Reorganizing the City Guard

Xiao Yun sat in the main seat, watching them without any hurry. Only when nearly everyone had arrived did he speak.

"Everyone, I, Xiao Yun, have been enfeoffed by the Heaven Dou Empire as Earl of Dragon Ascending Town. From this day forth, I officially take over Dragon Ascending Town."

He took out the fief certificate and the earl's great seal, then placed them on the table. The golden seal gleamed in the sunlight, and the main hall fell quiet. Everyone's gaze landed on that great seal.

Shui Ruolin was the first to stand. He bowed with utmost respect. "Shui Ruolin of the Shui Family greets the Earl."

Xue Mingyuan hurriedly stood as well. "Xue Mingyuan of the Xue Family greets the Earl."

The others followed one after another, and for a time, greetings rose and fell throughout the main hall.

Xiao Yun raised a hand, signaling for everyone to sit, then looked toward Sheng Minglan.

Sheng Minglan understood. She rose, took an account book from her sleeve, opened it, and spoke in a clear voice.

"My lord, this subordinate took inventory of the City Lord's Mansion treasury last night. I now report the situation as follows—"

Her voice suddenly paused, and her brows furrowed slightly.

"Inside the treasury: Gold Soul Coin, zero. Silver Soul Coins, nine. Copper Soul Coins, nine."

The main hall burst into an uproar.

"Nine Silver Soul Coins? Nine Copper Soul Coins?"

"This... isn't this just an insult?"

"That bastard of a former city lord emptied the treasury when he left!"

"Exactly. I heard he ran off with his trusted men and even owed the guard unit three months of military pay."

Xiao Yun listened to the discussion without much change in expression. He had guessed this result last night. The former city lord had not