Su Fei understood somewhat. It seemed that wherever one went, one had to navigate human relationships and worldly etiquette.
But none of that had anything to do with Su Fei. As long as the system issued a mission, whether one was imperial kin or a princeling lord, Su Fei would not give them any face.
Commander Feng lifted his teacup and continued.
"By the way, Su Fei, after you defeated Zhao Feiying last time, I saw that you were nearly at the peak of the Xiantian Realm, weren't you?"
"Are you about to break through into the Grandmaster Realm? Should I give you some time off so you can focus on breaking through?"
Commander Feng looked to be in an exceptionally good mood.
Give him time off so he could peacefully break through into the Grandmaster Realm?
Wouldn't that mean cultivating and making breakthroughs at a leisurely pace like an ordinary martial artist?
Although his Nine Yang Divine Art was powerful, he did not like this kind of slow cultivation.
With the system in hand, he could gain cultivation simply by completing the Imperial Guard missions issued by the system.
If he took leave, wouldn't he lose the chance to complete missions and gain cultivation?
Having made up his mind, Su Fei said with a solemn expression, "Commander Feng, how could that be acceptable? Absolutely not. I've only just been promoted to Officer, and this is precisely when I should contribute to the Imperial Guard. How can I take leave? I only want to solve cases for the Imperial Guard."
Commander Feng was utterly stunned upon hearing this.
He nearly failed to hold his teacup steady, and several drops of tea splashed onto the desk.
"What? What did you say? I'm giving you leave to seek an opportunity and break through into the Grandmaster Realm, and you're unwilling?"
One had to know that the Grandmaster Realm was the realm countless martial artists pursued their entire lives. How many people would squeeze their way in headfirst just to find a quiet place to enter seclusion and seek a breakthrough?
To that end, some would spare no expense to turn down every assignment from their superiors. Some even resigned outright.
Yet Su Fei was different. He was actually pushing away paid leave delivered right to his doorstep, and his reason was that he wanted to solve cases for the Imperial Guard.
Commander Feng suddenly laughed, a hearty laugh that came from the bottom of his heart.
"What a Su Fei. What a man who only wants to solve cases for the Imperial Guard."
"In all my years, having lived more than half a lifetime, I've seen those who wanted promotion, those who wanted wealth, and those who devoted themselves wholeheartedly to martial arts. But I've never seen anyone like you—someone who would pass up an opportunity to break through into the Grandmaster Realm just to throw himself heart and soul into solving cases."
"If all the brothers of the Qingzhou Imperial Guard were like you, why would Qingzhou have to worry about its case-solving rate not reaching first place among all the provinces? Perhaps I, too, could take another step forward."
The more Commander Feng spoke, the more excited he became. He paced back and forth a few times, then pointed at the duty rooms outside.
"Look at those brothers. When there are no cases on ordinary days, they're either gathered together drinking or figuring out how to earn a little extra money. Only you—your three days of leave had barely ended, and the moment you returned to the Thousand Households Office, you were reading case files."
He suddenly stopped, his gaze becoming exceptionally grave.
"Su Fei, I will remember this dedication of yours to solving cases for the Thousand Households Office. Since you do not wish to take leave, I will not force you. From now on, for as long as you remain at the Qingzhou Thousand Households Office, I will give you the greatest possible convenience. Whether you need manpower for an investigation or wish to read any case files, as long as you speak, I will support you with all my strength."
Su Fei had not expected that merely voicing his true thoughts would unexpectedly earn Commander Feng's full support.
"Thank you, sir."
Commander Feng waved his hand, but the smile on his face could not be hidden.
"It is I who should thank you. With you here, the atmosphere at our Qingzhou Thousand Households Office may well change."
Su Fei casually added, "That kid Wang Meng has been quite handy to use."
Commander Feng nodded, immediately understanding what he meant.
"Wang Meng? I recall that he broke through into the True Qi Realm not long ago. He is still a little short on merit, but that is nothing. How about this? I'll promote him to Banner Officer and have him continue serving under you."
Su Fei was delighted, then took his leave.
Watching his departing figure, Commander Feng suddenly felt that his previous expectations for the young man had been far too low.
Such talent—even in Qingzhou, he was extraordinary. Even if he reached a place like the Great Xuan Imperial City, he would likely be able to carve out a world of his own.
Commander Feng lifted his teacup and took a sip, only to find that today's tea was exceptionally fragrant.
Continue with Su Fei returning to the case file management office and continuing to read the case files.
Not until it was time to finish duty did Su Fei leave the case file management office.
There, he saw Wang Meng waiting by the door with a delighted expression. The instant Wang Meng saw him emerge, he hurried over, the smile on his face brighter than sunlight.
"Officer Su!"
The moment Su Fei saw his expression, he knew that Wang Meng had already received the news of his promotion to Banner Officer.
Wang Meng scratched his head, his tone filled with gratitude.
"Commander Feng just issued the order. He said he was promoting me to Banner Officer and letting me continue serving under you. It's all thanks to Officer Su's patronage. This subordinate truly doesn't know how to thank you!"
He rubbed his hands together and looked at Su Fei eagerly.
"Officer Su, are you free tonight? I know a newly opened brothel south of the city. I heard that their top courtesan plays the pipa beautifully. How about I treat you to some music?"
Su Fei had initially intended to go directly to take a look at his newly granted residence, but on second thought, a newly opened brothel was something he ought to inspect. There might even be some newly arrived girls.
As for the residence, it wasn't going anywhere. It would not be too late to visit it tomorrow.
He looked at Wang Meng's expectant expression and nodded. "Fine. There's nothing to do after duty anyway, so I'll go take a look with you."
Seeing his superior agree, Wang Meng immediately beamed with joy and quickly led Su Fei toward the south of the city.
Before the entrance of Spring Snow Tower, they could smell waves of powdery fragrance and hear silk-and-bamboo music as soon as they arrived.
The building was brightly lit, and the guests filled every seat. It seemed Su Fei was not the only one who liked trying a new venue.
Wang Meng, clearly familiar with the place, reserved a private room on the second floor, ordered fine wine and dishes, and invited over the top courtesan known for her pipa playing.
The pipa began to play, like pearls falling upon a jade platter. Together with the girl's gentle, winding song, it was quite pleasant.
A little drunk, Wang Meng began telling amusing stories from his days as a strongman. Su Fei occasionally chimed in, and the atmosphere was quite harmonious.
The next day, Wang Meng said that Listen to the Wind Pavilion in the west of the city had received a new qin player whose skill was peerless.
Unable to withstand Wang Meng's repeated recommendations, Su Fei had no choice but to go.
It was worth going again, so the matter of visiting the New Residence was pushed back another day.
On the third day, Wang Meng again muttered that Misty Rain Tower in the north of the city had a newly arrived girl skilled in sword dancing. She had even been a martial artist before, and her lingering charm was long-lasting, truly unrivaled. Officer Su surely had never seen anything like it.
That evening, as Su Fei emerged from Misty Rain Tower and looked at the deep night outside, he suddenly remembered that he had not visited his new residence even once since receiving it. Nearly three days had already passed.
He laughed speechlessly, shook his head, and said, "Forget it. It won't be too late to go tomorrow."
Wang Meng smiled beside him. "Officer Su, have you enjoyed yourself these past few days? Tomorrow, I'll take you somewhere even better."
Su Fei hurriedly raised a hand to stop him.
"No need. Tomorrow, I should go take a look at my new residence."
Only then did Wang Meng reluctantly give up, looking deeply unwilling.
Su Fei was speechless. Brother, was it you who wanted to go, or were you inviting me?
Before you continue