The official residence held but three courtyards, yet its grounds sprawled wide. In each of the three, a majestic phoenix tree stood sentinel, their leaves teeming with life. No ancient relics of immortals were they, but whispered to be as old as the government office itself. When golden autumn descended, a stray leaf or two, caught by the wandering winds, would find its way through open windows, to settle gently upon the desks of young scribes. These they would often keep, tucked between pages as bookmarks, hoping for a touch of good fortune.

A venerable pine, plucked long ago from some celestial mountain peak, stood proud. Its gnarled branches, like coiling dragons, and bark, like armored scales, cast a perpetual shade. The air beneath its canopy was crisper, cooler than elsewhere. A ring of smooth, long-cut flagstones encircled its base, a seat for officials to rest and converse. Amongst the verdant shadows was a stone table, its surface etched with a chessboard. When golden sunlight pierced the dense leaves, dappling the stone, it seemed as if celestial beings themselves were about to make their moves.

In the furthest courtyard stood a peach tree, planted with his own hands by the Councilor Cui some ten years past. At that time, Rong Yu was but a small girl, prone to tears when homesickness struck.

As Rong Yu blossomed into a maiden fair, she read much of the beauty and promise entwined with the peach blossom.

Setting his brush upon the three-peaked jade rest, Chen Ping’an closed a file. He summoned Fu Qing, seeking access to a classified archive. He wished to know in precise detail Councilor Cui’s movements throughout the capital in the last two decades, who he had met within the residence, the duration of these audiences, and, most importantly, a record of their deliberations.

To his surprise, Fu Qing stated that the Councilor’s estate held no such documents.

Chen Ping’an tentatively inquired, “And the Ministry of Punishments?”

Fu Qing shook her head. “Even less likely to maintain such a record.”

A headache bloomed behind Chen Ping’an’s eyes. He leaned back in his chair, hands tucked within his sleeves, and gazed at the ceiling.

A nation, he mused, was like a human body. The census figures, troop numbers, and tax revenue were like a person’s face – visible to all. Commerce, like the circulating currency of the common folk, and the ceaseless flow upon the roads, were as blood, and the strength of the frontier legions was akin to sinew and bone. The academies, the village schools, the hearts and minds of the people… these were the nation’s spirit.

Thus, a country had its own pulse. And the clues Chen Ping’an sought were like studying the Councilor’s method of reading that pulse for the Great Li Dynasty.

Fu Qing offered, “My lord, Rong Yu possesses a remarkable memory. She has been here since she was six years old. Shall I summon her?”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “Fetch her, then.”

Soon, a light knock sounded, and Rong Yu entered, her steps soft and measured. She chose her place, standing upon a specific flagstone.

Chen Ping’an smiled. “I hear you have an exceptional memory. How so?”

Rong Yu replied, “My lord, I can clearly recall everything I have witnessed for at least the past ten years. I can write it down, paint it, even mimic the voices of those I heard.”

Chen Ping’an blinked in astonishment.

Rong Yu explained, “It is no divine gift nor immortal art, merely a good memory.”

She tapped her head and smiled. “When Councilor Cui brought me here, I was but a child and, I suppose, allowed more freedom. Furthermore, anything not expressly forbidden by the Councilor was implicitly permitted. Therefore, I remember his appointments, who he met with in the study, for how long, whether he remained seated or rose to greet them, whether he let them stand or offered a chair, if he saw them out, and where; be it the doorway, the courtyard, or all the way to the main gate. Whether he invited them to dine, which scrolls he requested from the offices, the comings and goings between the residence and the ministries—all these I recorded not on paper, but within my mind.”

Chen Ping’an laughed. “Then you shall have your work cut out for you in the coming days.”

Rong Yu asked, “Councilor Cui often paced in the courtyard, what he ate each day, the casual conversations with his secretaries when he dined out, their replies and subtle expressions, their demeanor after he rose from the table—should these be noted?”

Chen Ping’an chuckled, waving his hand. “Those, I think, we can forgo.”

Rong Yu took her leave. Fu Qing remained, patrolling the corridors of the outer courtyards.

Once, the junior officers had regarded Fu Qing’s occasional passage past the windows as a pleasant distraction.

Not any longer.

Xie Gou sat quietly upon the doorstep, listening to the scratch of brush upon paper from within.

