Water Ink Panel: Starting with Bow Technique to Hunt the Sun and Patrol the Skies
Chapter 201 - 27 Seeking Support

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In Changhe Square, a clear river meandered through.

The water flowed gently, shimmering with light and reflecting the pavilions and towers on both banks in a pleasing pattern.

Among these architectural marvels, the Dong Mansion of the Yongzhou Thirteen Lines was located here.

The Dong Mansion was grand in scale, its gates carved from ancient redwood.

Above the gate, a gilt signboard gleamed brilliantly, inscribed with the words "Dong Residence," exuding an air of nobility.

Guan Yunjian descended the steps of the Dong Mansion's entrance and shook his head at Uncle Shu, saying: "Dong Chasi is not in the mansion."

Uncle Shu replied: "Then where is he now?"

Guan Yunjian glanced at the scorching sun high in the sky and said: "It's noon, the time for a meal. Dong Chasi hasn't returned home; he should be dining at Zuihua Building outside the city. Let's go and check there."

The two of them immediately headed to Baihua Building.

The back-and-forth efforts delayed them quite a bit.

Upon reaching Baihua Building, they entered the tavern to see the pavilions and towers arranged artfully, with rockeries and ponds complementing each other, rare flowers and exotic plants competing in beauty, blooming year-round.

Inside, the corridors wound intricately, with elegant rooms from which, through ornate carved windows, one could faintly see the figures of dignitaries within, playing instruments and reciting poems, savoring tea and playing chess, or jesting with women and playing with their delicate hands.

The place was saturated with an air of extravagance and opulence.

Dong Jing was a frequent visitor to Baihua Building, and with a brief inquiry to a waiter, Guan Yunjian and Uncle Shu found his location.

Standing at the door, a servant in charge of this suite gently knocked and said: "Dong Chasi, there are two officers looking to see you,"

Inside, Dong Jing, who was guessing wine rules and smiling with beauties, furrowed his eyebrows slightly upon hearing this. Why would the people from the county office seek him at this time?

He gestured for his subordinates to restrain themselves a bit: "Let them in."

Creak.

The suite's door opened.

"Greetings to Dong Chasi." Uncle Zheng and Guan Yunjian simultaneously cupped their fists in salutation.

Dong Jing glanced at the two and recognized them as officers from the Sixth Group, subordinates of Shen Qing.

What brought them here?

Dong Jing was temporarily puzzled.

He straightened up and asked: "Weren't the two of you supposed to accompany Shen Chasi to Changqiao Town? Why have you returned to the city and come to me?"

Guan Yunjian spoke with a deeply pained tone: "Dong Chasi might not know, but the Wolf Demon in Changqiao Town has gained power and is very troublesome. Our Shen Chasi, unfortunately... was unfortunately harmed by the Wolf Demon..."

Hearing Guan Yunjian say Shen Qing was harmed by the Wolf Demon left Dong Jing with a trace of shock on his face.

Seeing Shen Qing, who seemed very capable in his eyes, did he die so easily?

Dong Jing found it somewhat unbelievable.

But he quickly calmed down, squinting his eyes at Guan Yunjian and Uncle Shu.

Dong Jing noticed there were no signs of fighting or distress on the two men, which seemed strange to him.

He asked in a deep voice: "So what do you want from me?"

Guan Yunjian smiled and said: "We came seeking Dong Chasi's aid."

As he spoke, Guan Yunjian and Uncle Shu glanced meaningfully at the group of officers seated at the table.

Dong Jing understood and knew they had other matters to discuss with him privately.

So, he waved his subordinates off, saying: "You've had your meal; now go on your patrols."

The group of officers glared at Guan Yunjian and Uncle Shu, reluctantly responding: "Yes."

They stared at the two standing at the door, then each got up and left.

Dong Jing also dismissed the maids accompanying him.

In the blink of an eye, the large suite was left with only Dong Jing, Guan Yunjian, and Uncle Shu.

"Now, what exactly do you want with me?" Dong Jing took a sip from his cup, drained it, and stood.

His hand rested on his waist, touching the Dagger of the Chasi.

"The ancients said, 'He who understands the times is a wise man, and birds choose good trees to perch on.'" Guan Yunjian said with a smile: "Dong Chasi, Shen Chasi is already dead. We want to pledge our allegiance to you and serve you faithfully."

Seeing their demeanor, Dong Jing withdrew his gaze, having formed a general guess in his mind.

He said with a hint of a smile: "Shen Chasi didn't die at the hands of the Wolf Demon but yours, didn't he?"

Guan Yunjian and Uncle Shu, when their secret was exposed, didn't show any signs of anger or disgrace. They remained composed and calm.

They had been with the Guardian Martial Department for many years. Many officers and Chasi from humble beginnings didn't end well, and situations like Shen Qing's were not uncommon.

As long as the benefits were substantial enough, even if the Chief Officer drowned tonight, someone would pinch their nose and accept it.

However, some decorum still needed to be maintained.

Guan Yunjian pretended not to understand, shaking his head and saying: "Dong Chasi, you must be joking; we wouldn't dare. We're simply seeking a better position and turning to you, Lord Dong, for shelter."

"Of course, we don't want to make things difficult for Lord Dong. Over the years, we've accumulated some wealth ourselves. If Lord Dong is willing, we're ready to offer a thousand taels of cash annually, to show our respect."

They knew Dong Jing was a concubine's child; although he flaunted his authority before them, within the Dong Family, he had to keep a low profile, and his finances weren't ample.

A thousand taels might not be much for high-ranking legitimate sons, but for Dong Jing, it was significant enough to persuade him, and this business was unlikely to be a loss for them.

Shen Qing had a house in Yongzhou, valued at nearly a thousand taels alone.

In recent years, despite the surrounding turmoil, Yongzhou stood firm.

Many wanted to move into the city to make a living, causing house prices to rise yearly, making them hard currency.

Besides this house, Shen Qing also owned a tavern; if they could get hold of the recipe, they could earn a fortune in the future.

Thinking of this, Guan Yunjian couldn't help but feel a swell of pride almost crossing his face.

However, in Dong Jing's eyes, it didn't appear the same way.

Guan Yunjian and Uncle Shu were both veterans of the Guardian Martial Department, yet his past reviews of them amounted to just four words: overly ambitious with little talent.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have remained in the Sixth Group for years without achieving anything.

In contrast, Shen Qing was not someone to be underestimated; he had talent.

These two being manipulated by Shen Qing seemed more plausible.

A thousand taels a year, while not insignificant to him, weren't especially large either.

However, he did not intend to make a decision too soon before things became clear.

At this point, outside Baihua Building.

Shen Qing, riding hard, had arrived, seeing the familiar official horses outside the door, he knew Guan Yunjian and Uncle Shu were in the building.

He dismounted and charged into Baihua Building.

"Waiter, I'm looking for two officers."

Shen Qing summoned a servant and explained his purpose.

After some description, the servant understood and inquired before leading Shen Qing to Dong Jing's suite door.

The servant spoke respectfully: "Sir, I will knock."

"No need." Shen Qing stepped forward and kicked the door.

Bang!

The door of the suite was kicked open.

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