Chapter 94: Little Flag Meng

Chapter 94: Little Flag Meng

Back at his new home, Meng Xiaochi changed into new clothes and tied up his long hair. The new home wasn’t very large, but it was close to Tranquil Garden, making it very tranquil.

"You little brat, you’re quite handsome!" Nie Yanian said sarcastically when he saw Meng Xiaochi gazing at himself in the mirror.

"Just a mere appearance." Meng Xiaochi replied with an enlightened tone.

"Hmph." Nie Yanian chuckled disdainfully and continued, "I heard that the little girl has been taken in by the Empress Consort for training. What kind of training is that?"

"I don’t know either." Meng Xiaochi said helplessly, "She said the Empress Consort doesn’t allow her to speak about it. Not a single word from Tranquil Garden can get out."

"At least it’s not a bad thing." Nie Yanian was quite reassured about Ying Ruisi.

The two chatted idly as they left Prince Xing’s Mansion.

The Demon Suppressing Bureau and Songhe Prefecture Garrison were located in the southern part of the city, not far from the Prefecture Office.

Nie Yanian was a meticulous person and explained the matters of the Demon Suppressing Bureau to Meng Xiaochi on the way.

The Demon Suppressing Bureau was established in the capital at the beginning of the dynasty and has gradually grown in scale and personnel over time. Each major city has a Thousand-Man Commandery, and each city has a Hundred Household Office.

The Hundred Household Office oversees the demon situations in the counties and towns under the city. Sects like the Luo Sect, which practice heretical teachings, are also a key focus of the Hundred Household Office.

Of course, if the Prefecture Office or County Office cannot handle major bandits or criminals, they will invite the Hundred Household Office to collaborate.

However, there is a clear distinction between civil and military, and the Hundred Household Office also has supervisory responsibilities. Therefore, the Prefecture Offices and Garrison have a generally average relationship to prevent the Hundred Household Office from encroaching their duties.

The Hundred Household Office is a low-ranking but powerful position. It has a main hall official, the Hundred Household, one deputy, the Trial Hundred Household, with official ranks of Seventh Rank and Sub-Seventh Rank, respectively. Their martial realm must be at least Seventh Rank, and even reach the Full Seventh Rank.

Next is the Chief Flag Officer, with an official rank of Eighth Rank, requiring Eighth Rank Full or Seventh Rank. Underneath, there are multiple Junior Officers, with official ranks of Sub-Eighth Rank, also requiring Eighth Rank. At the very bottom are the Junior commanders and servants.

Of course, the situation varies from place to place. Some areas are peaceful, while others have more demon situations, leading to different personnel configurations.

"To enter the Garrison, you either need to be from a reputable family, or have your ancestors and parents’ contributions to earn a position through hereditary means. Or, like you, be pushed in by someone!"

Nie Yanian was very serious, "For those without roots, joining the military or the Demon Suppressing Bureau are good paths. Not only can you gain knowledge and learn more, but if you dare to risk your life, you can climb higher."

His tone became more solemn, "Remember, two things are most important in the Demon Suppressing Bureau. One is merit, and the other is the person who records your merit! With these two, you won’t worry about climbing up! The latter is Old Zhang, and the former depends on you! As for Third Miss, once you reach Old Zhang’s position, it will be her turn to contribute."

Meng Xiaochi nodded.

"Also, get along well with everyone." Nie Yanian put his hand on Meng Xiaochi’s shoulder.

"I understand." Meng Xiaochi was not the type to stir up trouble.

"Right now, Old Zhang and the Deputy Hundred Household are not getting along, and they are in a power struggle! But last year’s disaster and this year’s Buddha demon incident have made Old Zhang, the main official and the one who handles matters, firmly in control over the deputy." Nie Yanian added.

"Even a small Garrison has internal struggles?" Meng Xiaochi asked curiously.

"Where doesn’t it happen? Even ants fight in their nests! As long as your martial realm doesn’t reach Seventh Rank, you can’t avoid the petty squabbles in the bureaucracy." Nie Yanian sneered, then continued, "But don’t worry, once you reach Seventh Rank, you’ll be the third most important person in the Garrison. No one will dare to look down on you."

Meng Xiaochi understood. People say they respect the appearance first and then the person, but for Warriors, they respect not only the official rank and position but also the strength.

Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Ranks are considered lower ranks, but Seventh Rank is different. You can open secret vaults and obtain Heavenly Insight Divine Ability.

As long as you cross the first stage of the Ascension Three Stages and enter the Seventh Rank Warrior Realm, even if Meng Xiaochi doesn’t get promoted or is demoted, others will still respect him.

