“Teacher Ji does have a different charisma. I’ve heard that Teacher is a wise and smart man; to have an opportunity to meet with Teacher tonight is this old man’s honour!”
Ji Yunshu set down her cup and lowered her head humbly, “The Old General flatters me too much. Rather, it is this young one’s honour to have tea with the Old General Li who has swept the battlefields countless times in the Great Lin’s name in this pavillion tonight.”
The laughter of Old General Li could be heard through the screen as Ji Yunshu finished her sentence, “This old man is nothing more than a barbarian; Teacher has too high praise for this man, but I do not hate what I hear.” He raised his cup, “Today, let this old man toast to Teacher Ji with tea instead of wine.”
Ji Yunshu reciprocated the toast and took a sip. Old General Li finally appeared from behind the screen. Dressed loosely in black and red, his sleeves were tapered to his sides but they rippled gently in the wind. Even though he was over 67 years old, his charisma was accentuated by his stature and build, looking much like he had on the battlefield.
Ji Yunshu rose immediately, her hands clasped together, head bowed. Old General Li sat down slowly, leaving Ji Yunshu standing with the same pose. He picked up the teapot from the table and poured himself a new cup of tea.
Of course, Ji Yunshu did not falter, since Jing Rong had already prepared her for this situation! But this weird old man was really too eccentric; first hitting Li Zhao from the dark, then toasting to her with tea instead of wine while isolated by a folding screen, then now, leaving her to stand in greeting. Jing Rong did not exaggerate!
After a considerable amount of time, Old General Li rapped on the table, “Please have a seat, Teacher.”
“Many thanks to the General,” Ji Yunshu picked up her robes and sat down.
Just as she sat down, Old General Li began, “I’ve heard that the Emperor abolished the position of Disciplinary Officer back a few years ago on the basis that if there were any provincial cases to be reopened, they could directly submit an appeal to the Supreme Court. Hence, he increased the power and responsibility the Supreme Court holds, and now even the Ministry of Justice must work in their favour.”
It was true; one must have patience when speaking with the General. By right, they should be discussing the ‘Lin Capital Case’, but they have barely even scratched the surface. No wonder those who hear his name on the battlefield would flee before the battle would even begin – it would take too long to get to the point!
Thankfully however, Ji Yunshu had heaps of patience. So you want to run around in circles? Sure, this one will play along! She asked, “Why does the General suddenly bring this up?”
Old General Li squinted his eyes, wrinkling his forehead even more than he had already. He looked at Ji Yunshu seriously, asking, “If His Majesty decides to reinstate the post of Disciplinary Officer, who does the Teacher think would be a suitable candidate?”
Hm? Ji Yunshu contemplated, “It looks like the General already has someone in mind.”
Old General Li chuckled and took a sip of tea, “Teacher Ji is wiser than most men; the cases you have handled might not number in the hundreds, but it is still a substantial amount. This old man feels that it is the most appropriate if Teacher yourself were to be promoted to the post of Disciplinary Officer.”