Chapter Sixty-One: We Pledge Ourselves to Share Your Burdens, Commander!

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Within the newly established Western Bureau of the Imperial City...

More than a dozen martial experts, each with a different expression, chatted as they carried the Emperor's rewards of gold and silk into the hall.

Though their eyes burned with desire, the memory of the earlier "Dragon Soaring in the Sky" made their hearts tremble; not one dared harbor a thief's intent.

Seeing a young eunuch in a python-embroidered robe gradually appear at the door, the group quickly bowed in salute.

"Greetings, Chief Inspector!"

"Hmm..." Xu Boqing nodded slightly, and after seating himself at the head of the room, glanced at the piles of reward items, his brows furrowing as he spoke, "Take these and divide them among yourselves. Don’t let them clutter up the place..."

...

The dozen or so men held their breath, none daring to respond.

Eunuchs have no posterity, and some, castrated and sent to the palace as children, have no family at all, making their temperaments rather twisted. Especially since the two greatest desires, wealth and lust, have lost the latter, leaving only greed for money. Thus, most eunuchs value silver highly.

Among the Emperor's gifts, one tray held twenty gold ingots, and there were fifteen such trays—a total of three thousand taels of gold. The bolts of silk and brocade were all imperial quality, just as valuable.

The total value approached fifty thousand taels of silver. Who would dare claim such a prize?

Not only did they not dare take it, but they also wondered if this was a test by the Chief Inspector, perhaps a reminder to offer their own "tributes."

After all, in these times...

It had become customary for new officials to demand bribes from subordinates...

A middle-aged eunuch from the Eastern Bureau was the first to react, bowing beside Xu Boqing and pulling a bank note worth three thousand taels from his sleeve, placing it on the table.

With a forced smile, he said, "Chief Inspector, I come to atone for my offense."

?????

"Atone?" Xu Boqing stared at the note, slightly puzzled, his brow furrowed as he wondered when this man had offended him...

Seeing Xu Boqing’s furrowed brow, the middle-aged eunuch began to sweat, thinking that despite the Chief Inspector’s youth, his appetite was vast—surely he found the tribute insufficient...

Xu Boqing pondered for a long moment, unable to recall any offense from the man, and so asked tightly, "We’re not acquainted, are we?"

The moment those words left his mouth...

The middle-aged eunuch dropped to his knees with a thud, trembling as he said, "Earlier at the martial arena, I foolishly took the stage and offended you, Chief Inspector. I beg your mercy for my first offense—spare my life... If you give me time, I'll gather another three thousand... no, five thousand taels to honor you!"

...

Xu Boqing raised a brow, realizing there had been a misunderstanding...

Seeing the rest of the Western Bureau staff wearing expressions of suppressed indignation, he began to understand.

He tapped his fingers lightly on the table and said, "Do you all think I am speaking in riddles—asking you for bribes?"

...

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No one in the room spoke...

It seemed they silently agreed.

"Hehehe..." Xu Boqing couldn’t help but laugh and shake his head. "Then you misunderstand me. I have no interest in silver or gold—not even the slightest..."

He paused, pointing to the heap of rewards, "To me, their value is less than a few good books. You are all my Western Bureau staff, so do not fret—take them and divide them. Consider it a gift from your Chief Inspector."

...

Everyone's breath caught again, faces filled with incredulity...

In an age consumed by greed, the Chief Inspector not only declined to demand bribes upon taking office, but even offered a fifty-thousand tael "welcome gift"?!

To them, this was even more unbelievable than the tales told by storytellers!

Xu Boqing saw that still no one dared move. He glanced at the kneeling eunuch and casually asked, "What is your name?"

The middle-aged eunuch snapped back to attention, responding quickly, "Your servant is Jiang Jin. What are your orders, Chief Inspector?"

"Can you read?"

"I can..."

"Stand up and speak."

"Yes..."

Xu Boqing considered for a moment. "You will be responsible for tallying the value of the rewards and the number of people present. Afterwards, divide them equally."

"Ah, this..."

"Is there a problem?"

"No, no, no..."

Seeing the Chief Inspector’s determined tone, Jiang Jin hurriedly straightened his clothes, knelt on one knee, and cupped his hands. "Chief Inspector, your virtue is unparalleled! Jiang Jin is willing to serve you!"

...

With someone taking the lead...

The rest quickly followed suit, exchanging glances before kneeling on one knee and shouting, "Chief Inspector, your virtue is unmatched! We are willing to serve you!"

"Hehehe."

Xu Boqing smiled mysteriously, waving his hand. "Rise, my ambitions lie elsewhere. I am only borrowing the position of Chief Inspector to settle a few matters."

Jiang Jin’s eyes flickered, as if eager to show loyalty, "Chief Inspector, please speak plainly. If there is a place for me, I am willing to go through fire and water for you."

...

The dozen others looked displeased.

After the martial exhibition, they had briefly discussed on their way to the Western Bureau. Their consensus was that while Xu Boqing’s internal strength was deep, he was far too young...

If he were greedy for wealth, they’d simply go through the motions or even work together to undermine him...

But Jiang Jin shamelessly jumped ahead, pledging loyalty like a dog. Infuriating...

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Who ever heard of fighting to be someone else's lapdog?

At that moment, Kong Qing, from the Divine Army, stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Chief Inspector, please speak plainly. If there is a place for me, I am willing to go through fire and water for you."

...

The rest of the group twitched, cursing under their breath...

After exchanging glances, they all rushed forward, shouting, "Chief Inspector, please speak plainly. If there is a place for me, I am willing to go through fire and water for you!"

...

The Chief Inspector’s youthful pride was far beyond those old men who cared only for wealth. Moreover, who wouldn’t like a Chief Inspector uninterested in money?

What’s wrong with being the Chief Inspector’s loyal dog?

"Not bad..."

Xu Boqing uttered praise, though he was somewhat astonished.

He knew full well that he appeared too young, and the Western Bureau staff came from the Army, the Embroidered Guards, and the Eastern Bureau—capable men...

Some had been suppressed, seeking new opportunities, while others were ambitious, aiming for the Chief Inspector’s seat...

Whichever the case...

They would not be easily tamed.

Yet now, one after another, they rushed to pledge fealty, eager to be first. The process was far too smooth...

Could it be a trick?

Outward submission, inward disobedience?

But what would they hope to gain?

Xu Boqing shook his head, thinking little of it. His own strength was evident, and if anyone tried tricks or acted two-faced, he wouldn’t hesitate to make an example.

He pondered briefly, then spoke solemnly, "All of you here surely know the Emperor’s purpose in establishing the Western Bureau, and the tasks we must complete?"

"We are aware!"

"Then we will set out soon; I won’t repeat myself."

He paused, then added, "There is also a personal matter of mine, which may require some effort from you. Of course, your efforts will not go unrewarded... The Cining Palace cannot do without me, so at most I will serve as Chief Inspector for a year or so—no longer. Whoever performs best during this time, when I resign, the seat of Chief Inspector will be yours."

Before Jiang Jin could speak...

A thunderous cry rose from behind, "Chief Inspector, please speak plainly—we are willing to share your burdens!"

...

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