Moreover, such a young Seventh Rank Warrior, with someone backing him, only bullies others, not the other way around.

Meng Xiaochi had no interest in internal struggles and didn’t want to get involved in trivial matters. He had three goals for joining the Demon Suppressing Bureau: one, to cultivate essence fire; two, to practice Heavenly insight divine ability; and three, to advance.

Now, Seventh Rank was imminent. As long as he crossed the ladder and cooperated with Zhang Guinian, he could already walk with confidence in the Garrison.

After that, if he made Third Miss comfortable, he could gradually rise.

"Don’t worry, I’ve arranged everything." Nie Yanian smiled proudly, "Once you join the Garrison, you won’t start as a junior commander. Old Zhang will recommend you directly as a Junior Officer, and once you establish merit, you’ll be promoted to Chief Flag Officer."

Meng Xiaochi nodded. The lowest rank in the Garrison were the servants, who were not in the official ranks.

As for the junior commanders, most were at the Ninth Rank of Martial Dao, not much stronger than ordinary people.

Next were the Junior Officers, who held Eighth Rank positions and required Eighth Rank Martial Dao realm.

"Then what’s above that?" Meng Xiaochi asked, curious.

"Ultimately, we follow the Warrior path, and it all depends on your own realm." Nie Yanian tapped his chest, "Look at Old Zhang, a Seventh Rank Martial Officer. He might seem like a minor official, but he’s very valuable! For an ordinary person without roots to reach his level is already quite an achievement! But he can’t go further unless he reaches Sixth Rank Martial Dao. Otherwise, he’s stuck!"

He sternly instructed, "Remember, your position may seem to be promoted by your superiors, but ultimately, it’s all about your own strength."

"I understand." Meng Xiaochi nodded.

Seeing Meng Xiaochi’s compliance, Nie Yanian explained the personnel and factions of the Songhe Prefecture Hundred Household Office in detail to prevent Meng Xiaochi from being tricked without knowing it.

"Teacher Nie, how much will I earn as a Junior Officer?" Meng Xiaochi asked curiously.

"A Junior Officer needs to reach Eighth Rank Martial Dao, and earns seven taels of silver and two shi of rice per month." Nie Yanian replied.

"The Demon Suppressing Bureau pays so little?"

I remember that when I first entered the eighth rank, Third Miss Nie gave me ten taels in just a month," Meng Yuan exclaimed in surprise.

"You don't understand," Nie Yannian chuckled, "There are many intricacies involved, and the amount is definitely not limited to this. Otherwise, why do you think I started the Martial Path and opened the Drunken Moon Tower, and why did I let Old Zhang invest?"

As he spoke, Nie Yannian nudged Meng Yuan and said seriously, "However, you shouldn't delve into these unorthodox methods. Only those with no hope for the future would do such things. You just need to establish merits and get promoted. Then, money will naturally flow into your pockets!"

"I know," replied Meng Yuan, who had no such intentions. After all, he had just received over three thousand taels from Xie Shen, so he wasn't short of money.

Even if he needed money in the future, he could always coax Nie Qingqing for more.

As they reached the entrance of the Thousand-Man Commandery, Meng Yuan asked, "Master Nie, after I take up my post, can I bring back a spirit monster like the good news fairy?"

Ever since his last parting with Xiang Ling, Meng Yuan had been on official business for half a month and then secluded himself for ten days. Now, it had been almost a month since they last met, and it was already May. He couldn't help but feel a longing to visit Xiang Ling.

"Missing your little fox spirit?" Nie Yannian teased.

"Master Nie, Xiang Ling and I only discuss poetry. Besides, Daoist Priest Li Weizhen also entrusted me to take care of her," Meng Yuan explained.

"When you see a fox, you think of a fox spirit, then of gratitude, then of adding fragrance to the sleeves, and finally of getting into bed!" Nie Yannian clicked his tongue, "You've not yet become a scholar, but you've already caught the scholar's disease!"

"Master Nie, why do you slander me?" Meng Yuan, being an honest man, truly hadn't thought that far. "Between Xiang Ling and me, it's a friendship based on poetry. It's a pure and proper friendship. You probably wouldn't understand this kind of friendship."

"Who would believe that!" Nie Yannian huffed, "Why do I always run into you guys with your complicated thoughts! You're all so frustrating!"

The two continued their banter as they entered the Thousand-Man Commandery.

