129: I was ordered to take over this place.

The Li Residence was shrouded in dark clouds.

This former high official's mansion was bustling again. Officials entered one after another, and seeing that the main officials had not yet arrived, they chatted in twos and threes.

Official A whispered, "Have you heard? Lord Zhou, who's coming this time, is no simple man. Even our Prefect is currying favor with him."

Official B shook his head dismissively, "That's old news. After the Poetry Gathering at the Misty Rain Painted Barge, who in all of Jiangzhou doesn't know about the young Supervising Censor with far-reaching influence? The display was truly grand."

Official C nodded repeatedly, "Exactly. A Supervising Censor, and so young, younger than my son."

The focus of everyone's discussion was almost entirely on Zhou Yan. They represented their respective factions, and their attitudes varied.

Most people were dissatisfied with Zhou Yan's arrival; after all, the pie was only so big, and suddenly adding another mouth wouldn't please anyone.

But some also speculated that this might be a signal from the imperial court to adjust personnel appointments in Jiangzhou.

However, not many believed this theory. If there were truly major changes, they wouldn't just send one Supervising Censor.

A Censor can do many things, but accomplish few.

Despite this, the speculation planted a seed in everyone's hearts, making many view Zhou Yan even more unfavorably.

Watching the atmosphere gradually being guided in the intended direction, the officials who had spread the rumors exchanged satisfied glances.

"Boom!"

Thunder rolled across the sky, and a flash of lightning instantly illuminated everyone's faces.

"This Lord Zhou really knows how to pick his timing. Looking at this rain, it won't stop anytime soon. I wonder if there will be food later."

A joke elicited laughter, and everyone headed towards the main hall—after all, no one wanted to stand in the courtyard in the rain.

When Lord Li was in the capital back then, he was only one step away from a fourth-rank official, a person who had the opportunity to touch the core of power.

Even now, retired and returned to his hometown, his residence was still grand, with dozens of people sitting around a large table, yet it still felt spacious.

"Tsk tsk, to have such a life in old age is truly worth it. I really hope I get this treatment in my old age too."

Someone sighed, opening a new topic of conversation.

"Oh, come on. If you really sat in that position, would you be willing to step down? Who knows, you might even ruin your reputation in your later years."

Laughter rose and fell, treating this former imperial minister as a topic of conversation. This scene was truly a bit absurd.

"What are you all chatting about, so happily?"

A robust voice came from outside the door. It was the owner of the residence, Li Cheng.

"Greetings, Elder Li."

Everyone stood up in unison, their movements respectful, but their tones unchanged.

"Knowing small courtesies but lacking great righteousness, adhering to minor details but lacking great virtue." This was Li Cheng's assessment of them, and also the prevailing atmosphere in the Great Yu officialdom today.

But Li Cheng had long been accustomed to it.

He didn't return the greeting, walking straight to a chair against the wall and sitting down.

Seeing that the old official had no intention of exchanging pleasantries, everyone was happy to be at ease, returning to their seats to continue their conversations. Although they reined themselves in a bit because of his presence, their words were still blunt.

Li Cheng closed his eyes to rest, listening to the discussions around him, sighing inwardly.

This was probably the last time he would hear these people speak so freely in front of him. For some reason, he even felt a little reluctant.

After all, without these fools, Jiangzhou would be much quieter.

"What are you all chatting about, so happily?"

The same question came from the doorway again, but this time everyone's reaction was completely different.

"Greetings, Prefect Qiao! Assistant Prefect Qiao!"

The same greeting, different people, but the treatment was worlds apart.

"It's good that you two lords have arrived. We were just discussing the grand plan for Jiangzhou's future development, and you two lords happened to come. Doesn't this mean that even Heaven is indicating that Jiangzhou's future development depends on you two lords?"

Flattery was endless as everyone welcomed the two officials to the main seats, and the atmosphere immediately became more lively.

Qiao Wenze was all smiles, but Qiao Wenbin's expression was cold. Fortunately, Qiao Wenbin was always like this, so no one noticed his unusual demeanor today.

Amidst the cheerful chatter, someone suddenly realized that one person was missing.

Everyone's gaze fell on the empty seat next to the main seats—that was reserved for Zhou Yan, the protagonist of this meeting.

"Was Lord Zhou delayed by something?"

"It's not very proper for the person who called the meeting to be late himself, is it?"

"That's true, Lord Zhou is still young. It's good enough if he learns half of the etiquette. Don't expect too much."

"Yes, yes, it was my oversight."

No one laughed this time, but the sarcasm in their words was even more grating. Qiao Wenze's forehead began to sweat.

"Ahem, that's enough. Lord Zhou is busy with official duties, so occasional delays are normal. Everyone, watch your words. If disaster comes from your mouths, don't blame this official for not warning you."

Seeing Qiao Wenze's serious expression, everyone finally fell silent. However, their goal had already been achieved.

Indeed, Qiao Wenze soon smiled again, even more brightly than before.

For this old Prefect who was about to retire, the greater his say, the more at ease he felt. Since Zhou Yan wasn't present, saying a few flattering words could improve his impression in the old Prefect's mind, so why not?

Even if discovered, it wouldn't matter; the law doesn't punish the masses. Afterwards, if they showed sincerity, such a young person would quickly forget this unpleasantness.

However, Zhou Yan's lateness did make them feel discontent. If this new official wanted to assert his authority, they could use this incident to extinguish his first flame.

"Everyone, charge!"

These words clearly reached everyone's ears, but the location was not the Li Residence, but... "Li Shan! What do you mean! Are you rebelling?!"

Inside the Jiangzhou Prefecture Yamen, teams of soldiers, clad in armor and armed, quickly secured various key positions.

The same scene was simultaneously unfolding in various yamen across Jiangzhou.

Since the Advanced officials had all gone to attend the meeting, only minor officials and clerks remained in the yamen.

Despite their low ranks, the Great Yu had long favored scholars over military men, so these civil officials still dared to point their fingers at Li Shan, a mere sixth-rank 'stinking soldier,' and question him.

This seemed ridiculous, yet it was reality.

Normally, Li Shan truly couldn't do anything to them, which was why he often preferred to stay in the military camp; it was too frustrating in the Jiangzhou Prefecture.

But today was different.

"Li Shan, you—ugh!"

Before he could finish speaking, Li Shan had already stepped forward and delivered a heavy punch to the other person's abdomen. The man immediately hunched over, falling to the ground, twitching in pain.

"By order of Supervising Censor Lord Zhou, I am to immediately take over this place! Those who defy will be treated as rebels!"

Li Shan's voice was chillingly cold, but his eyes gleamed with satisfaction. He felt an unprecedented sense of relief.

"Boom—!"

Another clap of thunder exploded above the Li Residence. The officials at the table involuntarily looked towards the main door. Lightning streaked across the sky, illuminating everyone's faces with a ghastly pallor.

Only Li Cheng, sitting in the corner, receded into the shadows in the electric light.

Only his muddy yet gradually clearing eyes watched the people at the long table coldly from the darkness.

"Whoosh—"

After the thunder, the heavy rain poured down. The thick dark clouds and torrential rain were so oppressive that it was hard to breathe.