In the courtyard.
Some people were congratulating Shi Xing’an, while others watched coldly from the sidelines.
There were also those shooting probing glances at Ye Liuyun.
Ye Liuyun’s Innate Martial Artist cultivation was no longer a secret among the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Many thought he would be the one promoted to Lord Thousand Households this time, but unexpectedly, Shi Xing’an snatched it away.
Anyone could see it.
Shi Xing’an, famed for his scheming, clearly didn’t get the position purely on his own merit—he must’ve given plenty of gifts, and not a small amount either.
Soon.
The appointment ceremony ended, and people began to scatter.
Ye Liuyun was about to head back, but just then, Qi Yuanliang walked over and stopped him.
"Brother Ye, I truly apologize. Originally, I wanted you promoted to Lord Thousand Households as well."
Ye Liuyun didn’t answer, he just stared steadily at Qi Yuanliang, who was still putting on a show.
He knew in his heart—the man wasn’t done talking yet.
Sure enough, the reversal came a second later.
"But you know, your achievements really aren’t quite enough. Besides, Shi Xing’an is an old hand in the Embroidered Uniform Guard—he’s done much for us."
Ye Liuyun gave no response.
But beside him, Shi Sheng grunted and spoke up.
"All that ’done much’ nonsense—does it mean sitting around sipping tea, admiring the flowers, passing every case down to his men?"
Shi Sheng knew Shi Xing’an’s character a bit.
He was the kind to bully down, flatter up—any case that came along was always handed off to subordinates, but all the credit ended up as his.
Shi Sheng was bold, not the least afraid to offend this Southern Governor.
Whatever he thought, he said straight out.
"What did you say!"
Shi Xing’an, who’d come along with Qi Yuanliang, was still beaming from his promotion.
But hearing this, his face darkened with anger.
"And what am I saying that’s wrong?"
Shi Sheng glared, eyes wide and unyielding at Shi Xing’an. Si Nan stepped up to stand by Shi Sheng as well, equally defiant.
"You—"
In the Embroidered Uniform Guard, many knew about Shi Sheng’s stubborn streak.
Shi Xing’an understood this one was really the kind to throw punches.
With no other option, he could only glare and turn to Ye Liuyun instead.
"Captain Ye, is this how you manage your men? If you can’t teach them, then send him to the Imperial Prison for a good lesson."
Shi Sheng looked like he wanted to keep talking.
But Ye Liuyun raised a hand to stop him. Stubborn as he was, he listened to Ye Liuyun at this moment.
Ye Liuyun shifted his gaze from Qi Yuanliang to Shi Xing’an.
"How I manage my men is none of your concern. Isn’t that right, Lord Thousand Households Shi?"
As he spat out the last three words, Ye Liuyun’s gaze sharpened.
Innate Perfection-level inner strength burst forth. The crushing aura pressed Shi Xing’an’s shoulders down, forcing him to his knees.
Luckily, it was only for a second—Ye Liuyun promptly reined his power back in.
He’d cultivated so hard not to grovel for others. If he got bullied and didn’t strike back, that wasn’t Ye Liuyun’s way.
"What’s wrong, Lord Thousand Households Shi? Why are you suddenly kneeling? Could it be you’ve got some hidden illness? Careful you don’t drop dead by surprise at home like Lord Thousand Households Ren!"
"You—"
A threat—a naked, undisguised threat.
Right when luck was on his side, to be threatened like this—and so humiliated—of course Shi Xing’an was furious inside.
But the strength Ye Liuyun just displayed—
meant Shi Xing’an could only choke down his anger. After getting up, apart from staring daggers at Ye Liuyun, he didn’t dare do another thing.
In these times—
it still all comes down to whose fists are bigger.
On the side, Southern Governor Qi Yuanliang didn’t come out to defend Shi Xing’an.
Instead, he shot Ye Liuyun a surprised look, a glint flashing in his eyes.
The aura Ye Liuyun just unleashed, fleeting as it was, Qi Yuanliang still felt it—that was the Inner Strength of someone at Innate Perfection.
Damn!
Qi Yuanliang had thought Ye Liuyun was just newly advanced as an Innate Martial Artist.
He never expected Ye Liuyun was the same as himself—just one step away from entering the Grandmaster realm. What talent!
He thought he was already giving Ye Liuyun enough credit.
But now, Qi Yuanliang realized he’d still underestimated the man.
"If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave now."
Seeing no one said a word, Ye Liuyun wasn’t about to waste his time here.
He just turned and walked off.
"Governor!"
When Ye Liuyun was present, Shi Xing’an hadn’t dared to say anything. Now, with Ye Liuyun gone—
Thinking about the shame just suffered—
Shi Xing’an immediately wanted to report to Qi Yuanliang and badmouth Ye Liuyun.
"That Ye Liuyun is simply too arrogant! He—"
"Enough!"
How could Qi Yuanliang, the old fox, not know what Shi Xing’an was up to?
He had no intention of getting involved.
Raising a hand, he said simply,
"Go do your work!"
Truth be told, Qi Yuanliang had only pushed Shi Xing’an forward as a tool to keep Ye Liuyun in check—he wasn’t thinking much of him to begin with.
"Er... Understood, sir!"
Though he was unwilling,
after hesitating a bit, Shi Xing’an still nodded and bowed himself out.