Chapter 10, Your Excellency, the Thousand Households.

Liu Chengfeng simply sat in the carriage waiting. As the sky brightened a little, the night watchman struck his clapper, signaling that the hour of Chen had arrived. The morning air was quite pleasant, and at this time, the gate of the guardhouse was opened. Following that, several officers in brocade uniforms entered and exited, carrying their brocade spring sabers. Liu Chengfeng, fearing to attract too much attention, got out of the carriage, braving the light rain, and instructed the coachman to return home first.

The two lieutenants exchanged glances, and one of them could not help but ask, "Are you Liu Chengfeng?"

Wen Chenxi smiled and straightened Liu Chengfeng's clothes, saying: "It is getting late, quickly finish the rice porridge, and go to the morning roll call early. Such matters are better done early than late; it is preferable to arrive early and wait for a moment than to arrive late."

At this moment, Liu Chengfeng was half asleep and half awake, while Wen Chenxi bent down to fasten his belt. Under the light of the lamp, fine beads of sweat had already formed on his snow-white forehead. Liu Chengfeng could not help but say: "You are so weak; you should rest more. Getting up this early is truly a hardship for you"

Liu Zhongxia, dressed in a brocade robe, slightly closed his eyes and tapped his fingers on the desk, slowly saying: "Under the feet of the Son of Heaven, there are more than seventy participants in the brawl. This is a significant matter, and it still requires some inquiry. Let Chief Wang go to Shuntian Prefecture to apprehend the individuals involved and conduct a thorough interrogation. It is possible that we might uncover some useful information."

Liu Chengfeng immediately became serious, and with a stern expression said: "The teachings of a virtuous wife, the student does not dare to forget"

***

Liu Zhongxia finished speaking, picked up the teacup on the desk, and began to sip it leisurely.

Clerk said: "Yes"

At this moment, Liu Chengfeng sensed that something was amiss, but he could not pinpoint exactly what was wrong with the diagram and the book. Feeling perplexed, he had no choice but to exit with a clouded mind

Liuchengfeng said: "Being humble is Liuchengfeng."

Taking a deep breath, Liu Chengfeng glanced at the deep doorway and stepped inside. Two officers in brocade uniforms blocked the entrance with their swords and said, "Who goes there? Do you know what place this is?"

Wen Chenxi raised her gaze and smiled gently, saying, "Chenxi can still take a nap later, but you, from now on, will have to travel far and wide. Even if you have to endure hardships and sweat, you must bear it; this is the true meaning of hard work. Oh, why hasn't Xian'er brought the rice porridge yet? I'll go ask about it."

In the early morning, those coming in and out of here are all familiar faces; the gatekeepers, the sergeants, are somewhat recognizable. However, Liu Chengfeng is neither wearing the flying fish uniform nor carrying the brocade spring knife, so naturally, he is stopped and questioned.

"Go in." The two lieutenants simultaneously revealed a hint of a mocking smile, yet both moved aside to allow Liu Chengfeng to enter

Liu Zhongxia stroked his beard, smiled slightly, and said: "Very well, since you have entered the Qianhu Office, from now on you will be part of the Emperor's personal army. As for other matters, I shall not instruct you. However, since you are here, it is indeed a bit difficult to decide what duties to assign you. Wang Sili, are there any vacancies in the Qianhu Office recently?"

Liu Zhongxia said lightly: "From today onwards, you will go to the Guozijian to take your post. This position is different from patrolling the streets; in the capital, every household and government office has its informants. Once you enter the Guozijian, you must work diligently and not be negligent. If anyone criticizes the court or speaks of the palace, you must report it immediately. Every three days, you are to come to Wang Sili's office to check in. As for the other rules, you can take your time to understand them later. You may leave now."

What kind of official possesses such great authority? They have even disregarded the face of the thousand-household lord

Liu Chengfeng said with a faint smile: "Exactly."

This is indeed the case, but even if there is a connection, what difference does it make? Once we arrive at the Thousand Household Office, from then on we will be working under the authority of the Thousand Household Lord, and he will have his share of hardships to endure in the future

In the Qianhutang, there were still quite a few captains and clerks preparing to report. Upon hearing that Liu Zhongxia had assigned Liu Chengfeng to the Guozijian, those who were aware of the details couldn't help but smirk. There were also a few who were unaware of the circumstances, casting a sympathetic glance at Liu Chengfeng, pondering in their hearts who this new captain had offended to warrant such a misfortunate assignment from the Qianhu.

Liu Chengfeng held up the oiled umbrella as he got into the carriage. The cart gradually began to move. Sitting inside, Liu Chengfeng let out a sigh, not daring to lift the curtain to look at his wife, who was leaning against the door, waiting. He felt an increased sense of responsibility in his heart. What of the Jinyiwei? What of the spies and sycophants? As long as he could ensure that his wife lived a respectable and dignified life, Liu Chengfeng was willing to do anything.

Early in the morning, Wen Chenxi woke up; it was just dawn. The sky outside was pitch black, with the shadows of trees swaying and rustling softly. At the hour of Chen, Liu Chengfeng was to report to the Qianhu Office. Wen Chenxi rose early, making every effort to prepare for Liu Chengfeng. First, she asked Xian'er to notify someone to cook a bowl of rice porridge, while also preparing a brand new set of clothes. When Liu Chengfeng woke up, she would assist him in dressing and reminded him: "The Qianhu Office in the inner west city is not far from here; just head east and turn down a few streets, and you will arrive. Take two flatbreads with you on the way..."

