They've all become top scholars in the imperial examinations, and you're telling me this i

Chapter 154 You've become an official and you don't do any work?

The residence of the God of War is situated in a celestial realm where stars shine brightly. The architecture is solemn and the lines are rigid. When Chen Guangrui arrived here on a cloud, the celestial generals on duty outside the gate saw him holding an appointment jade tablet. Although they didn't recognize him, they still allowed him to pass according to the rules.

Before long, Wuqu Xingjun himself stepped out of the side hall. He was still dressed in majestic golden armor, with a square face and a serious expression. When he saw Chen Guangrui, he nodded.

"Chen Guangrui, now that you have received the imperial decree, you should quickly take up your post. Come with me."

The voice of the God of War was loud and clear, leaving no room for doubt.

On the way to the Imperial Stables, Wuqu Xingjun walked with his hands behind his back, his steps steady, without deliberately slowing down to wait for Chen Guangrui. As he walked, he recited the duties of the弼马温 (Bima Wen, a low-ranking official in charge of horses) as if reciting a textbook.

"The Imperial Stables are in charge of the Heavenly Horses, Heavenly Steeds, and ceremonial regalia of the Heavenly Court. As is their duty, they must inspect the horses daily, feed them diligently, and prevent them from becoming weak or losing their spirit. All matters concerning the repair of the stables, the supply of hay, and the rotation of saddles and bridles must be reviewed and approved. Any mistake is considered dereliction of duty. The laws of the Heavenly Court are strict, and since you are new to this position, you must be extremely cautious."

Chen Guangrui followed quietly to the side, only saying, "I will remember the Star Lord's advice."

Wuqu Xingjun paused slightly, turned his head slightly to glance at Chen Guangrui, and the seriousness on his face seemed to fade a little, replaced by a hint of ambiguous sigh. His voice also lowered slightly.
"However, you are indeed very fortunate. From a mere fire-tending Taoist in the Tushita Palace to the position of Bi Ma Wen in one step, such a rapid promotion is rare even in the entire Heavenly Court."

He paused, seemingly weighing the implications of his next words, before continuing.
"This position is no small matter. It oversees the transportation needed for the Heavenly Generals' patrols, and it's crucial to the operation of the Heavenly Court. If it weren't for Laozi's personal recommendation, the Great Heavenly Venerable's favor, and consideration for your current task... well, if handled properly, it would never have been so easily given to a newcomer like you. Do you understand the weight of this position?"

On the surface, these words implied that Chen Guangrui was lucky and had been promoted thanks to Laozi's protection. However, he emphasized the words "favor" and "weight," and combined with the subtle pause, the underlying meaning quietly emerged: Did you deserve this position? Laozi went to great lengths to secure it for you.

As expected of the Heavenly Court.

Chen Guangrui lowered his head, his tone respectful and humble.
"Guangrui is ashamed and feels truly apprehensive. If it weren't for the Ancestor's favor and the Star Lord's guidance, how could I have had this opportunity? In the future, I hope the Star Lord will give me more guidance in the affairs of the Imperial Horse Stable."

The Martial Star Lord remained expressionless, still bearing the dignified and solemn demeanor befitting a representative of the Heavenly Court; only his tone seemed slightly gentler.
"Yes, I understand. Remember, in your position, you must fulfill your duties. Do your job well, and live up to Laozi's expectations and the Great Heavenly Venerable's grace."

He stopped outside the gate of the Imperial Stables. "Go in, I won't see you off any further."

Chen Guangrui didn't say anything. In his understanding, sending someone off usually involved leading them there and then conveying the Jade Emperor and Laozi's wishes before it was considered complete. But Wuqu Xingjun's actions clearly skipped the proper procedures.

However, he didn't say anything and stepped inside.

The gatehouse of the Imperial Horse Stables was quite magnificent, with deep and wide corridors inside. Stepping through the gate, one was greeted by a spacious drill ground, the air filled with the faint, distinctive pungent smell of hay.

Having already been notified, all the officials, guards, grooms, and other personnel on duty in the prison crowded together in the center of the drill ground.

The two leading figures were the ones Sun Wukong had mentioned. The one on the left was tall and thin, with a sharp face and bright, lively eyes; this was Ding Chou. The one on the right was short and stocky, somewhat sturdy, but with a subtle, probing look in his eyes; this was Ji Yong.

