"I am here to welcome you, Captain."
As Chu Lingguang approached, Xuanyuan Jinkang reluctantly cupped his hands in greeting. He had wanted to remain on his horse, but at a meaningful glance from Eunuch Liu, he dismounted and stood to salute Chu Lingguang.
In fact, according to the etiquette of the Great Yuan Dynasty, when a subordinate met a superior one or two ranks higher, a simple cupped-hand salute was sufficient.
Only when facing someone more than one full grade higher in rank—a Decurion meeting a Centurion, for example—was a bow required. If the rank difference was several grades, one had to kneel on one knee or even kowtow.
However, Chu Lingguang and Xuanyuan Jinkang held scholarly titles. Both were Military Scholars, and according to the laws of the Great Yuan, a Martial Scholar only needed to give a cupped-hand salute when meeting a local official, while a Martial Arts Scholar could even be treated as an equal.
A Martial Scholar could drink and converse merrily with a city’s lord.
As for a Military Scholar, their status was even more distinct. Generally, they only needed to kneel when meeting members of the Royal Family and Relatives or a Duke and Minister. In most situations, a cupped-hand salute was the highest form of respect a subordinate was expected to show a superior.
This was the Great Yuan Dynasty’s way of showing respect and recognition for martial artists.
Take Guo Wei, for example. The Court had conferred upon him the title of Grandmaster. Although he held no real power, he could interact with Zhang Tao as an equal. His annual stipend was much higher than that of a governing official, and even Zhang Tao had to greet him with a cupped hand and call him Master Guo.
Therefore, according to the laws of the Great Yuan, Xuanyuan Jinkang only needed to offer Chu Lingguang a cupped-hand or cupped-fist salute. Although one was a mid-level officer and the other a Senior Officer, they were of the same grade—one Junior Sixth Grade and the other Senior Sixth Grade.
Dismounting to greet him was mainly Eunuch Liu’s way of tempering Xuanyuan Jinkang’s temperament.
He knew that Xuanyuan Jinkang was exceptionally talented and intelligent. His only problem was a lack of composure; he was unable to let things go.
"I greet you, Eunuch. Thank you, Eunuch and Xuanyuan, for coming out of the city to receive me."
Chu Lingguang said, dismounting to pay his respects.
His actions made Xuanyuan Jinkang feel much better, and Eunuch Liu also watched him with great satisfaction.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the three of them entered the city together. Then, Chu Lingguang and Xuanyuan Jinkang walked into the Governor’s Mansion.
"I, Chu Lingguang, greet you, Governor."
Upon entering the Governor’s Mansion, Chu Lingguang cupped his hands in greeting to a burly, middle-aged man.
The man’s name was Liu Ziyun.
He was also a Military Scholar by background and had been guarding Qingzhou Prefecture for over a decade. His cultivation had long since broken through the Qi Sea and reached the Life and Death Realm Level, the third layer of the True Martial Realm. Due to his age and the resources at his disposal, his overall strength was somewhat greater than Guo Wei’s.
On his way to take up his post, Chu Lingguang had already gained a basic understanding of the situation in Qingzhou Prefecture. Liu Ziyun was a rare Body Refining expert whose physical defenses, under any condition, were comparable to a six-layered Dharma Aspect.
Furthermore, Liu Ziyun’s six-layered Dharma Aspect could resonate with his Body Refining Technique. Once both powers were activated simultaneously, his physical defense was so strong that not even a Spear Intent Fluctuation could easily break through it.
"Hahaha, Chu Lingguang, I’ve been eagerly awaiting your arrival! From now on, here in Qingzhou Prefecture, you will have plenty of opportunities to show what you’re made of. I hope that one day, I can confidently entrust Qingzhou Prefecture to you."
Liu Ziyun said, grabbing Chu Lingguang by the shoulders.
"Governor, your Qi Blood is powerful, and you are in the prime of your life. How can you speak of retirement? Besides, my experience is shallow. I only know to await the Governor’s orders. I dare not think about promotions for now."
Chu Lingguang said hastily.
Qingzhou Prefecture was the southernmost territory in the Southern Domain.
It comprised seventeen cities in total.
Further south lay the Endless Ocean, with its bustling sea trade and countless islands.
To the north, it bordered the Hundred Thousand Mountains, which stretched for tens of thousands of miles.
The forces of Qingzhou City had to both maintain maritime security, frequently clashing with pirates, and guard against Demon Beasts from the Hundred Thousand Mountains disturbing the populace.
The region was economically developed and rich in resources. As the southernmost border of the Great Yuan, it was of extraordinary significance to the dynasty.
Qingzhou City alone had over twenty Captains and nine Captains. Among the nine, more than half had reached the True Martial Realm Level.
The competition was fierce, and factions were numerous.
Liu Ziyun’s last statement, which seemed to show his appreciation for Chu Lingguang and his desire to make him a confidant, would in reality bring Chu Lingguang all sorts of trouble.
The man was the Governor of Qingzhou, the one in charge. Chu Lingguang had to obey his orders, but he also needed to build good relationships with others. If he received preferential treatment right from the start and was taken into Liu Ziyun’s confidence, he would only attract resentment and suffer setbacks behind the scenes.
That was why Guo Wei had specifically instructed him: when first arriving at a new post, listen more, observe more, and speak less. Don’t be in a hurry to compete with others for power and profit. Only after securing his footing should he begin to show his true capabilities.
"You are an Advanced Scholar of your year, and you nearly became the Martial Champion Scholar. Eunuch Liu has told me all about you. There’s no need to be nervous. Just do your job well in the future, and I will not treat you unfairly."
Liu Ziyun said reassuringly.
"Yes. I await your orders, sir."
Chu Lingguang said with a nod.
"Xuanyuan Jinkang."
Liu Ziyun called.
"I am here, sir."
Xuanyuan Jinkang replied, standing at attention.
"You and Captain Chu were examinees in the same year. From now on, you will follow him and be responsible for maritime security in the Black Bear Island area."
Liu Ziyun ordered.
"Yes, sir."
Xuanyuan Jinkang then moved to stand behind Chu Lingguang.
"Captain Chu, there are two thousand troops on Black Bear Island. I am placing them all under your command. Depart immediately for the South Sea and take control of Black Bear Island. Remember, the security of the sea lanes around Black Bear Island is vital to the operations of the entire Qingzhou Prefecture. You must hold it."
Liu Ziyun said in a firm tone.
"Yes, sir! I will not fail this mission!"
Chu Lingguang said with gravity.
He then took the relevant documents and walked out of the Governor’s Mansion with Xuanyuan Jinkang.