The Heaven Patrol Office compound in Wanfeng County was three times larger than the outpost in Yunlin County, but compared with the Ninefold Hall at Qing Province headquarters, it looked utterly shabby.
He Zhenyuan led Yi Yang into the main hall, rubbing his hands and smiling broadly as he said:
"Lord Yi, as you can see, our premises are rather humble. I'm sorry you have to put up with them." He Zhenyuan gestured toward the seat of honor, then tactfully stepped aside.
Yi Yang did not sit. He surveyed the reasonably spacious main hall before his gaze settled back on He Zhenyuan's face, which had "respectful" written all over it. "Director He."
"At your service!"
Hearing his name, He Zhenyuan bent even lower.
"Has anything unusual happened in or around the county town lately?"
The question caught He Zhenyuan off guard.
He had prepared a bellyful of flattery and had been wondering how to sound out this important visitor's preferences so he could arrange the banquet, singing, and dancing afterward.
Yet the very first thing the man asked about was official business.
"In answer to your question, Lord Yi." He Zhenyuan's mind raced before he hurriedly replied, "Under the protection of the Heaven Patrol Office's mighty reputation, Wanfeng County has always enjoyed calm waters. Its people live and work in peace."
He paused, then added as though something had occurred to him, "A distinguished expert in the profound connection realm passed through some time ago. Though he never entered the town, his aura lingered outside for a moment and scared the bandits and petty thieves in the nearby mountains so badly they nearly pissed and shit themselves. For over a month now, we haven't had so much as a stolen chicken or dog."
After speaking, he cautiously raised his eyes