Barking Up the Wrong Tree - Law’s Profoundness

　　Su Xiao silently followed behind Secretary Leng's official litter toward the Ministry of Justice's office. He had yet to say a word to Secretary Leng ever since the end of the meeting. Su Xiao wanted to speak, but Secretary Leng's fast-paced nature and calm exterior were contradictory; he was a man who acted fast. Before Su Xiao could even greet Secretary Leng or ask where the office was, Secretary Leng just dropped, "Follow me," and then got into his litter.

　　The Ministry of Justice was an hour away from the Forbidden City via litter. Fortunately for Su Xiao, his internal energy gradually improved thanks to practicing the mental cultivation Ming Feizhen taught him. Hence, he didn't pant or feel tired in the slightest.

　　Judging from the office's exterior, it wasn't markedly different from Liu Shan Men. They were both constructed according to the imperial court's regulations. Liu Shan Men, however, had been established for a long time and was renovated countless times since its establishment. Thus, it was different to its original painting. That being said, the Ministry of Justice's office resembled a building built a century ago. The original designer would be moved to tears if he learnt his design hadn't been altered in any shape or form. Though not notably impressive in appearance, the meticulous attention devoted to it surpa.s.sed the other five ministries' buildings.

　　The men at the door didn't utter a word when Secretary Leng, surprising Su Xiao. When the Qilin Guards' superiors' returned to the office, there'd be groups welcoming their superiors back, acting similar to valets or something. At Liu Shan Men, members would also greet their superiors.

　　Once they were inside, Secretary Leng provided the office members with a simple introduction of Su Xiao's background and dropped jaws: "Su Han will be working at our office henceforward. Provide him with his own room."

　　Someone went to arrange things for Su Xiao straight away. Meanwhile, the others crowded around him. They almost thought their head had a change of personality to score such a beautiful bosom friend. They learnt Su Xiao was actually promoted talent and Secretary Leng's student. Secretary Leng was a loner and never had a pupil; Su Xiao was his first. Hence, they even tried to curry favour with Su Xiao, showering him with respect. Su Xiao s.h.i.+vered. Secretary Leng was an oddball to him; however, the others were no different to Liu Shan Men's officials.

　　Secretary Leng didn't voice any opinions on the matter. He gave Su Xiao a tour of the office, and then suddenly asked, "You are from Suzhou?"

　　"Oh, yes," replied Su Xiao, touching his head. "I am from Suzhou. I have been in Nanjing for less than half a year."

　　Secretary Leng nodded: "Since you are a foreigner, have you been to the various entertainment areas in Nanjing?"

　　Su Xiao was delighted to hear the question, for he interpreted that to mean Secretary Leng was an approachable individual. He replied, "I have! I often go out with my buddies at Liu Shan Men. I have been to many places in Jinling."

　　"Mm, what do you like to do?" asked Secretary Leng, nodding again. He added, "No wonder why they say your martial skills are dismal."

　　"…"

　　"This man gets on my nerve!" was the first impression Secretary Leng gave him.

　　Su Xiao proceeded carefully thereafter and didn't speak again unless asked. Still, he kept his answers to single sentences. Secretary Leng asked, "Su Han, how old are you?"

　　Su Xiao was tall; his long and slender legs made him look very good next to Ming Feizhen, ahem, prevented him from looking too short. That was why his age was often overestimated. He explained, "I usually say I am sixteen… but I am not actually sixteen yet. I was born in the summer of August, fourteenth year of Emperor Yuan Sheng's reign."

　　"That makes you fifteen, then. You're quite successful for a young one."

　　Su Xiao didn't have the foggiest clue as to why he was complimented. He touched his head and embarra.s.singly responded, "N-Not really. I am just lucky."

　　Secretary Leng quietly remarked, "Since you were instated as an official at fifteen years of age, you almost beat Vice-Captain Shen's record for youngest female official."

　　"… I am a male!!" exclaimed Su Xiao

　　Secretary Leng t.i.tled his head. An official at the office popped up behind him out of nowhere and exclaimed, "Huh?! Don't lie!"

　　Su Xiao: "Why are you slandering me?!"

　　After the tour, Su Xiao also finished learning about the operations and links at the Ministry of Justice.

　　"I will give you a tour of the prison later."

　　Su Xiao nodded: "Oh."

　　"What, are you afraid?"

　　"Prison? I am all right. Teacher Leng, is it a scary place?"

　　"Not at all," replied Secretary Leng, shaking his head. "Only a lot of people die there."