I Cultivate in a Government Office

Chapter 146: Chapter 101: Competition, Going to the City?

"Have them wait in the main hall. I’ll be there after I change," Yang Wenqing instructed Aunt Zhou.

"Yes, Master," Aunt Zhou replied and withdrew.

Yang Wenqing first returned to his bedroom and changed into a loose, comfortable set of dark cyan casual attire. By the time he stepped into the main hall, Yang Lin and his son were already there.

Just as he remembered, Yang Lin was wearing a faded, old linen shirt. He sat on the very edge of the guest’s seat, restlessly rubbing his knees as his gaze wandered.

The moment he saw Yang Wenqing enter, he shot up as if pricked by a needle. An almost fawning smile was plastered on his face, and his lips trembled as if trying to form some polite words, but for the longest time, not a single clear syllable escaped him.

"Wen... Wenqing... you’re back..." He finally managed to force out the dry words.

"Uncle, please sit. Don’t be so formal," Yang Wenqing said gently.

In stark contrast to his father’s awkwardness stood Yang Wenqi.

Four years at the academy had stripped the once-clever boy of his youthful immaturity. He had grown taller and was dressed in a set of semi-formal cyan attire that was neither new nor completely worn. Brimming with the sharp edge and hopeful ambition unique to the young, he immediately called out in a clear voice upon seeing Yang Wenqing, "Brother Wenqing."

"Sit."

Yang Wenqing took the host’s seat. Aunt Zhou served tea at the opportune moment and then quietly withdrew.

Yang Lin remained fidgety, picking up his teacup only to set it back down. Yang Wenqi, however, sat as still as a mountain, his gaze fixed steadily on Yang Wenqing. It was clear he was the focus of today’s conversation.

"Aunt Zhou mentioned you’ve been waiting for a bit. Did you just get off duty from the Civil Affairs Bureau?" Yang Wenqing began casually, picking up his teacup and blowing on the floating leaves.

"Yes."

Yang Wenqi took the lead, his speech steady yet tinged with an air of intimacy. "I’ve been assigned to the Census Division as a clerk. Father was insistent that we come thank Brother Wenqing for your recommendation back then. And I also felt that now that I’m in the county seat, it’s only proper to pay my respects to you first."

’Well said.’

Yang Wenqing smiled and played along. "We’re family; there’s no need for such formalities. You passed the exam on your own merit. How are things in the Census Division?"

An imperceptible flicker passed through Yang Wenqi’s eyes. This was the opening he had been waiting for.

"Thank you for asking, Brother Wenqing. One has access to a great deal of information in the Census Division."

He leaned forward slightly, as if sharing a secret and proving his value. "Just in the past few days, I’ve noticed some subtle changes in the household registries of several major clans in our county. It’s especially apparent in matters concerning the reserved household slots and preliminary land registration reviews for the New Town to the south. Some families are moving very quickly, and their connections are proving quite effective."

He paused, gauging Yang Wenqing’s reaction before continuing, "I’ve also heard there’s a debate within the Civil Affairs Bureau about the administrative procedures for the communications network upgrade. Vice Director Li wants to take the lead, but Vice Director Sun seems to have other ideas. These may seem like small matters, but I think it never hurts to know which way the wind is blowing."

He was showcasing his value. It was a clever way of pledging his allegiance, telling Yang Wenqing, ’I am useful; I can help you keep an eye on the goings-on in the Civil Affairs Bureau.’

Yang Wenqing listened quietly, the gentle smile never leaving his face, but inwardly he shook his head. ’Clever? Yes, he is. But in my eyes, this cleverness is both shallow and hasty.’

Yang Wenqi could see the ripples on the surface, but he had no idea how deep the undercurrents ran.

"It’s good that you’re paying attention to these things."

Yang Wenqing set down his teacup. His tone was still calm, but his gaze grew deeper. "However, Wenqi, the Civil Affairs Bureau is not like your village, nor is it like the academy. The relationships there are a tangled mess. A single sentence, a single glance, can hold multiple meanings."

He looked into Yang Wenqi’s eyes. "You’re being too hasty, Wenqi."

The confidence on Yang Wenqi’s face wavered slightly.

Yang Wenqing softened his tone and continued, "The most important thing for you right now isn’t to snoop around for information. It’s to perform your clerical duties to perfection. Double-check every word and every number, so that no one can find a single fault. The Civil Affairs Bureau values rules and reliability above all else. A solid mastery of the fundamentals is the very basis of your career."

"Second, never forget why you were able to enter the Civil Affairs Bureau, nor what you will rely on to climb the ladder in the future."

Yang Wenqi’s expression grew solemn, and he sat up even straighter.

"The power of the Civil Affairs Bureau," Yang Wenqing explained, "is rooted in the national Divine Artifact. It originates from the convergence of the people’s will and their acceptance of order. Your position, your pen, every official document you process—these are your channels to connect with that power. Only with deeper Cultivation can you command greater power, and only then will your words carry more weight."

"Thank you for your guidance, Brother Wenqing!"

This time, Yang Wenqi stood up and bowed solemnly.

Listening from the side, Yang Lin was completely befuddled, but he understood that his son was receiving valuable guidance, so he chimed in with repeated thanks.

Yang Wenqing waved his hand, motioning for him to sit. "You didn’t just come to pay your respects today, did you? We’re family. No need to beat around the bush."

A slight blush crept onto Yang Wenqi’s face as he spoke plainly, "I heard there might be an opportunity within the Civil Affairs Bureau to join the county’s inspection delegation for a study exchange in Coastal City. The person in my department in charge of recommendations is Steward Liu. I was wondering, if it’s not too much trouble, could you perhaps put in a word for me, Brother Wenqing? I know it’s a bold request, but I’m desperate for a chance to get out and learn more."

He had finally revealed his true purpose: to ask for a letter of recommendation, or more accurately, to ask Yang Wenqing to use his influence to help him secure the opportunity.

Yang Wenqing fell silent for a moment, looking at the desire rekindled in Yang Wenqi’s eyes.

Then, he spoke softly, "I can write the recommendation. But, Wenqi, you must remember what I told you today. I can give you the opportunity, but whether or not you can seize it is up to you. An exchange trip is a good thing, but don’t forget your foundation. And one more thing—in front of any superior, hide that petty cleverness of yours. Show them your reliability and your potential instead."