Without looking up, Chen Ping’an said, “With the jade token from the Councilor’s estate, you are free to wander the capital. No need to languish here. Seek out the libraries—the Astronomical Bureau, the Hanlin Academy, the Imperial College—they hold many rare and valuable books. Remember to be discreet, though, lest you find yourself in trouble.”

Xie Gou responded, “Not interested.”

Chen Ping’an remembered something. “Send word to Jise Peak. Tell Fox Country’s Pei Xiang to send one of her disciples, Luo Fu Mei. Keeping her there, wasted as a law enforcer, is a great disservice. Gouzi, tell Fu Qing to secure a Third-Grade Offering Plaque from the Ministry of Punishments, and a minor official post for Luo Fu Mei. She shall hone her skills there.”

Xie Gou looked puzzled. “But Master, isn’t Luo Fu Mei traveling in Tongye Continent with Sun Wan Yan, Cao Ni, and Yuan Huang?”

Chen Ping’an’s expression remained unchanged. “Then send word directly to Cui Dong Shan, and tell him to inform Pei Xiang.”

Xie Gou sighed. He knew this was the consequence of the great battle. The “forgettings,” once used to contain “Divinity,” scattered like petals on the wind, crushed into mud, truly lost. However, Xie Gou remained Xie Gou; he would not dwell on it, only feel a fleeting moment of regret.

As Xie Gou scampered away, Chen Ping’an put down his brush, flexed his wrist, rubbed his brow, and picked up a plain, unworked piece of white jade. It was a pebble he found by a river. This he clenched in his hand.

Regarding the appointment of the Minister of Civil Service, Chen Ping’an had sought counsel from two individuals: Emperor Song He, and Lin Zheng Cheng, the first head of the Hongzhou Yuzhang Woodworks.

Lin Zheng Cheng’s response was simple: Best course, you permanently assume the post yourself.

Good course, choose someone from the six main ministries in the capital, preferably under sixty. Alternatively, select a general. Since the civil servant Shen Chen could head the Ministry of War, a meritorious general in Civil Service might also be suitable. Otherwise, just promote Fan Xie, the Civil Service Vice-Minister on the spot. He is traditional, and can function for a few years.

Bad Course, randomly select a family head from the Pillar-of-State surnames.

Emperor Song He’s ideal candidate for the position surprised Chen Ping’an.

It was Lin Shou Yi.

However, the Emperor also had several transitional options: Ma Yuan, Cao Qiao, Yuan Chong, Changsun Mao, Wei Li. Each with their own merits and faults.

Chen Ping’an compiled a list of officials he wished to meet.

He tasked Rong Yu and Fu Qing with coordinating with the various ministries.

Wang Yi Fu, a martial artist of the Mountain Peak realm, was once the greatest general of the Lu Dynasty. After its fall, he served as a guard for the Empress Dowager Nan Zan, and later as an attendant to Liu Qing Feng, moving from place to place, serving as a county officer several times. After Liu Qing Feng’s death, Wang Yi Fu resigned, not returning to the old lands, but retiring to the capital.

Wei Li, an official from the former Huangting kingdom of the Great Sui dynasty. Once serving as the Governor of Long province, his promotions have risen to the Ministry of Rites.

Wei Liang, a legalist cultivator, helped Cui Qian establish rules for the immortals. Once the Great Commander of the Qingluan Kingdom, and now a Left Vice-Minister.

Liu Xun Mei, a youth from Chier street. A veteran, and a Director of the Dadu Project. Now a Right-Minister.

General Cao Wu of Yu Province. Known as Xu Mao. Marrying a daughter of the Yuan family.

Hong Feng Xia, a gold core official of the Great Li Dynasty.

Han Yi. A provincial general, stationed near the capital. Used to be a guardsmen along the border.

And three members. From the Ministry of Finance, Civil Service, and War.

Guan Yi Ran, from the Ministry of Finance. They say that the entire Civil Service is his family. Guan Yi Ran is also one of the project directors. He’s not doing bad, but he’s not doing good either.

Song Han Hong. From the Ministry of Rites. Changing his surname to take care of affairs. This elderly person is an old friend of Li Jing, a bookkeeper who lives in the Red Candle. Not too long ago, he met Chen Ping’an.

Chao Bao Xiang, a leader of the Ministry of War. Manages the affairs of the gangs.

