Mu Tie's face darkened, and he slowly walked out of the hallway. Without even looking at the person sitting in the side hall, he coldly said, "Who is it that insists on seeing me? Don't you know that the First Bureau is very busy? "
Su Wenmao saw that his former colleagues were always looking out for him. His eyes darted around, and he gave Mu Tie a meaningful look. Mu Tie already knew who was coming, but he was just putting on an act. He pretended to be reminded by Su Wenmao, and suspiciously turned his head to look behind him. There, he saw the young man.
"You are?" Mu Tie frowned, and took a step closer. Suddenly, he turned pale with fright, and knelt down on one knee. "I am Mu Tie. Greetings, Commissioner!"
Fan Xian looked at him expressionlessly. He had no interest in playing along.
Mu Tie's face was still full of shock, and he happily said, "Sir, why didn't you tell me you were coming to the First Bureau? I made you wait outside. What should I do?"
Fan Xian still did not speak, but a smile appeared on his lips. Mu Tie looked at this smile, and his heart began to grow cold. Everyone knew that every time Sir Fan junior smiled the sweetest, it was also when he was the angriest in his heart. Thus, he could not help but lower his voice. "This … Sir, this … I …"
Fan Xian still did not speak, and only smiled at him.
Mu Tie's dark face showed a trace of regret. He did not dare to say anything more, and he knelt down again.
In the side hall of the First Bureau, the atmosphere was very oppressive.
...
...
Fan Xian did not want to see him make a fool of himself again. After all, Mu Tie was the registrar of the First Bureau. After Zhu Ge's suicide, he was basically in charge of the First Bureau's affairs. He frowned and said, "The side hall is too dirty. It's not suitable for receiving guests."
Mu Tie was stunned, and immediately became happy. He angrily yelled at Feng 'er, "Get someone to clean it up!"
"It's against the rules to leave the files in the hall like this." Fan Xian smiled.
Mu Tie leaped high into the air and shouted for the officials of the First Bureau to come out. They began to move the dusty files into the dark room behind them. These officials were all slacking off. They walked out weakly and saw Master Mu standing obediently next to a young man. They did not know Fan Xian, but they were all intelligence officers. Their brains worked very fast and they immediately guessed the identity of this young man. Startled, they hurriedly went about their business.
In a short while, the side hall had been swept clean, and the files were neatly organized. It looked like the First Bureau of the Overwatch Council still retained their original ability to react quickly.
— —
"I'll give you an hour. Other than those who have Council business in the various departments and manors today, and those whose identities cannot be revealed, I want to see all the employees of the First Bureau."
Fan Xian lifted the hem of his robe and sat down on a chair. He held out his hand, and Mu Tie placed the teacup in his hand. Dejectedly, he said, "I'll go now." He knew that this young master was not easy to fool, and that his future was in Fan Xian's hands. All he could do was work seriously, hoping to reduce Fan Xian's dislike of him.
"You don't have to go yourself. It's such a small matter." Fan Xian took his hand back and took a sip of tea. He found that it was already cold, and he couldn't help but grin. Mu Tie quickly reached out his hand to change it. Fan Xian stared at him and placed the teacup on the clean table beside him. "Come with me. I have something to tell you."
Mu Tie hurriedly ordered his subordinates to call back all of the First Bureau's employees, who were always out and about, while he himself followed Fan Xian to the backyard. Seeing Fan Xian step into the room he had just come out of, Mu Tie felt a wave of anxiety wash over him.
Fan Xian frowned and looked at the jade mahjong tile under the threshold. "This is the most powerful yamen in the Overwatch Council. Even their mahjong tiles are made of jade."
Mu Tie was sweating profusely as he explained, "It's fake jade. I wouldn't dare lie to you. This is a new product made by the palace treasury two years ago. It looks like jade, but it won't break. Back then, one of the eight bureaus was given a set. The First Bureau's set has always been in the yamen, and no one has dared to take it home. Normally, when there isn't much work to do, we play with it occasionally. I am ashamed.
