Zhao Zhongliu straightened up, his gaze sweeping back and forth over her.
After a long while.
A satisfied smile appeared on the old man's Face.
"Good."
"Very good."
"No missing limbs, and you haven't shamed the General Bureau."
He pointed to a chair nearby.
"Sit."
This treatment made the few people beside them extremely envious.
One had to know that during discussions in the main hall, everyone except for those in golden robes and a few highly experienced generals had to stand while speaking.
Jiang Yuechu did not sit down. Instead, she unfastened the Nascent Energy Pendant from her waist and presented it with both hands.
"The River-Flipping Demon King has been slain. This is its corpse."
"Lord You encountered fellow disciples and stayed in Henan Circuit to assist in exterminating the demonic plague, so he entrusted This subordinate to bring this item back."
Zhao Zhongliu took the jade pendant and closed his eyes to investigate.
The next instant.
The old man's eyelids twitched slightly.
He looked up at the girl with a calm expression.
"This demon corpse..."
"Lord You said..."
Jiang Yuechu spoke first, her tone sincere: "The journey was long and arduous, and the weather was hot. Although there was the Nascent Energy Pendant, some loss was inevitable."
"Furthermore, Lord You expended a great deal of energy rushing here. Taking some flesh and blood in exchange for food was also to better serve the General Bureau."
"This subordinate feels... this is all within reason."
"…"
Zhao Zhongliu opened his mouth.
What a 'within reason'.
How could he not know what kind of fool You Wujiang was?
Even if he had ten times the courage, he wouldn't dare to mess up public property like this!
Where the remaining meat went was as obvious as lice on a bald man's head.
Zhao Zhongliu saw through it but didn't say anything.
Anyway, as long as the crucial things were still there, the rest... could be considered a reward for this girl.
"Alright then."
Zhao Zhongliu put away the jade pendant and gave her a meaningful look.
"Since it's a loss, then we won't discuss it."
"As for rewards..."
The old man paused.
"The aftermath of the Taihu Lake battle has not yet concluded. Once the Merit Department of The Department verifies it, it will be settled with you in the future."
Jiang Yuechu's expression remained unchanged; she merely clasped her fists slightly.
"Yes."
Jiang Yuechu wasn't particularly concerned about the so-called gold, silver, and valuables.
Seeing her composed demeanor, unfazed by honor or disgrace, Zhao Zhongliu secretly nodded.
"Alright, there's nothing else."
Zhao Zhongliu picked up his teacup, gently skimmed off the foam, and took a sip.
He seemed to mention it casually.
"Oh, right, Your Majesty summoned you a few days ago, but you weren't in Chang'an. Now that you're back, if you have time, remember to report back to the palace."
Upon hearing this, a rare flicker of surprise appeared in Jiang Yuechu's eyes.
Although she vaguely remembered that the Emperor had indeed said something like that back then.
But she only took it as a casual remark.
After all, he was the supreme ruler, busy with myriad affairs.
How could he have leisure time to chat with her?
She hadn't expected to actually be summoned to the palace?
As if sensing her reluctance, Zhao Zhongliu put down his teacup.
"Since it's His Majesty's verbal decree, pay attention and don't keep His Majesty waiting."
"Yes..."
Jiang Yuechu reluctantly agreed.
Zhao Zhongliu waved his hand, "Alright, you may withdraw."
"This subordinate takes her leave."
Just as Jiang Yuechu turned around, the old man's gaze fell upon her somewhat worn black uniform.
His brows furrowed slightly.
"Wait."
Jiang Yuechu paused, turning back with some confusion.
Zhao Zhongliu pointed at her clothes, his tone full of disdain.
"A dignified Silver-Robed Inspector, dressed like a Jianghu wanderer, what sort of decorum is this?"
"Deputy General Liu, go to the armory and get a new set of Silver Robes for Inspector Jiang to change into."
A burly man nearby quickly bowed in response, not daring to show any slack.
"Yes."
Then, he quickly walked to Jiang Yuechu's side, "Inspector Jiang, please follow this official."
...The door to the side hall was pushed open.
