Xiang Chuxiong was in wonderful spirits. He patted Chen Shi'an on the shoulder again. "Commander Chen, you've rendered such a great service. Tell me, what reward would you like?"
Chen Shi'an dispensed with all pleasantries and bowed deeply to Xiang Chuxiong with his hands clasped. "I hope the City Lord can give me a hundred Marrow-Washing Pills."
At his words, everyone in the courtyard froze.
Xiang Chuxiong's smile stiffened on his face, and he did not immediately respond.
Wang Tianye, however, spoke up. "How very bold of you, Commander Chen, asking for a hundred Marrow-Washing Pills right off the bat.
"Do you think Marrow-Washing Pills are radishes in a field, yours to pull up whenever you like?
"Our City Guard Battalion has fewer than ten Marrow-Washing Pills on the books altogether, and that's what we've saved up over an entire year."
Chen Shi'an shot him a sidelong glance. "Other than having plenty of people, eating plenty of food, and drawing plenty of pay, your City Guard Battalion is completely useless. Never mind saving up ten Marrow-Washing Pills-even giving you one would be too many."
"You..." Wang Tianye's aging face flushed at the retort.
Chen Shi'an snorted softly. "You what? Count it out on your fingers yourself. With all those mouths in your City Guard Battalion, how much silver do you chew through every day?
"And how many things have you actually done for the stronghold?"
Ye Xicheng stood to one side without speaking, but the corners of his mouth curled high.
Seeing their voices grow louder and louder, Xiang Chuxiong waved a hand. "Enough. Commander Chen's return is a blessing for our stronghold, a joyous occasion. How did it turn into an argument?"
At that, he turned his gaze to Chen Shi'an. "You're already a Second-Rank Martial Artist. What do