YWTGU -Chapter 11 A Desolate Revenue Office, Lord Li the Top Secret Agent

Watching the three men’s departing figures, Li An’s smile gradually faded.

Behind him came Hongmei’s cool voice, tinged with concern:

“Young Master, are you truly not worried?”

Li An turned around and looked at the woman who, in name, was his “personal maid,” but in truth his direct superior in the Blackwater Terrace—a Thousand-Household commander. A crafty glint flashed through his eyes.

“Worried? What would I possibly have to worry about?”

He strolled back into the hall with deliberate nonchalance, casually picking up one of the returned calling cards and spinning it between his fingers.

“They’ve already gone out of their way to handle all the foreplay for me. What is there left for me to fear?”

Hongmei frowned slightly, not quite grasping what he meant.

But she was too lazy—or rather, too afraid—to ask.

After all, if she opened her mouth and asked, wouldn’t that directly expose the fact that she couldn’t follow his reasoning? She was his superior—his direct handler in the Blackwater Terrace.

She absolutely could not lose the dignified image of a superior in front of Li An.

“Alright, I’m going inside to rest.”

Li An didn’t notice her inner struggle at all. He yawned lazily and headed straight for the rear courtyard.

“Guard the gate properly. No matter who comes, tell them I… am not receiving visitors.”

“Young Master! There’s no need to say that. No one dares to come now anyway.”

Hongmei drew in a breath and replied coldly.

“Isn’t that even better?”

Li An’s voice carried a relaxed chuckle.

“A deserted doorstep suits me perfectly.”

Hongmei stared at his carefree, unrestrained back, finding him more and more incomprehensible.

The ten-day deadline meant execution by beheading…

Did he truly have such confidence that he could sit steady like a fisherman by the river?

…

Sure enough, the very next day at the entrance of the Revenue Office—

Just as Li An had said, the place was utterly deserted.

The gates were shut tight. Only two guards temporarily transferred from another bureau stood outside, dozing in boredom.

Occasionally, passersby would hurry past, instinctively quickening their steps—afraid that the terrifying “King Yan Li” might suddenly rush out and drag them inside for the so-called eighteen forms of torture.

“Have you heard? That’s basically the Hall of the King of Hell!”

“Of course! That Li Yanwang is ruthless! Even the boss of the Golden Sands Gang—a vicious character—was beaten to his knees begging for mercy!”

“My brother-in-law’s cousin’s neighbor said there’s a torture chamber inside, specially prepared for those who refuse to pay!”

“That’s terrifying! Let’s go, let’s go!”

Ding!

【Rumors continue to ferment!】

【The Revenue Office stands deserted; official credibility in ruins!】

【Great Qi National Fortune -80】

【Current National Fortune Value: 86,749】

…

Master Zhou, who had secretly returned and was hiding in a corner of the street observing everything, listened to the chatter with a satisfied smirk.

“Well? How’s my strategy?”

He turned smugly to Old Qian and Sun Fu.

“It hasn’t even been three days, and Li An has already become a rat crossing the street—shunned by the entire capital!”

Old Qian immediately gave a thumbs-up, his face full of flattery.

“Brilliant! Truly brilliant! Master Zhou’s move of pulling the firewood from beneath the cauldron is nothing short of divine!”

Sun Fu nodded repeatedly.

“Exactly! Now forget wealthy merchants—even the vegetable vendors steer clear of the Revenue Office!”

The three parted ways afterward, each hurrying back respectively to the Prime Minister’s residence, the Grand Commandant’s residence, and the Imperial Uncle’s residence.

…

At the Prime Minister’s Residence.

Wang Fu sat upright in his grand chair. After listening to Master Zhou’s report, he stroked his beard and nodded faintly.

“Well done.”

He spoke calmly.

“That Li An merely got lucky once, yet he dared attempt to challenge this old man in court with a scheme of selling offices? He overestimates himself.”

Master Zhou bowed.

“The Prime Minister is wise. Li An’s reputation is now utterly ruined. He can no longer stir up any waves. When the ten days are up, he will be destined for execution at the Meridian Gate.”

Wang Fu nodded in satisfaction and waved a hand.

“Go. Keep watching him. Report immediately if there’s any movement.”

…

At the Grand Commandant’s Residence.

“Hahaha! Good! Good! Good!”

Grand Commandant Sun Qian laughed heartily, slapping the table.

“I told you—Li An is nothing but an embroidered pillow! So what now? His name is completely ruined, isn’t it?”

Old Qian smiled obsequiously.

“Indeed, Your Excellency. Though Li An showed a bit of petty cleverness, he’s ultimately not fit for the grand stage.”

Sun Qian snorted.

“His Majesty thought he could use him to balance us? Hmph! Young people are inexperienced—they think tossing in a hotheaded youth can break the deadlock. They don’t realize how deep the waters of court truly run!”

…

At the Imperial Uncle’s Residence.

