"Just keep two, any with a decent reputation will do."
Shen Yi's mind was now focused on martial arts.
He was not particularly interested in the trifling matters he was responsible for as an official, or the minor benefits that came from bribery and corruption.
Switching to a couple of men with cleaner hands could be considered reducing some of his own sins.
Upon hearing these words, Song Changfeng was taken aback and didn't quite understand whether the "reputation" mentioned was ironic.
As for reputation, having worked under Officer Shen, could anyone end up with a good one?
Soon after, he turned and called out two names, "Niu Da, Niu Er, starting today, you're reassigned here to take over for those two."
The individuals called upon were the strongest and also the most dissatisfied looking among the servants.
The two brothers summoned their courage and stood with arms crossed and cold faces, planning to give Shen Yi a hard time no matter what he said next.
However, Shen Yi didn't seem to intend to lecture them and simply turned to look at Song Changfeng, "No other business?"
It was indeed strange that the corpses of the servants lay in the courtyard while the demon's corpse had vanished without a trace.
"Thank you for yesterday."
Song Changfeng sighed, unsure whether he was referring to the demon-slaying at the station or Shen Yi finding an excuse to leave his house.
With that, his eyes filled with complexity, "Eunuch Clerk Liu sent a message for you. He said to restrain yourself a bit, as you've been overdoing it these past few days."
In the past, Shen Yi would have been much more well-informed than this sidelined old man, but today, the message was relayed through him.
It seems that the news of the Dog Demon's and Ape Demon's heads must have finally reached higher up.
"..."
Shen Yi frowned slightly but made no reply.
"Although demons are cruel, they ultimately stay outside of Baiyun County. We should turn a blind eye to their minor disturbances... Wasn't that what you were best at before?"
Song Changfeng seemed somewhat disheartened, clearly troubled by yesterday's incident where the demon brazenly invaded the county office to seek retribution.
"All right, you go on with your work. I'll head back home to rest."
Watching Song Changfeng leave the courtyard with a group of servants, Shen Yi slowly stood up and walked out of the door.
The inspection by the Demon-suppression Bureau was imminent, and the nerves of the officials were on edge.
He just couldn't understand, even if they managed to deceive their way through this time, what did these people plan to do afterward?
Was temporarily removing the official hat from one's head really so much worse than losing one's life?
After all, demons that eat people won't care whether you're a common citizen or a high-ranking officer!
"Officer Shen."
Chen Ji greeted with a fist and palm salute, then spoke softly, "About last night... are you alright?"
He intended to ask what exactly had happened the night before, but he held back the words at the last moment.
"I'm managing."
Shen Yi rubbed his temples.
Chen Ji, as if seeing what was on Shen Yi's mind, said, "Lately, both the officials in the yamen and the wealthy families in the county have been spending silver in Qingzhou to invite renowned martial masters. Although they are only hired to guard their homes, they add some deterrence to the demons outside the city."
"Martial masters?" Shen Yi glanced over.
"From prominent sects, they are all individuals with a lineage," Chen Ji said enviously, continuing, "Like the one the Lin Family invited, Master Liu Qi, known as 'Stone Tablet Hand', with over a dozen demons having perished under his iron palms."
"These martial masters grow up soaking in medicinal baths and consuming precious meats and medicines, which makes them far more reliable than us bureaucrats who started halfway. Those wealthy families never counted on us to protect the lives of their families."
"Is the yamen not afraid they will break military bans with their martial prowess?" Shen Yi asked, puzzled.
"They wouldn't go that far. All those prominent sects are registered with the Imperial Court," Chen Ji, usually reserved, seemed quite interested in these martial arts rumors.
"Moreover, those invited with silver are nowhere near as powerful as those invited through connections... I heard that the Magistrate sent a letter to his mentor in Qingzhou and invited a significant figure. He is usually enshrined in the residence and rarely shows himself. Even Master Liu Qi had to pay his respects when he first arrived in Baiyun County."
Shen Yi, with his heart moved, spoke in a gentle voice, "Do these jianghu sects have any requirements for taking in disciples?"
Being able to find a master would likely be more comfortable than staying in this yamen.
"Natural talent, family background, and personal character; without one, there is no deal," said Chen Ji, then tugged at his sleeve, "There's also an unspoken rule, the most important one at that, which is you can't wear these clothes."
Looking into his eyes filled with helplessness, Shen Yi instantly comprehended.
The so-called jianghu should be carefree and unrestrained, yet now recognition could only be obtained through first being registered with the Imperial Court, as if shackled by foot chains.
Having started down this path, they couldn't help but worry about being assimilated by the Imperial Court, and thus rejecting court insiders from their ranks became an obvious move.
"In any case, Baiyun County will always be Baiyun County, it can't become too chaotic, but it's the common folk who suffer," Chen Ji said with a few more shades of indignation in his eyes. Speaking of this, he seemed to remember something and anxiously said, "The girls have all been sent back home, when will the Ape Demon come over?"
In the past, he would never have concerned himself with such matters, only cursing that Shen dog-thief behind his back.
Now he suddenly realized that cursing alone solved nothing.
Apart from drawing his sword and striking, he had no ideas, only a heartful of rage, and had no choice but to put his hopes on Shen Yi, who was skillful enough to get by effortlessly under the watchful eyes of numerous demons—he was sure to have a solution.
"I've already taken care of it."
Shen Yi described the events lightly.
Upon hearing this, Chen Ji was slightly taken aback; he hadn't had a good night's sleep, yet the other party had already silently resolved the matter.
"The Ape Demon didn't say anything?"
"They said I used to handle things efficiently and were very pleased with me, wanting to give up Song Leader's position to me," Shen Yi recalled, the old scholar-dressed ape indeed said that.
"Did you agree?"
"No."
"No wonder..." Chen Ji felt a slight headache, wondering what had gotten into Song Leader today; so, there was this twist.
"Right, I forgot to mention, you look a bit strange today," he lifted his head.
"Where do I look strange?"
"I can't quite put my finger on it...it's just a bit eye-catching."
Shen Yi nodded his head, probably understanding what the other meant.
The next moment, the unrestrained energy flowing within his body slowly retracted back into his meridians.
His cultivation was meant to be shown to the Demon-suppression Bureau, not as a warning to demons—if every small demon hid from him, replenishing the demon life essence would become difficult.
After retracting his energy, Shen Yi waved his hand, "From now on, when serving as officials, you lead them, and don't cause any trouble."
Upon hearing this, Chen Ji felt a surge of doubt in his heart.
It took him a moment to understand the other's intentions.
Was he planning a complete overhaul? No longer extorting from the people?
"I understand!"
"There's another thing."
Shen Yi stopped him, and Chen Ji turned back in puzzlement.
"Lend me some silver; I'll pay you back when I receive my salary."
"..."
Chen Ji rolled his eyes—great, now he's carving the flesh from me.
He reached into his belt and pulled out three coins' worth of broken silver, murmuring, "I still have to save up for Jin Yu's dowry..."
"Don't worry, if I can't pay it back, I'll be the one to marry her."
Shen Yi casually accepted the silver and stepped out of the yard.