Brocade Robe Unparalleled

Chapter 29 Changes in the sky
Nothing else happened at Jingbian Division all afternoon.

But everyone knew that this was just a brief calm before the storm.

During dinner, Lin Xuan looked at A Luo, who was eating quietly across from him, pondered for a moment, and then instructed her, "Something happened at Jingbian Division. Don't go out to set up your stall for the next few days."

The situation at Jingbian Commandery is still unsettled; it's best to avoid causing further trouble.

He had originally intended to ask Wu Baihu to exchange jurisdictions with Huang Yue, but now he naturally couldn't bring himself to do so.

A Luo raised her head, her clear eyes looking at Lin Xuan. Without asking any questions, she obediently nodded and said, "Okay, I'll listen to Brother Lin."

night.

Lin Xuan was practicing standing meditation in his room when he noticed the candlelight suddenly flickering.

He opened his eyes, clasped his hands in greeting to the black-robed man sitting at the table, and said, "Greetings, Your Excellency."

The man in black robes asked calmly, "Has anything happened at the Jingbian Division today?"

Lin Xuan nodded and said, "Reporting to Your Excellency, Commander Zhou visited the Jingbian Division today and appointed a new centurion and a captain... That centurion Shen seems to be someone of considerable importance; he took over all the division's affairs as soon as he arrived..."

“Shen Qingya, Wenren Yue…” The man in black robes was silent for a moment, his tone revealing a hint of doubt, and he murmured, “Strange, why are the younger generation of the Shen and Wen families not staying in the capital? What are they doing in Sizhou?”

Lin Xuan's eyes flickered, and he asked, "Sir, are the Shen family and the Wen family very powerful?"

The man in black robes made no attempt to conceal anything, saying, "These two families are among the top families in your Yong Kingdom's capital. Their influence extends throughout the court and the country, with countless disciples and followers. They can easily arrange good positions for their family members in key locations around the capital. There's no reason to send them to the remote southwest. Is it for training...?"

A glint flashed in Lin Xuan's eyes, but he did not speak.

Although he spent a short time within the system, he witnessed a great deal.

There are never no reasons for promotions or transfers in officialdom.

When powerful figures with deep connections are unusually assigned to small places, it's often not for training purposes, but more likely because something significant is about to happen there, and they're being given a position in advance...

Although Lin Xuan, a local, had no idea what was about to happen in Sizhou, the important figures in the capital were far more informed. In fact, the very events about to unfold were orchestrated by them...

The man in black robes spoke seriously to Lin Xuan, "Keep a close eye on those two. Report any unusual movements to me immediately..."

The following day, the Jingbian Division.

When Lin Xuan stepped into the gate of the Jingbian Division, the somber atmosphere of yesterday had not completely dissipated, and an invisible oppression permeated the air.

All the banner officers stayed in their duty rooms, except for a few clerks who kept going in and out of the Jingbian Division's warehouse, accounting office, and document archive, delivering files and accounts to Shen Baihu's duty room.

The door to Wu Baihu's duty room was locked; he simply didn't come to Jingbian Division today.

Lin Xuan, Zhang Hu, and Chen Bao sat in the duty room for a while when a clerk from the accounting office walked in from outside, holding an official document. Seeing them, he smiled and said, "You three junior officers are all here. I happen to have something to discuss with you..."

He handed the official document to Lin Xuan and said, "The accountant, on the orders of Commander Shen, is auditing the department's accounts for the past year. The six months' salary compensation previously paid to the three of you has been withdrawn by Commander Shen because it did not comply with departmental regulations. Please return the relevant funds to the treasury in full within three days..."

"what!"

Zhang Hu was the first to cry out, abruptly standing up, his face flushed red, "That's compensation for wrongly accusing us, why should we..."

Chen Bao pressed down on Zhang Hu's arm and pulled him back to sit down.

Lin Xuan took the official document, smiled slightly at the accounting clerk, and said, "Understood. We will return the compensation today."

The accounting clerk nodded and said, "Please hurry, three junior officers. We need to report back to Commander Shen as soon as possible."

After the clerk left, Zhang Hu turned around angrily and cursed, "Damn it, is there any reason to take back the money that has been handed out!"