“Oh? Li An’s reputation has truly rotted to this extent?”

Imperial Uncle Liu De slowly rolled the Buddhist beads in his hand as he asked.

Sun Fu bowed and scraped.

“Yes, Imperial Uncle! The entire capital is saying the Revenue Office is the Hall of Hell, and Li An is King Yan Li! Even when children cry, their mothers say, ‘Stop crying or King Yan Li will come get you!’”

Liu De nodded lightly—but in his heart, he was calculating something else.

Wang Fu, Sun Qian, and himself…

Though the three factions had temporarily joined hands to deal with Li An, they were united only in appearance.

Once Li An died, who knew into whose hands the fat prize of the Revenue Office would fall?

…

And so, the leaders of the three factions all received the “good news” that Li An was finished.

Each wore a smile of assured victory.

As though the executioner’s blade at the Meridian Gate had already been placed against Li An’s neck.

…

Meanwhile, the “man about to die” was in the rear hall of the Revenue Office—sleeping soundly, more peacefully than anyone else.

Ding!

【Li An remains inactive; merchants of the capital dare not approach!】

【Revenue Office completely paralyzed!】

【Military funding of Great Qi falls into stalemate!】

【Great Qi National Fortune -50】

【Current National Fortune Value: 86,699】

In his sleep, the corner of Li An’s lips curled slightly upward.

It dropped again.

…

Night fell. In the rear bedroom of the Revenue Office—

Hongmei remained hidden in the shadows. Only after listening to the steady snoring from inside and confirming Li An was fast asleep did she finally let out a breath of relief.

She touched the intelligence dossier tucked in her robes—the meticulous record she had compiled over these past days.

Every word Li An spoke, every action he took, and the brilliant confrontation with Jin Daya—all carefully documented without omission.

Tonight, she would return to the Blackwater Terrace’s safehouse to report in person to the Governor.

Changing into her night attire, Hongmei leapt lightly into the air, vanishing into the darkness like a swallow.

…

Western outskirts of the capital.

Within an unremarkable residence lay the Blackwater Terrace’s capital headquarters.

Hongmei’s martial skill was excellent. She landed without a sound, passed through several hidden sentries with familiarity, and entered the main hall.

Bright candles were already lit inside.

A middle-aged man in black robes sat at the seat of honor.

He was the Blackwater Terrace’s Governor stationed in the capital—codename: “God of Wealth.”

Beside him stood a young man.

Hongmei needed only a single glance to recognize him as Han Zhao.

The noble son of Northern Yan whose top scholar title had been snatched away by Li An. His face was gloomy, lips tightly pressed—clearly suppressing a bellyful of resentment with nowhere to vent.

“Blackwater Terrace Thousand-Household Hongmei greets the Governor.”

Hongmei dropped to one knee and cupped her fists in salute.

The God of Wealth merely gave a slight nod. “Rise. You’ve worked hard these past days.”

Hongmei did not bother with pleasantries. As soon as she stood, she took an intelligence dossier from her robes and presented it with both hands.

“Governor, this is my detailed record of the past few days. Every word and deed of Li An is documented within.”

The God of Wealth accepted the booklet but did not open it immediately. Instead, he asked with interest:

“Oh? For you to be this solemn—could it be that Li An’s performance holds some pleasant surprises I’m not aware of?”

At that, a flash of pride lit up Hongmei’s eyes.

“Reporting to Governor—there are far too many surprises!”

“Li An… is simply born to ruin a nation!”

Hearing that, Han Zhao’s expression darkened even further.

Born to ruin a nation?

He’s just a despicable villain who stole my title of top scholar!

The God of Wealth raised an eyebrow with intrigue. “Oh? Do tell.”

Hongmei began enthusiastically:

“First, the matter of selling official posts. Not only did Li An successfully persuade the Emperor to let him raise funds by selling offices, he also split the ‘profit pie’ with the Prime Minister’s Residence, the Grand Commandant’s Residence, and the Imperial Uncle’s Residence!”

“Each of the three contributed one hundred thousand taels as shareholders. From that moment on, their interests were tied to the Fundraising Office. They could no longer obstruct Li An’s efforts—and instead had to help him sell off most of the posts as quickly as possible.”

“With this single move, the three great factions of the court were divided. They now guard against one another and can no longer join forces. And since they paid good money to install their own people into office, they will inevitably try every means to recover their silver once in power.”

“With this strategy, Li An has corrupted the Great Qi court in one stroke. Most posts are now occupied by incompetent and corrupt men. How could Great Qi not decline under such circumstances?”

The God of Wealth nodded slightly, his eyes full of approval.

“Secondly, there’s Li An’s unique method of selling offices.”

Growing more excited by the second, Hongmei continued:

“He deliberately let the three residences snatch up the lucrative positions, leaving behind what seemed like useless, worthless posts.”

“But he didn’t give up on them—he took a different path! He repackaged those unwanted posts and gave them new value!”

