“Xu Qi An?!”

This name echoed in the minds of the assembled officials, causing their expressions to shift as they recalled numerous unpleasant memories. Blocking the Wu Men Gate to mock the court; killing a Duke at Wu Men; executing the former Emperor…

They had watched him bounce around doing as he pleased, showing off his might, yet they had been powerless to stop him.

Previously, it was Wei Yuan’s protection that had allowed him to act so arrogantly and tyrannically. After Wei Yuan died, many court officials waited for Emperor Yuan Jing to settle accounts with him, expecting his entire family to be executed.

A wave of murmurs arose as the officials exchanged glances, whispering questions to each other. Some shook their heads, indicating they had received no prior information about this.

Xu Xin Nian, standing at the end of the ranks, heard mostly comments like “Hadn’t he left the capital?” “When did he return?” “Why has this cursed dog come back?” and similar remarks…

The Minister of Justice and other faction leaders’ expressions darkened.

Zhang Xing Ying turned to Liu Hong in shock. The other members of the former Wei faction did the same.

Xu Qi An had returned?

They hadn’t received even a hint of news about this.

That fellow had returned to the capital—and his return brought an inexplicable sense of relief to the former Wei faction members.

Emperor Yong Xing’s lips curled into a slight smile as he signaled the eunuchs to maintain silence, deliberately allowing the officials’ clamor to continue.

“A pack of old foxes, and now the one who’ll manage you has arrived…” Emperor Yong Xing felt refreshed as if all the frustrations of recent days had been swept away.

Once the hall’s commotion had somewhat subsided, Emperor Yong Xing finally spoke slowly:

“As far as We know, Constable Xu had already left the capital to wander the jianghu. How is it that he has returned?”

Liu Hong announced in a loud voice:

“Constable Xu, while wandering the jianghu, witnessed the difficult lives of common people. Moved with compassion and remembering Lord Wei’s teachings, he would often shed tears. Thus, he ceased his wandering.

“He wishes to take Lord Wei’s place in commanding the Night Watchmen and restore clarity to the court.”

The nobles’ and officials’ expressions changed drastically as they called out in unison:

“Your Majesty, this cannot be!”

“How can Xu Qi An, a mere warrior, command the Night Watchmen?”

“This youth is unruly—when he served in the yamen, he dared to break into the palace. If he commands the Night Watchmen, there will be no peace in court or beyond.”

On the spot, more than half the officials in the hall expressed opposition, their emotions far more intense than when they had been forced to make donations.

Among the nobility, almost everyone cast a vote of opposition.

This showed how unpopular the warrior surnamed Xu truly was.

Of course, some agreed, such as members of the former Wei faction and some members of the Wang faction.

The latter’s feelings were more complicated. Xu Qi An was Wei Yuan’s confidant and undoubtedly belonged to the Wei faction. In the past, the Wang faction would have fought tooth and nail to prevent Xu Qi An from commanding the Night Watchmen.

But now…

Everyone knew that Second Young Master Xu was Prime Minister Wang’s future son-in-law.

With this connection, perhaps this arrogant warrior could become an ally.

That dog Xu Qi An has returned… The Minister of Justice’s expression was a mixture of emotions.

His feelings toward the warrior surnamed Xu could be described as both love and hate—love because the man had extremely high utility value, hate because this dog had written poems mocking him and had repeatedly spoiled his plans in the past.

They were old enemies.

But he had to admit that right now, only this dog could keep the court officials in check.

“Crack!”

A eunuch’s whip struck the mirror-bright floor, producing a crisp sound.

Emperor Yong Xing swept his gaze across the assembled officials and said coolly:

“The Night Watchmen supervise the officials and protect the palace and royal family. Who commands the Night Watchmen is for Us to decide.

“Since when did it become the place of you ministers to overstep your authority?”

Just as he finished speaking, he saw Duke Ding Guo step out from the ranks of nobles and say gravely:

“Your Majesty, please reconsider.”

Duke Ding Guo was around fifty years old, wearing an eight-ridged crown and crimson silk robes, with a jade belt at his waist, and wearing the four-colored brocade ribbon of cloud and phoenix.

Though he was already half a century old, his eyes were bright and alert, his vitality showing no signs of age—someone with significant cultivation backing him.

Duke Ding Guo spoke with a strong voice:

“How can Your Majesty appoint someone who killed an emperor to command the Night Watchmen?”

Seeing someone touch upon this taboo topic, the assembled officials fell silent.

