I Have A Qi Fortune Altar.
Chapter 620: 422: The Struggle for Command of the Imperial City!

Chapter 620: Chapter 422: The Struggle for Command of the Imperial City!

“The Imperial Factory indeed needs such talent!”

Upon hearing these words, Chen Yuan felt a sudden chill somewhere in his body, while Cao Zhengxian’s adoptive son, Yang Yuanqing, looked upon Chen Yuan with even greater jealousy. For some reason, he simply couldn’t stand Chen Yuan.

Noticing the reluctance in Chen Yuan’s heart, Cao Zhengxian continued,

“The Imperial Factory does not require everyone to be celibate. You need not worry. Rest assured, as long as you are willing to join the Imperial Supervision Bureau, I, as the Supervisor, will surely make good use of you.

I won’t let your talents go to waste.”

Cao Zhengxian pinched his fingers in an orchid gesture and pointed at Chen Yuan with a smile.

Zhang Yantong let out a light snort,

“Supervisor Cao means to say that Chen Yuan has been buried in my Heavenly Patrol Bureau?”

“Is it not so? With Chen Yuan’s talent and strength, he should have been transferred to the Capital to serve. Yet you Divine Envoys have been obstructive, scheming against each other,

wasting a good seedling like Chen Yuan in a remote corner of Qingzhou. If Chen Yuan were under my supervision, I would never allow that to happen.”

“Chen Yuan is deliberately placed in Qingzhou by me to be tempered. Surely Supervisor Cao knows that even my own son serves in a State below? Without such hardships, how could Chen Yuan have defeated all promising heroes to top the Hidden Dragon List?

If he had been in the Imperial Supervision Bureau, heh… I’m afraid things would not have been the same.”

“Do you have complaints against my Imperial Supervision Bureau?”

“And what if I do? In recent years, the Imperial Supervision Bureau has repeatedly bullied my Heavenly Patrol Bureau. What, did you think the Heavenly Patrol Bureau has no one to stand up for it? Inside my bureau, we are all iron-blooded men, not some spineless fellows.”

In front of Jingtai, Zhang Yantong did not flinch from Cao Zhengxian. Even though there were endless factional struggles within the Heavenly Patrol Bureau, they could still present a united front against the power-grabbing Imperial Supervision Bureau.

And this was exactly what Jingtai wished to see, hence he generally did not intervene in their disputes and would even encourage the contest between the two bureaus. As long as it remained within the rules, he let them vie for power.

People must not be allowed to idle, for idleness leads to all sorts of trouble.

“Utter nonsense, utterly absurd!”

Cao Zhengxian snorted coldly before continuing,

“If the Heavenly Patrol Bureau is so capable, then why not go subdue those Demon Dao fiends in the Blood State?”

“Why doesn’t the Imperial Supervision Bureau go? If Supervisor Cao dares, my Heavenly Patrol Bureau will surely follow suit.”

As it seemed that the two were about to start arguing, Jingtai cleared his throat softly and said lightly,

“You both are esteemed minister within the court. Is it fitting for True Masters to quarrel like this here?”

“Your Majesty, forgive me. It’s just that Lord Cao has been too overbearing, and I couldn’t help but want to refute him.”

“Your Majesty, forgive me, I was only speaking some harsh truths, and yet Divine Envoy Zhang seems to take offense.”

Jingtai’s gaze turned to Chen Yuan, speaking indifferently,

“Both Supervisor Cao and Divine Envoy Zhang value you highly. What do you think yourself?”

Chen Yuan’s expression did not change as he folded his hands towards Cao Zhengxian,

“Thank you for your esteemed appreciation, Supervisor Cao. However, I am accustomed to the Heavenly Patrol Bureau, and I would likely be unsuited for the Imperial City Department. I hope for your understanding.”

“It’s fine. If you ever find the Heavenly Patrol Bureau unsatisfactory, you’re always welcome to seek me out. The Imperial Supervision Bureau will forever have a place for you.” Cao Zhengxian gave Chen Yuan a look that was both smiling and not.

“With me present, how could Chen Yuan be unsatisfied?”

“Chen Qing, you have defeated all promising heroes, rising to the top of the Hidden Dragon List, and have fostered prestige for the court. You’ve also governed Tangshan Prefecture well, a great achievement indeed. Initially, I wanted to have you make a breakthrough in the Capital’s Secret Realm, with a True Master to guard you. However, seeing as you’ve already succeeded in your breakthrough, let that be.

I’ve long intended for you to serve in the Capital, entrusting you with an important post. Is there a position in the Heavenly Patrol Bureau that you desire?” Jingtai asked with an intent gaze.

“I am humbled by Your Majesty’s favor and do not dare to accept such generosity.”

“I am but a piece of green brick for the court; wherever Your Majesty needs me, I can be moved there. To serve Your Majesty and exert myself for the court is my duty, and I dare not make any requests.”

Chen Yuan bowed.

Jingtai looked at Chen Yuan with a trace of admiration. Although the other party was unwilling to kneel and his actions were quite radical, this loyalty and attitude were very commendable.

If cultivated properly, he would assuredly become a pillar of the court in the future, as well as Jingtai’s own strong arm.

“What positions do you two think are suitable for Chen Qing?”

He directed his gaze at Zhang Yantong and Cao Zhengxian.

Cao Zhengxian looked at Chen Yuan with a seemingly amused expression,

“In my opinion, since Chen Green Envoy has done such a fine job in Tangshan, why not become a City Patrol Commander? The Imperial City has been somewhat troubled in recent years, and it needs a firm hand to keep it in line.”

“And what do you think, Divine Envoy Zhang?”

Zhang Yantong spoke solemnly,

“City Patrol Commander is a role that will inevitably offend people. Given Chen Yuan’s personality, it’s likely to stir up trouble. Recently, one of the four Great Commanders in the Imperial City has been vacant. I believe it wouldn’t be amiss to place Chen Yuan in this position. In doing so, it might quiet some of those Jianghu Martial Artists who have their eyes on the court.”

Ever since Chen Yuan was summoned to the Capital, there had indeed been much speculation in the Jianghu about the position Jingtai would offer him. If the position was too low, it would certainly lead to criticism.

Cao Zhengxian immediately retorted,

“I don’t think it’s appropriate. Chen Green Envoy has just had his breakthrough recently. If he were to take up the post of Imperial City Commander directly, it’s likely to draw criticism. Both the Imperial Supervision Bureau and the Heavenly Patrol Bureau have many Dan Realm Masters eyeing the position avidly. Although Chen Green Envoy’s merits are substantial, it would still inevitably upset some people, because since the establishment of our nation,

the lowest requirement for serving as one of the eight Great Commanders within and outside the Imperial City has been True Core Cultivation, without exception. Given Chen Green Envoy’s current strength,”