"Zhao... Zhao... General Zhao?" Captain Gong hesitated. The appointment hadn't been announced to the lower ranks yet, so he didn't know about this new imperial military supervisor added to the palace guards. Though he recognized Peng Tian from the Left Army, there was no doubt in his mind that this man was indeed the supervisor.

Just moments ago they'd argued and shouted, now even kneeling seemed too late. Captain Gong nearly collapsed where he stood. Peng Tian kicked him sharply: "Disrespecting the imperial military supervisor - first to jail then awaiting punishment."

Hearing about imprisonment made Captain Gong's blood run cold. Even if he didn't die, his position as captain was doomed. He'd rather let Guan Qing suffer than just give in. Earlier that day his brother had told him Guan Qing was involved too, and without taking revenge on the man who caused this whole mess, death would bring no peace.

"Captain Peng! This has nothing to do with me! It's my younger brother quarreling over a female slave with your shameless uncle. If punishment must come, punish both of them together!"

Guan Qing had originally gone to invite his nephew enthusiastically when he ran into him on the way. The boy had always shown favor by sending beautiful women and money before, so upon seeing Guan Qing approaching, Peng immediately sent men to fetch whoever was needed. But what happened next completely shattered his calm - suddenly realizing someone had uncovered his involvement in the female slave dispute, panic set in.

Guan Qing turned to Peng Tian: "Dear nephew! This has nothing to do with me! I only stepped in because your younger brother's treatment of that girl went too far. I intended to buy her and present her as a gift to this supervisor. But your brother not only opposes me but even tries to harm the supervisor, which forced me to come find you immediately!"

Everyone knew what really happened between these two factions, yet with old ties and new conflicts, it was better to let things rest after resolving the slave matter. Although this military supervisor had high rank, causing trouble before assuming office would only damage his future leadership. With that in mind, I decided not to argue further.

Peng Tian seized the opportunity: "Did you hear? Your uncle is trying to ruin your plot! If you dare accuse anyone else again, a hundred lashes will be your punishment. Servants! Take this Guan Qi to the Outer City Judicial Office and have them investigate his crimes!"

Captain Gong knew he had no powerful allies and that offending the supervisor meant certain defeat. He submitted meekly as they took him away. After finishing up, Peng Tian smiled at me: "General Zhao, Minister Pang is looking for you now. Since you might not know where his residence is, let my men escort you there."

I understood this was going to be a battle with the powerful faction of Pang Hu. Being suddenly promoted to military supervisor likely resulted from political struggles between factions - the emperor deliberately placing someone neutral between both sides into such position. Though Minister Pang's faction would certainly oppose it, since I had already been marked by the Right Chancellor Niu Nai through his son-in-law Wu Rong, having me in charge was better than letting anyone else occupy this crucial role. And for Minister Pang - knowing my willingness to serve from reports by Wan Li Cai and Zhang Shou Ren, with both sides deadlocked and Emperor's intention clear, he also supported my appointment as supervisor despite certain private matters needing resolution.

Before leaving I needed some arrangements: "Gu Fei and Da Li should return these slaves to the Imperial Horse Office for proper care. Yun Yao, take Shi Shan and his sister back to our estate first; tonight I still need to talk with them later. Linglong, you come with me to see Minister Pang."

Yun Yao wasn't convinced - would this invitation be a trap? Though unlikely since I had already shown my allegiance through subtle signals, she was determined not to let me take any risks. With her being the only one possessing anti-gravity shoes that could teleport us if danger arose...

"Master," Yun Yao said thoughtfully, "maybe you should just send Shi Shan with his sister back to our estate alone while I go with you?"

Shi Shan and his sister had nearly given up hope of escaping death - yet this kind general had saved them. They would be eternally grateful for such divine justice.

"Master Zhao, we'll go to your mansion ourselves! Please rest assured, my younger sister and I won't run away. If needed, you could send these officers with us."

Shi Qing was weak from illness, needing her brother's support as they walked through the drizzle under a tattered blanket. Sensing her shivering body, compassion stirred in me for this unfortunate soul.

"Gu Fei, give them another ten iron coins so they can buy clothes before returning to our estate."

Shi Shan shook his head: "Thank you Master Zhao! No need for more, we are already overwhelmed by your kindness!"

I insisted: "These are my gift. Just take them and go back quickly - there's an old steward at the estate. Tell him I sent you."

Still hesitating, Shi Shan was interrupted by Peng Tian shouting: "General Zhao says to take it! What are you doing here wasting time?!"

Startled, Shi Shan snatched the ten iron coins and supported his sister away. Guan Qing watched them leave but dared not even consider buying this 'bonesetter' again - otherwise he would surely lose his life.

With Linglong on one side and Yun Yao on another, I felt invincible despite any challenges ahead. One girl was a skilled archer with laser guns while the other could fly. Even Minister Pang's residence seemed like a minor obstacle now.

Peng Tian kept flattering me throughout our journey. From this alone, I knew Pang Hu had no intent to kill and followed the same strategy as Wan Li Cai did yesterday - continuing to recruit more allies.

"General Zhao has been greatly favored by the Crown Prince and now receives Minister Pang's appreciation. Your meteoric rise is truly promising! In future please continue guiding us humble officers!"

While others didn't know about my relationship with the Crown Prince, Peng Tian had witnessed firsthand when he accompanied Left Deputy Minister Lian Hai to Fiyu County - where the Crown Prince himself intervened to stop his arrest. Though suspicious, since the Crown Prince held no significant influence in Pang Hu's eyes, it was unlikely to cause concern.

