Chapter 534: Mingjing Department, All Ranks: Loyalty!

February twelfth.

Mingjing Department.

The lingering spring chill has not yet faded.

Afternoon sunlight filtered through the clouds, spilling onto the green tiles and casting a solemn halo.

Inside the Chief Overseer's great hall, sandalwood incense curled upward, dispelling the chill outside; a long, jet‑black lacquered table stretched across the hall.

Chen Yan wore a purple official robe, a jade belt at his waist, and sat upright at the head of the long table.

At his side, Li Tan was dressed in the Chief Overseer's qilin attire, sitting quietly.

Outside the hall, footsteps came in uniform cadence, from afar to near, and then You Xian, Song Fei, Yin Shizhi, Yuanzhou, Shen Junli, Li Kailan and more than twenty senior officials of the Mingjing Department entered one after another.

The assembled officials, ordered by rank, lined up, approached the long table, and together bowed in salute, their voices clear and resonant, making the air in the hall tremble slightly: "Salute the Pillar of the State! Salute the Chief Overseer!"

Chen Yan raised his hand and waved lightly: "Everyone, no need for formalities!"

"All sit."

"Thank you, Pillar of the State!" the crowd responded in unison, and after another bow, each took a seat on the chairs along the sides of the long table according to their rank.

Chen Yan's gaze swept slowly over the assembly; after a moment, he inhaled deeply, raised his voice sharply, and announced loudly: "I, the Duke, have gathered you today because there is a matter of great importance concerning the future of the Mingjing Department!"

"A great matter?" Yuanzhou's heart sank suddenly, a flash of astonishment and doubt crossing his eyes.

Li Kailan, seated in the central seat, muttered to himself: "What great matter? Could it be an investigation into some earth‑shaking treason?"

You Xian furrowed his brow, already forming a judgment: "If the elders say so, it must be an extremely urgent issue..."

"Look at this display; this matter surely concerns the foundation of the Mingjing Department and may even affect the court's power structure."

The others each harbored their own thoughts.

Nevertheless, regardless of their speculations, everyone simultaneously steadied their minds, fixed their gaze on Chen Yan at the head, holding their breath and awaiting his next words.

The atmosphere in the hall grew ever more solemn, even the sandalwood incense seemed to burn a little slower.

Each person could hear their own heartbeat clearly.

Chen Yan's face took on a solemn expression, and he spoke again, his voice resonant: "The Grand Preceptor intends to expand our Mingjing Department; the request has been submitted to Your Majesty, and Your Majesty has already approved it!"

"He commands this Duke to take full responsibility for overseeing it!"

Zhan Yunchen, seated at the middle of the long table, whose face had been relatively calm, suddenly changed color; his eyes widened sharply, pupils slightly constricted, as if he had heard the most unbelievable news, and he exclaimed inwardly: "Expand the Mingjing Department?!"

The Mingjing Department oversees espionage, prisons, and inspections, its authority already immense; now to expand—how far will its power be pushed?

Yin Shizhi pressed his fingertip against the armrest beside him, leaving a shallow mark; the doubt that had been in his mind was instantly replaced by greater astonishment, his eyebrows lifting high, thoughts churning: "Chen Zhuguo himself taking full charge of the project?!"

"The Grand Preceptor's concern for this expansion has reached such a degree!"

He lifted his eyes to Chen Yan at the head, his gaze filled with complex emotions—reverence, shock, and an indescribable anticipation.

Shen Junli, seated among them, whose initial solemnity had long vanished, suddenly brightened, his eyes flashing an unmistakable joy, and a bold conjecture sprang uncontrollably in his mind: "Could it be…?!"

Sitting before them was the most benevolent senior leader, also the most favorable to them.

Thinking of this, the corners of his mouth lifted unconsciously, his breathing becoming a bit rapid…

This is not merely a simple expansion, but a monumental transformation affecting everyone's future and destiny.

Chen Yan took in the varied expressions of the crowd, exchanged a glance with Li Tan beside him, and slowly spoke, his voice still steady yet penetrating, clearly reaching each ear: "After consulting with Chief Overseer Li, we plan to build upon the existing four guards—Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Black Tortoise, Vermilion Bird—..."

"... and add seven new guards: Tian Shu, Tian Xuan, Tian Ji, Tian Quan, Yu Heng, Kai Yang, Yao Guang!"

"Seven guards?!"

"A full seven guards?!"

Almost the instant Chen Yan's words ended, the crowd simultaneously let out a thunderous exclamation.

Li Kailan's face showed excitement.

Shen Junli's previously steady gaze instantly flared with heat.

Yuanzhou clenched his fists tightly.

"Doesn't that mean seven more positions for Mirror Masters?!"