When Liu Chengfeng entered the Thousand Household Office, the two captains could not help but discuss: "Was it not for this Liu that the lord of the Thousand Households smashed a vase yesterday afternoon?"

Liu Chengfeng first went to sign at the house, marked his attendance, and after receiving his clothing, hat, and sword, he was completely transformed into a vivid image of the Jinyiwei. However, his version of the Jinyiwei was somewhat different from the others; he was slightly tall and thin, his eyes were overly clear, and his skin was excessively fair, with a hint of scholarly demeanor on his handsome face. Standing alongside the other captains in the Qianhu Hall, he exuded a sense of being a crane among chickens.

The official from the Southern Town Government is said to be an old clerk under the supervision of Deputy Wen, who frequently visits the Historical Affairs Office. In the Historical Affairs Office, one's rank as a thousand-household or hundred-household is not taken into account; rather, it is the connections of that old clerk that are more valued.

I am Liu Chengfeng, here to report for duty

"It's him!" another captain whispered, "It was not easy for a vacancy to open up in the garrison, and the nephew of the thousand households was already halfway in, but unexpectedly, a Cheng Yaojin appeared out of nowhere. It is said that he is a distant relative of a clerk from the Southern Town Government, and he forcefully pushed the nephew of the thousand households out. In fact, it wouldn't have mattered much if the nephew of the thousand households didn't get the position; after all, he is just a distant relative. However, this matter was something that had already been arranged, and who would have thought it would be overturned by an old clerk? Where does that leave the face of the thousand households?"

The official of the Imperial Academy smiled and then said to Liu Chengfeng: "Did you hear what the official said?"

At this moment, the most awkward person in the hall was none other than Liu Chengfeng, who was seething with anger inside. He then raised his voice and said, "I, the humble Liu Chengfeng, have the honor of meeting you, Sir Qianhu."

Seated in the foremost position of the main hall was Liu Zhongxia, the thousand-household commander of Xicheng. After Liu Zhongxia returned the greeting from Liu Chengfeng, he merely smiled faintly. A hint of coldness flickered in his deep-set eyes, while his face wore an expression of ease and tranquility. Slowly, he picked up the teacup and blew at the tea foam, then inquired of the attendant beside him: "Yesterday afternoon, there was a brawl on Xiamajie; is that true?"

The two lieutenants exchanged a glance, both revealing expressions of anticipation for an interesting spectacle, and they chuckled knowingly.

I have met the esteemed Sir Qianhu.

Liu Chengfeng suddenly felt that, although he had been in this world for half a year, it was only now that he truly felt a sense of belonging to this era, for in this world, he had taken on additional responsibilities and familial bonds.

The clerk cast a meaningful glance at Liu Chengfeng, who was still maintaining his bowing posture, a cold smile appearing on his face. He then replied, "My lord, there is indeed such a matter, but it is merely a dispute of bravado among the ruffians of the marketplace. General Wang did not pay it any mind and let the officers of Shuntian Prefecture handle it."

Just then, Xian'er brought over a bowl of rice porridge. Liu Chengfeng devoured it hungrily, while Wen Chenxi accompanied him to the door. At that moment, a light drizzle fell from the sky, and the atmosphere was dim and gloomy. Two hazy lanterns flickered to life in the darkness, illuminating Liu Chengfeng's spirited face. Liu Chengfeng continuously urged Wen Chenxi to return, and with a smile, he said to her: "Hurry and get in the car; I will wait until I see you safely inside before I head back."

Wang Sili understood immediately and said, "All the major and minor banners are overcrowded, but there is a lack of an undercover agent at the Imperial Academy."

The Qianhu Office in Neixicheng is indeed not far from the Wen Mansion; just a few turns down the street and you arrive. Liu Chengfeng arrived too early, and with the weather drizzling with rain, the gates of the Qianhu Office had not yet opened. This dilapidated yamen, in the rainy night, appeared deep and solemn, making it intimidating to approach.

After tying the belt for Liu Chengfeng, Wen Chenxi turned to leave the room, but Liu Chengfeng suddenly pulled her back into his embrace, laughing and saying: "Do you think your husband is going to do hard labor? To suffer and sweat? I am going to be a captain in the Jinyiwei, it's others who will be doing the hard work."

Liu Zhongxia then turned his gaze to Liu Chengfeng, glanced at him lightly, and said: "You are Liu Chengfeng?"

Wen Chenxi's face, however, became serious as she said: "Husband, there are some things I am unsure whether I should say or not. The situation within the Jinyiwei is not good; there are many instances of favoritism and corruption. However, you are different from them; you are a scholar. No matter what, do not associate yourself with those unscrupulous individuals."

The clerk surnamed Wang thought to himself, this Liu surname has offended the Lord Qianhu, and the suffering has only just begun. However, looking at Lord Qianhu's demeanor, he has not yet directly expressed his anger towards him, which suggests he still harbors some apprehension towards the old official of the Nanzhen Prefecture, fearing that this fellow might whisper ill in the ears of the Deputy Wen.

Liu Chengfeng certainly heard it, but Liu Zhongxia's eerie smile towards him made him quite displeased. However, given the current situation, he could only say: "I heard it."