Chapter 1167: I’ve Said My Piece
Qi Xuansu said, “This matter is not simple. It may look like a minor issue on the surface, but in reality, it is extremely serious. If an institution does not act according to established procedures and does not operate within the framework of Daoist rules, can it still be called an institution of the Daoist Order?
“I’m not being an alarmist. A case involving a high-ranking Daoist was handled without reporting it to the Daoist Mansion. This is not merely a procedural violation; it is scheming and ill-intentioned. I can’t help but ask, what exactly are you trying to do? Today, you deal with a high-ranking Daoist behind the Daoist Mansion’s back. Tomorrow, will you start taking measures against Deputy Mansion Masters as well? Are you a branch of the Daoist Hall or someone’s independent kingdom?
“Chen Shuhua is a cautionary example—disloyal to the Daoist Order, outwardly compliant but secretly defiant toward the Daoist Mansion, deceiving superiors, and concealing the truth. She caused immense harm to the Daoist Mansion. We cannot fail to learn from this lesson. Now someone wants to repeat the same pattern, and the Daoist Mansion absolutely cannot stand by and do nothing.”
These words were extremely grave.
No one dared to speak rashly.
Qi Xuansu swept his gaze around the hall once more. “I’ve said what I needed to say. Now, everyone may speak freely and express their views.”
Many noticed that Wu Burong’s face had gone pale. She was clearly under tremendous pressure.
After a moment, Wang Jiaohe finally spoke. “Chief Deputy Qi’s words are highly meaningful, serving as a warning to all of us. In my view, there are indeed cliques and factions forming within our Daoist Mansion, bearing an uncomfortable resemblance to the partisan strife of the old Confucian School. I have also heard about Chen Jianchou’s case and have consulted the relevant colleagues. Frankly speaking, it is indeed shocking.
“As far as I know, after Chen Jianchou was taken away for investigation, someone made covert moves behind the scenes to secure a fourth-rank Daoist Priest Kindred status for him. Small maneuvers like this are not unusual. What is astonishing is that it actually succeeded. Chen Jianchou has already obtained a fourth-rank Daoist Priest Kindred status. From the submission of the official letter by the Ziwei Hall branch to the approval by the Ziwei Hall headquarters, the entire process took less than two days. This is clearly a special treatment. Could there be some hidden dealings here?”
As Wang Jiaohe spoke, many people were watching Qi Xuansu’s expression. Anyone could see that Mansion Master Wang was directing his spearhead at Chief Deputy Qi, yet Qi Xuansu showed no obvious reaction and was calmly flipping through a file.