After leaving the Water Prison in Windrise Stronghold, Chen Shi'an went straight to the City Guard Battalion.
By then, Windrise Stronghold had become a boiling pot of chaos, yet the City Guard Battalion's gates remained tightly shut. Most of its soldiers were holed up inside their headquarters, with no intention of going out.
Seeing Chen Shi'an arrive, Hu Wanli hurried forward to greet him in trepidation.
"The city is in this much chaos, yet your City Guard Battalion can still sit tight in its nest." Chen Shi'an looked at Hu Wanli with mockery on his face.
Hu Wanli's old face reddened, and he gave a bitter smile. "Your subordinates were handling matters outside. I kept my men here precisely because I was worried they might clash with yours."
Chen Shi'an lifted his eyelids slightly. "From what I can see now, you really are better suited than Wang Tianye to be Commander of the City Guard Battalion."
Hu Wanli did not respond, merely accompanying him with an awkward smile.
Chen Shi'an added, "My business is finished. It's your men's turn to take the stage.
"You don't need to do anything else. Just maintain order, and don't let this unrest trouble the ordinary people.
"As for the struggles and disputes among the Stronghold's higher-ups, don't take part, and don't interfere."
Hu Wanli remained silent, offering no response.
Chen Shi'an added, "Of course, I have no authority to order you around. I'm only telling you that if you insist on taking sides in the struggle among the Stronghold's higher-ups, one wrong choice
"will bury not only your future, but your life as well.
"If you can keep the Stronghold's foundations stable during this unrest, that alone will be a great achievement. Whatever the final outcome, you'll stand undefeated.
"Of course, if Windrise Stronghold