Duke Ding Guo continued:

“A father guides his son. The former emperor was, after all, Your Majesty’s father. If Your Majesty appoints Xu Qi An to command the Night Watchmen when this is recorded in the history books a hundred years hence, I fear it will not reflect well on Your Majesty’s reputation.

“Both court and common folk will surely raise doubts.”

His words were very diplomatic, meaning that appointing your father’s killer to high office would be poorly received no matter how you looked at it. When future history books recorded this, it would invite criticism and doubt from later generations.

Reputation was what Emperor Yong Xing cared about most.

“Your Majesty, Duke Ding Guo speaks reason. Please reconsider.”

“This matter is indeed inappropriate, Your Majesty.”

The officials chimed in one after another.

Just as everyone was talking at once in heightened emotion, Emperor Yong Xing said calmly:

“Constable Xu entered the palace this morning. Someone, please invite him to the hall.”

The protests suddenly ceased. The hall fell so silent you could hear a pin drop.

If you had already invited him to the palace, why didn’t you say so earlier… The officials stared blankly at Emperor Yong Xing, their expressions seeming to say:

Are you playing with us?

No one spoke.

Duke Ding Guo stood frozen, caught between advance and retreat.

At the hall entrance, Xu Xin Nian had to cover his mouth to keep from laughing out loud.

The officials had opposed so strongly, crying out about a king-slayer, but upon hearing that his brother had already entered the palace, they immediately fell silent.

It was like cursing someone from behind a wall, only to have them bring a ladder and climb over—instantly cowering.

In the suffocating silence, the officials heard footsteps crossing the high threshold.

All eyes turned to see a figure in magnificent cyan robes striding forward, his bearing steady, his gaze gentle. For a moment, many almost thought the Great Cyan Robes had returned from the dead.

In the silence, footsteps echoed unhurriedly, approaching the throne, approaching Duke Ding Guo.

Tap!

Xu Qi An stopped, turned his head to look at Duke Ding Guo, and said:

“I heard of executing a traitor, not of killing an emperor.

“What does Duke Ding Guo think?”

Duke Ding Guo’s face burned with embarrassment and shame, but he forced himself to snort:

“Xu Qi An, you…”

Before he could finish, his knees suddenly gave way, and he fell to the ground.

Xu Qi An sneered: “A mere mortal is not worthy to speak with me.”

He waved his hand, sending Duke Ding Guo flying back, unconscious on impact.

For a grand duke to suffer such humiliation in the hall… Some royal clan members couldn’t contain their anger and shouted:

“Xu Qi An, how dare you commit violence in the Hall of Golden Bells!”

This angry shout was extremely loud, and the officials outside the hall heard it clearly, raising their heads to look inside.

“Xu Qi An dared to use force in the Hall of Golden Bells?”

“Outrageous! The Hall of Golden Bells is where His Majesty discusses matters with officials, the core of the dynasty. Constable Xu is too presumptuous.”

“This brute grows ever more audacious. Who can control him now?”

The officials outside began to whisper amongst themselves. Even some civil officials who admired Xu Qi An felt he was too impulsive and had brought shame to their scholarly traditions.

At this moment, they heard Xu Qi An’s wild laughter from within the hall:

“That day when I broke into the Hall of Golden Bells with a sword in hand to execute Yuan Jing, why didn’t you condemn me for violence then?

“Yuan Jing colluded with the Witch God Cult, attempting to overthrow the legacy left by our ancestors. I executed him, yet in your eyes, this makes me a king-slayer?

“I repelled the joint armies of Yan and Kang at Yu Yang Pass, and killed the foolish ruler Yuan Jing outside the capital, all to protect the Great Fan Dynasty from the Witch God Cult’s corruption. Was this just so your waste of space could feast on the people’s blood and sweat?

“A mere duke dares to denounce me in the hall, without thinking about whose merit allows him to still stand here putting on airs.”

The hall fell silent.

The officials on both sides of the steps and in the square looked at each other.

Someone muttered: “What’s beating up a duke? He beheaded two at the execution ground.”

“Indeed, Constable Xu’s contributions to the state rival those of Lord Wei in his day. How can a mere duke slander him?”

“With refugees causing trouble everywhere these days, the world is unstable. Only with a Third-Rank warrior in charge can the state remain secure. If His Majesty and the ministers have any sense, they should know how to choose.”

Officials who supported Xu Qi An spoke up, while those who disapproved remained silent.

In the hall, Xu Qi An stood with his hands behind his back, his sharp gaze sweeping over the officials, nobles, and royal clan members as he sneered:

“I nearly died countless times to protect the Great Fan Dynasty, not to feed you useless lot.