That thought spread through the crowd like wildfire, igniting everyone's desire.

The Mirror Master, as the highest commander of each guard, wields great authority and prestige, a position coveted by every Mingjing Embroidered Attire Envoy.

Previously the four guards each had only one Mirror Master, the competition was fiercely intense…

Now, suddenly adding seven slots means everyone present now has a chance for promotion—how could that not set hearts ablaze?

The atmosphere in the hall instantly surged to a climax, the shock on everyone's faces already replaced by excitement and enthusiasm.

Their eyes glittered with unabashed yearning, exchanging glances that reflected the same burning intensity.

Chen Yan remained calm and unruffled, continuing without haste: "Since it is an expansion, we will draw elite cadres from the original four guards..."

"... to insert them into the seven new guards as foundations and frameworks, ensuring the new guards can quickly form combat power."

Li Tan then seamlessly took the lead, adding: "And the most crucial aspect of all remains the selection of the seven Mirror Masters!"

"The candidates for Mirror Master!" those words struck each heart like a heavy hammer.

The unrest in the hall subsided slightly, but was replaced by an even denser tension and anticipation.

Everyone's breathing grew heavy, chests rising noticeably, eyes locked tightly on Chen Yan and Li Tan, fearing to miss a single word.

Hope and tension intertwined in each mind like vines tightening around their hearts.

They wondered whether they would be favored by the Duke and the Chief Overseer, chosen for the heavy responsibility…

Chen Yan lightly tapped the table with his fingertip, the crisp sound breaking the profound silence; he lifted his gaze over the crowd, his eyes steady as a deep pool, and, under their scorching stare, slowly said: "White Tiger Mirror Master!"

Yin Shizhi's heart leapt, and almost instinctively he rose, clasped his hands and bowed, his voice bearing a weighty solemnity: "Present!"

Chen Yan looked at him, smiled calmly, and loudly declared: "You shall bear the heavy burden as the first Tian Shu Mirror Master!"

"Tian Shu Mirror Master!" Yin Shizhi's heart thudded hard, as if thunder cracked beside his ear.

Tian Shu is the head of the Northern Dipper; the weight of this guard is self‑evident. He had never imagined he would become the first appointed Mirror Master among the seven guards.

A huge surprise surged in his heart, but was forcibly suppressed, turning only into a burning and steadfast feeling deep in his eyes.

He bowed again, his clasped‑fist gesture becoming even more reverent, his voice resonant and strong: "Thank you, Pillar of the State, for your trust!"

"I, the subordinate, will spare no effort, will not fail the duties of the Heavenly Pivot Guard, and will not disappoint the Pillar of the State's great expectations!"

Chen Yan nodded slightly, his gaze shifting to the other side, and called out loudly: "Dou Yi!"

"I am here!" Dou Yi sprang up from his seat.

His eyes were full of excitement and apprehension, and when he bowed to answer his voice trembled with an uncontrollable quiver.

"You shall take over as White Tiger Mirror Keeper!" Chen Yan's words landed like a hammer, instantly soothing Dou Yi's unease.

Dou Yi, acting as a double‑agent feigning defection, surrendered to Dugu Zhao, and supplied gunpowder and plans to the treacherous rebel faction, aiding the Laji Festival plot.

The White Tiger Guard is a veteran elite force of the Bright Mirror Office, wielding great authority; now being appointed to command it is a tremendous honor and recognition for him.

Dou Yi bowed deeply, his tone exceedingly respectful: "Thank you, Pillar of the State, for the promotion!"

"I will certainly fulfill my duties, guard the glory of the White Tiger Guard, and serve you with the toil of a dog and horse!"

Chen Yan raised his hand to signal him to sit, then swept his gaze and called two names at once: "Zhong Rong, Hu Sengyou!"

"I am here!" The two rose almost simultaneously, standing side by side.

Chen Yan pointed at them, his tone steady and forceful: "You two will lead the Tian Xuan and Tian Ji Guards!"

"Zhong Rong commands the Tian Xuan Guard, Hu Sengyou commands the Tian Ji Guard; immediately form the guard headquarters and purge the ranks!"

Zhong and Hu were the great contributors who, during the Jingzhou anti‑bandit campaign, managed to annihilate the elite of the Jing Hong Society in a single strike.

Pretending to be him and A Ze, they used their bodies as bait and then leapt down the Kuang Cang Peak.

Because parachutes had been provided in advance, they survived, but still suffered serious injuries…

That was merit earned with their lives!

Chen kept all of this in his heart!

"Thank you, Pillar of the State!" the two exclaimed, their voices trembling with emotion, bowing even lower.

Although the Tian Xuan and Tian Ji Guards are newly established, they occupy the lofty positions of the Northern Dipper, meaning they ascend directly into the core leadership of the Bright Mirror Office.

