The Office of Censors of the Surveillance Bureau – now, that was a real position.
This meant Nathan Ye would officially serve as a Censor in the Surveillance Bureau. The scholar position at the Hanlin Academy was, however, just a ceremonial role. Many mid-tier officials held this honorary title, signifying that Nathan was now part of the civil bureaucracy.
One actual and one ceremonial post combined to instantly elevate Nathan's standing.
Behind him, an azure aura surged, lingering above his head for some time. A vast sense of authority poured into him – the blessing of the nation's fate.
Every official of Da Zhou shared in this "official fortune," which was closely linked to the nation's fate itself. Where there is a nation, there are officials. After all, if the country didn't exist, where would officials come from?
The color of official fortune varied with rank: minor clerks and attendants had gray; officials of seventh to fifth rank held blue; fifth to third rank had green; and third to first rank wielded purple. Those with noble titles or imperial kin had an added bright yellow aura of nobility. As for the Emperor – he was marked uniquely with gold.
Nathan's official fortune was green, showing he was only at fourth rank, though that still marked a huge leap from his previous, lowly title as a Seal Officer. This kind of sudden rise was, in truth, almost unheard of.
Many couldn't help but raise objections.
"Your Majesty, Nathan Ye is still so young – how can he serve as Censor in the Surveillance Bureau?"
"Yes, by custom, one should be seasoned for years before taking on such a heavy responsibility!"
"We urge Your Majesty to reconsider."
Several voices emerged, their tone heavy with hostility toward Nathan, showing they couldn't stand seeing him rise.
But Sirius Ji, resolute and imperious, displayed a clear impatience. "My decision is made."
She lazily stood up. "Court dismissed."
Leaving no room for further discussion, everyone knew they couldn't say any more. Yet the gazes cast at Nathan brimmed with malice.
"Even with this promotion, he's crossed the Immortal Sect – as if that isn't still a death sentence."
"Oh well, what's the point of being mad at a dead man?"
"Besides, the Surveillance Bureau isn't what it used to be. The position of Censor is no easy job."
They sneered, making sure Nathan was aware of their animosity as they purposefully hovered around him before finally departing.
"Who are these clowns?"
Nathan wanted to ask if he even knew any of these people. If not, what were they trying to pull?
And why was that foolish emperor so set on promoting him out of the blue?
"They're just a bunch of shameless toadies trying to win favor with the Immortal Sect, sir – best to pay them no mind."
Once the court dispersed, Leo Kim approached him.
"They want to cozy up to the Immortal Sect, so they target me?" Nathan quickly grasped the situation.
"Indeed. Everyone knows that you're the Immortal Sect's thorn in the flesh. The Yuhua Sect won't spare you forever... As for this lot, they're desperate to suck up to the Immortal Sect, but they aren't quite worthy. So, by putting on this haughty show, they're hoping their act will catch the Immortals' eye and earn them a chance to become their lackeys."
Leo sneered, being a eunuch with strong convictions. Although a bit timid, he had no qualms about badmouthing people behind their backs.
Nathan rubbed his nose, feeling neither angered nor offended. In fact, he was delighted.
"So, I have quite a few enemies in court?"
Enemies were excellent news. Enemies meant life-threatening danger. And life-threatening danger meant he might finally perish.
"Yes, sir, your position here is far from safe. This court is overrun with traitors, and upright men like yourself are naturally feared. I urge you to act with caution, sir."
Leo's worry showed. "Especially since His Majesty has assigned you to the Surveillance Bureau – this will only add fuel to the fire."
Nathan's interest was piqued even more. "What's this 'Surveillance Bureau' all about, anyway?"
Leo was surprised Nathan seemed such a "newbie" to officialdom. But he didn't question it, patiently explaining.
Through Leo's explanation, Nathan finally understood the nature of his role.
First, the position of Censor existed across many dynasties in Huaxia. As Nathan understood it, Censors traditionally supervised the conduct of court officials and the emperor himself – basically, they were professional critics.
The job of a Censor was to call out mistakes.
But the Office of Censors of the Surveillance Bureau was no simple role.
Established in the days of the Grand Ancestor, the Surveillance Bureau operated independently of the Six Ministries, tasked with overseeing officials, handling high-profile cases, and monitoring civilian sentiments. It wielded powers over justice, criminal cases, and inspections, and its authority was boundless.
In those days, corrupt officials quaked at the mere mention of the Surveillance Bureau.
It was widely said, "Once you step into the Bureau, the path to the underworld is assured."
But by now, the Surveillance Bureau's former glory was a thing of the past, and its once-great power reduced to nothing.
In Leo's words, it was now a forsaken place, with a name but no substance.
The hierarchy of the Bureau started from the Chief Censor, followed by the Deputy Chief Censor, Censor, and Assistant.
So, officially speaking, Nathan was now the Bureau's third in command.
"The Surveillance Bureau?" Nathan's eyes glimmered as a thought struck him.
"Now this... this is interesting."
And just like that, the spirit of courting death flared up once more.
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