Chapter 1017: Drinking
Qi Xuansu wished to rally some allies, but it was clear that Zheng Jiaohe was not one of them. Therefore, Qi Xuansu had no intention of sparing his pride. “This is not just outrageous. It is also a dereliction of duty.”
Zheng Jiaohe looked at Qi Xuansu and asked, “What do you mean by this, Second Deputy Qi?”
Qi Xuansu replied, “In Poluo, the Great Sage of the Daoist Mansion oversees the military, the Mansion Master manages personnel, and the Chief Deputy handles administration. As the Second Deputy, my duty is to enforce internal discipline and carry out the will of the Golden Tower Council and the Daoist Mansion.”
Zheng Jiaohe forced a smile.
In the Daoist Order, most Second Deputy Mansion Masters were known as the whip because they were responsible for discipline.
Qi Xuansu continued, “Since I don’t have authority over appointments, I can’t dismiss him outright. However, I do have the power to suspend him from duties. I intend to take him with me today. Deputy Mansion Master Zheng, please issue the order and reassign his tasks to someone else.”
A chill ran down Zheng Jiaohe’s spine.
Tian Yongfen had not become the superintendent in charge of the prefectural temple because of his competence. He was only given this position because he was good at reading his superior’s moods. He pleased Zheng Jiaohe in every way and knew how to serve him as one of his most trusted lackeys.
If Tian Yongfen fell into Qi Xuansu’s hands, there was no doubt it would implicate Zheng Jiaohe.
Naturally, Zheng Jiaohe could not allow Qi Xuansu to take his man away. He hesitated for a while before saying, “That seems rather unreasonable, doesn’t it? Suspension from duties isn’t a criminal sentence, so it’s best if he can remain here at the prefectural temple.”
Qi Xuansu said, “Strictly speaking, Superintendent Tian is indeed not yet a convicted man, but I already have evidence of his dereliction. Would you like to take a look, Deputy Mansion Master Zheng?”
As he spoke, Ke Qingqing had already handed the image recording stone to Qi Xuansu.