Chapter 75: Regret? Go to the Underworld and Regret There

"So that’s it—a bodyguard job, huh."

Because the Profound-level assassin from the Cyan Robe Association is targeting him, he’s worried something might happen, so he came to the Embroidered Uniform Guard for help.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard has the right to intervene in any affair, big or small, within the Imperial City.

So entrusting this kind of matter to the Embroidered Uniform Guard isn’t really a problem.

Just didn’t expect that the task would land on me.

"Actually, originally another Centurion was assigned to handle this."

Speaking of this, Si Nan also found it kind of odd.

"But for some reason, the Southern Governor specifically named you to take charge. The others all say the Southern Governor has his eye on you and wants to groom you."

"Groom me?"

Other people might think that Southern Governor Qi Yuanliang appreciates Ye Liuyun’s talent.

That’s why he’d give Ye Liuyun tasks to handle.

But Ye Liuyun definitely doesn’t think it’s that simple—especially considering the situation during the Golden Tower auction not long ago, when he saw the Southern Governor. Ye Liuyun narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Sir?"

Seeing Ye Liuyun suddenly go quiet,

Si Nan and Shi Sheng both glanced over, curious.

"It’s nothing."

He shook his head.

Ye Liuyun didn’t bother explaining much.

No matter what that Southern Governor has planned, I’ll handle whatever comes. It’s just a bodyguard mission, nothing to worry about.

...

Not sure if they’re just scared to die or what.

The job was rushed, so that very afternoon, Ye Liuyun led a group of Embroidered Uniform Guard to surround the residence of the Minister of Revenue.

Teams of several men patrolled in tight formation all around.

"No wonder they say the Ministry of Revenue is full of grease—looks about right."

The Minister of Revenue’s rank isn’t exactly high, but not that low either.

Judging by the official salary, actually the Minister of Revenue doesn’t make much in a year, but these days, how many officials really live on just their wages?

Look at a mansion like the Minister of Revenue’s—just from the outside it screams luxury. No way they paid for this on salary alone.

The Ministry of Revenue handles the Dynasty’s finances. Looks like this Minister hasn’t missed many chances to skim off the top.

"Sir!"

Just then, a bit of gossip popped into Si Nan’s mind.

He leaned toward Ye Liuyun and said in a low voice,

"I heard the last Minister of Revenue got his house raided three years ago. Know how much they found?"

Not just Ye Liuyun, even Shi Sheng looked over, eyes full of curiosity.

If someone else overheard this, it would be bad news.

So Si Nan kept his voice hushed.

"Heard that just on the official records, there was over ten million taels of silver."

And that’s only what’s documented. During a house raid, plenty gets skimmed off, so in total it’d be even more.

"That much!"

Shi Sheng doesn’t count himself as greedy, but even he couldn’t help but take a sharp breath at the number ten million.

"Well, what did you expect? The Ministry of Revenue is where all the fat lies in Great Qian."

As he spoke, Si Nan grinned slyly and waggled his brows at Shi Sheng.

Thinking to himself,

"If only we could raid one of those Ministry officials’ homes someday."

It’s not just the Minister—pick any small fry in the Ministry and you’ll still find plenty of grease.

"Enough!"

Ye Liuyun was surprised at just how much money an official could embezzle, but didn’t dwell on it.

Don’t worry, if I ever get truly desperate, I’ll just take it by force.

"Let’s go meet this Minister of Revenue first."

The mission is to protect him, so you have to at least see what he looks like.

Saying that, Ye Liuyun strode forward.

Si Nan and Shi Sheng stopped talking and followed behind in step.

But—

Before they’d even made it to the back yard, just past the front courtyard, a man dressed like a steward blocked their way.

"Stop! Do you think just anyone can come in here?"

The guy’s expression and tone both carried arrogance.

Seventh-grade officials cluster at the Prime Minister’s door.

Even though the Minister can’t compare with a Prime Minister, a steward in this mansion is still used to seeing high society, so when dealing with the Embroidered Uniform Guard, his attitude isn’t remotely deferential.

This kind of dog-blood scene, some snob looking down on you—can’t believe I’d run into it myself.

Ye Liuyun couldn’t be bothered to waste words. He took out his Centurion’s token.

"Embroided Uniform Guard Centurion Ye Liuyun—I’m here on orders,..."

"I know exactly what you’re here for."

Thought flashing the token would be enough to make him cautious.

But—

Before he’d even finished, he was interrupted.

This steward clearly already knew who Ye Liuyun was, and his attitude remained just as arrogant.

"My master’s orders were clear: you Embroidered Uniform Guard are to protect from outside only. No one is allowed into the back yard."

Ye Liuyun frowned.

Shi Sheng muttered, dissatisfied,

"If we don’t go into the back yard, how can we protect him?"

"That’s your problem, not mine."

The steward couldn’t care less.

"My master is the Minister of Revenue. A mere Centurion has no place. You just do as you’re told. Don’t think I don’t know what you’re really after."

With that,

He shot Ye Liuyun a "I’ve seen right through you" look.

A sneer curled his lips.

"If you think my master’s high rank is something to latch onto, take a good look at yourself—think whether you’re even worthy."

"You? Trying to curry favor with my master?"

Ye Liuyun always figured these dog-blood scenes only happen in novels.

But clearly, art really does imitate life.

Demonstrate your value and make them regret so much they weep? Frankly, Ye Liuyun would rather see them regret it in the underworld.

So Ye Liuyun didn’t really react much at all.

He just stared at the steward, calmly, his hand already resting on the hilt of his ink-black blade at his waist.

Just a steward—kill him and that’s that.

But then—

"What’s going on?"

A familiar voice sounded from nearby.

It was none other than Southern Governor Qi Yuanliang. Qi Yuanliang walked over with his usual gentle smile.

He sounded curious, as if he had no idea what was happening.

"Why are you all gathered here?"

"Governor, sir!"

Unlike how he treated Ye Liuyun and the others, the steward’s attitude instantly became humble before Qi Yuanliang.

Definitely the kind of person who knows how to suck up.

Qi Yuanliang nodded first,

Then turned to Ye Liuyun with a smile.

"Centurion Ye, it’s really been a pity we’ve not met again since that rushed farewell at the Golden Tower."

...