“Today, whether you agree or not, I will command the Night Watchmen’s Office. Those who stubbornly resist, don’t blame me for being impolite.”

The assembled officials’ faces turned ashen. They ground their teeth in secret but could do nothing.

A man’s reputation spreads like a tree’s shadow. This brute had killed a duke and executed an emperor—when he went wild, he showed no regard for anyone.

Hoping to restrain him with official etiquette or Great Fan’s laws was pure fantasy.

If this man commanded the Night Watchmen, the entire officialdom would be at his mercy… At this thought, many in the hall began considering resignation.

There was no point serving in such an administration. Having someone who didn’t follow the rules controlling the officialdom was a terrifying prospect.

Xu Qi An changed his tone, saying:

“If you gentlemen are willing to assist His Majesty diligently and serve the people, I naturally won’t make things difficult for you. Otherwise, Duke Cao and Duke Hu Guo’s yesterday will be your tomorrow.”

The hall was completely silent, with no one arguing or responding.

No sound was also a kind of attitude.

The nobles and officials wore unwilling expressions, but perhaps Xu Qi An’s final words had some effect, as their emotions remained relatively stable for now.

One man subduing hundreds of officials—in today’s Great Fan Dynasty, besides the Supervisor, only Xu Qi An could achieve this… Seeing this, Emperor Yong Xing smiled and lightened the mood:

“With Minister Xu overseeing the Night Watchmen’s Office, We can rest easy. In the future, We’ll trouble Minister Xu to assist Us more.

“Court is dismissed.”

Smiling, he stood and left the Hall of Golden Bells with his eunuchs.

As the court session ended, the civil and military officials walked silently across the square. Liu Hong and Prime Minister Wang stood on the steps of the Hall of Golden Bells looking down as the officials passed, each hanging their heads like defeated soldiers.

Xu Qi An emerged from the hall and nodded to the two men in greeting.

Prime Minister Wang nodded back and asked: “How goes the collection of dragon qi?”

Xu Qi An sighed: “A heavy burden and a long road ahead.”

Prime Minister Wang remained silent for a moment, bowed deeply, and left.

“Minister Liu, shall we find a place to drink?”

Xu Qi An smiled and said: “I have some matters to discuss with Minister Liu.”

Liu Hong also smiled but declined Xu Qi An’s suggestion:

“Let’s skip the drinking. If someone reports this, I’ll lose a month’s salary.

“Let’s go to the Night Watchmen’s Office instead. We can talk over tea.”

…

In the tea room on the seventh floor of Hao Qi Tower.

Xu Qi An sat behind the table, raised his cup to Zhang Xing Ying and Liu Hong, and teased:

“Congratulations on your promotion, Minister Zhang. Tonight at the pleasure house, it’s your treat.”

Liu Hong joked: “Given Constable Xu’s status if you’re going drinking, it should be at the Imperial Entertainment Bureau, not some common pleasure house.”

Xu Qi An shook his head: “Before Fu Xiang died, I promised her I would never go to the Imperial Entertainment Bureau again.”

Liu Hong and Zhang Xing Ying exchanged glances and sighed.

They weren’t sighing for Fu Xiang’s tragic fate, but for how much had changed, how different things were now.

Zhang Xing Ying felt this particularly deeply. Back then, he had gone to investigate Yu Zhou with the authority of a Provincial Governor.

At that time, Xu Qi An was just a minor Bronze Badge at the peak of the Qi Refining realm, breaking through to the Spirit Refining realm during the journey.

In just one short year, Lord Wei had died, Emperor Yuan Jing had died, and that former Bronze Badge had now transcended mortality to become a true power.

“There’s something I need Minister Liu’s help with.”

Xu Qi An set down his teacup and spoke seriously:

“You know I’m collecting dragon qi. It’s scattered across the Central Plains—trying to gather it quickly would be like searching for a needle in the ocean. Originally, having the government handle it would be the most efficient approach.

“But with disasters severe in all regions now, the government might struggle with intelligence gathering, and hostile forces could easily steal the fruits of our labor. I need a more covert, more effective intelligence organization to help.”

Liu Hong understood. “You want the Night Watchmen’s secret agents?”

Seeing Xu Qi An nod, Liu Hong shook his head gravely:

“I didn’t inherit the secret agent network.”

Xu Qi An was stunned. “What?”

Liu Hong explained:

“After I took over the Night Watchmen’s Office, I went to the archives to find the records detailing the secret agent network but discovered they had already vanished.

“The clerk in charge of the archives told me that Lord Wei had taken them before setting out for battle.”

