"Then head back. You've rendered such great service; the higher-ups won't forget you."
Song Qilin gave Tang Yu's shoulder a heavy pat.
"It's all thanks to the three sirs. I merely made some insignificant contributions."
Tang Yu hurriedly smiled and demurred. When a superior was merely being polite, there was no need to take it too seriously.
Song Qilin and the other two Deputy Thousand-Household Officers exchanged knowing smiles. The more they looked at Tang Yu, the more pleasing he seemed.
The four returned to the Central Rear Office. Song Qilin gathered all its members and held a meeting to discuss the Thief Sect case, appointing Tang Yu as the chief investigator for this incident.
When they learned that a mere Banner Commander like Tang Yu had received such meteoric treatment, quite a few Hundred-Household Officers, as well as the two Deputy Thousand-Household Officers who had not participated in the matter, were practically red-eyed with envy.
It was obvious they intended to use this merit to propel the man upward.
After announcing the news, Song Qilin could not help looking at Tang Yu.
The last time Tang Yu had sought him out to discuss the Thief Sect, he had said he already had a solution and needed Song Qilin's help.
Song Qilin had originally been reluctant to take the risk and involve himself in such a matter. If the Thief Sect's shady dealings were exposed, he would surely be implicated as well.
The ideal outcome would have been for Tang Yu to solve the problem and take the blame, while he shared in the credit.
Then Tang Yu had invited him out for a detailed discussion under the pretext of having a meal.
Thinking he would simply have a meal, speak vaguely, and muddle through, Song Qilin had gone—only to