I hope you will punish me severely. "Fan Xian shook his head." We'll talk about that later. I'm just a little disappointed that the First Bureau of the Overwatch Council is so bad at hiding their tracks. Did you play mahjong here earlier? If you've already taken it, why is there another tile under the threshold? "
Mu Tie wiped the sweat from his forehead. He knew that this was the tile he had used to hit his nephew. When his subordinates were cleaning up the room, they must have forgotten about it.
Fan Xian sat down and looked at him. "Tell me, how did you become an official? It's not a big crime to play mahjong when you have nothing better to do … "
Mu Tie's heart skipped a beat. So none of this was a big crime. Just as he was feeling at ease, he suddenly heard a loud bang. He was frightened, and he looked at Commissioner Fan with a timid expression.
Fan Xian slammed his palm heavily on the table. With his current strength, it would have been easy for him to smash the wooden table into pieces. But this time, he only made a loud noise. In a cold voice, he scolded, "When I saw that basket of fish earlier, I realized that you dared to take bribes from the various bureaus. Do you want to die? If the Council finds out, I'm afraid the Internal Affairs Bureau will be the first to skin you. "
Mu Tie hurriedly knelt in front of him. He mumbled for a long time, unable to say anything. He thought that a basket of fish was not a big deal.
Fan Xian coldly scolded him. "Do you think a basket of fish is not a big deal? But you must know the iron rules of the Council, especially when it comes to supervising the officials in the capital. If you play with those officials like brothers, how will you supervise them in the future? "
Fan Xian had always seemed like a gentle person, but gentle people could occasionally get angry. His words were cold and oppressive, and it made Mu Tie feel terrified.
...
...
Fan Xian looked at the official kneeling in front of him. He couldn't help but feel disappointed and surprised. Not only because of the First Bureau he was about to take over, but also because of the man in front of him.
"Rise."
According to the Council's rules, there was no need to be so strict between superiors and subordinates. But Mu Tie knew that he had to maintain a proper attitude. After all, he had some history with Fan Xian. Hearing Fan Xian's words, he dared to stand up.
Fan Xian looked at Mu Tie's impressive face. His lips were like thin iron, and his complexion was dark. He couldn't help but frown. "In the entire capital, you are the first person to know my true identity …"
Mu Tie's heart sank. Last year, when he was investigating Niulan Street, he had taken the liberty of going to Fan Manor to ask questions. At that time, the Fan household was not as popular as it was now. But this young man in front of him had revealed his identity, and he knew that he was the legendary Commissioner of the Council. This had been a rare opportunity. He had thought that he would have to struggle for many years, but in the end, it had all gone to Wang Qinian's old man.
"In this year, you have helped me with some things," Fan Xian said, squinting. Fan Xian narrowed his eyes and said, "Logically speaking, you should have used my connections more often, but you didn't. This made me very happy. I thought you were a sincere person. I just didn't expect that in a year, you would change so much. You went from an honest person who felt awkward even when flattering Sima Qian to the wily old bureaucrat who only knows how to muddle through life and learn to change faces. I am very disappointed."
The words "very disappointed" made Mu Tie feel even more disappointed in himself. He knew that although he was not as close as Wang Qinian and Commissioner Fan, and he did not expect to be in charge of such a large area by himself, in the past year, he had been promoted from a seventh-ranked official to a fifth-ranked official. Even if he thought with his butt, he knew that this was all because of Commissioner Fan.
He took a deep breath and did not try to explain himself. He only said in a low voice, "Sir, please watch my performance in the future."
Fan Xian noticed that Mu Tie had changed from a lowly official to a lowly official, and he straightened his back a little. There was a hint of admiration in his eyes. He said, "That's good. Not everyone has the talent to be a supporting character. Don't always remember Wang Qinian's style. You should return to being the person who was wholeheartedly investigating the case, and I will naturally not hinder your future. "
...
...