Xu Qi An’s brows furrowed deeply. “Lord Wei… took away the secret agent records?”

Liu Hong nodded: “I originally thought he would entrust the Night Watchmen’s agents to you, but it seems Lord Wei had other plans.”

Xu Qi An drummed his fingers on the table and said slowly: “Who do you two ministers think Lord Wei entrusted them to?”

Liu Hong and Zhang Xing Ying exchanged glances and both shook their heads.

Xu Qi An looked disappointed. After frowning in thought for a long while, he changed the subject:

“I’ll be leaving the capital tomorrow. Please continue overseeing the Night Watchmen’s Office, Minister Liu.

“Don’t forget to write a memorial telling Emperor Yong Xing that he needn’t worry about this warrior using imperial authority to command the realm.”

Hearing this, Zhang Xing Ying and Liu Hong shook their heads and smiled.

As things stood, His Majesty would never truly let Xu Qi An command the Night Watchmen’s Office.

The most basic principle of imperial statecraft was “balance”—Xu Qi An could suppress the civil and military officials, but who could suppress Xu Qi An?

Emperor Yong Xing would never give real power to someone who couldn’t be checked and balanced; he wouldn’t even be able to sleep soundly.

In this matter, Xu Qi An was merely playing the role of a tool.

Mainly because his current focus wasn’t on court politics or the capital.

“If I’m not mistaken, there will be a small court session before lunch. The donation matter can be settled then.”

“That’s good news.”

Xu Qi An said.

It was good news, which was why he was willing to be used as a tool.

After chatting briefly, Xu Qi An rose to leave. At the tea room door, he stopped and looked back at the unchanged furnishings.

He suddenly remembered last winter, when he had just joined the Night Watchmen and had only recently gained Lord Wei’s patronage.

Every time he came here to see Lord Wei, his heart would be full of trepidation.

“The face I knew has gone who knows where, while peach blossoms still smile in the spring wind… I should go drink with Brother Chun, Song Ting Feng, and Zhu Guang Xiao.”

…

The court session had just ended, and news of Constable Xu beating Duke Ding Guo in the Hall of Golden Bells and berating the officials spread quickly through the capital’s official circles.

More than a month had passed since Emperor Yuan Jing’s execution.

During this time, Constable Xu had kept an extremely low profile, never appearing in public. All sorts of rumors circulated about him in the capital.

The common folk said that Constable Xu had been forced to wander the jianghu because the court wouldn’t tolerate him after he killed the foolish emperor.

Others said he had been gravely wounded in that earth-shattering battle and was in seclusion recovering.

Not just commoners, but even many lower-ranking officials in the capital didn’t know Constable Xu’s whereabouts.

Now he had reappeared and immediately done something that shocked both court and common folk.

“Constable Xu has finally emerged. This official said before, that he is Great Fan’s conscience. If the officials won’t donate, someone will force them to.”

“The cold disaster is severe everywhere, people can barely survive. Even Constable Xu couldn’t sit still anymore.”

“As long as Constable Xu is here, there’s still hope for Great Fan.”

“Constable Xu has finally restored his official position, this old man is truly excited!”

Once the news spread, loyal officials who supported the donations were greatly encouraged. They no longer had to mind their colleagues’ attitudes or fear public anger, and could openly declare their stance.

Sure enough, before lunch, the Grand Secretariat announced that His Majesty had decided to call for official donations in three days, with no officials opposing.

…

In Jing Xiu Palace.

As lunch approached, Noble Consort Chen sat in the warm room, frequently glancing at the door.

“Why hasn’t His Majesty come yet?”

The charming Noble Consort looked at her daughter to the side and said: “I wonder if Xu Qi An’s intervention will work.”

Lin An reflexively said: “Of course, it will work, everyone’s afraid of him…”

Suddenly she put on a stern face, feigning indifference: “His affairs have nothing to do with me. I’ve long since cut ties with him.”

Noble Consort Chen examined her for a moment, then oddly shifted her gaze away, continuing to watch the door.

The morning’s court events had already spread and naturally couldn’t be kept from Noble Consort Chen.

Learning that Xu Qi An had stepped in to help, she was both surprised and delighted. She knew clearly that right now, only Xu Qi An could help Emperor Yong Xing.

The reason he was willing to help was ultimately probably for Lin An’s sake… Noble Consort Chen looked away from the door and turned to her daughter, her gaze somewhat complex.

Emperor Yong Xing’s figure appeared in the courtyard, striding across it and entering the room.

Noble Consort Chen had been waiting at the door, and her first urgent question was:

“How did it go?”

