Li Qingxian, Song Yunjing, and Song Yanxue sat in the study, discussing the news each had gathered.
After many years in government, Song Yunjing saw the situation at court as clearly as a flame.
Song Yanxue had served in the Night Guard the longest and knew certain secrets like the back of her hand.
Li Qingxian spoke more about Qiyuan County and the Fate Arts Realm, opening new vistas for the other two.
Late that night, the two took their leave of Song Yunjing. Since they were both returning to the Night Guard, they boarded the same carriage.
They sat side by side in a silent carriage.
Li Qingxian felt as though his whole body had been tied up, uncomfortable everywhere. After a while, he searched for something to say. "Bureau Chief Song, I heard you're about to advance to the third rank?"
"Reaching the upper ranks is harder than climbing to heaven. That single step often takes an entire lifetime," Song Yanxue said.
"True," Li Qingxian said.
Silence settled over the carriage again.
Li Qingxian thought it over and gave up trying to play the social butterfly. He was about to use the opportunity to review his knowledge of Fate Arts when Song Yanxue spoke.
"Today, the Guard Commissioner, the Left and Right Commanders, and the Left and Right Deputy Commanders held a meeting," Song Yanxue said.
"What exactly did they discuss?" Li Qingxian asked.
"Right Deputy Commander Jian Yuancang proposed rebuilding Chunfeng Residence. Right Commander Leng Can agreed, while Zhang Fugui and I opposed it. After a heated debate, the Guard Commissioner said to shelve it for now and discuss it later."
Li Qingxian gripped the carriage seat with both hands, narrowed his eyes slightly, and slowly drew a deep breath.
After a long while, Li Qingxian let