After the storm came the sunny weather, and after the sunny weather came the storm again. Mu Tie looked at the commissioner in front of him, thinking that this man's mind was really like the summer that had just passed in the capital. He heard Fan Xian ask in a low voice, "Tell me, how did this place become so rotten? I've been to the other places in the Council, and they can't compare. The officials in the other places are all cautious and conscientious. Not to mention playing mahjong, even going out to pay their respects has to be rushed, and there's no wind … Look at this place! What's the difference between this and a wet market? "
Mu Tie had already thrown caution to the wind. He wanted to be himself again, and he wanted to cling to Sir Fan junior's thick thighs. He did not hide anything, and directly said, "Sir, I cannot escape the blame for the First Bureau becoming like this. But for the past year, there has been no official to manage it, and the people below me do not accept me, so naturally they have become lax."
Fan Xian was very clear on this matter. Back then, the head of the First Bureau, Zhu Ge, secretly relied on Xinyang and leaked information about Yan Bingyun, which led to Yan Bingyun's arrest in the north. Later, the Council investigated, and Zhu Ge failed. He committed suicide in a secret room during the Council's joint conference. This was one of the most sensational events since the founding of the Overwatch Council. Since that day, the First Bureau had been without a head. One reason was that Chen Pingping wanted to wait for Yan Bingyun to return, and the other was that the position was very sensitive. Secretly monitoring all the officials in the capital, if this kind of power was used, it could bring many benefits. At the time, the Council did not have a suitable candidate, so it had been delayed.
"Even if there was no official to manage it, the rules and regulations have always been there. Why is no one doing anything? Has the Council never reprimanded you? "Fan Xian asked, somewhat puzzled.
Mu Tie also didn't understand. He shook his head and continued, "Sir, you said that the rules are there … but if we want the First Bureau to do something, the Council has to issue an order. Without a head to speak, we ordinary officials can't find our own excuses, so we go to the manors of the vice ministers and scholars."
Fan Xian was startled. He said angrily, "Did the Second Bureau not send any intelligence over this past year?"
"They did." Mu Tie looked at him. "But according to the laws of the Qing Kingdom, we have no right to investigate officials above the third level. We have to ask for an edict, or at least get the approval of the Director."
Fan Xian said helplessly, "You can't touch anyone above the third level for now. What about those below the third level?"
Mu Tie replied, "Sir, I dare not hide this from you. Although the First Bureau is the most important department in the Council in name, in reality, it has always been the most incompetent department. The reason is very simple — the Second and Third Bureaus only deal with intelligence, poisons, weapons, and such inanimate objects. The Fifth and Sixth Bureaus are responsible for security, the Seventh Bureaus deal with criminals, and the Eighth Bureaus deal with books. Of the Eight Bureaus, only the First Bureau and the Fourth Bureau deal with people, and the Fourth Bureau's energy is mainly focused on foreign countries and the provinces. Who would dare to compete with the people of the Fourth Bureau? They could just find a random excuse to remove the county magistrates. Who would dare to say anything? "
At this point, he couldn't help but laugh at himself. "We, the First Bureau, are deep in the capital. We look impressive, but in reality, the people we deal with are the officials of the court and the local officials of the capital. In terms of status, they are more respected than we are. In terms of status, the officials of the capital see the First Bureau of the Overwatch Council, so it's natural for them to be friendly to us. If the Six Bureaus have something to gain, they won't forget about us. But if they really want to compete … they won't be afraid of us."
Fan Xian thought this wasn't right! Where in his previous life had he heard of such a cowardly Brocade Guard? "For those below the third level, you have the right to file a case and conduct independent investigations. If they are afraid of you, they will try to please you. Why would they dare compete with you?"
Mu Tie laughed at himself. "Sir, those officials may be below the third level, but what about their teachers? These officials have long ago woven a big net all over the capital. Some cases, even if we find evidence, can't be reported. "
Fan Xian squinted and asked, "Why?"
