Shut the Door, Unleash Song Qian!

Daybreak had barely touched the sky the next morning when Song Qian came pawing at Song Xuan's door.

Song Xuan opened the door and flicked his little sister's forehead with his index finger, looking thoroughly displeased.

"Song Erni, how do you have this much energy every single day?"

Song Qian clutched her forehead and grinned. "Hehe, aren't we leaving on assignment today? Just thinking about going away on official business got me so excited I couldn't sleep."

Song Xuan looked her up and down. Today, the girl wore the standard black robes of the Black Robe Guard. She looked a little less delicate and a little more dashing, and with the longsword at her waist, she really did look the part.

"Wait a moment!"

Song Xuan went back inside, packed up his bundle of bottles and jars, and tucked it into his robes. Then he picked up the longsword beside his bed and gave Song Qian a meaningful look.

"Let's go!"

"Okay!"

Song Qian hurried after him and lowered her voice. "Aren't we going to say goodbye to Dad?"

Song Xuan rolled his eyes at her, grabbed her arm, and pulled her out through the front gate.

We only just pissed Old Song off yesterday. Going to say goodbye now would be asking for a scolding!

As the Imperial Capital of the Great Zhou Dynasty, right beneath the emperor's feet, this ancient city was extraordinarily prosperous.

Even early in the morning, the streets rang with calls, shouts, and the neighing of horses. Columns of the City Guard Army could even be seen patrolling the streets.

Yet whether they were pedestrians, roadside vendors and shop assistants, or soldiers marching in grim formation, every one of them showed fear upon seeing the Black Robe Guard uniforms worn by Song Xuan and his sister.

The Black Robe Guard of Great Zhou was synonymous with imperial authority-a legally sanctioned killing organization. Who wouldn't feel a measure of fear at the sight of them?

Song Xuan picked a roadside Mutton Soup Shop and ordered two bowls of mutton soup and ten baked flatbreads. Then he and Song Qian tucked in heartily.

Martial artists had large appetites. The owner had a keen eye, and when he noticed that the two seemed to need more food, he brought over an extra basket of freshly baked flatbreads.

The siblings thoroughly enjoyed their breakfast. Song Xuan casually left a piece of silver on the table, and the two headed for the Black Robe Guard Office.

He was leaving on assignment today and needed to select a few suitable subordinates at the office to accompany him.

All along the way, pedestrians streamed through the chaotic streets. Every so often, scholars carrying book cases could be seen hurrying toward the inner city.

Song Xuan frowned in thought before realization dawned. "I was wondering why there were so many people today. It's the day of the triennial Imperial Examination."

Song Qian studied those scholars, then turned her head to examine Song Xuan, nodding slightly from time to time as though comparing something.

"What are you thinking about?" Song Xuan asked casually.

Song Qian tilted her head slightly and smiled. "They say a belly full of poetry and books lends a person a natural grace, but I've been looking for ages and haven't found anyone with a better bearing than you, big brother.

"For some reason, they all look a little wilted next to you."

Song Xuan laughed heartily. Isn't that obvious? I practice Virgin Boy Training. My Pure Yang Inner Force tempers my body and hones my spirit. How could scholars who don't even have the strength to truss a chicken compare?

Upon entering the Black Robe Guard's Inspection Office, Song Xuan could not find Zhao Dezhu. Apparently, the Black Robe Guard Commander had summoned Old Zhao to a meeting before dawn.

Song Xuan had originally intended to have Old Zhao assign him a few men, but with the man absent, he had no choice but to press some into service himself.

"Brother Song!"

"Sister Qian!"

Some Third-Rank Black Robe Guards arrived at the office bleary-eyed for roll call, many still yawning. But the moment they spotted the siblings, they jolted awake and began greeting them from afar.

They had to greet them. Otherwise, they might get beaten up.

Song Xuan was a veteran slacker among the Black Robe Guard. Good-tempered and easy to talk to, he was well-liked.

Song Qian, however, was another story. Among the Third-Rank Black Robe Guards, she was the big sister in charge. Hardly any Third-Rank Black Robe Guard in the entire Inspection Office had escaped a beating from her.

The girl might seem obedient and well-behaved around Song Xuan, but when she went out alone, she was Sister Qian, the renowned tyrant of her own turf.

The flower of Great Zhou's Imperial Capital-who wouldn't bow and scrape before Sister Qian?

Song Qian gave a slight nod and stood silently beside Song Xuan. Whenever her big brother was around, she always played the little sidekick, leaving him to do the talking and saying as little as possible herself.

Song Xuan smiled at the dozen or so Third-Rank Black Robe Guards filing into the office. "I took on a case yesterday and need to make a trip to one of the outlying county towns. Anyone interested in coming along?"

His words received no response. The dozen or so slackers either looked up at the sky or lowered their heads in silence, showing absolutely no intention of going on assignment with him.

Isn't staying in the Imperial Capital and coasting through life on free food and drink good enough?

Why trail after you through dust and hardship to investigate a case in some little county town? There's no profit in it, and it's dangerous. We'd have to be out of our minds to agree.

Song Xuan was not surprised by the silence. After all, he had slacked off in exactly the same way back when he was a Third-Rank Black Robe Guard.

He stopped talking, took a step back behind his sister, and gave the young men a faint smile.

Shut the door, unleash Song Qian!

At this sight, the Third-Rank Black Robe Guards, who had looked so languid and unconcerned just a moment ago, reacted as though a formidable enemy stood before them. Some even instinctively started backing away.

Song Qian gripped the hilt of the sword at her waist, her voice taking on a chill. "My brother tried reasoning with you nicely, but you wouldn't listen. So now, let's discuss something that doesn't involve reason!"

As she spoke, she extended a slender finger and pointed at them one after another. "I'll pick three people at random. Whoever I pick is coming. If anyone dares refuse, I'll kick his balls to pieces!"

Her words were rather crude, but none of them dared take them as a joke.

Because Song Qian, that tigress of a girl, really would kick!

"Lu Xiaoliu!"

Song Qian picked Lu Xiaoliu first. A helpless, bitter smile instantly appeared on his round face.

Though somewhat reluctant, he did not refuse. After all, he and the Song siblings had been inseparable friends since childhood. When his brother needed help, how could he stand by and do nothing?

"Monkey!"

Song Qian pointed next at a skinny young man with a somewhat shifty appearance.

Seeing that Song Qian had selected him, Monkey wanted to cry but had no tears. He dared not voice his anger and could only nod and bow obediently, even offering flattery. "You've got a good eye, Sister Qian!"

"Big Ox!"

The last person selected was a brawny, powerfully built man. With his dark skin and nine-foot height, he stood like an iron tower, a daunting sight.

Yet the instant Song Qian called his name, this iron block of a man's eyes reddened, and visible tears began welling up in them.

"Sister Qian, can I sit this one out?"

"My dad said he's arranging a marriage match for me in the next couple of days. If this falls through, what'll I do if I can't find a wife later?"