Yang Xingyao’s expression was pleasant, and he appeared quite amiable. However, Chen Cheng could clearly sense the man’s powerful aura—the kind a superior exudes when visiting a subordinate’s home, ready to casually issue orders.

And this air of authority, naturally, came from him riding on the coattails of that Young Master Jiang.

"Young Master Jiang?" Chen Cheng frowned, a hint of confusion on his face. "I was previously on duty in the Lishui District, and I’ve only just been assigned to the Demon Suppression Department. I haven’t had any dealings with a young master by the name of Jiang. Might I ask which Young Master Jiang you’re referring to, Constable Yang?"

Yang Xingyao hadn’t expected such a reaction from Chen Cheng and was stunned for a moment. ’In all of Linji City, isn’t the only one who goes by "Young Master Jiang" the direct heir of the Jiang Family, Jiang Lang?’

’Anyone with the slightest worldliness, anyone who has a chance to interact with the scions of the Four Great Clans of the Inner City, would know of Young Master Jiang Lang.’ 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

’How could Chen Cheng, a Purple-clothed Guard of the Demon Suppression Department, not know? This act must be deliberate ignorance. He has no intention of showing Young Master Jiang any deference.’

’If Chen Cheng is truly audacious enough to disrespect Young Master Jiang, he’ll have to face his wrath, and that’s something Chen Cheng absolutely cannot afford.’

Back at the Lishui Sub-Department, Yang Xingyao had failed to squeeze Chen Cheng out of the running for Chief Constable, and he’d held a grudge against him ever since. In his heart, he was actually hoping Chen Cheng’s "fearless ignorance" was real and that he would actually provoke Jiang Lang.

Yang Xingyao sneered inwardly, but the smile on his face grew even warmer. "Young Master Jiang Lang," he said. "He sent me to discuss a few things with Lord Chen."

"Oh, so it’s *that* Young Master Jiang Lang—the number one of Linji City’s younger generation in the Martial Dao."

Chen Cheng acted as if it had just dawned on him. He slapped his forehead and put on a broad, enthusiastic smile. "Well, since you’re here on Young Master Jiang’s orders, Constable Yang, please, come in, come in."

Chen Cheng’s swift change in attitude left Yang Xingyao momentarily stunned once again.

Once inside the main hall, Chen Cheng invited Yang Xingyao to sit down and had Xi’Er prepare tea. Only then did he ask:

"I just reported for duty at the Demon Suppression Department today and caught a glimpse of Young Master Jiang. I was busy accepting a mission at the time, though, so I didn’t get a chance to greet him."

"What instructions did Young Master Jiang have for you to pass along to me?"

Yang Xingyao’s mood suddenly grew complicated. If Chen Cheng had been dismissive or cold, his task would have been simple.

He could have gone back, embellished the story for Young Master Jiang, thrown in a few bad words about Chen Cheng, and trouble would have naturally found its way to him.

But with Chen Cheng suddenly becoming so enthusiastic, it seemed he might genuinely want to align himself with Young Master Jiang. If that was the case, Yang Xingyao would have to re-evaluate the situation and consider whether he should try to get on Chen Cheng’s good side.

From the bottom of his heart, though, he still didn’t want to see Chen Cheng win Young Master Jiang’s favor.

"Well, it’s nothing too serious, really."

Yang Xingyao began to put on airs again. He took a large, noisy gulp of tea to wet his throat before saying languidly, "Young Master Jiang sent me to inform Lord Chen that the Jiang Family intends to propose a marriage alliance with the Shen Family. Young Master Jiang will be marrying the two young ladies of the Shen Family, Miss Shen Qingshuang and Miss Shen Qingyao."

"At that time, Young Master Jiang will naturally be the husband of the Misses Shen. Since Lord Chen is a protégé of the young ladies, you will, by extension, also be Young Master Jiang’s man."

Yang Xingyao paused at this point to secretly observe Chen Cheng’s reaction, but Chen Cheng’s expression remained calm, completely unruffled.

He couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed. He continued, "Young Master Jiang is deeply concerned for the safety of his future wives. And since Lord Chen is always by the Misses Shen’s side, you are naturally privy to their affairs."

"What Young Master Jiang means is that he wants Lord Chen to be vigilant. It would be best if you reported everything concerning the Misses Shen to him."

"Of course, Young Master Jiang is an extremely busy man and naturally has no time to concern himself with such trivialities. Lord Chen simply needs to pass the information on to me, and I will relay it to him."

"Understood." Chen Cheng gave a slight nod. "Does Young Master Jiang have any other orders?"

Yang Xingyao hadn’t expected Chen Cheng to agree so readily, and was once again taken aback.

’After all, back at the Lishui Sub-Department, Chen Cheng was famously arrogant. He never gave anyone the time of day except for the Shen Family. Has he really had a change of heart? Is he actually planning to pledge his loyalty to the Jiang Family?’

Yang Xingyao mulled it over for a long time but couldn’t make heads or tails of it. He could only nod and say, "For now, that’s all Young Master Jiang has instructed."

"Mm, a trivial matter like this is easily handled." Chen Cheng gave another slight nod, agreeing in an almost offhand manner. "Is there anything else, Constable Yang?"

Yang Xingyao shook his head. "Nothing else."

"Oh, well then, feel free to stay for more tea," Chen Cheng said with a warm expression, though he made no move to refill the man’s cup.

How could Yang Xingyao not understand this was a dismissal? He had no choice but to stand up and take his leave. "In that case, I won’t impose on Lord Chen any longer."

"Alright, I’ll see you out." Chen Cheng also rose and personally escorted Yang Xingyao to the gate.

"Lord Chen, please, head back in."

Even now, Yang Xingyao was still in a bit of a daze, completely baffled as to why Chen Cheng had agreed so readily.

’But since Chen Cheng has chosen to side with the Jiang Family, I guess I’ll have no choice but to get on good terms with him from now on.’

"Take care." Chen Cheng smiled and was about to close the courtyard gate when he suddenly added, "Oh, by the way, Constable Yang. Since Young Master Jiang says the Jiang and Shen families will soon be one, I suppose I should report today’s conversation to the Misses Shen. I’m sure Young Master Jiang won’t mind."

"Of course, of course," Yang Xingyao replied automatically. It was only after he turned away that he realized something was off about that statement, but by then, Chen Cheng had already shut the gate and gone back inside.

Yang Xingyao’s expression turned vicious. He thought darkly, ’So that’s your game, Chen Cheng. You really are the type to refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit!’

’Hmph. This is even better. I’ll be sure to give Young Master Jiang a completely truthful report.’

’When that time comes, just you wait to face Young Master Jiang’s fury. I, for one, am looking forward to seeing the pathetic sight of you being crushed like an ant!’