"It's simple. The brothers of the First Bureau also have to live in the capital." Mu Tie sighed. "Although the salary is much higher than that of ordinary officials, the relatives of the family still have to find a way to make a living. They find jobs in the various yamen. Even if you don't deal with these officials, even if you sell vegetables, if you investigate a scribe in the capital government, the capital's magistrate will have the ability to shut down your vegetable stand. The reason he uses is very much in line with the laws of the Qing Kingdom. You can't find any fault with it. As for those who are connected to the palace, they won't even look at us. Like Dai Zhen of the Vegetable Inspection Bureau in Dengshi, he is a well-known corrupt official, but we can't touch him … why? Because Eunuch Dai of the palace is his uncle! "
"Ever since Master Zhu … committed suicide to escape punishment, the First Bureau has no one to lead them. The officials under him won't easily offend the officials in the capital. Who doesn't have relatives? We're all in the bureaucracy, so we have to leave some room to meet in the future. "
Mu Tie said with shame, "I'm not afraid of your anger, sir. This year, I've been trying to protect myself. Other than the big cases handed down by the Council, I haven't investigated anything else. Sir, it's not that I don't have the guts, it's just that living in the capital is not easy. There are too many officials that I have to deal with."
Fan Xian didn't say anything. He calmly said, "From now on, talk to me like this. Rectification. The first thing to be rectified is that people don't do practical things. They only know how to please their superiors."
Hearing the term "rectification" was new to Mu Tie, he felt an inexplicable sense of fear. He quickly asked Fan Xian for instructions. After a while, Fan Xian spoke expressionlessly. Mu Tie listened with a look of admiration. He was afraid that he would forget, so he ground the ink and scribbled. After some time, Deng Zi Yue finally knocked on the door and reported, "Sir, everyone is here."
— — —
In the First Bureau of the Overwatch Council, other than the people who had stayed behind to guard the capital, there were 310 members in total. Other than those who were investigating the case and the "spies" buried in the manors of the officials, everyone who could come was basically all present. They took up an entire piece of flat ground in the back courtyard. Everyone had already tidied up their clothes and stood solemnly, waiting for the Commissioner to speak to them.
Fan Xian sat in a chair in front of everyone. He had no intention of standing up. He looked at these people and nodded slightly. He realized that a year of laxity had not completely worn away the solemn atmosphere around these people. He could still smell a trace of the gloominess of the Overwatch Council's spies. He was quite satisfied with this.
Mu Tie leaned forward and whispered in his ear, "The First Bureau is a bit special. The spies here are not secret. Everyone here has revealed their identities. Most of them are still in hiding. The spies' names are kept in the yard and cannot be accessed. If you want to see them, you will need the First Bureau's report and the Director's warrant." He thought of Fan Xian's status and paused. "You are the commissioner, so you do not need the Director's warrant. But you will need the First Bureau's report. I will write it in a bit."
Fan Xian shook his head. After a moment of silence, he smiled. "There is no need. From today onwards, I will be in charge of the First Bureau. If you want me to write a report, I will have someone write it."
Mu Tie's body stiffened. He had thought that Fan Xian was only here for an inspection. He did not expect that he would be in charge of the First Bureau! But when he thought of the fact that he could work with Fan Xian in the future, and that it would be easier to get close to him, a trace of joy appeared on his face.
…
…
There was a long silence on the flat ground. Fan Xian did not say anything. The hundreds of members of the First Bureau stood in the same posture as if they were javelins. Although they were not soldiers, their uniform black was still very pleasing to the eye. It gave off the feeling of Scotland Yard on a rainy day.
After a long time, Fan Xian stood up and quietly said, "I am Fan Xian. From today onwards, I will be your chief official."
Most people had guessed who he was, but when they heard that the world-famous Sir Fan junior was coming to the First Bureau as a chief official, they were slightly surprised, but more than that, they were happy. After Zhu Ge's death, not only did the First Bureau find it difficult to carry out its work in the capital, they were even looked down upon by the Council. Now, with Sir Fan junior taking the lead, who else in the other seven bureaus would dare to make excuses? The various departments and yamens in the capital would probably offer even more benefits in secret.
But what Fan Xian said next sent a chill down everyone's spine.
"I know how you have spent the past year," Fan Xian said with a smile. "From today onwards, you can no longer live like this."
After throwing out this simple conclusion, he sat back in his chair and glanced at Mu Tie.
Mu Tie stood up and coughed twice. He looked at his subordinates in a very dignified manner and said, "Today, I have gathered everyone here mainly because the Commissioner has some things to say at the beginning of his term. I have been entrusted by the Commissioner to say a few words. The main idea was decided by the Commissioner. Please listen carefully, my colleagues."