The afternoon sun slanted in, falling on the threshold.
A cloud boot stepped out.
Immediately after, a brand new silver brocade robe.
Jiang Yuechu raised her hand, adjusting her cuffs.
After all, it was the official uniform of the General Bureau; both the craftsmanship and the materials were extraordinary.
"Lord Jiang."
The Demon Suppression Guards, who had been waiting outside the door, saw her come out and quickly led Yunbo forward.
"Your horse has just been fed the finest feed."
"Thanks."
Jiang Yuechu took the reins and swung onto the horse's back.
As the Silver Robe fluttered, it brought forth a fragrant breeze.
"Let's go."
She squeezed the horse's belly with her legs.
Yunbo strode forward, heading out of the General Bureau' main gate.
Leaving the Demon Suppression Headquarters, they entered the long street.
It was precisely three quarters past the hour of Wei, and the street was densely packed with pedestrians.
When Jiang Yuechu entered the city, she was in black, blending into the crowd. Although her outstanding appearance occasionally drew glances, most people were just watching the spectacle.
But now, it was vastly different.
The originally crowded and noisy street fell silent the moment they saw that dazzling silver.
"It's a Silver Robe Inspector from the Demon Suppression Division!"
"Quick! Make way!"
The common people showed reverence, retreating to both sides, carving out a wide path in the dense crowd.
Even those Young Masters from influential families, usually arrogant and overbearing, immediately reined in their horses upon seeing this official attire, waiting obediently by the roadside, not daring to cause any trouble.
Jiang Yuechu sat upright on horseback, slightly turning her head to scan the gazes by the roadside, filled with both reverence and envy.
Is this the taste of power?
A seventeen-year-old Silver-Robed Inspector.
Such an honor was unique throughout the entire Great Tang.
However, Jiang Yuechu did not indulge in it for too long.
For her, these empty titles were far less substantial than her own strength.
After passing through the long street and turning two corners.
The familiar vermilion gate came into view.
Unlike the last time in the dead of night, the Wei Residence gate during the day had two strong house guards standing there, their expressions solemn.
Seeing someone approach on horseback, their brows furrowed.
This was Duke Wei's mansion. Even high-ranking court officials had to submit a calling card and wait here.
Where did this person come from, so ignorant of the rules... He was about to step forward to question.
Before the house guard could speak.
Slap!
He received a solid slap on the back of his head, making him stumble and almost lose his footing.
The old gatekeeper appeared from nowhere, pushing the ignorant house guard aside.
"Lord Jiang! My subordinates are clumsy-eyed; the sun is bright and dazzled them, almost failing to recognize you."
"Are you... here to see our Young Miss?"
Jiang Yuechu nodded slightly, dismounting from her horse.
"Is Wei Qing in the residence?"
"Yes! Yes!"
The old gatekeeper nodded repeatedly, "The Young Miss has been cooped up in the residence these past two days, saying she's tired and won't see anyone, but if she knew you were here, she'd probably be overjoyed."
Saying this, the old gatekeeper turned sideways.
He was so eager, he looked as if he wished he could prostrate himself on the ground to serve as a stepping stone for Jiang Yuechu.
The group of house guards and bodyguards dared not even breathe loudly at this moment.
They had originally wondered why such deference was shown.
But now that they were closer, they finally saw the attire of the other party.
It wasn't until that figure crossed the high threshold that the old gatekeeper straightened his back, let out a long sigh of relief, and wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.
Good heavens... The last time Miss Jiang visited late at night, she was covered in blood. Although she carried a Demon Suppression Division waist token, he only took her for a Brigade Commander or Deputy General.
Who would have thought... she was actually a Silver-Robed Inspector?!
Let alone Duke Wei.
Even the ministers of the Six Boards would have to give her Face.
Fortunately, that night, although he had been a bit gossipy and disdainful, he hadn't completely offended her.
Otherwise... The old gatekeeper shivered, feeling a chill down the back of his neck.
Not daring to think further, he quickly followed, shouting into the inner courtyard:
"Esteemed guest arrives—!!!"