"My squad... what's wrong with them?" Jiang Yuechu was a little curious.
Upon hearing this, Liu Chen's strange expression grew even more pronounced. He looked left and right, and seeing no one around, he lowered his voice. "It's not really trouble, it's just... they're hard to manage."
"You know, our Demon Suppression Division is short-staffed these days. To recruit more people, The Department has relaxed the recruitment threshold in recent years. As long as they have some skill, be they hardened veterans discharged from the army, or Jianghu people with nowhere else to go, people from all walks of life can join our Demon Suppression Division."
Jiang Yuechu nodded; she knew this. After all, she herself was the best example.
"Those brothers who retired from the army, or others from different backgrounds, are fine. Give them food, and they'll work hard and follow the rules." Liu Chen sighed, "But those who've been roaming the Jianghu... they're difficult to deal with." Each one is unruly, thinks highly of themselves, and is full of so-called Jianghu rules and acting on grievances. They don't see themselves as people of the imperial court at all."
"Oh?" Jiang Yuechu's interest was piqued.
"There are three worth your attention." Liu Chen said as he walked, "The first is Liu Ke, the illegitimate son of Liu Boren, the Master of Luoyan Mountain Villa."
"Luoyan Mountain Villa?"
"Yes, in our Longyou Circuit, it's considered a prominent School and sect." Liu Chen explained, "This Liu Ke has been exceptionally talented since childhood. He entered the Hearing the String in his early twenties and is quite famous among the younger generation in Longyou. But he's an illegitimate son, constantly ostracized in the villa..."
"He came to the Demon Suppression Division partly out of spite and partly to make a name for himself, to show his old man."
"Although our Demon Suppression Division doesn't need to care about the opinions of those Jianghu Schools, Luoyan Mountain Villa has a deep Foundation in the Region, and Liu Boren has connections with many officials in various prefectures. If anything happens to this Liu Ke under your command, it might cause some unnecessary trouble."
Jiang Yuechu nodded, understanding. A proud, high-minded abandoned son of a prominent family with a significant background. "What about the other two?"
"The other is Chen Tong, an old Jianghu veteran who used to take money to resolve problems for others. Later, he offended someone he shouldn't have, was hunted by his enemies, and came to the Demon Suppression Division out of desperation." Liu Chen's tone became a bit more serious,
"This kind of person has a volatile temper; they only recognize fists, not official ranks." Jiang Yuechu rubbed her chin.This one is easy to handle. If he doesn't obey, just beat him until he cries for his mom. "And the third one?"
"The third one..."Liu Chen's expression became stranger than ever, "I heard he's from Vajra Temple... his monastic name is No Abstinence."
"A monk?" Jiang Yuechu was stunned, "A monk also came to the Demon Suppression Division?"
Liu Chen smiled bitterly, "Vajra Temple is a major Buddhist sect, but this monk No Abstinence drinks, eats meat, fights, and visits brothels. Except for not killing, he's broken every precept. Finally, his Master kicked him out of the temple. After he came down the mountain, he somehow ended up in our Demon Suppression Division, saying... he wants to cultivate in the Mortal World, slay demons and devils, and prove his Dao of Vajra's Wrath."
Jiang Yuechu's eyelids twitched. Good heavens.What a divine lineup.
"Lord Xu sent you to lead this squad, probably with the intention of having you bring order to the place." Liu Chen looked at her with a hint of sympathy, "In any case, be careful."
Jiang Yuechu twitched the corner of her mouth.
Careful?
She now just wanted to quickly meet these three great talents and have a friendly chat with them about their life ideals.
While they were talking, they arrived at the storeroom.
It was still the one-eyed old man, dozing in a chair. Hearing the commotion, he impatiently opened his eyes.
Jiang Yuechu handed over the document.
The old man took the document, his gaze lingering on the young girl, recognizing her. After all, there were only a few girls in the entire Longyou Circuit Demon Suppression Division. And one who was so pretty.
He lazily scanned the document, assuming she was there to collect some medicinal herbs or the like. But when his eyes fell on the official rank and name on the document, his hand movements suddenly paused, and his single eye widened abruptly.
"Eighth-rank squad leader... Jiang Yuechu?" He looked up, his wrinkled face filled with disbelief.
"This... how many days has it been?"
Liu Chen showed a bitter smile on his face. Not just this old clerk, but even others who heard would find it incredible.
The old man stared at Jiang Yuechu for a long time, as if trying to discern something extraordinary from her face. Finally, he shook his head in wonder, muttering, "The younger generation is formidable," before slowly getting up.
"Promotion money, ten taels. Count it." He took a heavy cloth bag from a locked wooden box behind him and tossed it onto the table.
Jiang Yuechu took the cloth bag; it felt heavy in her hand. She opened it and saw ten brand new officially minted silver ingots inside.
She silently tucked the money bag into her bosom and cupped her fist towards the old man.
"Thank you."
"Thank me for what? It's The Department's rule." The old man waved his hand, lay back in his chair, and closed his eyes, but he was still muttering, "Damn it, I've worked in the Demon Suppression Division my whole life, and I've never seen anyone get promoted so fast..."
...-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After collecting the money, the two left the treasury.
"Your squad is in the barracks up ahead." Liu Chen pointed to a row of somewhat dilapidated houses not far away, "I won't escort you there."
Jiang Yuechu nodded. Liu Chen looked at her, opened his mouth, seeming to want to give a few more instructions, but in the end, it just turned into a sigh.
"You... be extra careful."With that, he was about to turn and leave.
"Brother Liu."Behind him, the clear voice of the young girl suddenly sounded.
Liu Chen paused, turned around, and looked at her with some confusion.
Jiang Yuechu solemnly cupped her fist towards him and bowed deeply.
"Thank you for today." She looked up, her eyes serious.
"..." Liu Chen was stunned. He hadn't expected her to show such a great courtesy. Ever since the Black River battle, he knew that the gap between himself and the young girl before him would only grow wider.
His actions today were partly out of camaraderie, and partly, why wouldn't there be a bit of a desire to forge a good relationship in advance but the other party seemed to have taken his insignificant intentions as a genuine friendship.
"This... what is this!" Liu Chen's old face flushed, and he quickly waved his hand, "You and I are both brothers of The Department. Saying such things, wouldn't it create distance?"
Jiang Yuechu didn't speak, just quietly looked at him. Regardless of the other party's motives, being willing to share such crucial information so candidly, she, Jiang Yuechu, would remember this favor...
"Come on, come on! Bet big or small! No more bets once placed!"
"I bet big!"
"Damn it! It's small again! No Abstinence, you bald donkey, did you cheat?"
"Amitabha, this poor monk is a monastic. On the gambling table, it's all thanks to the Buddha's blessings. Donor, if you've lost money, do not slander this poor monk's innocence."
Before Jiang Yuechu even got close, a clamor of voices reached her.