The officials in the Council listened attentively.
"Today, I would like to talk about the style of the First Bureau." Mu Tie furrowed his brows and said bitterly, "Why is there an Overwatch Council? Why do we have the First Bureau? Because there are corrupt officials in the court who lie to His Majesty, oppress the people, and violate the laws of the Qing Kingdom. His Majesty wants to supervise the government, the people want to live and work in peace, and the dignity of the Qing Kingdom's laws must be upheld. So, there must be a Bureau. "
The officials were stunned. Sir Mu had always been good at handling cases. When did he learn to write such articles about officialdom? But with His Majesty, the people, and the Qing Kingdom's laws weighing down on them, no one dared to say anything.
"... We are the First Bureau. We are His Majesty's eyes and ears. If we want to be able to hear and see well and share His Majesty's burden, we must be in sync. Our troops must be strong, and our orders must be carried out like a mountain! Otherwise, the supervision of the officials in the capital would be like a castle in the air … "
"What are the problems in the First Bureau today? His Majesty's instructions are wise and correct, and the First Bureau's work has been fruitful. In this regard, the Commissioner has praised us greatly. "Mu Tie's tone suddenly changed, and he said coldly,"... But! In the past year, there have been many problems in the First Bureau. As the acting supervisor, I am responsible. Tomorrow, I will ask for punishment. But from today onwards, you are not allowed to do anything that violates the rules of the Overwatch Council. "
"You are not allowed to privately or in the name of the First Bureau, to accept gifts and benefits that can be converted into money from other departments of the court."
"You are not allowed to refuse any reports for any reason."
"You are not allowed to have daily contact with officials of any departments under any name. If a case requires a banquet, you must report in advance, and the minimum number of guests must be at least three!"
"Increase the organization of the routine work, and strengthen …"
"Strictly implement the rules of the Overwatch Council and the relevant rules. In the past year, if you have done anything inappropriate, please report to me within ten days, and I will forgive you."
...
...
Mu Tie was still talking incessantly, but the officials of the First Bureau grew nervous. They did not know that this was the so-called rectification movement, but they could tell that if Commissioner Fan really did go all out, they would never be able to get the benefits they had earned this year again. Furthermore, they would have to throw themselves back into the dangerous and glorious work of offending the officials of the capital. Everyone could not help but look embarrassed and resentful.
Even so, they still did not whisper or retort. They did not behave like the officials of the Six Ministries. Although their expressions fluctuated, they still stood firmly with great control. The Overwatch Council, which Chen Pingping had single-handedly trained, was, in terms of foundation and essence, the most solid spy team in the world.
Mu Tie finished speaking. Fan Xian stood up and put his hands behind his back. He smiled and said, "If you have any opinions, say them now."
The crowd was silent.
The difference between the status of the ordinary secret agents and investigators of the Overwatch Council and Fan Xian, who was favored by the heavens, was too great. No one dared to argue in front of him.
Fan Xian smiled and tried to draw the snake out of its hole. "It's a collective brainstorming. The Director has sent me to the First Bureau because he thinks highly of my colleagues. You all know that I am busy, and I can't be bothered to go to a normal yamen."
After he said this, the officials in the court relaxed a little. It was rumored that Commissioner Fan hid a dagger behind his smile, but at this moment, they could not see it. He was of noble birth and was a world-famous scholar. How could he be proficient in the dirty work of the Overwatch Council? They agreed for now, and would think about it later. They all bowed and said, "As you command, Commissioner Fan."
Fan Xian frowned, a little dissatisfied.
Mu Tie was close, and he could see the coldness in Fan Xian's eyes. He thought Fan Xian was dissatisfied that his subordinates did not appear to be loyal. Worried, he quickly gave Feng'er, who was standing in the front row, a look. This person was his distant nephew, also surnamed Mu.
