The Republic of China: I, Xiangzi, a Hero in a Chaotic Era

Of course, Liu Jiaxiang has no intention of going against the United Transport Association at the moment; Hai Gouzi is just a pawn in the game.

Only after Liu Jiaxiang climbs higher and goes further within the police system will the sea dog be truly useful.

After everything was settled, Liu Jiaxiang rubbed his temples, got up, and blew out the kerosene lamp on the table.

The office was plunged into darkness.

He groped his way to the simple duty bed in the inner room and lay down fully clothed.

The fabric of the new police uniforms rustled softly in the darkness. Outside the window, the suppressed groans of prisoners in the guard cell and the hushed conversations of patrol officers in the distance could be heard.

These sounds gradually faded and disappeared into the distance.

Liu Jiaxiang closed his eyes, temporarily casting aside all his plans, schemes, bloodshed, and power struggles.

His breathing gradually became steady and long.

In this chaotic capital city filled with both turmoil and opportunity, in this small Xisi North Police Station, he ended a busy and fruitful night and drifted into a short sleep.

The next morning, the courtyard of the Xisi North Police Station still retained the chilling atmosphere of the previous night's operation, with several undried watermarks winding across the blue brick ground.

Liu Siye's figure appeared in front of the dilapidated gatehouse, his footsteps deliberately light, shattering the silence in the courtyard.

He wore a brand-new royal blue silk robe with floral patterns, and the smile on his face was like a carefully painted mask. However, the deep wrinkles could not hide the exhaustion of a sleepless night and the deep fear hidden in his eyes.

Fine beads of sweat glistened on his forehead in the chilly early winter morning light.

Led by a vigilant-looking patrolman, Master Liu crossed the courtyard and headed toward the station chief's office.

The patrolman's brand-new black uniform was crisp, his baton at his waist was polished to a shine, and his sharp eyes swept over Master Liu with a hint of scrutiny that was barely perceptible.

Master Liu bent even lower and walked even more slowly, as if afraid of disturbing the invisible authority in the courtyard.

Pushing open the heavy wooden door to the office, Liu Jiaxiang was sitting behind a large desk.

He was also wearing a brand-new police sergeant uniform, with cold, hard shoulder insignia. He was looking down at a file, his fingers with distinct knuckles, and his movements were steady.

The morning light shone through the window frame covered with Korean paper, casting distinct light and shadow on Liu Jiaxiang.

Hearing the noise, he slowly raised his eyes, his gaze falling on Liu Siye's face as if it were a physical object, calm and undisturbed, yet carrying a scrutinizing quality that penetrated through the skin.

"Good morning, Director Liu."

Master Liu stepped forward quickly, bowed deeply, his voice filled with utmost respect and a barely perceptible tremor.

"I have not failed you! I have not dared to neglect the task you entrusted to me. I have run my legs off and talked myself hoarse, and finally found it for you! The house has been found!"

He straightened up, his bloodshot eyes straining to gleam with fervor, his smile almost overflowing, yet distorted by the deep wrinkles, appearing somewhat stiff.

Liu Jiaxiang put down the file in his hand, leaned back slightly in his chair, a faint smile playing on his lips, and a hint of understanding and amusement in his eyes.

"Oh? Master Liu is indeed efficient. He found it so quickly?"

His voice wasn't loud, but it resonated clearly in the quiet room.

"I dare not accept such praise from the director. It is truly your business, and I will do my utmost to handle it well!"

Master Liu quickly waved his hand, lowering his posture even further.

"Look, if it's convenient for you right now, I'll take you there right away. It's not far, just in Lingjing Hutong, only a short walk from our Xisi North Police Station. It couldn't be more convenient!"

"Then let's go take a look."

Liu Jiaxiang stood up, his movements swift and decisive.

The fabric of the new uniform made a soft rustling sound as it rubbed against each other.

Without saying a word, he walked straight towards the door. Master Liu quickly stepped aside, followed by small, quick steps, lagging behind by half a body length, like a respectful guide.

As the sunlight dispelled the morning mist, a brand-new black-lacquered gate with golden pillars stood quietly deep within Lingjing Hutong.

The lintel was clean and smooth, and a pair of small stone drum-shaped door piers were polished to a shine. The door knockers were made of brass animal heads, exuding an air of nobility.

Compared to the surrounding somewhat dilapidated old houses, this house appears deliberately renovated and dignified.

Master Liu stepped forward, pulled a brass key from his pocket, and with a slight, almost imperceptible tremor in his movements, carefully unlocked the heavy brass lock on the door.

"Director Liu, please."

He pushed open the heavy door, which creaked open with a long sound, and stood upright to the side.

Upon entering the gate, a strong smell of fresh paint and wood wafts over you.

What comes into view is a square and tidy outer courtyard.

The ground was paved with blue bricks, and the joints between the bricks were straight and clean, indicating that it was recently laid.

Facing us was a row of five rooms facing backwards, bright and clean, with newly pasted white window paper.

The two doors on the east side were open, and the rooms were empty. The floor was also paved with blue bricks, and the walls were painted snow-white.

The doors and windows of the two rooms on the west side were tightly closed.

"Look, Director!"

Master Liu was very attentive in giving instructions.

"These two bright rooms on the east side of this row of back-facing rooms are perfect as gatehouse and tea room for receiving guests."

"Those two rooms on the west side can be used as storerooms to store miscellaneous items."

"The middle room is where the hanging flower gate leads to the backyard."

He led Liu Jiaxiang to the middle of the courtyard.

A beautiful hanging flower gate separates the inner and outer courtyards. The lintel is carved with simple auspicious patterns, and two hanging pillars hang in mid-air, with lotus petals carved on the pillar heads, their paint bright and shiny.

The door sill was also newly replaced, shiny and smooth.

The door was ajar, and through the crack, one could vaguely see the scenery inside.

Master Liu gently pushed open the hanging flower gate and bowed, saying:

"Please come in, this is the main courtyard."

Stepping through the hanging flower gate, Liu Jiaxiang's vision suddenly opened up.

The inner courtyard is more spacious than the outer courtyard, and it is also paved with blue bricks and has square corners.

In the center of the courtyard, a square flower bed was enclosed by blue bricks, and several hardy holly bushes were newly planted inside, their leaves gleaming a deep green in the sunlight.

There are three side rooms on the east and west sides, all equally bright and clean. Under the eaves is a covered corridor that surrounds the inner courtyard. The vermilion pillars and dark green eaves are all newly painted and look particularly bright in the sunlight.

"Chief, look at this courtyard. It's square, bright, and has excellent natural light."

Master Liu's voice carried a deliberate excitement as he pointed to the east and west wing rooms.

"The three side rooms on the east and west sides have all been tidied up."

"The east wing has three rooms, which can be used to house family members, or as a study or guest room."

"The three rooms in the west wing are the most suitable for use as a kitchen, dining room, and servants' quarters."

He continued walking, leading Liu Jiaxiang northward along the covered walkway until they arrived at the main house.

The main house is the core of the entire residence, and it is the most prestigious building. It faces south and consists of three large rooms, one bright and two dark, with a front porch. The porch pillars are thick and the steps are made of large, solid bluestones.

"Chief, please."