Water Ink Panel: Starting with Bow Technique to Hunt the Sun and Patrol the Skies

```

"My lord, this is all slander from Sun Ding and his group. Ever since Sun Ding lost to you last time, he's been speaking ill of you in front of the officers from Group Two. Shall we deal with him?"

Officer Liu Yuan from Group Four stood by Shen Qing's side, speaking with great indignation.

Ji Youwu and Wang Shouyuan, who were beside them, also joined in with some righteous anger.

Shen Qing glanced at them, feeling a sense of emotion in his heart. The change in people's minds was truly subtle.

He let out a slight laugh and countered, "How do you plan to 'deal with him'? As far as I know, Sun Ding's cultivation is in the Qi Hai Realm, which is a whole Great Realm above yours."

Liu Yuan couldn't help but pause, his expression faltering.

Weren't subordinates supposed to show loyalty and superiors protect their subordinates in theatrical plays? How come the person in front didn't follow the conventional rules?

Shen Qing continued to ask, "What is it, no ideas? Or were you just saying it offhand to stir trouble between me and other subordinates?"

Liu Yuan's face changed immediately, and he hastily said, "Subordinate dares not, subordinate merely..."

"Enough, you don't need to say more. You should be clear about one thing: Sun Chasi and his team are my direct subordinates. There is a Chasi between you and me. However, I also value old relationships and naturally won't shortchange my former brothers."

After giving them the carrot and stick, Shen Qing continued, "For now, your task is to perform your duties diligently, make sure no issues arise in the defense area. Don't meddle in other matters."

Ji Youwu, Wang Shouyuan, and the other three officers immediately felt a surge of spirit, collecting their thoughts, and replied in unison, "We obey, my lord."

Shen Qing waved his hand.

The three wisely left the rear hall.

Watching their backs, Shen Qing felt it was time to bring Tian Xiaohu and his men in.

Not having reliable people around him left him uneasy.

In the blink of an eye, it was time for the monthly salary to be distributed.

The official who came to settle the salary was an acquaintance of Shen Qing's—a minor officer from the Military Department Office, Zhao Guanglu.

Unlike past encounters, Zhao Guanglu was exceedingly respectful when he saw Shen Qing, unlike his former self.

In the rear hall of the Guardian Martial Department, the warm spring light cascaded onto the cold stone steps.

The steps of the minor officer, Zhao Guanglu, were hurried, and his face bore an unnatural ingratiating smile, "Lord Shen, it has indeed been a long time. Your mighty deeds have long spread across both departments. Your promotion is well-deserved."

Zhao Guanglu's voice carried a forced warmth, while his eyes darted over Shen Qing, as if trying to discern his thoughts.

The person before him was once someone he looked down upon, but now, having latched onto Lord Huangfu, he was no longer someone a minor officer like him could handle.

Shen Qing smiled slightly, with a hint of amusement and aloofness in his expression.

He was well aware of Zhao Guanglu's nature, knowing that the current respect was merely a result of being under the eaves, far from genuine esteem.

Shen Qing clasped his fist and said, "Mr. Zhao, you're too kind. We all work under Lord Governor and should support each other. Please!"

"Dare not, dare not, please after you."

Zhao Guanglu quickly bowed his head, following behind Shen Qing.

Upon entering the study, the atmosphere turned subtle.

"Is there any issue with this month's salary for the Guardian Martial Department?" Upon entering the study, Shen Qing wasted no time with pleasantries and directly got to the point.

Zhao Guanglu did not hesitate.

As the saying goes, a new official applies three fires upon taking office; he had been in the officialdom long enough to understand this and did not wish to court trouble.

"No issues, this Guardian Martial Department's salary has been fully brought over. Here is the account, please take a look."

Zhao Guanglu respectfully handed over the salary list, while discreetly observing Shen Qing's reaction.

Shen Qing took the salary list, inspected it carefully, and after confirming there were no problems, called for his Chang Sui.

Unlike Zheng Yuanqiu, he didn't pocket it for himself but instructed Chang Sui to distribute the full salary without docking any amount.

Seeing Shen Qing's actions, Zhao Guanglu inwardly plotted, pretending to mention the silver he had previously "received" from Shen Qing.

"Lord Shen, about the past when I acted imprudently and took a bit from you, I hope you're not too harsh and give me a chance to make amends."

As he spoke, Zhao Guanglu presented a stack of silver notes, "I have not dared to use these silver taels. I return them today."

Zhao Guanglu's voice held a tinge of reluctance, but he knew keeping those silver taels could prove troublesome, so he preferred to return them.

Such a gesture might possibly leave a retreat path for potential future troubles.

After all, caution can always lead to safety.

In the governor's office, social niceties were everywhere, allowing no room for negligence.

Shen Qing slightly raised an eyebrow, his gaze lingering momentarily on the silver taels, eyes revealing a thoughtful glint, he ventured, "Mr. Zhao, there's no need for such formality between us. Since you've accepted the silver taels, they are yours now. I've always been clear-cut in my dealings. Your help in the past, I remember it well."

Hearing this, Zhao Guanglu dared not completely relax his guard, hurriedly bowing in thanks, "Thank you, Lord Shen, for your magnanimity. I will certainly strive to be more diligent in the future, solving your worries and troubles. But I truly feel unworthy of this money, and I hope you'll take it back."

"Mr. Zhao, you're being too polite." Shen Qing sighed deeply, accepting the silver notes, "In that case, I'll take them back graciously. I'll still need the support of the officials room brothers over here in the future."

"Please rest assured, my lord. I will certainly give you all-out support, and Lord Huangfu had instructed earlier that nothing will go wrong with your matters."

Zhao Guanglu spoke lightly, smiling as he did, selling a favor to Shen Qing.

Shen Qing laughed heartily, picked up a pen, and completed some handover procedures with Zhao Guanglu.

After the handover, Zhao Guanglu did not linger in the study and soon left the Guardian Martial Department.

Shortly after Zhao Guanglu's departure, the entire Guardian Martial Department was filled with a joyous atmosphere.

For the first time, many officers and subordinates of the Guardian Martial Department received their full salaries and felt extremely satisfied.

Unconsciously, Shen Qing's reputation within the Guardian Martial Department underwent a reversal, gradually rising, and starting to gain some control.

He heard the burst of cheers from the courtyard, looked at the stack of silver notes in his hand, and remarked with emotion, "Social relationships, indeed, a good start."

Over the next period, Yongzhou City remained peaceful.

The demons outside the city seemed to have gone dormant, with no movements.

After a period of busyness, Shen Qing found some rare spare time.

In the following days, he declined some unimportant banquets and less critical matters within the Guardian Martial Department, focusing all his energy on cultivation.

After more than a month of diligent practice, the results did not disappoint Shen Qing. With the help of the Wish Power Pearl and various precious medicines, his cultivation advanced by leaps and bounds.

In a little over a month, he pushed his Yu Luo Realm to the late stage.

```