Chapter 161

“Your grandfather, the Duke of the State, controlled a million-strong army at the Border Area; even without a hint of treasonous thoughts, such military power is a presence that cannot be ignored in any dynasty.”

“What’s more, that million-strong Northern Expedition Army only follows commands from our Duke Zhen’s Mansion. Even if Emperor Zhou himself were present, the Northern Expedition Army wouldn’t bother with him. Therefore, the Emperor has always maintained a degree of vigilance towards our Duke Zhen’s Mansion.”

“Additionally, due to the actions of the Bureau of the Lamp, the court officials have grown increasingly resentful of Duke Zhen’s Mansion, and it’s not just that they’ve submitted memorials to Emperor Zhou suggesting the reduction of our family’s power.”

“Since he can’t touch your grandfather, the Emperor has thought about making a move against my side instead.”

“Therefore, it was within my expectations that the Emperor would want to replace me. Luckily, he still took my dignity into account and gave me a bit of a chance.”

Having said that, Cheng Zhihai looked at Cheng Guang with an affectionate smile, stretching out his hand and ruffling Cheng Guang’s hair.

“So, Guanger, you can rest assured. Although the Bureau of the Lamp is a government organization, it’s one I created. The Emperor won’t easily take away this foundation meant for your future.”

Cheng Guang wasn’t particularly concerned about that. The name of the Bureau of the Lamp wasn’t so important, as long as its people were still around.

Even if Emperor Zhou took over the Bureau of the Lamp, as long as its people were still there and willing to follow Cheng Zhihai, the spirit of the Bureau of the Lamp would remain.

In Cheng Guang’s view, what truly gives an organization its soul isn’t just an empty title or vast power, but people are the key.

Of course, power is also very important. Without it, even if you have people, if there’s no power to carry out commands, few would be willing to listen, rendering it fairly useless.

Cheng Guang picked up his teacup, poured himself a sip of tea, and after a silent nod said, “Father, haven’t I already passed the Bureau of the Lamp’s entrance exam? I want to join and carry out some missions.”

Upon hearing Cheng Guang’s words, Cheng Zhihai’s eyes widened in astonishment, his normally authoritative gaze seeming a bit dazed.

Clearly, he hadn’t expected Cheng Guang to say such a thing.

“Guanger… you… why do you suddenly want to carry out missions?”

“I’ve already prepared the tasks for you to take on next, but you haven’t completed any missions yet. Just wait a little longer. Let your father pave the way for you first, then you can walk it.”

You’re not thinking of having me just lie down all the way and climb directly to the top ranks of the Bureau of the Lamp, are you?

Cheng Guang’s mouth twitched slightly. He had underestimated Cheng Zhihai’s excessive doting on him.

Seems like he didn’t want me to suffer even a little.

He wanted to handle the Bureau of the Lamp’s missions himself and then let me come in to take the credit afterwards.

Although this would indeed be thrilling, had it not been for the matter involving the crown prince, or rather King of South Ming, Cheng Guang wouldn’t want to make unnecessary trouble.

Why not just practice at home obediently, improve my cultivation and strength, and wait for Cheng Zhihai to wrap up the missions before coming in to take the credit and get a promotion?

Cheng Guang sighed. The situation at hand no longer allowed him to continue being idle.

Cheng Guang faced Cheng Zhihai, shook his head, and said, “Father, no.”

“I want to complete the missions of the Bureau of the Lamp on my own. I also want to help you look into the crown prince’s whereabouts.”

Upon hearing Cheng Guang’s words, Cheng Zhihai’s mouth couldn’t help but twitch.

The Bureau of the Lamp, renowned for overseeing justice across the world, couldn’t even guarantee to find the crown prince’s whereabouts. And here you are, my boy, meddling needlessly.

Cheng Zhihai was about to refuse Cheng Guang’s offer outright, but when he saw the determination in Cheng Guang’s eyes, it seemed that if he didn’t agree, Cheng Guang wouldn’t just let it go today.

Seeing Cheng Guang’s expression, Cheng Zhihai froze for a second.

He had never seen such a look in Cheng Guang’s eyes before.

Could it be that Cheng Guang really wanted to help him find the crown prince’s whereabouts and wasn’t just thinking it might be fun?

After pondering for a moment, Cheng Zhihai slowly nodded.

“Alright, since you, Guanger, want to investigate, then go ahead. I’ll assign some people to you. Consider looking for the crown prince as your first mission after joining the Bureau of the Lamp.”

As he spoke, Cheng Zhihai pulled out a black iron token of the Bureau of the Lamp.

“Our Bureau of the Lamp is divided into three levels. Excluding external personnel for now, among the official staff, there are three ranks: Black Lantern Catcher, White Lantern Catcher, Silver Lantern Catcher, and, at the top, Gold Lantern Catcher.”

“Above those are the Director and Deputy Director.”

“You’ve just joined the Bureau of the Lamp, so you are still a Black Lantern Catcher, meaning you don’t have many people at your disposal. For now, just take a few young, external members with you to investigate the crown prince’s whereabouts.”

“Once you find anything, report directly to me, understand?”

Cheng Zhihai, at his last sentence, could no longer suppress a smile. His stern face broke into a radiant grin.

It seemed, in his view, that it was impossible for Cheng Guang to find the crown prince.

Cheng Guang too knew what Cheng Zhihai was thinking; it was obvious that his father didn’t trust him.

Cheng Guang didn’t need Cheng Zhihai’s trust; he just needed such a channel.

Let Cheng Zhihai or, to be precise, let Emperor Zhou of Great Zhou and other related parties know that he was investigating.

That way, even if he didn’t uncover anything, he could just fabricate a suitable reason, report the crown prince’s whereabouts to Cheng Zhihai, and complete the mission.