Nie Yannian was a regular visitor to the Commandery, and everyone they met along the way would smile and bow in greeting. Nie Yannian returned the smiles and sometimes even stopped to chat and introduce Meng Yuan.

After passing the main hall, they arrived at a room in the back where Zhang Guinian looked visibly aged, with a few more strands of white hair at his temples.

As they were all familiar with each other, Zhang Guinian didn't waste words. He called for Gong Zihua, "Take Little Meng to register and familiarize himself with the place and the people. Then, we'll have lunch."

Gong Zihua had obviously been informed of this matter beforehand, and he led Meng Yuan out immediately.

The two didn't discuss the Xie family's affairs but instead made small talk as they walked, turning and twisting until they reached the Document Room.

Gong Zihua took out Zhang Guinian's letter of recommendation and chatted idly for a while, taking half an hour to finally register Meng Yuan.

After that, they went to get Meng Yuan's identification plaque, and he officially became a Little Flag Officer of the Demon Suppressing Division in Songhe Prefecture.

"Little Flag Meng," Gong Zihua smiled and bowed.

"Little Flag Gong," Meng Yuan smiled back in return.

The two shared a laugh and then Gong Zihua took Meng Yuan to meet his colleagues.

Currently, the Commandery was divided into two factions. Hundred Household Zhang Guinian had risen through the ranks based on his abilities, while the Trial Hundred Household was appointed from above. It was crucial not to mistake one for the other.

"I heard from Master Nie that you encountered the White Ape Elder and obtained some remnants. May I take a look?" Meng Yuan asked.

"Of course, we're all family here," Gong Zihua led Meng Yuan to the Armory, where they saw a middle-aged man. Gong Zihua smiled and bowed, "Greetings, Chief Flag Officer Yang."

Chief Flag Officer Yang was holding a wooden box, which he immediately put down and smiled, "Ah, Little Gong. Who's this?"

"This is Meng Yuan, our new Little Flag Officer. Just now, we were looking for you to ask if you could give him some guidance," Gong Zihua explained.

Meng Yuan smiled and bowed.

Chief Flag Officer Yang was very courteous and smiled warmly, "He's a good lad at first glance."

"What are you looking at, Chief Flag Officer Yang?" Gong Zihua stepped forward.

Meng Yuan also took a few steps closer and saw that the wooden box in front of Chief Flag Officer Yang contained several Bodhimanda Beads, each with a carving of an eternal lamp, identical to the beads held by Xie Shen.

"We're also here to examine this item," Gong Zihua smiled.

"Then it's quite a coincidence," Chief Flag Officer Yang said curiously, "Did you obtain this item from the White Ape Elder? Is it truly his?"

"The one who came from the capital said that these beads were probably given to the White Ape Elder by Qingguzi," Gong Zihua replied in a low voice.

"I see," Chief Flag Officer Yang nodded slowly, then asked, "Do they have any special abilities?"

"No, they're probably just tokens of trust," Gong Zihua answered.

Chief Flag Officer Yang nodded slowly and didn't ask further questions. Instead, he smiled and inquired about Meng Yuan's background.

Meng Yuan had nothing to hide and answered all his questions.

After Chief Flag Officer Yang bid farewell, Gong Zihua finally offered some guidance, "Our Commandery has two Chief Flag Officers. That one is Yang Huaiyi, Chief Flag Officer Yang, from the Yang family of Songhe Prefecture. He's one of us."

Upon hearing this, Meng Yuan recalled the previous year's heavy snowfall when someone had specifically come to purchase a young book boy, and that person had introduced himself as the Yang family steward.

Now it seemed that the Yang family steward and Chief Flag Officer Yang were likely from the same family, as the only well-known Yang family in Songhe Prefecture was theirs.

"Have you heard anything about him?" Meng Yuan asked quietly.

"Not really. Chief Flag Officer Yang has a good temperament and is not one to compete or grab," Gong Zihua smiled, "He's been at the peak of the eighth rank for many years and hasn't been able to advance further. He's stuck on the first stage of the Ascension Three Stages. Now that he has children, he doesn't venture out for adventures and doesn't seek power. He's almost become a civil official."

Meng Yuan nodded and didn't inquire further, as there was plenty of time for that.

"By the way, how many energy points have you opened in the Central Thirty-Three Heavens?" Gong Zihua asked with a smile.

"All of them," Meng Yuan replied.

"..." Gong Zihua was stunned for a moment and then sighed, "In a few days, I won't be able to call you Little Flag Meng, but Chief Flag Officer Meng instead." He even bowed slightly.

"When have we ever bothered with such distinctions?" Meng Yuan laughed.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end