The Underground River's New Official and His Powerful Backers

Three quarters past one in the afternoon, the sun slanted west, and the river wind slapped a briny, fishy smell against their faces.

Qin Geng strode into the Wave-Quelling Bureau's office at Xun River Wharf, his thick-soled boots quick on the ground and his River-Blocking Guard badge hanging from his waist.

These days, it was the busiest place in Tianjin—and the most forbidding.

Fully armed sailors came and went. Patrol boats fitted with cannons lay moored along the bank. Even the air smelled of gunpowder.

He had barely passed the screen wall when he ran into Zhou Dawei.

The banner commander wore no armor today. He had changed into neat training clothes and carried a purple-clay teapot. He was plainly waiting for Qin Geng.

"Fifth Master. Right on time."

Zhou Dawei grinned, put the spout to his lips, and took a slurping drink. The swagger of a soldier and the bearing of an official seemed to come naturally to him.

"Banner Commander Zhou."

Qin Geng cupped his hands in greeting.

"No need for that. Come on, we'll talk as we walk. Commander Jiang's order has come down."

Zhou Dawei waved him along toward the office, avoiding the busy main path.

As they walked down the corridor, Zhou Dawei lowered his voice. "This transfer order is a little unusual. Your post as a River-Blocking Guard with the Wave-Quelling Bureau stays, and so does your part-time appointment as a Truth-Hearing Guard with the Customs Bureau. Neither has changed."

Qin Geng kept walking, one eyebrow lifting slightly. "Three posts at once?"

"Exactly. The capable get more work."

Zhou Dawei chuckled and pulled a gilt document from his robe. Instead of handing it over, he waved it in his hand. "Your new title is Inspector Envoy of the Underground River Department. Sounds like an