On the day Yang Shen turned into a puddle of sludge, Zhang Xing successfully made it ashore, becoming a glorious high-ranking White Ribbon civil servant, and secured a promise that he could sit in an office without going out on field assignments.
He was beside himself with joy.
But when the news spread, the other members of his group, who spent all day slacking off by the stables while waiting for field assignments, could not help feeling puzzled... Whether one wanted merit, prestige, or extra income, fieldwork was still the quickest way to get it. Having just been promoted to White Ribbon, he was at the very moment to bask in his glory. Why insist on doing paperwork?
By the island's usual practice, Patrol Cavalry only transferred to clerical work to secure their livelihood if their cultivation was unstable, their injuries were too much to bear, or they had grown old.
And so, over the next few days, while Zhang Xing enthusiastically invoked Bai Yousi's name to request a stove, a hard plank bed, a water jar, brushes, ink, paper, an inkstone, and every other office slacking accessory he could think of from the Directorate, a rumor grew legs... Some said the Bai Clan had taken a fancy to Zhang Xing and wanted him as a live-in son-in-law.
Such nonsense was naturally not worth a smile, but for the sake of his superior's good name, Zhang Xing responded swiftly. Rather than offer any explanation, he applied for several servants and clerks for Bai Yousi, in accordance with the staffing allotted to a Vermilion Sash.
The move proved effective. As Inspector Bai's usually almost deserted little courtyard filled up and grew lively, the live-in son-in-law rumor swiftly vanished. In its place came the cruel claim that Zhang Xing had done the