Behind them was a group of officials with varying expressions. Some were curiously observing, some were meek and obedient, and some were scrutinizing with barely perceptible intent, wondering what kind of new official's first three moves would this newly arrived superior, who had risen from the position of a woodcutter, bring to his post.

Chen Guangrui's appearance instantly silenced the murmurs that had been lingering. Ding Chou and Ji Yong exchanged a glance, then put on their usual respectful smiles and led everyone in a neat bow.

"Greetings, Lord Bi Ma Wen!"

This can be considered a small gesture of goodwill.

Chen Guangrui's gaze swept calmly across everyone's faces, finally landing on Ding Chou and Ji Yong, where he nodded slightly.

He spoke directly, his voice not loud, but clearly reaching everyone's ears.

"Everyone is free of charge."

Everyone straightened up. Ding Chou was about to step forward and say something polite on behalf of everyone.

Chen Guangrui, however, seemed not to notice his movement and continued speaking.

"The job remains the same."

Four words.

"The usual?"

The two simple words stunned everyone present, especially the veteran officials whose backs ached from standing for so long, and those who were pondering how to deal with the new rules.

Ding Chou's humble smile froze for a moment. A flicker of confusion flashed across Ji Yong's eyes, before he quickly regained his composure. A few very soft gasps came from the crowd.

There was no "new official's three fires" (a symbolic gesture), no warnings or deterrents, and no heartfelt attempts to win people's hearts.

Just a simple "job as usual"?
On his first day in office, the newly appointed弼马温 (Bima Wen, a minor official in charge of horses) uttered these four words.
Chen Guangrui, seemingly oblivious to everyone's astonishment, went straight to the point and asked,
Where is the treasury?

He needed official seals, jade tablets, and other items to complete the handover procedures.

Ding Chou reacted quickly and immediately replied, "Reporting to Your Excellency, it's on the west side of the backyard. I will lead the way right away."

The crowd suddenly realized that the stable boy was hesitant to issue orders because the formalities hadn't been completed. He was being far too cautious.

They all stood still, waiting for Chen Guangrui to finish the formalities and come back to give him a lecture.

But Chen Guangrui said, "Why are you still standing there? Just do what you used to do, and keep everything the same."

When he said that, everyone looked at each other, wondering what this newly arrived stable boy was up to.

Ji Yong reacted quickly and led everyone away.

The subsequent handover procedures had already been completed by Wuqu Xingjun according to the Heavenly Court's regulations; only the final confirmation by affixing the seal of Bi Ma Wen was required. Under Ding Chou's guidance, Chen Guangrui verified, signed, and stamped each document swiftly and efficiently, without the slightest hesitation, and made no mention of what would happen in the future, as if he were merely there to routinely complete the onboarding process.

He remained calm, finished processing the paperwork, and then symbolically walked around the various stables and hay yards within the prison.

Ding Chou, Ji Yong, and several other key leaders naturally followed closely by, respectfully explaining the "old rules" for various matters. Chen Guangrui listened, occasionally humming in agreement, remaining noncommittal.

The newly appointed Keeper of the Heavenly Horses simply toured the area all afternoon. He didn't inquire into the details, raised any questions, seemed to have no opinion on anything he saw, and didn't assign any new tasks or give any instructions to anyone. The word "as usual" seemed to have become his only catchphrase, and also a layer of mist hanging over the entire Imperial Stables.

The officials returned to their posts and whispered amongst themselves.

"That's it? They didn't say anything?"

"What's the deal with this new guy?"

"I don't know, let's wait and see."

"That's fine, anyway, things will remain the same, just do what you're supposed to do."

"Tsk, that's strange..."

Then the cloud bell of the Heavenly Court began to ring faintly.

Chen Guangrui glanced at the sky, stopped, and said to Ding Chou, who was always half a step behind him, "That's enough for today."

Instead of returning to his cell in the prison, he walked straight toward the gate.

Ding Chou's smile faltered slightly, then he bowed even more respectfully, "Please take care, sir."

He and the others stood still, watching Chen Guangrui walk out of the majestic gate of the Imperial Horse Stables without looking back.