Chen Bao sighed and said, "Commander Shen is really making a big show of himself as a new broom sweeps clean..."

Lin Xuan stood up and said, "I'll go to the accounting office. I'll pay your share for you."

Zhang Hu waved his hand and said, "No, even brothers should keep clear accounts. I don't have any money with me, so you can pay me first, and I'll pay you back tomorrow."

Lin Xuan did not insist any further and slowly walked out of the duty room.

Upon arriving at the accounting office, Lin Xuan discovered that they weren't the only ones whose funds had been withdrawn.

Two trusted banner officers of Wu Baihu, along with some of their Jingbian Guards, were also queuing at the entrance of the accounting office. As Wu Baihu's confidants, they often managed to snag lucrative positions.

After completing their tasks, Commander Wu would occasionally reward them, of course, through the Jingbian Division's accounting office. Now, all these rewards have been withdrawn by Commander Shen.

On his first day in office, he started investigating old accounts, which was clearly aimed at Wu Baihu, not at Lin Xuan and his group.

This newly appointed centurion is even more ruthless than Wu, the centurion.

After Chen Baihu left, Wu Baihu also targeted Lin Xuan and the others, but he was very particular about his reputation.

This Commander Shen completely humiliated Commander Wu, leaving him no room to lose face.

After returning the silver that had been used to compensate him last time, Lin Xuan walked out of the accounting office and happened to see Huang Yue strutting out of Shen Baihu's office.

Upon seeing Lin Xuan, he snorted coldly but said nothing, seemingly having some urgent business, and quickly walked out of the Jingbian Division.

Soon after, Lin Xuan saw many familiar faces appearing at the Jingbian Division.

These people were all managers and stewards of major merchants in Sizhou, and Lin Xuan had been dealing with them frequently during this period.

In the council hall of the Jingbian Division.

Shen Qingya sat at the head of the table, his posture relaxed, occasionally taking a sip of tea.

Below him, several prominent managers of businesses in Sizhou City sat upright, sweat beading on their foreheads, their hearts filled with trepidation.

"Everyone."

At one point, Shen Qingya put down his teacup, looked at everyone, and said, "I have invited you all here today to discuss the matter of the Jingbian Division protecting merchant caravans. From this day forward, all merchant caravans that require the protection of the Jingbian Division, regardless of size or distance, must personally report to me three days in advance. I will arrange everything for you..."

The managers of the shops below looked at each other, unable to make up their minds.

Previously, they would discuss escorting caravans with Commander Wu.

They were unfamiliar with this new centurion and therefore did not know how to respond.

At this moment, Huang Yue, who was standing next to Shen Qingya, snorted and said, "This is Commander Shen. From now on, all matters concerning the Jingbian Division will be decided by Commander Shen!"

The managers, all quick-witted individuals, trembled upon hearing this.

The steward of Longchangji reacted the fastest, immediately putting on a smile and bowing, saying, "Congratulations on your new appointment, Commander Shen! I will obey your orders, Commander!"

Congratulations, Lord Shen!

"We are deeply grateful for Lord Shen's consideration for the merchants..."

The other managers also immediately stood up and echoed their sentiments.

Shen Qingya nodded slightly and said calmly, "I have other matters to attend to, so I will take my leave first. Huang Yue, please take good care of these guests for me."

Huang Yue's face lit up with joy, and he clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Yes, Lord Shen!"

Shen Qingya left with his hands behind his back. Huang Yue walked up to the stewards and said in a low voice, "Commander Shen is from the capital. From now on, he'll be the one in charge of the Sizhou Border Defense Division. Commander Shen is understanding and has sent people to escort your caravan. You should be sensible and make sure you don't miss out on the due tribute..."

Everyone spoke one after another.

"I understand, I understand!"

"Don't worry, Huang Xiaoqi, we know the rules..."

A steward looked worried and whispered to Huang Yue, "Young Master Huang, these things were all handled by Commander Wu before. If Commander Wu blames us..."

Huang Yue snorted coldly and said indifferently, "Remember this: from now on, the Jingbian Division will only have one centurion, and that is Centurion Shen!"

Upon hearing this, everyone's hearts were filled with turmoil.

The Jingbian Commandery has completely changed!

(End of this chapter)