Chapter 10: The Failed Complaint

When Wang Lu stepped out of the Commandant’s office, his eyes no longer held the previous haze of sincerity; now they were cold as frost, a single glance chilling the heart.

Ling Yunkai, unaware of the situation, happened to enter the office and caught Wang Lu’s eye. He offered a perfunctory salute, “Greetings, Commandant Wang.”

Wang Lu looked up calmly. “Commander Ling? Are you here on official business?”

Seeing Wang Lu’s eyes, Ling Yunkai swallowed hard and lowered his gaze. “Commandant, I was sent to deliver a message. Commandant Wang, have you been drinking?”

A sly grin curled Ling Yunkai’s lips, revealing his true nature. “If I recall correctly, today isn’t your day off, is it? And you’re supposed to be on duty now. If something goes wrong, will you still be able to command your men?”

Wang Lu had been restless since leaving the office. He had managed to skate through with a so-called sincere heart today, but just because he was riding the wave didn’t mean he was ready to oppose Xin Wang.

Not to mention being enemies, or even crossing Xin Wang—if Lu Wenzhao grew suspicious of him, endless troubles would surely follow.

Lu Wenzhao might order his elimination outright, though that seemed unlikely.

Back then, Shen Lian had opposed him directly, forcing his hand to kill him.

More likely was that he would be transferred away from the epicenter.

That would be safe, but he’d lose the chance to snatch victory from the fire.

Most crucially, this was the first time he had slipped up. Lu Wenzhao might believe his lies once, but what about the second or third time?

Suspicion was inevitable.

Now, a mere junior commander dared to show defiance before him. Wang Lu’s already fragile composure finally broke under the influence of wine; he raised his hand and slapped Ling Yunkai hard.

Ling Yunkai was just about to demand an explanation and felt triumphant at having caught Wang Lu’s flaw.

This matter could be big or small, depending on how he spun it.

The thought of a commandant groveling before him filled Ling Yunkai with anticipation.

So what if he was a commandant?

Ling Yunkai sneered inwardly—just a worthless tool inexplicably favored by Lu Wenzhao.

As for the Jin Yi Wei’s core duties, like framing and sabotage, Ling Yunkai never believed he was inferior to anyone.

But then, a sudden gust of wind brushed past his ear.

Smack!

A fiery pain exploded across that despicable face along with the sharp slap.

“Wang Lu!” Ling Yunkai instantly drew his blade, eyes blazing with fury.

Clang! Clang!

Two more blades were drawn immediately—not by Wang Lu, but by the guards at the door, their blades pointing straight at Ling Yunkai.

One said sternly, “This is the Commandant’s office. Who dares to cause trouble here?”

Ling Yunkai’s chest heaved violently, his lips trembling with anger. “He hit me first! Didn’t you see that?”

“We didn’t see it, but we did see you drawing your blade at the Commandant’s office. If you don’t sheath it now, killing you would be justified,” the same guard said calmly.

Fuming, Ling Yunkai reluctantly sheathed his sword and glared at Wang Lu with venom. “Commandant Wang! I remember you! I will report everything you just did to the Commandant!”

“Feel free,” Wang Lu said coolly, clasping his hands behind his back as he strolled away leisurely.

For some reason, after slapping Ling Yunkai, Wang Lu felt much better. The stifling frustration from earlier in the room dissipated, though he was still quite displeased.

He was annoyed that his subordinates were sloppy and caught by Guo Zhen, but beyond this specific matter, he felt wronged.

Eight years had passed, and he had only risen to commandant, even with decent relations with Lu Wenzhao and Guo Zhen. If he were now a senior commander or deputy commander, would he have to be forced to drink and put on an act?

Watching Wang Lu’s retreating figure, Ling Yunkai twitched his mouth, flashing his badge to the attendant before entering the office.

“Jin Yi Wei Commander Ling Yunkai, by order of Commandant Chang, reporting to the Commandant!” His eyes gleamed with hatred, voice firm and resolute.

Yet the slap’s mark was now visible on Ling Yunkai’s face—a faint red imprint on his cheek. Against his tough-guy image, it looked utterly ridiculous.

“Enter!”

Ling Yunkai rose and stepped inside, but no sooner had he done so than his expression changed. He immediately bowed on one knee. “Commandant, by order of Commandant Chang, I come to deliver a message. The arrangements for the Lantern Festival tomorrow have been settled.”

He pulled a booklet from his chest.

“Leave it here,” Lu Wenzhao said steadily.

Ling Yunkai hurried forward, sniffing slightly. The scent of the wine was rich and mellow, identical to the smell on Wang Lu.

So, it was the Commandant who had invited that bastard to drink?

“Anything else?” Lu Wenzhao asked softly, noticing Ling Yunkai standing frozen by the table.

“No, I take my leave.”

Though devious, Ling Yunkai was not foolish.

When Shen Lian had nearly killed him, he had known to put up a strong front. Now, knowing Lu Wenzhao had been drinking with Wang Lu, it would be suicidal to report him.

Cursing under his breath, Ling Yunkai left.

Moments later, Guo Zhen appeared from behind the screen.

“Master, there should be no problems with Wang Lu. He’s straightforward and capable of such things,” Lu Wenzhao said, looking at Guo Zhen.

Guo Zhen sneered. “If you trust him so much, why send someone to follow him? You make him think you’re a good man!”

“We do this for the people of the realm. The Emperor trusts Wei Yan, and the people suffer; if we’re not cautious, this country may perish by our hands,” Lu Wenzhao said with worry.

“Hmph, Commandant Lu, you seem clear-headed, but to me, you’re no better than Wang Lu.”

Guo Zhen’s voice was androgynous and often cracked mid-sentence. “As he said before, we have no right to speak for the people of the realm.”

“Then does Lord Ming have that right?” Lu Wenzhao countered. “We serve Lord Ming; that means we have his permission. So do I have that right?”

“Hmph, I always feel a chill behind this,” Guo Zhen twisted his neck and paced toward the door. “I’ll keep an eye on the Emperor’s side. Don’t delay on Wei Zhongxian’s side. The palace is full of his spies; it’s difficult to work.”

“Rest assured, we are acting according to plan. After removing Wei Yan, Lord Ming will ascend to power. Then we’ll need your cooperation in the palace.”

“Naturally.” Guo Zhen said and strode away.

Unseen by him, Lu Wenzhao’s eyes burned with murderous intent behind his back.