Chapter 66: Dragon Pattern
Beside him, Xiao Hongyang couldn’t help but frown slightly at those words: "The position of officials in the Public Security Bureau is set every year, and even if there is an expansion, it shouldn’t be too much.
Unless the talents recommended by my two sisters are truly exceptional and rare, exceptions cannot be made for all of them."
Upon hearing this, the smile on Xiao Shuyun’s face became somewhat stiff, and she couldn’t help but say, "But I already recommended someone to the General Department half a month ago, this matter..."
She wanted to say that there should be a sense of order, shouldn’t there?
However, Xiao Yueye, who was well-versed in the operations of the Public Security Bureau under the Governor’s Mansion, knew that recommendation was one thing, but completing the review and formally deciding would take at least a month.
Her beautiful face slightly lifted as she interrupted directly.
"If there is only one spot, then the best person should be chosen. We’ll see whether the one recommended by Fourth Sister is outstanding or if mine is more suitable..."
Under the table, Xiao Shuyun’s left hand clenched into a fist once again.
She never expected that something she thought was set in stone could still encounter complications.
"Hmm, not bad." After listening for a moment, Xiao Jingchuan nodded and said, "Let those who are capable take the position. Your desire to unearth talent is commendable, but ultimately, it should be about ability. It needs to be fair and just, not capricious."
"Yes, Father." Xiao Yueye was the first to respond, her eyes filled with a smile.
"Yes..." Xiao Shuyun saw that her father had spoken and could only keep quiet, avoiding further argument to prevent being blamed for making a fuss.
Watching from the side, Xiao Yanli couldn’t help but shake his head.
For a matter that had already been agreed upon to suddenly encounter unexpected complications and variables, it wasn’t just a loss of face; it might also disappoint the one being supported, even creating a rift.
Even if the person being supported eventually wins the spot in the General Department, it wouldn’t all be due to Xiao Shuyun’s efforts; it would ultimately be because the person being supported seized the opportunity with their own strength.
Thus, naturally, the gratitude towards the one supporting them would lessen.
If this gratitude isn’t deep enough, it would be uncertain whether Xiao Shuyun could keep Song Guard under her control in the future.
Thinking of this, Xiao Yanli cast a few more glances at Second Sister sitting across from him.
Since childhood, it seemed that Second Sister never liked Little Sister.
Whether this time it was a coincidence or something done with other intentions was unknown.
Shaking his head silently, even if he wanted to help Little Sister, this time he couldn’t intervene, especially since Father had personally spoken on the matter; no one else could interfere anymore.
...
Song Changming looked back on the past year and felt quite content; he made significant progress both in his official career and martial path.
However, things can’t always go smoothly for everyone.
After the New Year, he received news from his new backer, the Xiao family’s Fourth Lady.
The opportunity to go to the General Department had become a competition for a spot.
He would have to compete with other candidates to secure the position.
Upon learning of this, Song Changming didn’t know what to say.
Though he had mentally prepared himself for the possibility that his new backer might not be reliable, he didn’t expect issues to arise before even entering the General Department.
Fortunately, the Three Gold Pills given by the Fourth Lady were genuine.
Anyway, having a chance to compete for a spot was better than having no chance at all.
He was still quite confident in his current combat power; among the numerous Patrol Captains, he was not lacking in competitiveness!
The matter was basically settled, just waiting for the General Department’s notification.
The next day, Song Changming went as usual to his job at the Houli Street Patrol Armor Bureau.
Near noon, just after finishing his sword practice, Song Changming noticed the courtyard gate was ajar, and someone outside poked their head in to look.
The two locked eyes, and the other person blinked their big eyes, somewhat embarrassed, and said.
"Song Guard."
The person approached, and Song Changming recognized her as one of the maids following the Fourth Lady that day.
"Is it a message from the Fourth Lady?" Song Changming asked directly.
Min’Er nodded and presented a long box, laying it flat to hand over.
"My lady felt quite guilty for not fulfilling the original promise, so she instructed me to present you with this Dragon Pattern Saber as an apology, hoping it will help you stand out in the General Department competition."
Hearing this, Song Changming opened the long box, and sure enough, inside was a sheathed long saber.
The exposed handle and scabbard could immediately be recognized as the work of a master craftsman, exquisitely made and unmatched by ordinary sabers.
An inexplicable coldness emanated from the blade, enough to evoke a chill just from looking at it.
He grasped the black metal scabbard and drew out the saber.
"Oh..." Song Changming looked with some surprise at the long saber in his hand.
It was much heavier than expected, dense and weighty, at least forty to fifty pounds!
This was not crafted from ordinary mortal iron!
The handle of the saber was relatively long, almost the length of a forearm, suitable for both single-handed or double-handed wielding.
Clang!
The saber was drawn from its sheath by Song Changming, its silver-white blade extending straight, about four fingers wide, with a gleaming edge.
Intricate patterns covered the blade, reflecting sunlight to form what looked like two dragon bodies, while the metallic patterns on the handle formed the heads of the dragons.
"Truly a fine sword!" Song Changming praised softly.
He never had any particular fondness for swords, but after practicing with them extensively, he naturally developed a pursuit of fine blades.
The sword before him was undoubtedly a rare treasure.
Any swordsman who saw this sword would undoubtedly pause and their eyes would light up, for them, a well-balanced famous sword was a priceless treasure.
It must be said, though the Fourth Lady was not always reliable, she certainly spared no expense.
In compensation for Song Changming, she gifted such a valuable sword.
"As long as Song Guard likes it." Min’Er smiled sweetly, watching Song Changming with her eyes brimming with emotion.
Song Changming returned the smile, appearing infinitely youthful and handsome in her eyes, making her heartbeat quicken.
"Please thank the Fourth Lady for me; I won’t let her down."
"Yes, okay." Said Min’Er, hurried on her way, fearing her small sentiment might slip out.
Before leaving, she turned back for another glance.
In the courtyard, Song Changming stood in armor, his tall and slender figure straight, holding the scabbard in one hand and the saber in the other.
A gentle breeze blew, intertwining with his sword edge and strands of hair, like a dormant dragon about to open its eyes and swallow the heavens.
"Min’Er, don’t look anymore!" The maid silently scolded herself for her lack of self-control, lowering her head and quickly leaving the Patrol Armor Bureau.
In the courtyard, Song Changming waved the saber into the wind, deploying his sword skills with force.
He, possessing the strength of an ox, effortlessly wielded the specially made heavy saber.
The whistling wind seemed to be sliced in half by the blade.
Moving with the blade, treading the wind, his swordsmanship flowed seamlessly, radiant and impressive.
Moments later, Song Changming abruptly stopped, the long saber swinging down, leaving a long slash mark on the ground.
The ordinary stone slabs cracked as easily as tofu.
After testing the sword, Song Changming grew more satisfied with it, finding it hard to part with.
Throughout his years of using swords, he never wielded such an excellent weapon.
The blade’s edge would undoubtedly elevate his combat effectiveness to a new height, making him even look forward to the competition for the General Department spot.
That would also be a battle to assess his worth!
And so, in early February, people from the General Department arrived.
...