Mu Feng'er saw his uncle's look and thought he wanted him to stand up and object — but how could he dare say no to the Commissioner? His heart was filled with fear, and his legs trembled. In the end, he remembered the kindness his uncle had shown him. He steeled his heart, gritted his teeth, and stood out of the line of soldiers. Without any hesitation, he saluted and said, "Commissioner, although the position of the First Bureau is to supervise the officials in the capital, it is difficult to avoid social interactions. Everyone has relatives, such as my brother-in-law, who is currently working in the Cavalry Bureau. If I do not interact with him on a daily basis, that is fine, but I am afraid that my fierce wife at home will not stop arguing."
These words seemed mischievous, but no one dared to laugh. No one knew why Mu Feng'er was so bold today.
Fan Xian was happy, but his face was gloomy. In a cold voice, he scolded, "Do you think the rules of the Council are a pile of dog shit that you can slap on your face however you want? The rules have long been made clear that relatives within three generations are not included after they have been registered. If you insist on saying this, is there something wrong? Mu Tie, drag your distant nephew away and serve him according to the rules! "
Mu Tie sighed and dragged his nephew away with a face full of resentment to be flogged. Fan Xian's cold gaze swept across the crowd. "Is there anything else you want to say?"
Everyone knew he was using his official power to oppress people, but they did not expect there to be a stubborn person among the secret agents. They stood out and bowed in a low voice. "Commissioner, investigating cases is what we should do, but what if we are threatened by nobles? What if we encounter officials making things difficult at home? What if the eunuchs in the palace speak? "
There was silence. What the First Bureau feared most when investigating cases was running into officials with connections to the palace. No matter how powerful the Overwatch Council was, they were still just thugs raised by the palace.
…
…
Fan Xian looked at him calmly and said, "Say my name."
These five words were loud and clear. Whoever dares to make things difficult for you, regardless of whether they are officials or nobles, just say my name! In the present Jingdou, Fan Xian indeed had the confidence to say such words. Even if the people in the Palace still showed a glimmer of pride in front of him, if it came down to it, probably none of the third-level officials or nobles would dare to take the risk of offending Fan Xian and bully his subordinates.
With the power of the Overwatch Council in his left hand and the wealth of the world in his right, who would want to offend Fan Xian?
— — —
Fan Xian looked at the official who had stepped out and felt some admiration. After he had deliberately suppressed Mu Tie, the official still dared to stand out and speak. Thinking of this, he slowed down and said gently, "What other opinions do you have? Say them all. I will not punish you."
The official actually had nothing more to say. He braced himself and said, "I believe that it is only natural that individuals do not accept money. But it is fine to accept some in the name of the First Bureau. On one hand, it is better to have a good relationship with the Six Ministries. In the future, it will be easier to investigate cases. On the other hand, after the money is distributed, it can be considered a supplement."
Fan Xian looked at the people in the Council. He knew that these people also cared about the money. He couldn't help but laugh coldly. "In terms of salary, you all receive three times more than the court officials of the same rank. Although you are not as rich as the court officials, this was the original intention of the Council when it was founded. What is there to complain about?"
Su Wenmao, who had been standing behind him the entire time, boldly said, "The Overwatch Council has always suffered the backlash of the officials and the disdain of the people. The First Bureau is in a special situation, and the court is not willing to subsidize it, so …"
Fan Xian shook his head and stopped him from speaking. He looked calmly at the Overwatch Council secret agents and officials present. He waited until the atmosphere had been squeezed until it was incomparably silent. Only then did he say, word by word,
"Don't ask what the court has done for you. Ask yourself what you have done for the court."
Su Wenmao was stunned. After thinking about it for a while, he realized that there was a deeper meaning to it. He couldn't help but feel a sense of shame and admiration. Yes, when the officials of the First Bureau were planning for themselves, did they ever think about why the court had established the Overwatch Council?
The official who had stepped out to speak was also stunned. After so many years of education and influence from the Council, and Chen Pingping's admonition, it seemed that he had returned to the state of mind he had when he first stepped into the Council. His heart warmed, he clenched his right fist and shouted:
"Everything for the Kingdom of Qing."
"Everything for the Kingdom of Qing!" This was the motto that everyone present had to remember on their first day in the Overwatch Council.
Fan Xian looked at the scene and smiled with relief. He clenched his right fist and said to himself, "Everything for life."
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