Traitorous Servant

The Heavenly Secret Monster's robe was pure black, so no bloodstains showed. But as he drew closer, the smell of blood grew ten times stronger. A closer look revealed only a little blood on his sleeve; the rest was probably an illusion conjured by the sheer exhilaration on his face after the killing.

Though the dog monster had followed the Heavenly Secret Monster for years, he had to fight down his fear to keep from taking a step back.

"Are you afraid?" the Heavenly Secret Monster asked softly, giving him a sidelong glance.

The dog monster was scared to death, but he hurried to reply, "Your Majesty is mighty. Of course this humble servant is afraid."

To his surprise, the answer pleased the Heavenly Secret Monster. He nodded. "Clean up the trash inside in a little while."

Then he looked toward the slowly rising red sun, his lips curling into a smile. "Now no monster can oppose me."

Shunan Prefecture · Prefectural Office

"Open the gates!"

At a bailiff's shout, the two vermilion-lacquered gates studded with copper nails creaked open. The bailiffs filed in, silent as crows and sparrows, their manner solemn. When Su Ziji arrived, they bowed together. "Greetings, my lord."

"Rise." Su Ziji accepted their salute, swept his gaze over them, and almost laughed.

First came the three squads of bailiffs carrying staffs, with their head constables bearing iron rulers. There were also junior officials from the various offices. The ancients spoke of standing like swans, filing like fish, crouching like egrets, and making offerings like apes. The descriptions were remarkably apt. After giving a few casual instructions, Su Ziji waited for them to disperse, then went to the small hall to work.

"My lord, the official documents are ready." As soon as Su Ziji entered, someone bowed