Challenge from the Water Demon

Yang Wenqing had not waited ten minutes before a steady set of footsteps sounded outside. They stopped at the door, paused for about a breath, then knocked on the door panel.

"Come in."

Jiang Yu pushed open the door and entered. He was still wearing the standard combat uniform from the drill, clearly having rushed over from the campgrounds.

After stopping at the doorway, he first stood at attention and saluted. His posture was somewhat more restrained than usual. He naturally knew that being summoned alone this time was not merely for a simple questioning.

"Have a seat."

Yang Wenqing raised a hand and pointed to the chair opposite his desk. He then sat back behind the desk, took a white porcelain teapot from the temperature-controlled cabinet beside him, fetched two teacups, and poured in hot water.

The fragrance of tea quickly spread through the office. It was a light tea native to the south.

He pushed one cup toward Jiang Yu, picked up the other himself, leaned against the back of his chair, and took a sip.

Jiang Yu sat down as instructed, cradling the teacup in both hands. He first brought it to his nose and inhaled its scent, then took a sip. When he set it down, the tension on his face eased somewhat. He then said, "Good tea. It doesn't have the richness of northern tea, but it has a fresh, slightly green fragrance. Very distinctive."

Yang Wenqing did not follow up on that. After putting down his cup, he looked at Jiang Yu and asked, "You're the Guard Commander of the First Guard. Do you know why I didn't have you serve as the overall commander for today's drill?"

The teacup in Jiang Yu's hands paused. Meeting Yang Wenqing's gaze, he considered it for roughly