“Brother Ji, look…” Ding Chou leaned closer to Ji Yong, his voice low and his eyes full of inquiry.

Ji Yong watched the figure disappear through the door, a serious look appearing on his chubby face. "I can't figure him out. This new official doesn't seem like a newcomer."

He clicked his tongue. "Let's see how many days he continues as usual."

Ding Chou nodded, "After all, they are people from the Tushita Palace. Let's taste them first."

He even managed to find out almost everything about Chen Guangrui's background.

After leaving the Imperial Horse Stables, Chen Guangrui did not return to his temporary residence, nor did he head back towards the Tushita Palace. Instead, he rode a cloud, identified his direction, and flew straight back the way he had come, towards the celestial realm where the Martial Star Lord's residence was located.

A moment later, outside the side gate of the Wuqu Star Lord's residence.

The general who had taken Chen Guangrui to the Imperial Stables looked surprised to see him turn back.
"Lord Chen, have you forgotten something? The Star Lord is currently handling official business in the main hall, so it may be inconvenient for him to..."

Chen Guangrui remained calm, took out a small, smooth jade gourd, poured out a single elixir, and handed it to the heavenly general.

"Please inform the Emperor that Chen Guangrui of the Imperial Horse Administration has prepared a small gift for your consideration."

The heavenly general took the elixir, turned around, and left.

Not long after, that day's attendant hurriedly returned, his expression much more respectful. He stepped aside and said, "The Star Lord invites you, Lord Chen, please follow me."

In the side hall, Wuqu Xingjun had already removed his golden armor and changed into a black casual robe, sitting upright in the main seat, sipping tea. Upon seeing Chen Guangrui enter, his businesslike demeanor vanished, replaced by a gentle expression; he even offered Chen a cup of tea.

"Chen Guangrui, you've returned so soon after taking office. Do you have some doubts about the Imperial Horse Administration?"

Of course, the affairs of the Imperial Horse Administration could not be mentioned. Official business was handled normally. This visit was just to get acquainted and pay a courtesy call. Not a single word about the Imperial Horse Administration could be said.

Chen Guangrui stepped forward, bowed deeply, and calmly placed the gourd in his hand aside.

"My Lord, please forgive my intrusion. I have just assumed an important post and am deeply grateful for your kindness in helping me. I have come here in haste today with a small gift that was recently made in the Tushita Palace, as a token of my gratitude. I hope you will accept it with a smile."

This gourd was part of the inferior pills given to him by the Golden Furnace and the Silver Furnace. Although it was an inferior pill, it was still a rare treasure for the Martial Star Lord.

Since he mentioned the Tushita Palace, its quality is undoubtedly excellent.

Wuqu Xingjun put down his teacup and his gaze fell on the jade gourd that Chen Guangrui had placed on the table next to him.

The exquisitely crafted bottle and the sealing talisman silently testified to the extraordinary nature of its contents. The slight pleasure on his face transformed into a genuine smile, and the warmth in his voice was palpable.

"Hehe, you're too kind. Since it's a spiritual medicine from the Tushita Palace, it's naturally a rare and precious item. I would be impolite to refuse it. The Imperial Horse Stable is related to the operation of the Heavenly Court. Do your job diligently, and if you encounter any difficulties, just come and find me."

"Thank you, Star Lord!" Chen Guangrui bowed again.

Wuqu Xingjun waved his hand, "Official business comes first. Go back and make proper arrangements."

Although he didn't stay any longer, his tone was now completely that of someone who cared about his own people.

Chen Guangrui left the side hall.

Inside the hall, Wuqu Xingjun rose, strolled to the table, picked up the jade gourd, and weighed it in his hand. A barely perceptible golden light flashed between his fingers, and the talisman silently disintegrated.

He pulled out the stopper, and an indescribable aura of medicinal energy instantly emanated from it, almost enlivening the surrounding immortal energy.

"They do know the rules," Wuqu Xingjun muttered to himself, clearly in a very good mood.

Chen Guangrui walked out of the mansion gate, holding the real Nine-Turn Golden Pill in his hand, and flew towards his residence. He had received the monkey's teachings and the Golden Pill in the past few days, and he wanted to see what the effects would be.

Behind him, the heavy side door of the Wuqu Star Lord's mansion slowly closed, isolating everything inside.

(End of this chapter)