Volume One: Odd Jobs in Changshui County Chapter 83: The Enemy Grows Angry

“Indeed, it is simple!” Director Zhong nodded. “But it was Li, the Demon Slayer, who proposed it. Though he and I are equals in rank, he represents the Demon Slaying Bureau of Anxi Prefecture.”

Since it’s within the Demon Slaying Bureau, their rules must be followed.

No matter how influential the background, it makes no difference.

The Anxi Prefecture Demon Slaying Bureau is the superior authority over the Changshui County Demon Slaying Bureau.

If Zhong Zhengming were to become the Director of the Anxi Prefecture Demon Slaying Bureau, he would naturally have the power to command Li, the Demon Slayer.

In any case, this demon extermination operation has mobilized so many troops; whether the method is simple or not is irrelevant—they can easily crush everything in their path.

“The idea of mixing personnel, that clever trick, was also proposed by Li, the Demon Slayer,” Director Zhong cursed. “That old fox is no good; blending the two squads together is bound to cause conflict. He’s deliberately trying to stir up discord between me and Song Scarface from Nanwu County.”

“I’ve heard the Director of the Anxi Prefecture Demon Slaying Bureau may be stepping down, and many have their eyes on that position. Li, the Demon Slayer, knows he’ll never become the Director there himself—so he’s undermining me to pave the way for someone else.”

Director Zhong analyzed, “The only real competitors for the post are a handful of people. They want to drag me into trouble at this moment, but their schemes are far too simplistic.”

The intricacies surprised Yuan Wufeng, making him nervous. “Director Zhong, what should I do tomorrow?”

“Keep your men disciplined and avoid conflict if possible. But if a fight does break out, then...”

“Should I punish our own men?” Yuan Wufeng asked.

“Nonsense! If people are bullying us, why should we punish our own?” Zhong Zhengming scolded. “Be ready. Tell everyone to prepare their weapons, and don’t hesitate to thrash the Nanwu County squad when the time comes.”

“If anything happens, I’ll take responsibility!”

Zhong Zhengming declared.

“Director Zhong, if the situation escalates, won’t it be problematic?” Director Xue asked anxiously.

Many people are watching the seat of the Anxi Prefecture Demon Slaying Bureau.

Zhong Zhengming is merely one of the strongest candidates.

If this matter ruins his path to becoming Director, the loss would be great.

Then, Zhong Zhengming would have to seek another way forward.

“What’s there to fear? Must we let them bully us and not fight back? Sometimes, overthinking is not a virtue. A real man must be both flexible and resolute. If we let them trample us and do nothing, won’t others laugh at us?”

At this moment, Zhong Zhengming was utterly domineering. “That Song Scarface from Nanwu County is clearly trouble. I remember well what happened years ago—if not for him, the old Director wouldn’t have died.”

The “old Director” he spoke of was the previous head of the Changshui County Demon Slaying Bureau, who had a close relationship with Zhong Zhengming. Sadly, he was killed by a demon beast during an extermination campaign.

“Director Zhong is right!”

Yuan Wufeng flattered, “Do they really think the people of Changshui County are pushovers? Let’s teach them a lesson—find an opportunity and beat Song Scarface from Nanwu County soundly!”

“Enough. It’s too soon to talk about this—go make arrangements, and remind everyone to rise early tomorrow.”

Zhong Zhengming waved his hand, signaling Yuan Wufeng to leave.

After Yuan Wufeng departed, the elderly Director Xue approached, his hair gray. “Young master, Yuan Wufeng is a double-faced man—respectful to superiors but harsh with subordinates.”

“He changes his tune swiftly; such a person cannot shoulder great responsibility. I worry that your closeness to him may affect you.”

Director Xue had always disapproved of Yuan Wufeng.

“Everyone has their value. Loyalty or cunning, as long as they’re used correctly, that’s enough,” Zhong Zhengming said nonchalantly. “With him around, as long as I live, the flow of information won’t stop.”

“When we went to Anxi Prefecture recently for the demon extermination, it was he who sent us intelligence about the Changshui County Demon Slaying Bureau—faster than our own sources.”

“That Chen Xuanfeng is proud and aloof. With Yuan Wufeng watching him and reporting, I can keep track of his every move.”

“All things have opposites, light and shadow; this is the art of handling people.”

Zhong Zhengming spoke slowly.

…

Outside the tent, Lu Jiuzhang saw Yuan Wufeng storm out in a hurry.

Yuan Wufeng was clearly in a foul mood.

Seeing his enemy upset, Lu Jiuzhang felt inexplicably cheerful. “Director Yuan, what happened? You seem quite angry.”

“What business is it of yours? You’re just a lowly Demon Slayer Guard, daring to question a Deputy Director?”

Seeing Lu Jiuzhang, Yuan Wufeng’s temper flared for no reason.

Combined with losing his silver and being scolded by Zhong Zhengming, he was even more irate.

“Cough, cough...”

Just then, Director Xue came out of the tent.

Yuan Wufeng flung his sleeve and departed, grumbling theatrically.

“Director Xue!”

Lu Jiuzhang bowed respectfully to the elder.

“No need for courtesy.” Director Xue waved his hand. “Director Yuan lost some silver and is in a foul mood—why provoke him?”

Director Xue saw through Lu Jiuzhang’s little schemes.

They were all clever people—things were transparent at a glance.

Only Yuan Wufeng was a thorough petty man, but not particularly bright.

Yet such people are useful.

If a petty man were also shrewd, he would be harder to control.

Director Yuan lost his silver?

Lu Jiuzhang glanced at the big black dog inside the tent.

Well, that dog must have done it on purpose.

Thinking of this, Lu Jiuzhang grew excited.

The angrier his enemy, the more delighted he felt.

“Director Xue, please come into my tent for some tea—I’ve just brewed a pot,” Lu Jiuzhang offered.

“No need, I have urgent matters to attend to,” Director Xue shook his head and left.

Within the Changshui County Demon Slaying Bureau, perhaps only Director Xue was without airs.

Even Chen Xuanfeng carried a hint of aloofness.

But Director Xue was truly approachable.

Zhong Zhengming was also proud, though he hid it well, outwardly presenting a calm and genial demeanor.

Such a man would never settle for a small place like Changshui County.

Lu Jiuzhang wanted to move up, and so did Zhong Zhengming.

Returning to the tent, Lu Jiuzhang poured himself a cup of tea.

“Well done!”

He patted the big black dog’s head. “That Yuan Wufeng is no good. Keep tricking him, but be careful not to let him catch you.”

“Master Jiu, you can count on me,” the big black dog chuckled.

A few days ago, when Yuan Wufeng was at the Demon Slaying Bureau, he’d said he wanted to eat dog meat, which the big black dog hadn’t forgotten.

The dog wasn’t talented at much, but he never failed to hold a grudge.

“When we go back, I’ll find three little female dogs for you as a reward,” Lu Jiuzhang laughed. “An extra one for your merits. Try to have a litter soon and live a fulfilling dog’s life!”