Inside the Government Office.
Jia Huan spoke with heartfelt earnestness:
"This humble subordinate has worked tirelessly to sweep the Vicious Fiends from the realm, free the people from the torment of hanging upside down, and restore clear, bright skies to them. But Northern Liang already has a thousand-household guard station. I have no wish to clash with its Thousand-Household Commander, yet overlapping powers and responsibilities will inevitably cause disputes. I do not want my soaring fighting spirit to sink into despondency."
"I implore the Authorities to make another effort on my behalf!"
The Southern Office officials fell silent.
Had it been anyone else, they would have ignored him. Rules were rules.
But the young man before them was a dazzling new star of the Embroidered Uniform Guard Office!
After considerable thought, the Commissioner said gently:
"The office will try, but the chances are slim."
With that, he led the others away.
Officer Fu stayed behind and said solemnly:
"It will only be two or three years. You'll certainly be transferred back to the Capital. You're still young. Spend a couple of quiet years there and think of it as building seniority."
"I wish to remain in the Capital." Jia Huan's resolve was firm.
Officer Fu sighed. "We'll see what the higher-ups decide."
After he left, Jia Huan picked up the document on the desk.
He had to leave the Capital by the morning after tomorrow at the latest.
"Fuck!"
Jia Huan snatched up his teacup, then remembered that disappointment was no excuse to lose his composure. He gently set it down again.
He still lacked power!
If he were a Thousand-Household Commander, even the Grand Secretariat would have to think twice!
If he were a Pacification Commissioner, the Grand Secretariat would not dare let out so much as a fart.