Chapter 84: The Taste

Even after the pre-patrol meeting ended, the shock had yet to fade from many of the constables’ faces. A new star was ascending in the Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office.

For Chen Ping’an to become a Preparatory Constable before he was even twenty years old meant that a position as a full Constable was all but guaranteed for him in the future.

Word of Chen Ping’an’s new status as a Preparatory Constable, spread by the many other constables, slowly began to circulate throughout Nanquan Lane.

Changes among the official constables of the Town Patrol Office were one thing, but an appointment to Preparatory Constable was no small matter for the gangs of Nanquan Lane.

In terms of status, a Preparatory Constable in the Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office ranked even higher than the leaders of the various gangs!

Chen Ping’an was also pleasantly surprised by his own promotion. He never imagined it would happen; Mu Wanjun certainly hadn’t mentioned it to him.

Now a Preparatory Constable, he naturally didn’t go out on patrol as he usually would. After the pre-patrol meeting, he was summoned to Lord Chief Shen Shikang’s office.

The Lord Chief’s office was more than double the size of a regular Constable’s office, and its layout and furnishings were superior in every respect. When he saw Chen Ping’an, Shen Shikang was exceptionally courteous, his face wreathed in smiles.

"Chen Ping’an, I knew I wasn’t mistaken about you. Young and full of promise, indeed!"

"You flatter me, Lord Chief," Chen Ping’an replied with humility.

After some brief pleasantries, Shen Shikang casually began to probe into the relationship between Chen Ping’an and the Chief of the Patrol Office. Chen Ping’an remained guarded, explaining the origins of their connection in just a few vague words.

However, Chen Ping’an was artful with his words. He was deliberately vague at key points, which only caused Shen Shikang’s imagination to run wild, convincing him that the relationship with the Chief of the Patrol Office was anything but ordinary.

"Chen Ping’an, your responsibilities are different now that you’ve been promoted to Preparatory Constable. I’d like you to take command of three squads to gain some experience. Consider it preparation for what’s to come."

Shen Shikang said with a friendly smile.

In the Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office, a squad was typically composed of four constables: one official constable and three temporary constables. Giving Chen Ping’an command of three squads meant he would now have twelve subordinates. It also clearly set him apart from the regular official constables.

This was Shen Shikang’s way of showing goodwill. Otherwise, even as a Preparatory Constable, Chen Ping’an would never have been granted real authority this quickly.

After all, even a lower-ranking full Constable only commanded four squads. For a Preparatory Constable like Chen Ping’an to be given command of three was a sign of considerable power.

"I am entirely at your disposal, Lord Chief," Chen Ping’an said, cupping his hands in a small bow. "Your subordinate will do his utmost to serve you and the Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office."

Chen Ping’an’s response broadened Shen Shikang’s smile. He had made these arrangements precisely for this pledge of loyalty.

"Work hard. I have high hopes for you!"

"Yes."

They exchanged a few more pleasantries before Chen Ping’an took his leave.

A constable was already waiting outside the door. He was a young man, slightly older than Chen Ping’an, and he hurried to greet him with a deferential expression the moment he emerged.

"Constable Chen, my name is Tao Lei. Your office has been prepared. I can take you there now."

Chen Ping’an glanced at Tao Lei and gave a slight nod.

Of course, he knew who Tao Lei was: an official constable of the Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office who was always at Lord Chief Shen Shikang’s side. Back then, he was someone Chen Ping’an had to look up to.

Now...

Seeing the fawning look on Tao Lei’s face, Chen Ping’an was inwardly delighted.

"Good, take me there!"

"Yes." Tao Lei respectfully complied. "This way, Constable Chen."

’Constable Chen!’

’That title really sounds nice. Even if it’s Preparatory Constable, it’s still a Constable!’

Chen Ping’an felt a deep sense of satisfaction.

Under Tao Lei’s lead, he soon arrived in front of a room.

"Constable Chen, this is it," Tao Lei said respectfully, pointing to the room.

"Mm." Chen Ping’an nodded and walked into the room.

The room was not large, just a simple square, but it was fully equipped. A long table of yellow wood was laid out with a brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, along with some official forms and blank sheets. Behind the table stood a heavy, imposing chair, and behind that, a row of bookshelves.

The room, the table—everything was spotless, without a speck of dust. It was clear it had been cleaned with great care.

"Not bad."

Chen Ping’an nodded slightly.

He was very pleased with the place. He finally had his own office in the Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office. No longer would he have to find some random corner to lean against for a quick nap.

"As long as you’re satisfied, Constable Chen," Tao Lei chimed in. "If you have no other orders, I’ll take my leave now."

"There’s nothing else, you may go."

Chen Ping’an was quite satisfied with Tao Lei’s attitude.

’No wonder he’s been able to stay by Lord Chief Shen Shikang’s side for so long,’ he thought. ’He really knows how to please people.’

After Tao Lei left, Chen Ping’an surveyed his new office, then casually browsed through some of the books and documents on the shelves. A sense of serene contentment washed over him.

He gazed out the window, occasionally spotting a constable or two walking past. After watching for a good while, he finally walked over to the large chair behind the table and sat down.

The moment he sat down, a peculiar feeling washed over him.

’Is this the taste of power?’

’It’s just a tiny, insignificant glimpse, but this feeling...’

’It’s really not bad at all!’

He didn’t even have to go out for lunch; when noon came, someone delivered a meal directly to his office.

Four dishes and a soup, a good mix of meat and vegetables, and a generous portion!

This standard of food was more than just a cut above what ordinary constables received!

After he finished eating, someone came to clear away the dishes and thoughtfully served him a cup of tea.

’I’m in charge of three squads. While I might not have full say over the personnel, I can at least pick a few people I trust.’

Chen Ping’an began to ponder the composition of the three squads he was to lead.

’Monkey Head, Da Shan, and Mr. Qin... I’ll definitely take them. And Zeng Jihe... yes, that’s enough. Exactly four people. As for the others, I’ll just let things fall into place. After the display of authority I just made through Constable Zheng, I doubt anyone would dare to challenge me!’

’Three squads means three official constables and nine temporary ones. Among them, I’ll have at least four or five who’ve reached the Entry Level of the Martial Dao. That’s a considerable force in Nanquan Lane! Take Young Master Xiao Hu of the Tiger Head Gang. He may act all high and mighty with his army of thugs, but in a real fight, they’d be no match for my three squads!’

’If three squads are this impressive, what would six be like?’

Constable Zheng commanded exactly six squads of constables.