I Cultivate in a Government Office

Chapter 245: Chapter 140: Refugees Head South

Back at the City Defense Bureau branch, Gao Zhen gestured for Yang Wenqing to follow him. They entered the director’s office, one after the other, and Gao Zhen casually activated the room’s Sound Insulation Array as he closed the door.

The composed, steady smile Gao Zhen wore in public faded, revealing a fatigue he could barely conceal. He walked over to the sofa and said to Yang Wenqing, "Wenqing, have a seat."

He then sat down on the sofa as well, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Now that I’m back," he said, "the Fire Spirit I’m nurturing in my Spiritual Vein is acting up again."

Yang Wenqing said with concern, "You should get more rest."

Gao Zhen gave a wry smile, making no attempt to hide his troubles from Yang Wenqing. "In its early stages, this Fire Spirit requires me to cultivate facing the sun at sunrise every day. Ordinarily, I also have to use a specific Cultivation Technique to guide my Spiritual Qi through a Grand Circulation every four hours. If I don’t, the implanted Spiritual Vein will wither. Not only would all my previous efforts be for naught, but it could also permanently damage my foundation."

He looked at Yang Wenqing, his gaze filled with frank helplessness. "I simply don’t have the energy for the day-to-day operations of this bureau. I have to leave everything to you and Yunchuan. Yunchuan handles Internal Affairs Inspection, which means you’re the one who has to carry the real weight."

Yang Wenqing’s expression turned solemn. "You’re too kind, Director Gao. I’ve only gotten where I am today thanks to your and Teacher Qin’s guidance and trust. With the current situation so tense, now is the time for me to fulfill my duty. Please, focus on nurturing your Spiritual Vein and breaking through to Foundation Establishment. I will give my all to manage the branch’s daily affairs and ensure that nothing goes wrong."

A gratified expression appeared on Gao Zhen’s face. "I have complete confidence in your work. Normally, in my current state, I should apply for a transfer to the city bureau. Then, after reaching Foundation Establishment, I’d wait for an opportunity for an external assignment. But the situation at the city bureau isn’t very optimistic right now. I have to hold on to this position."

Yang Wenqing nodded in understanding. Six years ago, Shen Wenyuan had used the case in Lingshan Town to seize over half of the city bureau’s authority. After that, he no longer needed to maintain his balancing act and ultimately forced Director Qi and Director Zhao to join forces. Now, the Zhang family, who had once been their bitter rivals, had become their allies.

Gao Zhen continued, "If my Cultivation can advance further, I’ll certainly be promoted to the city bureau. And at your age, with your talent, the Marrow Cleansing Realm is by no means your final stop. My presence here now serves two purposes. First, it’s to provide stability for the New District. Second, it’s to hold this crucial stepping stone for you. Once your Cultivation reaches the necessary level, it will be a natural progression for you to take my place."

Yang Wenqing replied, "I am grateful for your high regard, Director Gao. I will not forget it."

Gao Zhen smiled and said, "Handle the external affairs as you see fit. If you’re ever unsure about something, you can come ask me at any time. If I’m in seclusion for my cultivation, contact Teacher Qin directly. Or you can contact Director Qi as well."

"Understood."

"One more thing," Gao Zhen said, as if suddenly remembering something. "I’m afraid you’ll be working around the clock for the next few days."

Yang Wenqing had already considered this. Upon hearing Gao Zhen’s words, he immediately said, "I was just about to report to you. I plan on staying at the branch office to make it easier to handle any emergencies."

Gao Zhen thought for a moment, then nodded. "Staying at the bureau is a good idea, but don’t neglect your cultivation. That’s the most fundamental thing. You’ll have open access to the bureau’s storerooms for any resources you need to support it. Use whatever you have to."

Yang Wenqing nodded.

The two then briefly discussed the current situation. As the fluctuations in Gao Zhen’s internal Spiritual Qi grew more apparent, he signaled that Yang Wenqing could leave.

Yang Wenqing left the director’s office and returned to his own. He immediately used the internal comms to summon Yang Zhong, who was waiting in the outer office, and gave him an order:

"For the foreseeable future, I’ll be staying at the branch office full-time. Let the family know. Also, notify Yang Yong and Yang Tie. Tell them to come to the branch to see me."

"Understood."

Yang Zhong acknowledged the order and left.

...

With Yang Wenqing now in charge of the branch’s daily operations, his decision to stay there was not just a personal matter. The entire system revolving around him had to be on duty twenty-four hours a day.

As a result, the atmosphere at the branch office immediately grew much more serious. The supervision of the front-line patrol officers became more intensive, indirectly raising the level of public security in the New District.

Time quickly passed. At seven in the evening, as dusk began to fall, Yang Yong and Yang Tie entered Yang Wenqing’s office, one after the other.

Both men were over thirty. After years of experience, they were now the de facto managers of the Yang family’s industries and daily clan affairs in the New District. They carried themselves with an air of competence, but they remained respectful when facing Yang Wenqing.

"Patriarch," the two greeted in unison.

"Sit." Yang Wenqing gestured to the chairs opposite him and, without any pleasantries, got straight to the point. "I called you here because of the situation in the north. Our Yang family has managed to put down roots in the New District, but a tall tree catches the wind. At times like this, we must be especially careful with our words and actions. We can’t give anyone any leverage against us, and we certainly can’t let our own family members cause a disaster through misconduct. The lesson from Zhang Qiming is still fresh in our minds."

"When you return, I want you to reiterate the clan rules. Specifically, strictly forbid any clan members from associating with unknown factions or participating in any activities that could threaten public stability."

Yang Yong nodded. "You can rest assured, Patriarch."

Yang Wenqing nodded in satisfaction. "Of course, most of our clansmen are good people. You two just need to be mindful of your approach. Make the stakes clear. Go on now, and see that it’s done right."

"Yes, Patriarch!"

The two bowed and retreated, their footsteps much heavier than when they arrived.

After seeing the two men out, Yang Wenqing walked to the window. At night, the Lingshan New District was a sea of glittering lights. Perhaps it was due to the influx of outsiders, coupled with the New District’s consistently strong economy, that its nightlife was so vibrant. In order to maintain the area’s prosperity and tax revenue, both the City Defense Bureau and the Civil Affairs Bureau maintained a permissive stance toward it.

...

As the night deepened, Lingshan New District had yet to fall completely silent.

After dealing with the last few urgent documents, Yang Wenqing went into the small break room attached to his office, sat down cross-legged, and activated a cultivation Array to begin his practice.