussion at the Golden Tower Council. It’s not a public announcement, nor a declaration to the world.”

Qi Xuansu set down his teacup. “Even when identifying problems, it must be grounded in truth. Merit is merit; fault is fault.”

Li Zhuyu sighed. Instead of pressing further, she shifted her angle. “Before coming here, the Imperial Preceptor summoned the Hall Master. His intent is obvious. He takes this Golden Tower Council session very seriously. Speaking as a friend, I’ll say something unpleasant. What you’re doing is akin to smashing an egg against a stone. You shouldn’t resist this head-on.”

Qi Xuansu fell silent for a moment before speaking. “I’m not resisting. I’m only saying that this achievement does not belong to me or Beichen Hall. It belongs to the Western Daoist Order and the countless people of the New Continent. Of course, the Daoist Order had also contributed immense effort and resources. Why can’t it be mentioned or made clear?”