Then, Let Them Offer Their Loyalty!

Chapter 29: Establishing Authority

When Qiu Tu heard the news from Fang Ming, he was somewhat surprised.

He had expected Yan Chen to agree to his request, but he hadn’t anticipated such quick approval and rapid execution by Jia Shu. Reflecting on the time from his request for reinforcements to their arrival, he realized it had only been four hours.

This indicated that Yan Chen had almost immediately approved the request without much hesitation, and Jia Shu had executed it without delay.

‘This is good news—it means I’m becoming more important in Yan Chen's eyes,’ Qiu Tu thought.

However, he couldn’t help but guess, ‘Knowing Yan Chen’s personality, there must be a catch with these reinforcements.’

With these thoughts, Qiu Tu leisurely returned to his courtyard.

Sure enough, as soon as he arrived, he saw a team of Political Division agents in black uniforms resting in the yard.

The previously quiet courtyard entrance now had several Qin family servants peeking inside, clearly there to observe and gather information.

It seemed the first catch was here: Yan Chen hadn’t ordered the agents to arrive secretly but had them enter the Qin family courtyard openly.

What is the Political Division responsible for?

It’s mainly a secret department handling espionage, counter-espionage, and internal surveillance. Such a sensitive department usually operates discreetly. Now, with a team of Political Division agents openly stationed at the Qin family, it would soon cause a stir throughout the city.

With this in mind, Qiu Tu walked into the courtyard.

Fang Ming, who was receiving the reinforcements, greeted him immediately, "Qiu Tu."

After greeting him, he introduced two Political Division agents beside him, "This is our guard team leader, Qiu Tu."

Then he led them forward.

As they approached, Qiu Tu’s eyes fell on their epaulets. One had two golden flowers, and the other had three golden flowers like Qiu Tu, indicating he was also a first-level agent and a team leader.

Indeed, when Fang Ming introduced them, he emphasized this point, "Qiu Tu, these are Agent Cao Dabiao and Agent Chen Feng."

"They are the team leader and deputy team leader of this reinforcement team."

Fang Ming subtly signaled to Qiu Tu that there was an issue.

Qiu Tu remained expressionless, but inwardly he almost laughed at Yan Chen’s scheme:

He had requested reinforcements from the Political Division, and they had actually sent an entire team, including the team leader.

Cao Dabiao and Qiu Tu were on the same level, but Cao Dabiao had more experience and familiarity with the team. Without some maneuvers, Qiu Tu could easily be sidelined, losing control over the team and his ability to build his influence.

With these thoughts, Qiu Tu's gaze swept over Cao Dabiao and Chen Feng.

Cao Dabiao was a middle-aged man in his thirties, with a round face, a scruffy beard, and narrow eyes that revealed a hint of cunning and greed.

With just one look, Qiu Tu could tell that this man was a seasoned troublemaker, difficult to control.

As for Chen Feng, he was a young man in his twenties with sharp, angular features that made him look somewhat unapproachable. His demeanor was also a bit cold when he saw Qiu Tu.

‘Another troublemaker’, Qiu Tu thought.

Realizing this, Qiu Tu had a good idea of the "challenge" Yan Chen and Jia Shu had set for him.

But honestly, Qiu Tu didn't think much of this difficulty.

With this in mind, Qiu Tu took a deep breath and shouted, "Assemble!"

Hearing his commanding voice, the resting Political Division agents were startled.

Fang Ming had already introduced Qiu Tu’s identity to them earlier, so upon hearing the command, they quickly lined up.

Despite any ulterior motives, Cao Dabiao and Chen Feng had no choice but to stand in formation since the rest of the team had obeyed.

Taking the lead, Qiu Tu looked sharply at everyone and pointed to his epaulets, introducing himself, "I am Qiu Tu, a first-level agent of the Political Division and the captain of this guard team, your superior!"

"Now, attention!"

With the establishment of the superior-subordinate relationship, everyone stood straighter, showing higher compliance.

Even the usually lax Cao Dabiao stood up straight.

Qiu Tu then ordered, "Salute!"

At his command, all right hands snapped up in salute.

Qiu Tu stood straight and returned the salute.

Then, he looked at Cao Dabiao and ordered, "Cao Dabiao, step forward!"

Technically, Qiu Tu couldn’t command Cao Dabiao, as they were of the same rank. But due to Qiu Tu’s dual role as the guard team leader and the recent obedience from the team, Cao Dabiao had to comply, albeit reluctantly.

Feeling uneasy about the sudden order, Cao Dabiao stepped forward, somewhat dismissively asking, "What are your orders, Agent Qiu?"

Qiu Tu, not giving him any face, sternly corrected, "Address me as your superior!"

Hearing Qiu Tu's harsh words, Cao Dabiao felt his face burn with embarrassment. Even without turning around, he could sense the strange looks from his team members behind him.

He knew that Qiu Tu was deliberately undermining his authority within the team, forcefully establishing the hierarchy in front of everyone.

Grinding his teeth, Cao Dabiao glared at Qiu Tu, considering challenging him and rejecting his orders outright.

But just then, Qiu Tu spoke again.

His eyes cold, he looked at Cao Dabiao and barked, “What? Are you planning to defy a superior’s orders?!”

At that moment, Cao Dabiao felt a chill run down his spine.

Defying orders in a disciplined unit was an extremely serious matter. During wartime, it could even lead to immediate execution!

More importantly, he noticed Qiu Tu’s hand already reaching for the gun holstered at his back.

‘Is he really going to kill me?’

‘How dare he?!’

‘Is he insane? Killing a first-level agent over a title dispute would get him killed too!’

Despite his disbelief that Qiu Tu would actually follow through, the intense darkness in Qiu Tu’s eyes and the overwhelming sense of danger forced Cao Dabiao to back down.

‘No need to mess with a madman!’

‘As long as I survive, I can get my revenge later!’

With this in mind, Cao Dabiao lowered his gaze, suppressing his anger and resentment for the time being.He begrudgingly complied, "Yes, sir!"

Qiu Tu released his grip from his gun holster, satisfied, "Good."

"Now, I have a task for you."

Author's Note