"Every Water Lord through the ages possessed great Divine Abilities. As divine masters of the great river, nearly all of them expanded the River Domain."
Inside the Water Palace, Gongsun Jing explained carefully, "Yet almost every River Lord ruled from afar. None descended into the River Domain in person."
Chen Cuo nodded. He knew Gongsun Jing was implying something, but did not press him. He merely asked, "How did the previous River Lord differ from those before him?"
"His control over the River Domain weakened, but his Divine Abilities grew far more subtle and varied!" Gongsun Jing answered honestly. "This subordinate is only an official. Though I received a post by my lord's grace and have a few methods of my own, how could I be privy to the mysteries of a Temple Deity?"
Favor and authority came from above, and those who wielded them ought to remain unfathomable. It was only natural that Gongsun Jing knew so little. Besides, Chen Cuo had yet to settle firmly into his position. It would be just as natural if Gongsun Jing were holding something back.
Seeing Chen Cuo sink into thought, Gongsun Jing grew increasingly uneasy.
His status and Divine Abilities were gifts from the River Lord. Whoever held that title could strip him of his office and cast him down with a single thought. Of course he had to serve carefully.
The man before him had just seized his predecessor's authority and might well be ready to promote his own confidants. A new emperor brought new ministers—the rule held true everywhere. How could Gongsun Jing dare be careless?
After turning the matter over and over in his mind, Gongsun Jing volunteered, "As for the people of the upper city and their movements..."
"They're the old beneficiaries, much like the honored nobility