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Chapter 632: 426 Do You Know Who I Am? (Please Subscribe)

Chapter 632: Chapter 426 Do You Know Who I Am? (Please Subscribe)

“What’s the matter, Minister Tao, you don’t recognize Chen anymore?”

“I, of course, recognize the minister,”

replied Tao Qingyuan respectfully.

He not only recognized him but also frequently heard his name within the Capital, knowing that Chen Yuan’s current reputation and power were absolutely something he currently aspired to.

It seemed that ever since he and Chen Yuan had parted ways in Nanling Prefecture, Chen Yuan had embarked on a different journey, climbed to the top of the Hidden Dragon List, slain a Grandmaster, and defeated all the heroes of the world.

Each deed was enough to shock anyone.

Now, the man had become his immediate superior, and his feelings were immensely confused: on one hand, he was happy for Chen Yuan, felt his earlier judgment had been quite accurate and that Chen Yuan’s potential was even more formidable than he had predicted.

On the other hand, there was some hesitation. Now that Chen Yuan had become his immediate superior and he was forced to call himself “your subordinate,” the situation had completely reversed.

Regarding this,

all he could do was lament the unpredictability of life…

And hearing the conversation between the two, the numerous Heavenly Patrol Envoys who were bowing in respect quickly turned their gazes toward Tao Qingyuan, their eyes full of shock. They had not expected this rather ordinary-looking Deputy Commander to actually be acquainted with their new leader.

Most importantly, they all knew who this new leader was—an unrivaled genius, the top warrior in the previous Hidden Dragon List, who had just last month participated in the Ascension Battle in East Sea Martial Emperor City and forcefully claimed the top spot!

“Since you recognize me, why then act like a stranger?”

Chen Yuan said with a light smile.

Fairly speaking, Tao Qingyuan’s performance as the Green Envoy in Nanling Prefecture wasn’t exactly exemplary; he hesitated too much in exercising his power against the forces of Jianghu, fearing he would be held responsible. However, he had treated Chen well.

He had always supported him as he grew; otherwise, Tang Qian would not have continually allowed him to progress.

Thus, Chen Yuan was quite grateful to this former superior of his.

Tao Qingyuan sighed in relief underneath, knowing that Chen Yuan apparently hadn’t changed. The reason he had initially shown such profound respect was that he had seen too many cases of gratitude turning into enmity.

Once subordinates rose to higher positions, they would try hard to erase the past and oppress their former superiors.

It was precisely because the gap between them had widened so much over the past year that he had not contacted Chen Yuan, just wishing to maintain the relationship they had before.

After so many years in government service, he had a clear understanding of many things.

Raising his head, Tao Qingyuan smiled and said,

“Even though we know each other, now you are the Commander and I am a subordinate; I must pay my respects accordingly.”

“Sit down first,”

Chen Yuan said, pointing to the chair beside him, then turned to the envoys below and ordered,

“The rush of today’s events, nobody was informed about this news, I don’t blame you. Go back to your duties. However, after your shifts, notify all officers from the Heavenly Patrol above in the Eastern Imperial City Bureau that no one is to take leave tomorrow. Everyone must be here before the third bell, failing to appear will have consequences!”

His gaze turned slightly cold, echoing in everyone’s ears.

To be honest, he was quite eager to see if anyone dared to cause him trouble. Such occurrences, though cliché, were not uncommon, but if someone dared,

then they could not blame him for coming down hard when newly appointed!

Of course, to avoid being called too authoritarian, he hadn’t mandated attendance today, only for tomorrow. If there were still all sorts of excuses then, they could hardly blame him.

“Yes, we obey your command.”

“We obey your command.”

“Alright, you may leave now.”

Chen Yuan waved his hand.

“We take our leave.”

“We take our leave.”

In a blink of an eye, only Tao Qingyuan and Chen Yuan remained in the council hall. Chen stood up, walked slowly toward Tao Qingyuan, and bowed deeply, his expression earnest:

“Minister Tao, long time no see!”

This gesture instantly made Tao Qingyuan panic, and he hastily stood up, trying to help Chen Yuan while saying,

“Minister Chen, this is not necessary.”

But just as he attempted to stand, he was firmly restrained by an overwhelming force. Chen Yuan exhaled, smiled, and said,

“Just now, I greeted you as I would have in the old days, Minister Tao; there’s no need to be alarmed.”

He had remained seated at the head of the table earlier because there were others present and he needed to maintain his authority. Now that they were alone, and considering the multiple times Tao Qingyuan had helped him in the past,

he deserved a bow.

“Why need you do this…”

Tao Qingyuan said softly.

“Regardless, Minister Tao has always taken great care of me in the past; this kindness is forever etched in my heart. Now fate has brought us together to work again, and thus I offered that bow.”

“Now you are the Commander, you must not bow to a subordinate like me.”

“Even as a Commander, I am but a subordinate nurtured by Minister Tao. In front of others, I must uphold the dignity of my position, but now, with just the two of us,

if I continue to place myself above you, would it not suggest that once you, Minister Tao, erred in your judgment of character?”

Tao Qingyuan fell silent and after a long while, said:

“Should you not dismiss me, from now on just call me Brother Tao; that will be sufficient.”

Chen Yuan could clarify his position, and Tao Qingyuan, having been in bureaucracy for many years, could certainly clarify his.

What had passed was in the past, and now each had their own role. Constantly mentioning past favors could inevitably seem like leveraging them for personal gain.

He knew well that a great favor could become a great grievance, so he did not expect Chen Yuan to repay him. If Chen had a conscience, he would naturally look after him in the future. If not, once mentioned….

Chen Yuan smiled, nodded, and said:

“Brother Tao.”

“Commander Chen.”

After that exchange, they looked at each other and laughed heartily, their laughter filling the grand hall.

Then, on his first day in office, Chen Yuan took Tao Qingyuan to a nearby restaurant, chose a premium private room, and ordered a table full of dishes to reminisce about the old times.