Earlier I discovered traitors in Shuangcheng passing secrets to horse thieves who attacked Ma Xiaoda... but now there were no leads at all. The entire mission was top secret, so if someone betrayed information, they must be from the inner palace - a place where I couldn't freely move around anyway. Even if I found out, what could I do? Besides, even if there had been an informant, Ma Xiaoda is just a child who might have forgotten everything after three minutes of excitement.

Regarding Peng Tian's flattery, I humbly responded: "Captain Peng shows too much courtesy! Although no official imperial decree has yet reached me from the Emperor... should he truly grant me this position as supervisor... my future work will heavily rely on your support. Without you five captains' assistance, how could I possibly fulfill my duties?"

Peng Tian grinned smugly: "Of course! We are all friends of Minister Pang, and you're his honored guest. What else is there to say? We are not outsiders!"

I inwardly knew the truth - if I didn't follow Minister Pang's will, this so-called supervisor role would be meaningless. Old Ma clearly had reasons for promoting me, but let's just see how it plays out first.

Meeting with Pang Hu wasn't my first time. Last time on the imperial court we clashed like bulls, yet now he was full of smiles - probably no longer viewing me as a toy soldier. Regardless of my medical skills or building up the Imperial Horse Office, his attention had already shifted to value what I could contribute for him.

"General Zhao! Please come in!" Minister Pang's elderly face showed great courtesy, completely different from our previous encounter where he was full of anger. Political battles were like that - one moment you're enemies fighting for blood and the next minute you become sworn brothers!

I bowed: "Minister Pang is too kind! In my past dealings I might have offended you - please forgive me!"

Pang Hu pretended to frown: "What nonsense! How could there be any enmity between us? It's that Cai Hua creating trouble in the middle. I must give him a piece of my mind for dragging such trivial matters to the Judicial Office and causing conflict with you, General Zhao. If he wasn't already dead!"

I quickly said: "Minister Pang, please don't mention this supervisor position anymore. After all, no official decree from the Emperor has yet reached me!"

Pang Hu laughed: "Don't worry, General Zhao - I say you're a military supervisor and you are! Ha ha... probably the imperial decree was already sent to your estate but wasn't received as you weren't home. Starting tomorrow we'll be fellow ministers in court with plenty of opportunities for mutual assistance. Old man here has prepared a banquet celebration. The five captains from each division will attend, celebrating your appointment and discussing some private matters."

His tone truly was arrogant - "I say you're supervisor so you are!" It clearly meant if I didn't follow his orders, my position would be terminated immediately. Though I didn't care for this role anyway, since Ma Da had intentions toward me, I still needed to respond politely until understanding Ma's motives.

As expected, the five captains from each division - Front, Rear, Left, Right and Center - all arrived promptly at Pang Hu's invitation. The Front Captain was Bian Lang, Rear Captain Gu Qi, Left Captain Peng Tian, Right Captain Li Bing, and Center Captain Zhang Shouren. Among them Zhang Shouren was the eldest while Gu Qi the youngest. After introductions we took our seats.

The pre-drink talk involved non-stop compliments - first towards me as the new supervisor then toward Minister Pang for his contributions to state affairs, calling him a national leader representing people's will... soon it became so obvious they were glorifying Pang up to ancestral levels! I felt my face twitching while Pang calmly accepted all the praise.

Not every captain was equally overzealous. Youngest among them - Gu Qi (comparatively younger than others) spoke politely but didn't exaggerate too much, which earned me some favor and attention toward his background. Turns out he had been last year's imperial examination, recruited by Pang Hu into this position.

During the intoxicating wine session, Minister Pang casually mentioned business: "General Zhao, your appointment as military supervisor is widely welcomed! I hope you can not only fulfill Emperor's trust in overseeing the palace guards but also help eliminate those from the Chancellor Party. For years now they've been suppressing me, Mr. Pang Hu. Though I have plans for serving our country, these old villains constantly hinder my efforts... resulting in empty treasury and suffering people! Most of Shuangcheng's sixteen provinces and forty-eight counties are mere names at this point while neighboring Wangma Kingdom keeps invading us. If only they didn't block every one of my proposals - how could state affairs be so deteriorated? With your addition to our cause, we'll strengthen greatly. These two old villains Niunai and Luo Cheng will meet their demise for sure!"

The captains all agreed eagerly, and under pressure I had no choice but respond: "Minister Pang rest assured! If there are any matters needing my assistance, just give the order."

After agreements were made, we dined heartily. The delicacies here surpassed even those Ma Da once treated me with in palace. After private talks ended, dancers appeared to perform. Naturally beautiful women from Minister Pang's household outshone those from other places and wore lighter silks that swayed sensually as they danced closer...

Knowing Linglong and Yun Yao were waiting outside at the servant hall, I decided not to touch any of them lest it anger my two companions. Fortunately, unlike Wan Licai who openly behaved indecently in front of others, neither Pang nor his captains acted improperly while just watching the dancers.

After finally exiting the banquet hall from Minister Pang's residence, I took a deep breath. Yun Yao noticed my expression: "Brother Zhao, was it really that dangerous? Linglong and I were carefully listening to movements inside but heard nothing. However looking at your face, you seemed as if you narrowly escaped death!"

There was no need for caution in front of Linglong so I embraced Yun Yao's waist with a smile: "My beloved wife, what occurred inside was indeed life-threatening - dangerous enough for anyone to consider it a near-death experience."

Linglong scoffed: "Impossible! You're reeking from wine and look well-fed. Who would believe you were in danger!"

I said: "You don't know - just now I almost lost my chastity. That's extremely dangerous, right?"

Ling

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