Chapter 903: Entering the Ranks

Jiangyuan City, Da Wei Yamen.

Though it bears the name "Yamen," the Da Wei Yamen does not engage in public affairs. As the supreme authority of the Blood Guard in Taiping County, its existence symbolizes the emperor’s absolute power.

Guided by Wei Zhengxiong, Wang Chen stepped into this enigmatic and awe-inspiring government office.

“Lord Baihu!” “Master Wei!”…

Wei Zhengxiong’s reputation and influence within Da Wei Yamen were evidently strong. Upon entering, many greeted him or offered salutes, some with profound respect.

The Da Wei Yamen was vast in scale, its architectural layout extraordinary, yet it exuded an air of solemnity and severity.

As the two reached the main hall, a middle-aged man with a pale, beardless face approached them.

He, too, wore the flying fish uniform, his refined appearance and gentle demeanor contrasted by a scar at the corner of his left eye, adding a touch of ferocity, marking him as no ordinary figure.

Upon seeing him, Wei Zhengxiong narrowed his eyes and casually inquired, “Lord Baihu Chen, what brings you here?”

Wang Chen immediately realized this man must be the backer of yesterday’s gatekeeper!

Was he here to demand retribution?

Lord Baihu Chen smiled and said, “I dare not presume to offer guidance; I merely wish to apologize on behalf of my brother-in-law, who offended you yesterday, Lord Baihu. I hope you can be magnanimous and let this matter slide.”

As he spoke, he clasped his hands in a gesture of respect.

“Old Chen!”

Wei Zhengxiong shook his head and remarked, “I’m not jesting when I say your brother-in-law is truly a bad apple!”

“It’s no issue if he offends me; I’m generous and won’t hold it against him. But if he foolishly provokes someone of greater stature, you’ll be dragged into the mess as well!”

Lord Baihu Chen’s smile stiffened on his face.

His earlier sarcastic remarks aimed at Wei Zhengxiong had been an attempt to defend his brother-in-law.

How else could he save face?

Unexpectedly, Wei Zhengxiong had climbed to the roof and directly slapped him with his words!

Meanwhile, the bustling hall was alive with activity. Seeing Wei Zhengxiong confront Lord Baihu Chen, many paused to witness the spectacle.

Wei Zhengxiong then feigned sincerity, saying, “Old Chen, trust me, your brother-in-law is ill-suited for the role of gatekeeper; he’ll only bring you trouble.”

“I heard there’s a vacancy for a toilet cleaner in the latrine. It seems perfect for your brother-in-law; he certainly won’t mind offending a toilet!”

As soon as he finished speaking, a wave of suppressed laughter rippled through the crowd.

Wei Zhengxiong’s words were cutting.

The latrine was a euphemism for the toilet, and suggesting that Lord Baihu Chen’s brother-in-law take up the role of toilet cleaner was both audacious and amusing, akin to a slap across the face.

Even the usually composed Lord Baihu Chen couldn’t help but seethe with anger, his rage nearly steaming from all seven orifices. “No need for that; I have my own arrangements!”

In truth, Lord Baihu Chen knew his brother-in-law was like worthless mud; even given a good position, he wouldn’t perform well. While it wouldn’t provoke widespread outrage, he was far from popular in Da Wei Yamen.

After being publicly humiliated by Wei Zhengxiong the day before, he had hoped to use the opportunity to reassign his brother-in-law while also finding a way to needle Wei Zhengxiong.

But Wei Zhengxiong’s audacity left him unable to execute any of his plans!

Lord Baihu Chen turned and left, seething with anger.

After taking a few steps, he suddenly glanced back at Wang Chen, his eyes cold and sinister.

Wang Chen remained calm, as if the matter had nothing to do with him.

“From now on, stay away from him,” Wei Zhengxiong whispered. “He’s a smiling tiger—don’t get involved with him!”

Wang Chen nodded in acknowledgment.

Wei Zhengxiong, being well-connected within Da Wei Yamen, ensured that Wang Chen’s onboarding process went smoothly. Though it took some time, there were no obstacles.

Later, Wang Chen learned that Wei Zhengxiong had used his recommendation quota to secure his place in the Blood Guard.

A recommendation was different from a nomination. The latter was merely a suggestion, offering priority under equal conditions. A recommendation, however, was a guarantee backed by one’s own status, ensuring entry into the Blood Guard—a privilege reserved for mid-to-high-ranking officials.

According to the Blood Guard’s regulations, a Qiandu held three recommendation quotas, while a Baihu had only one.

Below them, a Zongqi had five nomination quotas, and a Xiaoqi had three. The value of these quotas was incomparable.

Typically, such recommendation quotas were reserved for family members, such as legitimate sons and grandsons.

Wei Zhengxiong, despite having two sons, did not hesitate to use his only recommendation quota for Wang Chen.

Though there were other reasons behind this decision, the gesture was undeniably significant and heartfelt.

While handling the paperwork and collecting Wang Chen’s new guard uniform and token, Wei Zhengxiong also took the time to explain the workings of Da Wei Yamen.

Da Wei Yamen oversaw an entire region, handling cases of treason, rebellion, bribery, and other unusual matters. Elite forces were dispatched to capture or resolve such issues.

The highest authority in Da Wei Yamen was the Commander of the Da Wei, also known as the “Guard Commander,” a second-rank official.

Even Wei Zhengxiong rarely had the opportunity to meet him, let alone Wang Chen, a newly enlisted soldier.

Beneath the Commander were the magistrate, the Qianshi, followed by the Qiandu, Baihu, Zongqi, and Xiaoqi.

As a sixth-rank Baihu, Wei Zhengxiong nominally commanded three hundred men, though in practice, only about one hundred Blood Guards directly followed his orders.

This was still considerable authority, as the Blood Guard consisted of no weaklings—its members were at least second-grade warriors.

Someone like Wang Chen, a third-grade martial master, was qualified to compete for the position of Xiaoqi.

At this point, Wang Chen couldn’t help but think of Zhang Weiran, who had recommended him to Jiangyuan City.

It was puzzling that such a powerful fourth-level martial general held only the rank of Xiaoqi.

Wei Zhengxiong later explained that Zhang Weiran had once been a Baihu but was demoted to Zongqi after offending a superior, and eventually became a Xiaoqi. The reasons behind this were complex.

Wei Zhengxiong didn’t elaborate further, and Wang Chen didn’t press for details.

The Baihu was quite generous. After leaving Da Wei Yamen, he arranged for the Pawnbroker to help Wang Chen rent a nearby apartment.

The apartment wasn’t large, and the rent wasn’t cheap, but its location was excellent, making it convenient for work.

Wei Zhengxiong also arranged for the purchase of some daily necessities for Wang Chen.

He even considered buying him two servants or maids.

Wang Chen quickly declined, not wishing to impose further.

That evening, Wei Zhengxiong hosted a banquet at his home to celebrate Wang Chen’s official induction into the Blood Guard, marking the beginning of his service to the emperor and a bright future ahead.

The Baihu was in high spirits, insisting that Wang Chen drink with him. Together, they finished five jars of strong liquor.

By the time Wang Chen returned home, he was still reeling from the effects of the alcohol.