Those in the capital were given priority for interviews. Chen Ping’an has made Guan Yi Ran a priority.

It was Guan Yi Ran’s first time in this estate.

The Ministry of Finance’s eighteen offices managed the finances of the Great Li Dynasty.

Fu Qing waited at the entrance, leading the first official through the doors. Guan Yi Ran saw the phoenix trees, and the ancient pine. Then, a series of heads peeking out of windows. A long hallway. Then a man with green sleeves.

Guan Yi Ran was once a general, so he bowed. “Guan Yi Ran, a member of the finance ministry, greets you.”

Chen Ping’an walked towards the house. “Very busy, so I only have 15 minutes to talk. I have to see General Han Yi, and then the Ministry of War and Rites.”

Chen Ping’an moved two chairs to the door. Guan Yi Ran sat down, and crossed his legs.

That’s bold. Guan Yi Ran peeked at the woman in the hallway, and uncrossed his legs.

There were too many clever people in the bureaucracy. Those at the top, were not as important as what they really wanted, and what they said and what they thought. Under them, there was a group of people. You must be able to distinguish between those you can give to, and those you can’t.

Teenagers understood this. It takes some officials twenty or thirty years to learn it.

Guan Yi Ran was a “dumb person.”

So he crossed his legs again.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have joined the Great Li military, rather than rise in power like Cao Geng Xin or Yuan Zheng Ding.

Guan’s father was resolute. The great grandson said he wanted to use a fake name, and not the Guan surname. The elder also didn’t secretly assist. Early on, the new soldier fought in numerous battles against the remaining Lu Dynasty. On the battlefield, he saved a lot of fellow soldiers.

After Great Li crushed the Lu Dynasty, at a celebration, a capital official recognized Guan Yi Ran. This terrified the superior general, afraid that something would happen.

The general pretended not to know the identify of the soldier, and praised the soldier. Then, enraged, he yelled at an old subordinate. “I told you to bring some talented officers with potential, not a treasure!”

The Ministry of Finance didn’t tell him what was happening, only that he had to go to the estate. Guan Yi Ran realized that Chen Ping’an had officially taken the position.

“Tsk, Jing Kuan, you’re lucky. Chen Ping’an, I bought you a drink at the Irises Canal!”

Chen Ping’an laughed, “When discussing the position, the Emperor and I also discussed your future career.”

Guan Yi Ran was alarmed. “This is what you mean by talking casually? Just don’t talk at all!”

Guan Yi Ran uncrossed his legs, and sat up straight.

Chen Ping’an was lightly caressed his fan. “I told the Emperor that you were not interested in a career. Not being interested in a career is not good. People who are too interested in a career will do anything to succeed, but they are always thinking for themselves. On the other hand, too much indifference is bad as well. They may give up, or they may coast along. I saw things written in books, and I heard them in the bureaucracy, that if you want a position, then either be born into it, or pick the right side. There is some truth to it.”

Guan Yi Ran sighed, “Chen Ping’an, you shouldn’t get into this mess. Wouldn’t it be better to pursue cultivation and immortality?”

Chen Ping’an laughed. “Isn’t the lord of Mount Luopo an official? Isn’t the Hermit of the Sword Qi Great Wall an official? I have more interest in a career than you.”

Guan Yi Ran couldn’t refute him.

Chen Ping’an said, “So I suggested to the Emperor that for the next ten to twenty years, Guan Yi Ran should rotate throughout the various ministries. Afterwards, when the qualifications and age are right, they can either retire, or continue rising.”

Guan Yi Ran’s eyes lit up. “If this is the case, that would be great!”

As long as he wasn’t pushed onto a high position, Guan Yi Ran didn’t mind climbing slowly, and doing more real work, unrelated to policy. As one of the members, he has already rejected many social obligations.

Chen Ping’an teased, “Okay, we’re done chatting, so take it slow. This is the last opportunity for a fifth rank member to see the lord.”

Guan Yi Ran breathed a sigh of relief, got up, and bowed. “I will leave, I won’t hold up your other appointments.”

Chen Ping’an said, “Have some lunch here, I have a cook, and it comes out of my salary.”

Guan Yi Ran left.

Fu Qing led him out, then went to receive Han Yi.

Once the new official identity was announced, then there wouldn’t be any more of these considerations.