Emperor Yong Xing knew what she meant and smiled: “In three days, We will personally call for officials to donate, and send court bulletins to all provinces having officials donate while also calling for the local gentry to donate money and grain.”

A great weight lifted from Noble Consort Chen’s heart, and she revealed a bright smile:

“Your Majesty must be hungry. The dishes are ready, I’ll have the servants bring them now.”

Taking Emperor Yong Xing’s hand and sitting down at the table, the beautiful woman’s face was full of smiles:

“Your Majesty can finally rest easy for a while, and this mother is happy too. This matter is all thanks to Xu Qi An. Though this mother doesn’t like him, we still owe him our gratitude.”

Lin An’s round, bright oval face showed a sweet smile.

Emperor Yong Xing was in an excellent mood and joked:

“We also owe Lin An our gratitude. Without Lin An, We would certainly be struggling now, being a rather ineffective emperor.”

“It has nothing to do with me.” Lin An immediately withdrew her smile, imitating Huai Qing’s cold manner.

Emperor Yong Xing was both amused and confused: “What’s wrong with Princess Lin An?”

“Nothing. I simply have no more connection with that Constable Xu. In the future, Emperor Brother shouldn’t misunderstand, shouldn’t think there’s anything unclear between us.” Lin An maintained her cold expression.

I must say, this icy, unfeeling demeanor immediately transformed her from a charming, passionate woman into a cool, sexy young lady.

Seeing her daughter’s odd mood, Noble Consort Chen quickly said: “Alright, let’s eat first.”

She secretly decided to ask her daughter privately after the meal.

…

In De Xin Court.

In an elegantly furnished study decorated with calligraphy, paintings, and displays of porcelain and jade plates.

Huai Qing sat behind her desk, listening to the captain of her guards report, and nodded slightly:

“With his intervention, the donation matter will no longer face any problems.”

The captain spoke excitedly: “His Majesty has given the Night Watchmen’s Office to Constable Xu. Your Highness, you should associate more with Constable Xu. Given your relationship with him, the Night Watchmen will eventually be yours.”

Hearing this, Huai Qing’s fine brows furrowed, and she corrected coldly:

“Our paths differ; we cannot work together.”

Having said this, she seemed unwilling to say another word about him. She opened the book laid to her left, pulled out a list, and instructed:

“Send invitations to the officials on this list for me, but do it discreetly.”

These were officials she had selected after observing their reactions to this incident.

…

Xu Qi An, who should have been the center of attention, was now walking along the official road outside the capital, leading a mare.

On horseback sat the plain-looking Duchess, her body swaying gently with the mount’s movements.

Mu Nan Zhi, who had been confined to the Cold Palace for many days, finally saw daylight again.

“I feel so uncomfortable, there’s something ahead that makes me ill… it’s righteous qi.”

The little white fox in her arms said in a delicate voice.

Oh, Bai Ji had seen daylight again too.

“Nan Zhi…”

Mu Nan Zhi pressed her palms together, her voice showing neither joy nor sorrow:

“Benefactor Xu, monks don’t speak of names, and Daoists don’t speak of age. This poor monk has entered the void gate; you shouldn’t address this poor monk by last name.”

Xu Qi An corrected her: “You should say ‘this poor nun.'”

Mind your own business!! Mu Nan Zhi nearly broke character. Taking a deep breath, she said calmly:

“Whatever the benefactor prefers.”

She had been like this since leaving the Pagoda of Buddha.

Constantly pressing her palms together, chanting Buddhist phrases, indicating she had taken the tonsure and completely cut ties with a certain scoundrel who had stolen her best friend’s wife.

“Nan Zhi, since we’re rarely back in the capital, let’s buy some story books to take with us. You can read them when you’re bored on the journey. The capital’s storybooks are still the best,” Xu Qi An suggested.

Mu Nan Zhi chanted a Buddhist phrase: “This poor nun has no such worldly desires.”

She learned quickly, correcting her self-reference.

“No such worldly desires.”

Bai Ji echoed.

What sin did I commit to have my harem explode like this, with every fish trying to break ties with me and draw clear boundaries… Master Divine Priest, don’t blame me for treating you so roughly the other day, making you strike all those shameful poses—it was just karma… Right, I need to slip out of the capital before tomorrow comes, or my life will be in danger!

After walking for a while, Clear Cloud Mountain came into view.

This time he had come to Cloud Deer Academy to find Headmaster Zhao Shou and ask about the truth of why Wei Yuan had been willing to die to seal the Witch God.

And by the way, to ask for some papers recording the Confucian “Words Become Law” spells.