With all three Division Chiefs speaking up like this, everyone's spirits were stirred once more, and a brief meeting naturally turned into a triumphant gathering of unity.
After Han Xuedao announced the meeting's end, everyone scattered, yet not one person came over to cozy up to Xu Yi.
Clearly, Han Xuedao wanted to use this opportunity to unite everyone. As for Xu Yi, the man of the hour, he had already been promoted to chief of the First Section; that was reward enough for his accomplishments. There was no need to make a show of getting closer to him.
Xu Yi didn't take it to heart. He had expected this outcome.
As he left the main hall and was about to take off, he saw someone emerge from the shade of the trees nearby. It was an old acquaintance, Cen Tian.
Deputy Envoy Cen had been in the main hall just now. He had left earlier, and Xu Yi hadn't expected him to wait for him here.
Xu Yi cupped his fists from a distance. "Brother Cen, it's been a long time."
Deputy Envoy Cen laughed heartily. "You're the one who's been inconsiderate, little brother. You passed the imperial examinations, won the top honors, and then turned around and forgot your old friends."
Xu Yi smiled. "Not at all, not at all. How could I forget an old friend? I've simply been caught up in trivial matters and haven't had the time. Brother Cen, what brings you here today?"
Deputy Envoy Cen said, "This isn't the place to talk. There's a residence in the rear hills, my old home from years ago. If you have time, would you care to come in for a while?"
If Xu Yi had seen Deputy Envoy Cen at the inquest, he might have assumed