Free Web NovelChapter 147: Chapter 110: The Six Sects of the Prefecture Domain, Background and Backing
Time quietly slipped by during the seemingly calm conversation.
Zhan Fusheng was still methodically arranging the various affairs of G Camp, his speech neither rushed nor slow.
However, Zhao Changqiu, a veteran of the officialdom, keenly sensed a hint of a deliberate snub toward Chen Sheng. After all, while G Camp’s affairs were indeed complex, surely not every single matter needed to be discussed and decided the very moment they were welcoming a new colleague.
This was clearly a show of force, a power play, in response to Chen Sheng’s earlier remarks.
Zhao Changqiu couldn’t help but feel a mix of annoyance and helplessness toward Chen Sheng.
He felt he had done all he could, not only making a gesture of goodwill but also almost explicitly pointing out the title "Deputy Captain Zhan."
’It’s impossible that Chen Sheng didn’t understand the implication, yet he still chose to respond with such a nonchalant attitude.’
’If this makes Zhan Fusheng misunderstand that I have some secret connection with Chen Sheng, or that I failed in my introduction, or even makes him think Chen Sheng’s attitude is my fault, wouldn’t I be attracting trouble for no reason?’
But then again, a sliver of doubt surfaced in Zhao Changqiu’s mind.
From what he had observed, Chen Sheng had a very steady and composed bearing, and his actions seemed quite methodical. His previous words and behavior were nothing like that of some brainless, arrogant fool.
’He’s a newcomer, after all. How could he dare to so directly disrespect Zhan Fusheng?’
’When I was first transferred to the Jingwu Bureau, I kept my head down and did my work quietly, terrified of offending my superiors for no reason.’
’But what’s the deal with Chen Sheng?’
’Unless... he also has a powerful backer, which is why he’s so confident and completely unafraid of this "acting superior," Zhan Fusheng!’
The more he thought about it, the more Zhao Changqiu felt this was a strong possibility.
Otherwise, it was truly difficult to explain Chen Sheng’s illogical behavior.
For a moment, complex emotions churned within him, and a wave of helplessness washed over him.
’This world of officialdom is just too dark. How can everyone have a backer and connections?’
’For someone like me, with no roots and no foundation, who clawed my way up on my own, how am I supposed to climb any higher?’
’It’s like walking on thin ice with every single step. How incredibly difficult!’
While Zhao Changqiu was lost in his own thoughts, Zhan Fusheng and Lu Cheng, who appeared to be focused on their conversation, were in fact both using their peripheral vision to closely watch Chen Sheng’s reaction.
Lu Cheng was filled more with curiosity and a desire to understand.
After all, Chen Sheng had been polite enough to him, and they had no direct conflict at the moment. He was happy to remain a bystander, merely speculating on the source of Chen Sheng’s confidence.
Zhan Fusheng’s thoughts, however, were far more complex, with dissatisfaction and anger taking the upper hand.
’Zhao Changqiu’s attitude and choice of title were so obvious. I don’t believe Chen Sheng is an idiot who couldn’t see what was going on.’ frёewebnoѵēl.com
’And since he did see it, yet still reacted this way, there can only be one explanation—the man doesn’t respect me, Zhan Fusheng, in the slightest!’
He naturally guessed that Chen Sheng might have some backing, but so what?
’In this Jingwu Bureau, who doesn’t have some connections?’
’The one standing behind me, Zhan Fusheng, is a Vice Envoy of the Bureau—a high-ranking official second to one and superior to thousands.’
’What’s more, I’m about to be officially appointed Deputy Captain of G Camp. By then, Chen Sheng will be my direct subordinate, his life, death, honor, and disgrace all subject to my whim.’
’How dare a subordinate be so insolent? If I don’t put him in his place, how will I command the entire camp in the future? This cold shoulder is just the first power play I’m showing Chen Sheng.’
Within the main hall, the four men sat, seemingly calm on the surface, but in reality, their minds were racing with different thoughts, and an undercurrent of conflict was surging.
How could Chen Sheng not know that his recent attitude would offend Zhan Fusheng?
But he had his own calculations about the matter.
The transfer order for the Deputy Captain of G Camp would be issued soon. At that point, regardless of whether he bowed his head now, his conflict with Zhan Fusheng was already set in stone. Since the conflict was inevitable, why should he bow and scrape now, needlessly blunting his own edge?
What’s more, Zhan Fusheng had that Vice Envoy behind him, but behind Chen Sheng was Envoy Nie, Nie Xuanfeng.
Envoy Nie was holding back the approval of Zhan Fusheng’s appointment, and his intention was self-evident. He was clearly dissatisfied with Zhan Fusheng and his backer, which was why he had deliberately arranged for an "outsider" like him to drop in and stir things up.
And since the higher-ups wanted him to "fight," he naturally had to adopt a fighting stance.
About another quarter of an hour passed before Zhan Fusheng finally seemed to have his affairs in order. His gaze then shifted and finally landed back on Chen Sheng, his tone flat, betraying no pleasure or anger:
"Chen Jing’an, the position of Deputy Captain of G Camp has not yet been officially decided. It would be inappropriate for us to make arbitrary decisions regarding the personnel deployment and duty assignments for the Jingwu Guards within the camp.
"In my opinion, it would be better to wait until the official orders from above are issued before we arrange your specific duties and authority. What do you think?"
Then, Zhan Fusheng paused briefly, his tone carrying an unchallengeable authority. "As for the interim, why don’t you, Chen Jing’an, just stay in the camp to quietly cultivate and familiarize yourself with the Jingwu Bureau? That way you won’t be completely in the dark later on."
These words seemed reasonable on the surface, but they were actually laced with hidden barbs.
The subtext was crystal clear: ’Since you, Chen Sheng, refuse to acknowledge me as your "acting superior," then I certainly won’t be doing you any favors.’ ƒгeewebnovёl.com
’Your personnel shortages, your scope of authority—everything will be put on hold.’
’You’ll just have to obediently be "left out to dry," a Peacekeeper Envoy in name only.’
This was also a hint to Chen Sheng that if he waited until after Zhan was officially appointed to bow his head, it would be too late. By then, Zhan would have plenty of ways to keep him on the sidelines.
Lu Cheng and Zhao Changqiu both understood the hidden meaning in his words. Their eyes simultaneously focused on Chen Sheng, eager to see how he would respond.
