The case now has a clear thread to follow; as long as Xue Gui isn’t stupid and continues to work in secret, whether investigating the whereabouts of the person collecting the old books or probing the supply chain and background of that book workshop selling storybooks, all these are feasible.
Shen Hao considers himself to have handled the situation with proper discretion, providing useful clues without getting entangled in trouble, and as soon as he handed the case over to the Major Case Department, he could retreat gracefully.
Of course, he can’t just wash his hands of the case; at the very least, he still needs to contribute, but must not steal the spotlight. Besides, there are four days left in the deadline given by Pang Ban.
"So, does that mean the case has made a major breakthrough?"
"Yes, Lord, it’s already underway. Now it depends on whether the Major Case Department can gain more. "Shen Hao didn’t speak too optimistically. Whether the follow-up goes smoothly is uncertain, but at least after his return, the results were immediate. For this alone, it was worth his superior’s trust in him.
"Excellent. Don’t think about stepping away from the case—keep following it. That bunch of fools in the Major Case Department might still mess it up and wait for you to save them. Now, sit down; I have a few more things to discuss with you."
Upon hearing this, Shen Hao finally sat in the chair opposite Jiang Cheng and was somewhat curious as Jiang Cheng suddenly shifted the conversation.
"Do you have any complaints about being recalled this time?" Jiang Cheng, as always, spoke directly, leaving Shen Hao rather dumbfounded.
"Lord, you overstate it. As a member of the Xuanqing Guard, I consider myself a brick—wherever I’m needed, that’s where I’ll go. How could I have any complaint?"
"A brick? That’s an interesting way to put it. It’s best you have no complaints. Military service can certainly add to your credentials and build your capital, but ultimately, it is quite different from our Xuanqing Guard system; achievements gained over there are also subject to conversion. Moreover, compared to affairs in the South, matters within the Dynasty have reached a critical moment. Your return is precisely at a time when you can share in the rewards—Lord Pang is laying the groundwork for you."
Share in the rewards? Share what?
Seeing Shen Hao a bit lost, Jiang Cheng smiled, pointed at him, and said, "You should be aware of the royal ’Major Examination’, correct?"
"I am, Lord."
"The royal ’Major Examination’ is now tied to the war in the South, and regardless of how the Southern war ends, the ’Major Examination’ will conclude first. This means that the Crown Prince’s seat will be settled, followed by the distribution of benefits after the ’Major Examination’—paving the way for the Crown Prince’s eventual accession. These rewards might not be many, but their symbolic significance in the future is irreplaceable. Compared to staying in the South, the gains here will be much greater."
So, are you able to grasp what I’m saying?"
Shen Hao naturally understood. He also realized that Jiang Cheng’s words had another layer: because the Xuanqing Guard is independent, the Guard does not take sides during the ’Major Examination’, offering no real assistance to any Prince, but is worthy of the winning Crown Prince’s habitual trust after ascending. Thus, what is shared is essentially the benefits before the new emperor’s enthronement.
Yet, Shen Hao felt the benefits before the new emperor’s ascension and those earned in the Southern campaign could not be divided as simply as Jiang Cheng suggested. For the glory after a great victory in the South is, to Shen Hao, a kind of reputation that secret merits within the Guard simply cannot compare to.
But since he’d already returned, Shen Hao certainly wouldn’t argue with Jiang Cheng, sitting properly and listening. He was certain Jiang Cheng still had more to say.
Seeing Shen Hao nod, Jiang Cheng continued: "It’s not just about shared rewards—the present case certainly won’t be the only one. There will be more, one after another; you understand why. Since you’ve returned, take charge of the Black Water affairs again. Recently, Black Water has shown increasingly impressive results, and even Lord Pang is optimistic. Try to advance it further before the ’Major Examination’ ends. You’ll carry more weight then."
Carry more weight?
Shen Hao couldn’t help but turn these words over in his mind. He had the sense that what Jiang Cheng was about to say would be good news.
"Please rest assured, Lord. I have already begun preparations. With the royal ’Major Examination’ stirring up such a turbulent tide, it is a great opportunity for Black Water; just, it’s uncertain how much deeper we can infiltrate and expand. I will give it my utmost."
Jiang Cheng took a sip of tea, his smile deepening: "It’s good you have a plan. Moreover, taking into account your Southern achievements and previous accumulated merits, you may be given extra responsibilities. I have already hinted at this to you; be prepared."
"Lord, so soon? Wasn’t it said we’d wait until the Southern campaign was over before..."
Jiang Cheng waved his hand, interrupting: "The original plan remains unchanged. Major adjustments will indeed wait until the Southern campaign concludes—when the Dynasty stabilizes internally, and larger moves are safe. But before the big moves, you need an adaptation period. So here in the Jingxi Town Governor’s Office, we’ll add some responsibilities to your post to help you get accustomed."
The so-called ’added responsibilities’ meant a promotion, and judging from the previous comments on Black Water, this promotion would not take the Black Water affairs out of Shen Hao’s hands. This was the ideal situation.
"Thank you, Lord, for your guidance! I will do my utmost and not disappoint you!" Shen Hao stood up swiftly and bowed deeply.
Jiang Cheng naturally accepted the salute; he certainly deserved it.
"Alright, sit down and listen." Jiang Cheng leaned against his chair, relaxed. He had thought that this emergency recall would tie Shen Hao to the Prince Qian case and keep him busy, but after just one day, progress had already been made, so the adjustment to Shen Hao’s office and rank could naturally be advanced.
When Shen Hao sat again, Jiang Cheng said, "This time, I’m planning to integrate the Black Banner Battalion from several cities in Jingxi Territory under your command, forming a Thousand Households unit, and your position and rank will rise by half a grade."
A half-grade increase—that means Senior Fifth Grade, an actual Thousand Households post!
"Well? Share your thoughts." Jiang Cheng appeared casual, but he had considered the idea for quite some time—on one hand, under Pang Ban’s direction; on the other, to bind Shen Hao more tightly to himself, consolidating all Black Banner Battalions in Jingxi under Shen Hao’s command as a rehearsal for future major changes.
Honestly, Jiang Cheng knew that even if he wanted to stay above Shen Hao, there wouldn’t be much chance; when the time arrives and the Commander’s Office initiates bigger changes, Shen Hao’s position and rank would rise again, possibly catching up with him.
It’s impossible to be utterly without envy, but Jiang Cheng was broad-minded. From another angle, the higher his disciple’s future status, the better it was for him—a definite benefit.
As for envying his own disciple... Such disgraceful behavior was not something Jiang Cheng would ever indulge in.