Martial King's Retired Life

Liu Yuan, curious visually surveyed the two he hadn’t seen in a while, greeted Shen Yiren first, then asked, “Ming Feizhen, why are you rubbing your face again?”

Ming Feizhen, standing beside Shen Yiren, rubbed his flattened face as he answered, “What’s it to you?!”

Shen Yiren: “Hmph, reaped what he sowed!”

Everything in the chest was presented before Shen Yiren’s eyes after she opened the chest of earthly treasures. It was an entirely new world to her. Ming Feizhen was smacked with the inkstone until he was floored and in tears in retaliation for him trying to snatch the books back.

Liu Yuan had a good guess as to what happened based on their reactions alone.

Shen Yiren swept her gaze over her subordinates and then expressed, “I finally feel that I’m truly back now that I’ve finally gotten to see you all.”

The elders who had served at Liu Shan Men for decades were moved. “It has been hard on you, Vice-Captain.”

Shen Yiren consoled the tearful elders before turned to her recruits. “I believe everyone has heard about how His Majesty reproached me.”

News in the imperial court always spread faster than you could imagine. In the time it took for Ming Feizhen and Shen Yiren to have their conversation, word of her being reprimanded had reached every corner of the capital.

Seeing the concern in her subordinates’ eyes, Shen Yiren brushed her shoulders. “It’s nothing. Let’s start with the conclusion. His Majesty is going to transfer me.” In response to the concerned and exasperated reactions, she commanded, “Don’t panic.”

Despite Song Ou’s interference, despite His Majesty relocating her, Shen Yiren’s words still provided them with reassurance unlike anything else.

“I can’t oppose His Majesty’s orders. There are wolves prowling around in the capital for prey. Your Captain Song wants to seize authority. The Qilin Guards want to supplant us. Emperor’s Entourage don’t want to see us win. We’re no match for any challengers who might come out from the forest out of the blue. I’m not worried, though. You know why?”

Shen Yiren was pleased to see spirited gazes. “Ever since I was put in charge of Liu Shan Men, I’ve failed to restore Liu Shan Men to its former glory despite my efforts. I’m not Yan Shisan; I can’t be him. That’s why I established the female constables division to increase our numbers. While they have not lived up to my expectations, I’m satisfied. Do you know why?” Seeing smiles, Shen Yiren smiled, too. “Because the people haven’t complained.”

As she advanced into the crowd, Shen Yiren elaborated, “I always pay attention to what spirits the people are in when I go out. Everyone knows how perceptive I am. I saw bitterness, joy, crying and laughing, but I’ve never seen despair. That’s how I know that we’re doing the right things.

“The people don’t have a phobia of us. When they do have grievances, they have no qualms telling us. When they need help, they reach out to us. When they’re wrong, they’ll hit the drum. When they speak about Liu Shan Men, they’re confident in us; they believe we’ll stretch out the hand they need.

“Many people don’t understand me and Liu Shan Men. The Qilin Guards want us out of the picture. Emperor’s Entourage want to replace us. But, neither of them know what they’re really fighting for. I know that, win or lose, it’ll be hard to shake our foundations. They’re under the assumption that warriors make up our foundation. They think land size is our foundation. They mistake me for being the foundation of Liu Shan Men. For as long as the people trust us to help them, Liu Shan Men’s foundations remain. Liu Shan Men doesn’t need to be the top dog among the three offices or the martial world. As long as we can serve the people, that’s enough. What does everyone think?”

All Liu Shan Men members: “Agreed.”

“Do you know why I’ve always deprived Captain Song of authority?”

Bai Yeshuang: “Yes, because he cannot do what needs to be done.”

“Precisely. As an individual, he’s not a bad guy. He doesn’t covet authority. He has a background that not many people can match. With training, he has enough martial arts knowledge to stand out. Many of you here today will never be able to match him. However, he’ll never go and visit a commoner’s home. He doesn’t care if there are people suffering or not. He doesn’t fathom how much trust people have in us when they hit the drum to trust us with protecting their justice. That’s why he isn’t qualified to lead Liu Shan Men.”

Every Liu Shan Men member knew the health of Shen Yiren’s relationship with Song Ou. Their falling out over Vermillion Hall instilled even more unease, so Shen Yiren wanted to give them peace of mind.

“Shuang’er.”

“Present.”

“I feel reassured with you leading the capital’s female constables. You’ve been my best helper for all these years. Come with me; help me start a new team.”

Bai Yeshuang lifted her hands into salute. “Roger!”

“Liu Yuan.”

“Present.”

Shen Yiren smiled. “You’ve stopped bullying people, right?”

“Uh, you speak in jest, Vice-Captain. I have changed my ways long ago. I am no longer interested in that behaviour.”

“Others may not see it, but I can see that you’re a splendid manager. Without you overseeing things, Liu Shan Men’s constables would be leaving loose ends everywhere. I want you to stay in the capital to take care of our new members.”

“Roger.”

“Xiao Han.”

Su Xiao raised his hand. “Here, here, here!”

Shen Yiren gazed at the childish face the way an elder sister proudly looked at her younger brother. “After Tang Ye recovers, you two complete the procedures and return to Liu Shan Men. Once His Majesty’s decree arrives, you two and Ming Feizhen will leave with me.”

That was great news to Su Xiao. Ever since he was fired, he was worried about someone pulling some strings to prevent him from ever being able to return. Now, he had legitimate justification to return.

“Ming Feizhen.”

“Present!”

“You know what I’m going to say?”

“Yes, I do.”

“You do when I haven’t said anything?”

“Uh, I will soon.” Ming Feizhen scratched his face.

“Pfft, the most unique thing about you is that, regardless of what I’m saying, you have the nerve to space out in my presence.”

“You have plenty of talent. Me? I just need to spectate.”

“You wish. His Majesty made it clear that I would be transferred after matters in the capital are settled. I still have jobs to do in the capital.” Shen Yiren glared at Ming Feizhen, then the others. “The special exams are held in a few days’ time. Have you all prepared?”