General Han Yi was a regional officer in charge of the military affairs around the capital.

Fu Qing found that he was nervous, constantly loosening his collar.

They went to the backyard. The General hesitated before helping to close the door. He quickly started laughing. “You are right, fighting is easier than becoming an official.”

In less than 15 minutes, the general left easily, thanking the lord.

General Han Yi received a secret order, to try to manage what he can.

Previously, he didn’t respect the sword immortals, but now he does!

Then came Chao Bao Xiang, the chief of the Ministry of War. Although promoted, his expression was dark.

But Chen Ping’an escorted him to the middle courtyard, and then stopped. Fu Qing soon brought over Hong Feng Xia, and they sat by a pine tree.

Hong Feng Xia was curious. Why him, rather than Han Jing Ling? After a brief chat, Chen Ping’an stated that he would be visiting soon. After learning of this, Hong Feng Xia was happy.

Song Han Hong came. He was also one of the seven souls.

The atmosphere was relaxed. Chen Ping’an talked about some official matters, and then asked, “Did Councilor Cui give you a communication pearl?”

Song Han Hong nodded. “Yes. But he told me to keep it and not use it.”

Chen Ping’an said, “You can use it now.”

Song Han Hong nodded. “Understood.”

Chen Ping’an handed an jade badge. “You can come here to talk at any time.”

Song Han Hong left.

Chen Ping’an considered. “Fu Qing, tell Lin Shou Yi to come here when he is free. Also, gather all of the examination results from the recent tests.”

Fu Qing nodded. She knew of Lin Shou Yi, who was the same age as Chen Ping’an. She heard that he was a practitioner, reaching a high level. What did the “original document” mean? Was he planning on encouraging Lin Shou Yi to take the exam, and become an official?

The Emperor Song He had people in mind for the six ministries.

They were Lin Shou Yi, Guan Yi Ran, Cao Geng Xin, Yuan Zheng Ding, Zhao Yao, and Wu Wang Cheng.

The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Diplomacy, were both located along South Xun Street. The former was run down, and the later was grand.

Minister Ma Yuan told Guan Yi Ran to pay attention, and to talk less.

Guan Yi Ran nodded, and quickly found some tea to steal.

Ma Yuan laughed and said, “You rascal, are you my father?”

Ma Yuan’s examiner was Guan, and he was promoted quickly through the Civil Service.

Ma Yuan’s face did not resemble the elder Guan.

The career path for the Great Li Dynasty, were the following.

Song Chang Jing. Song Mu of Luo. Empress Dowager Nan Zan. The Guan Family.

The Yuan and Cao families. The Zi Zhao An family. And Ma Yuan.

Carrying the tea, Guan Yi Ran said, “I don’t dare go to Ma’s place to be insulted. Ask how he is doing. Minister, hurry up and be diligent!”

Ma Yuan angrily dismissed him.

Aside from the six ministries, the other three were the Supervising Office, the Office of Transmission, and the Court of Justice.

The leaders of Supervising and Transmission were second rank, and were always the Yuans and Caos.

Yuan Chong, the head of the Yuan family, was the leader of the Supervising Office, and Cao Qiao was the Justice.

Changsun Mao was originally the head of the Diplomatic Office, but was just promoted to the Office of Transmission. It was also a step towards retirement.

Once Guan Yi Ran left, Ma Yuan understood what was going on.

He didn’t expect to fill the role in Civil Service.

Back at the estate, Fu Qing returned. “Lord, the Emperor has come.”

Chen Ping’an smiled helplessly, because he was here to have lunch.

The Emperor was accompanied by an eunuch.

Rong Yu stopped writing, and brought the food to the backyard, and then said she was done with her duties. Fu Qing agreed. She looked at the pine tree, because she was now privy to a secret, due to the Councilor.

Yu Dou, from Bai Yujing, had reached a high level, killing numerous people.

The first person who visited Bai Yujing, was a priest.

And then Wu Shuang Jiang, Gao Gu, Jiang Xiu, and Bao Lin.

A great accomplishment.

—

At noon, Xie Gou returned to his base.

Xie Gou has been teaching at the place, and has a great student. On the other hand, the students there were hopeless.

Previously, Xie Gou gifted a jade seal, to be freely available to all.