“Take the Street Administration Office, for example. It used to be a filthy job dealing with night soil. With a bit of persuasion from him, it became an enforcement post—the exclusive title for a ‘local kingpin’ in the capital!”

“And do you know how much it finally sold for? One hundred thousand taels! Several times the base price!”

At this, the God of Wealth set down his teacup and straightened.

“You mean to say Li An truly convinced Jin Daya to pay willingly? It wasn’t torture, as the rumors claim?”

“Of course not!”

The pride on Hongmei’s face intensified.

“Jin Daya even raised the bid on his own! He was fired up by Li An’s ‘investment proposal’ and voluntarily pushed the price up to one hundred thousand taels!”

“Afterward, Li An deliberately allowed rumors to spread, letting the three residences’ spokesmen smear him.”

“Governor, imagine this—a dignified court official facing citywide curses as a ‘cruel official’ and ‘King of Hell.’ Not only did he not defend himself… he smiled!”

“He said, ‘Afraid of me? Good. I just fear they’re not afraid.’”

At the mention of Li An’s measures, Hongmei’s eyes sparkled.

“What is this? This is wisdom hidden beneath foolishness, brilliance concealed in plain sight! He deliberately sullies his own name to lower the guard of the Great Qi Emperor and his ministers! Let everyone believe he’s merely a power-abusing tyrant—when in reality…”

“In reality, he is methodically dismantling Great Qi’s administrative system!”

“Planting gang leaders into official posts, allowing the three factions to pack lucrative offices with their own cronies…”

“If this continues, how could Great Qi’s bureaucracy remain sound? How could the nation not fall? Li An is Blackwater Terrace’s greatest talent for ruining a state…”

By the end, Hongmei looked positively radiant with shared pride.

Han Zhao, meanwhile, looked darker and darker.

Talent for ruining a state?

He’s just a loudmouthed fraud!

He was about to retort when the God of Wealth silenced him with a glance.

“Hongmei.”

The God of Wealth set down the dossier and spoke leisurely.

“You rate Li An very highly.”

Only then did Hongmei realize she might have praised Li An a bit too much. She lowered her head slightly.

“I am merely reporting the facts.”

“Reporting the facts?”

A knowing, almost teasing smile curved the God of Wealth’s lips.

“It seems to me you’re sparing no effort in claiming credit for him.”

Hongmei froze, her face flushing faintly.

“I… I would not dare. I only believe Li An truly possesses talent. Since he serves Great Yan, we must make full use of his abilities…”

“Yes. Li An is indeed a rare talent.”

The God of Wealth stood and walked toward Hongmei with his hands behind his back, examining her from head to toe.

“Rest assured—the court has already made arrangements.”

From his sleeve, he withdrew a sealed silk decree and handed it to her.

“This is a secret edict from home. Concerning Li An.”

Hongmei accepted it, delighted.

The court has finally acknowledged Li An’s ability!

Is he going to be promoted and rewarded?

She eagerly broke the seal and unfolded the silk.

“…Effective immediately, Li An is promoted to ‘Special-Grade Secret Agent’ of the Blackwater Terrace, rank Third Grade Associate…”

Hongmei’s eyes lit up.

Special-Grade Secret Agent!

Third Grade Associate!

That was the highest rank among Blackwater Terrace’s field operatives!

That lucky brat!

She continued reading.

“…All covert assets in the capital are to cooperate fully with his operations…”

Reasonable. A Special-Grade Agent naturally held such authority.

“…Thousand-Household Commander Hongmei shall assist him personally and without error.”

Hongmei’s gaze froze on that line. The smile on her face stiffened.

What?

She read it again.

“Thousand-Household Commander Hongmei… assist personally… without error…”

Her mind struggled to process it.

Wait.

Only now did it dawn on her that something was very wrong.

She was a Thousand-Household Commander.

Li An was now a Special-Grade Secret Agent, rank Third Grade Associate.

She had fought desperately for years to reach Thousand-Household Commander—only Fifth Grade Associate.

Which meant…

Li An was now her superior?

And she—Hongmei—was to “assist” him?

Personally assist???

Ding!

【The Northern Yan court promotes Li An to “Special-Grade Secret Agent”!】

【Li An’s destructive operations in Great Qi receive expanded authorization!】

【Undercurrents surge in Great Qi; danger lurks everywhere!】

【Great Qi National Fortune -120】

【Current National Fortune Value: 86,579】

“Th-this…”

Hongmei’s hand holding the decree felt awkwardly stiff. Her expression became indescribably colorful.

She had just been proudly claiming credit for Li An!

And now?

Her “subordinate” had instantly become her “superior”?

The God of Wealth watched her reaction, the smile on his lips deepening.

“What? Unwilling?”

“…This subordinate obeys!”

Hongmei gritted her teeth in response.

But the slight twitch at the corner of her mouth betrayed her true feelings.