Chapter 217 - 130: Authority 4
In the blink of an eye, the eve of the Wutai Sect’s grand celebration was approaching.
Disciples from all institutes practiced diligently, sparring and testing their skills against one another.
On the Cyan Wood Institute’s Transmission Square, the figures of the disciples were much more numerous than usual, and the atmosphere had grown tense.
As Chen Qing returned from the Langya Pavilion, a disciple approached him. "Chief Disciple, Master Li requests your presence."
"Alright, I understand."
Chen Qing felt a slight stir.
This was the first time Li Baichuan had actively summoned him since his appointment as Chief Disciple.
He passed through the moon gate into the rear courtyard.
The rear courtyard was like another world.
Inside, the light was soft, and the refreshing scent of sandalwood smoke curled through the air.
Li Baichuan sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion, his eyes slightly closed. With his white hair and youthful complexion, and his wide, spotless cyan robes, he truly had the air of an otherworldly, secluded master.
On the small table before him, a delicate Jade Furnace was emitting a faint wisp of blue-green smoke.
Chen Qing stood respectfully to the side, hands lowered, careful not to disturb him.
"You’re here."
After about the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea, Li Baichuan slowly opened his eyes.
"This disciple is here," Chen Qing replied with a bow.
Li Baichuan’s gaze lingered on his face for a moment before he spoke slowly. "Do you know why I chose you to be the Chief Disciple?"
Chen Qing paused to think, then shook his head frankly. "This disciple is slow-witted. I ask for Master Li’s guidance."
’Although he had his suspicions, he would never be the one to voice them.’
Li Baichuan smiled faintly. "Xu Qi sent sixty thousand taels in silver notes, and Luo Xinyi sent fifty thousand taels."
Chen Qing’s heart skipped a beat. ’It’s just as I thought.’
His expression remained calm as he lowered his gaze and waited for what was next.
Li Baichuan’s gaze seemed to pierce through the curling sandalwood smoke and land on Chen Qing. "I considered that even if either of those two took the position of Chief Disciple, it would be nothing more than a one-time deal. But you..."
He paused, his tone taking on a subtle, almost imperceptible meaning. "I’ve observed how you handle things. You’re sharp, you know when to advance and when to retreat, and more importantly, you understand the principle of a steady, continuous flow. With you in this position, I... can earn much more."
Upon hearing this, Chen Qing was at a loss for words.
Even with his calm and steady disposition, he was shaken by Li Baichuan’s blatant talk of business.
This was completely different from the pleasantries he had expected, like talk of nurturing the younger generation or valuing potential.
Chen Qing kept his head lowered and didn’t respond.
Li Baichuan continued, "After the grand celebration tomorrow, new entry-level disciples will join the various institutes. The Cyan Wood Institute will also see a wave of new apprentices. I’m afraid the number of disciples arriving with letters of recommendation will be even greater than in previous years."
Chen Qing immediately understood Li Baichuan’s underlying meaning.
’The letters of recommendation are a foot in the door, and more importantly, a ticket paid for with tributes.’
’While there were precedents, he, the new Chief Disciple, would probably be the one to set the amounts and standards from now on.’
Just as he thought, Li Baichuan continued, "The Inner Courtyard has limited spots, so it’s only reasonable to expand enrollment. You are the Chief Disciple now, so the responsibility of gatekeeping falls on your shoulders."
"Remember, aptitude is important, but it’s more important to understand... the ways of the world. It’s only reasonable to give a few more chances to those disciples from wealthy families who know how to show their respect."
He spoke tactfully, but his meaning couldn’t have been clearer.
"As for the cost of that respect,"
Li Baichuan said lightly, "The standard fee can be raised a bit. There are still plenty of wealthy families in Yunlin Prefecture."
’Chen Qing understood completely.’
’Li Baichuan wanted him to raise the tribute threshold, to filter out the fat sheep who were more willing to spend money.’
Chen Qing clasped his fist. "This disciple understands. Rest assured, Master Li. I will not fail you."
"Mm."
Li Baichuan nodded in satisfaction. "Go. Prepare well for the grand celebration tomorrow. For the disciples of our Cyan Wood Institute, it’s the taking part that counts. Just do your best. Don’t worry about winning or losing."
Chen Qing thought to himself: ’Master Li is certainly broad-minded, and clear-sighted too.’
’The Cyan Wood Institute had always been the weakest of the Five Institutes. Li Baichuan clearly had no expectation of achieving any good results in the grand celebration; he couldn’t even be bothered to offer a single word of guidance.’
’His mind was focused only on his Yellow Emperor’s Skill and the endless stream of tributes, so long as he got every last bit of the benefits he was due.’
’Whether the Cyan Wood Institute became a dragon or a worm, he couldn’t care less.’
"This disciple will take his leave." Chen Qing respectfully exited the Quiet Chamber, gently closing the door behind him.
The sandalwood smoke still curled within the room.
Li Baichuan closed his eyes, his breathing long and slow, as if he had already entered a state of meditative wandering.
「....」
After leaving the rear courtyard, Chen Qing called Luo Xinyi over.
Hearing her name, Luo Xinyi stopped what she was doing. Her large, sturdy frame moved over. "Chief Disciple? You needed to see me?"
Chen Qing nodded. "You’ve always been familiar with the process of recruiting and screening people. From now on, you’ll be fully in charge of it."
"Me!?"
Luo Xinyi’s eyes went wide as saucers. Her shock was quickly replaced by immense surprise, and her voice rose a few pitches.
She knew exactly what this meant. In the other institutes, it was always the Chief Disciple who oversaw the new disciples.
This was done, first, to show the matter’s importance, and second, to display the Chief Disciple’s authority.
’And Chen Qing was just handing it over to her... so easily?’
"Mm."
Chen Qing only gave a quiet affirmation. "Remember, aptitude is important, but it’s more important to understand the ways of the world. It’s only reasonable to give a few more chances to those disciples from wealthy families who know how to show their respect."
He repeated Li Baichuan’s words to Luo Xinyi verbatim, without changing a single word, his expression as calm as if he were just assigning a trivial task.
’If Li Baichuan wanted to be a hands-off manager, then naturally, so did Chen Qing.’
"Yes! Rest assured, Chief Disciple!"
Luo Xinyi took a deep breath, suppressed her wild joy, and clasped her fist, her voice deep with emotion. "I will do my utmost and not betray your trust, Senior Brother."
Her heart soared, and her eyes shone with the excitement of being entrusted with such great responsibility.
’So what if she hadn’t become the Chief Disciple? The future was just as promising!’
「....」
「....」