Jiang She and Wu Yan only stayed for a night, and have left to travel the world. Before they go to the Lotus Continent, they might visit the Bottle Continent. They didn’t dare to say Mount Luopo. They left when Pei Qian wasn’t around.

Before leaving, Jiang She was pulled away by the kid. He drank to the point of rolling around on the floor.

Jiang She respected this person.

“The world is full of danger. Our lord is too nice! So I, Chen Lingjun, will test people before they visit. If they are nice, then I will make sure not to offend them. If they are evil, then I will bear the consequences.”

Jiang She looked at the school for a while, and a priest was reading books.

The priest was busy.

Before, Jiang She hid and watched.

At the base, a group sat.

Guo, was on a tour. The old deaf was at a different place. Deng was appreciating his chance to study.

Yao, was in training.

Nalan was running.

Sun was training hard. Yao promised that she would accept the other as her student.

Bai was mostly lazy.

Previously, there was a boxer at Jiling, named Jiang. Bai tried to trick him, but was kicked out the door.

Even after the failure, Bai went back.

Xie, Chai, and Wu, sat around a table.

The jade seal was gifted. The information was from Gao.

The seal consisted of three things: The differences between a mortal’s souls, how to build a bridge, and swordplay.

Xie opened the seal, and gave it to Chai.

The girl was drinking.

An hour later, Xie asked, “Chai, do you understand it?”

The girl poured herself a drink. “Yes, better than Chen.”

Xie nodded. “You aren’t good enough to learn from our lord.”

Chai stopped, and said, “The lord said I am too talented, and he can’t teach me.”

Xie tilted his head. “You believe that?”

Chai frowned. “He lied?”

Xie laughed. “You’re talented? I’ve seen plenty of people like you. Now, he is talented! If you said that, then you would be beaten up.”

“You’re too proud.”

After hearing that, Chai gulped down a drink, and stood up. “I’m going to train!”

Xie waved his hand. “Don’t be too hasty.”

“You shouldn’t be going to that mountain.”

You’re my disciple, so why would you learn from that person?

But Chai still goes there.

She asks the priests questions. What levels have I reached? No one asks who her teacher is.

Wu, mixed well with Chai. Because the deaf told her to visit. It was pure.

The only issue was that, her teacher always asks her about people.

Bai finally asked. “Listen? Don’t you look?

Chai didn’t know what to say. The text was something she heard.

Xie laughed. “Bai, listen to that person’s class, and you will understand it.”

Bai was angered.

Wu laughed. Bai was embarrassed, so he slammed the door and left to train.

Wu returned home.

Xie casually leaned. Haha, now is my chance.

Xia gave Chai a sword, and I will teach her how to use it!

He grabbed some talismans, and went to the city of Qiu.

—

At the border, on a sword boat, the atmosphere was tense.

Cistri Sis Tuo Xi Guan, and General Lu Song were present.

They were low profile here, but they were not low profile in the offices.

The regions of the Great Li Dynasty were level, but most of the regions were directly managed.

The Great Li Dynasty was called the Land of Hundreds of Provinces, but there were only around thirty Generals stationed in military areas. There was competition.

If a general wanted to get promoted, then they could go to the capital, or become a magistrate.

Or go to the Ministry of War. The best one was the Messenger.

There were some officials who wanted to monitor the conditions of the ships.

There were six ships, three of which were under construction. They belonged to the Department of Works before they were given to the military.

Then they gave them away.

So the officials demanded the phrase, “Call me father!”

The military officers also obeyed.

Han, a prince of Qiu, stood next to Zhao Yao.

He was a prisoner, and many were looking at him.

Reports kept coming.

General Lu remained calm.

But the officials were recording, as if monitoring. He wasn’t happy. In the past, there were monitors.

If the officials were recording, and the military was reporting, and the records were given to the courts, then why was Cao here?

And he was drinking!

He hid in the corner.

But many were surprised that Zhou Haichao was here. Has she become someone’s servant?

Cao laughed, “That Vice-General is a real tough one.”

She petitioned the department to slaughter the capital of Qiu.

The Deputy was worried that the sword ships were too weak.

—

The Emperor has left the estate.

Fu was watching Chen walking.

Then he went to the study to work.

Rong was editing the poems she has collected.

The first line was, “The flowers on the hill are in full bloom.”

The last line was written by Qian. “The flowers seeks the swordsman.”