The red-robed man smiled and nodded at Shen Yiguan, then said in a clear voice, "I have come to read out the Elder Council's latest appointment."
"Congratulations, congratulations..."
"Congratulations, Brother Shen—no, Dean Shen..."
"This is what everyone wanted. It's what everyone wanted..."
"..."
The hall was filled with congratulations. Sincere warmth shone from every beaming face.
Yet when Vice Dean Yang had announced that the council had collectively recommended Shen Yiguan, the hall had buzzed with whispered slander, all of it sour with envy.
Shen Yiguan smiled with practiced reserve and clasped his fists to greet everyone. The red-robed man's face immediately filled with awkwardness. He wanted to speak to Shen Yiguan, but didn't know how to begin.
Just then, another figure darted in. It was Xi Mengfan.
Seeing Elder Xi, everyone hurriedly bowed in greeting. Xi Mengfan waved them off and glanced around, surprised. "Where's Xu Yi?"
No one could tell what Xu Yi's attitude was, so no one dared say much. Shen Yiguan clasped his fists toward Xi Mengfan. "Elder Xi, allow me to report..."
To everyone's astonishment, Shen Yiguan embellished Xu Yi's crimes as he recounted them, then asked Elder Xi to pass judgment.
When he finished, Shen Yiguan smugly surveyed the hall. He relished the astonished looks everyone directed at him.
To complain about the Chief Strategist in front of Elder Xi—however you looked at it, it seemed like a foolish move.
Shen Yiguan wasn't stupid. He wouldn't make such a mistake.
As it turned out, Elder Xi was close to the man Shen Yiguan served, Elder Ma. Shen Yiguan had already learned from Elder Ma that Elder Xi intended to replace Xu Yi. Elder Xi had spoken to Elder Ma about it, apparently hoping to secure some kind of support.
Shen Yiguan couldn't understand what