Chen Jing looked up.
The Gold Badge Inspector had a square face and long earlobes, the features of a man blessed with good fortune.
Gilt embroidery traced the outlines of a xiezhi across his black brocade robes, lending him an imposing air of authority.
Chen Jing immediately cupped his hands in greeting.
"Your subordinate Chen Jing pays his respects, my lords."
The Gold Badge Inspector at the head of the table lowered his gaze as well, studying him closely.
"Chen... Jing..."
He slowly recited Chen Jing's name.
Then a smile lifted the corners of his mouth.
"To think you would be so young. You truly have the makings of a pillar of the court."
Chen Jing bowed.
"You flatter me, my lord."
The Gold Badge Inspector kept smiling and gently pressed a hand downward.
"Since everyone is here, I will keep this brief."
"My name is Zhu Jian, and I serve as a Gold Badge Inspector."
"We are all on the same side, so I will throw open the skylight and speak plainly. You should all know that the court's position is unstable."
"You handled the matter in Liang Prefecture very well."
"It gave the court's morale a tremendous boost."
"His Majesty was greatly pleased when he learned of it and specially ordered General Headquarters to grant exceptional rewards. Chen Jing rendered the greatest service, so General Headquarters has decided to promote you to Silver Badge."
"You will hold the fifth rank and serve as an inspector."
At those words, something stirred within Chen Jing.
Silver Badge Inspector.
It had not even been a year since his promotion to Bronze Badge.
And now he was being promoted again.
Though he had never worked it out in detail, he felt he had probably risen faster than any other constable in the