"
The Dragon Tooth Guard maintained a million-strong army, and the expenses were enormous. The kingdom's salary could keep the Dragon Tooth Guard well-equipped, but it was hardly enough to make every one of them wealthy.
However, the Dragon Tooth Guard had its own ways of generating income. When the Guard handled cases, all seized proceeds were never handed over to the national treasury. Instead, they were consigned to the Duobao Dojo—either sold or auctioned off.
This stream of revenue was even more substantial than the kingdom's funding. It was the Dragon Tooth Guard's true financial lifeline, their little war chest.
If this business were cut off, the entire Dragon Tooth Guard—rank and file alike—would have to live on their kingdom salaries alone, with no more benefits from the secret coffers.
And the benefits from those secret coffers had long become an unwritten rule within the Dragon Tooth Guard. Once they were gone, it would be a miracle if the entire organization didn't descend into chaos.
It had to be said, this move by
While Elder Ning at least left a thread of leeway in his dealings, when Shi Xiaoyao decided to go rogue, he was a force of chaos itself—daring to stir up the biggest trouble imaginable.
Besides, he had the authority and the credentials to do it. Even if he made this decision, Zhuge Yan, the Sect Master of the Duobao Dojo, wouldn't have a word to say about it.
After all, the reputation of a Deputy Sect Master was tied to the Duobao Dojo's name. Whoever slapped the Deputy Sect Master in the face was slapping the golden signboard of the Duobao Dojo itself. If they didn't strike back, it would be the same as destroying their own brand.
…
The Dragon Tooth Guard was the most powerful and influential military force in the Tiangui Kingdom.
Their duties were numerous—protecting the royal family, guarding the Royal Capital, defending royal authority, and at the same time handling criminal investigations, inspections, and maintaining public order.
It could be said that in the Tiangui Kingdom, there was no matter involving armed authority that the Dragon Tooth Guard could not involve itself in.
Moreover, the Dragon Tooth Guard answered to no department whatsoever. They were accountable to the King alone. Only the King could issue orders to the Grand Steward of the Dragon Tooth Guard.
No one else—not even the King's own princes—had that right.
This spoke volumes about just how much power the Dragon Tooth Guard wielded.
Of course, that power was significant only in relation to the various sectors of the kingdom. Having great power did not mean they could cover the sky with one hand, nor did it mean they never needed help from anyone.
For example, the four great dojos—even the Dragon Tooth Guard dared not offend them lightly.
The four great dojos were the forces of the Treasure Tree Sect, reporting directly to the Treasure Tree Sect. Forget the Dragon Tooth Guard—even His Majesty the King had to give the four great dojos ample face in private.
Offending the four dojos could shake the very foundations of the kingdom.
Now, the Dragon Tooth Guard had a Grand Steward—a man who was the current King's most trusted confidant, bearing the compound surname Shangguan and the given name Yi.
But at this moment, three of the Dragon Tooth Guard's four chief stewards had gathered together.
Shangguan Yi had an elegant bearing, appearing to be around forty years old. A few strands of white hair at his temples only enhanced his image of composure and maturity.
His eyes, sharp as a dragon's and fierce as a tiger's, radiated an extraordinary gleam that gave the impression of boundless energy.
He leaned forward slightly, patiently listening to the complaints of the other two Deputy Stewards.
"Grand Steward, it's not that I didn't do my best. I have no idea what疯Qianlan Southern Palace suddenly went through—the equipment we ordered was supposed to be delivered half a month early. But suddenly they turned around and said they暂时had no time to ship. And on top of that, they want us to settle all outstanding payments before noon tomorrow."
The one complaining was a short, stout middle-aged man—none other than one of the Dragon Tooth Guard's four chief stewards, the third-ranked Deputy Steward named
Grand Steward Shangguan Yi smiled faintly and set down his teacup. "Old Qi, could there be some miscommunication with the Qianlan Southern Palace? Wasn't it agreed that the outstanding payments would be settled after the batch of goods was sold through the Duobao Dojo and we received the proceeds?"
The Dragon Tooth Guard itself had no enterprises and was prohibited from engaging in commerce. Therefore, their financial resources relied heavily on their business relationship with the Duobao Dojo.
All the spoils of war and confiscated contraband they seized were consigned to the Duobao Dojo for resale.
This was the Dragon Tooth Guard's single largest source of income.
Qi Tiannan said with a bitter smile, "Grand Steward, you know as well as I do—the Qianlan Southern Palace has always been courteous in their dealings. I've racked my brains and still can't figure out why they suddenly changed course. I'm even wondering whether we somehow offended them somewhere."
"Hmm, from what I know, the Qianlan Southern Palace wouldn't turn on someone without reason. Old Qi, you should have a good talk with Elder Ning about this. If we truly did offend them, we should apologize and make amends—don't let pride get in the way."
"Understood. With your guidance, Grand Steward, I know where I stand."