After calming their thoughts for a moment, the two stood upright together, eyes firm, and declared in unison with conviction: "We will not disappoint the Pillar of the State's great expectations! We shall promptly ready the two guards, forge an elite force, and pave the way for the Bright Mirror Office's expansion!"

Chen Yan watched their spirited demeanor, nodded slightly, his gaze drifting slowly until it settled on Hou Mochen Xiao, who sat at the side of the hall.

Hou Mochen Xiao had been sitting upright awaiting orders; at that moment, feeling Chen Yan's gaze, his heart tightened and he instinctively straightened his back.

"Deputy Envoy Hou Mochen!" Chen Yan's voice rang clearly.

"I am here!" Hou Mochen Xiao rose at once, moving swiftly, bowing in response.

"Assume the post of Vermilion Bird Mirror Keeper!" Chen Yan announced loudly.

Hou Mochen Xiao bowed deeply, clasping his fists, his voice tinged with barely restrained excitement: "As you command! Thank you, Pillar of the State, for your support!"

"I will spare no effort, guard the safety of Jingcheng, and not betray the duties of the Vermilion Bird Guard!"

Chen Yan paused briefly, allowing everyone's emotions to settle, then spoke again, his voice clear and strong: "Yuanzhou, Shen Junli, Li Kailan, Zhan Yuncheng!"

"I am here!" The four responded almost in unison, standing up with synchronized movements.

Chen Yan looked at them, his smile growing warmer, his tone openly praising: "The four of you previously infiltrated Qi State, stirred its internal affairs, transmitted crucial intelligence, securing many opportunities for Great Zhou and greatly disrupting Qi State!"

"In this expansion of the Seven Guards, the positions of Mirror Keeper for the four guards—Heavenly Authority, Jade Balance, Opening Sun, and Shaking Light—will be taken by each of you respectively!"

The four suppressed their ecstatic hearts, bowed together, their voices resonant and powerful, bearing utmost solemnity: "As you command! Thank you, Pillar of the State, for the promotion!"

After a pause, the four stood upright again, eyes steadfast, declaring in unison with solemn resolve: "We will devote our hearts and strength, purge the guard headquarters, train the troops, and never betray the Pillar of the State's trust and promotion!"

Chen Yan nodded slightly, signaling them to sit, his gaze then falling on Li Tan beside him.

He lightly tapped a yellow scroll on the table with his fingertip and said: "As for the appointment list of the remaining deputy envoys, assistants and other positions of each guard of the Bright Mirror Office, I have already drafted it; I now ask Li Tan to read and promulgate it shortly."

Li Tan heard this, nodded slightly: "Understood."

Having settled the personnel appointments, Chen Yan surveyed everyone, a bright smile appearing on his face, his tone a bit casual: "I am but a common man, and I intend to give everyone something practical…"

As soon as the words fell, he raised his hand, snapped his fingers crisply, and shouted: "Bring them up!"

"Whoosh—" a regimented footfall sounded from outside the hall as a line of black‑clad, robust Private Soldiers of the State Duke Mansion entered in single file.

Each bore a heavy wooden crate on his shoulder.

The crates were entirely black, with gleaming copper locks, clearly indicating substantial weight.

The onlookers stared in astonishment, exchanging puzzled glances, silently wondering: "What… what is this…?!"

The Private Soldiers neatly placed the crates in the center of the great hall, then bowed and withdrew outside.

Chen Yan signaled Zhu Yi beside him to step forward.

Understanding, Zhu Yi stepped forward and swiftly unlocked the copper lock of a crate.

"Wow!" At the moment the crate opened, dazzling golden light and the sheen of silk scrolls flooded everyone's eyes.

Inside the crate were neatly stacked, gleaming gold ingots.

Another crate held finely crafted colored silk pieces, their pearl‑like luster filling the hall with extra brightness.

Chen Yan smiled calmly and announced loudly: "Each Guard Mirror Keeper shall receive a reward of one hundred taels of gold and ten pieces of silk!"

"Each Guard Deputy Envoy shall receive fifty taels of gold and five pieces of silk!"

"Each subordinate Embroidered Attire Messenger of the guards, even those newly appointed after the expansion, shall each receive ten taels of silver and one piece of silk!"

"Sss—" the words elicited a collective gasp of cold breath throughout the hall.

Although in every previous seizure they had already taken their fill…

The amount of the reward was actually irrelevant.

But this was their former leader, paying out of his own pocket; the affection meant something entirely different!

Bright Mirror Office, all: Loyalty!

PS: Tonight's breeze is again vigorous; two chapters, 7,300 words. I ask for a free little gift and a five‑star review, thanks to all the big masters!